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Soil salinity is one of the major constraints to crop production worldwide. The multifaceted nature of salinity tolerance traits complicates plant screening and the identification of salt‐tolerant germplasm to be used for the genetic advancement of corps. Many screening criteria have been suggested to distinguish between genotypes. Most of these were applied under controlled environmental conditions and limited to one developmental stage of plants. As a result, most of the reported tolerance could not be validated under field conditions. This study employed a membership function value (MFV) to assess NaCl tolerance of eight wheat (Triticum aestivum) genotypes measured at germination, vegetative and reproductive stages, as an integrative tool for the overall plant performance. Salt stresses had an adverse effect on plant physiological (residual transpiration, stomatal density, chlorophyll fluorescence characteristics; leaf N, Na+ and K+ content) and agronomical (plant height; biomass; root and tiller number; grain) characteristics. Based on this assessment, plants were divided into three contrasting groups: salt tolerant, moderately salt tolerant and salt sensitive. Although genotypes did not show the same degree of tolerance in germination, glasshouse and field experiments, the variety Yu‐07 showed consistently better performance in all trials, whilst Aus19720 was most sensitive in glasshouse and field experiments. These contrasting genotypes could be of a potential value for further studies to uncover the genetic mechanisms governing salt stress response in wheat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The temperature of lithium-ion batteries rises linearly and is kept within a safe range by the battery management system during normal vehicle operation. However, if external factors or motor current exceeds the standard current limit for a short time, the battery temperature may rise exponentially. If the rate of temperature rises too high and exceeds 250 °C, it causes chemical reaction inside the battery, resulting in thermal discharge. The chemical reaction that occurs due to high temperature is irreversible and can quickly lead to fire, causing the electrical vehicle to go up in flames. An artificial Intelligence-based Battery Management System (BMS) can predict the rise in temperature, monitor safe current level, avoid thermal depletion of the battery, and warn the user. In this study, we propose a modification to the existing BMS to improve performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Waterlogging is an environmental stress, which severely affects barley growth and development. Limited availability of oxygen in the root zone negatively affects the metabolism of the whole plant. Adventitious roots (AR) and root cortical aerenchyma (RCA) formation are the most important adaptive traits that contribute to a plant's ability to survive in waterlogged soil conditions. This study used a genome-wide association (GWAS) approach using 18,132 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in a panel of 697 barley genotypes to reveal marker trait associations (MTA) conferring the above adaptive traits. Experiments were conducted over two consecutive years in tanks filled with soil and then validated in field experiments. GWAS analysis was conducted using general linear models (GLM), mixed linear models (MLM), and fixed and random model circulating probability unification models (FarmCPU model), with the FarmCPU showing to be the best suited model. Six and five significant (approximately −log10 (p) ≥ 5.5) MTA were identified for AR and RCA formation under waterlogged conditions, respectively. The highest −log10 (p) MTA for adventitious root and aerenchyma formation were approximately 9 and 8 on chromosome 2H and 4H, respectively. The combination of different MTA showed to be more effective in forming RCA and producing more AR under waterlogging stress. Genes from major facilitator superfamily (MFS) transporter and leucine-rich repeat (LRR) families for AR formation, and ethylene responsive factor (ERF) family genes and potassium transporter family genes for RCA formation were the potential candidate genes involved under waterlogging conditions. Several genotypes, which performed consistently well under different conditions, can be used in breeding programs to develop waterlogging-tolerant varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil salinity is a major threat to crop productivity and quality worldwide. In order to reduce the negative effects of salinity stress, it is important to understand the genetic basis of salinity tolerance. Identifying new salinity tolerance QTL or genes is crucial for breeders to pyramid different tolerance mechanisms to improve crop adaptability to salinity. Being one of the major cereal crops, wheat is known as a salt-sensitive glycophyte and subject to substantial yield losses when grown in the presence of salt. In this study, both pot and tank experiments were conducted to investigate the genotypic variation present in 328 wheat varieties in their salinity tolerance at the vegetative stage. A Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) were carried out to identify QTL conferring salinity tolerance through a mixed linear model. Six, five and eight significant marker-trait associations (MTAs) were identified from pot experiments, tank experiments and average damage scores, respectively. These markers are located on the wheat chromosomes 1B, 2B, 2D, 3A, 4B, and 5A. These tolerance alleles were additive in their effects and, when combined, increased tolerance to salinity. Candidate genes identified in these QTL regions encoded a diverse class of proteins involved in salinity tolerance in plants. A Na+/H+ exchanger and a potassium transporter on chromosome 5A (IWB30519) will be of a potential value for improvement of salt tolerance of wheat cultivars using marker assisted selection programs. Some useful genotypes, which showed consistent tolerance in different trials, can also be effectively used in breeding programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In‐crop soil waterlogging can be caused by extreme rainfall events, high ground water tables, excessive irrigation, lateral ground water flow, either individually or in concert, and together these factors inhibit potential grain yields. However, the extent to which yield is influenced by the timing and duration of waterlogging relative to crop phenology is unknown. To investigate this, we conducted a range of waterlogging treatments on modern barley genotypes differing in their waterlogging tolerance, with tolerance conferred through aerenchyma formation under oxygen deficit conditions. Experiment 1 was conducted in a controlled environment using four waterlogging treatments: waterlogging at Zadoks stage (ZS) 12.5 for 1 or 2 months (WL1 and WL2, respectively), waterlogging at ZS 15 for 2 months (WL3), and waterlogging initiated 1 day before heading for 15 days (WL4). Experiment 2 was conducted in the field with WL2. Averaged across experiments, yield was reduced by 35% in W1 to 52% in WL3 due to fewer spikes/m2 and kernels/spike. WL4 had the greatest impact on yield (70% reduction) due to its effect on spikelet fertility and grain filling. Phenology was delayed 1–8 ZS at the end of waterlogging treatments, with the waterlogging‐susceptible cultivar Franklin showing the greatest delays, and waterlogging tolerant genotypes (Macquarie+, TAMF169) capable of aerenchyma formation under waterlogging having the least delays (0–4 ZS). Genotypes with aerenchyma formation QTL (Macquarie+) showed nonsignificant yield reduction compared with nonwaterlogged controls, preventing 23% yield loss under early phenological waterlogging stress. Late growth stage waterlogging substantially reduced average final grain yield by 70%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digital Hearing Aid (DHA) device selectively filters sound signals in subbands. Gain is added as per hearing loss mentioned in audiogram. DHA uses digital filters and amplifies processed signal, and this signal is transferred to the ear. Multiple DHA manufacturing companies all over world have innovative and miniature DHA devices in their product range. They do rigorous research and development to improve product functionalities. Most of them use design method of digital filters using selective amplification by adding gain to subband where patients have hearing loss. Nowadays, DHAs are more customized to individual patient hearing loss characteristics. Most of the available hearing aid designs use filter banks with fixed subbands. The paper focuses on reducing the complexity of the algorithms improving DHA user experience in changing noise and proposes a single reconfigurable transfer function type of digital Finite Impulse Response (FIR) filter to achieve a best fitting to audiogram as per the specifications with IEC 60118-15 standard, and the processed signals are tested with ITU-TPESQ standards. The paper uses International Speech Test Signal (ISTS) standard speech audio signal to test designed filter, and the results are found to be very satisfactory compared with the fixed filter banks. The paper discusses combined or reconfigured transfer function approach for use in DHA devices and design of reconfigurable FIR filter bank with adjusting different parameters in terms of requirements of DHA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hearing impairment is a commonly observed human health problem across the world. In "hearing loss", hearing sensitivity is reduced. To treat hearing loss problem, hearing assistive devices are used. Hearing aids restore hearing ability for those having hearing problems. But with today's most advanced technologies in hearing aids, patients still have some difficulty in understanding speech in crowded areas. Hearing aid has hearing loss match up and adjustment of the hearing aid characteristics according to an individual patient. Digital hearing-aid device amplifies sound selectively by use of digital filters and the processed signal is transferred to the ear. Hearing-aid designers are continuously trying to minimize background sounds and noise with these additional directional microphones, adaptable noise reduction filters and uses of binaural hearing aid technologies to improve localization. Lots of studies have been already done to design digital filters for selective amplification. Most of the available hearing-aid designs have digital filter bank and fixed sub-band structure. Previous research aims at creating band decomposition, and the research is focused on using less complex algorithms for accomplishment of the decomposition of signals. The paper reviews available designs and reconfigurable digital filter banks to achieve the best fitting to audiogram. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mechanical milling and subsequent annealing in air at temperatures between 210 and 1200 °C have been carried out on high purity ZnO powder to study the defect generation and recovery in the material. Lowering of average grain size (from 76±1 to 22±0.5 nm) as a result of milling has been estimated from the broadening of x-ray lines. Substantial grain growth in the milled sample occurs above 425 °C annealing temperature. Positron annihilation lifetime (PAL) analysis of the samples shows a distinct decrease of the average lifetime of positrons very near the same temperature zone. As indicated from both x-ray diffraction (XRD) and PAL results, high temperature (>700 °C) annealed samples have a better crystallinity (or lower defect concentration) than even the nonmilled ZnO. In contrast, the measured optical band gap of the samples (from absorption spectroscopy) does not confirm lowering of defects with high temperature annealing. Thermally generated defects at oxygen sites cause significant modification of the optical absorption; however, they are not efficient traps for positrons. Different thermal stages of generation and recovery of cationic as well as anionic defects in granular ZnO are discussed in the light of XRD, PAL, and optical absorption studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Waterlogging remains a significant constraint to cereal production across the globe in areas with high rainfall and/or poor drainage. Improving tolerance of plants to waterlogging is the most economical way of tackling the problem. However, under severe waterlogging combined agronomic, engineering and genetic solutions will be more effective. A wide range of agronomic and engineering solutions are currently being used by grain growers to reduce losses from waterlogging. In this scoping study, we reviewed the effects of waterlogging on plant growth, and advantages and disadvantages of various agronomic and engineering solutions which are used to mitigate waterlogging damage. Further research should be focused on: cost/benefit analyses of different drainage strategies; understanding the mechanisms of nutrient loss during waterlogging and quantifying the benefits of nutrient application; increasing soil profile de-watering through soil improvement and agronomic strategies; revealing specificity of the interaction between different management practices and environment as well as among management practices; and more importantly, combined genetic, agronomic and engineering strategies for varying environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Tobacco stalk is one kind of abundant crop residues in China. The high lignification of tobacco stalk increases its reusing cost and the existing of nicotine will cause serious pollution. The biodegradation of lignocellulosic biomass has been demonstrated to be an environmental and economical approach for the utilization of plant stalk. Meanwhile, many nicotine-degrading microorganisms were found in nature. However, microorganisms which could degraded both nicotine and lignin haven't been reported. Therefore, it's imperative to find some suitable microorganisms to break down lignin and simultaneously remove nicotine in tobacco stalk. Results: The nicotine in tobacco stalk could be degraded effectively by Trametes versicolor, Trametes hirsute and Phanerochaete chrysosporium. The nicotine content in tobacco stalk was lowered to below 500 mg/kg (a safe concentration to environment) after 10 days of fermentation with Phanerochaete chrysosporium and Trametes versicolor, and 15 days with Trametes hirsute. The degradation rate of lignin in the fermented tobacco stalk was 37.70, 51.56 and 53.75% with Trametes versicolor, Trametes hirsute and Phanerochaete chrysosporium,respectively. Meanwhile, 24.28% hemicellulose was degraded by Phanerochaete chrysosporium and 28.19% cellulose was removed by Trametes hirsute. Through the enzyme activity analysis, the main and highest ligninolytic enzymes produced by Phanerochaete chrysosporium, Trametes hirsute and Trametes versicolor were lignin peroxidase (88.62 U x L-1), manganese peroxidase (100.95 U x L-1 ) and laccase (745.65 U x L-1 ). Meanwhile, relatively high and stable cellulase activity was also detected during the fermentation with Phanerochaete chrysosporium, and the highest endoglucanase, exoglucanase and filter paper enzyme activities were 0.38 U x mL-1, 0.45U x mL-1 and 0.35U x mL-1, respectively. Moreover, the products in the fermentation of tobacco stalk with P. chrysosporium were identified with GC-MS, besides the chemicals produced in the degradation of lignin and nicotine, some small molecular valuable chemicals and fatty acid were also detected. Conclusions: Our study developed a new method for the degradation and detoxification of tobacco stalk by fermentation with white rot fungi Phanerochaete chrysosporium and Trametes hirsute. The differentoxidative enzymes and chemical products detected during the degradation indicated a possible pathway for the utilization of tobacco stalk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to screen more microorganisms for the biodegradation of tobacco stalk and explore its application value in the reusing of tobacco stalk. One bacterium strain H02 was screened out from soil for detecting its selective degradation of lignin in tobacco stalk and relative higher laccase production when fermentation with tobacco stalk in liquid state. The identification of 16S rDNA sequence indicates that the bacterium is belonged to Bacillus sp. It showed the highest laccase enzyme activity of 332.41 U/mL at 10 d after fermentation and the removal ratio of lignin, cellulose and hemicellulose were 15.68%, 5.58% and 19.66% respectively. In shortly, it can be inferred that this may provided a new approach for the reusing of tobacco stalk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calcineurin B-like protein (CBL)-CBL-interacting protein kinase (CIPK) network is one of the vital regulatory mechanisms which decode calcium signals triggered by environmental stresses. Although the complicated regulation mechanisms and some novel functions of CBL-CIPK signaling network in plants need to be further elucidated, numerous advances have been made in its roles involved in the abiotic stresses. This review chiefly introduces the progresses about protein interaction, classification and expression pattern of different CBLs and CIPKs in Arabidopsis thaliana, summarizes the physiological roles of CBL-CIPK pathway while pointing out some new research ideas in the future, and finally presents some unique perspectives for the further study. The review might provide new insights into the functional characterization of CBL-CIPK pathway in Arabidopsis, and contribute to a deeper understanding of CBL-CIPK network in other plants or stresses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to screen more microorganisms for the biodegradation of tobacco stalk and explore its application value in the reusing of tobacco stalk. One bacterium strain H02 was screened out from soil for detecting its selective degradation of lignin in tobacco stalk and relative higher laccase production when fermentation with tobacco stalk in liquid state. The identification of 16S rDNA sequence indicates that the bacterium is belonged to Bacillus sp. It showed the highest laccase enzyme activity of 332.41 U/mL at 10 d after fermentation and the removal ratio of lignin, cellulose and hemicellulose were 15.68%, 5.58% and 19.66% respectively. In shortly, it can be inferred that this may provided a new approach for the reusing of tobacco stalk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key message: Nicotiana sylvestris calcineurin B-like protein NsylCBL10 improves tolerance to high-salt stress through better maintenance of Na balance. Abstract: The calcineurin B-like (CBL) proteins represent a unique group of plant calcium sensors and play an important role in regulating the response of a plant cell to the stress. Although many studies have been made in Arabidopsis ( Arabidopsis thaliana), rice ( Oryza sativa) and poplar ( Populus trichocarpa), the characterization and elucidation of the functions of CBLs in tobacco have not yet been reported. In this study, NsylCBL10, a CBL gene showing higher similarities to other CBL10 genes, was cloned from Nicotiana sylvestris. NsylCBL10 is expressed in most of the tobacco tissues, and the protein targets to the plasma membrane specifically. Over-expression of NsylCBL10 enhanced the salt tolerance of Arabidopsis wild type plants greatly, and rescued the high-salt-sensitive phenotype of Arabidopsis cbl10 mutant. The analysis of ion content indicated that over-expressing NsylCBL10 in plants is able to maintain a lower Na/K ratio in roots and higher Na/K ratio in shoots, compared with cbl10 mutant. The results suggest that NsylCBL10 might play an important role in response to high salinity stress in N. sylvestris, by keeping a better ionic homeostasis to reduce the damage of toxic ion to the plant cell. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abiotic stress halts the physiological and developmental process of plant. During stress condition, CBL-CIPK complex is identified as a primary element of calcium sensor to perceive environmental signals. Recent studies established that this complex regulates downstream targets like ion channels and transporters in adverse stages conditions. Crosstalks between the CBL-CIPK complex and different abiotic stresses can extend our research area, which can improve and increase the production of genetically modified crops in response to abiotic stresses. How this complex links with environmental signals and creates adjustable circumstances under unfavorable conditions is now one of the burning issues. Diverse studies are already underway to delineate this signalling mechanism underlying different interactions. Therefore, up to date experimental results should be concisely published, thus paving the way for further research. The present review will concisely recapitulate the recent and ongoing research progress of positive ions (Mg2+, Na+, and K+), negative ions (NO3-, PO4-), and hormonal signalling, which are evolving from accumulating results of analyses of CBL and CIPK loss- or gain-of-function experiments in different species along with some progress and perspectives of our works. In a word, this review will give one step forward direction for more functional studies in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives To determine the sensitivity and specificity of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging ( mpMRI) for significant prostate cancer with transperineal sector biopsy ( TPSB) as the reference standard. Patients and Methods The study included consecutive patients who presented for TPSB between July 2012 and November 2013 after mpMRI ( T2- and diffusion-weighted images, 1.5 Tesla scanner, 8-channel body coil). A specialist uro-radiologist, blinded to clinical details, assigned qualitative prostate imaging reporting and data system ( PI-RADS) scores on a Likert-type scale, denoting the likelihood of significant prostate cancer as follows: 1, highly unlikely; 3, equivocal; and 5, highly likely. TPSBs sampled 24-40 cores (depending on prostate size) per patient. Significant prostate cancer was defined as the presence of Gleason pattern 4 or cancer core length ≥6 mm. Results A total of 201 patients were included in the analysis. Indications were: a previous negative transrectal biopsy with continued suspicion of prostate cancer ( n = 103); primary biopsy ( n = 83); and active surveillance ( n = 15). Patients' mean (± sd) age, prostate-specific antigen and prostate volumes were 65 (±7) years, 12.8 (±12.4) ng/mL and 62 (±36) mL, respectively. Overall, biopsies were benign, clinically insignificant and clinically significant in 124 (62%), 20 (10%) and 57 (28%) patients, respectively. Two of 88 men with a PI-RADS score of 1 or 2 had significant prostate cancer, giving a sensitivity of 97% (95% confidence interval [ CI] 87-99) and a specificity of 60% (95% CI 51-68) at this threshold. Receiver-operator curve analysis gave an area under the curve of 0.89 (95% CI 0.82-0.92). The negative predictive value of a PI-RADS score of ≤2 for clinically significant prostate cancer was 97.7% Conclusion We found that PI-RADS scoring performs well as a predictor for biopsy outcome and could be used in the decision-making process for prostate biopsy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The microwave dielectric CaZrO3 has been prepared in nanocrystalline form by high-energy ball milling an equimolar powder mixture of CaO and monoclinic (m) ZrO2. The formation of CaZrO3 is noticed in the X-ray diffraction pattern of 2 h ball-milled powder. At the early stage of milling, up to 4 h, the weight fraction of CaZrO3 increases rapidly and then slowly reaches almost the saturation value of ∼73 wt% within 18 h of milling. It is observed that in the course of milling, the weight fraction of c-ZrO3 increases continuously from its starting value, ∼2.5 wt%, to ∼43 wt% within 2 h of milling, and then reduces slowly to its starting value. It seems that the c-ZrO3 phase has been stabilized by CaO and takes part in the formation of CaZrO3 by mechanochemical reaction of nanocrystalline CaO and c-ZrO3 crystallites. However, post-annealing of 2, 6 and 18 h ball-milled samples results in the formation of ∼95 wt% CaZrO3 phase. The formation mechanism, phase transition kinetics, structure and microstructure changes in terms of lattice imperfections and relative phase abundances of individual phases have been estimated from the analysis of X-ray powder diffraction data of unmilled, ball-milled and post-annealed samples by Rietveld powder structure refinement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the pathology of Huntington's disease. Mediation of cell death in the mitochondrial pathways; Improvement of locomotor and sensorimotor deficits in mice treated with tauroursodeoxycholic acid; Selective death of neurons in the caudate and putamen.

Soil salinity is one of the major abiotic stresses restricting plant growth and development. Application of plant growth regulators (PGRs) is a possible practical means for minimizing salinity-induced yield losses, and can be used in addition to or as an alternative to crop breeding for enhancing salinity tolerance. The PGRs auxin, cytokinin, nitric oxide, brassinosteroid, gibberellin, salicylic acid, abscisic acid, jasmonate, and ethylene have been advocated for practical use to improve crop performance and yield under saline conditions. This review summarizes the current knowledge of the effectiveness of various PGRs in ameliorating the detrimental effects of salinity on plant growth and development, and elucidates the physiological and genetic mechanisms underlying this process by linking PGRs with their downstream targets and signal transduction pathways. It is shown that, while each of these PGRs possesses an ability to alter plant ionic and redox homeostasis, the complexity of interactions between various PGRs and their involvement in numerous signaling pathways makes it difficult to establish an unequivocal causal link between PGRs and their downstream effectors mediating plants' adaptation to salinity. The beneficial effects of PGRs are also strongly dependent on genotype, the timing of application, and the concentration used. The action spectrum of PGRs is also strongly dependent on salinity levels. Taken together, this results in a rather narrow "window" in which the beneficial effects of PGR are observed, hence limiting their practical application (especially under field conditions). It is concluded that, in the light of the above complexity, and also in the context of the cost–benefit analysis, crop breeding for salinity tolerance remains a more reliable avenue for minimizing the impact of salinity on plant growth and yield. Further progress in the field requires more studies on the underlying cell-based mechanisms of interaction between PGRs and membrane transporters mediating plant ion homeostasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]