Investigation of a rapid screening method to study the effects of the snowdrop lectin (Galanthus nivalis Agglutinin) on plant pathogens

Two Tobravirus expression vectors were evaluated for the use as a rapid screening method for anti-nutritional proteins against plant pathogens. Accumulation of green fluorescent protein (GFP) and snowdrop lectin gene (Galanthus nivalis agglutinin, LECGNA2, M55556) in Nicotiana benthamiana by Tobacco rattle virus expression vectors was characterized. Virally expressed proteins were detected in leaves (3-14 days post-inoculatiion) and roots (6-24 dpi) by UV (GFP), western blotting and tissue printing. 25 -50 ng of GNA was detected in root extracts. Cross protection was induced by TRV-GFP. Foreign genes inserted in place of TRV RNA2 non-structural genes (2b and 2c) were stably maintained over serial passages. But recombination at remaining 'cross-over' sites may occur. 2D iso-electricfocusing detected a 50-kDa GNA molecule in root and leaf extract. GNA did not confer resistance to root-knot nematodes, although gall by root-knot nematodes (mixed Meloidogyne spp. and M.javanica Crete line 17) were significantly reduced by 22% in roots infected by TRV-GNA (3.83 sqrt galls and 4.5 sqrt galls respectively) compared to virus-free roots treatment (4.94 sqrt galls, sed 0.398; p&lt;.025 and 5.273 sqrt galls, sed 0.2403; <.003 respectively). Effects of GNA on Aulacorthum solani was delayed to the second nymph generation (N2). Mean N2 weights feeding on TRV-GNA (0.246 mg ±0.0159; p <05) and TRV-fsGNA (0.212 mg ±0.018; p<.001) infected plants were significantly smaller by 15.2% and 26.6% respectively, compared to virus-free treatments (0.290 mg ±0.014). Similar trends were detected for total nymph weights. Low toxicity was related to high quality phloem and ingestion of smaller volumes for normal development (i.e. concentration effect). Decrease in gall by the mixed Meloidogyne population and an unexpected toxicity to A solani indicated that truncated GNA was a protein with merolectin properties. The viability of this system as a rapid 'm planta' expression system is discussed

A SEPALLATA gene is involved in the development and ripening of strawberry (Fragaria xananassa Duch.) fruit, a non-climacteric tissue

Climacteric and non-climacteric fruits have traditionally been viewed as representing two distinct programmes of ripening associated with differential respiration and ethylene hormone effects. In climacteric fruits, such as tomato and banana, the ripening process is marked by increased respiration and is induced and co-ordinated by ethylene, while in non-climacteric fruits, such as strawberry and grape, it is controlled by an ethylene-independent process with little change in respiration rate. The two contrasting mechanisms, however, both lead to texture, colour, and flavour changes that probably reflect some common programmes of regulatory control. It has been shown that a SEPALLATA(SEP)4-like gene is necessary for normal ripening in tomato. It has been demonstrated here that silencing a fruit-related SEP1/2-like (FaMADS9) gene in strawberry leads to the inhibition of normal development and ripening in the petal, achene, and receptacle tissues. In addition, analysis of transcriptome profiles reveals pleiotropic effects of FaMADS9 on fruit development and ripening-related gene expression. It is concluded that SEP genes play a central role in the developmental regulation of ripening in both climacteric and non-climacteric fruits. These findings provide important information to extend the molecular control of ripening in a non-climacteric fruit beyond the limited genetic and cultural options currently available

A FRUITFULL-like gene is associated with genetic variation for fruit flesh firmness in apple (Malus domestica Borkh.)

The FRUITFULL (FUL) and SHATTERPROOF (SHP) genes are involved in regulating fruit development and dehiscence in Arabidopsis. We tested the hypothesis that this class of genes are also involved in regulating the development of fleshy fruits, by exploring genetic and phenotypic variation within the apple (Malus domestica) gene pool. We isolated and characterised the genomic sequences of two candidate orthologous FUL-like genes, MdMADS2.1 and MdMADS2.2. These were mapped using the reference population ‘Prima x Fiesta’ to loci on Malus linkage groups LG14 and LG06, respectively. An additional MADS-box gene, MdMADS14, shares high amino acid identity with the Arabidopsis SHATTERPROOF1/2 genes and was mapped to Malus linkage group LG09. Association analysis between quantitative fruit flesh firmness estimates of ‘Prima x Fiesta’ progeny and the MdMADS2.1, MdMADS2.2 and MdMADS14 loci was carried out using a mixed model analysis of variance. This revealed a significant association (P < 0.01) between MdMADS2.1 and fruit flesh firmness. Further evidence for the association between MdMADS2.1 and fruit flesh firmness was obtained using a case–control population-based genetic association approach. For this, a polymorphic repeat, (AT)n, in the 3′ UTR of MdMADS2.1 was used as a locus-specific marker to screen 168 apple accessions for which historical assessments of fruit texture attributes were available. This analysis revealed a significant association between the MdMADS2.1 and fruit flesh firmness at both allelic (χ 2 = 34, df = 9, P < 0.001) and genotypic (χ 2 = 57, df = 32, P < 0.01) levels

Investigation of a rapid screening method to study the effects of the snowdrop lectin (Galanthus nivalis agglutin) on plant pathogens

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Structural, Electrical, and Mechanical Properties Investigation of Open-Cell Aluminum Foams Obtained by Spark Plasma Sintering and Replication on Polyurethane Template

The present paper illustrates a comparison of open-cell aluminum foams. The foams were fabricated by two different methods: spark plasma sintering and replication on a polyurethane template. The influence of pressure, temperature, and diameter of space holding material on foam obtained by the spark plasma sintering method was investigated. Additionally, the aluminum powder content in slurry and atmosphere during thermal processing of foam prepared by the replication technique were studied. The morphology and structure of obtained samples were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis. Supplementarily, mechanical properties and electrical conductivity were studied. The porosity of obtained samples was 83% for the SPS sample and 85% for the replication sample. The results of the studies carried out gave us an understanding that the SPS method is more promising for using the obtained foams as cathode current collectors in lithium-ion batteries due to excessive aluminum oxidation during sintering in the furnace

The Investigation of Triple-Lithiated Transition Metal Oxides Synthesized from the Spent LiCoO₂

The environmentally friendly closed cycle of the regeneration process of spent LiCoO2 was successfully developed and the following synthesis of triple-lithiated transition metal oxides was carried out. A hydrometallurgy recycling route with the usage of 1.5 mol/L of malic acid and 3 vol.% of H2O2 as a leaching solution for cobalt extraction was chosen. The efficiency of the cobalt extraction reached 95%. The obtained material was investigated using an X-ray diffraction analysis and the EDX and SEM methods. The electrochemical behavior of the synthesized NCM111 was analyzed and compared to the commercially available material of the same type. The material demonstrated a specific discharge capacity on the first cycle of 163.7 mAh/g. The cyclic resource of the material turned out to be unsatisfactory. In addition, perspective cathode materials, such as NCM622 and NCM811, were obtained. The synthesized materials were analyzed using XRD, SEM, EDX, charge–discharge and cycle life tests, and the CVA and EIS methods. The initial specific discharge capacities of the NCM622 and NCM811 were 168 and 187 mAh/g, respectively. On the fifth cycle, the NCM622 demonstrated an increasing capacity—to 179 mAh/g, unlike NCM811, as the capacity of this material decreased to 141 mAh/g

Russian Federation. Health system review.

The HiT reviews are country-based reports that provide a detailed description of a health system and of policy initiatives in progress or under development. HiTs examine different approaches to the organization, financing and delivery of health services and the role of the main actors in health systems; describe the institutional framework, process, content and implementation of health and health care policies; and highlight challenges and areas that require more in-depth analysis. At independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, the Russian health system inherited an extensive, centralized Semashko system, but was quick to reform health financing by adopting a mandatory health insurance (MHI) model in 1993. MHI was introduced in order to open up an earmarked stream of funding for health care in the face of severe fiscal constraints. While the health system has evolved and changed significantly since the early 1990 s, the legacy of having been a highly centralized system focused on universal access to basic care remains. High energy prices on world markets have ensured greater macroeconomic stability, a budget surplus and improvements in living standards for most of the Russian population. However, despite an overall reduction in the poverty rate, there is a marked urban rural split and rural populations have worse health and poorer access to health services than urban populations. The increase in budgetary resources available to policy-makers have led to a number of recent federal-level health programmes that have focused on the delivery of services and increasing funding for priority areas including primary care provision in rural areas. Nevertheless, public health spending in the Russian Federation remains relatively low given the resources available. However, it is also clear that, even with the current level of financing, the performance of the health system could be improved. Provider payment mechanisms are the main obstacle to improving technical efficiency in the Russian health system, as most budget funding channelled through local government is input based. For this reason, the most recent reforms as well as legislation in the pipeline seek to ensure all health care funding is channelled through a strengthened MHI system with contracts for provider payments being made using output-based measures

Organic Anode Materials for Lithium-Ion Batteries: Recent Progress and Challenges

In the search for novel anode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), organic electrode materials have recently attracted substantial attention and seem to be the next preferred candidates for use as high-performance anode materials in rechargeable LIBs due to their low cost, high theoretical capacity, structural diversity, environmental friendliness, and facile synthesis. Up to now, the electrochemical properties of numerous organic compounds with different functional groups (carbonyl, azo, sulfur, imine, etc.) have been thoroughly explored as anode materials for LIBs, dividing organic anode materials into four main classes: organic carbonyl compounds, covalent organic frameworks (COFs), metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), and organic compounds with nitrogen-containing groups. In this review, an overview of the recent progress in organic anodes is provided. The electrochemical performances of different organic anode materials are compared, revealing the advantages and disadvantages of each class of organic materials in both research and commercial applications. Afterward, the practical applications of some organic anode materials in full cells of LIBs are provided. Finally, some techniques to address significant issues, such as poor electronic conductivity, low discharge voltage, and undesired dissolution of active organic anode material into typical organic electrolytes, are discussed. This paper will guide the study of more efficient organic compounds that can be employed as high-performance anode materials in LIBs

A Minireview on the Regeneration of NCM Cathode Material Directly from Spent Lithium-Ion Batteries with Different Cathode Chemistries

Research on the regeneration of cathode materials of spent lithium-ion batteries for resource reclamation and environmental protection is attracting more and more attention today. However, the majority of studies on recycling lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) placed the emphasis only on recovering target metals, such as Co, Ni, and Li, from the cathode materials, or how to recycle spent LIBs by conventional means. Effective reclamation strategies (e.g., pyrometallurgical technologies, hydrometallurgy techniques, and biological strategies) have been used in research on recycling used LIBs. Nevertheless, none of the existing reviews of regenerating cathode materials from waste LIBs elucidated the strategies to regenerate lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NCM or LiNixCoyMnzO2) cathode materials directly from spent LIBs containing other than NCM cathodes but, at the same time, frequently used commercial cathode materials such as LiCoO2 (LCO), LiFePO4 (LFP), LiMn2O4 (LMO), etc. or from spent mixed cathode materials. This review showcases the strategies and techniques for regenerating LiNixCoyMnzO2 cathode active materials directly from some commonly used and different types of mixed-cathode materials. The article summarizes the various technologies and processes of regenerating LiNixCoyMnzO2 cathode active materials directly from some individual cathode materials and the mixed-cathode scraps of spent LIBs without their preliminary separation. In the meantime, the economic benefits and diverse synthetic routes of regenerating LiNixCoyMnzO2 cathode materials reported in the literature are analyzed systematically. This minireview can lay guidance and a theoretical basis for restoring LiNixCoyMnzO2 cathode materials