A convergence on Boolean algebras generalizing the convergence on the Aleksandrov cube

We compare the forcing related properties of a complete Boolean algebra B with the properties of the convergences $\lambda_s$ (the algebraic convergence) and $\lambda_{ls}$ on B generalizing the convergence on the Cantor and Aleksandrov cube respectively. In particular we show that $\lambda_{ls}$ is a topological convergence iff forcing by B does not produce new reals and that $\lambda_{ls}$ is weakly topological if B satisfies condition $(\hbar)$ (implied by the ${\mathfrak t}$-cc). On the other hand, if $\lambda_{ls}$ is a weakly topological convergence, then B is a $2^{\mathfrak h}$-cc algebra or in some generic extension the distributivity number of the ground model is greater than or equal to the tower number of the extension. So, the statement "The convergence $\lambda_{ls}$ on the collapsing algebra B=\ro ((\omega_2)^{<\omega}) is weakly topological" is independent of ZFC

THE ESTABLISHMENT OF INTENSIVE APPLE ORCHARDS IN SERBIA

Serbia at the present time grows apple on an area of 25.917 ha with an average production of 412.000 tons per year. This production is almost 2.5 fold higher than in the period of 2001-2005., which is associated with establishment of new intensive orchards, starting from 2006.Apple production was moving from the locations, typically used for traditional apple production to the regions, mostly located in the different valleys, that poses enough quantity of fresh water for drip irrigation. The new established orchards are equipped with anti-hail net preventingfruit damagesagainst hail or intensive sunlight. The most dominant cultivars are different clones of Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, Gala and Red Delicious, which are mostly grafted on M9 rootstock. Spacing between the rows is the same as in the past (3.0-3.5 m), while  distance withinthe rows is significantly reduced and now is 0,5-0,9 m, which provide 3,200-6,250 trees ha-1. Tree height reaches 2.20-3.0 m. Large and well feathered nursery trees are used for planting, which provide fast returns of high investment. “Knip” nursery trees  as 2-year-old trees with one-year old crown are preferred for establishing new orchards. After planting, light pruning is usually applied. Only lateral shoots at the tip which are too steep and too vigorous lateral shoots along the leader are removed in its base. This type of pruning, which promotes fruit bud production and early cropping, reduces vegetative growth of the tree. In the case of good development of the trees after planting ,  they can be loaded up to 40 fruits in the second growing year, providing a yield of more than 30 tons per hectare. Production in the third leaf can achieve 40-50 t ha-1 and full production, which usually started in the fourth leaf, more than 60 t ha-1can be expected depends on cultivar and growing conditions. Pruning of the mature trees means cutting of the strong watersprouts, the upright shoots and the strong terminal shoots at the top of the tree at their base, remaining only weak fruit-bearing wood. The fruit thinning is regularly applied in modern apple orchards, starting from the second growing year, in order to achieve regular yield and uniform fruit quality.. For this purpose plant growth regulators such as auxins [naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) or naphthalene acetamide (NAAm)] and cytokinin [6 - benzyladenine (BA)] are used. Recently, herbicide metamitron, as a new chemical thinners that at a low dosage reduces photosynthesis and consequently enhances fruit drop are also used. Metamitron exhibited thinning activity when applied to apple fruitlets at the 6 to 15 mm in diameter, or even later, at 20 mm. It can be applied once or twice, depend on the weather conditions in the day of application and three days after

Nonstandard models and analytic equivalence relations

Abstract. We improve a result of Hjorth[93] concerning the nature of thin analytic equivalence relations. The key lemma uses a weakly compact cardinal to construct certain nonstandard models, which Hjorth obtained using #&apos;s. The purpose of this note is to improve the following result of Hjorth [93]. Theorem. (Hjorth) Suppose that for every real x, x # exists. Let E be an analytic equivalence relation, Σ 1 1 in parameter x 0 . Then either there exists a perfect set of pairwise Einequivalent reals or every E-equivalence class has a representative in a set-generic extension of Hjorth&apos;s proof makes use of his analysis of nonstandard Ehrenfeucht-Mostowski models built from #&apos;s. Instead, we construct the necessary nonstandard models using infinitary model theory, assuming only the existence of weak compacts. Theorem 1. Suppose that for every real x there is a countable ordinal which is weakly compact in L [x]. Then the conclusion of the Theorem still holds. The main lemma is the following. It is not known if the conclusion of Lemma 2 holds in ZF C alone, for arbitrary x (with ZF replaced by an arbitrary finite subtheory). Proof of Theorem 1 from Lemma 2. Suppose that E is an analytic equivalence relation, Σ 1 1 in the parameter x 0 and choose an x 0 -recursive tree T on ω×ω×ω ω that xEy ←→ T (x, y) has a branch. For each countable ordinal α we define xE α y ←→ rank(T (x, y)) is at least α; then E α is Borel in (x 0 , c) where c is any real coding α and E is the intersection of the E α &apos;s. We may assume that each E α is an equivalence relation. A theorem of HarringtonSilver says that a Π 1 1 -equivalence relation has a perfect set of pairwise inequivalent reals or each equivalence class has a representative constructible from the parameter defining the relation. As E α is Borel in (x 0 , c) where c is a real coding α and as we may assume that E and hence each E α has no perfect set of pairwise inequivalent reals, we know that each E α -equivalence class has a representative in L[x 0 , c] where c is any real coding α. Now let x be arbitrary and by Lemma 2 choose a countable nonstandard ω-model M x of ZF containing (x 0 , x) such that L(M x ) has an isomorphic copy in a set-generic extension N of L[x 0 ]. Let a ∈ ORD(M x ) be nonstandard and let c be a code for a, generic over M x ; then by applying Harrington-Silver in M x [c] we conclude that there is y in L(M x )[x 0 , c] such that yE a x. By choosing c to be generic over N as well we get that y belongs to a set-generic extension of L[x 0 ]. Finally, yEx since if not, yE α x would fail for some α admissible in (y, x) and hence for some (standard) α &lt; a

Međunarodno tržište jabuke - stanje i tendencije

This paper deals with international apple market analysis. Average export rate was 10,4 million tons (2006-2012) with moderate growth tendency of 2,36%. The most significant and largest exporter is China, which is the largest producer as well, with 1,5 million tons and 14% share of the world's total export. Then comes Italy, USA, Chile and France which amount to half of the world's total export, combined. Import is at 10,1 million tons, at an average rate of 2,5% growth, which represents a trend of slightly intensive growth comparing to export. The largest importer is Russia, with 1,5 million tons and 14% share of the world market. Large importers are also Germany, Great Britain, the Netherlands and France, which absorb one third (1/3) of the world's total import, combined. For the next period, we can expect further expansion of the international trade. It will depend mostly on the level of production and financial power of the consumers - predominantly on economic factors. Trade of organic apples (integral and organic system of production) shall increase.U radu se analizira međunarodno tržište jabuke. Determinisane su promene u međunarodnom prometu, apostrofirani su najveći izvoznici i uvoznici. Prosečan izvoz iznosio je 10,4 miliona tona (2006-2012) sa tendencijom umerenog rasta po stopi od 2,4%. Najznačajniji izvoznik jeste Kina, koja je i najveći svetski proizvođač, sa 1,5 miliona tona i učešćem od 14% u ukupnom svetskom izvozu. Slede Italija, SAD, Čile i Francuska koje zajedno daju polovinu svetskog izvoza jabuke. Uvoz iznosi 10,1 miliona tona i beleži trend nešto intenzivnijeg rasta u odnosu na izvoz, po prosečnoj stopi od 2,5% godišnje. Najveći uvoznik je Rusija sa 1,5 miliona tona i učešćem u svetu od 14%. Veliki uvoznici su i Nemačka, Velika Britanija, Holandija i Francuska, koje zajedno apsorbuju trećinu svetskog uvoza. U narednom periodu može se očekivati dalja ekspanzija međunarodne trgovine. Ona će, pre svega, zavisiti od nivoa proizvodnje i kupovne moći potrošača, dominantno od ekonomskih faktora. Intenziviraće se trgovina jabuke proizvedene u integralnom i organskom sistemu proizvodnje

Antioksidativna aktivnost etanolnih ekstrakata Solanum Retroflexum

In this paper the antioxidant activity of ethanolic extracts from Solanum retroflexum Dun fruits were investigated. The extracts were obtained by classical technique and by Soxhlet extraction. In order to investigate the possibilities of future utilization of Solanum retroflexum fruits, the antioxidant activity, by FRAP and DPPH method was determined. Results showed the extract obtained by 75% ethanol and classic extraction during 45 minutes at 60°C, had the highest antioxidant activity, both for DPPH and FRAP method (EC50 was 60,67 μg/mL and 1,55 μmol Fe2+/mg, respectively). There was good correlation of results for antioxidant activity obtained by both methods and for all analyzed extracts.Rad se bavi ispitivanjem antioksidativne aktivnosti etanolnih ekstrakata ploda biljke Solanum retroflexum Dun. Ekstrakti su dobijeni tehnikama klasične i Soxhlet extrakcije. Potencijalna antioksidativna aktivnost je ispitana FRAP i DPPH metodama. Rezultati su pokazali da ekstrakt dobijen klasičnom ekstrakcijom sa 75% rastvorom etanola na 60°C i za vreme 45 minuta, ima najveću antioksidativnu aktivnost (EC50 = 60,67 μg/ml, 1,55 μmol Fe2+/mg), kao i da postoji dobra korelacija rezultata dobijenih obema metodama u slučaju svih analiziranih ekstrakata

Caffeine exposure induces browning features in adipose tissue in vitro and in vivo

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is able to rapidly generate heat and metabolise macronutrients, such as glucose and lipids, through activation of mitochondrial uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1). Diet can modulate UCP1 function but the capacity of individual nutrients to promote the abundance and activity of UCP1 is not well established. Caffeine consumption has been associated with loss of body weight and increased energy expenditure, but whether it can activate UCP1 is unknown. This study examined the effect of caffeine on BAT thermogenesis in vitro and in vivo. Stem cell-derived adipocytes exposed to caffeine (1 mM) showed increased UCP1 protein abundance and cell metabolism with enhanced oxygen consumption and proton leak. These functional responses were associated with browning-like structural changes in mitochondrial and lipid droplet content. Caffeine also increased peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha expression and mitochondrial biogenesis, together with a number of BAT selective and beige gene markers. In vivo, drinking coffee (but not water) stimulated the temperature of the supraclavicular region, which co-locates to the main region of BAT in adult humans, and is indicative of thermogenesis. Taken together, these results demonstrate that caffeine can promote BAT function at thermoneutrality and may have the potential to be used therapeutically in adult humans

Peptidomics of an in vitro digested α-Gal carrying protein revealed IgE-reactive peptides

The mammalian carbohydrate galactose-alpha 1,3-galactose (alpha-Gal) causes a novel form of food allergy, red meat allergy, where patients experience severe allergic reactions several hours after red meat consumption. Here we explored gastric digestion of alpha-Gal glycoproteins using an in vitro model. Bovine thyroglobulin (BTG), a typical alpha-Gal carrying glycoprotein, was digested with pepsin. The resulting peptides were characterised by SDS PAGE, immunoblot and ImmunoCAP using sera from 20 red meat allergic patients. During pepsinolysis of BTG, a wide range of peptide bands was observed of which 14 to 17 kDa peptides remained stable throughout the gastric phase. The presence of the alpha-Gal epitope on the obtained peptides was demonstrated by an anti-alpha-Gal antibody and IgE from red meat allergic patients. The alpha-Gal digests were able to inhibit up to 86% of IgE reactivity to BTG. Importantly, basophil activation test demonstrated that the allergenic activity of BTG was retained after digestion in all four tested patients. Mass spectrometry-based peptidomics revealed that these peptides represent mostly internal and C-terminal parts of the protein, where the most potent IgE-binding alpha-Gal residues were identified at Asn(1756), Asn(1850) and Asn(2231). Thus allergenic a-Gal epitopes are stable to pepsinolysis, reinforcing their role as clinically relevant food allergens

LRIG1 and epidermal growth factor receptor in renal cell carcinoma: a quantitative RT–PCR and immunohistochemical analysis

In all, 31 renal cell carcinomas (RCCs) were examined for expression of the potential tumour suppressor LRIG1 (formerly Lig-1) and the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Eight matched samples of uninvolved kidney cortex were also evaluated. Gene expression was examined by quantitative real-time RT-PCR. In the eight matched sample pairs (uninvolved kidney cortex and tumour), protein expression was examined by immunohistochemistry. Conventional (clear cell) tumours showed an expected upregulation of EGFR. LRIG1 expression was generally downregulated in conventional and papillary RCC but not in chromophobic RCC. The ratio between EGFR and LRIG1 was more than 2.5-fold higher in the eight tumours compared with matched uninvolved kidney cortex and was at least two-fold higher than the mean normal ratio in 21 of 31 samples analysed. The observed downregulation of LRIG1 and increased EGFR/LRIG1 ratios are consistent with LRIG1 being a suppressor of oncogenesis in RCC by counteracting the tumour-promoting properties of EGFR. Further studies are justified to elucidate the explicit role of LRIG1 in the oncogenesis of RCC.</p

How the Duration Period of Erythropoietin Treatment Influences the Oxidative Status of Hemodialysis Patients

Background: End-stage renal disease is a state of enhanced oxidative stress (OS) and hemodialysis (HD) and renal anemia further augment this disbalance. Anemia correction with erythropoietin (EPO) may improve oxidative status. However, there is no evidence of time dependent effects of EPO therapy on redox status of HD patients. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the duration of EPO treatment may affect OS parameters in uremic patients. Patients and methods: 104 HD patients and 29 healthy volunteers were included. Patients were divided into 3 groups according to the duration of EPO treatment. Forth group consisted of HD patients without EPO treatment. Plasma and erythrocyte malondialdehyde (MDA, MDA(rbc)), reactive carbonyl groups (RCG), plasma sulfhydryl (-SH) groups and total antioxidative capacity (TAC) levels were evaluated. Results: HD patients both with and without EPO treatment, showed a significant increase in all oxidative parameters without significance between EPO treated and -untreated group. The decrease in MDA and MDA(rbc) levels coincided with the duration of EPO treatment. A negative correlation was observed between the duration of EPO treatment and serum MDA (r=˗0.309, p=0.003). Increasing periods of EPO treatment were associated with decrease in RCG, without significance between EPO groups. Increase in TAC accompanied increasing durations of EPO treatment, with EPO treatment for more than 24 months causing the most striking changes (p<0.05). There were no significant differences in ˗SH levels between EPO subgroups. Conclusion: Our results suggest that long term administration of EPO attenuated the lipid peroxidation process and restored the levels of antioxidants

KIR gene content diversity in four Iranian populations

Killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR) regulate natural killer cell response against infection and malignancy. KIR genes are variable in the number and type, thereby discriminating individuals and populations. Herein, we analyzed the KIR gene content diversity in four native populations of Iran. The KIR genomic diversity was comparable between Bakhtiari and Persian and displayed a balance of A and B KIR haplotypes, a trend reported in Caucasian and African populations. The KIR gene content profiles of Arab and Azeri were comparable and displayed a preponderance of B haplotypes, a scenario reported in the natives of America, India, and Australia. A majority of the B haplotype carriers of Azeri and Arab had a centromeric gene-cluster (KIR2DS2-2DL2-2DS3-2DL5). Remarkably, this cluster was totally absent from the American natives but occurred at highest frequencies in the natives of India and Australia in combination with another gene cluster at the telomeric region (KIR3DS1-2DL5-2DS5-2DS1). Therefore, despite having similar frequencies of B haplotypes, the occurrence of B haplotype-specific KIR genes, such as 2DL2, 2DL5, 3DS1, 2DS1, 2DS2, 2DS3, and 2DS5 in Azeri and Arab were substantially different from the natives of America, India, and Australia. In conclusion, each Iranian population exhibits distinct KIR gene content diversity, and the Indo-European KIR genetic signatures of the Iranians concur with geographic proximity, linguistic affinity, and human migrations