Method for filling and sharpening false colour layers of dual energy X-ray images

An X-ray scanning and image processing have a vastrange of applications in the security. An image of a content ofsome package being passed for example to an airplane or to thecourt house may help to figure out if there are any dangerousobjects inside that package and to avoid possible threateningsituation. As the raw X-ray images are not always easy to analyzeand interpret, some image processing methods like an objectdetection, a frequency resolution increase or a pseudocolouringare being used. In this paper, we propose a pseudocoloringimprovement over material based approach. By addition of theedge detection methods we fill and sharpen colour layers overthe image, making it easier to interpret. We demonstrate theeffectiveness of the methods using real data, acquired from aprofessional dual energy X-ray scanner

Introgression of LTP2 gene through marker assisted backcross in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)

AbstractBackgroundMarker-assisted introgression currently represents the most widely spread application of DNA markers as an aid to selection in plant breeding. New barley germplasm should be supplemented by genes that facilitate growth and development under stressful conditions. The homology search against known genes is a fundamental approach to identify genes among the generated sequences. This procedure can be utilized for SNP search in genes of predicted function of interest and associated gene ontology (GO).ResultsBackcross breeding enhanced by marker selection may become a powerful method to transfer one or a few genes controlling a specific trait. In the study, the integrated approach of combining phenotypic selection with marker assisted backcross breeding for introgression of LTP2 gene, in the background of semi-dwarf spring barley cultivar, was employed. This study discusses the efficiency of molecular marker application in backcrossing targeted on the selected gene.ConclusionsBC6 lines developed in this study can serve as a unique and adequate plant material to dissect the role of LTP2 gene. Due to its role in lipid transfer, the LTP2 may be crucial in lipidome modification in response to abiotic stress

The LubMedNet services for data storage and télédistribution

This paper is reports several Radiological and Oncological Information Systems integrated by a very efficient medical network system. The system covers the entire image flowpath in the Diagnostic Radiology Department (i.e. image acquisition, processing, archiving, long term storage) and allows for transmitting medical images through Municipal Area Network. The system has been working reliably since November 1999. About 22000 CT examinations have been archived using our system. Over 300 special examinations for radiotherapy planning have been sent to the Lublin Oncology Centre

Transcriptome profiling disclosed the effect of single and combined drought and heat stress on reprogramming of genes expression in barley flag leaf

Despite numerous studies aimed at unraveling the genetic background of barley’s response to abiotic stress, the modulation of the transcriptome induced by combinatorial drought and increased temperature remains largely unrecognized. Very limited studies were done, especially on the flag leaf, which plays an important role in grain filling in cereals. In the present study, transcriptome profiles, along with chlorophyll fluorescence parameters and yield components, were compared between barley genotypes with different flag leaf sizes under single and combined drought and heat stress. High-throughput mRNA sequencing revealed 2,457 differentially expressed genes, which were functionally interpreted using Gene Ontology term enrichment analysis. The transcriptomic signature under double stress was more similar to effects caused by drought than by elevated temperature; it was also manifested at phenotypic and chlorophyll fluorescence levels. Both common and stress-specific changes in transcript abundance were identified. Genes regulated commonly across stress treatments, determining universal stress responses, were associated, among others, with responses to drought, heat, and oxidative stress. In addition, changes specific to the size of the flag leaf blade were found. Our study allowed us to identify sets of genes assigned to various processes underlying the response to drought and heat, including photosynthesis, the abscisic acid pathway, and lipid transport. Genes encoding LEA proteins, including dehydrins and heat shock proteins, were especially induced by stress treatments. Some association between genetic composition and flag leaf size was confirmed. However, there was no general coincidence between SNP polymorphism of genotypes and differential expression of genes induced by stress factors. This research provided novel insight into the molecular mechanisms of barley flag leaf that determine drought and heat response, as well as their co-occurrence

Preliminary results of in vitro culture of pea and lupin embryos for the reduction of generation cycles in single seed descent technique

The aim of the studies was to establish in vitro conditions for the culture of pea and lupin embryos as the first step in the development of an in vitro assisted single seed descent technique for the attainment of homozygous populations. Materials for the study included of pea, and narrow-leafed and yellow lupin cultivars. Embryos dissected from mature but still-green seeds were cultured in vitro on two modified MS media and under three temperature regimes. Shoot and root lengths of regenerated plants were measured after 7, 14 and 21 days of culture. For pea plants full-strength MS medium with 4 g l−1 agar and temperature 22/ 20°C (day/night) appeared to be the most conducive to shoot and root development, whereas for lupin plants lower temperatures were more propitious: 12°C in the dark for narrow-leafed lupin and 16/ 12°C (day/night) for yellow lupin. Almost all the cultured embryos developed into plants, but not all the regenerated plants survived acclimation to ex vitro conditions

Drought-related secondary metabolites of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) leaves and their metabolomic quantitative trait loci

Determining the role of plant secondary metabolites in stress conditions is problematic due to the diversity of their structures and the complexity of their interdependence with different biological pathways. Correlation of metabolomic data with the genetic background provides essential information about the features of metabolites. LC-MS analysis of leaf metabolites from 100 barley recombinant inbred lines (RILs) revealed that 98 traits among 135 detected phenolic and terpenoid compounds significantly changed their level as a result of drought stress. Metabolites with similar patterns of change were grouped in modules, revealing differences among RILs and parental varieties at early and late stages of drought. The most significant changes in stress were observed for ferulic and sinapic acid derivatives as well as acylated glycosides of flavones. The tendency to accumulate methylated compounds was a major phenomenon in this set of samples. In addition, the polyamine derivatives hordatines as well as terpenoid blumenol C derivatives were observed to be drought related. The correlation of drought-related compounds with molecular marker polymorphisms resulted in the definition of metabolomic quantitative trait loci in the genomic regions of single-nucleotide polymorphism 3101-111 and simple sequence repeat Bmag0692 with multiple linkages to metabolites. The associations pointed to genes related to the defence response and response to cold, heat and oxidative stress, but not to genes related to biosynthesis of the compounds. We postulate that the significant metabolites have a role as antioxidants, regulators of gene expression and modulators of protein function in barley during drought

Insights into Barley Root Transcriptome under Mild Drought Stress with an Emphasis on Gene Expression Regulatory Mechanisms

Root systems play a pivotal role in coupling with drought stress, which is accompanied with a substantial transcriptome rebuilding in the root tissues. Here, we present the results of global gene expression profiling of roots of two barley genotypes with contrasting abilities to cope with drought that were subjected to a mild level of the stress. We concentrate our analysis on gene expression regulation processes, which allowed the identification of 88 genes from 39 families involved in transcriptional regulation in roots upon mild drought. They include 13 genes encoding transcription factors (TFs) from AP2 family represented by ERFs, DREB, or B3 domain-containing TFs, eight WRKYs, six NACs, five of the HD-domain, MYB or MYB-related, bHLH and bZIP TFs. Also, the representatives of C3H, CPP, GRAS, LOB-domain, TCP, Ti y, Tubby, and NF-Ys TFs, among others were found to be regulated by the mild drought in barley roots. We found that drought tolerance is accompanied with a lower number of gene expression changes than the amount observed in a susceptible genotype. The better drought acclimation may be related to the activation of transcription factors involved in the maintenance of primary root growth and in the epigenetic control of chromatin andDNAmethylation. In addition, our analysis pointed to fives TFs from ERF, LOB, NAC, WRKY and bHLH families that may be important in the mild but not the severe drought response of barley roots

QTLs for earliness and yield-forming traits in the Lubuski x CamB barley RIL population under various water regimes

This work was supported by the European Regional Development Fund through the Innovative Economy Programme 2007?2013, project WND-POIG.01.03.01?00?101/08 POLAPGEN-BD "Biotechnological tools for breeding cereals with increased resistance to drought".Drought has become more frequent in Central Europe causing large losses in cereal yields, especially of spring crops. The development of new varieties with increased tolerance to drought is a key tool for improvement of agricultural productivity. Material for the study consisted of 100 barley recombinant inbred lines (RILs) (LCam) derived from the cross between Syrian and European parents. The RILs and parental genotypes were examined in greenhouse experiments under well-watered and water-deficit conditions. During vegetation the date of heading, yield and yield-related traits were measured. RIL population was genotyped with microsatellite and single nucleotide polymorphism markers. This population, together with two other populations, was the basis for the consensus map construction, which was used for identification of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) affecting the traits. The studied lines showed a large variability in heading date. It was noted that drought-treatment negatively affected the yield and its components, especially when applied at the flag leaf stage. In total, 60 QTLs were detected on all the barley chromosomes. The largest number of QTLs was found on chromosome 2H. The main QTL associated with heading, located on chromosome 2H (Q.HD.LC-2H), was identified at SNP marker 5880–2547, in the vicinity of Ppd-H1 gene. SNP 5880–2547 was also the closest marker to QTLs associated with plant architecture, spike morphology and grain yield. The present study showed that the earliness allele from the Syrian parent, as introduced into the genome of an European variety could result in an improvement of barley yield performance under drought conditions.European Regional Development Fun

Quantitative trait loci for plant height in Maresi × CamB barley population and their associations with yield-related traits under different water regimes

High-yielding capacity of the modern barley varieties is mostly dependent on the sources of semi-dwarfness associated with the sdw1/denso locus. The objective of the study was to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with the plant height and yield potential of barley recombinant inbred lines (RILs) grown under various soil moisture regimes. The plant material was developed from a hybrid between the Maresi (European cv.) and CamB (Syrian cv.). A total of 103 QTLs affecting analysed traits were detected and 36 of them showed stable effects over environments. In total, ten QTLs were found to be significant only under water shortage conditions. Nine QTLs affecting the length of main stem were detected on 2H-6H chromosomes. In four of the detected QTLs, alleles contributed by Maresi had negative effects on that trait, the most significant being the QLSt-3H.1-1 in the 3H.1 linkage group. The close linkage between QTLs identified around the sdw1/denso locus, with positive alleles contributed by Maresi, indicates that the semi-dwarf cv. Maresi could serve as a donor of favourable traits resulting in grain yield improvement, also under water scarcity. Molecular analyses revealed that the Syrian cv. also contributed alleles which increased the yield potential. Available barley resources of genomic annotations were employed to the biological interpretation of detected QTLs. This approach revealed 26 over-represented Gene Ontology terms. In the projected support intervals of QGWSl-5H.3-2 and QLSt-5H.3 on the chromosome 5H, four genes annotated to ‘response to stress’ were found. It suggests that these QTL-regions may be involved in a response of plant to a wide range of environmental disturbances