High-throughput screening of soybean di-nitrogen fixation and seed nitrogen content using spectral sensing

Symbiotic di-nitrogen fixation of grain legumes has a substantial impact on crop performance, harvest product quality, and nitrogen (N) balance of crop rotations, particularly under organic management regimes. In soybean breeding, selection for increased nitrogen fixation is desirable for improving seed protein content and N balance of cropping systems. However, the lack of high-throughput screening methods for direct measurement of N2 fixation rates prohibits practical breeding efforts. Therefore, hyperspectral canopy reflectance measurement as a field-based phenotyping method was evaluated in three environments for indirect estimation of N fixation and uptake of soil nitrogen in a set of early maturity soybean genotypes exhibiting a wide range in seed protein content. Reflectance spectra were collected in repeated measurements during flowering and early seed filling stages. Subsequently, various spectral reflectance indices (SRIs) were calculated for characterizing nitrogen accumulation of individual genotypes. Moreover, prediction models for seed protein content as an end-of-season target trait were developed utilizing full spectral information in partial-least-square regression (PLSR) models. A number of N-related SRIs calculated from spectral reflectance data recorded at the beginning of the seed filling stage were significantly correlated to seed protein content. The best prediction of seed protein content, however, was achieved in PLSR models (validation R2 = 0.805 across all three environments). Environments lower in initial soil mineral N content appeared as more favorable selection sites in terms of prediction accuracy, because N fixation is not masked by soil N uptake in such environments. Hyperspectral reflectance data proved to be a valuable method for determining genetic variation in crop N accumulation, which might be implemented in highthroughput screening protocols for N fixation in plant breeding programs

Marker-assisted selection for soybean organic breeding

Marker-assisted selection (MAS) is a valuable tool in crop breeding, including organic breeding. The application of molecular markers allows rapid screening at early developmental stages as well as more accurate and efficient identification and selection of plants with desired traits. Besides accelerating breeding, this approach reduces the need for extensive field trials and multiple generations of selection. Considering that organic breeding emphasizes sustainable practices and minimal environmental impact, MAS can reduce the need for excessive land, water, and resources typically required for conventional breeding. In addition, it can help breeders to develop organic-compliant varieties by targeting specific traits and preserving organic standards, providing more efficient and sustainable strategies for organic production systems. Molecular markers were used to screen ECOBREED soybean germplasm harbouring traits relevant to organic farming, such as cadmium accumulation, supernodulation and disease tolerance to Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and Diaporthe complex. Genotypes with low cadmium accumulation should be used in organic food production to improve food safety, while supernodulation in soybean could be an important trait showing potential for increased nitrogen fixation. Molecular screening of genotypes for disease resistance is especially important in organic farming where chemical interventions are limited, offering an efficient and sustainable strategy for organic production

Rezensionen

Sammelrezension: 1) David N. Aspin/ Judith Chapman/ Karen Evans/ Richard Bagnall (Hg.): Second International Handbook of Lifelong Learning. Springer International Handbook of Education, Vol. 26. Dordrecht: Springer 2012. 978-94-007-2360-3. 2) Karin Dollhausen/ Timm C. Feld/ Wolfgang Seitter (Hg.): Erwachsenenpädagogische Kooperations- und Netzwerkforschung. Schriftenreihe Theorie und Empirie Lebenslangen Lernens. Wiesbaden: Springer VS 2013. 978-3-658-03218-0. 3) Peter Faulstich: Menschliches Lernen: eine kritisch-pragmatistische Lerntheorie. Bielefeld: transcript Verlag 2013. 978-3-8376-2425-0. 4) Martin Fromm: Einführung in didaktisches Denken. Münster: Waxmann 2012. 978-3-8309-2753-2. 5) Birgit Hilliger: Paradigmenwechsel als Feld strukturellen Lernens: Konsequenzen für die Herausbildung von Lernkulturen in der Transformationsgesellschaft. Opladen: Budrich UniPress 2012. 978-3-86388-005-7. 6) Andrea Hoffmeier/ Dolores Smith (Hg.): Interkulturelle Kompetenz und Kulturelle Erwachsenenbildung: Erfahrungsfelder, Möglichkeitsräume, Entwicklungsperspektiven. Bielefeld: W. Bertelsmann Verlag 2013. 978-3-7639-5233-5. 7) Ralf Lottmann: Bildung im Alter - für alle? Altersbilder, Ziele und Strukturen in der nachberuflichen Bildung in Deutschland und den USA. Bielefeld: W. Bertelsmann Verlag 2013. 978-3-7639-5111-6. 8) Matthias Pilz (Hg.): The Future of Vocational Education and Training in a Changing World. Wiesbaden: VS Verlag 2012. 978-3-531-18527-9. 9) Burkhard Schäffer/Olaf Dörner (Hg.): Weiterbildungsbeteiligung als Teilhabe- und Gerechtigkeitsproblem. München: Herbert Utz Verlag 2012. 978-3-8316-4076-8

The F model on dynamical quadrangulations

The dynamically triangulated random surface (DTRS) approach to Euclidean quantum gravity in two dimensions is considered for the case of the elemental building blocks being quadrangles instead of the usually used triangles. The well-known algorithmic tools for treating dynamical triangulations in a Monte Carlo simulation are adapted to the problem of these dynamical quadrangulations. The thus defined ensemble of 4-valent graphs is appropriate for coupling to it the 6- and 8-vertex models of statistical mechanics. Using a series of extensive Monte Carlo simulations and accompanying finite-size scaling analyses, we investigate the critical behaviour of the 6-vertex F model coupled to the ensemble of dynamical quadrangulations and determine the matter related as well as the graph related critical exponents of the model.Comment: LaTeX, 43 pages, 10 figures, 7 tables; substantially shortened and revised version as published, for more details refer to V1, to be found at http://arxiv.org/abs/hep-lat/0409028v

Geometric and stochastic clusters of gravitating Potts models

We consider the fractal dimensions of critical clusters occurring in configurations of a q-state Potts model coupled to the planar random graphs of the dynamical triangulations formulation of Euclidean quantum gravity in two dimensions. For regular lattices, it is well-established that at criticality the properties of Fortuin-Kasteleyn clusters are directly related to the conventional critical exponents, whereas the corresponding properties of the geometric clusters of like spins are not. Recently it has been observed that the latter are related to the critical properties of a tricritical Potts model with the same central charge. We apply the KPZ formalism to develop a related prediction for the case of Potts models coupled to quantum gravity and employ numerical simulation methods to confirm it for the Ising case q=2.Comment: 12 pages, 1 figure, 1 tabl

Recent Progress In The Diagnosis And Treatment Of Multiple Sclerosis

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) now provides valuable diagnostic and prognostic information for the management of multiple sclerosis (MS) but the diagnosis still largely rests on the clinical features of central nervous system (CNS) lesions disseminated in time and place. Recent histological and MRI studies indicate that extensive axonal damage can occur in MS, even early in the disease course, and is likely to be an important cause of accumulating disability. Several immunomodulating agents have now been shown to have beneficial effects in MS. High dose intravenous or high dose oral methylprednisolone therapy accelerates recovery from attacks of relapsing-remitting MS, but at present there is no convincing evidence that standard dose (intermediate dose) oral corticosteroid therapy is beneficial for such attacks. Interferon beta, copolymer 1 (glatiramer acetate) and i.v. immunoglobulin therapy each significantly reduce the frequency of attacks of relapsing-remitting MS. Interferon beta also inhibits the progression of disability in relapsing-remitting MS and secondary progressive MS, but its effect on primary progressive MS is unknown. Oral low dose methotrexate therapy slows the progression of disability in secondary progressive MS and possibly in primary progressive MS, but it is likely that the currently used dosage (7.5 mg weekly) is suboptimal. Further research is needed to determine the optimal doses and combinations of the above therapies in MS and to develop better therapies, particularly for primary progressive MS

Effect of natalizumab on disease progression in secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (ASCEND). a phase 3, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with an open-label extension

Background: Although several disease-modifying treatments are available for relapsing multiple sclerosis, treatment effects have been more modest in progressive multiple sclerosis and have been observed particularly in actively relapsing subgroups or those with lesion activity on imaging. We sought to assess whether natalizumab slows disease progression in secondary progressive multiple sclerosis, independent of relapses. Methods: ASCEND was a phase 3, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (part 1) with an optional 2 year open-label extension (part 2). Enrolled patients aged 18–58 years were natalizumab-naive and had secondary progressive multiple sclerosis for 2 years or more, disability progression unrelated to relapses in the previous year, and Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores of 3·0–6·5. In part 1, patients from 163 sites in 17 countries were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive 300 mg intravenous natalizumab or placebo every 4 weeks for 2 years. Patients were stratified by site and by EDSS score (3·0–5·5 vs 6·0–6·5). Patients completing part 1 could enrol in part 2, in which all patients received natalizumab every 4 weeks until the end of the study. Throughout both parts, patients and staff were masked to the treatment received in part 1. The primary outcome in part 1 was the proportion of patients with sustained disability progression, assessed by one or more of three measures: the EDSS, Timed 25-Foot Walk (T25FW), and 9-Hole Peg Test (9HPT). The primary outcome in part 2 was the incidence of adverse events and serious adverse events. Efficacy and safety analyses were done in the intention-to-treat population. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01416181. Findings: Between Sept 13, 2011, and July 16, 2015, 889 patients were randomly assigned (n=440 to the natalizumab group, n=449 to the placebo group). In part 1, 195 (44%) of 439 natalizumab-treated patients and 214 (48%) of 448 placebo-treated patients had confirmed disability progression (odds ratio [OR] 0·86; 95% CI 0·66–1·13; p=0·287). No treatment effect was observed on the EDSS (OR 1·06, 95% CI 0·74–1·53; nominal p=0·753) or the T25FW (0·98, 0·74–1·30; nominal p=0·914) components of the primary outcome. However, natalizumab treatment reduced 9HPT progression (OR 0·56, 95% CI 0·40–0·80; nominal p=0·001). In part 1, 100 (22%) placebo-treated and 90 (20%) natalizumab-treated patients had serious adverse events. In part 2, 291 natalizumab-continuing patients and 274 natalizumab-naive patients received natalizumab (median follow-up 160 weeks [range 108–221]). Serious adverse events occurred in 39 (13%) patients continuing natalizumab and in 24 (9%) patients initiating natalizumab. Two deaths occurred in part 1, neither of which was considered related to study treatment. No progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy occurred. Interpretation: Natalizumab treatment for secondary progressive multiple sclerosis did not reduce progression on the primary multicomponent disability endpoint in part 1, but it did reduce progression on its upper-limb component. Longer-term trials are needed to assess whether treatment of secondary progressive multiple sclerosis might produce benefits on additional disability components. Funding: Biogen

Genetic relationships and evolution in Cucurbita pepo (pumpkin, squash, gourd) as revealed by simple sequence repeat polymorphisms

Genetic relationships among 104 accessions of Cucurbita pepo were assessed from polymorphisms in 134 SSR (microsatellite) and four SCAR loci, yielding a total of 418 alleles, distributed among all 20 linkage groups. Genetic distance values were calculated, a dendrogram constructed, and principal coordinate analyses conducted. The results showed 100 of the accessions as distributed among three clusters representing each of the recognized subspecies, pepo, texana, and fraterna. The remaining four accessions, all having very small, round, striped fruits, assumed central positions between the two cultivated subspecies, pepo and texana, suggesting that they are relicts of undescribed wild ancestors of the two domesticated subspecies. In both, subsp. texana and subsp. pepo, accessions belonging to the same cultivar-group (fruit shape) associated with one another. Within subsp. pepo, accessions grown for their seeds or that are generalists, used for both seed and fruit consumption, assumed central positions. Specialized accessions, grown exclusively for consumption of their young fruits, or their mature fruit flesh, or seed oil extraction, tended to assume outlying positions, and the different specializations radiated outward from the center in different directions. Accessions of the longest-fruited cultivar-group, Cocozelle, radiated bidirectionally, indicating independent selection events for long fruits in subsp. pepo probably driven by a common desire to consume the young fruits. Among the accessions tested, there was no evidence for crossing between subspecies after domestication