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Previous research demonstrated that the interval between defoliation treatments based on the leaf stage is a promising tool for the management of annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum L.) pasture. The use of this tool, which is based on the physiological status of the plant, could also benefit the seed production. We assessed the effects of the time of defoliation based on leaf stage on seed yield and quality of annual ryegrass cut to three residual stubble heights (RSH) (50%, 25% and 0% of plant height pre-defoliation) and a second defoliation applied to certain treatments based on the leaf stage of the plant regrowth (two or three leaves per tiller). Higher defoliation intensities (lower RSH) increased the amount of harvested forage to 4.0 t DM ha-1. Moderate defoliation (50%) undertaken at the 3-leaf stage combined with intense defoliation (25% and 0%) at the 2-leaf stage resulted in the highest seed yields (1.8 t ha-1). However, lower RSH reduced mean seed weight and physiological seed quality, which was also associated with lower seed starch and protein content. Accelerated ageing (AA) tests were used to compare seed vigour between treatments. A second defoliation at the 3-leaf stage plus intense defoliation (RSH 0%) resulted in seed lots with a high rate of lipid peroxidation after the AA test, followed by lower catalase activity, germination, and seedling growth. The combination of a second defoliation at the 3-leaf stage and the retention of higher RSH (50%) promoted a greater proportion of leaf blades in the stubble, with a strong positive correlation with seed production and vigour. Antioxidant enzyme activity after the AA test is an important marker of annual ryegrass seed quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most prevalent joint diseases of advanced age and is a leading cause of disability worldwide. Ageing is a major risk factor for the articular cartilage (AC) degeneration that leads to OA, and the age-related decline in regenerative capacity accelerates OA progression. Here we demonstrate that systemic transplantation of a unique population of adult multipotent muscle-derived stem/progenitor cells (MDSPCs), isolated from young wild-type mice, into Zmpste24−/− mice (a model of Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome, a condition marked by accelerated ageing), prevents ageing-related homeostatic decline of AC. Results: MDSPC treatment inhibited expression of cartilage-degrading factors such as pro-inflammatory cytokines and extracellular matrix-proteinases, whereas pro-regenerative markers associated with cartilage mechanical support and tensile strength, cartilage resilience, chondrocyte proliferation and differentiation, and cartilage growth, were increased. Notably, MDSPC transplantation also increased the expression level of genes known for their key roles in immunomodulation, autophagy, stress resistance, pro-longevity, and telomere protection. Our findings also indicate that MDSPC transplantation increased proteoglycan content by regulating chondrocyte proliferation. Conclusions: Together, these findings demonstrate the ability of systemically transplanted young MDSPCs to preserve a healthy homeostasis and promote tissue regeneration at the molecular and tissue level in progeroid AC. These results highlight the therapeutic potential of systemically delivered multipotent adult stem cells to prevent age-associated AC degeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Werner syndrome (WS) is an accelerated ageing disease caused by multiple mutations in the gene encoding the Werner DNA helicase (WRN). The major clinical features of WS include wrinkles, grey hair, osteoporosis, and metabolic phenomena such as atherosclerosis, diabetes, and fatty liver, and resemble those seen in normal ageing, but occur earlier, in middle age. Defective DNA repair resulting from mutations in WRN explain the majority of the clinical features of WS, but the underlying mechanisms driving the larger metabolic dysfunction remain elusive. Recent studies in animal models of WS and in WS patient cells and blood samples suggest the involvement of impaired mitophagy, NAD+ depletion, and accumulation of damaged mitochondria in metabolic dysfunction. This mini-review summarizes recent progress in the understanding of the molecular mechanisms of metabolic dysfunction in WS, with the involvement of DNA damage, mitochondrial dysfunction, mitophagy reduction, stem cell impairment, and senescence. Future studies on NAD+ and mitophagy may shed light on potential therapeutic strategies for the WS patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Older cancer survivors may experience ageing at an accelerated rate when compared to their similar-aged, cancer-free counterparts. Ageing is undoubtedly a significant risk factor for cancer. There is evidence to suggest, however, that this relationship may in fact be bidirectional, with cancer and its treatments contributing to the ageing process. In this review, we outline the current literature linking cancer and anti-cancer therapy to adverse ageing outcomes and explore what additional research is needed in order to conclusively define cancer and its treatment as an accelerator of ageing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reduction in germination of crop seeds due to depletion of food reserves and decline in synthetic activity due to ageing has become a serious concern to groundnut growers who need adequate, high quality seeds to sustain groundnut production. Therefore, to stimulate farmers’ interest in groundnut production, an experiment was conducted to evaluate some groundnut varieties for their tolerance to seed ageing stress, with a view to recommending varieties that can be considered for production in tropical countries. Seeds of nine elite groundnut genotypes, sourced from The International Crops Research Institute of Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Kano and three other genotypes sourced from local seed dealer in Ibadan, Nigeria were subjected to seed quality assessments in the seed testing laboratory of Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Ibadan. The seed lots were subjected to accelerated ageing procedures of 42 °C temperature and 100% relative humidity for 24 hours. Twenty-five seeds of each genotype were drawn from each genotype in three replicates at 3, 6, 12 and 24 hours of ageing. The drawn samples were reassessed to determine their tolerance ability to ageing stress. Percentage germination was transformed using arc-sine before the data on preliminary seed germination and seedling vigour data and seed ageing data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using SAS™ Means were separated using Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at 5% level of significance while k-means non-hierarchical clustering analysis was used to group the genotypes based on their response to the ageing. Result showed that seeds of the groundnut genotypes differ in their response to ageing stress factors. Seeds of ‘Samnut-24’, ‘Samnut-25’ and ‘Ex-Dakar’ (R) were found to be more tolerant to ageing stress while ‘Samnut 22’ and ‘Boro White’ were susceptible to ageing stress. Optimum ageing for 24 hours is recommended for testing seeds of groundnut varieties for storage tolerance

Abstract It is a well-known fact that DHEA declines on ageing and that it is linked to ageing-related neurodegeneration, which is characterised by gradual cognitive decline. Although DHEA is also associated with inflammation in the periphery, the link between DHEA and neuroinflammation in this context is less clear. This review drew from different bodies of literature to provide a more comprehensive picture of peripheral vs central endocrine shifts with advanced age—specifically in terms of DHEA. From this, we have formulated the hypothesis that DHEA decline is also linked to neuroinflammation and that increased localised availability of DHEA may have both therapeutic and preventative benefit to limit neurodegeneration. We provide a comprehensive discussion of literature on the potential for extragonadal DHEA synthesis by neuroglial cells and reflect on the feasibility of therapeutic manipulation of localised, central DHEA synthesis.

Dendrocalamus sikkimensis Gamble is a large-sized sympodial bamboo species with clustering culms and few culms. Although, profuse seeding occurred in this species during mast flowering, seed viability was very low under ambient storage conditions. Present investigation focuses on the changes in seed viability and seedling growth during accelerated ageing and associated changes in biochemistry of seeds. The seed incubation was at 42 ± 1 °C and 100% relative humidity for 0, 1, 3, 5 and 8 days. Initial germination of 51.49% in the fresh seeds declined to 11.7% after 8 days of accelerated ageing, which indicated that the seeds are of low vigour and will lose viability rapidly under natural conditions. Biochemical analysis indicated a decrease in sugar, starch and protein, starch content with the progression of accelerated ageing. The sudden decline of seed viability and germination during seed ageing can be due to biochemical changes. There was decline in the acid and alkaline phosphatase and peroxidase activity and increase in α and β-amylase activity with seed ageing. Therefore, the reduction in seed viability of D. Sikkimensis seeds can be due to changes in the biochemical characteristics and function of enzymes involved in seed reserve food depletion. The quantification of seed fat and fatty acid methyl esters also supported the same. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The textile reinforced mortar (TRM) composites are widely utilized for the seismic strengthening of masonry walls subjected to in-plane and out-of-plane actions. The probability of out-of-plane failure via snap-through mechanism is dominated by the flexural characteristics of relatively slender masonry wall. In this study, a rapid and early decisive procedure is proposed to direct the design of TRM composite through the bending tests combining accelerated ageing. The durability of natural hydraulic lime based TRM composites, which is unknown in the current literature, is addressed for glass, basalt and carbon textiles. The interaction between fiber mesh and matrix is discussed regarding fiber type, the influence of impregnation, flexural performance and failure modes. For total five types of fabrics, the flexural capacities are compared at ambient conditions and then through hot water ageing test (immersion at 50 °C during 10 days). The experimental findings indicate to the importance of the interaction between fiber and matrix about the durability and ductility of TRM composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cockayne syndrome (CS) is a rare premature aging disease, most commonly caused by mutations of the genes encoding the CSA or CSB proteins. CS patients display cachectic dwarfism and severe neurological manifestations and have an average life expectancy of 12 years. The CS proteins are involved in transcription and DNA repair, with the latter including transcription‐coupled nucleotide excision repair (TC‐NER). However, there is also evidence for mitochondrial dysfunction in CS, which likely contributes to the severe premature aging phenotype of this disease. While damaged mitochondria and impaired mitophagy were characterized in mice with CSB deficiency, such changes in the CS nematode model and CS patients are not fully known. Our cross‐species transcriptomic analysis in CS postmortem brain tissue, CS mouse, and nematode models shows that mitochondrial dysfunction is indeed a common feature in CS. Restoration of mitochondrial dysfunction through NAD+ supplementation significantly improved lifespan and healthspan in the CS nematodes, highlighting mitochondrial dysfunction as a major driver of the aging features of CS. In cerebellar samples from CS patients, we found molecular signatures of dysfunctional mitochondrial dynamics and impaired mitophagy/autophagy. In primary cells depleted for CSA or CSB, this dysfunction can be corrected with supplementation of NAD+ precursors. Our study provides support for the interconnection between major causative aging theories, DNA damage accumulation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and compromised mitophagy/autophagy. Together, these three agents contribute to an accelerated aging program that can be averted by cellular NAD+ restoration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article focuses on the thermal conductivity of 50 mm thick silver grey (infrared absorbing) expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam boards blown with pentane. The effect of short-term ageing from the point of production, by ambient conditioning at 23°C/50% RH, is compared to conditioning at an elevated temperature of 70°C. The declared thermal properties of the product and CE certification are fulfilled by the requirements of the European EPS product standard and SG19 Guidance. Measured thermal conductivity levels within 1% of the final value are acceptable and considered representative throughout the economic life of the product. Levels within the criteria were determined for 50 mm silver EPS after conditioning for 5 days at an elevated temperature of 70°C, whereas for conditioning at 23°C/50% RH the time taken was 23 days. The latter time is in good accord with retesting retained grey EPS boards of similar density and up to 9 years old, after initial testing 22 days from production, and conditioning at 23°C/50% RH. Elevated temperature conditioning increases the rate of diffusion of the blowing agent, but there has been concern about EPS beads softening above 60°C. Although there is little evidence from scanning electron microscopy of significant increase in perforation of the cell membranes at elevated temperatures, there is some indication of a small increase in wrinkling of the walls and intercell skeletal strands at 60°C and 70°C. It takes longer to eliminate the pentane gas by conditioning at 23°C/50% RH but there is no risk of material change from heat conditioning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seeds from contrasting wheat cultivars (Sadovo 772 and Geya-1) differing in productivity and composition were subjected to modeled accelerated aging under laboratory conditions for 72 h. Before induced aging seeds were soaked in cytokinin solutions (either 6-BA or kinetin). After cytokinin treatment seeds were germinated for 5 days and emerging coleoptiles were used for analysis of some anti-stress parameters and anti-oxidative response-malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide, cell membrane stability, free proline, soluble phenols and thiols groups. The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between germination of seeds pre-treated with cytokinin and their stress response to induced accelerated aging. It was concluded that the cultivars with lower productivity and correspondingly lower protein containing seeds demonstrated faster aging and worse germination capacity. Delayed coleoptile development was associated with oxidative stress due to higher hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde accumulation. Seed pre-treatment with cytokinins improved coleoptile growth through reducing malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide formation and thus enhancing cell membrane stability. Growth was also promoted through the accumulation of free proline, phenols and free thiols groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Power transformers are vital to delivering energy in power grids and they bear considerable maintenance costs annually. One of the major issues for power transformers is the ageing of the insulation paper used in windings that affects the life of transformers significantly. Utilising an appropriate procedure for loading of transformers can reduce the ageing rate of insulation and can improve the life expectancy. Therefore, it is crucial to obtain the values for the ageing rate which are optimum and to prevent transformer fleet from accelerated ageing. Although techniques are available to calculate the ageing rate and loss of life of a single transformer, utilities looking into the transformer fleet ageing need a better tool to improve the ageing rate of all transformers together. The main contribution of this study is to provide a method for the transformer fleet ageing optimisation rather than single unit ageing approach. This study proposes a novel approach utilising different optimisation techniques that are capable of representing different factors in order to obtain an optimum ageing rate for a fleet of transformers. The optimum ageing rate can provide a technical tool for asset managers, utility engineers and owners for better power transformer fleet management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seed longevity is a polygenic trait of relevance for agriculture and for understanding the effect of environment on the ageing of biological systems. In order to identify novel longevity genes, we have phenotyped the natural variation of 270 ecotypes of the model plant, Arabidopsis thaliana, for natural ageing and for three accelerated ageing methods. Genome‐wide analysis, using publicly available single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) data sets, identified multiple genomic regions associated with variation in seed longevity. Reverse genetics of 20 candidate genes in Columbia ecotype resulted in seven genes positive for seed longevity (PSAD1, SSLEA, SSTPR, DHAR1, CYP86A8, MYB47 and SPCH) and five negative ones (RBOHD, RBOHE, RBOHF, KNAT7 and SEP3). In this uniform genetic background, natural and accelerated ageing methods provided similar results for seed‐longevity in knock‐out mutants. The NADPH oxidases (RBOHs), the dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR1) and the photosystem I subunit (PSAD1) highlight the important role of oxidative stress on seed ageing. The cytochrome P‐450 hydroxylase, CYP86A8, and the transcription factors, MYB47, KNAT7 and SEP3, support the protecting role of the seed coat during seed ageing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a polyolefin thermoplastic adhesive has been modified with three different weight percentages, 3%, 5% and 10% of iron oxide powder. The use of this nano-modified adhesive coupled with this technology, offers an improved resistance to applied loads, new opportunities connected with the bonding process and the possibilities to dismantle plastic components for reusing, repairing or recycling at the end of life. In this research activity, the mechanical properties of the pristine and modified adhesive have been assessed. Furthermore, the effect of three different accelerated ageing cycles, currently used by automotive industries, have been studied in relation to the mechanical behaviour and separation time. Three ageing cycles were evaluated that are: hot, humid and mixed cycles. Single Lap Joint tests prove the variations of the mechanical properties and adhesion strength during the accelerated ageing, especially for the hot cycle. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy has been used and shows that the adhesives exposed to the hottest ageing cycle presented a high value of the oxidation that leads to a partial detachment of the adhesive from the plastic substrates. Joint separations by means of an induction heating system showed that adhesive joints can be separated before and after ageing cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seed deterioration behavior during storage of carrot seeds was assessed by subjecting them to controlled-ageing for different temperatures and incubation time during 2016 at Seed Preservation Laboratory, Bio-resources Conservation Institute, NARC, Islamabad. Forced seed ageing was carried out at 25, 30, 35 and 40°C for Day-one (D1) through day-six (D6) of incubation period. Observations were recorded for percent germination, shoot length (cm), root length (cm), fresh seedling biomass (g) and dry seedling biomass (g); revealing significant differences at all temperature regimes, controlled incubation period for ageing as well as their interaction. Rising temperatures was much steeper and negatively correlated as compared to the incubation period. The germination rate declined gradually at all temperatures, whereas, at higher temperature of 45°C accompanied with longer incubation periods (D5 and D6) the germination process ceased to progress. Similarly, the growth performances of the seedlings were slower at higher temperatures coupled with longer storage periods. The aging led to decline in seedling fresh and dry biomass as well as root and shoot development capacity; while the deleterious effect of higher temperature (45°C) were more pronounced and severely affected the seedling growth and development from start. The information generated on seed behavior under storage conditions in this study; would be helpful to devise better strategy for short- and long-term storage of carrot seeds as well as seed of other crops of similar category. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Export of degradation data for DSSCs under various accelerated ageing conditions. • Discussion of the DSSCs degradation mechanisms for each type of accelerated ageing. • Demonstration of one-diode model as a powerful tool for routine analysis of DSSCs. • Proposal of a predictive model for DSSCs degradation under accelerated ageing. • Accurate prediction of the degradation of DSSCs for all types of accelerated ageing. The present paper constitutes one of the few comprehensive studies found in literature on the stability of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) under different accelerated ageing conditions. Specifically, the accelerated ageing tests involved isothermal ageing at high or low temperature, thermal shock cycling, hydrothermal ageing, and reverse biasing of conventional DSSCs, fabricated using mainly commercially available materials, prepared for DSSCs application. One-diode model was in all cases applied to the characteristic curve of the solar cells, as a simplified version of the general transmission line model used in electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, for the fast and straightforward analysis of the charge transport and back-reaction kinetics in the DSSCs. A semi-analytical model (residual property model (RPM)) that was previously developed by the last author, was also applied, for the first time to solar cells, to predict the degradation of DSSCs performance due to their accelerated ageing. The results showed that moisture, in combination with high temperature, is the most critical environmental factor that leads to the degradation of DSSCs performance. In all cases of accelerated ageing, the stability of the solar cells seemed to be highly dependent on degradation/desorption phenomena of the conventional hydrophilic ruthenium (N719) dye from the TiO 2 anode. Finally, it is worth mentioning that the RPM accurately predicted the degradation of DSSCs performance in all cases of accelerated ageing. The present paper reveals a simple but powerful approach for routine evaluation and prediction of the stability of DSSCs and, hopefully, of other solar cell technologies under various accelerated ageing conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rheumatoid arthritis is prevalent in more than 1% of the global population, with the highest occurrence between ages 35 and 50, which places a huge burden on the economy. Drug discovery for the prevention of this chronic disease is; therefore, a priority. It is known that subclinical progression of many chronic non-communicable diseases is exacerbated via accelerated ageing, a pro-inflammatory phenotype shift. However, rheumatoid arthritis additionally has significant humoral immune activation, inflammatory signalling—and thus the accelerated ageing profile—may differ from other chronic inflammatory diseases. The current study simulated inflammatory arthritis onset in a collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rodent model, to characterise the redox and inflammatory profile at the onset of clinical symptoms, in different tissues, in the presence and absence of preventative antioxidant treatment. The data illustrate that an increased free radical level are evident already very early on in RA disease progression. Furthermore, oxidative stress seems to somewhat precede a significant pro-inflammatory state, perhaps due to humoral immune activation. Our data across different compartments further suggest that the compensatory increase in endogenous antioxidant activity is gradually exhausted at a different pace, with the liver showing the first signs of oxidant damage, even before significant evidence exist in circulation. The current data further suggest that preventative antioxidant intervention may have a sparing effect on endogenous antioxidant mechanisms and preserve telomere length to delay disease progression—or at least the accelerated ageing known to exacerbate RA symptoms—although it did not seem to have a significant direct effect on the autoimmune activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previously, we reported that persistent DNA damage accelerates ageing of the spine, but the mechanisms behind this process are not well understood. Ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) is a protein kinase involved in the DNA damage response, which controls cell fate, including cell death. To test the role of ATM in the human intervertebral disc, we exposed human nucleus pulposus (hNP) cells directly to the DNA damaging agent cisplatin. Cisplatin‐treated hNP cells exhibited rapid phosphorylation of ATM and subsequent increased NF‐κB activation, aggrecanolysis, decreased total proteoglycan production and increased expression of markers of senescence, including p21, γH2AX and SA‐ß‐gal. Treating cisplatin‐exposed hNP cells with an ATM‐specific inhibitor negated these effects. In addition, genetic reduction of ATM reduced disc cellular senescence and matrix proteoglycan loss in the progeroid Ercc1−/∆ mouse model of accelerated ageing. These findings suggest that activation of ATM signalling under persistent genotoxic stress promotes disc cellular senescence and matrix homeostatic perturbation. Thus, the ATM signalling pathway represents a therapeutic target to delay the progression of age‐associated spine pathologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Characterizing non-lethal damage within dry seeds may allow us to detect early signs of ageing and accurately predict longevity. We compared RNA degradation and viability loss in seeds exposed to stressful conditions to quantify relationships between degradation rates and stress intensity or duration. We subjected recently harvested ('fresh') 'Williams 82' soya bean seeds to moisture, temperature and oxidative stresses, and measured time to 50% viability (P50) and rate of RNA degradation, the former using standard germination assays and the latter using RNA Integrity Number (RIN). RIN values from fresh seeds were also compared with those from accessions of the same cultivar harvested in the 1980s and 1990s and stored in the refrigerator (5°C), freezer (−18°C) or in vapour above liquid nitrogen (−176°C). Rates of viability loss (P50−1) and RNA degradation (RIN⋅d−1) were highly correlated in soya bean seeds that were exposed to a broad range of temperatures [holding relative humidity (RH) constant at about 30%]. However, the correlation weakened when fresh seeds were maintained at high RH (holding temperature constant at 35°C) or exposed to oxidizing agents. Both P50−1 and RIN⋅d−1 parameters exhibited breaks in Arrhenius behaviour near 50°C, suggesting that constrained molecular mobility regulates degradation kinetics of dry systems. We conclude that the kinetics of ageing reactions at RH near 30% can be simulated by temperatures up to 50°C and that RNA degradation can indicate ageing prior to and independent of seed death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to characterize new and artificially aged parchments. Parchment samples of calf, sheep, goat and pig were exposed to artificial ageing at 70℃ in 3 cycles: first cycle for 7 days, second cycle for 14 days and 21 days for the 3rd cycle. Thus, a treatment temperature of 70℃ was selected to avoid sudden structural changes and rapid collagen denaturation. To evaluate the deterioration degree of parchments, the samples exposed to the first cycle were subjected to physical-mechanical, chemical tests and shrinkage temperature while the samples exposed to the second and 3rd cycle to physical-mechanical test. Depending on the ageing cycles significant changes were reported. The accelerated ageing of parchments degraded the physical-mechanical properties and lowered the shrinkage temperature. The behavior of sheep and goat parchment samples to accelerated ageing suggests a rather high deterioration in the hydrothermal stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Capacitors are ubiquitous in electronic devices and play a critical role in the devices' electromagnetic compatibility performance. The ageing of capacitors, due to intrinsic degradation mechanisms and external thermal and electrical stresses, has drawn a wide attention in the reliability field. The variations of the capacitance and equivalent series resistance are typically seen as representative for the ageing of capacitors, while the other parasitic parameters are usually neglected. In this study, a new full-parameter ageing modelling approach of capacitors is proposed based on complex impedance analysis. The ageing characteristics of all the proposed 7 parameters, including all parasitic parameters, are identified by carrying out an electrical overstress accelerated ageing test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to determine whether there were the differences for germination performance and seed vigor among the seed colors (Brown, green and army green) in forage pea cultivars (Özkaynak, Töre and Taşkent) after harvest. Second day germination percentage, final germination percentage (FGP), mean germination time (MGT), shoot length (SL), root length (RL), seedling fresh (SFW) and dry weight (SDW) were measured. The seed vigor tests, electrical conductivity (EC) and accelerated ageing (AA) conducted at 42°C for 48 h were used for distinguishing the vigor of seed colors in forage pea cultivars. The results showed that the final germination percentage was not significantly changed with seed color and cultivar while 2nd day germination was recorded in cv. Töre and army green seeds. Army green colored seeds germinated faster than brown ones. Among three genotypes, cv. Töre had the highest final germination percentage, shoot length, seedling fresh and dry weights, and the earlier time to germination. There were significant differences among seed colors and army green and green seeds produced more vigorous seedling than brown seeds. The EC and AA tests confirmed that vigorous germination and seedling growth were obtained from green colored seeds in forage pea. Lower EC values and higher germination performance in AA test were recorded in army green and green seeds. It was concluded that the forage pea seeds after harvest should be sorted for seed color and removing of brown seeds may be beneficial for improving seeds quality for their high seed vigor and seedling growth ability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past three decades, considerable effort has been dedicated to quantifying the pace of ageing yet identifying the most essential metrics of ageing remains challenging due to lack of comprehensive measurements and heterogeneity of the ageing processes. Most of the previously proposed metrics of ageing have been emerged from cross-sectional associations with chronological age and predictive accuracy of mortality, thus lacking a conceptual model of functional or phenotypic domains. Further, such models may be biased by selective attrition and are unable to address underlying biological constructs contributing to functional markers of age-related decline. Using longitudinal data from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA), we propose a conceptual framework to identify metrics of ageing that may capture the hierarchical and temporal relationships between functional ageing, phenotypic ageing and biological ageing based on four hypothesized domains: body composition, energy regulation, homeostatic mechanisms and neurodegeneration/neuroplasticity. We explored the longitudinal trajectories of key variables within these phenotypes using linear mixed-effects models and more than 10 years of data. Understanding the longitudinal trajectories across these domains in the BLSA provides a reference for researchers, informs future refinement of the phenotypic ageing framework and establishes a solid foundation for future models of biological ageing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With focus on quickly and accurately predicting and evaluating the aging performance degradation of rubber at room temperature, the pseudo-failure life at each different acceleration temperature is proposed to be calculated by interpolation method based on indoor high temperature accelerated aging data, and on the basis of the obtained pseudo-failure life. By introducing the time-temperature equivalence principle, a shift factor obeying to an Arrhenius law is derived, and master curves are built as well for the compression set as for the ultimate mechanical properties. The concept of the sum of squares of dispersion coefficient errors is proposed to evaluate the prediction accuracy. Meanwhile a quantitative calculation method that considers the effect of temperature on the performance degradation curve and the shift factor is innovatively proposes. The results show that the proposed optimization method based on the traditional time-temperature superposition principle can quickly process the aging life at room temperature, and the prediction results are distributed within the 3-fold dispersion line, which can well meet the engineering requirements. The reduction of the DSC value from 1.4164 to 1.0828 further demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed method above. This method can provide some reference for other related polymer materials accelerated aging data processing and life prediction.

Seed ageing is associated with a high concentration of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) seeds belong to the orthodox type. Due to a deep dormancy, they may be stored in dry condition at 5 °C for a long time, without viability loss. In the laboratory, artificial ageing of apple seeds is performed by imbibition in wet sand at warm temperature (33 °C). The aim of the work was to study nitric oxide (NO) as a seed vigour preservation agent. Embryos isolated from apple seeds subjected to accelerated ageing for 7, 14, 21 or 40 days were fumigated with NO. Embryo quality was estimated by TTC and MDA tests. ROS level was confirmed by NBT staining. We analysed the alteration in transcript levels of CAT, SOD and POX. NO fumigation of embryos of seeds aged for 21 days stimulated germination and increased ROS level which correlated to the elevated expression of RBOH. The increased total antioxidant capacity after NO fumigation was accompanied by the increased transcript levels of genes encoding enzymatic antioxidants, that could protect against ROS overaccumulation. Moreover, post-aged NO application diminished the nitro-oxidative modification of RNA, proving NO action as a remedy in oxidative remodelling after seeds ageing.

Building façades must endure severe climatic exposure throughout their lifetimes. To prevent damage and expensive repairs, ageing tests are used in durability assessments. The NT Build 495 describes an artificial ageing procedure to address building material and component resistance to ultraviolet (UV) light, heat, water, and frost using a climate simulator. The test has been used for decades to investigate exterior surface materials and façade products but has only recently been adopted for multi-layered systems. This study investigates moisture accumulation in a façade system for retrofitting based on concrete and thermal insulation. Hygrothermal simulations of the façade system subjected to ageing were conducted. Moisture accumulation was considered theoretically for the current test procedure and compared to a modified setup in which the interior climate was controlled at 21 °C. Physical measurements were performed in the climate simulator to determine the boundary conditions. Results showed that moisture accumulation in the thermal insulation was largely affected by the type of concrete, that applying a water-repellent surface treatment reduced moisture accumulation, and that the current setup resulted in less moisture accumulation compared to the modified setup. The latter implicates accelerated degradation with the modified setup.

This study was conducted to determine genotypic variation among sorghum cultivars grown under similar ecological conditions for seed vigor, salt (NaCl) and drought stresses. A seedling survival test was also performed in a pod experiment to investigate genotypic differences in terms of sorghum drought tolerance. In seven sorghum cultivars, seed vigor was determined using electrical conductivity and accelerated ageing tests. Also, germination rate and seedling growth of these cultivars were evaluated under salt and drought stress induced by PEG 6000 at water potentials of 0.0 (distilled water), -1.8, -3.6, -7.2 and -10.8 bar. The results showed that there was a significant difference in seed vigor of sorghum cultivars grown at same ecological conditions. Akdarı produced more vigorous seeds than the other cultivars. The significant relationship between accelerated ageing and laboratory emergence (r= 0.967**), and between electrical conductivity and germination percentage (r= -0.873**) were determined. The suitable tests for germination and emergence potential in sorghum were electrical conductivity and accelerated ageing, respectively. Increasing NaCl and PEG levels inhibited germination and seedling growth. Germination, root length and shoot length were higher, whereas mean germination time was lower, in NaCl solution compared to in PEG solution at the same water potential. In salt, drought and seedling survival tests, Aldarı showed the better performance than the others. It could be concluded that seed vigor is not a reliable indicator of germination performance under salt and drought stress conditions and that genetic differences may play an important role in stress tolerance.

This experiment was performed in order to study on ageing mechanisms of chickpea seeds (Cicer arietinum L.) in natural storage and accelerated ageing conditions in seed laboratory of Gorgan Agricultural Science and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Iran at 2015. Experiment was in completely randomized design arrangement with four replications. Treatments were 2 and 4 years natural storage and 1-5 days of accelerated ageing with control treatment. The results showed that with increasing of natural storage and accelerated ageing duration, germination percentage was decreased. Increasing of ageing duration decreased soluble sugars, non-reducing sugars and soluble proteins but lipid peroxidation, reducing sugars, protein carbonylation and Amadori and Millard reaction were increased. In natural storage condition lipid peroxidation was more than sugar hydrolysis but in accelerated ageing condition sugar hydrolysis was more than lipid peroxidation. These results show that the main reason of Amadori and Millard reaction in chickpea seeds in natural storage condition is lipid peroxidation and in accelerated ageing condition is sugar hydrolysis. Also, the results showed that Amadori reaction in natural storage condition was more than Amadori reaction and in accelerated ageing condition Millard reaction was more than Amadori reaction. The results of the present study showed that sever Millard reaction after Amadori reaction induced higher damage on seed and results to more decrease of seed viability and reduce of seed germination percentage in accelerated ageing than natural storage.

ABSTRACT Schizolobium parahyba var. amazonicum (Huber ex Ducke) Barneby (Fabaceae-Caesalpinoideae) is a tree of the Amazon region with pioneer characteristics and large seeds with physical dormancy. Using Accelerated Ageing (AA) methodology, seeds were exposed to Moist Heat (40 °C; >97% Relative Humidity; RH) or Dry Heat (40 °C; 22% RH). Furthermore, it was also investigated dormancy release and the primary site of water entrance into the seeds. Seeds tolerate these conditions for up to six days without any reduction in vigour, however, only Moist Heat could overcome seed dormancy, allowing germination. The lens is the water-gap for primary water entry (where the palisade layer is thinner), as seeds with blocked lens did not imbibe. An unusual multi-layered hypodermis of osteosclereids in the seed coat was observed. Our results suggest that the combination of high temperature with high RH is a key factor involved in overcoming dormancy in the natural habitat of this Amazonian species.

Accelerated aging is one of the most useful tests used for the estimation of relative storability of different seed lots. In the present study, coriander seed viability and vigour of coriander seed was estimated by putting different seed lots under various period of accelerated ageing, i.e. 24, 48, 72, 96 and 120 hours at 40±1°C at 100% relative humidity during two consecutive years, i.e. 2017 and 2018. The study was carried out on the seeds produced under eighteen treatment combinations of organic manures (Farmyard manure and vermicompost), bio-fertilizers (Azotobacter and phosphate solubilizing bacteria) and inorganic fertilizers. Experimental results revealed that the co-inoculation of Azotobacter and PSB along with application of 100% recommended dose of nitrogen through vermicompost (VC) recorded significantly higher standard germination (%), seedling length (cm), seedling dry weight (mg), vigour index-I and vigour index-II at every stage of accelerated ageing. The electrical conductivity recorded was also minimum under this treatment which was due to cell membrane stability and decreased leakage of solutes from the seeds.

A field experiment was conducted during rabi 2016–17 and 2017–18 at Research Farm of CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar. It comprised of sixteen treatment levels of fertilizer in randomized block design with three replications. After proper drying, cleaning and attaining the optimum moisture content the seeds were collected and the completely randomized design (CRD) was followed to conduct laboratory testing for the seed relative storability parameters in the seed testing laboratory, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar. After accelerated ageing for 24, 48, 72, 96 and 120 h the seed received from the treatment T9: 100% RDN through vermicompost + Azotobacter + PSB showed highest standard germination (87.83, 77.34, 69.39, 52.34 and 27.17%), seedling length (20.95, 18.93, 16.15, 14.95 and 12.50 cm), seedling dry weight (3.77, 3.44, 2.84, 2.21 and 1.87 g) and seed vigour index-I (1837, 1474, 1119, 780 and 339) and seed vigour index-II (330.7, 265.7, 196.9, 115.2 and 50.6) in treatment T9: 100% RDN through vermicompost + Azotobacter + PSB. The least value observed in treatment T16: control. The lowest value of electrical conductivity at 24, 48, 72, 96 and 120 hours (144.8, 233.0, 353.1, 497.7, 697.78 μS/cm/g) was observed in treatment T9: 100% RDN through vermicompost + Azotobacter + PSB the same treatments while the highest value was observed in (T16) control (190.1, 302.9, 434.1, 602.2, 841.8 μS/cm/g) on pooled mean basis.

The accelerated ageing test (AAT) has been successfully used to rank and determine germinability of seed lots in various kind and varieties. An experiment was conducted to determine the influence of artificial ageing on seed viability and longevity of wheat seed of 2 varieties, viz. GW 496 and Lok 1. Progressive ageing period resulted in lowered seed quality in both wheat varieties. Combined effect of varieties and ageing duration showed the significant effect on all the observed seed quality parameters and recorded significant variation in these characters during (2015-16 and 2016-17) and in pooled analysis. The fresh seeds (without ageing) of wheat variety Lok 1 recorded highest average pooled germination (97. 50%), seedling vigour index I (2166), seedling vigour index II (20. 32) as well as observed biochemical parameters at the end of 5 days of accelerated ageing. Progressive ageing duration showed negative effect on biochemical parameters of the 5 days aged seeds of wheat variety GW 496 recorded lowest average pooled protein content (9.78%), carbohydrate content (60.36%), α amylase assay (6.19 micromoles/mg/min) and higher electrical conductivity (28.60 μS/cm/g) due to fast deterioration at the end of artificial ageing.

The experiment was carried out during winter (rabi) season of 2016–17 and 2017–18 with 18 treatments comprising of inorganic fertilizers, biofertilizers and manures to compare the coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) seed quality. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with three replications. Results revealed that the co-inoculation of Azotobacter and phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) along with recommended dose of nitrogen through vermicompost (T5) recorded significantly higher test weight, standard germination, seedling length, seedling dry weight, vigour index-I, vigour index-II, dehydrogenase activity, superoxidase dismutase, field emergence index and seedling establishment. The electrical conductivity was also recorded less in this treatment. The same treatment recorded significantly higher standard germination (31.50%), seedling length (14.09 cm), seedling dry weight (1.88 mg), vigour index-I (444), vigour index-II (59.25) and minimum electrical conductivity (696.92 μ S cm-1 g-1) after accelerated ageing of seed for 120 h at 40±1°C at 100% relative humidity. Suitable combination of organic manures and biofertilizers can be used to produce good quality coriander sees.

Key Message: Nanoparticle pretreatment improved the health of aged Cajanus cajan seeds viz., regulation of redox status, gene expression, and restoration of hormonal homeostasis. Ageing deteriorates the quality of seeds by lowering their vigor and viability, and terminating with loss of germination. These days, nanotechnology has been seen to revolutionize the agricultural sectors, and particularly nano zinc oxide (nZnO) has gained considerable interests due to its distinctive properties. The aim of the present work was to decipher the possibilities of using nZnO to rejuvenate accelerated aged (AA) seeds of Cajanus cajan. Both chemically (CnZnO) and green (GnZnO; synthesized using Moringa oleifera) fabricated nZnOs were characterized via standard techniques to interpret their purity, size, and shape. Experimental results revealed erratic germination with a decline in viability and membrane stability as outcomes of reactive oxygen intermediate (ROI) buildup in AA seeds. Application of nZnO substantially rebated the accrual of ROI, along with enhanced production of antioxidants, α-amylase activity, total sugar, protein and DNA content. Higher level of zinc was assessed qualitatively/ histologically and quantitatively in nZnO pulsed AA seeds, supporting germination without inducing toxicity. Meantime, augmentation in the gibberellic acid with a simultaneous reduction in the abscisic acid level were noted in nZnO invigorated seeds than that determined in the AA seeds, suggesting possible involvement of ROI in hormonal signalling. Furthermore, nZnO-subjected AA seeds unveiled differential expression of aquaporins and cell cycle regulatory genes. Summarizing, among CnZnO and GnZnO, later one holds better potential for a revival of AA seeds of Cajanus cajan by providing considerable tolerance against ageing-associated deterioration via recouping the cellular redox homeostasis, hormonal signaling, and alteration in expression patterns of aquaporin and cell cycle regulatory genes., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Many recommended stability practices have been unchanged for decades and yet the retail landscape has considerably evolved during that time. First, as a result of the rise of social media and second in the wake of the COVID-19 global pandemic. This article reviews the published guidelines available to the cosmetic scientist when developing a suitable stability protocol and considers them in the context of a changing retail landscape. It sets the context with a background to stability testing and a summary of the relevant regulations across different territories. It outlines the current recommended guidelines for stability testing as stated in publications, including the International Federation of the Societies of Cosmetic Chemists (IFSCC) monograph and Cosmetics Europe. Modern advances in stability testing are also considered including early stability prediction techniques. The article concludes that accelerated stability testing is not a precise science, rather a prediction of shelf life. Scientists must consider the various modes of transport, sizes of shipments and regulation in the country of destination as well as the new and emerging ways of consumer production interaction when developing a suitable stability protocol for their formulation.

Background: Previous studies have demonstrated an association between DNA methylation-based measures of accelerated ageing and age-related health outcomes and mortality. As a disease closely associated with advancing age, we hypothesized that DNA methylation-based measures of accelerated ageing might be associated with risk for dementia. This study therefore aimed to examine the association between four recognised measures of age acceleration and subsequent dementia. Methods: Study subjects (n = 488) were members of the Lothian Birth Cohort 1921. Dementia case ascertainment used data from death certificates, electronic hospital records, and clinical reviews. Venous blood samples were taken at baseline, at age 79 years. DNA methylation and measures of epigenetic age were calculated in accordance with Horvath's epigenetic clock tutorial, using the online calculator (https://dnamage.genetics.ucla.edu/). From these values, four measures of accelerated ageing were calculated: extrinsic epigenetic age acceleration (EEAA), intrinsic epigenetic age acceleration (IEAA), AgeAccelPheno and AgeAccelGrim. Competing risk regression models – with death as a competing risk – were performed to examine the association between each measure of accelerated ageing and incident dementia. APOE ɛ4 status, sex, age, smoking status, history of cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, hypertension, and diabetes were included as covariates. Results: None of the multivariate models revealed a positive association between increased epigenetic age acceleration and dementia risk. Across all included models, never-smoking increased risk for dementia (HR 1.69 [1.06, 2.71], p = 0.03), and having no APOE ɛ4 alleles reduced risk for dementia (HR 0.44 [0.29, 0.67], p < 0.001). Conclusions: The present study did not demonstrate any consistent association between DNA methylation-based measures of accelerated ageing and dementia in subjects aged over 79 years. Further, larger studies – including separate analyses of dementia subtypes – are required to further investigate the potential association between DNA methylation-based measures of accelerated ageing and dementia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The integrity of the cellulosic insulation in power transformers is considered one of the most relevant parameters that affects their performance and reliability. Electric faults, such as short circuits, have thermal and mechanical effects that degrade the paper and can eventually produce the end-of-life of the transformer. The evolution of the properties of the paper insulation of a commercial continuously transposed conductor due to thermal ageing was characterised through the degree of polymerisation and tensile testing. Failure initiation and propagation in the paper was analysed macroscopically and microscopically using scanning electron microscope. A finite element numerical mechanical model of the conductor was implemented to reproduce the experiments and to obtain the load level and strain state that produce failure at each ageing state, aiming at developing a failure model for the insulation. This model may contribute to an improvement in manufacturing processes and management of the electrical system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]