A population of deletion mutants and an integrated mapping and exome-seq pipeline for gene discovery in maize

To better understand maize endosperm filling and maturation, we used gamma irradiation of the B73 maize reference line to generate mutants with opaque endosperm and reduced kernel fill phenotypes, and created a population of 1788 lines including 47 Mo17 × F2s showing stable, segregating and viable kernel phenotypes. For molecular characterization of the mutants, we developed a novel functional genomics platform that combined Bulked Segregant RNA and Exome sequencing (BSREx-seq) to map causative mutations and identify candidate genes within mapping intervals. To exemplify the utility of the mutants and provide proof-ofconcept for the bioinformatics platform, we present detailed characterization of line 937; an opaque mutant harboring a 6203-bp in-frame deletion covering six exons within the Opaque-1 gene. In addition, we describe mutant line 146 which contains a 4.8 Kb intra-gene deletion within the Sugary-1 gene and line 916 in which an 8.6 Kb deletion knocks out a Cyclin A2 gene. The publically available algorithm developed in this work improves the identification of causative deletions and its corresponding gaps within mapping peaks. This study demonstrates the utility of gamma irradiation for forward genetics in large non-dense genomes such as maize since deletions often affect single genes. Furthermore, we show how this classical mutagenesis method becomes applicable for functional genomics when combined with state-of-the-art genomics tools

A population of deletion mutants and an integrated mapping and exome-seq pipeline for gene discovery in maize

To better understand maize endosperm filling and maturation, we used gamma irradiation of the B73 maize reference line to generate mutants with opaque endosperm and reduced kernel fill phenotypes, and created a population of 1788 lines including 47 Mo17 × F2s showing stable, segregating and viable kernel phenotypes. For molecular characterization of the mutants, we developed a novel functional genomics platform that combined Bulked Segregant RNA and Exome sequencing (BSREx-seq) to map causative mutations and identify candidate genes within mapping intervals. To exemplify the utility of the mutants and provide proof-ofconcept for the bioinformatics platform, we present detailed characterization of line 937; an opaque mutant harboring a 6203-bp in-frame deletion covering six exons within the Opaque-1 gene. In addition, we describe mutant line 146 which contains a 4.8 Kb intra-gene deletion within the Sugary-1 gene and line 916 in which an 8.6 Kb deletion knocks out a Cyclin A2 gene. The publically available algorithm developed in this work improves the identification of causative deletions and its corresponding gaps within mapping peaks. This study demonstrates the utility of gamma irradiation for forward genetics in large non-dense genomes such as maize since deletions often affect single genes. Furthermore, we show how this classical mutagenesis method becomes applicable for functional genomics when combined with state-of-the-art genomics tools

Potentiometric mapping for wind turbine power plant installation Guilan Province in Iran

The use of renewable energy in different parts of the world is increasing in recent years, therefore, understanding the way and how to use these energies is very important. Today, the use of climate and productive energies has attracted more researchers. The purpose of this research is to determine the potential of the wind turbine power plant and mapping in guilan province based on fuzzy logic and AHP. In this research, wind direction and speed data of 4 synoptic stations of guilan province were provided to assess the potential, mapping and determine the establishment of a wind turbine plant in guilan province for sustainable development using fuzzy logic in a statistical period for each synoptic station since its establishment until 2014. In this systemic model, the monthly and seasonal wind speed were scored using the fuzzy method and WindRose Plot and SabaWind software were used to determine the wind direction. Wind speed mapping map was drawn to establish a wind turbine plant with scores obtained for each of the stations using the GIS. The findings of the research show that fuzzy logic method showed a large variation to establish wind turbine power plants using wind speed and wind direction. In total, the Manjil station with the highest windy with the score of 29.29 were ranked first in the construction of wind turbines after obtaining the final rating each of the 4 stations in guilan province to build a high-confidence wind power plant and other stations are the next priorities in the province of Gilan for the establishment of the turbine plant with the scores (Bandar Anzali: 22.79, Astara: 20.37 and Rasht: 17.91). guilan province is suitable for establishing a turbine plant, because of the potential and windy favorable conditions to use it to meet the needs of various energies, including the electricity of the area. Therefore, it is necessary to take steady steps in order to develop this important industry.Keywords: Wind direction and Speed, Potentiometric, Fuzzy logic, Wind power plant, Statistical analysi

Beneficial effects of combination therapy with testosterone and hydrogen sulfide by reducing oxidative stress and apoptosis: Rat experimental varicocele model

Background: Despite the effectiveness of testosterone therapy in conditions associated with testosterone deficiency, including varicocele, several dose-dependent side effects limit the clinical use of testosterone therapy. Hydrogen sulfide, a toxic gas in high concentrations but a beneficial molecule in low concentrations, acts as both a major effector and an important inducer of testosterone. Objective: This study investigated whether a subeffective dose of testosterone combined with a subeffective dose of hydrogen sulfide donor sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS) can be effective in an experimental varicocele model through a possible additive effect. Materials and Methods: Thirty Wistar rats weighing 200-250 gr were divided into 5 groups as (n = 6/each): sham, varicocele, testosterone (200 μg/kg, 5 times per wk for 4 consecutive wk), NaHS (15 μmol/L, daily for 4 consecutive wk) and testosterone + NaHS (200 μg/kg, 5 times per wk + 15 μmol/L, daily, both for 4 consecutive wk). All animals, except in the sham group, underwent varicocele induction. Results: The coadministration of testosterone and NaHS significantly increased serum testosterone (10.23 ± 0.95, p = 0.01), testicular H2S levels (608.94 ± 21.09, p < 0.001), and testicular superoxide dismutase activity (66.14 ± 1.56, p < 0.001), decreased malondialdehyde levels (0.77 ± 0.52, p < 0.001), and B-cell lymphoma 2-associated X protein to B-cell lymphoma 2 (0.16 ± 0.01, p < 0.001) protein expression ratio in the testicular tissues and improved sperm parameters and testicular histopathology compared to the varicocele group. Conclusion: The combination therapy of subeffective doses of testosterone and NaHS can attenuate the varicocele-induced damages by reducing testicular oxidative stress and apoptosis and thus can be considered an effective approach with fewer side effects. Key words: Apoptosis genes, Hydrogen sulfide, Oxidative stress, Sperm count, Testosterone, Varicocele

Resource Consumption of Additive Manufacturing

Abstract Since the 1980's, additive manufacturing (AM) has gradually advanced from rapid prototyping applications towards fabricating endconsumer products. Many small companies may prefer accessing AM technologies through service providers offering production services as result-oriented Industrial Product-Service System (IPSS) rather than investing in their own production line. This study investigated potential benefits of IPSS using system dynamics modeling to study resource demands between two situations: one where an IPSS approach is used and one that is the traditional ownership of production equipment. This study concluded that AM service providers with demand-varying customers could increase service performance and maximize use of production equipment

Mapping QTL for Fusarium head blight resistance in a tunisian-derived durum wheat population

Fusarium head blight (FHB) damage in durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L. var. durum Desf., turgidum) inflicted massive economic losses worldwide. Meanwhile, FHB resistant durum wheat germplasm is extremely limited. ‘Tunisian108’ is a newly identified tetraploid wheat with FHB resistance. However, genomic regions in ‘Tunisian108’ that significantly associated with FHB resistance are yet unclear. Therefore, a population of 171 backcross inbred lines (BC1F7) derived from a cross between ‘Tunisian108’ and a susceptible durum cultivar ‘Ben’ was characterized. Fusarium graminearum (R010, R1267, and R1322) was point inoculated (greenhouse) or spawn inoculated (field) in 2010 and 2011. Disease severity, Fusarium-damaged kernel (FDK) and mycotoxins were measured. Analysis of variance showed significant genotype and genotype by environment effect on all traits. Approximately 8% of the lines in field and 25% of the lines in greenhouse were more resistance than Tunisian108. A framework linkage map of 267 DArt plus 62 SSR markers was developed representing 239 unique loci and covering a total distance of 1887.6 cM. Composite interval mapping revealed nine QTL for FHB severity, four QTL for DON, and four QTL for FDK on seven chromosomes. Two novel QTL, Qfhb.ndsu-3BL and Qfhb.ndsu-2B, were identified for disease severity, explaining 11 and 6% of the phenotypic variation, respectively. Also, a QTL with large effect on severity and a QTL with negative effect on FDK on chromosome 5A were identified. Importantly, a novel region on chromosome 2B was identified with multiple FHB resistance. Validation on these QTL would facilitate the durum wheat resistance breeding

The endocannabinoid system in sepsis – a potential target to improve microcirculation?

During the last decade, research has identified the endocannabinoid system (ECS) as a key regulator of essential physiological functions, including the regulation of microvascular and immune function. Indeed, increasing evidence now suggests that release of endocannabinoids and activation of cannabinoid receptors occurs during sepsis and that manipulation of the ECS may represent an important therapeutic target to improve microcirculation in sepsis. In this review, the pharmacology and physiology of the ECS and the involvement of cannabinoids, cannabinoid receptors and non-CB1R/CB2R pathways related to ECS activation will be described. This information will increase our comprehension of the role of lipid signaling pathways in sepsis and may lead to the identification of new drug targets for the treatment of impaired microcirculation

The Impact of Massage on the Pain and Fear Levels of Children during Venipuncture: A Clinical Trial

Background: Experiencing pain and fear caused by venipuncture in children and its management is challenging. Massage is a safe way to manage pain; however, no evidence was found about its effects on pain and fear of venipuncture in children. This study aimed to determine the effects of massage on pain and fear levels during venipuncture among children aged between 3 to 6 years old.Methods: This pre-experimental factorial research was performed on 140 children admitted to the surgery ward. The participants were randomized into four groups; the children in group 1 received EMLA cream, the children in group 2 received massage, those in group 3 received both EMLA cream and massage, while those in group 4 (control group) received no method. The pain and fear levels were assessed independently from the perspective of children, mothers, and a nurse. The Wong-Baker Pain Scale and the Children's Fear Scale were applied for evaluating the levels of pain and fear in children, respectively. The data were analyzed by running the chi-square test and ANOVA at the significance level of P < 0.05. This study is presented in line with the CONSORT checklist.Results: The groups were found to have a significant difference regarding the pain and fear scores in venipuncture (P<0.05). The lowest level of pain and fear perception was reported in the EMLA cream group. The group with massage and the EMLA cream and the massage group showed significantly higher scores compared to the EMLA cream group (P<0.05).Conclusions: Massage does not beneficially affect children’s pain and fear during venipuncture; consequently, employing this intervention requires more extensive studies