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Fruit flies attack numerous crops, including cherry tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme). The potential presence of the immature stages of fruit fly species inside tomatoes during export hinders their international market access. Therefore, phytosanitary treatment must be performed before export to prevent fruit fly species from entering countries where they are not naturally found. We developed a phytosanitary cold disinfestation treatment protocol to eliminate oriental fruit fly (Bactrocera dorsalis Hendel), melon fly (Zeugodacus cucurbitae Coquillett), and pumpkin fruit fly (Zeugodacus tau Walker) concealed inside cherry tomatoes without causing critical damage to the fruit. We determined that the third instar of Z. cucurbitae exhibited the highest cold tolerance among the various development stages of the three fruit fly species. Thus, we performed a small-scale disinfestation test on Z. cucurbitae in two cultivars of tomato. We achieved complete disinfestation after 15 days of cold treatment at 1°C–1.5°C. The confirmatory test revealed the elimination of more than 80,000 treated third instar of Z. cucurbitae in each tomato variety. The developed phytosanitary cold treatment allows the tomatoes to retain their commercial value. This study provides a standard phytosanitary cold treatment protocol for cherry tomatoes, ensuring the disinfestation of fruit flies before their export to international markets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spotted wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura), is currently distributed in the main soft-skinned fruits production areas in China and 59 other countries, presenting a significant threat to importing nations. Optimal phytosanitary treatments, including fumigation, irradiation, and cold treatment, have been developed to prevent the international movement of this invasive fly. To determine the most cold-tolerant stage and facilitate the development of the technical schedules requested by the Technical Panel on Phytosanitary Treatment (TPPT), cold treatments of D. suzukii immature stages in 'Red Globe' grapes were conducted. Dose–mortality data at 0 °C and 2 °C from repeated trials were subjected to analysis of covariance, linear regression, and probit analysis. Results identified 3 d old pupae as the most cold-tolerant stage, followed by 1 d old pupae, 4 d old larvae, and 6 h old eggs with similar tolerance. The 2 d old larvae were the most sensitive stage. In subsequent confirmatory tests, 3 d old pupae were subjected to cold treatment at 0 °C for 9 and 10 days, and at 2 °C for 10 and 12 days, based on the probit estimation of the probit-9 value. No adult emergence occurred in the confirmatory tests except for one deformed adult from a 2 °C 10 d treatment. Therefore, the recommended treatment schedule requires fruit temperatures below 0.00 °C (or 1.62 °C) for no less than 10 (or 12) continuous days, with treatment efficacy not less than 99.9960% (or 99.9955%) at a 95% confidence level, respectively. These schedules are intended for submission to TPPT for the development of phytosanitary treatment standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Chinese Journal of Applied Entomology is the property of Chinese Journal of Applied Entomology, Editorial Department and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The growth of mineral extraction in countries with a developed mineral resource sector under conditions of external restrictions requires the modernization of the domestic mining machinery – an indispensable condition of which is the replacement of technologies for the production of high-speed steels and machine tools. This research was aimed at experimental studies of microstructure, phase composition and microhardness distribution in the surface layer of the R6M5 high-speed steel samples after laser cutting, cold treatment and laser tempering. It was demonstrated that after laser cutting in the surface layer of the cut there was the carbide dissolution and enrichment of the metal matrix with carbon and alloying components, resulting in an increase of residual austenite content up to 50...60 %. After the cold treatment in liquid nitrogen the content of residual austenite decreased up to 7...9 %. The laser cut surface microhardness increased up to 1000...1100 MPa. At further laser tempering the dispersion hardening processes took place, as a result the V2C carbides appeared in the steel structure amounting to 4.7 %. The microhardness increased up to 10400...10600 MPa. The study showed the possibility of using the high-speed steel laser cutting not only as a separating operation, but also as a hardening treatment. The findings contribute to the technological support for the development of domestic mining machinery in terms of replacing imported highspeed steels and machine tools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Australia produces celery (Apium graveolens var. dulce) for both home and international markets. Celery can be exported to other countries after postharvest treatment, which terminates springtail infestation. In the field, celery bunches act as a home for the springtail (Hypogastrura vernalis) (Collembola: Hypogastruridae), a native of Australia. Springtails are insects that dwell inside celery bunches but do not destroy the produce. However, springtails, which are regarded as a quarantine pest and have significantly affected exports of celery, are a concern. This experiment tested the effects of essential oils and cold treatments on springtail mortality in fresh celery. Eucalyptus and rosemary and their mixture at the concentration of 5% as well as four different cold treatment treatments 3, 5, 10, and 15ºC were used over four treatment periods 3, 5, 7, and 14 days. Springtail mortality in rosemary essential oil was 21.66, followed by 18.66 in the mixture of eucalyptus and rosemary compared with eucalyptus essential oil and was 15.33 mortality. The mortality of springtail was not affected by the 3, 5, 10, and 15ºC treatments for the treatment periods of 3, 5, 7 and 14 days. Phytotoxicity on celery bunches was absent with the use of essential oils. However, cold treatment damage was observed most noticeably on celery in the 3 and 5ºC treatments.

The spotted wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura), is currently distributed in the main soft-skinned fruits production areas in China and 59 other countries, presenting a significant threat to importing nations. Optimal phytosanitary treatments, including fumigation, irradiation, and cold treatment, have been developed to prevent the international movement of this invasive fly. To determine the most cold-tolerant stage and facilitate the development of the technical schedules requested by the Technical Panel on Phytosanitary Treatment (TPPT), cold treatments of D. suzukii immature stages in ‘Red Globe’ grapes were conducted. Dose–mortality data at 0 °C and 2 °C from repeated trials were subjected to analysis of covariance, linear regression, and probit analysis. Results identified 3 d old pupae as the most cold-tolerant stage, followed by 1 d old pupae, 4 d old larvae, and 6 h old eggs with similar tolerance. The 2 d old larvae were the most sensitive stage. In subsequent confirmatory tests, 3 d old pupae were subjected to cold treatment at 0 °C for 9 and 10 days, and at 2 °C for 10 and 12 days, based on the probit estimation of the probit-9 value. No adult emergence occurred in the confirmatory tests except for one deformed adult from a 2 °C 10 d treatment. Therefore, the recommended treatment schedule requires fruit temperatures below 0.00 °C (or 1.62 °C) for no less than 10 (or 12) continuous days, with treatment efficacy not less than 99.9960% (or 99.9955%) at a 95% confidence level, respectively. These schedules are intended for submission to TPPT for the development of phytosanitary treatment standards.

Purpose: Ferula assafoetida (L.) is one of the most important medicinal plants with many applications in food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. It has been endangered due to overharvesting from natural habitat and long period of seed dormancy. Knowledge of seed germination behavior leads to the development of its conservation and cultivation. Research methods: We conducted this research as a factorial experiment in Completely Randomized Design (CRD) to evaluate seed germination in response to low temperature, plant growth regulators (kinetin, gibberellin, carrageenan as plant bio-stimulant) and TiO2 nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs). The germination percentage and rate, mean germination time, and radicle elongation were measured. Findings: The results showed that the cold (4 °C), GA3, carrageenan, kinetin and TiO2 NPs increased seeds germination rate and percentage. Maximum seed germination percentage (86% or 23% more than control) and minimum mean germination time (26 days or 12.6 days shorter than control) obtained with seeds pretreated by kinetin soaking and TiO2 NPs treatment at 4 °C. Furthermore, most treatments produced healthier and stronger radicles compared to the control which is vital for better establishment and growth. Research limitations: No limitations were found. Originality/Value: The price and demand of asafoetida products have been increased dramatically. The most important constrain to hinder reliable supply of the products is the shortage of plant or difficulty to access its products. Here, we showed the cost effective and environmentally friendly methods to provide high seeds germination with vigorous roots.

In order to improve the plastic deformation ability of CrN coatings， CrN coatings were deposited on 316L stainless steel by enhanced cathode arc magnetron sputtering.Afterwards，the CrN coatings were post-treated by cold，thermal or cold-thermal composite treatment via tube furnace and liquid nitrogen.The microstructure， morphology， residual stress and mechanical properties of coatings before and after post-treatment were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD)， X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS)， scanning electron microscope (SEM) and nanoindenter.Results showed that the hardness of the CrN coating decreased slightly after post-treatment， but its plastic deformation ability increased.Among them， the composite treatment of heating first and then cooling almost kept the hardness of the CrN coating unchanged (only decreased by 0.7%)， while improved its plastic deformation ability (increased by 3.1%) with enhancing its toughness.

Copyright of Anbar Journal of Agricultural Sciences is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The WRKY transcription factor (TF) family is one the largest plant-specific transcription factor families. It has been proven to play significant roles in multiple plant biological processes, especially stress response. Although many WRKY TFs have been identified in various plant species, WRKYs in white birch (Betula platyphylla Suk.) remain to be studied. Here, we identified a total of 68 BpWRKYs, which could be classified into four main groups. The basic physiochemical properties of these TFs were analyzed using bioinformatics tools, including molecular weight, isoelectric point, chromosome location, and predicted subcellular localization. Most BpWRKYs were predicted to be located in the nucleus. Synteny analysis found 17 syntenic gene pairs among BpWRKYs and 52 syntenic gene pairs between BpWRKYs and AtWRKYs. The cis-acting elements in the promoters of BpWRKYs could be enriched in multiple plant biological processes, including stress response, hormone response, growth and development, and binding sites. Tissue-specific expression analysis using qRT-PCR showed that most BpWRKYs exhibited highest expression levels in the root. After ABA, salt (NaCl), or cold treatment, different BpWRKYs showed different expression patterns at different treatment times. Furthermore, the results of the Y2H assay proved the interaction between BpWRKY17 and a cold-responsive TF, BpCBF7. By transient expression assay, BpWRKY17 and BpWRKY67 were localized in the nucleus, consistent with the previous prediction. Our study hopes to shed light for research on WRKY TFs and plant stress response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we study the effect of cryogenic treatment on the microstructure and properties of high-strength D6AC steel with a bainite and martensite structure. The transformations occurring in steel during heat treatment above and below 0°C was dilatometrically studied. Cryogenic treatment in liquid nitrogen is shown to lead to almost complete restoration of the sample size, which indicates a decrease in the fraction of retained austenite in the structure. This is confirmed by the results of X-ray diffraction analysis. Cryogenic treatment is established to lead to increasing the strength properties and reducing the ductility of D6AC steel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on 1040℃quenching+200℃tempering compound cold treatment process,the effect of high quenching and low reheating treatment compound cold treatment process on the microstructure and properties of DC53 steel was studied.Results showed that the cold treatment temperature did not change the precipitation phase type,and the phase was composed of martensite,austenite,(Cr2.5Fe4.3Mo0.1)C3 and(Cr,Fe)7C3carbides.The preferred orientation,lattice distortion or stacking fault of martensite induced by temperature were gradually enhanced,which was most intense at-196℃.In case of a cold treatment at-11 C,the driving force was insufficient and the carbide precipitation amount was smaller;At-80℃,the precipitation amount of carbides was largest,mainly composed of M7C3 carbides.At-196℃,the diffusion kinetics of carbon atom was insufficient and it was solid-soluble in martensite.Under the condition of-80℃,the phase composition of the sample was the best,the hardness value was 59.6 HRC,the impact absorption energy was 9.2 J,the hardness was increased by nearly 5%compared with the samples without cold treatment,and the toughness was increased by 1.875 times.The erosion corrosion wear performance increased first and then decreased with the decrease of temperature.The wear rate after 18 h of erosion corrosion was 7.65 mg/cm2,and the relative performance was increased by nearly 17%.

Exploring microRNA (miRNA) expression patterns in Hemerocallis under low-temperature stress helps understanding the mechanisms of miRNA-mediated stress responses. Here, eight separate libraries were generated from the leaves and roots of two different varieties, cold-tolerant 'Jinyan 7' and cold-sensitive 'Lucretius 4', which were exposed to 20°C and −4°C for 8 h. In total, 333 cold-responsive miRNAs, including 85 putative novel and 248 conserved miRNAs, were identified during different temperature treatments. Under cold-stress conditions, two miRNAs were down-regulated and one was up-regulated in the roots, and no differentially expressed miRNAs were detected in the leaves in 'Lucretius 4'. In 'Jinyan 7', there were two novel and one conserved differentially expressed miRNAs in leaves, whereas three conserved and two novel miRNAs were differentially expressed in roots. The target genes were mainly involved in metabolic processes and cellular components. The differential expression levels of 10 miRNAs were validated using quantitative RT–PCR. Some candidate miRNAs (e.g. ath-miR165a, ath-miR166a, ath-miR395a and novel-miR67) may be involved in plant response-related processes to low-temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CBF (C-repeat binding factor) transcription factor subfamily belongs to AP2/ERF (Apetala 2/ethylene-responsive factor) transcription factor family, known for playing a vital role in plant abiotic stress response. Although some CBF transcription factors have been identified in several species, such as Arabidopsis, tobacco, tomato and poplar, research of CBF focus mainly on model plant Arabidopsis and have not been reported in Betula platyphylla yet. In this study, a total of 20 BpCBF subfamily members were identified. The conserved domains, physicochemical properties, exon-intron gene structure and the structure of conserved protein motifs of BpCBFs were analyzed via bioinformatic tools. The collinearity analysis of CBF genes was performed between Betula platyphylla and Arabidopsis thaliana, Betula platyphylla, and Populus trichocarpa. The cis-acting elements in the promoter region of BpCBFs were identified, which were mainly environmental stress-related and hormone-related element components. In this case, the expression patterns of the 20 BpCBFs upon ABA or salt treatment were investigated. Most of these transcription factors were responsive to ABA or salt stress in different plant tissues. The up-regulation trend upon cold treatment of the six cold-responsive genes validated by qRT-PCR was consistent with the result of RNA-seq. BpCBF7 showed transcription activating activity. This study sheds light on the responses of BpCBFs to abiotic stress and provides a reference for further study of CBF transcription factors in woody plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Itaconic acid (IA) is regarded as one of the 12 important building blocks as recognized by US Department of Energy. Thus, the production of IA is crucial and urgent. In this study, we attempted to explore a new aconitase from an acidophilic E. coli Nissle 1917, denoted as ENAcnA, and was compared to Corynebacterium glutamicum for the first time. The native ENAcnA has 10 amino acid mutations and the supposed critical mutations at N397S, Q409L, S522G, and G826E in the aconitase family domain contributed to the high hydratase activity at the low pH condition. Co-expression of ENAcnA and cis-aconitate decarboxylase from Aspergillus terreus in the recombinant E. coli BL21(DE3) resulted in IA titer and productivity of 80.4 g/L and 10.1 g/L/h, respectively. Integration of GroELS chaperon to chromosome of BL21(DE3) for generating BD::7G strain even enhanced IA titer by 13 %. The cold treatment of whole-cell biocatalyst substantially assisted the mass transfer of substrate through the cell membrane, and consequently achieved the maximum IA productivity. The discovery of ENAcnA, chaperon assistance in host, and cold treatment of whole cell biocatalysts contributed to high-level IA production up to 95.5 g/L for the industrial scale. [Display omitted] • Acidophilic E. coli Nissle 1917 possess a functional aconitase at low pH value. • Aconitase from EN (ENAcnA) has ten-point mutations for key activity. • ENAcn has comparable turnover number to CgAcn from Corynebacterium glutamicum. • Integrated chaperon GroELS to E. coli chromosome boosted itaconic acid production. • Cold-treatment of whole-cell biocatalyst increased both IA titer and productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The efficacy of an existing cold disinfestation postharvest treatment targeting Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) in citrus was determined for the marula fly, Ceratitis cosyra (Walker). The cold tolerances of C. capitata and C. cosyra were first quantified in artificial diet at 3.5 °C at different exposure periods for up to 18 days. Ceratitis capitata was found to be more cold tolerant than C. cosyra. At 3.5 °C, the duration to achieve 99.9968% mortality was calculated to be 11.57 days for C. capitata and 9.10 days for C. cosyra. Under an existing C. capitata cold treatment schedule at 1 °C for 14 days, the conditions required for complete mortality of the third larval stage of C. cosyra in orange, Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck cv. Valencia, were then determined. No survivors of C. cosyra in oranges were recorded beyond 11 days of cold treatment at 1 °C. The efficacy of this C. capitata treatment for disinfestation of C. cosyra was thereafter confirmed in large scale trials in Valencia oranges. In the large-scale trial at the lowest mean temperature of 1.19 °C for 14 days, there were no survivors from a total of 85 490 treated C. cosyra third instars in oranges. Since C. capitata was shown to be more cold tolerant than C. cosyra and a large scale test demonstrated at least 99.9965% efficacy after 14 days at 1.19 °C, compared with the established effective C. capitata cold treatment of 14 days at 1.11 °C, cold disinfestation treatments for C. capitata should be at least equally effective against C. cosyra. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Cold is one of the main abiotic stresses that severely affect plant growth and development, and crop productivity as well. Transcriptional changes during cold stress have already been intensively studied in various plant species. However, the gene networks involved in the regulation of differential cold tolerance between tobacco varieties with contrasting cold resistance are quite limited. Results Here, we conducted multiple time-point transcriptomic analyses using Tai tobacco (TT, cold susceptibility) and Yan tobacco (YT, cold resistance) with contrasting cold responses. We identified similar DEGs in both cultivars after comparing with the corresponding control (without cold treatment), which were mainly involved in response to abiotic stimuli, metabolic processes, kinase activities. Through comparison of the two cultivars at each time point, in contrast to TT, YT had higher expression levels of the genes responsible for environmental stresses. By applying Weighted Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis (WGCNA), we identified two main modules: the pink module was similar while the brown module was distinct between the two cultivars. Moreover, we obtained 100 hub genes, including 11 important transcription factors (TFs) potentially involved in cold stress, 3 key TFs in the brown module and 8 key TFs in the pink module. More importantly, according to the genetic regulatory networks (GRNs) between TFs and other genes or TFs by using GENIE3, we identified 3 TFs (ABI3/VP1, ARR-B and WRKY) mainly functioning in differential cold responses between two cultivars, and 3 key TFs (GRAS, AP2-EREBP and C2H2) primarily involved in cold responses. Conclusion Collectively, our study provides valuable resources for transcriptome- based gene network studies of cold responses in tobacco. It helps to reveal how key cold responsive TFs or other genes are regulated through network. It also helps to identify the potential key cold responsive genes for the genetic manipulation of tobacco cultivars with enhanced cold tolerance in the future.

This study analyzed the effect of combined phosphine (PH3) fumigation and low-temperature treatment on the control of Drosophila suzukii. In the low-temperature, single-treatment experiment, there was no significant difference in insecticidal activity between 1 °C and 5 °C except in D. suzukii adults. Adults showed 98.0% mortality after exposure to 1 °C for 7 d. Regarding fumigation treatment with PH3 alone, adults were the most susceptible, and pupae had the highest tolerance. Combined low-temperature treatment and fumigation showed a synergistic effect, except in the egg stage, and showed slight synergistic effects in larvae and pupae regardless of the combined treatment order. In pupae, the combination group exposed to 1 °C for 24 h after exposure to PH3 for 4 h had the lowest LCT99 value, at 10.49 mg·h/L. The sorption rate of PH3 on grapes decreased to 85.49% after 4 h of exposure, with a 15% loading ratio (w/v), and there was no significant difference in various criteria of phytotoxicity in exposed grapes compared to control, even after 14 d of combined treatment. Therefore, this study indicates that combined PH3 fumigation and low-temperature treatment could be useful in D. suzukii control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anther culture of apple is the most effective technique for the production of doubled haploids which improves apple genetic studies and breeding. To improve the regeneration process of the obtained androgenic plants and achieve high conversion efficiency of embryos into plants in anther culture, six cultivars, 'ASP', 'Danxian', 'Fuji', 'Gala', 'SD', and 'Senshu', were used to investigate the effect of sucrose concentration on root formation from low temperature treated embryos and the effect of plant growth regulators in the shoot regeneration medium for rooted and nonrooted embryos. The results indicated that cold treatment medium containing 1.5% sucrose showed the highest root formation in the three cultivars 'ASP', 'Senshu' and 'SD'. The rooted embryos readily developed into shoots compared to the nonrooted embryos. For rooted embryos, the preferred medium for shoot regeneration was 1/2 MS hormone-free medium containing 1.5% sucrose, whereas the preferred medium for nonrooted embryos was MS or 1/2 MS medium containing 2.22 or 4.44 μM (0.5 or 1.0 mg L−1) BAP and 3% sucrose. The genotype also played an important role in the process of plant regeneration from anther culture-derived embryos in apple. The cultivars 'ASP' (14.4%), 'SD' (6.2%) and 'Danxian' (6.0%) showed the highest rates of embryo regeneration. The cultivars 'Danxian', 'Gala', and 'Senshu' showed the highest rates of shoot regeneration from embryos were 33.7%, 26.9% and 21.55%, respectively. Consequently, the total efficiency from anthers to shoots of 'Danxia' was 2.33%, followed by 'Gala', 'Fuji', 'Senshu', 'SD' and 'ASP', which had efficiencies of 0.35%, 0.30%, 0.30%, 0.27% and 0.25%, respectively. Key message: The rooted embryos readily developed into shoots compared to the nonrooted embryos. For rooted embryos, the preferred medium for shoot regeneration was ½ MS hormone-free medium containing 1.5% sucrose, whereas the preferred medium for nonrooted embryos was MS or 1/2 MS medium containing BAP and 3% sucrose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present investigation assesses the influence of cultural attributes and heat and cold treatments on the behaviour of native toxigenic L. monocytogenes CFR 1302 and non-toxigenic L. innocua CFR 1304 in selected medium. The growth responses of L. monocytogenes and L. innocua under the influencing factors of storage temperature (10-40°C), pH level (5.5-7.5), and storage period (6-48 h) in brain heart infusion and nutrient broths revealed closeness between observed and predicted populations. Response surface plots were generated for the growth behavior of the two test cultures as a function of pH level. The toxigenic L. monocytogenes CFR 1302 could reach a higher viable population. The effect of heat treatment on Listeria spp. in selected five heating menstra showed the lowest D-value of 3.7 min at 60°C for L. innocua CFR 1304 in Milli-Q water to the highest of 8.4 min at 56°C for L. monocytogenes CFR 1302 in skim milk. The average z-value across the heating menstra for L. monocytogenes was 27.3°C as against that of 22°C for L. innocua. In the case of cold treatment, storage of 4 and 8°C resulted in appreciable increase in counts of L. monocytogenes CFR 1302 from the initial inoculum introduced in selected media. At -20°C, there was a slight decrease in the viable population. The research data helps to predict the viable populations of L. monocytogenes as a part of risk assessment in the food chain. This is of significance in providing safe and healthy food to human population.

Simple Summary: A synergistic effect on Drosophila suzukii control was observed by combining EF fumigation with cold-temperature treatment. D. suzukii showed higher mortality at 1 °C after exposure to cold temperature. The egg stage showed the highest tolerance in the ethyl formate fumigation-only treatment according to the LCT99 value in a 12 L desiccator. Among the combination treatment methods, cold treatment after EF fumigation was found to be the most effective for D. suzukii control, and mortality increased as the duration of exposure to cold temperature increased. Although the sorption of EF was very high, the concentration of fumigant during treatment had a significant effect on insecticidal activity during combination treatment. Therefore, the combination of EF fumigation and cold-temperature treatment can be used to control D. suzukii. Drosophila suzukii is a quarantine pest that is rapidly spreading in berries. This study evaluated the synergistic effect of combination treatment with ethyl formate (EF) and cold temperature for D. suzukii control on imported grapes. A higher insecticidal effect was observed at 1 °C than at 5 °C at all developmental stages, and the pupal stage showed the strongest tolerance to cold temperature. After EF fumigation alone, eggs showed the highest tolerance at 216.67 mg·h/L (LCT99 value), and adults showed the highest susceptibility at <27.24 mg·h/L. Among the combination treatment methods, cold temperature after fumigation resulted in the best synergistic effect. The effect of this combination was significant, with 23.3% higher mortality for eggs, 22.4% for larvae, and 23.4% for pupae than observed with EF fumigation alone. Furthermore, the period of complete D. suzukii control in the 12 L desiccator was shorter in the combination treatment group at the LCT80 value than at the LCT50 value of the egg stage. EF showed a very high sorption rate (24%) after 4 h of exposure at a grape loading ratio of 15% in a 0.65 m3 fumigation chamber. As the grape loading ratio for combination treatment decreased, D. suzukii mortality increased, but when EF was administered at the LCT80 value, there was little difference in the mortalities of the eggs and larvae but not the pupae. All D. suzukii developmental stages were completely controlled within 7 days after combination treatment, and phytotoxicity was not observed in grapes. These results suggest that the combination of cold-temperature treatment and EF fumigation could be used for D. suzukii control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Featured Application: A new application of phosphine fumigation with cold treatment to control peach fruit moth larvae Carposina sasakii. The fumigation of apples using methyl bromide (MeBr) can cause severe deterioration in fruit quality. Moreover, maintaining the quality of apples during postharvest storage and eradicating pests, especially those involved in quarantine issues, are important for facilitating the export of apples, including the "Fuji" apple (Malus pumila var. "Fuji") in South Korea. In the present study, phosphine (PH3) fumigation as an alternative to MeBr was found to be more effective for the control of peach fruit moth larvae (Carposina sasakii), which had naturally infested Fuji apples, at a high temperature (25 °C) rather than at a low temperature (5 °C). To achieve the industry requirement of better-quality perishable commodities and meet quarantine guidelines for export, PH3 fumigation at the low temperature (5 °C) was followed by cold treatments at 3 ± 2 °C for 2 and 4 weeks, which led to higher efficacy than was achieved using PH3 at 5 °C alone. Given that chemical treatments, such as treatment with 1-methylcyclopropene, can inhibit ethylene synthesis, low-temperature PH3 fumigation for 72 h followed by 4 weeks of cold treatment could also extend the shelf life of apples and resolve known quarantine issues when used as an alternative to MeBr treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cold is one of the main abiotic stresses that severely affect plant growth and development, and crop productivity as well. Transcriptional changes during cold stress have already been intensively studied in various plant species. However, the gene networks involved in the regulation of differential cold tolerance between tobacco varieties with contrasting cold resistance are quite limited. Results: Here, we conducted multiple time-point transcriptomic analyses using Tai tobacco (TT, cold susceptibility) and Yan tobacco (YT, cold resistance) with contrasting cold responses. We identified similar DEGs in both cultivars after comparing with the corresponding control (without cold treatment), which were mainly involved in response to abiotic stimuli, metabolic processes, kinase activities. Through comparison of the two cultivars at each time point, in contrast to TT, YT had higher expression levels of the genes responsible for environmental stresses. By applying Weighted Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis (WGCNA), we identified two main modules: the pink module was similar while the brown module was distinct between the two cultivars. Moreover, we obtained 100 hub genes, including 11 important transcription factors (TFs) potentially involved in cold stress, 3 key TFs in the brown module and 8 key TFs in the pink module. More importantly, according to the genetic regulatory networks (GRNs) between TFs and other genes or TFs by using GENIE3, we identified 3 TFs (ABI3/VP1, ARR-B and WRKY) mainly functioning in differential cold responses between two cultivars, and 3 key TFs (GRAS, AP2-EREBP and C2H2) primarily involved in cold responses. Conclusion: Collectively, our study provides valuable resources for transcriptome- based gene network studies of cold responses in tobacco. It helps to reveal how key cold responsive TFs or other genes are regulated through network. It also helps to identify the potential key cold responsive genes for the genetic manipulation of tobacco cultivars with enhanced cold tolerance in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Angiopoietin-like proteins (ANGPTL), primarily 3, 4, and 8, play a major role in maintaining energy homeostasis by regulating triglyceride metabolism. This study evaluated the level of ANGPTL3, 4, and 8 in the liver, brown adipose tissue (BAT), and subcutaneous white adipose tissue (SAT) of mice maintained under acute and chronic cold conditions. Methods C57BL/6J mice were exposed to cold temperature (4 °C) for 10 days with food provided ad libitum. Animal tissues were harvested at Day 0 (Control group, n = 5) and Days 1, 3, 5, and 10 (cold treatment groups, n = 10 per group). The expression levels of various genes were measured in the liver, SAT, and BAT. ANGPTL3, 4, and 8 expressions were measured in the liver. ANGPTL4, 8, and genes involved in browning and lipid metabolism [uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1), lipoprotein lipase (LPL), and adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL)] were measured in SAT and BAT. Western blotting (WB) analysis and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were performed to confirm ANGPTL8 expression in these tissues. Results The expressions of ANGPTL3 and 8 mRNA were significantly reduced in mouse liver tissues after cold treatment (P

• Flowering and quality in Lilium × formolongi bulbs are influenced by photoperiods, cold treatments, and developmental stages. • Small bulbs utilize the photoperiod pathway, while large bulbs, particularly after cold treatment, activate the vernalization pathway. Flowering is a pivotal horticultural trait influenced by temperature, photoperiod, and developmental stage. Lilium × formolongi is a perennial plant with high ornamental value and suitability as cut flowers. Besides seed propagation, it can also be propagated using bulbs. However, when using bulbs as propagules, research on influecing flowering is still not comprehensive enough. In this study, we investigated the flowering of Lilium × formolongi bulbs of different sizes induced by different temperature and photoperiod conditions, as well as the expression patterns of key genes in the photoperiod pathway and vernalization pathway during this process. Results highlighted the long-day photoperiod as a prerequisite for flowering, especially for small bulbs. Cold treatment enhanced the expression of photoperiodic genes and promoted flowering in small bulbs. Remarkably, when Lilium × formolongi flowered via the photoperiod pathway, a consistent FLAVIN-BINDING, KELCH REPEAT, F-BOX 1 - GIGANTEA - CONSTANS - FLOWERING LOCUS T (GI - FKF1 - CO - FT) flowering control module was upregulated. For large bulbs, the long-day condition and cold treatment were mutually substituted, combining cold treatment with long-day not only promoted flowering but also enhanced flowering quality. Without cold treatment, flowering was induced through the photoperiod pathway under long-day conditions. Conversely, when cold treatment was applied, the vernalization pathway play a predominant role irrespective of photoperiod, promoting flowering by inhibiting floral repressor genes such as SHORT VEGETATIVE PHASE (LfSVP), FRIGIDA (LfFRI), and VERNALIZATION2 (LfVRN2) to enhance LfVRN1 and LfFT1 expression. In conclusion, we have clarified the temperature and photoperiod conditions required for flowering in bulbs of different sizes of Lilium × formolongi , and it can be applied to production practices and the regulation of flowering periods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invasive Tephritid fruit flies are a global threat to both agriculture and horticulture industries. Biosecurity has played a critical role in reducing their damage but becomes more and more challenging after several key chemical pesticides were banned or withdrawn for health or environmental reasons. This has led to non-chemical approaches including heat and cold treatments being broadly utilized to get rid of fruit fly infestation. However, the molecular mechanisms to kill the flies underlying these stressors are not clear yet. This knowledge will certainly help refine current post-harvest treatment strategies and develop more efficient, cost-effective and environmentally friendly approaches for fruit fly management. Previously, the molecular response of the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) to heat was examined thoroughly, in which 31 key genes were identified with significant changes in expression levels and their high-resolution expression timeline was constructed across 11 timepoints. However, whether these candidate genes respond to cold in the same way was unknown. Here, a temperature bioassay was conducted and the expression profiles of these genes were investigated across the same 11 timepoints using cold treatment. The results showed that most of candidate genes exhibited divergent expression profiles compared to heat treatment, suggesting that the fly molecular response to cold may be different from those to heat. This study provides new knowledge of Tephritid fruit fly response to cold at a molecular level, which could aid in improving current fruit fly management and facilitate the development of new strategies to control this serious horticultural insect pest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pulsatilla cernua var. koreana seeds were harvested at six different dates between 16 days after flowering (DAF) (8 Apr.) and 43 DAF (5 May) in 2018 and categorized into six groups based on X-ray images. Germination tests were performed without and with 2 weeks of moist 5 °C treatment [cold stratification (CS)]. Seeds harvested at 38 DAF (30 Apr.) with well-developed vegetative organs (embryo and endosperm) in seeds categorized as A and B (seed A and seed B, respectively) based on the X-ray images were considered fully developed, and 80% of seeds were considered mature. However, the germination rates were less than 26% or 28% when full seeds harvested at 43 DAF received no or 14 days of CS treatment, respectively. Our study suggests that the low germination rate of fully developed seeds as judged by X-ray images showing well-developed embryo and endosperm could result from the presence of dormancy that was not broken effectively by 14 days of CS coupled with the loss of viability caused by 8 months of dry storage at 5 °C.

South Africa is the 13th largest producer and second largest exporter of citrus fruit globally. The false codling moth, Thaumatotibia leucotreta, and the fruit flies, Ceratitis capitata, C. rosa and Bactrocera dorsalis, can potentially infest citrus fruit and therefore pose a phytosanitary risk for export markets. Consequently, a wide range of postharvest phytosanitary treatments for disinfestation of citrus fruit from these pests have been investigated. These include cold treatments, irradiation, fumigation, heat treatments, and combinations of some of these. Due to the potential phytotoxic effects of all these treatments, the use of a systems approach that depends on two or more independent measures for acceptable phytosanitary risk mitigation is a preferable option. To date, the only postharvest disinfestation treatments used commercially for T. leucotreta and fruit flies for South African citrus, are stand-alone cold treatments and partial cold treatments, as a component in a multi-tiered systems approach. Research on development of novel and improvement of existing postharvest measures continues as a high priority. This includes postharvest detection technologies, in addition to treatment technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clematis (Clematis ×hybrida) is among the flowering plants well-recognized by the retail consumer; however, production has not traditionally fit into standard greenhouse production systems. One reason is the relatively long 2-year production cycle from propagation to flowering. Four experiments were conducted with clematis ‘H.F. Young’ to understand the factors that influence shoot development and flowering of clematis so that strategies could be developed for bulking, providing a cold treatment, and flowering the plants with a shortened production time. The first experiment showed an increase in shoot and flower numbers and a decrease in time to flower as the duration of cold treatment increased from 0 to 9 weeks and the photoperiod increased from 9 to 16 hours. The second experiment resulted in greater shoot and flower numbers when plants were forced at 21 °C as compared with 27 °C. The third experiment showed that the application of ethephon (500 or 1000 mg·L−1) during bulking increased shoot formation (branching) as compared with the control or 500 mg·L−1 benzylaminopurine treatments. The fourth experiment showed that applications of 500 mg·L−1 ethephon along with a 16-hour photoperiod during the bulking period improved shoot number and flowering of the finished crop. The combined results provide guidelines for producing a well-branched, flowering clematis crop within 1 year from the start of propagation to the time of the first open flower.

The present investigation assesses the influence of cultural attributes and heat and cold treatments on the behavior of native toxigenic L. monocytogenes CFR 1302 and non-toxigenic L. innocua CFR 1304 in selected medium. The growth responses of L. monocytogenes and L. innocua under the influencing factors of storage temperature (10-40°C), pH level (5.5-7.5), and storage period (6-48 h) in brain heart infusion and nutrient broths revealed closeness between observed and predicted populations. Response surface plots were generated for the growth behavior of the two test cultures as a function of pH level. The toxigenic L. monocytogenes CFR 1302 could reach a higher viable population. The effect of heat treatment on Listeria spp. in selected five heating menstra showed the lowest D-value of 3.7 min at 60°C for L. innocua CFR 1304 in Milli-Q water to the highest of 8.4 min at 56°C for L. monocytogenes CFR 1302 in skim milk. The average z-value across the heating menstra for L. monocytogenes was 27.3°C as against that of 22°C for L. innocua. In the case of cold treatment, storage of 4 and 8°C resulted in appreciable increase in counts of L. monocytogenes CFR 1302 from the initial inoculum introduced in selected media. At -20°C, there was a slight decrease in the viable population. The research data helps to predict the viable populations of L. monocytogenes as a part of risk assessment in the food chain. This is of significance in providing safe and healthy food to human population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Veronica rotunda var. subintegra (Nakai) T. Yamaz. (mountain spike speedwell) and V. longifolia L. (long-leaf spike speedwell) are Korean native plants that have potential value as novel ornamental crops due to their unique appearance and flowering time. This study was conducted to examine the effects of cold and photoperiod treatments on the growth and flowering of two Veronica species. Eight-week-old seedlings with four or five nodes grown under a 9-h photoperiod were stored at 5 °C for 0, 3, 6, 9, or 12 weeks and then forced under one of six photoperiod conditions [9, 12, 14, 16, or 24 h of continuous light or 9 h with a 4-h night interruption (NI, 22:00 to 02:00 HR)] in a greenhouse. Regardless of cold treatment, there were no significant differences among photoperiod treatments in any growth parameter (i.e., plant height, numbers of nodes or branches, leaf length or width, shoot or root dry weight) in either species. In plants without cold treatment, V. rotunda var. subintegra showed more than 85.7% flowering regardless of photoperiod, and flowering of V. longifolia was 80.0, 66.7, 70.0, 85.7, 71.4, or 100.0% under photoperiods of 9, 12, 14, 16, or 24 h or NI, respectively. The number of nodes below the first inflorescence, the number of visible inflorescences (VI) at the first open flower, and days to VI were not influenced by photoperiod in either species. As a result, cold treatment was not necessarily required for the flowering of the two Veronica species. Moreover, photoperiod also did not affect the flowering of either species. These results indicate that the two Korean native Veronica species can be classified as day-neutral plants with no vernalization requirement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glutamate decarboxylase B (GadB) from Escherichia coli , an intrinsic pyridoxal 5′-phosphate (PLP)-dependent enzyme has been employed for 4-aminobutyric acid (GABA) biosynthesis, which involves the glutamate import and GABA export via a transporter located in the inner membrane as rate determined step of whole-cell (WC) biotransformation. Herein, GadB was cloned and overexpressed in E. coli under a constitutive promoter in a high copy number plasmid, and 46.9 g/L GABA was produced. It was observed that GadB migrated to the periplasm when the WC were subjected to −20 °C cold treatment for 24 h prior to the biotransformation. Kinetic studies indicated that the enzymatic turnover rate of WC increased 2-fold after cold treatment, which was correlated with the migration rate of GadB, and up to 88.6% of GadB. The export or possible migration of GadB mitigated the rate-limiting step of WC biotransformation, and a 100% conversion of substrate to GABA was obtained. Finally, we launched a promising strategy for GABA production of 850 g/L from cost-effective monosodium glutamate (MSG) by using WC biocatalysts with 10-times recycling. • The constitutive Anderson promoter J23100 is effective for GadB expression. • The first attempt to explore GadB crossing to peri-plasma after cold treatment. • Cold treatment on whole-cell biocatalyst significantly increased enzyme activity. • Isothermal titration calorimetry revealed the interaction of GadB with co-factor PLP. • The highest 850 g/L GABA production was obtained by recycling whole-cell biocatalyst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disease accompanied by energetic metabolic imbalance. Because the etiology of PCOS is complex and remains unclear, there is no effective and specific treatment for PCOS. It is often accompanied by various metabolic disorders such as obesity, insulin resistances, and others. Activated brown adipose tissue (BAT) consumes excess energy via thermogenesis, which has positive effects on energy metabolism. Our previous research and that of others indicates that BAT activity is decreased in PCOS patients, and exogenous BAT transplantation can improve PCOS rodents. Notably however, it is difficult to apply this therapeutic strategy in clinical practice. Therapeutic strategies of enhancing endogenous BAT activity and restoring whole-body endocrine homeostasis may be more meaningful for PCOS treatment. In the current study, the dehydroepiandrosterone-induced PCOS rat was exposed to low temperature for 20 days. The results show that cold treatment could reverse acyclicity of the estrous cycle and reduce circulating testosterone and luteinizing hormone in PCOS rats by activating endogenous BAT. It also significantly reduced the expression of steroidogenic enzymes as well as inflammatory factors in the ovaries of PCOS rats. Histological investigations revealed that cold treatment could significantly reduce ovary cystic follicles and increase corpus luteum, indicating that ovulation was recovered to a normal level. Concordant with these results, cold treatment also improved fertility in PCOS rats. Collectively, these findings suggest that cold treatment could be a novel therapeutic strategy for PCOS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brassinosteroids (BR) are multifunctional plant hormones that can regulate growth and development and respond to abiotic stresses. In this study, we investigated the effect of one of brassinosteroids – 24- epibrassinolide (EBL) in alleviating of cold tolerance in winter turnip rape. The results showed that EBL pretreatment could reduce the degree of membrane damage by lipid peroxidation, alleviate ROS burst, improve the osmotic potential, stomatal conductance, photosynthetic efficiency, and antioxidant capacity of winter turnip rape under cold treatment. Compared with EBL + 4 °C treatment, EBL + LaCl3 + 4 °C and EBL + EGTA + 4 °C treatments can significantly increase the degree of membrane lipid damage, reactive oxygen species (ROS) content, decrease the osmotic adjustment and antioxidation ability, reduce photosynthetic efficiency and stomatal conductance in winter turnip rape. RNA-Seq analysis showed that there were 116 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in EL (EBL + 4 °C) vs. L (4 °C), including 70 up-regulated genes and 46 down-regulated genes. These DEGs play a critical role in regulating various physiological processes in plants, such as photosynthesis, osmotic regulation of biofilm systems, Ca2+ signal transduction, redox reactions. We selected the 10 DEGs for further qRT-PCR verification and the results were correlated with the results of RNA-sEq. In conclusion, our research demonstrates that BRs play an important role in enhancing cold tolerance of winter turnip rape. Moreover, additionally LaCl3 and EGTA effects was studied and discussed together with EBL, the results show that Ca2+ signalling is involved in BRs-induced cold tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disease accompanied by energetic metabolic imbalance. Because the etiology of PCOS is complex and remains unclear, there is no effective and specific treatment for PCOS. It is often accompanied by various metabolic disorders such as obesity, insulin resistances, and others. Activated brown adipose tissue (BAT) consumes excess energy via thermogenesis, which has positive effects on energy metabolism. Our previous research and that of others indicates that BAT activity is decreased in PCOS patients, and exogenous BAT transplantation can improve PCOS rodents. Notably however, it is difficult to apply this therapeutic strategy in clinical practice. Therapeutic strategies of enhancing endogenous BAT activity and restoring whole-body endocrine homeostasis may be more meaningful for PCOS treatment. In the current study, the dehydroepiandrosterone-induced PCOS rat was exposed to low temperature for 20 days. The results show that cold treatment could reverse acyclicity of the estrous cycle and reduce circulating testosterone and luteinizing hormone in PCOS rats by activating endogenous BAT. It also significantly reduced the expression of steroidogenic enzymes as well as inflammatory factors in the ovaries of PCOS rats. Histological investigations revealed that cold treatment could significantly reduce ovary cystic follicles and increase corpus luteum, indicating that ovulation was recovered to a normal level. Concordant with these results, cold treatment also improved fertility in PCOS rats. Collectively, these findings suggest that cold treatment could be a novel therapeutic strategy for PCOS.

This study analyzed the effect of combined phosphine (PH3) fumigation and low-temperature treatment on the control of Drosophila suzukii. In the low-temperature, single-treatment experiment, there was no significant difference in insecticidal activity between 1 °C and 5 °C except in D. suzukii adults. Adults showed 98.0% mortality after exposure to 1 °C for 7 d. Regarding fumigation treatment with PH3 alone, adults were the most susceptible, and pupae had the highest tolerance. Combined low-temperature treatment and fumigation showed a synergistic effect, except in the egg stage, and showed slight synergistic effects in larvae and pupae regardless of the combined treatment order. In pupae, the combination group exposed to 1 °C for 24 h after exposure to PH3 for 4 h had the lowest LCT99 value, at 10.49 mg·h/L. The sorption rate of PH3 on grapes decreased to 85.49% after 4 h of exposure, with a 15% loading ratio (w/v), and there was no significant difference in various criteria of phytotoxicity in exposed grapes compared to control, even after 14 d of combined treatment. Therefore, this study indicates that combined PH3 fumigation and low-temperature treatment could be useful in D. suzukii control.

Background: Angiopoietin-like proteins (ANGPTL), primarily 3, 4, and 8, play a major role in maintaining energy homeostasis by regulating triglyceride metabolism. This study evaluated the level of ANGPTL3, 4, and 8 in the liver, brown adipose tissue (BAT), and subcutaneous white adipose tissue (SAT) of mice maintained under acute and chronic cold conditions. Methods: C57BL/6J mice were exposed to cold temperature (4 °C) for 10 days with food provided ad libitum. Animal tissues were harvested at Day 0 (Control group, n = 5) and Days 1, 3, 5, and 10 (cold treatment groups, n = 10 per group). The expression levels of various genes were measured in the liver, SAT, and BAT. ANGPTL3, 4, and 8 expressions were measured in the liver. ANGPTL4, 8, and genes involved in browning and lipid metabolism [uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1), lipoprotein lipase (LPL), and adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL)] were measured in SAT and BAT. Western blotting (WB) analysis and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were performed to confirm ANGPTL8 expression in these tissues. Results: The expressions of ANGPTL3 and 8 mRNA were significantly reduced in mouse liver tissues after cold treatment (P < 0.05); however, the expression of ANGPTL4 was not significantly altered. In BAT, ANGPTL8 expression was unchanged after cold treatment, whereas ANGPTL4 expression was significantly reduced (P < 0.05). ANGPTL4 levels were also significantly reduced in SAT, whereas ANGPTL8 gene expression exhibited over a 5-fold increase. Similarly, UCP1 gene expression was also significantly increased in SAT. The mRNA levels of LPL and ATGL showed an initial increase followed by a gradual decrease with an increase in the days of cold exposure. ANGPTL8 protein overexpression was further confirmed by WB and IHC. Conclusions: This study shows that exposure to acute and chronic cold treatment results in the differential expression of ANGPTL proteins in the liver and adipose tissues (SAT and BAT). The results show a significant reduction in ANGPTL4 in BAT, which is linked to improved thermogenesis in response to acute cold exposure. ANGPTL8 was activated under acute and chronic cold conditions in SAT, suggesting that it is involved in regulating lipolysis and enhancing SAT browning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The mechanism of cold treatment affects the fatigue life of carburized steel. • Cold treatment before tempering is not beneficial to the fatigue property. • Cold treatment after tempering improves the fatigue property. • The cold treatment sequence will cause different fatigue failure modes. • The location of crack source varies greatly due to the cold treatment process. In this paper, the role of cold treatment (before tempering and after tempering) on the fatigue properties of 18CrNiMo7-6 carburized steel are systematically investigated, and the fatigue crack initiation mechanism of 18CrNiMo7-6 carburized steel is clarified through the observation of fatigue fracture surfaces. In addition, the changes of hardness, microstructure and residual stress during fatigue test were observed in situ. The results revealed that after cold treatment (after tempering), the fatigue limit increased from 830 MPa to 870 MPa. The fracture of cold treatment group after tempering was caused by inclusions. On the contrary, the cold treatment before tempering is not beneficial to the fatigue property. Furthermore, the cracking induced by high density twinned martensite was observed in the cold treatment group before tempering. Finally, the retained austenite content of the surface layer after the cold treatment (before tempering) decreased significantly. However, under the action of cyclic load, the high hardness and residual compressive stress of the surface layer continue to decrease due to the cyclic softening and stress relaxation effects, respectively. The poor persistence of hardness and residual compressive stress is not conducive to the fatigue properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insect's bionomics and development are highly dependent on the environmental temperature. For centuries, this fact has been used for the control of storage pests. However, the temperature threshold depends on the species, life stage, acclimation and exposure period. This work assessed the effects of low temperatures (4,-4,-10,-15 and-18°C) and exposure period (10, 30, 60, 120 and 180 min) on the survival and development of Plodia interpunctella larvae, and adults of Sitophilus oryzae and S. zeamais, the prevalent maize pests in Serbia. Data were analysed using one-way and two-way ANOVA. Additionally, Probyt analysis was performed to determine the LT 50 and LT 99. The first significant effects were recorded at-4°C for S. oryzae when the mortality was 41% after 120 and 52% after 180 min of exposure. At-10°C, the mortality of S. zeamais was significant after 180 min (52.5%) and increased with the exposure period. The significant mortality of P. interpunctella larvae was at-15°C after 10 min (55.5%). At-18°C, P. interpunctella larvae were the most susceptible and 98% of mortality was recorded after 10 min, while 77.5% of S. oryzae and 68% of S. zeamais was recorded after 10 min. Two-way ANOVA showed that both factors (temperature and exposure) significantly affected the mortality of tested species, but the first factor was the most influential. These results indicate that temperature and exposure period should be adjusted to specific pest, while in combined infestations the temperature should be adjusted to the most tolerant one.

The fumigation of apples using methyl bromide (MeBr) can cause severe deterioration in fruit quality. Moreover, maintaining the quality of apples during postharvest storage and eradicating pests, especially those involved in quarantine issues, are important for facilitating the export of apples, including the “Fuji” apple (Malus pumila var. “Fuji”) in South Korea. In the present study, phosphine (PH3) fumigation as an alternative to MeBr was found to be more effective for the control of peach fruit moth larvae (Carposina sasakii), which had naturally infested Fuji apples, at a high temperature (25 °C) rather than at a low temperature (5 °C). To achieve the industry requirement of better-quality perishable commodities and meet quarantine guidelines for export, PH3 fumigation at the low temperature (5 °C) was followed by cold treatments at 3 ± 2 °C for 2 and 4 weeks, which led to higher efficacy than was achieved using PH3 at 5 °C alone. Given that chemical treatments, such as treatment with 1-methylcyclopropene, can inhibit ethylene synthesis, low-temperature PH3 fumigation for 72 h followed by 4 weeks of cold treatment could also extend the shelf life of apples and resolve known quarantine issues when used as an alternative to MeBr treatment.

Drosophila suzukii is a quarantine pest that is rapidly spreading in berries. This study evaluated the synergistic effect of combination treatment with ethyl formate (EF) and cold temperature for D. suzukii control on imported grapes. A higher insecticidal effect was observed at 1 °C than at 5 °C at all developmental stages, and the pupal stage showed the strongest tolerance to cold temperature. After EF fumigation alone, eggs showed the highest tolerance at 216.67 mg·h/L (LCT99 value), and adults showed the highest susceptibility at D. suzukii control in the 12 L desiccator was shorter in the combination treatment group at the LCT80 value than at the LCT50 value of the egg stage. EF showed a very high sorption rate (24%) after 4 h of exposure at a grape loading ratio of 15% in a 0.65 m3 fumigation chamber. As the grape loading ratio for combination treatment decreased, D. suzukii mortality increased, but when EF was administered at the LCT80 value, there was little difference in the mortalities of the eggs and larvae but not the pupae. All D. suzukii developmental stages were completely controlled within 7 days after combination treatment, and phytotoxicity was not observed in grapes. These results suggest that the combination of cold-temperature treatment and EF fumigation could be used for D. suzukii control.

[Display omitted] • Spotted wing drosophila (SWD) is a major phytosanitary trade barrier of berries. • Egg was the most tolerant life stage of SWD toward ethyl formate (EF) fumigation. • EF effectively controlled SWD eggs with no noticeable damage on blueberry appearance. • Combination of low dose EF and cold treatment was also effective for SWD control. Spotted wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae), is a serious invasive pest of berries and cherries in the U.S. and Europe and has become a major phytosanitary trade barrier. In this pilot study, we explored the potential of using stand-alone ethyl formate (EF) treatment and a combinatory treatment of EF and cold temperature as postharvest control options for D. suzukii in imported blueberries. Stand-alone EF fumigations were effective against D. suzukii with LCt 99% of 207.7 and 168.5 g·h·m−3 for eggs, the most tolerant life stage, at 5 and 21 °C, respectively. In a scale-up (10 m3) trial conducted at 5 °C, complete control of D. suzukii eggs placed inside and outside of blueberry boxes was achieved using 70 g·m−3 EF for 4 h with 5% blueberry loading ratio without deleterious impact on blueberry appearance such as soft spot or berry shrivel. In small scale pilot studies, 9-d stand-alone cold treatment at 5 °C was sufficient for complete control of D. suzukii eggs and larvae tested, but not pupae. The efficacy of this cold treatment appeared to be improved when D. suzukii eggs were first treated with low-dose EF (LCt 50% level) prior to the cold treatment. The combination treatment resulted in complete mortality of D. suzukii eggs, larvae, and pupae tested after 7, 5, and 9 d of cold treatment, respectively. Together, these results suggest that stand-alone EF treatment, or the combination treatment of low-dose EF and cold as a systems approach may have a potential as postharvest treatments for D. suzukii in blueberries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A process of hardening of steel 16Kh3NVFMB-Sh involving vacuum carburizing and subsequent hardening heat treatment is studied. It is shown that in order to obtain an optimum phase composition and, as a consequence, high operating properties, the steel should be subjected after carburizing to high tempering for formation of a fine ferrite-carbide structure. The treatment should be finished with quenching after the second heating, cold treatment and low tempering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants (different genotypes) of Cyclopia, used for production of South African honeybush tea (a herbal tisane product), are being improved through breeding for largescale cultivation, but seed dimorphism and dormancy negatively affect germination percentage. In order to increase the percentage of plants that can be obtained from a batch of seed, mature embryo culture and the influence of pod position on seed colour were investigated for C. longifolia, C. maculata and C. subternata. Mature embryos were excised and cultured in vitro at 25 °C ± 1 °C, 24-hour photoperiod, with and without prior cold treatment. The culture of mature embryos proved to be very successful, consistently resulting in more plantlets than conventional sowing. Mature honeybush pods were also collected from the upper, middle and lower-third foliar portions of honeybush shrubs to determine the number of green/indeterminate/brown seeds produced in each position. However, the ratio of dimorphic seed colours produced could not be predicted by pod position. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study provides an efficient cryopreservation protocol for Tulipa tarda cultured in vitro. Apices were excised from bulblets cultivated on MS medium, supplemented with 60 or 90 g l− 1 sucrose. Half of the bulblets were subjected to a cold treatment at 5 °C for 10 weeks, before exposure of the apices to loading solution (LS) and plant vitrification solution 2 (PVS2). Ten weeks after rewarming and culture on recovery medium, 100% regrowth rates were obtained for cold treated explants cultured on 60 g l− 1 sucrose after 30 and 60 min exposure to PVS2. Cold treatment significantly improved the recovery rates of most of the cryopreserved apical meristems while an enrichment of the culture medium with higher sucrose concentration (90 g l− 1) did not improve regrowth of the apices. Key message: Cryopreservation based on droplet-vitrification technique allows for successful plant regeneration from apical meristem of Tulipa tarda. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the heat treatment of the bearing ring, due to the different degree of thermal expansion of the outer surface and inner metal of the bearing ring, and the large thermal stress and tissue stress generated in the ring, resulting in serious deformation of the ring in the diameter direction and increased roundness error. For these problems, the heat treatment test of the bearing ring was carried out, with the cold treatment process added to the heat treatment. The effect of cold treatment on the residual stress, retained austenite and roundness of the bearing ring was analyzed. The research results show that: because the degree of deformation of the bearing ring is affected by the residual stress, the cold treatment process can significantly improve the residual stress on the bearing ring surface and reduce the deformation. The cold treatment process can accelerate the transformation from retained austenite to martensite in the bearing ring, reduce the content of retained austenite, refine the martensite structure and promote the precipitation of network carbide. The cold treatment after quenching also can improve the roundness accuracy of the bear outer ring and the bearing ring raceway, and ensure the processing quality and dimensional stability, which will be a significant benefit in industrial applications.

Introduction: Pain is a common and inevitable component of labor process and is considered as the most severe pain in human. Regarding the importance of reducing labor pain and prioritizing natural vaginal delivery, this study was conducted to determine the effect of localized cold treatment modality on labor pain in primiparous women. Methods: This clinical trial was conducted among 80 primiparous eligible women eligible in Karaj Maternity Hospitals, Karaj, Iran. The samples were randomly assigned into two groups of control and intervention. To determine the severity of pain and duration of delivery, McGill's Pain Questionnaire was used. Data analysis was performed using independent samples and paired t-tests in SPSS software, version 19. P-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: There was a significant difference between the groups regarding the severity of pain, mean duration of first and second stages of labor, frequency distribution of satisfaction of the subjects, satisfaction with breastfeeding and cuddling (P0.05, P=0.43, and P=0.86, respectively). Conclusion: Cold treatment modality was useful for controlling labor pain in comparison to routine care.

Clematis (Clematis 3hybrida) is among the flowering plants well-recognized by the retail consumer; however, production has not traditionally fit into standard green- house production systems. One reason is the relatively long 2-year production cycle from propagation to flowering. Four experiments were conducted with clematis 'H.F. Young' to understand the factors that influence shoot development and flowering of clematis so that strategies could be developed for bulking, providing a cold treatment, and flowering the plants with a shortened production time. The first experiment showed an increase in shoot and flower numbers and a decrease in time to flower as the duration of cold treatment increased from 0 to 9 weeks and the photoperiod increased from 9 to 16 hours. The second experiment resulted in greater shoot and flower numbers when plants were forced at 21 °C as compared with 27 °C. The third experiment showed that the application of ethephon (500 or 1000 mg·L-1 ) during bulking increased shoot formation (branching) as compared with the control or 500 mg·L-1 benzylaminopurine treatments. The fourth experiment showed that applications of 500 mg·L-1 ethephon along with a 16-hour photoperiod during the bulking period improved shoot number and flowering of the finished crop. The combined results provide guidelines for producing a well-branched, flowering clematis crop within 1 year from the start of propagation to the time of the first open flower. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]