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ABSTRACT The study aimed to evaluate the influence of silver nitrate on the in vitro flowering of Capsicum frutescens cv. Cayenne associated with different light spectra and gas exchange. After 36 days of germination in MS medium, two seedlings previously germinated, were subjected to experiments in glass flasks containing two types of culture medium: I) MS culture medium; or II) Culture medium with the addition of 40 µM of AgNO3. The explants were maintained in a growth room with a 16-hour photoperiod, temperature of 25 ± 2 °C, light intensity (72 μmol m-2 s-1) from different light spectra. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design, 4 x 2 factorial scheme, with eight replicates, and the experimental unit composed of two seedlings. After 74 days of in vitro cultivation, the following parameters were evaluated: number of bifurcations, number of oxidized buds, number of open buds, number of green buds, number of aborted buds, number of leaves, root length, shoot length, total fresh and dry mass of shoots, and total fresh and dry mass of root. Thus, the combination of light spectrum, addition of gas exchange and AgNO3 favors the growth and development of Capsicum frutescens cv. Cayenne.

Water colour remote sensing is a valuable tool for assessing bio-optical and biogeochemical parameters across the vast extent of the Amazon River Continuum (ARC). However, accurate retrieval depends on selecting the best atmospheric correction (AC). Four AC processors (Acolite, Polymer, C2RCC, OC-SMART) were evaluated against in situ remote sensing reflectance ( R r s ) measurements. K-means classification identified four optical water types (OWTs) that are affected by the ARC. Two OWTs showed seasonal differences in the Lower Amazon River, influenced by the increase in suspended sediment concentration with river discharge. The other OWTs in the Amazon River Plume are dominated by phytoplankton or by a mixture of optically significant constituents. The Quality Water Index Polynomial method used to assess the quality of in situ and orbital R r s had a high failure rate when the Apparent Visible Wavelength was >580 nm for in situ R r s . OC-SMART R r s products showed better spectral quality compared to R r s derived from other AC processors evaluated in this study. These results improve our understanding of remotely sensing very turbid waters, such as those in the Amazon River Continuum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Utilizing quantum dot (QD) luminescent films as a greenhouse covering material is an innovative method of modifying the greenhouse light spectrum. The QD films convert a portion of high-energy ultraviolet and blue photons to lower-energy photons. Previous research has shown that the application of QD films in greenhouses led to improved crop yields of red lettuce and tomatoes. However, the underlying mechanism of the yield increases has not been fully explored. We quantified the effects of solar spectral shifts attributable to QD films on plant morphology, radiation capture, and, subsequently, crop yield. Green and red leaf lettuces and basil were grown in a greenhouse under four treatments: regular-concentration QD film (reg QD film); high-concentration QD film (high QD film); color-neutral polyethylene (PE) film; and control treatment without any films. Compared to the reg QD film, the high QD film converted a higher fraction of blue photons into longer-wavelength photons, resulting in enhanced leaf expansion, stem elongation, and shoot fresh weight of red lettuce and basil compared with those grown under the PE film without spectral modifications. No significant growth differences were observed between the control and high QD film treatments of red lettuce and basil despite a 23% reduction in the average daily light integral (DLI) under the high QD film treatment. Compared to that grown under the control treatment, green lettuce grown under the high QD film treatment had a similar total leaf area but reduced shoot biomass; this was likely associated with reductions in leaf thickness and chlorophyll content. In contrast, the red lettuce showed more pronounced leaf expansion and reduced leaf anthocyanin content under the high QD film, which likely helped to offset the reduction in DLI. Overall, our results indicated that modifying the solar spectrum with QD films as greenhouse covering material could result in improved crop radiation capture and yield in greenhouse production of lettuce and basil. However, the spectral shifts caused by the QD films may affect crop quality attributes, such as anthocyanin levels and the production of other beneficial secondary metabolites. This effect on crop quality should be carefully considered and requires further study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the rise of novel 3D magnetic resonance spectroscopy imaging (MRSI) acquisition protocols in clinical practice, which are capable of capturing a large number of spectra from a subject's brain, there is a need for an automated preprocessing pipeline that filters out bad‐quality spectra and identifies contaminated but salvageable spectra prior to the metabolite quantification step. This work introduces such a pipeline based on an ensemble of deep‐learning classifiers. The dataset consists of 36,338 spectra from one healthy subject and five brain tumor patients, acquired with an EPSI variant, which implemented a novel type of spectral editing named SLOtboom–Weng (SLOW) editing on a 7T MR scanner. The spectra were labeled manually by an expert into four classes of spectral quality as follows: (i) noise, (ii) spectra greatly influenced by lipid‐related artifacts (deemed not to contain clinical information), (iii) spectra containing metabolic information slightly contaminated by lipid signals, and (iv) good‐quality spectra. The AI model consists of three pairs of networks, each comprising a convolutional autoencoder and a multilayer perceptron network. In the classification step, the encoding half of the autoencoder is kept as a dimensionality reduction tool, while the fully connected layers are added to its output. Each of the three pairs of networks is trained on different representations of spectra (real, imaginary, or both), aiming at robust decision‐making. The final class is assigned via a majority voting scheme. The F1 scores obtained on the test dataset for the four previously defined classes are 0.96, 0.93, 0.82, and 0.90, respectively. The arguably lower value of 0.82 was reached for the least represented class of spectra mildly influenced by lipids. Not only does the proposed model minimise the required user interaction, but it also greatly reduces the computation time at the metabolite quantification step (by selecting a subset of spectra worth quantifying) and enforces the display of only clinically relevant information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artificial lighting, including light-emitting diode (LED) illumination, is increasingly being optimized in protected agricultural systems to maximize plant yield and quality. However, it may also cause other top–down and bottom–up effects in these relatively simple ecological communities that also include insect pests and their natural enemies. While some effects of LED lighting on insects have been demonstrated to date, it is not known how they influence biological control of insect pests in practice. To examine potential top–down and bottom–up impacts of LED illumination on greenhouse biological control with parasitoids, we studied the effects of artificially lengthened days on a tri-trophic system in cages and in a greenhouse. We grew plants under a 12-h photoperiod of white-supplemented light with 6 h of additional (1) white light or (2) red and blue light, or (3) with no additional light. We exposed the plants to the pest aphid Myzus persicae (Hemiptera: Aphididae) with or without its parasitoid wasp Aphidius matricariae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), or to no insects. The 18-h light treatments increased mean plant dry mass by 127% compared with the 12-h control without affecting the aphid's population density or the parasitoid's biological control efficacy, under relatively low light conditions. This suggests that insect communities in protected agriculture can be resilient to even drastic changes in their light environment, and that adjusting crop lighting in a manner that affects plant growth does not necessarily compromise biological control's effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Variations in the productivity of subnivean vegetation can substantially affect the ecology of regions more susceptible to increasing warming levels and lead to significant feedback effects on the global climate. Due to its importance, this topic is at the center of a broad scope of interdisciplinary studies supported by field and remote sensing observations. However, the current knowledge about environmental factors affecting the penetration of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) through snow is still constrained by the paucity of transmittance data. In this work, we aim to further the understanding about these interconnected processes. We conduct a systematic investigation about the effects of independent and combined changes in key nivological characteristics, namely thickness, saturation, density and grain size, on snow transmittance in the photosynthetic spectral domain. Our investigation is carried out through controlled in silico (computational) experiments supported by measured radiometric data. Its outcomes unveil fundamental quantitative and qualitative trends related to the role played by these nivological characteristics on the spectral quality of transmitted PAR, which is quantified in terms of red to blue ( R / B ), red to far-red ( R / F R ) and blue to far-red ( B / F R ) ratios. These trends include increases in the R / B ratio as well as decreases in the R / F R and B / F R ratios following thickness reductions or grain size increases, with opposite variations in these ratios being observed for saturation or density increases. Accordingly, the pairing of our findings with in situ and remotely collected information contributes to cement the scientific foundation required for the effective assessment of cause-effect loops linking accentuated vegetation greening to accelerated rates of snow cover recession. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water colour remote sensing is a valuable tool for assessing bio-optical and biogeochemical parameters across the vast extent of the Amazon River Continuum (ARC). However, accurate retrieval depends on selecting the best atmospheric correction (AC). Four AC processors (Acolite, Polymer, C2RCC, OC-SMART) were evaluated against in situ remote sensing reflectance (Rrs) measurements. K-means classification identified four optical water types (OWTs) that are affected by the ARC. Two OWTs showed seasonal differences in the Lower Amazon River, influenced by the increase in suspended sediment concentration with river discharge. The other OWTs in the Amazon River Plume are dominated by phytoplankton or by a mixture of optically significant constituents. The Quality Water Index Polynomial method used to assess the quality of in situ and orbital Rrs had a high failure rate when the Apparent Visible Wavelength was >580 nm for in situ Rrs. OC-SMART Rrs products showed better spectral quality compared to Rrs derived from other AC processors evaluated in this study. These results improve our understanding of remotely sensing very turbid waters, such as those in the Amazon River Continuum.

Effective strategies to optimize algal growth and lipid productivity are critical for the sustainable production of biomass for various applications. Light management has emerged as a promising approach, but the intricate relationship between light intensity, spectral quality, and algal responses remains poorly understood. This study investigated the effects of different light qualities (blue, red-orange, and white-yellow) and intensities (45–305 μmol/m2·s) on Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. Red-orange light exhibited the highest promotion of biomass growth and lipid productivity, with specific growth rates of 1.968 (d−1) and biomass productivity of 0.284 (g/L/d) at 155 μmol/m2·s and 205 μmol/m2·s, respectively. Within the intensity range of 205 μmol/m2·s to 305 μmol/m2·s, lipid mass fractions ranged from 10.5% w/w to 11.0% w/w, accompanied by lipid concentrations ranging from 68.6 mg/L to 74.9 mg/L. Red-orange light positively influenced carbohydrate accumulation, while blue light promoted protein synthesis. These findings highlight the importance of optimizing light quality and intensity to enhance algal biomass productivity and manipulate biochemical composition. Understanding the complex relationship between light parameters and algal physiology will contribute to sustainable algal cultivation practices and the use of microalgae as a valuable bioresource. • Light saturation and light inhibition were quantified for three distinct spectral qualities. • A significant interaction between light intensity and spectral quality was identified. • Red-orange light demonstrated a positive effect on growth kinetics and lipid productivity. • Within the tested intensity range, blue light exhibited a stimulatory effect on protein synthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Riparian planting is often recommended for stream restoration, notably to mitigate solar heating of stream waters. However, plant leaves shade photosynthetically active radiation (PAR, 400–700 nm) more efficiently than the near‐infrared (NIR, 700–3000 nm) wavelengths that comprise about half of incident solar radiation and so contribute equally to water heating. Total solar radiation (NIR + PAR) exposure at the reach scale is needed to avoid bias when predicting the thermal response of streams. In this article, we alert stream ecologists and riparian restorers to the water heating contribution of NIR and provide a means to account for both NIR and PAR in total solar radiation penetrating riparian canopies. We used spectral pyranometers to simultaneously measure total solar radiation and its NIR component under different tree canopies over a wide range of shade conditions as indexed by PAR exposure. Measurements were made during full overcast (diffuse lighting) conditions so as to 'sample' transmission of radiation through the complete canopy. The NIR proportion of sub‐canopy solar radiation increased steadily with increasing shade and was appreciably greater under willow than pine canopies, while NZ native broadleaf rainforest had intermediate (rather variable) NIR content. Our trend lines for different tree canopies permit total sub‐canopy solar radiation to be estimated from PAR exposure for unbiased modelling of stream thermal regimes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spectral quality of supplemental greenhouse lighting can directly influence aroma volatiles and secondary metabolic resource allocation (i.e., specific compounds and classes of compounds). Research is needed to determine species-specific secondary metabolic responses to supplemental lighting (SL) sources with an emphasis on variations in spectral quality. The primary objective of this experiment was to determine the impact of supplemental narrowband blue (B) and red (R) LED lighting ratios and discrete wavelengths on flavor volatiles in hydroponic basil (Ocimum basilicum var. Italian Large Leaf). A natural light (NL) control and different broadband lighting sources were also evaluated to establish the impact of adding discrete and broadband supplements to the ambient solar spectrum. Each SL treatment provided 8.64 mol.m-2.d-1 (100 µmol.m-2.s-1, 24 h.d-1) photon flux. The daily light integral (DLI) of the NL control averaged 11.75 mol.m-2.d-1 during the growth period (ranging from 4 to 20 mol.m-2.d-1). Basil plants were harvested 45 d after seeding. Using GC-MS, we explored, identified, and quantified several important volatile organic compounds (VOCs) with known influence on sensory perception and/or plant physiological processes of sweet basil. We found that the spectral quality from SL sources, in addition to changes in the spectra and DLI of ambient sunlight across growing seasons, directly influence basil aroma volatile concentrations. Further, we found that specific ratios of narrowband B/R wavelengths, combinations of discrete narrowband wavelengths, and broadband wavelengths directly and differentially influence the overall aroma profile as well as specific compounds. Based on the results of this study, we recommend supplemental 450 and 660 nm (± 20 nm) wavelengths at a ratio of approximately 10B/90R at 100-200 µmol.m-2.s-1, 12-24 h.d-1 for sweet basil grown under standard greenhouse conditions, with direct consideration of the natural solar spectrum and DLI provided for any given location and growing season. This experiment demonstrates the ability to use discrete narrowband wavelengths to augment the natural solar spectrum to provide an optimal light environment across variable growing seasons. Future experiments should investigate SL spectral quality for the optimization of sensory compounds in other high-value specialty crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Classification of water bodies is an effective means of understanding the optical properties of aquatic environments. However, most existing water classification systems are mainly based on the visible domain, and the ultraviolet (UV) wavelength, which has important impacts on the growth of phytoplankton, has received less focus. In this study, we developed a novel water classification and spectral scoring system (denoted OC_3S) using 26,709 global in situ hyperspectral data. These spectral data range from the UV to visible domain (380 nm to 750 nm), covering waters from clear to turbid. OC_3S classified water types into 30 classes, providing detailed information on the inherent optical properties and apparent optical properties of different water classes and quality assurance of remote sensing reflectance (R rs) spectra for multiple sensor data. The results show that OC_3S can capture high-quality R rs data with little loss of data volume. For example, the uncertainty of R rs (4 4 3) can be reduced by ∼1.33 % at the cost of 5 % of observations in oligotrophic oceans. In addition, OC_3S performs more stably in turbid water classes compared to the QA system (Wei, J., Lee, Z., & Shang, S., 2016b. A system to measure the data quality of spectral remote‐sensing reflectance of aquatic environments. Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans , 8189–8207) because the coefficient of variation of OC_3S scores in turbid waters can be reduced by ∼44 % compared to that of QA scores. Moreover, good consistency was observed when OC_3S was applied to multiple current satellite images due to its superior tolerance to potential errors in atmospheric correction and radiometric calibration. Our OC_3S is capable of reducing the uncertainty of satellite products and could be applied to future sensors with UV bands (e.g., PACE). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Variations in the productivity of subnivean vegetation can substantially affect the ecology of regions more susceptible to increasing warming levels and lead to significant feedback effects on the global climate. Due to its importance, this topic is at the center of a broad scope of interdisciplinary studies supported by field and remote sensing observations. However, the current knowledge about environmental factors affecting the penetration of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) through snow is still constrained by the paucity of transmittance data. In this work, we aim to further the understanding about these interconnected processes. We conduct a systematic investigation about the effects of independent and combined changes in key nivological characteristics, namely thickness, saturation, density and grain size, on snow transmittance in the photosynthetic spectral domain. Our investigation is carried out through controlled in silico (computational) experiments supported by measured radiometric data. Its outcomes unveil fundamental quantitative and qualitative trends related to the role played by these nivological characteristics on the spectral quality of transmitted PAR, which is quantified in terms of red to blue (R/B), red to far-red (R/FR) and blue to far-red (B/FR) ratios. These trends include increases in the R/B ratio as well as decreases in the R/FR and B/FR ratios following thickness reductions or grain size increases, with opposite variations in these ratios being observed for saturation or density increases. Accordingly, the pairing of our findings with in situ and remotely collected information contributes to cement the scientific foundation required for the effective assessment of cause-effect loops linking accentuated vegetation greening to accelerated rates of snow cover recession.

The spectral quality of supplemental greenhouse lighting can directly influence aroma volatiles and secondary metabolic resource allocation (i.e., specific compounds and classes of compounds). Research is needed to determine species-specific secondary metabolic responses to supplemental lighting (SL) sources with an emphasis on variations in spectral quality. The primary objective of this experiment was to determine the impact of supplemental narrowband blue (B) and red (R) LED lighting ratios and discrete wavelengths on flavor volatiles in hydroponic basil (Ocimum basilicum var. Italian Large Leaf). A natural light (NL) control and different broadband lighting sources were also evaluated to establish the impact of adding discrete and broadband supplements to the ambient solar spectrum. Each SL treatment provided 8.64 mol.m-2.d-1 (100 µmol.m-2.s-1, 24 h.d-1) photon flux. The daily light integral (DLI) of the NL control averaged 11.75 mol.m-2.d-1 during the growth period (ranging from 4 to 20 mol.m-2.d-1). Basil plants were harvested 45 d after seeding. Using GC-MS, we explored, identified, and quantified several important volatile organic compounds (VOCs) with known influence on sensory perception and/or plant physiological processes of sweet basil. We found that the spectral quality from SL sources, in addition to changes in the spectra and DLI of ambient sunlight across growing seasons, directly influence basil aroma volatile concentrations. Further, we found that specific ratios of narrowband B/R wavelengths, combinations of discrete narrowband wavelengths, and broadband wavelengths directly and differentially influence the overall aroma profile as well as specific compounds. Based on the results of this study, we recommend supplemental 450 and 660 nm (± 20 nm) wavelengths at a ratio of approximately 10B/90R at 100-200 µmol.m-2.s-1, 12-24 h.d-1 for sweet basil grown under standard greenhouse conditions, with direct consideration of the natural solar spectrum and DLI provided for any given location and growing season. This experiment demonstrates the ability to use discrete narrowband wavelengths to augment the natural solar spectrum to provide an optimal light environment across variable growing seasons. Future experiments should investigate SL spectral quality for the optimization of sensory compounds in other high-value specialty crops.

• NIL quality and NPK fertilizers differentially affect growth and flowering of Phalaenopsis. • Under the NI-B treatment, days to the first flower opening and leaf area index were increased. • The highest leaf area and dry weight were found in 19-6-20 NPK exposed plant. • NPK fertilizer 12-12-36, led to an increase of P and K contents and a decrease of Ca level in leaves. Phalaenopsis orchid (the moth orchid; Phalaenopsis spp.) is the most sold indoor's potted plant in the world's major floriculture markets. In the present study, the effects of night interruption light (NIL) quality and different NPK fertilizers were evaluated on the vegetative growth and flowering of Phalaenopsis orchid 'Evolution' in a factorial experiment based on Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. In the first factor, six-old month plants from the last days of August to October, when the length of flower buds was about 5 cm, were grown under NIL in the controlled chambers of a greenhouse. NI was provided by white (NI-W), red (NI-R) and blue (NI-B) LEDs at the significantly reduced intensity of 15-23 μmol m−2 s−1 PPF. The NIL qualities employed for 4-h a day throughout the dark period. Control plants received 10 h of light during the day. In the second factor, three water-soluble NPK fertilizers including 19-6-20, 12-12-36 and 20-20-20 were applied separately throughout the entire vegetative and reproductive stage to plants at the concentration of 1 g L−1. According to the results, NI-W and NI-B reduced the leaf area compared to the control, while NI-R had no effect. Flowering was not affected by the NIL quality, and all plants flowered upon employed treatments. Under the NI-B treatment, days to the first flower opening, as well as leaf area, were increased; meanwhile, chl a, b , total chl, carotenoid, and the number of leaves and florets in an inflorescence were decreased. Among NPK fertilizers, the highest leaf area and dry weight were found in 19-6-20 NPK. Flowering yield was practically unaffected by the kind of the NPK fertilizer used. However, NPK fertilizer 12-12-36, led to an increase of P and K contents and a decrease of Ca content in the leaves of plant during the reproductive stage. These results suggest that both NIL quality and NPK fertilizers had different effects on growth and flowering. NI-R and NI-W had more pronounced effects on the growth and flowering characteristics of Phalaenopsis orchid. The negative role of 20-20-20 treatment compared to 19-6-20 could be due to the adverse effects of higher P. Among different NPK fertilizers, 19-6-20 efficiently affected physiological and morphological characteristics of Phalaenopsis orchid , but the reproductive stage was not significantly impacted by employed NPK fertilizers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A fundamental limitation of the spectral response of laser-pumped fluorescent nanostructured media was considered in terms of a probabilistic model establishing the relationship between the enhancement factor of a spectral quality and characteristic propagation and amplification scales of pump light and fluorescence in the medium. It was shown that the minimum spectral width of fluorescent response of the pumped medium is limited by competition between the stimulated emission and radiation losses in microscopic fluorescence emitters associated with the speckles randomly modulating the pumping light field. Theoretical results were compared to the experimental data on the spectral properties of the fluorescent response of laser-pumped nanostructured "anatase nanoparticles—dye solutions" systems with various structural and optical properties. Rhodamine 6G and 4-(dicyanomethylene)-2-methyl-6-(p-dimethylaminostyryl)-4H-pyran (DCM) were applied as fluorescent components in the examined systems with various scatter volume fractions, which were pumped by pulse-periodic laser radiation with various intensities at 532 nm. Comparison showed a fair agreement between the theoretical and experimental results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Basella alba L. (Malabar spinach) is a non-conventional food plant (PANC) with high nutritional value and economic potential. Light is a critical factor in plant growth, acting directly on the photosynthetic process. The photoselective meshes combine the physical protection of plants with the selective filtering of solar radiation to promote physiological responses. This work evaluates the growth of B. alba under different light environments. The experiment occurred in a greenhouse at the Center for Agrarian, Environmental and Biological Sciences of the Federal University of Recôncavo da Bahia in a completely randomized design with plots comprising one useful plant and five replications. The plants were grown in three light environments: red ChromatiNet mesh, aluminet-thermo reflective mesh (both with 50% irradiance), and under full sun. The red mesh increased the root dry matter mass and stem diameter. The aluminet mesh increased the average number of leaves by about 50% compared to the plants cultivated under full sun. The results show that the cultivation of B. alba in different light environments promotes morphophysiological changes with positive increments in growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Basella alba L. (Malabar spinach) is a non-conventional food plant (PANC) with high nutritional value and economic potential. Light is a critical factor in plant growth, acting directly on the photosynthetic process. The photoselective meshes combine the physical protection of plants with the selective filtering of solar radiation to promote physiological responses. This work evaluates the growth of B. alba under different light environments. The experiment occurred in a greenhouse at the Center for Agrarian, Environmental and Biological Sciences of the Federal University of Recôncavo da Bahia in a completely randomized design with plots comprising one useful plant and five replications. The plants were grown in three light environments: red ChromatiNet mesh, aluminet-thermo reflective mesh (both with 50% irradiance), and under full sun. The red mesh increased the root dry matter mass and stem diameter. The aluminet mesh increased the average number of leaves by about 50% compared to the plants cultivated under full sun. The results show that the cultivation of B. alba in different light environments promotes morphophysiological changes with positive increments in growth.

Micropropagation technique has been recommended for plant tissue rejuvenation/reinvigoration and the improvement of clonal plants production commercially. Concerning the limiting factors on in vitro cultivation of Eucalyptus grandis × E. urophylla hybrid clone, the effects of light intensity on in vitro introduction and multiplication phases were assessed. The experimental tissue was collected from ministumps cultivated in a semi-hydroponic system. The results of light intensity on in vitro introduction and multiplication were evaluated with four treatments (fluorescent lamp/40 µmol m−2 s−1, red/blue LEDs 20 µmol m−2 s−1, red/blue LEDs 40 µmol m−2 s−1, and red/blue LEDs 80 µmol m−2 s−1). The explants' morphological, anatomical, and genetic characteristics were evaluated at 30 d in the in vitro introduction, and 12 subcultures for in vitro multiplication. Based on the results, the treatments F/L 40 µmol m−2 s−1 and R/B 80 µmol m−2 s−1 are the most suitable during in vitro introduction and multiplication of Eucalyptus grandis × E. urophylla. It provides a higher percentage of responsive explants, shoots per explant, vigor, photosynthetic pigment content, adaxial epidermis thickness, abaxial epidermis, mesophyll, palisade parenchyma, spongy parenchyma, and vascular tissues. Furthermore, it was found that the micropropagated plants are identical clones of the Eucalyptus grandis × E. urophylla selected tree; that is, there was no somaclonal variation during the twelve subcultures on in vitro multiplication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Archival aerial photographs obtained in the 20th century play a special role in the process of upgrading the register of land and buildings. These photographs are the only resource presenting credible information on the coverage and use of land in a high degree of detail. In this article, particular attention is paid to the aspect of the spectral resolution of archival aerial photographs. Preliminary research was conducted into the assessment of the impact of simulations of new spectral bands with high spatial resolution for archival photographs upon the interpretation process of such data. The proposed simulation method of new bands is based on the integration of archival monochromatic aerial images with archival multispectral satellite imagery. Visual and quantitative comparative analysis of monochromatic imagery and of enhanced images obtained by application of the simulation process was performed. The results of this research unanimously confirmed the improved interpretation possibilities of archival aerial photographs, associated not only with the assignment of colours but also with the reconstruction of spectral information for the arable and afforested land photographed.

Under field conditions, plants are subject to wind‐induced movement which creates fluctuations of light intensity and spectral quality reaching the leaves, defined here as windflecks. Within this study, irradiance within two contrasting wheat (Triticum aestivum) canopies during full sun conditions was measured using a spectroradiometer to determine the frequency, duration and magnitude of low‐ to high‐light events plus the spectral composition during wind‐induced movement. Similarly, a static canopy was modelled using three‐dimensional reconstruction and ray tracing to determine fleck characteristics without the presence of wind. Corresponding architectural traits were measured manually and in silico including plant height, leaf area and angle plus biomechanical properties. Light intensity can differ up to 40% during a windfleck, with changes occurring on a sub‐second scale compared to ~5 min in canopies not subject to wind. Features such as a shorter height, more erect leaf stature and having an open structure led to an increased frequency and reduced time interval of light flecks in the CMH79A canopy compared to Paragon. This finding illustrates the potential for architectural traits to be selected to improve the canopy light environment and provides the foundation to further explore the links between plant form and function in crop canopies. High‐resolution analysis indicates sub‐second changes in solar spectral irradiance in wheat (Triticum aestivum) canopies subject to wind‐induced movement. Such changes can be linked to architectural traits with potential consequences for photosynthetic productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study reports an efficient phyto-mediated and photo-catalyzed synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from root tuber extract of Chlorophytum borivilianum and demonstrates its phytotoxicity during seedling growth of Peltophorum pterocarpum. A time course analysis of the appearance of SPR peak during incubation of reaction mixture under the exposure of various light treatments suggested the influence of light spectral quality on the biosynthesis of AgNPs. Irradiation of reaction mixture with blue LEDs (BL) induced the rapid synthesis of spherical particles smaller in size compared to other treatments. The reaction mixture optimized for the synthesis of AgNPs remains same for all the exposure conditions. FTIR spectra indicated the presence of steroidal saponins and their influence in bioreduction and capping of biosynthesized AgNPs. A bioreduction mechanism insensitive to the variations in spectral quality was proposed suggesting borivilianoside H, a steroidal saponin, as the bioreductant. The toxic impact of AgNPs was more pronounced with the particles synthesized under BL exposure particularly at rooting stage. The findings suggest the influence of LED lighting not only on the biosynthesis of AgNPs but also on its phytotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brosimum gaudichaudii is a plant species with medicinal relevance due to its furanocoumarin accumulation. The accumulation of these compounds in the root promotes predatory extractivism, which threatens the conservation of the species. In addition, little is known about the conditions for culturing of this species in vitro. The present study aimed to investigate how the application of different spectra of LEDs (white, blue, red, and combinations of blue and red at 1:1 and 3:1 ratios) can impact the morphophysiological and biochemical characteristics of B. gaudichaudii under different in vitro conditions. To evaluate the production of furanocoumarins in its leaves, which are easy-to-collect perennial organs, we cultured nodal segments in 50-mL tubes with MS medium under 100 μmol m−2 s−1 light and a photoperiod of 16 h for 50 days. We then submitted the seedlings biometric, anatomical, biochemical, and physiological evaluations. The different spectral qualities influenced several characteristics of the seedlings. Plants grown under red light showed greater stem elongation and larger and thinner leaves, strategies aimed at capturing a higher ratio of radiant energy. Exposure to the blue/red ratio of 1:1 induced increases in the concentration of the furanocoumarin psoralen, probably due to the diversion of carbon from primary metabolism, which resulted in lower growth. Cultivation under blue light or blue:red light at 3:1 triggered anatomical and physiological changes that led to higher production of secondary metabolites in the leaves, and at the 3:1 ratio, the seedlings also had a high growth rate. These results highlight the fundamental role of light in stimulating the production of secondary metabolites, which has important implications for the production of compounds of interest and indirect consequences for the conservation of B. gaudichaudii.

Brosimum gaudichaudii is a plant species with medicinal relevance due to its furanocoumarin accumulation. The accumulation of these compounds in the root promotes predatory extractivism, which threatens the conservation of the species. In addition, little is known about the conditions for culturing of this species in vitro. The present study aimed to investigate how the application of different spectra of LEDs (white, blue, red, and combinations of blue and red at 1:1 and 3:1 ratios) can impact the morphophysiological and biochemical characteristics of B. gaudichaudii under different in vitro conditions. To evaluate the production of furanocoumarins in its leaves, which are easy-to-collect perennial organs, we cultured nodal segments in 50-mL tubes with MS medium under 100 μmol m−2 s−1 light and a photoperiod of 16 h for 50 days. We then submitted the seedlings biometric, anatomical, biochemical, and physiological evaluations. The different spectral qualities influenced several characteristics of the seedlings. Plants grown under red light showed greater stem elongation and larger and thinner leaves, strategies aimed at capturing a higher ratio of radiant energy. Exposure to the blue/red ratio of 1:1 induced increases in the concentration of the furanocoumarin psoralen, probably due to the diversion of carbon from primary metabolism, which resulted in lower growth. Cultivation under blue light or blue:red light at 3:1 triggered anatomical and physiological changes that led to higher production of secondary metabolites in the leaves, and at the 3:1 ratio, the seedlings also had a high growth rate. These results highlight the fundamental role of light in stimulating the production of secondary metabolites, which has important implications for the production of compounds of interest and indirect consequences for the conservation of B. gaudichaudii. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A fundamental limitation of the spectral response of laser-pumped fluorescent nanostructured media was considered in terms of a probabilistic model establishing the relationship between the enhancement factor of a spectral quality and characteristic propagation and amplification scales of pump light and fluorescence in the medium. It was shown that the minimum spectral width of fluorescent response of the pumped medium is limited by competition between the stimulated emission and radiation losses in microscopic fluorescence emitters associated with the speckles randomly modulating the pumping light field. Theoretical results were compared to the experimental data on the spectral properties of the fluorescent response of laser-pumped nanostructured “anatase nanoparticles—dye solutions” systems with various structural and optical properties. Rhodamine 6G and 4-(dicyanomethylene)-2-methyl-6-(p-dimethylaminostyryl)-4H-pyran (DCM) were applied as fluorescent components in the examined systems with various scatter volume fractions, which were pumped by pulse-periodic laser radiation with various intensities at 532 nm. Comparison showed a fair agreement between the theoretical and experimental results.

The fluorescence background in Raman spectroscopy can be effectively suppressed by using pulsed lasers and time-gated detectors. A recent solution to reduce the high complexity and bulkiness of the time-gated systems is to implement the detector by utilizing time-resolved single-photon avalanche diodes (SPADs) fabricated in complementary-metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) technology. In this study, we investigate the effects of fluorescence-to-Raman ratio, recording time and excitation intensity on the quality of Raman spectra measured by using one of the furthest developed fluorescence-suppressed Raman spectrometers based on a time-resolved CMOS SPAD line sensor. The objectives were to provide information on the significance of the different causes behind the distortion of the measured Raman spectra with various measurement conditions and to provide general information on the possibilities to exploit the high-intensity non-stationary pulsed laser excitation to gain additional improvement on the spectral quality due to laser-induced fluorescence saturation. It was shown that the distortion of the spectra with samples having short fluorescence lifetimes (~2 ns) and high fluorescence-to-Raman ratios, i.e. with challenging samples, is dominated by the timing skew of the sensor instead of the shot noise caused by the detected events. In addition, the actual reason for the observed improvement in the spectral quality as a function of excitation intensity was discovered not to be the conventionally thought increased number of detected photons but rather the laser-induced fluorescence saturation. At best, 26% improvement to the signal-to-noise ratio was observed due to fluorescence saturation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of continuous lighting (CL, 24 h) and light spectrum on growth and nutritional quality of arugula (Eruca sativa), broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italic), mizuna (Brassica rapa. var. nipposinica), and radish (Raphanus sativus var. radicula) were investigated in growth chambers under light-emitting diode (LED) and fluorescent lighting. Microgreens were grown under four combinations of two photoperiods (16 h and 24 h) providing daily light integral (DLI) of 15.6 and 23.3 mol m−2 day−1, correspondingly) with two light spectra: LED lamps and fluorescent lamps (FLU). The results show that fresh and dry weights as well as leaf mass per area and robust index of harvested arugula, broccoli, mizuna, and radish seedlings were significantly higher under CL compared to 16 h photoperiod regardless of light quality. There were no visible signs of leaf photodamage. In all CL-treated plants higher chlorophyll a/b and carotenoid-to-chlorophyll ratios were observed in all plants except mizuna. CL treatment was beneficial for anthocyanin, flavonoid, and proline accumulation. Higher activities of antioxidant enzymes (catalase, superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase, and guaiacol peroxidase) were also observed in CL-treated plants. In most cases, the effects were more pronounced under LED lighting. These results indicate that plants under mild oxidative stress induced by CL accumulated more non-enzymatic antioxidants and increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes. This added nutritional value to microgreens that are used as functional foods providing health benefits. We suggest that for arugula, broccoli, mizuna, and radish, an LED CL production strategy is possible and can have economic and nutritional benefits.

Spectral characteristics of solar radiation have a major role in plant growth and development and the overall metabolism, including secondary metabolism, which is important for the accumulation of health-promoting phytochemicals in plants. The primary focus of this study was to determine the effect of spectral characteristics of solar radiation on the nutritional quality of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L., cv. red leaf ‘New Red Fire’ and green leaf ‘Two Star’ and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L., cv. BHN-589) grown in high tunnels in relation to the accumulation of essential nutrients and phytochemicals. Solar spectrum received by crops was modified using photo-selective poly covers. Treatments included commonly used standard poly, luminescence poly (diffuse poly), clear poly, UV blocking poly, exposure of crops grown under the standard poly to full sun 2 weeks prior to harvest (akin to movable tunnel), and 55% shade cloth on the standard poly. All the poly covers and shade cloth reduced the PAR levels in the high tunnels, and the largest reduction was by the shade cloth, which reduced the solar PAR by approximately 48%. Clear poly allowed the maximum UV-A and UV-B radiation, while standard poly allowed only a small fraction of the solar UV-A and UV-B (between 15.8% and 16.2%). Clear poly, which allowed a higher percentage of solar UV-A (60.5%) and UV-B (65%) than other poly covers, increased the total phenolic concentration and the antioxidant capacity in red leaf lettuce. It also increased the accumulation of flavonoids, including quercetin-3-glucoside, luteolin-7-glucoside, and apigenin-3-glucoside in red leaf lettuce, compared to the standard poly. Brief exposure of crops grown in high tunnels to full sun prior to harvest produced the largest increase in the accumulation of quercetin-3-glucoside, and it also resulted in an increase in luteolin-7-glucoside and apigenin-3-glucoside in red leaf lettuce. Thus, clear poly and brief exposure of red leaf lettuce to the full sun, which can increase UV exposure to the plants, produced a positive impact on its nutritional quality. In contrast, shade cloth which allowed the lowest levels of solar PAR, UV-A and UV-B relative to the other poly covers had a negative impact on the accumulation of the phenolic compounds in red leaf lettuce. However, in green leaf lettuce, luminesce poly, clear poly, UV-block poly, and shade treatments increased the accumulation of many essential nutrients, including protein, magnesium, and sulfur in green leaf lettuce compared to the standard poly. Poly cover treatments including shade treatment did not affect the accumulation of either carotenoids (lutein, β-carotene, and lycopene) or essential nutrients in mature tomato fruits. The results show that clear poly cover can enhance the accumulation of many phenolic compounds in red leaf lettuce, as does the brief exposure of the crop to the full sun prior to harvest. Thus, UV radiation plays an important role in the accumulation of phenolic compounds in red leaf lettuce while the overall spectral quality of solar radiation has a significant influence on the accumulation of essential nutrients in green leaf lettuce.

Plant biomass is largely dictated by the total amount of light intercepted by the plant [daily light integral (DLI) — intensity × photoperiod]. Continuous light (CL, 24 h lighting) has been hypothesized to increase plant biomass and yield if CL does not cause any injury. However, lighting longer than 18 h causes leaf injury in tomato characterized by interveinal chlorosis and yield is no longer increased with further photoperiod extension in tomatoes. Our previous research indicated the response of cucumbers to long photoperiod of lighting varies with light spectrum. Therefore, we set out to examine greenhouse tomato production under supplemental CL using an alternating red (200 µmol m−2 s−1, 06:00–18:00) and blue (50 µmol m−2 s−1, 18:00–06:00) spectrum in comparison to a 12 h supplemental lighting treatment with a red/blue mixture (200 µmol m−2 s−1 red + 50 µmol m−2 s−1 blue, 06:00–18:00) at the same DLI. Our results indicate that tomato plants grown under supplemental CL using the red and blue alternating spectrum were injury-free. Furthermore, parameters related to photosynthetic performance (i.e., Pnmax, quantum yield, and Fv/Fm) were similar between CL and 12 h lighting treatments indicating no detrimental effect of growth under CL. Leaves under CL produced higher net carbon exchange rates (NCER) during the subjective night period (18:00–06:00) compared to plants grown under 12 h lighting. Notably, 53 days into the treatment, leaves grown under CL produced positive NCER values (photosynthesis) during the subjective night period, a period typically associated with respiration. At 53 days into the growth cycle, it is estimated that leaves under CL will accumulate approximately 800 mg C m−2 more than leaves under 12 h lighting over a 24 h period. Leaves grown under CL also displayed similar diurnal patterns in carbohydrates (glucose, fructose, sucrose, and starch) as leaves under 12 h lighting indicating no adverse effects on carbohydrate metabolism under CL. Taken together, this study provides evidence that red and blue spectral alternations during CL allow for injury-free tomato production. We suggest that an alternating spectrum during CL may alleviate the injury typically associated with CL production in tomato.

Growth, photosynthetic parameters, and biochemical composition of the chlorophyte Micractinium inermum were determined under conditions of different light-emitting diode (LED) wavelength distributions and carbon dioxide (CO2) levels of 1, 5, and 10% v/v. Increasing the inflowing CO2 concentration from 1 to 5 to 10% had negative effects on maximum growth rate (μmax), relative growth rate (RGR), biomass production, and CO2 fixation rate. Cultures subjected to a spectral distribution containing a blue wavelength peak were less negatively affected than red as CO2 stress increased, and evidently there was a quantitative effect depending on the peak area percentage. Under non-stressful conditions (1% CO2), there were no significant differences in μmax or RGR among light treatments; however, blue light resulted in decreased lag phases (0.75 less days than red). Biomass production was significantly higher in red wavelength peak treatments at 1% CO2 (i.e., monochromatic red treatment = 0.772 ± 0.07 g L−1) which demonstrates that although blue light allows for an early growth advantage, cultures grown with red light are able to catch up and result in more biomass. At a 10% CO2 level, RGR was higher in treatments with blue peaks; red peak treatments were no longer able to overcome the stress and demonstrated lag phases 4.87 days longer than blue peak treatments. Inhibition of photosystem II function was evident as CO2 concentrations increased. Evaluation of biochemical composition revealed that protein content was significantly greater in blue peak treatments at 10% CO2, pigment content was up to 2× greater than red at all CO2 levels, and total FAME and fatty acid profiles did not exhibit major changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant biomass is largely dictated by the total amount of light intercepted by the plant [daily light integral (DLI) — intensity × photoperiod]. Continuous light (CL, 24 h lighting) has been hypothesized to increase plant biomass and yield if CL does not cause any injury. However, lighting longer than 18 h causes leaf injury in tomato characterized by interveinal chlorosis and yield is no longer increased with further photoperiod extension in tomatoes. Our previous research indicated the response of cucumbers to long photoperiod of lighting varies with light spectrum. Therefore, we set out to examine greenhouse tomato production under supplemental CL using an alternating red (200 µmol m−2 s−1, 06:00–18:00) and blue (50 µmol m−2 s−1, 18:00–06:00) spectrum in comparison to a 12 h supplemental lighting treatment with a red/blue mixture (200 µmol m−2 s−1 red + 50 µmol m−2 s−1 blue, 06:00–18:00) at the same DLI. Our results indicate that tomato plants grown under supplemental CL using the red and blue alternating spectrum were injury-free. Furthermore, parameters related to photosynthetic performance (i.e., Pnmax, quantum yield, and Fv/Fm) were similar between CL and 12 h lighting treatments indicating no detrimental effect of growth under CL. Leaves under CL produced higher net carbon exchange rates (NCER) during the subjective night period (18:00–06:00) compared to plants grown under 12 h lighting. Notably, 53 days into the treatment, leaves grown under CL produced positive NCER values (photosynthesis) during the subjective night period, a period typically associated with respiration. At 53 days into the growth cycle, it is estimated that leaves under CL will accumulate approximately 800 mg C m−2 more than leaves under 12 h lighting over a 24 h period. Leaves grown under CL also displayed similar diurnal patterns in carbohydrates (glucose, fructose, sucrose, and starch) as leaves under 12 h lighting indicating no adverse effects on carbohydrate metabolism under CL. Taken together, this study provides evidence that red and blue spectral alternations during CL allow for injury-free tomato production. We suggest that an alternating spectrum during CL may alleviate the injury typically associated with CL production in tomato. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several recent reviews highlight the molecular mechanisms that underpin phenological responses to temperature and photoperiod; however, these have mostly overlooked the influence of solar radiation and its spectral composition on these processes. For instance, solar radiation in the blue and ultraviolet (UV) regions of the spectrum, as well as the red/far-red (R:FR) ratio, can influence spring and autumn phenology. Solar radiation reaching the Earth changes diurnally and seasonally; however, rising global temperatures, latitudinal range shifts and light pollution are likely to produce novel combinations of phenological cues for tree species. Here, we review the literature on phenological responses to spectral composition. Our objective was to explore the natural variation in spectral composition using radiative transfer models and to reveal any species-specific or ecotype-specific responses relating to latitudinal origin. These responses are likely to be most pronounced at high latitudes where spectral composition varies most throughout the year. For instance, trees from high latitudes tend to be more sensitive to changes in R:FR than those from low latitudes. The effects of blue light and UV radiation on phenology have not been studied as much as those of R:FR, but the limited results available suggest both could be candidate cues affecting autumn leaf colouration and senescence. Failure of more–southern species and ecotypes to adapt and use spectral cues during northwards range shifts could result in mistimed phenology, potentially resulting in frost damage, reduced fitness and limited range expansion. Future areas for research should look to establish how consistently different functional types of tree respond to spectral cues and identify photoreceptor-mediated mechanisms that allow plants to combine information from multiple light cues to coordinate the timing of phenological events. It should then be feasible to consider the synchronous or sequential action of light cues within a hierarchy of environmental factors regulating phenology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-tech greenhouses and artificial light applications aim to improve food production, in line with one of the sustainable development goals of the UN Agenda 2030, namely, “zero hunger”. In the past, the incandescent lamps have been used for supplementary lighting (SL) at higher latitudes to increase greenhouse production during the dark season. Light-emitting diodes (LED) have been replacing gas discharge and incandescent lamps, and their development is expanding SL applications in different agricultural scenarios (e.g., urban farming, middle latitudes). In fact, recent research on LED applications in Mediterranean greenhouses have produced encouraging results. Since middle latitudes have a higher daily light integral (DLI) than higher latitudes in the dark season and climate conditions influence the installed power load of greenhouses, LED installation and management in Mediterranean greenhouses should be different and less expensive in terms of investment and energy consumption. Accordingly, the aim of this review is to outline the state of the art in LED applications and development, with a focus on latitude-related requirements. Tomato was used as a representative crop.

The growing demand for high-quality imaging data and the current technological limitations of imaging sensors require the development of techniques that combine data from different platforms in order to obtain comprehensive products for detailed studies of the environment. To meet the needs of modern remote sensing, the authors present an innovative methodology of combining multispectral aerial and satellite imagery. The methodology is based on the simulation of a new spectral band with a high spatial resolution which, when used in the pansharpening process, yields an enhanced image with a higher spectral quality compared to the original panchromatic band. This is important because spectral quality determines the further processing of the image, including segmentation and classification. The article presents a methodology of simulating new high-spatial-resolution images taking into account the spectral characteristics of the photographed types of land cover. The article focuses on natural objects such as forests, meadows, or bare soils. Aerial panchromatic and multispectral images acquired with a digital mapping camera (DMC) II 230 and satellite multispectral images acquired with the S2A sensor of the Sentinel-2 satellite were used in the study. Cloudless data with a minimal time shift were obtained. Spectral quality analysis of the generated enhanced images was performed using a method known as “consistency” or “Wald’s protocol first property”. The resulting spectral quality values clearly indicate less spectral distortion of the images enhanced by the new methodology compared to using a traditional approach to the pansharpening process.

(1) Background: We assessed the impact of high tunnel coverings and harvest maturity (breaker and light red) on antioxidant capacity, ascorbic acid (AsA), lycopene, β–carotene, and phenolic compound (flavonoid and phenolic acid) accumulation in tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) at harvest and postharvest. (2) Methods: The two-year study in Olathe, KS, included six different coverings: a standard polyethylene (standard poly), diffuse poly (diffuse), clear poly (clear), UV-A/UV-B blocking poly (block), 55% shade cloth + standard poly (shade), and removal of standard poly two weeks prior to harvest (movable). (3) Results: Antioxidant capacity increased in fruit grown under the clear covering, compared to the shade covering (p < 0.05); similarly, AsA accumulation increased under the standard and clear coverings, relative to the movable and shade coverings (p < 0.001). Postharvest, at the point of consumption (POC), rutin increased in fruit harvested at light red stage versus breaker stage (p < 0.001), and chlorogenic acid increased in light red harvested fruit by 60% under movable, 55% under shade, and 43% under block covering than breaker harvested fruit (p < 0.01). (4) Conclusions: Based on these results, we conclude that both high tunnel covering and postharvest maturation alter antioxidant capacity, AsA, lycopene, and phenolic compound accumulation profiles by the POC.

In this study, the results from a round-robin test of hyperspectral imaging systems are presented and analyzed. Fourteen different pushbroom hyperspectral systems from eight different institutions were used to acquire spectral cubes from the visible, near infra-red and short-wave infra-red regions. Each system was used to acquire a common set of targets under their normal operating conditions with the data calibrated and processed using the standard processing pipeline for each system. The test targets consisted of a spectral wavelength standard and of a custom-made pigment panel featuring Renaissance-era pigments frequently found in paintings from that period. The quality and accuracy of the resulting data was assessed with quantitative analyses of the spectral, spatial and colorimetric accuracy of the data. The results provide a valuable insight into the accuracy, reproducibility and precision of hyperspectral imaging equipment when used under routine operating conditions. The distribution and type of error found within the data can provide useful information on the fundamental and practical limits of such equipment when used for applications such as spectral classification, change detection, colorimetry and others.

Abstract Evergreen plants in boreal biomes undergo seasonal hardening and dehardening adjusting their photosynthetic capacity and photoprotection; acclimating to seasonal changes in temperature and irradiance. Leaf epidermal ultraviolet (UV)-screening by flavonols responds to solar radiation, perceived in part through increased ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation, and is a candidate trait to provide cross-photoprotection. At Hyytiälä Forestry Station, central Finland, we examined whether the accumulation of flavonols was higher in leaves of Vaccinium vitis-idaea L. growing above the snowpack compared with those below the snowpack. We found that leaves exposed to colder temperatures and higher solar radiation towards the top of hummocks suffered greater photoinhibition than those at the base of hummocks. Epidermal UV-screening was highest in upper-hummock leaves, particularly during winter when lower leaves were beneath the snowpack. There was also a negative relationship between indices of flavonols and anthocyanins across all leaves suggesting fine-tuning of flavonoid composition for screening vs. antioxidant activity in response to temperature and irradiance. However, the positive correlation between the maximum quantum yield of photosystem II photochemistry (F v / F m) and flavonol accumulation in upper hummock leaves during dehardening did not confer on them any greater cross-protection than would be expected from the general relationship of F v / F m with temperature and irradiance (throughout the hummocks). Irrespective of timing of snow-melt, photosynthesis fully recovered in all leaves, suggesting that V. vitis-idaea has the potential to exploit the continuing trend for longer growing seasons in central Finland without incurring significant impairment from reduced duration of snow cover. Graphical abstract Schematic representing the changes in leaf level processes affected by the snowpack, sunlight and temperature at different heights on hummocks of V. vitis-idaea during spring dehardening. Image 1 Highlights • Leaf epidermal UV-screening increases from the base to the top of Vaccinium hummocks • Leaf epidermal flavonols and anthocyanins accumulate during spring dehardening • F v / F m was positively correlated with 2-week mean temperature during spring dehardening • Adaxial epidermal flavonols conferred cross-protection during dehardening [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key message: An LED spectrum containing blue light advanced bud burst in branches of Betula pendula, Alnus glutinosa and Quercus robur compared with a spectrum without blue light in a controlled environment.Abstract: During spring, utilising multiple cues allow tree species from temperate and boreal regions to coordinate their bud burst and leaf out, at the right moment to capitalise on favourable conditions for photosynthesis. Whilst the effect of blue light (400-500 nm) has been shown to increase percentage bud burst of axillary shoots of Rosa sp., the effects of blue light on spring-time bud burst of deciduous tree species have not previously been reported. We tested the hypotheses that blue light would advance spring bud burst in tree species, and that late-successional species would respond more than early-successional species, whose bud burst is primarily determined by temperature. The bud development of Alnus glutinosa, Betula pendula, and Quercus robur branches, cut from dormant trees, was monitored under two light treatments of equal photosynthetically active radiation (PAR, 400-700 nm) and temperature, either with or without blue light, under controlled environmental conditions. In the presence of blue light, the mean time required to reach 50% bud burst was reduced by 3.3 days in Betula pendula, 6 days in Alnus glutinosa, and 6.3 days in Quercus robur. This result highlights the potential of the blue region of the solar spectrum to be used as an extra cue that could help plants to regulate their spring phenology, alongside photoperiod and temperature. Understanding how plants combine photoreceptor-mediated cues with other environmental cues such as temperature to control phenology is essential if we are to accurately predict how tree species might respond to climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To use a fast 3D rosette spectroscopic imaging acquisition to quantitatively evaluate how spectral quality influences detection of the endogenous variation of gray and white matter metabolite differences in controls, and demonstrate how rosette spectroscopic imaging can detect metabolic dysfunction in patients with neocortical abnormalities. Methods: Data were acquired on a 3T MR scanner and 32‐channel head coil, with rosette spectroscopic imaging covering a 4‐cm slab of fronto‐parietal‐temporal lobes. The influence of acquisition parameters and filtering on spectral quality and sensitivity to tissue composition was assessed by LCModel analysis, the Cramer‐Rao lower bound, and the standard errors from regression analyses. The optimized protocol was used to generate normative white and gray matter regressions and evaluate three patients with neocortical abnormalities. Results: As a measure of the sensitivity to detect abnormalities, the standard errors of regression for Cr/NAA and Ch/NAA were significantly correlated with the Cramer‐Rao lower bound values (R = 0.89 and 0.92, respectively, both with P < 0.001). The rosette acquisition with a duration of 9.6 min, produces a mean Cramer‐Rao lower bound (%) over the entire slab of 4.6 ± 2.6 and 5.8 ± 2.3 for NAA and Cr, respectively. This enables a Cr/NAA standard error of 0.08 (i.e., detection sensitivity of 25% for a 50/50 mixed gray and white matter voxel). In healthy controls, the regression of Cr/NAA versus fraction gray matter in the cingulate differs from frontal and parietal regions. Conclusions: Fast rosette spectroscopic imaging acquisitions with regression analyses are able to identify metabolic differences across 4‐cm slabs of the brain centrally and over the cortical periphery with high efficiency, generating results that are consistent with clinical findings. Magn Reson Med 79:2470–2480, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The species in the Arthrospira genus are cultured at a large scale throughout the world primarily for food supplements for human and animal diets. These species are valued for the rich composition of their biomass, which contains minerals, antioxidants, proteins and essential amino acids. This biomass can also be used for high-value product extraction, for example, the pigments chlorophyll a , β-carotene and phycocyanin as well as essential fatty acids. The use of LEDs is a solution for optimizing the productivity and biochemical composition of biomass produced by these microalgae. In this study, an innovative strategy for using LEDs was evaluated for Arthrospira platensis cultivation to increase its biomass productivity and high-value pigments (chlorophyll a , total carotenoids and phycocyanin). Microalgae suspensions were cultured in 250 mL Erlenmeyer flasks containing 120 mL of culture (George-modified Zarrouk's medium, pH 8.90) at 32 ± 1 °C with constant stirring and an initial biomass concentration of 0.03 g L −1 . The biomass weights from ten lighting conditions consisting of blue and red LEDs of different compositions were evaluated in relation to the algal productivity and the chlorophyll a , total carotenoid and phycocyanin contents. The best results were obtained using LEDs that had a 70% red and 30% blue composition and a light intensity of 100 μE m −2  s −1 , leading to an average biomass productivity of 0.148 g L −1 d −1 and average concentrations of 21.35 μg mL −1 , 5.45 μg mL −1 and 167.98 μg mL −1 of chlorophyll a , carotenoids and phycocyanin, respectively, in the given culture volume. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Light quality is perceived by plants through several receptors and generates diverse morphological, metabolic, and genetic responses. In this study, the identification of new putative lignocellulosic genes, expression analysis, as well as morphological, anatomical, enzymatic, and chemical characteristics were investigated in Brachypodium distachyon plants grown in vitro under different light treatments. Treatments with fluorescent lamps (FL), white light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs, and blue/red (B/R) LED bulbs showed different effects on B. distachyon, acting on specific targets to promote functional adaptation. The FL, traditionally used in growth rooms, led to higher growth rates and deposition of S and G lignins, greater cellulose content, and higher expression of cellulose-synthase 4 (BbCESA4) and cellulose-synthase 7 (BdCESA7) genes. Phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (BdPAL1) and ferulate-5-hydroxylase (BdF5H1) genes were upregulated in plants exposed to B/R LED light when compared to those grown under FL and white LED light, while other analyzed genes did not vary in expression among treatments. BdCESA4 was downregulated under B/R LED light, light quality that led to smaller plants, with increased lignin content, higher abundance of G lignin than S lignin, and decreased total cellulose content compared to the other treatments. In white LED light, both BdCESA4 and BdCESA7 were downregulated compared to FL, in addition to a significant increase in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities. The spectral quality of the LED bulbs altered lignin and cellulose contents, expression of their synthesis-route genes, as well as anatomical and antioxidative defense mechanisms. These results suggest that light quality regulates cell wall deposition and lignification patterns in B. distachyon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The performance enhancement of DC/AC converters can be often accomplished either by developing new control techniques or by proposing new inverter topologies. The multilevel inverters become widely used and studied topologies. In this paper, a different asymmetrical configuration of a new multilevel inverter is proposed and classified between the cascaded H-bridge (CHB) and the flying capacitor topologies (FLC). This configuration enables the possibility of operating with fewer switches than the CHB, and since no capacitors are necessary, the control becomes less complicated than the flying capacitors. The Nearest Level Control (NLC) is a recent low frequency modulation technique, which has been selected. The co-simulation of the proposed topology has been carried out with MATLAB Simulink and XILINX software; the results got from the simulation have justified the effectiveness of the proposed topology. Finally, a one phase 13-level inverter was realized, and the experimental results were analysed and depicted here. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-Fourier methods are increasingly utilized in NMR spectroscopy because of their ability to handle nonuniformly-sampled data. However, non-Fourier methods present unique challenges due to their nonlinearity, which can produce nonrandom noise and render conventional metrics for spectral quality such as signal-to-noise ratio unreliable. The lack of robust and transferable metrics (i.e. applicable to methods exhibiting different nonlinearities) has hampered comparison of non-Fourier methods and nonuniform sampling schemes, preventing the identification of best practices. We describe a novel method, in situ receiver operating characteristic analysis (IROC), for characterizing spectral quality based on the Receiver Operating Characteristic curve. IROC utilizes synthetic signals added to empirical data as “ground truth”, and provides several robust scalar-valued metrics for spectral quality. This approach avoids problems posed by nonlinear spectral estimates, and provides a versatile quantitative means of characterizing many aspects of spectral quality. We demonstrate applications to parameter optimization in Fourier and non-Fourier spectral estimation, critical comparison of different methods for spectrum analysis, and optimization of nonuniform sampling schemes. The approach will accelerate the discovery of optimal approaches to nonuniform sampling experiment design and non-Fourier spectrum analysis for multidimensional NMR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]