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All human cells use O-GlcNAc protein modifications (O-linked N-acetylglucosamine) to rapidly adapt to changing nutrient and stress conditions through signaling, epigenetic, and proteostasis mechanisms. A key challenge for biologists in defining precise roles for specific O-GlcNAc sites is synthetic access to homogenous isoforms of O-GlcNAc proteins, a result of the non-genetically templated, transient, and heterogeneous nature of O-GlcNAc modifications. Toward a solution, this review details the state of the art of two strategies for O-GlcNAc protein modification: advances in "bottom-up" O-GlcNAc peptide synthesis and direct "top-down" installation of O-GlcNAc on full proteins. We also describe key applications of synthetic O-GlcNAc peptide and protein tools as therapeutics, biophysical structure-function studies, biomarkers, and as disease mechanistic probes to advance translational O-GlcNAc biology.

14 p.-7 fig., Over the past few decades, considerable interest has been shown in developing nano- and microcarriers with biocompatible and biodegradable materials for medical and biotechnological applications. Microencapsulation is a technology capable of enhancing the survival rate of bacteria, providing stability in harsh environments. In the present paper, we developed a technology to encapsulate microorganisms within polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA)-based microcapsules (MPs), employing a modified double emulsion solvent evaporation technique, with Pseudomonas putida KT2440 as a biotechnological model strain. The resulting MPs display a spherical morphology and an average particle size of 10 μm. The stability of the MPs was monitored under different conditions of storage and stress. The MPs remained stable for at least 24 days stored at 4°C in a water suspension. They exhibited greater tolerance to stress conditions; encapsulated cells remained viable for 2 h in alkaline solution and after 24 h of H2 O2 exposure at 10 and 20 mM. Results suggested the potential of MPs as a microcontainer of bacterial cells, even for biotechnological applications requiring high alkaline conditions and oxidative stress. We validated the potential applicability of the PHA-based microencapsulation method in other microorganisms by encapsulating the predatory bacterium Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus., The authors thank for the financial support from the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities (BIO2014-61515-EXP, BIO2017-83448-R) and the Community of Madrid (P2013/MIT2807, P2018/NMT4389).

Accurate prediction of the future performance and remaining useful lifetime of next-generation solar cells such as organic photovoltaics (OPVs) is necessary to drive better designs of materials and ensure reliable system operation. Degradation is multifactorial and difficult to model deterministically; however, with the advent of machine learning, data from outdoor performance monitoring can be used for understanding the relative impact of stress factors and could provide a powerful method to interpret large quantities of outdoor data automatically. Here, we propose the use of artificial neural networks and regression models for forecasting OPV module performance and their degradation as a function of climatic conditions. We demonstrate their predictive capability for short-term energy forecasting of OPV modules, showing that energy yield can be predicted if climatic conditions are known. In addition, the model has been extended so that the impact of climatic conditions on degradation can be predicted. The combined model has been validated on unseen OPV module data and is able to predict energy yield to within 4% accuracy.

Aging, a universal and unique process, occurs both intrinsically (chronological) and extrinsically (photoaging). Ultraviolet-A (UV-A)-mediated stress is a growing health hazard to mankind as it is the major cause of photoaging, which could lead to much damage of skin cells and tissues ranging from tan, burn, or even cancer. The present study focuses on the role of antioxidants and other natural compounds which have been widely used in oral/topical applications to combat and delay the effects of photoaging using model nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Compounds like green tea extract, naringenin, and naringin, which are known for their antioxidant properties, were able to extend life span and healthspan of the nematode in normal as well as under UV-A-mediated stress conditions. Regulation of both the stress-responsive genes (skn-1 and sir-2.1) and the aging-regulating genes (daf-2 and age-1) was attributable for these conditions. Interestingly, it was observed that these compounds when combined in equal ratios by weight worked synergistically to combat the aging process. Pronounced synergistic effects were observed during UV-A-mediated stress conditions, suggesting that these could be used as potential antiphotoaging compounds which will be of greater significance for health-based research.

The review covers data representing the plastoquinone pool as the component integrated in plant antioxidant defense and plant signaling. The main goal of the review is to discuss the evidence describing the plastoquinone-involved biochemical reactions, which are incorporated in maintaining the sustainability of higher plants to stress conditions. In this context, the analysis of the reactions of various redox forms of plastoquinone with oxygen species is presented. The review describes how these reactions can constitute both the antioxidant and signaling functions of the pool. Special attention is paid to the reaction of superoxide anion radicals with plastohydroquinone molecules, producing hydrogen peroxide as signal molecules. Attention is also given to the processes affecting the redox state of the plastoquinone pool because the redox state of the pool is of special importance for antioxidant defense and signaling.

Abiotic stresses are important factors affecting plant growth and development and limiting agricultural production worldwide. Plants have evolved complex regulatory mechanisms to respond and adapt to constantly changing environmental conditions. C2H2 zinc finger proteins form a relatively large family of transcriptional regulators in plants. Recent studies have revealed that C2H2 zinc finger proteins function as key transcriptional regulators in plant responses to a wide spectrum of stress conditions, including extreme temperatures, salinity, drought, oxidative stress, excessive light and silique shattering. Here, we summarize recent functional analysis on C2H2 zinc finger proteins in plant responses to abiotic stresses and discuss their roles as part of a large regulatory network in the perception and responses by plants to different environmental stimuli.

In accelerated life tests (ALTs), test units are often tested in multiple test chambers along with different stress conditions. The nonhomogeneity of test chambers precludes the complete randomized experiment and may affect the life‐stress relationship of the test product. The chamber‐to‐chamber variation should be taken into account for ALT planning so as to obtain more accurate test results. In this paper, planning ALTs under a nested experimental design structure with random test chamber effects is studied. First, by a 2‐phase approach, we illustrate to what extent different test chamber assignments to stress conditions may impact the estimation of unknown parameters. Then, D‐optimal test plans with 2 test chambers are considered. To construct the optimal design, we establish the generalized linear mixed model for failure‐time data and apply a quasi‐likelihood method, where test chamber assignments, as well as other decision variables that are required for planning ALTs, are simultaneously determined.

Compartmentalization of eukaryotic cells into dynamic organelles that exchange material through regulated membrane traffic governs virtually every aspect of cellular physiology including signal transduction, metabolism and transcription. Much has been revealed about the molecular mechanisms that control organelle dynamics and membrane traffic and how these processes are regulated by metabolic, physical, and chemical cues. From this emerges the understanding of the integration of specific organellar phenomena within complex, multiscale, and non-linear regulatory networks. In this review, we discuss systematic approaches that revealed remarkable insight into the complexity of these phenomena, including the use of proximity-based labelling proteomics, high-throughput imaging, transcriptomics, and computational modeling. We discuss how these methods offer insights to further understand molecular versatility and organelle heterogeneity, phenomena that allow a single organelle population to serve a range of physiological functions. We also detail how transcriptional circuits drive organelle adaptation, such that organelles may shift their function to better serve distinct differentiation and stress conditions. Thus, organelle dynamics and membrane traffic are functionally heterogeneous and adaptable processes that coordinate with higher-order system behaviour to optimize cell function under a range of contexts. Obtaining a comprehensive understanding of organellar phenomena will increasingly require combined use of reductionist and system-based approaches.

Mammalian hibernation includes re-programing of metabolic capacities, partially, encouraged by microRNAs (miRNAs). Albeit much is known about the functions of miRNAs, we need learning on low temperature miRNAs target determination. As hibernators can withstand low body temperatures (TB) for a long time without anguish tissue damage, understanding the means and mechanisms that empower them to do as such are of restorative intrigue. Nonetheless, these mechanisms by which miRNAs and the hibernators react to stressful conditions are not much clear. It is evident from recent data that the gene expression and the translation of mRNA to protein are controlled by miRNAs. The miRNAs also influence regulation of major cellular processes. As the significance of miRNAs in stress conditions adaptation are getting clearer, this audit article abridges the key alterations in miRNA expression and the mechanism that facilitates stress survival.

Experimental evidence has shown that the liquefaction instability of sands can be affected by its material density, stress state, and inherent anisotropy. In order to predict the initiation of the static liquefaction of inherent cross-anisotropic sands under multidimensional stress conditions, a rational constitutive model is needed. An elastoplasticity model able to capture the influences of intermediate principal stress ratio (b = (σ_2 – σ_3)/(σ_1 – σ_3)) and loading direction on stress–strain relationships and volumetric properties was proposed. The yield function was formulated to be controlled by Lode angle, loading direction, and material state; the stress–dilatancy was a material state-dependent function. After using the existing drained hollow cylinder tests to validate the proposed model, this model was used to simulate the existing undrained hollow cylinder tests. During this simulation, the second-order work criterion was used to determine the initiation of static liquefaction. The results showed that an increase in both the intermediate principal stress ratio and the loading angle induces a decrease in the second-order work. Static liquefaction is initiated more easily at a stress state with a large intermediate principal stress ratio and a large loading angle, and the mobilized friction angle at the instability points decreases with the intermediate principal stress ratio and the loading angle.

In natural or agricultural environments, plants are constantly exposed to a wide range of biotic and abiotic stresses. Given the forecasted global climate changes, plants will cope with heat waves, drought periods and pathogens at the same time or consecutively. Heat and drought cause opposing physiological responses, while pathogens may or may not profit from climate changes depending on their lifestyle. Several studies have been conducted to find stress-specific signatures or stress-independent commonalities. Previously this has been done by comparing different single stress treatments. This approach has been proven difficult since most studies, comparing single and combined stress conditions, have come to the conclusion that each stress treatment results in specific transcriptional changes. Although transcriptional changes at the level of individual genes are highly variable and stress-specific, central metabolic and signaling responses seem to be common, often leading to an overall reduced plant growth. Understanding how specific transcriptional changes are linked to stress adaptations and identifying central hubs controlling this interaction will be the challenge for the coming years. In this review, we will summarize current knowledge on plant responses to different individual and combined stresses and try to find a common thread potentially underlying these responses. We will begin with a brief summary of known physiological, metabolic, transcriptional and hormonal responses to individual stresses, elucidate potential commonalities and conflicts and finally we will describe results obtained during combined stress experiments. Here we will concentrate on simultaneous application of stress conditions but we will also touch consequences of sequential stress treatments.

The objectives of this research were to study the encapsulation of beta-carotene (BC) in solid lipid microparticles (SLM) of palm stearin (PS) and stabilized with hydrolyzed soy protein isolate (HSPI), and also to investigate the effect of alpha-tocopherol (TOC) addition to the systems. Through the characterizations of SLM produced with different formulations, it was verified that systems with 5% (w/v) PS, 1.0% (w/v) HSPI, and 0.3% (w/v) xanthan gum (XG) presented the highest stability, with average diameters of approximately 1.2 μm. This formulation was applied for the production of BC-loaded SLM, with different concentrations of TOC. In SLM containing TOC, nearly 75% of encapsulated BC was preserved after 45 d of storage. The kinetic profiles for degradation of encapsulated BC were fitted to a pseudo-1st-order model, and the results showed that the main difference among the systems with different BC:TOC ratios was the residual concentration of BC. The stability of the BC-loaded SLMs was also studied after stress conditions, and the results showed that the SLMs were able to support thermal treatments over 60 °C but presented low stability after different ionic strength stresses.

Flavonoids represent an important bioactive component in plants. Accumulation of flavonoids often occurs in plants subjected to abiotic stresses, including the adaptation of plants to the environment and in overcoming their stress conditions. This fact makes their analysis and determination an attractive field in food science since they can give interesting information on the quality and safety of foods. In this study, we discuss reports on plants flavonoids biosynthesis against abiotic stresses and advances in analytical capillary electrophoresis used for their identification and quantification in plants.

The architecture of the plant cell wall is highly dynamic, being substantially re-modeled during growth and development. Cell walls determine the size and shape of cells and contribute to the functional specialization of tissues and organs. Beyond the physiological dynamics, the wall structure undergoes changes upon biotic or abiotic stresses. In this review several cell wall traits, mainly related to pectin, one of the major matrix components, will be discussed in relation to plant development, immunity and industrial bioconversion of biomass, especially for energy production. Plant cell walls are a source of oligosaccharide fragments with a signaling function for both development and immunity. Sensing cell wall damage, sometimes through the perception of released damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), is crucial for some developmental and immunity responses. Methodological advances that are expected to deepen our knowledge of cell wall (CW) biology will also be presented.

Screening for drought in soybean is often a bottleneck in plant breeding programmes. Sixteen genotypes were evaluated for drought tolerance during 2012, 2013 and 2014. The experiment was conducted in a split-plot design, and the main plots consisted of irrigated and water stress treatments, and subplots consisted of 16 genotypes. The average seed yield was highest in 2012 (1708 kg/ha), followed by 2014 (1364 kg/ha) while very low yields (958 kg/ha) were observed during 2013. The per cent reduction in average soybean yield under water stress conditions was maximum (43%) during 2014 followed by 2012 (40%) and 2013 (31%), respectively. The average yields of soybean genotypes also differed significantly, which ranged from 892 (NRC 12) to 2008 kg/ha (JS 97-52). The maximin–minimax approach was used to classify these genotypes, and only, one genotype was identified as drought resistant and high yielding (EC 538828), three as tolerant and high yielding (JS 97-52, EC 456548 and EC 602288) and none as low yielding and resistant, while the remaining 12 genotypes were found to be low yielding and susceptible to drought.

To improve the storability of sugar beets, this study aimed at determining reasons for genotypic variability in sugar losses and invert sugar accumulation during storage, and at identifying indirect criteria to select for varieties with low storage losses prior to storage. In 2011 and 2012, 18 genotypes, and in 2012 and 2013, six genotypes cultivated at two locations were stored for 8 and 12 weeks at 8°C under controlled conditions. The same 18 genotypes were grown under stress conditions in Spain in 2012/2013. Sugar losses were closely correlated with the invert sugar accumulation after storage. Genotypic differences in storage losses were primarily caused by differences in the level of infestation with microorganisms. The invert sugar accumulation was lower for genotypes with high marc concentration before storage, pointing to a non-specific resistance. Additionally, the sugar concentration in dry matter before storage, and the invert sugar concentration after cultivation under stress conditions correlated with the invert sugar concentration after storage. These parameters are therefore suggested as criteria to select for improved storability of sugar beet genotypes.

The cellular internal ribosomal entry site (IRES) is one of the most important elements to mediate cap-independent translational initiation, especially under conditions of stress and pathology. However, a high-throughput method to discover IRESs in these conditions is still lacking. Here, a possible way IRES long-read sequencing based on the latest high-throughput technologies is proposed to solve this problem. Based on this design, diversity and integrity of the transcriptome from original samples can be kept. The micro-environment that stimulates or inhibits IRES activity can also be mimicked. By using long read-length sequencing technology, additional experiments that are essential for ruling out the cryptic promoters or splicing events in routine IRES identification processes can be circumvented. It is hoped that this proposed methodology may be adopted for IRES element discovery, hence uncovering the full extent of the role of IRESs in disease, development, and stress. Also see the video abstract here https://youtu.be/JuWBbMzWXS8.

Background The aim of this study was to examine volumetric changes in fat flaps after stresses as well as their relationship with capillary density (CD) in a Zucker fatty rat model. Methods A total of 12 male Zucker-fa/fa rats were randomly divided into two stress groups. Superficial epigastric fat flaps were evaluated on the right side as control and on the left side as the stress (ischemic or congestive) condition in the same rat in order to avoid biases. Stress conditions were made by obstructing the pedicle vessels with a vascular clip for 3 hours. The volumes of these flaps were measured weekly. After 12 weeks of measurements, the CD of harvested flaps was examined in histologically immunostained sections. Percent changes in the body-weight-corrected flap volume [cFV(%)], the stress/control ratio [FV-ratio(%)], and the stress/control ratio of CD (CD-ratio) were defined. Results cFV(%) 12 weeks after surgery was 34.7 ± 26.7 in the control flaps and 13.2 ± 10.5 in the stress flaps. The FV-ratio(%) after 12 weeks was 7.4–202.5 (70.2 ± 77.9) in the ischemic group and 14.6–66.3 (37.7 ± 22.2) in the congestive group. The difference in variance between two groups was significant (P = 0.030). cFV(%) correlated with total CD (P = 0.011). The FV-ratio(%) correlated with the CD-ratio (P = 0.002). Conclusions Weekly measurements of flap volumes in the Zucker fatty rat model were new and useful methods. The FV-ratio(%) in the congestive group decreased at a constant rate, while that in the ischemic group decreased or increased slightly. The rate of decreases in the flap volume correlated with CD. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery, 2015.

Variable efficiency of androgenesis remains a serious problem in many species of cereals. It is still unclear what makes certain genotypes more amenable to androgenesis than others. This study was undertaken to quantify the previously suspected advantage of winter barley genotypes over spring ones with regard to regeneration efficiency in anther culture. The material consisted of 40 barley hybrids originating from Polish breeding companies. The number of androgenic structures per 100 anthers did not differ significantly between analysed groups (119 vs. 152 non-significant), but the average regeneration of green plants per 100 anthers was five times higher in winter genotypes (6.4 vs. 1.3). The incidence of albinism was lower for the winter than for the spring materials (70% vs. 90%), while the rate of spontaneous chromosome doubling was similar in both groups (58% vs. 56%). The results strongly support the notion that winter genotypes are more amenable to androgenesis and this may be a consequence of their better adaptation to stress conditions.

IGZO thin films were crystallized by annealing with the aim of a high device performance. The electrical properties and reliability under various stress conditions of crystalline-IGZO (c-IGZO) TFTs were investigated, compared to conventional amorphous-IGZO (a-IGZO). In addition, effects of IGZO thickness on the electrical properties of c-IGZO were also studied.

Five universities from Austria, Germany and Switzerland, working intensively together with partners from the industry, client organisations, companies, consultants and TBM manufacturers, have combined to develop a new prognosis model for TBM advance rate and disc wear (the “ALPINE MODEL”). This article presents some new results from the project. Fundamentally, the new model is to be a development of the model from Gehring, which calculates the penetration from the ratio of disc load to uniaxial compression strength. Since this equation was derived from data collected from a limited number of projects in the 1980s, it is of great importance to widen the data base and to establish a standardised process for this purpose. For on-site tests, the “Start-stop-penetration test” is considered the most efficient and suitable method. This test can be carried out with the TBM in the course of tunnelling and thus results in little delay. In addition to the recording of TBM data during the penetration test, detailed geological documentation of the face and the tunnel sides has to be undertaken, accompanied by geomechanical laboratory tests. A large number of such penetration tests have now been carried out on various tunnel projects in order to validate and improve the basic formula. Some of the first results are described in this article. Further themes include the rock mechanical parameters to be used, the influence of the primary stress conditions at the face and the abrasiveness of the rock. Funf Universitaten aus Osterreich, Deutschland und der Schweiz, die intensive mit Partnern aus der Wirtschaft, Bauherren, Firmen, Ingenieurburos und TBM Herstellern zusammenarbeiten, entwickeln gemeinsam ein neues Prognosemodell fur die TBM Vortriebsleistung und den Rollenmeisel-Verschleis (das “ALPINE MODEL”). In diesem Artikel werden einige neue Ergebnisse dazu vorgestellt. Grundsatzlich soll das neue Modell wie das zugrunde liegende Modell von Gehring aufgebaut sein, dessen Basis aus der Berechnung der Penetration durch das Verhaltnis von Diskenlast und Einaxialer Druckfestigkeit besteht. Nachdem diese Beziehung aus Daten abgeleitet ist, die in 1980er-Jahren aus einer beschrankten Anzahl von Projekten gesammelt wurden, ist es von unmittelbarer Bedeutung, diese Datenbasis auszuweiten und dafur ein Standardverfahren zu etablieren. Fur Vor-Ort-Versuche wird der sog. “Start-Stop-Penetrationsversuch” als effizienteste und geeignetste Methode angesehen. Dieser Versuch kann mit der TBM wahrend des Vortriebs durchgefuhrt werden und fuhrt daher nur zu sehr geringen Vortriebsverzogerungen. Neben der Aufzeichnung der TBM Vortriebsdaten wahrend des Penetrationsversuchs muss eine detaillierte geologische Dokumentation der Ortsbrust und der Laibung sowie felsmechanische Laboruntersuchungen der Gesteine vorgenommen werden. Eine grose Anzahl von solchen Penetrationsversuchen wurde bei unterschiedlichen Tunnelprojekten durchgefuhrt, um die Basis-Formel zu validieren bzw. zu verbessern. Einige erste Ergebnisse werden in diesem Artikel vorgestellt. Andere Themen umfassen die heranzuziehenden felsmechanischen Kennwerte, den Einfluss der Primarspannungsbedingungen an der Ortsbrust und die Abrasivitat des Gesteins.

Minimalistisches Design, Schlichtheit sowie Einhaltung der zu gewahrleistenden Tragfahigkeit bei verschiedensten Belastungssituationen sind Attribute, die Punkthaltersysteme auszeichnen und fur einen vielfaltigen Einsatz im konstruktiven Glasbau sprechen. Der Fall eines querkraftbeanspruchten Punkthalters stellt keinen singularen Belastungszustand dar. Neben der einwirkenden Querkraft ist diese Beanspruchungsrichtung immer mit einer zusatzlichen Momentenbeanspruchung verbunden. Die Ubertragung dieses kombinierten Belastungszustandes sowie deren Auswirkungen auf den Spannungszustand im Glas kann mit Hilfe der spannungsoptischen Messmethode erfasst und visuell dargestellt werden. An zwei Tellerhaltern mit unterschiedlichen Geometrieparametern und variierendem Anziehmoment werden experimentelle Analysen durchgefuhrt. Die Ergebnisse zeigen eine Abhangigkeit des Spannungszustandes von der Grose des Tellerhalters einschlieslich der Hohe des Anziehmomentes. Application of the photoelastic measurement method for shear force stressed point mounting. Minimalist design, simplicity and abidance by guaranteeing capacity at various load situations are attributes that characterize point holder systems and argue for a variety of applications in structural glass. In the case of a transverse force stress point holder it is not possible to constitute a singular stress state. Besides the acting shear force this stress direction is always attached to an additional stress moment. The transmission of this combined load state and its effect on the state of stress in the glass can be detected and shown visually using the stress-optical measurement method. On two plate holders with different geometry parameters and varying tightening torque experimental analyses are conducted. The results show that the stress conditions depend on the size of the plate holders, including the amount of the tightening torque.

In many countries, elite athletes are required to undertake education alongside their sports training. Time management has important implications for the development of elite athletes. From a Naturalistic Decision-Making perspective, it is argued that athletes’ decision-making strategies in relation to time management need to be better understood. Interviews were conducted with a number of athletes training for the first and third year in a sports and academic training centre. Interviews revealed that athletes made sense of situations to decide what strategy to use to manage their time under conditions of stress and fatigue. Athletes changed strategy when they noticed conflicts in the time-frames imposed by the centre. Results also showed that first- and third-year athletes displayed some common ground but also revealed some differences. In comparison with third-year athletes, first-year athletes reported more emotion-focused strategies. Third-year athletes reported more problem-focused strategies. Results led to the adaptation of the Recognition-Primed Decision-making model to time management in elite sports. Practitioner points The study shows how elite athletes used their experience to manage time under fatigue and stress conditions. It shows the strategies used by elite athletes to manage their time in a context in which their use of time is imposed on them. Time management was partly flexible and partly beyond the control of the athlete.

The example of many hydropower plants shows that the pressure shafts of high pressure power stations lie in very varied geological conditions, which has a great influence on the layout of the pressure shaft and the structural design of the lining. Despite this variability, it is possible to formulate a few basic geological criteria whose application, however, cannot replace the detailed consideration of the specific geological conditions that is essential for every pressure shaft. Die Beispiele mehrerer Wasserkraftwerke zeigen, dass die Druckschachte von Hochdruckanlagen in sehr unterschiedlichen geologischen Verhaltnissen liegen, die den Entwurf des Druckschachts und die Bemessung der Auskleidung stark beeinflussen. Bei aller Variabilitat konnen aber einige grundsatzliche geologische Kriterien formuliert werden, deren Anwendung jedoch nicht die eingehende Befassung mit den spezifischen geologischen Verhaltnissen ersetzt, die fur jeden Druckschacht unabdingbar ist.

Mammalian reproductive function is controlled by the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, which is suppressed under infectious stress conditions. We have previously demonstrated, by analyzing the pulsatility of luteinizing hormone (LH), that prostaglandins (PGs) in the central nervous system (CNS) mediate infectious stress to suppress the activity of the HPG axis. The aim of the present study is to characterize the types of PGs responsible for suppression of the HPG axis. We focused on 3 major types of PGs, i.e., PGE2, PGD2, and PGF2α. We used female rats overiectomized bilaterally 1 week before the experiments. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 100 μg/kg) suppressed LH pulses while enhancing the concentration of all 3 PGs in the CSF, which was restored by indomethacin (10 mg/kg). Subsequently, we observed LH pulsatility after a single injection of each PG and after co-injection of PGE2 with PGF2α into the third cerebral ventricle. A single injection of PGE2 dose-dependently induced a transient increase in mean LH concentration and LH pulse amplitude, and PGD2 significantly increased the amplitude of LH pulses, while PGF2α did not affect LH pulsatility. On the other hand, co-injection of PGE2 and PGF2α induced significant suppression of both frequency and amplitude of LH pulses. These results suggest that PGE2 and PGF2α can be one of the mediators that suppress the HPG axis in situations of infectious stress. Moreover, they imply that there are 2 contradictory effects of PGE2 on LH pulsatility: enhancive when working alone while suppressive when working together with PGF2α. (244/250) This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Die Beurteilung der Ermudungsfestigkeit von Spannstahlen bei Bauwerken unter nicht vorwiegend ruhenden Einwirkungen gewinnt im Rahmen zunehmender Verkehrsbeanspruchungen, einer langeren Lebensdauer von Bauwerken sowie der Verwendung von innovativen und hochfesten Baustoffen weiter an Bedeutung. Insbesondere im eingebauten Zustand wird die Ermudungsfestigkeit von Spannstahlen aufgrund der komplexen Beanspruchungsverhaltnisse von vielen Einflussfaktoren beeintrachtigt. Der Beitrag gibt einen Uberblick uber den derzeitigen Kenntnisstand zum Ermudungsverhalten von Spannstahlen. Dabei werden grundlegende Zusammenhange der Reibermudung erlautert und eine Datenbank uber durchgefuhrte Untersuchungen aufgestellt. Die Ergebnisse werden hinsichtlich unterschiedlicher Einflussfaktoren ausgewertet und den WOHLERdiagrammen des Eurocode 2 gegenubergestellt. Des Weiteren werden besondere Aspekte aus der Versuchsinterpretation und Nachweisfuhrung diskutiert. Fatigue behaviour of post-tensioned tendons The assessment of the fatigue strength of prestressing steel in structures under non-predominantly static loads becomes more important within increasing traffic loads, longer life time of structures and the use of innovative and high-strength materials. In particular, when installed, the fatigue strength of prestressing steel is affected by many factors due to the complex stress conditions. The article gives an overview of the current knowledge of the fatigue behavior of prestressing steels. The fundamental relationships of fretting fatigue are explained and a database is established after an evaluation of tests executed so far. The results are compared with the Woehler diagram of the Eurocode 2 and specific aspects of the experimental interpretation and verification are discussed.

Osmotolerance is the ability to grow in an environment with a high osmotic pressure. In this study we compared the physiological parameters and tolerance to osmotic and non-osmotic stresses of three osmotolerant yeast species, Debaryomyces hansenii, Pichia farinosa (sorbitophila) and Zygosaccharomyces rouxii, with those of wild-type Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Although the osmotolerant species did not differ significantly in their basic parameters, such as cell size or growth capacity, they had different abilities to survive anhydrobiosis, potassium limitation or the presence of toxic cationic drugs. When their osmotolerance was compared, the results revealed that some of the species isolated as sugar/polyol-tolerant (e.g. P. farinosa) are also highly tolerant to salts and, vice versa, some strains isolated from an environment with high concentration of salt (e.g. Z. rouxii ATCC 42981) tolerate high concentrations of sugars. None of the tested strains and species was osmophilic. Taken together, our results showed that P. farinosa (sorbitophila) is the most robust species when coping with various stresses, while Z. rouxii CBS 732, although osmotolerant in general, is not specifically salt-tolerant and is quite sensitive to most of the tested stress conditions. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Soil and water salinity are major constraints for wheat production in Iran. High genetic diver- sity for salinity tolerance has been observed in Iranian bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes. Hence, these genotypes can be evaluated under field and controlled conditions for identifying new genotypes with better per- formance under salt stress conditions. In a 2-yr study, we evaluated 97 promising Iranian lines with different levels of salinity tolerance along with three tolerant cultivars as checks under field conditions in Yazd province of Iran. Plant materials were grown under saline and normal field conditions (electrical conductivity (EC) of 10.0 and 3.0 dS m -1 , respectively). Significant genetic variation (P < 0.01) in salinity tolerance was observed among wheat genotypes. In this study, an equation was developed for estimat- ing a stress tolerance score (STS). The results of the equation were identical to those of multivari- ate analyses. The STS equation is much easier to use than complicated multivariate analyses. Therefore, it is suggested as a screening tool for identification of salt-tolerant wheat genotypes. Ultimately, ten lines with higher tolerance to salt stress, in comparison with tolerant checks, were detected. These lines can be used in wheat breeding programs for salt-affected areas.

The dispersion of asexual propagules is an important determinant for the spread and establishment of many aquatic plant species. In order to improve the understanding of the expansion of the Potamogeton crispus population, an in situ growth experiment with P. crispus turions was performed in a 30 days period. The sinking turions produced longer seedlings and more leaves than that of floating turions during the experimental period. A lower dark respiration rate and higher activities of superoxide dismutase and peroxidase were detected in the floating turions than those in the sinking turions, indicating that the self-protection process of the floating turions and stress condition (high sunlight exposure and temperature) in summer may influence the primary metabolites of these floating turions. Moreover, we also found that the scale leaf porosities of the floating turions would determine the buoyancy of turions. These results indicated that the sinking and floating of P. crispus turions are determined by the anatomical structures and in situ summer climatic condition is unfavorable for the establishment of P. crispus floating turions.

Concentrated loads in masonry walls are caused by point loads resulting from beams or columns perpendicular to the horizontal joint. In theory, locally occurring multi-axial stress conditions lead to compressive stress underneath the area subjected to the load, the numerical values of which are greater than the mono-axial compressive strength of the masonry. Load increase factors derived from this and stated in [1] and [2] were last determined in Germany approx. 30 years ago [3] using standard test specimens (in accordance with [4]) and not using walls. The types of masonry investigated at the time were made up of types and sizes of masonry units and of types of mortar and joint configurations that were common at the time; this however no longer appears current. The loadbearing capacity of the wall was completely ignored. In view of current structural design methods based on EC 6 [5] where applied and internal force variables in building elements are compared, this remains unsatisfactory. For this reason, experimental and theoretical investigations of partially loaded walls (l/h/t = 1.875/1.75/0.115 m) made of aerated concrete and brick masonry with thin-layer mortar were carried out at the Ostwestfalen-Lippe University of Applied Sciences. In addition to the type of masonry unit, the detail of the perpendicular joint was varied (with mortar (v) versus without mortar (uv)). Below follows a report on the result of these investigations. Teilflachenbelastungen in Mauerwerkwanden entstehen durch Einzellasten infolge senkrecht zur Lagerfuge aufliegenden Balken oder Stutzen. Ortlich auftretende mehraxiale Spannungszustande lassen theoretisch unter den Lasteinleitungsflachen Druckspannungen entstehen, deren Zahlenwerte groser sind als die einaxiale Mauerwerkdruckfestigkeit. Hieraus abgeleitete, in [1], [2] angegebene Lasterhohungsfaktoren wurden in Deutschland zuletzt vor ca. 30 Jahren [3] an Normprufkorpern (nach [4]) und nicht an Wanden ermittelt. Die untersuchten Mauerwerkarten bezogen sich hinsichtlich Steinart und -abmessungen, Mortelart und Fugenausbildung auf damals ubliche Anwendungen, was nicht mehr aktuell erscheint. Das Wandtragverhalten wurde vollig unbeachtet. Vor dem Hintergrund der heutigen Bemessungspraxis nach EC 6 [5] mit Vergleichen einwirkender und widerstehender Schnittkrafte von Bauteilen bleibt dies unbefriedigend. Daher wurden an der Hochschule Ostwestfalen-Lippe experimentelle und theoretische Untersuchungen an teilflachenbelasteten Wanden (l/h/t =1,875/1,75/0,115 m) aus Porenbeton- und aus Ziegelmauerwerk mit Dunnbettmortel durchgefuhrt. Neben der Mauersteinart wurde u. a. die Stosfugenausfuhrung (vermortelt: v oder unvermortelt: uv) variiert. Uber die Untersuchungsergebnisse wird im Folgenden berichtet.

Die ursprunglich marine und auch heute noch vorwiegend im Meer lebende Crustaceen-Gruppe der Decapoda hat es im Laufe ihrer Evolution geschafft, auch festes Land sowie Suswasser zu besiedeln. Den mit diesen Lebensraumen verbundenen Stressfaktoren konnten die langlebigen Juvenil- und Erwachsenen-Stadien mit strukturellen und physiologischen Anpassungen entgegengewirken. Sehr viel schwacher ausgepragt ist die evolutive Anpassungsfahigkeit der ursprunglich planktischen, physiologisch empfindlichen und von planktischer Nahrung abhangigen Larven-Stadien. Terrestrische und limnische Dekapoden haben verschiedene “Export-Strategien” entwickelt, die auf ausgepragten Wanderungen der erwachsenen Weibchen und/oder des ersten Larvenstadiums beruhen und auf eine Stressvermeidung in der Larvalphase hinzielen. Um die Larvalentwicklung ganz im Suswasser vollenden zu konnen, mussen schon in fruhen Entwicklungsstadien spezielle Strukturen und physiologische Funktionen ausgebildet werden, die der Aufrechterhaltung der osmotischen Homoostase durch Osmoregulation sowie einer Unabhangigkeit von planktischer Nahrung dienen. Decapod Crustaceans, which are by origin a marine group that still occurs mainly in the sea, invaded during their evolution also firm land and freshwater habitats. Stress factors associated with those non-marine environments have successfully been countervailed by long-lived benthic juvenile and adult life-history stages, which were able to evolve structural and physiological adaptations. By contrast, the adaptability of the short-lived planktonic larval stages has been much weaker, remaining physiologically fragile and mostly dependant on planktonic food sources. Terrestrial as well as limnic decapods have evolved various ”export strategies" based on extended migrations. These are performed by the adult females and/or the first larval stage, being aimed at an avoidance of stress conditions during the larval phase. In order to successfully complete the larval phase in freshwater, already the earliest developmental stages must express special structures and physiological functions aiding to the maintenance of osmotic homeostasis and to an independance from planktonic food sources.

The fragrance of Santalum album L. (sandalwood) has been used as a sedative. However, few reports have investigated the anxiolytic activity of sandalwood fragrance. Therefore, in this study, we examined the anxiolytic-like activity of hexane-extracted sandalwood oil (SAO). Male ICR mice, aged 5 weeks at the start of each experiment, were used. To mimic its clinical use, the effect of SAO after stress loading was investigated. Mice were individually housed in cages for 1 week and subjected to loaded water-immersion stress for 24 h. Next, SAO inhalation (i.h.) was initiated 90 min prior to the elevated plus maze (EPM) test. As a result, significant anxiolytic-like activity was observed at 4 μl/l air SAO i.h. In contrast, anxiolytic-like activity was not observed in non-stressed control mice. Additionally, mice were subjected to SAO i.h prior to water-immersion stress for 24 h in order to investigate its prolonged effect. As a result, significant anxiolytic-like activity was observed at 4 μl/l air SAO i.h. In contrast, anxiolytic-like activity was not observed in non-stressed control mice. The above results indicate that the anxiolytic-like activity of SAO i.h. is revealed under stress conditions and is prolonged for at least 24 h. Since the main components of SAO are (Z)-α-santalol (51.1%) and (Z)-β-santalol (28.5%), it is proposed that they are involved in mediating the characteristic anxiolytic-like activity of SAO. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans showed the compensate growth and oxidation after re-feeding with sufficient ferrous materials after starvation. Compensatory phenomena were first detected in chemoautotrophic organisms. Starvation stress of Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans was achieved via culturing in low concentrations of iron. During compensation, growth and ferrous oxidation took place faster than in controls. In addition, some genes related to ferrous oxidation (such as rus) and carbon assimilation (cbbR, csoS3) were expressed in different patterns in the low energy environments. Their expression patterns can account for this increased growth and oxidation. Other groups of genes (cspAB, feoAB, fur) were suppressed in response to starvation stress. The presence of pyrite and joint cold stress can render compensation nearly undetectable. This may be why the compensation phenomena observed under these conditions was not the same as that observed under single starvation stress conditions. Gene expression reflected a possible mechanism of tolerance to starvation in Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans, which would allow the organism to adapt and survive in ferrous-limited environments.

With expansion of our understanding of pathogen effector strategies and the multiplicity of their host targets, it is becoming evident that novel approaches to engineering broad-spectrum resistance need to be deployed. The increasing availability of high temporal gene expression data of a range of plant–microbe interactions enables the judicious choices of promoters to fine-tune timing and magnitude of expression under specified stress conditions. We can therefore contemplate engineering a range of transgenic lines designed to interfere with pathogen virulence strategies that target plant hormone signalling or deploy specific disease resistance genes. An advantage of such an approach is that hormonal signalling is generic so if this strategy is effective, it can be easily implemented in a range of crop species. Additionally, multiple re-wired lines can be crossed to develop more effective responses to pathogens.

The new title compounds, pancastatins A and B, exhibit selective cytotoxic activity against the PANC-1 pancreatic cancer cells under low-glucose stress conditions.

We investigated the development of the HPA axis in group-living rhesus monkeys. Forty-three infants were studied from birth through their third year of life; 22 infants were physically abused by their mothers, while 21 infants were not abused. Plasma cortisol levels in basal conditions and in response to a novel environment test were assessed at 6-month intervals. Both basal and stress cortisol increased steadily from 6 to 24 months of age and then dropped. Across all ages, stress cortisol levels were significantly higher than the basal levels. The cortisol responses to stress at 30 and 36 months of age were significantly lower than the responses at all other ages. At most ages there was an inverse relationship between basal and stress cortisol levels. Individual differences in basal cortisol levels were generally stable in the first 2 years and more variable in the third year while the opposite for true for cortisol responses to stress. At the end of the first year, but not later in life, abused infants had higher cortisol levels than controls across the basal and stress conditions. Rates of social interactions with the mother and other group members were positively correlated with basal cortisol levels early in life, and with cortisol responses to stress later in life. Altogether, these results indicate that there are strong individual differences in HPA function, that there is a relationship between basal activity and stress reactivity, and that early abuse has the short-term effect of increasing both basal activity and stress reactivity.

Common marmosets are suitable non-human primate models for many human diseases. Standard values for blood parameters are required to evaluate physiological and pathological situations. Two studies were conducted: study I to determine standard values and study II to examine these under changed housing conditions. In study I, all parameters for clinical chemistry were similar in range for both genders with these specifics: male marmosets had significantly higher total and LDL cholesterol levels than females, whereas the mean corpuscular volume and the mean corpuscular haemoglobin were significantly lower than in females. In study II, glucose, lymphocytes and salivary cortisol were significantly lower, and faecal cortisol was increased during the change of housing conditions. In conclusion, standard values for haematology and clinical chemistry for the common marmoset were determined. Further on, parameters that are influenced by relocation stress and its importance for experimental results are described.