Anti-transpirant effects on vine physiology, berry and wine composition of cv. Aglianico (Vitis vinifera L.) Grown in South Italy

In viticulture, global warming requires reconsideration of current production models. At the base of this need there are some emerging phenomena: modification of phenological phases; acceleration of the maturation process of grapes, with significant increases in the concentration of sugar musts; decoupling between technological grape maturity and phenolic maturity. The aim of our study was to evaluate the effect of a natural anti-transpirant on grapevine physiology, berry, and wine composition of Aglianico cultivar. For two years, Aglianico vines were treated at veraison with the anti-transpirant Vapor Gard and compared with a control sprayed with only water. A bunch thinning was also applied to both treatments. The effectiveness of Vapor Gard were assessed through measurements of net photosynthesis and transpiration and analyzing the vegetative, productive and qualitative parameters. The results demonstrate that the application of antitranspirant reduced assimilation and transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, berry sugar accumulation, and wine alcohol content. No significant differences between treatments were observed for other berry and wine compositional parameters. This method may be a useful tool to reduce berry sugar content and to produce wines with a lower alcohol content

Evaluation of graft success of grapevine after incubation room by means of thermographic, electrical and mechanical techniques

Grafting is an important technique for getting good yields in plant multiplication. Understanding the success of the graft after the incubation stage is important to the evaluation of the suitable grafting for the open field (nursery). Successful grafting in vines requires the development of a functional vascular system between the scion and the rootstock. The graft compatibility and its augmentation depend upon various natural factors like environment, soil conditions and protective measures. The present study examines the capability of thermographic, mechanical and electrical techniques to assess the graft quality and success after the incubation stage. The trial was carried out at Vivai Mannone, (Petrosino, Western Sicily, 37\uc2\ub042'26.28''N - 12\uc2\ub029'09.57''E). After the different tests, various grafting combinations were planted in the nursery and followed for the vegetative season. Before the evaluation procedure was performed graft unions have been subjected to a moderate heating from ambient temperature, then the thermal transient toward ambient temperature was monitored by means of a thermal imaging camera. As far as the electrical testing procedure was concerned, a sinusoidal voltage was applied through the grafts-cuttings, and the voltage attenuation at different points at increasing distances from the source was measured by an oscilloscope. The mechanical strength of the graft undergoing a controlled rate flexural loading was monitored by a PC remote controlled digital dynamometer. Experimental results show that we were able to distinguish the successful grafting only with the thermographic test. Moreover, this technique was the only non-destructive test from which it was possible to derive quantitative parameters, useful to provide successful nursery forecast. Engraftment results detected at the nursery showed a 15% error in forecast based on the proposed thermal image method, which is a satisfactory value for a feasibility study

Risk-adjusted performance indicators in life insurance

The paper approaches the potential of risk-adjusted performance indicators in life insurance, with special reference to a structured policy. The final issue is the computation of risk adjusted indicators as a tool to evaluate the portfolio given a policy structure. The computation of such indicator could be suitable for the appraisal of both portfolio optimization and potential profits of the structured policy. The selection tool is put into an asset and liability management decision making context, where the relationship between expected surplus and capital at risk are compared. The analysis is applied to a structured temporary annuity and is treated by means of Monte Carlo simulations

Are Cancer Stem Cells a Suitable Target for Breast Cancer Immunotherapy?

There is substantial evidence to suggest that complete tumor eradication relies on the effective elimination of cancer stem cells (CSCs). CSCs have been widely described as mediators of resistance to conventional therapies, including chemo- and radiotherapy, as well as of tumor metastasization and relapse in different tumor types, including breast cancer. However, the resistant phenotype of CSCs makes their targeting a tough task, and immunotherapy may therefore be an interesting option. Nevertheless, although immunotherapeutic approaches to cancer treatment have generated great enthusiasm due to recent success in clinics, breast cancer treatment mostly relies on standard approaches. In this context, we review the existing literature on the immunological properties of breast CSC and immunotherapeutic approaches to them. We will thus attempt to clarify whether there is room for the immunotargeting of breast CSCs in the current landscape of breast cancer therapies. Finally, we will provide our opinion on the CSC-targeting immunotherapeutic strategies that could prospectively be attempted

Fabrication of Billet from Aluminum Alloys AA 2011-T3/7075 Chips through Friction Stir Consolidation

Recently evolving Solid-State Recycling (SSR) techniques have shown promising features to recycle metals scraps more efficiently compared to remelting-based approaches. Among these SSR methods, Friction Stir Consolidation (FSC) has been successfully tested to transform metals chips directly into semi or final solid products. Therefore, researchers explored FSC critical process parameters and their subsequent effects on quality in terms of the mechanical and metallurgical properties of the billet. All the previous studies of FSC were limited to developing billet of mono materials. Therefore, in this research, an attempt was made to go beyond the idea of recycling; in fact, a billet of two dissimilar aluminum alloys AA 7075 and AA 2011-T3 out of chips was obtained. The mechanical and metallurgical properties were assessed through the Vickers hardness measurements and microstructure analysis. The experimental results of this research illustrate that the FSC process is a feasible approach to develop a billet of dissimilar materials with achieving quality closer to the corresponding billet of mono-material

Berry Characterisation of cv Shiraz According to Position on the Rachis

In this study, characterisation of the physical and compositional parameters of berries located in differentpositions on the rachis of Shiraz/R99 bunches was done. Berries were divided according to position onthe rachis (apical, median and basal) and berry weight, resulting in four berry weight classes, averaging0.86 g, 1.29 g, 1.74 g and 2.26 g and 0.74, 1.18, 1.59 and 2.09 cm3, respectively. The berries were analysedindividually. The fresh weight of the berries comprised approximately 4% seeds, 20% skin and 76% flesh.Different percentage distributions were found for each class of berry weight and according to position onthe rachis. From the top to the bottom rachis position, an increase in skin proportion value and a decreasein flesh and seed proportion value occurred. Skins decreased and flesh increased in proportion from thesmallest to the largest berry size. The seed maintained a relatively stable proportion, irrespective of berrysize. Larger berries had more flesh compared to skin than smaller berries. A higher level of soluble solidsoccurred in the shoulder to middle bunch area (28.7 °B and 28.6 °B, respectively) than in the bottom area(27.6 °B). It is extremely difficult to obtain uniform berry size and composition under field conditions.Continuous efforts are required to reduce variation and the potential negative impact on wine quality andconsistency of wine style