Robustness of statistical tests for multiplicative terms in the additive main effects and multiplicative interaction model for cultivar trials

The additive main effects multiplicative interaction model is frequently used in the analysis of multilocation trials. In the analysis of such data it is of interest to decide how many of the multiplicative interaction terms are significant. Several tests for this task are available, all of which assume that errors are normally distributed with a common variance. This paper investigates the robustness of several tests (Gollob, F _GH1, F_GH2, F_R)to departures from these assumptions. It is concluded that, because of its better robustness, the F _Rtest is preferable. If the other tests are to be used, preliminary tests for the validity of assumptions should be performed.     

Sublethal and transgenerational effects of six insecticides on Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) (Diptera: Tephritidae)

To clarify the effects of sublethal concentration of insecticide on the growth, development and reproduction of Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) (Diptera: Tephritidae), the sublethal and transgenerational effects of the LC₃₀ of six insecticides on adults and progeny (F₁ and F₂ generations) were studied using age-stage, two-sex life tables. Exposure to six insecticides had significant negative impacts on the life-history traits of B. dorsalis and led to reduced adult longevity and fecundity in F₀, a longer larval stage duration in F₁, and reduced fertility and survival. The intrinsic rate of increase (r), finite rate of increase (λ), and net reproductive rate (R₀) were reduced in F₁, with the greatest reduction observed in the chlorpyrifos treatment. In the F₂ generation, the adverse effects were weakened, only the cyantraniliprole treatment had lower values than the control, and the fecundity of other treatments returned to normal. Obvious “hormesis” phenomena were not observed in any of the generations. Based on the population hazard index, chlorpyrifos had the best control effect in the early stage, and cyantraniliprole had the best control effect in the long term. These results indicate that the LC₃₀ of the six insecticides exert different transgenerational effects on the B. dorsalis population.     

Visualization of site-specific recombination catalyzed by a recombinase from Zygosaccharomyces rouxii in Arabidopsis thaliana

Excision of a DNA segment can occur in Arabidopsis thaliana by reciprocal recombination between two specific recombination sites (RSs) when the recombinase gene (R) from Zygosaccharomyces rouxii is expressed in the plant. To monitor recombination events, we generated several lines of transgenic Arabidopsis plants that carried a cryptic β-glucuronidase (GUS) reporter gene which was designed in such a way that expression of the reporter gene could be induced by R gene-mediated recombination. We also made several transgenic lines with an R gene linked to the 35S promoter of cauliflower mosaic virus. Each transgenic line carrying the cryptic reporter gene was crossed with each line carrying the R gene. Activity of GUS in F₁ and F₂ progeny was examined histochemically and recombination between two RSs was analyzed by Southern blotting and the polymerase chain reaction. In seedlings and plantlets of F₁ progeny and most of the F₂ progeny, a variety of patterns of activity of GUS, including sectorial chimerism in leaves, was observed. A small percentage of F₂ individuals exhibited GUS activity in the entire plant. This pattern of expression was ascribed to germinal recombination in the F₁ generation on the basis of an analysis of DNA structure by Southern blotting. These results indicate that R gene-mediated recombination can be induced in both somatic and germ cells of A. thaliana by cross-pollination of parental transgenic lines.     

Statistical methods to distinguish competitive,noncompetitive, and uncompetitive enzyme inhibitors

Statistical methods for distinguishing the common types of enzyme inhibitors are presented. Steady-state kinetic data in the doulbe-reciprocal form are analyzed. The test for competitive and uncompetitive inhibition simply reveals whether there is a significant difference between the sum of the residual variances for each data set (i.e., each line of the double-reciprocal plot) fitted to a straight line and the residual variance generated by fitting the data points of all the data sets to one of these models (in double-reciprocal form). A standard F test is performed to quantitate the significance of the additional error created by fitting the data to the model. F values are converted to probability values which express the degree by which the data conform to the model. The F test is not directly suitable for verifying noncompetitive inhibitors because they produce both slope and intercept effects. Therefore, the data are first transformed so that the point of convergence of the data sets is moved to the origin of the double-reciprocal graph. Equations are presented to fit each transformed data set to a straight line and also to fit the transformed data sets to a family of straight lines that intersect at the origin. The sums of the residual variances of the first fitting and the total residual variance of the second fitting are then amenable to comparison by the F test because the intercept effects have been abolished. Thus, the degree of conformity to a model describing a family of lines with a common intersection can be assessed. Additional verification of noncompetitive inhibition requires the establishment that the point of convergence resides to the left of the $\text{1}\text{v}$ axis, and the statistical rejection of alternate inhibition models.     

The interaction of cytosolic epoxide hydrolase with chiral epoxides

• 1.1. The kinetic parameters of the cytosolic epoxide hydrolase were examined with two sets of spectrophotometric substrates. The (2S,3S)- and (2R,3R)-enantiomers of 4-nitrophenyl trans-2,3-epoxy-3-phenylpropyl carbonate had a K_mof 33 and 68 μm and a V_max of 16 and 27 μmol/min/mg, respectively. With the (2S,3S)- and (2R,3R)- enantiomers of 4-nitrophenyl trans-2,3-epoxy-3-(4-nitrophenyl)propyl carbonate, cytosolic epoxide hydrolase had a K_M of 8.0 and 15 μM and a V_max of 7.8 and 5.0 μmol/min/mg, respectively.
• 2.2. Glycidyl 4-nitrobenzoate had the lowest I₅₀ of the compounds tested in the glycidyl 4-nitrobenzoate series (I₅₀= 140 μM). The I₅₀ of the (2R)-enantiomer was 3.7-fold higher. The inhibitor with the lowest i₅₀ in the glycidol series, and the lowest I₅₀ of any compound tested, was (2S,3S)-3-(4-nitrophenyl)glycidol (I₅₀ = 13.0μM). It also showed the greatest difference in I₅₀ between the enantiomers (330-fold).
• 3.3. All enantiomers of glycidyl 4-nitrobenzoates and _trans-3-phenylglycidols gave differential inhibition of cytosolic epoxide hydrolase. However, neither the (S,S)-/(S)- or (R,R)-/(R)-enantiomer always had the lower I₅₀.
• 4.4. Addition of one or more methyl groups to either enantiomer of glycidyl 4-nitrobenzoate resulted in increased I₅₀. However, addition of a methyl group to C₂ of either enantiomer of 3-phenylglycidol resulted in a decreased I₅₀. Finally, when the hydroxyl group of trans-3-(4-nitrophenyl)glycidol was esterified the I₅₀ of the (2S,3S)- but not the (2R,3R)-enantiomer increased.

     

Photosynthesis and crop growth of spring oilseed rape and broccoli under elevated tropospheric ozone

The impact of a season-long exposure to moderately elevated tropospheric O₃ concentrations on the canopy growth and photosynthetic capacity of two important Brassica crops, spring oilseed rape and broccoli, was studied during three consecutive growing seasons (2007–2009). Brassica napus L. cv. Ability and Brassica oleracea L. cv. Monaco were exposed to non-filtered ambient air (NF) and non-filtered air with addition of 20 (NF+) and/or 40 ppb O₃ (NF++) in open-top chambers. Light saturated CO₂ assimilation (A_sat), stomatal conductance (g_st), maximum and actual quantum yield of photosystem II (F_v/F_m, F_v′/F_m′), performance index (PI) and leaf area index (LAI) were monitored on a weekly basis from emergence or planting until harvest. Before flowering, elevated O₃ did not have an influence on LAI nor on the photosynthetic capacity of the upper canopy leaves of either crops. This corresponded with the absence of a reduction of aboveground biomass of oilseed rape at maximum leaf area (MLA) and of broccoli plants harvested before flowering. After flowering, which coincided with MLA, the oilseed rape canopy showed a faster decline of LAI and of the chlorophyll content in NF+ compared to NF. In the NF++ treatment, this effect was intensified with an additional decrease of A_sat, g_st, F_v/F_m, F_v′/F_m′ and PI. In broccoli these detrimental O₃ effects were only detected in the lower canopy leaves. The changes in canopy development and photosynthetic performance of the upper canopy leaves can unravel the underlying mechanisms leading to the contrasting yield effects of O₃ on broccoli and spring oilseed rape that were previously reported (De Bock et al., 2011).     

Relative shifts in mobility in anionic peroxidase isoenzymes between stem base and apex of flax genotrophs

Anionic peroxidase isoenzymes, separated on acrylamide gels, were examined in two flax genotrophs and in their reciprocal F₂ hybrids. Isoenzyme 1 exhibited a significant difference in R_m between stem base and apex and there was a gradient of decreasing R_m and activity between base and apex. Isoenzyme 2 displayed only the activity gradient. The parents differed significantly in the R_m's and activities of isoenzymes 1 and 2, and the F₂'s showed complete dominance of the L parent for R_m, with activities being approximately intermediate.     

基于树干液流技术的北京市刺槐冠层吸收臭氧特征研究

全球范围内加速的城市化导致空气质量严重退化。随着北京市建设范围不断扩大和机动汽车数量迅猛增长,空气污染日益严重。浓度不断增加的近地层臭氧作为影响全球气候变化的重要因素和危害人类健康、动植物生长的二次污染物,受到广泛关注。城市树木能够有效地去除大气污染物,进而提高空气质量。目前已有很多研究关于区域尺度上城市树木吸收臭氧,然而,冠层尺度上城市树木吸收臭氧特征少有研究。因此,本文基于树干液流技术,结合天气变化和大气臭氧浓度分析,研究夏秋季节北京市典型绿化树种刺槐（Robinia pseudoacacia）整树冠层吸收臭氧特征及环境影响因素。结果表明,在日尺度上,刺槐吸收臭氧速率变化呈单峰曲线,于下午15:00左右达到峰值;夏季峰值范围较宽,秋季峰值范围较窄;中午前后累积吸收臭氧量增加最明显。在季节尺度上,夏季刺槐吸收臭氧速率高于秋季;夏季累积吸收臭氧量显著增加,秋季略有增加。刺槐吸收臭氧的时间变化规律取决于大气臭氧浓度和冠层对臭氧的导度。臭氧浓度日变化和季节变化明显,导致刺槐吸收臭氧速率时间变化格局与之接近。在一定的臭氧浓度下,刺槐吸收臭氧速率的变化主要由冠层对臭氧的导度调控,进而受水汽压亏缺和总辐射的影响。随着水汽压亏缺降低,刺槐冠层对臭氧的导度明显下降;总辐射大于600 W/m2,冠层对臭氧的导度迅速下降。研究树种刺槐单位冠层投影面积上年吸收臭氧量约为0.16 g/m2,明显低于基于模型得到的结果,表明评估森林受臭氧危害的风险应考虑树种冠层臭氧通量。     

A Δ16-withanolide in Withania somnifera as a possible precursor for α-side-chains

The structure of a new naturally occurring steroidal lactone of the withanolide group isolated from Withania somnifera chemotype III has been elucidated as (20R,22R)-14α,2Oα_F-dihydroxy-1-oxowitha-2,5,16,24-tetraenolid. This compound is considered to be an intermediate in the biosynthesis of withanolide E, and is at the origin of the unusual α-oriented side-chain in this compound. The comparative composition of withanolides in different sub-chemotypes of III is provided.     

Drug Resistance of Enteric Bacteria VIII. Chromosomal Location of Nontransferable R Factor in Escherichia coli

The R₂₁(TC) factor, obtained by transduction of the R₁₀(TC.CM.SM.SA) factor with phage ε to group E Salmonella, is not transferable by the normal conjugal process. However, when R₂₁(TC)⁺ transductants are infected with the F₁₃ factor, the nontransferable R₂₁(TC) factor acquires transmissibility by conjugation. R₂₁(TC)⁺ conjugants of Escherichia coli K-12, to which only the R₂₁(TC) factor was transmitted by cell-to-cell contact from an F′ R⁺ donor, were still unable to transfer their R₂₁(TC) factor by conjugation. In crosses between Hfr and F⁻E. coli K-12 strains containing R₂₁(TC), the gene responsible for tetracycline resistance was located on the E. coli K-12 chromosome between lac and pro, near lac.     

A unifying concept for the dependence of whole-crop N : P ratio on biomass: theory and experiment

Background and Aims

Numerous estimates have been made of the concentrations of N and P required for good growth of crop species but they have not been defined by any unifying model. The aim of the present study was to develop such a model for the dependence of the N : P ratio on crop mass, to test its validity and to use it to identify elements of similarity between different crop species and wild plants.

Methods

A model was derived between plant N : P ratio (R_w) and its dry biomass per unit area (W) during growth with near optimum nutrition by considering that plants consist of growth-related tissue and storage-related tissue with N : P ratios R_g and R_s, respectively. Testing and calibration against experimental data on different crop species led to a simple equation between R_w and W which was tested against independent experimental data.

Key Results

The validity of the model and equation was supported by 365 measurements of R_w in 38 field experiments on crops. R_g and R_s remained approximately constant throughout growth, with average values of 11·8 and 5·8 by mass. The model also approximately predicted the relationships between leaf N and P concentrations in 124 advisory estimates on immature tissues and in 385 wild species from published global surveys.

Conclusions

The N : P ratio of the biomass of very different crops, during growth with near optimum levels of nutrients, is defined entirely in terms of crop biomass, an average N : P ratio of the storage/structure-related tissue of the crop and an average N : P ratio of the growth-related tissue. The latter is similar to that found in leaves of many wild plant species, and even micro-organisms and terrestrial and freshwater autotrophs.Key words: Biomass, growth rate, model, N : P ratio, plant allometry, plant mass, stoichiometry     

Comparative understanding of UTS2 and UTS2R genes for their involvement in type 2 diabetes mellitus

Several reports have shown that urotensin 2 (UTS2) and its receptor (UTS2R) are involved in glucose metabolism and insulin resistance, which lead to development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in humans. In the present study, we annotated both bovine UTS2 and UTS2R genes and identified 5 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for the former gene and 14 mutations for the latter gene. Four mutations were genotyped on a Wagyu x Limousin reference population, including 6 F₁ bulls, 113 F₁ dams and ~250 F₂ progeny. Among 12 phenotypes related to fat deposition and fatty acid composition, we observed that the UTS2 gene was significantly associated with the amount of skeletal saturated fatty acids, while its receptor (UTS2R) gene had significant effects on amounts of saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, Δ⁹ desaturase activity for converting 16:0 into 16:1, muscle fat (marbling) score and Longissimus Dorsi muscle area. However, in this population, these markers were not associated with subcutaneous fat depth or percent kidney, pelvic and heart fat. We also found that mutations in the promoter regions altered the promoter activities in both genes and coding SNPs might affect the mRNA stability in the UTS2R gene. Overall, our present study provides the first evidence that both UTS2 and UTS2R genes regulate skeletal muscle fat accumulation and fatty acid metabolism, thus indicating their potential pathological functions related to obesity and T2DM in humans.     

Chilling injury and recovery in detached and attached leaves measured by chlorophyll fluorescence

Smillie, R. M., Nott, R., Hetherington, S. E. and Öyustt, G. 1987. Chilling injury and recovery in detached and attached leaves measured by chlorophyll fluorescence Chilling injury was compared in detached and attached leaves chilled at 0 or 0.5°C by measuring the decrease in induced chlorophyll fluorescence in vivo. The fluorescence parameter measured was F_R, the maximal rate of rise of induced chlorophyll fluorescence emission after irradiating dark-adapted leaves. The plants used were bean, Phaseolus vulgaris L. cv. Pioneer, and maize, Zea mays L. cvs hybrid GH 390 and Northern Belle. Leaves were detached and placed on wet paper and covered with thin polyethylene film to prevent water loss during chilling. Leaves left attached on plants were treated similarly. When chilled in this way at 100% relative humidity, the chilling-induced decrease in F_R was the same in detached and attached leaves. For the attached leaves, the same result was obtained whether just a single leaf was chilled or the whole plant. Expression of chilling injury was greatest in fully turgid leaves and comparisons can be invalid unless the water status of the detached and attached leaves are the same. Problems arising from diurnal fluctuations in water potential of plants grown in a glasshouse were circumvented by placing leaves on the wet filter paper under polyethylene film prior to chilling, which allowed high water potentials to be regained, or mist sprays in the glasshouse were employed. Determinations of the time course for changes in F_R of maize (cv. Northern Belle) during chilling at 0°C showed that F_R decreased exponentially, at the same rate (time to 50% decrease in F_R was 9.3 h) in detached and attached leaves. Chilling injury was largely reversible for the first 20 h of chilling stress as both detached and attached leaves recovered their pre-chilling values of F_R after a further 20 h at 20°C in darkness. Leaves chilled for 48 h showed partial recovery, while those chilled for 72 h did not recover. Recovery was impeded by light. Inability to recover from chilling as indicated by measurements of F_R was paralleled by the incidence of visible symptoms of injury. It is concluded that detached and attached leaves behave similarly during chilling and short-term recovery, provided a similarity in treatments is rigorously maintained.     

Genetic diversity of microsatellite loci in hierarchically structured populations

Microsatellite loci are widely used for investigating patterns of genetic variation within and among populations. Those patterns are in turn determined by population sizes, migration rates, and mutation rates. We provide exact expressions for the first two moments of the allele frequency distribution in a stochastic model appropriate for studying microsatellite evolution with migration, mutation, and drift under the assumption that the range of allele sizes is bounded. Using these results, we study the behavior of several measures related to Wright’s F_ST, including Slatkin’s R_ST. Our analytical approximations for F_ST and R_ST show that familiar relationships between N_em and F_ST or R_ST hold when the migration and mutation rates are small. Using the exact expressions for F_ST and R_ST, our numerical results show that, when the migration and mutation rates are large, these relationships no longer hold. Our numerical results also show that the diversity measures most closely related to F_ST depend on mutation rates, mutational models (stepwise versus two-phase), migration rates, and population sizes. Surprisingly, R_ST is relatively insensitive to the mutation rates and mutational models. The differing behaviors of R_ST and F_ST suggest that properties of the among-population distribution of allele frequencies may allow the roles of mutation and migration in producing patterns of diversity to be distinguished, a topic of continuing investigation.     

Sequential Exercise in Triathletes: Variations in GH and Water Loss

Growth hormone (GH) may stimulate water loss during exercise by activating sweating. This study investigated GH secretion and water loss during sequential cycling and running, taking postural changes into account. The two exercise segments had similar durations and were performed at the same relative intensity to determine their respective contributions to water loss and the plasma volume variation noted in such trials. Eight elite triathletes first performed an incremental cycle test to assess maximal oxygen consumption. Then, the triathletes performed one of two trials in randomized order: constant submaximal cycling followed by treadmill running (C₁-R₂) or an inversed succession of running followed by cycling (R₁-C₂). Each segment of both trials was performed for 20 minutes at ∼75% of maximal oxygen consumption. The second trial, reversing the segment order of the first trial, took place two weeks later. During cycling, the triathletes used their own bicycles equipped with a profiled handlebar. Blood sampling (for GH concentrations, plasma viscosity and plasma volume variation) was conducted at rest and after each segment while water loss was estimated from the post- and pre-measures. GH increases were significantly lower in R₂ than C₂ (72.2±50.1 vs. 164.0±157 ng.ml⁻¹.min⁻¹, respectively; P<0.05). Water loss was significantly lower after C₁-R₂ than R₁-C₂ (1105±163 and 1235±153 ml, respectively; P<0.05). Plasma volume variation was significantly negative in C₁ and R₁ (−6.15±2.0 and −3.16±5.0%, respectively; P<0.05), not significant in C₂, and significantly positive for seven subjects in R₂ (4.05±3.1%). We concluded that the lower GH increases in R₂ may have contributed to the smaller reduction in plasma volume by reducing sweating. Moreover, this lower GH response could be explained by the postural change during the transition from cycling to running. We recommend to pay particular attention to their hydration status during R₁ which could limit a potential dehydration during C₂.     

Additive and additive x additive interaction make important contributions to spikelets per panicle in rice near isogenic （Oryza sativa L.） lines

Epistasis plays an important role in the genetic basis of rice yield traits. Taking interactions into account in breeding programs will help the development of high-yielding rice varieties. In this study, three sets of near isogenic lines (NILs) targeting three QTLs for spikelets per panicle (SPP), namely qSPP1, qSPP2 and qSPP7, which share the same Zhenshan 97 genetic background, were used to produce an F₂ population in which the three QTLs segregated simultaneously. The genotypes of the individual F₂ plants at the three QTLs were replaced with three markers that are closely linked to the corresponding QTLs. These QTLs were validated in the F₂ and F₃ populations at the single marker level. qSPP7 exhibited major pleiotropic effects on SPP, plant height and heading date. Multifactor analysis of variance was performed for the F₂ population and its progeny. Additive (additive interaction between qSPP2 and qSPP7 had significant effects on SPP in both the F₂ population and its progeny. Both additive and additive (additive interactions could explain about 73% of the total SPP phenotypic variance. The SPP performance of 27 three-locus combinations was ranked and favorable combinations were recommended for rice breeding in different ecosystems.     

Expectant Mothers Maximizing Opportunities: Maternal Characteristics Moderate Multifactorial Prenatal Stress in the Prediction of Birth Weight in a Sample of Children Adopted at Birth

Background

Mothers’ stress in pregnancy is considered an environmental risk factor in child development. Multiple stressors may combine to increase risk, and maternal personal characteristics may offset the effects of stress. This study aimed to test the effect of 1) multifactorial prenatal stress, integrating objective “stressors” and subjective “distress” and 2) the moderating effects of maternal characteristics (perceived social support, self-esteem and specific personality traits) on infant birthweight.

Method

Hierarchical regression modeling was used to examine cross-sectional data on 403 birth mothers and their newborns from an adoption study.

Results

Distress during pregnancy showed a statistically significant association with birthweight (R² = 0.032, F _{(2, 398)} = 6.782, p = .001). The hierarchical regression model revealed an almost two-fold increase in variance of birthweight predicted by stressors as compared with distress measures (R² Δ = 0.049, F _{(4, 394)} = 5.339, p < .001). Further, maternal characteristics moderated this association (R² Δ = 0.031, F _{(4, 389)} = 3.413, p = .009). Specifically, the expected benefit to birthweight as a function of higher SES was observed only for mothers with lower levels of harm-avoidance and higher levels of perceived social support. Importantly, the results were not better explained by prematurity, pregnancy complications, exposure to drugs, alcohol or environmental toxins.

Conclusions

The findings support multidimensional theoretical models of prenatal stress. Although both objective stressors and subjectively measured distress predict birthweight, they should be considered distinct and cumulative components of stress. This study further highlights that jointly considering risk factors and protective factors in pregnancy improves the ability to predict birthweight.     

Chlorinated withanolides from Withania somnifera and Acnistus breviflorus

The structure of a new chlorinated withanolide isolated from the hybrid plants of Withania somnifera, chemotypes III (Israel) by Indian I, is established as the chlorohydrin of withanolide D (6α-chloro-4β,5β,20α_F-trihydroxy-l-oxo-22R-witha-2,24-dienolide). Two other known chlorinated withanolides had been isolated from different sources and additional data are provided, including the X-ray diffraction study of 4-deoxyphysalolactone (chlorohydrin of withanolide E). All available data are used for comparative analysis of the six known chlorinated withanolides. The origin of the chlorine atom in these compounds in the plants has been determined by carrying out a simple reaction of withanolide D with NaCl on silica gel.