Phytochemical Contents and Antioxidant Properties of Ganoderma lucidum Polysaccharides in Relation to Growth Stage and Culture Substrate

[Objectives]To determine physicochemical characteristics and antioxidant activity of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides(GLP)in different growth stages and culture media.[Methods]Five polysaccharides(GLP1,GLP2,GLP3,GLPW and GLPB)were extracted and purified from the fruiting body of G.lucidum at three growth stages and culture substrates(wood culture and bag culture).The chemical components and antioxidant activity of the five polysaccharides were determined.[Results]GLP1 contained the highest content of neutral sugar(87.65%)and GLP3 had the highest uronic acid content.All the samples mainly comprised glucose,galactose,mannose,xylose and arabose with different ratios.Moreover,their antioxidant activities were investigated on the basis of DPPH radical,ABTS radical,SOD-like activity,and antihaemolytic activity.Results indicated in all three growth stages GLP2 had the greatest antioxidant properties.In addition,the antioxidant activity of GLPW was significantly higher than that of GLPB.[Conclusions]Overall,by comparison,G.lucidum in growth stage two may have potential health benefits,and wood culture may be a superior choice of artificial cultivation due to their abundance of active polysaccharides.

Evaluation of Different Substrates Compositions for Acclimatization of Tissue Culture Taro Plantlets in a Propagator

Taro is cultivated in most Regions of Cameroon and it is affected by taro leaf blight disease since 2010 which has decreased its production. Lack of disease-free planting materials has been a main problem to farmers. This study was carried out at International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) Yaounde and Institute of Agricultural Research for Development (IRAD) Bambui to assess different substrates for acclimatization of tissue culture taro plantlets in apropagator. No information is available on acclimatization of Cameroonian taro plantlets in different substrates. Taro plantlets from tissue culture were acclimatised in a propagator for six weeks under different substrates, the first substrate consisted of sterile three parts of soil and one part of river sand mixed together (3:1), the second substrate consisted of sterile two parts of soil and two parts of river sand mixed together (2:2), the third substrate consisted of sterile two parts of soil, one part of rice husk and one part of river sand mixed together (2:1:1) and the fourth substrate consisted of sterile one part of soil and three parts of river sand mixed together (1:3). After acclimatisation of the different taroplantlets (Dark green petiole with small leaves (L1), Red petiole with small leaves (L2), Light green petiole with large leaves (L3) and Light green petiole with small leaves (L4) in these four substrates, it was observed that the best growth rate of plant was recorded on substrate sand + soil (1:3). The other substrates showed moderate growth of plants. Substrate sand + soil (1:3) can be recommended for acclimatization of Cameroonian taro plantlets.

Effect of Different Calcium Levels on Growth,Yield and Fruit Quality of Tomatoes in Substrate Culture

Tomato seedlings were grown in substrate culture with pots. The formulation of Holland Greenhouse Horticulture Research Institute was used(as CK) and the effects of different Ca concentrations(LCa, CK and HCa)on growth, yield, and fruit quality(protein, Vitamin C, nitrates, organic acid and soluble sugar) of tomato were studied keeping concentrations of other nutrients unchanged in the nutrient solution. The results showed that parameters related to the growth of tomato(plant height and Stem diameter), changes of tomato yield per plant and quality of tomato fruits were the highest when the plants were grown at 20% Ca treatments. In the second study, increased EC concentrations of nutrient solution resulted in stronger plants with improved yields and quality. Four different concentration gradients of nutrient solution treatment were designed based on the results of the first research stage(EC=1.5, 2.5, 3.5, 4.5 m S/cm, respectively). The single tomato plant had the highest production which is 2 268.994 g/plant, when the nutrient solution strength was at EC=1.5 m S cm, whereas they have the best fruit quality when the solution strength at EC 4.5 m S/cm. This suggests the need for wide popularization of the nutrient solution formula in large areas to improve the tomato production.

Are Early Embryo Cleavage Kinetics Affected by Energy Substrates in Different Culture Media?

Objective This study aimed to investigate the influence of different culture media on early embryonic cleavage kinetics using time-lapse analysis and to determine the possible relationships between energy substrates in culture media and the cleavage kinetics.Methods A total of 10021 embryos from 1310 couples were cultured in time-lapse incubators.Embryos cultured in Vitrolife media were allocated to group I,and those in COOK media to group II.Embryo cleavage time points up to the 8-cell stage(t2–t8)were observed after pronuclei fading.Results The baseline demographic features,in vitro fertilization indications,ovarian stimulation protocol,oocyte-cumulus complexes,fertilization rate,together with pregnancy and perinatal outcomes were similar(P>0.05)between groups I and II.According to the time-lapse analysis,all embryos in group I showed significantly faster cleavage speed than those in group II(P<0.05).Furthermore,there was better synchrony in division(s3)and a longer length of the third cell cycle duration(cc3)in group II.Interestingly,implanted embryos in group II showed faster cleavage speed than those in group I,especially at t4 and t7.The glucose contents and multiple major amino acids were similar between the two groups.Lactic and pyruvic acid contents were generally higher in group I than those in group II.Conclusion Because different commercial culture media may influence cleavage kinetics of embryos,it is essential for embryologists to take culture media into consideration in selecting a potential embryo when using a time-lapse system before implantation.

A Comparative Study of Intensive Litopenaeus vannamei Culture on Four Bottom Substrates Without Water Change

The effect of four bottom substrates, oyster shell powder(OP), sugarcane bagasse(SB), a mixture of OP and SB(OS) and fresh soil(FS), on the water quality and bacterial and zooplankton density of intensive shrimp(Litopenaeus vannamei) culture tanks without water change and the growth performance of cultured shrimp were compared in this study. At the end of a 110 days culturing trial, the total ammonium-N(TAN) of the water on SB and the nitrite nitrogen(NO2-N) on OS was significantly lower than that on the other substrates(P<0.05), which coincided with the high density of ammonium- and nitrite-oxidizing bacteria in the water on SB and OS, respectively. The concentration of chlorophyll a(Chl a) increased slowly on OP, SB and OS but remained low on FS. The density of total bacteria on OP, SB and OS was one order of magnitude higher than that on FS, and the density of zooplankton on SB and OS was significantly higher than that on FS or OP(P<0.05). The improved water quality and increased density of bacteria and zooplankton on SB and OS may have had a synergistic effect on shrimp culture, improving its growth performance(high survival rate and yield and low feed conversion rate). SB and OS were more effective for improving the growth performance of intensively cultured L. vannamei without water change than OP and FS. To our knowledge, this study presents the first evidence regarding the effect of different bottom substrates on intensive shrimp culture.

Effect of Substrate Component on the Growth and Survival of Juvenile Sunray Surf Clam(Mactra chinensis Philippi)

Substrate is a critical environmental factor affecting the activity of bivalves. To examine the effect of the substrate component on the growth and survival of juvenile sunray surf clam(Mactra chinensis Philippi), a series of short-term experiments were conducted using a variety of substrates with different ratios of sand to mud. The experimental group cultured without substrate showed poor survival, with all juveniles died after day 20. The juveniles cultured in mud without sand showed a lower survival rate(25.54% ± 0.40% on day 45) than those in other groups. The juveniles cultured in sand without mud, or the mixtures of sand and mud with a ratio of 1:1 and 2:1, respectively, exhibited modest survival at day 45. Maximal weight gain rate(WGR), shell length growth rate(LGR), and specific growth rate(SGR) were observed when the sand concentration was 61.97%, 77.69%, and 64.64%, respectively. As the fast growth and high survival were observed when the sand to mud ratio was 1:1(50% sand) and 2:1(67% sand), a sand concentration of more than 50% is optimal. The optimal concentration of sand in the substrate for rearing juvenile sunray surf clams was 67% which resulted in the fastest growth and highest survival. These results can be used to developing a nursery/farming technique of improving the yield of sunray surf clams.

Effects of different culture media on the growth of Indian sandalwood(Santalum album L.) seedlings in Zhanjiang,Guangdong,southern China

We studied the effects of different culture media on the growth of India sandalwood （Santalum album L.） seedlings in Zhanjiang, Guangdong Province in southern China. Five different growth substrates, lateritic subsoil, burnt soil, agricultural soil, peaty soil and coconut dust, were used as the basic culture materials and seven different treatments of composition were used as potting media. Kuhnia rosmarinifolia Vent. was used as a primary host plant for all treatments. Statistically significant differences were found between treatments in respects of survival rate （p 〈 0.001）, height （p 〈 0.001）, ground diameter （p 〈 0.001） and biomass （p = 0.002）, as well as for quality index （p 〈 0.001） of S. album seedlings after 6-month growth in containers with different culture media. Among all treatments, the treatment combining burnt soil, peat and coconut dust in a weight ratio of 1：1：1 plus 2% calcium super-phosphate as basal manure achieved the best performance for most of the seedling growth parameters, including survival rate （98%）, height （35.81 cm）, ground diameter （0.56 cm）, biomass （4.46 g） and quality index （0.65）, followed by the treatment using only burnt soil plus 2% calcium super-phosphate as the culture medium （survival rate 86%, height 29.23 cm, ground diameter 0.48 cm, biomass 3.36 g and quality index 0.52）, while the treatment using only lateritic subsoil plus the basal manure as the medium obtained the poorest results in survival rate （38%）, height （12.04 cm）, ground diameter （0.19 cm）, biomass （0.26 g） and quality index （0.043）. Increasing the proportion of lateritic subsoil in the medium when mixed with peat and coconut dust did not show statistically significant differences in survival, height, ground diameter, biomass nor in quality index. In consideration of cost, using burnt soil plus 2% calcium super-phosphate as basal manure may be the optimum culture medium for large-scale production of Indian sandal- wood seedlings in Guangdong, southern China.

Effects of substrate on burrowing behavior,feeding physiology,and energy budget of undulated surf clam Paphia undulata

Substrate is an important abiotic factor for burrowing shellfish,as it not only provides them with shelter,but also impose significant effect on their physiological metabolism.However,the physiological responses of burrowing clams within various substrates get less attention due to difficulty in carrying out physiological tests in buried conditions.Consequently,this study investigated the burrowing behavior,feeding physiology and energy budget of Paphia undulata,which is an important aquaculture bivalve species in south China.The clams were exposed to mud and sand substrates with variable physical properties in the laboratory,to determine the suitable substrate conditions for this species.The results showed that the percentage of burrowing clams,digging index,burrowing time,burrowing depth and scope for growth(SFG)were higher in mud substrates with≥40%water content.Likewise,burrowing percentage,digging index,and burrowing depths were higher in substrates with≤40%sand content.Moreover,the burrowing depth had significant effect on the feeding physiology and SFG of P.undulata as clams burrowed at 6.3±1.8 cm had higher clearance rates and SFG as compared to other buried depths.This study further revealed that low water content in the sediment inhibited physiological performances of P.undulata by impairing feeding or absorption,hence reducing the SFG.In conclusion,mud substrate with≥40%water content or with≤40%sand content is suitable for proper burrowing and growth of P.undulata.Our findings therefore provide fundamental knowledge that will be applicable in the improvement of bottom aquaculture and conservation of P.undulata.

Relationships of growth and mortality to enzymatic activity,and the relative mRNA expression of cultured scallops Patinopecten yessoensis in the Yellow Sea, China

The bottom aquaculture of yesso scallop (Patinopecten yessoensis) has developed rapidly in the north of Yellow Sea, China, but not without accompanying productivity problems. We, therefore, conducted field surveys to investigate factors related to growth and mortality rates of bottom-cultured scallops after release. Specifically, we focused on the effects of total antioxidant capacity (TAOC) and three key enzymes involved in antioxidant and metabolic function:glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT), lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Across summer and winter, we also measured the relative mRNA expression of GPT and SOD to understand their seasonal variation in the scallops, along with how such variation correlated to growth and mortality. Results show that bottom cultured scallops experienced mass mortality during the first six months post-release. During winter (December), scallops grew more rapidly and suffered less mortality than in summer (August). The observed lower performance probably resulted from less advantageous environmental factors during the summer seasons, such as high temperature and low dissolved oxygen. These environmental stressors enhance protein consumption while decreasing energetic resources in scallops. Furthermore, scallops in summer exhibited high antioxidant levels that probably competed for energy with process integral to growth and survival. These negative factors combined to elevate mortality rates. In conclusion, we provided evidence suggesting correlations between metabolic/antioxidant activity and growth and mortality of bottom-cultured yesso scallops. These correlations implied us an accurate method to estimate the performance of bottom culture system. Suggestions about innovative aquaculture techniques were also discussed in the study. Our results might provide a possible guideline to the improvement of bottom culture techniques for this commercially valuable seafood species.

Expression of Transforming Growth Factor-β in Cultured Normal Human Lens Epithelia Cells

Summary: In order to investigate whether cultured normal human lens epithelial cells (LEC) express transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunohistochemical methods were used for detection of TGF-β mRNA and protein in cultured normal human LEC. The results showed that a single RT-PCR amplified product about 310bp was obtained, and the sequence was homologous to the known sequence. TGF-β immunostain was positive in the plasma of LEC. It was suggested that normal human LEC could produce TGF-β, and LEC could be affected by TGF-β through autocrine action.

Ⅲ–Ⅴ ternary nanowires on Si substrates: growth, characterization and device applications

Over the past decades, the progress in the growth of materials which can be applied to cutting-edge technologies in the field of electronics, optoelectronics and energy harvesting has been remarkable. Among the various materials, group Ⅲ–Ⅴ semiconductors are of particular interest and have been widely investigated due to their excellent optical properties and high carrier mobility. However, the integration of Ⅲ–Ⅴ structures as light sources and numerous other optical components on Si,which is the foundation for most optoelectronic and electronic integrated circuits, has been hindered by the large lattice mismatch between these compounds. This mismatch results in substantial amounts of strain and degradation of the performance of the devices. Nanowires(NWs) are unique nanostructures that induce elastic strain relaxation, allowing for the monolithic integration of Ⅲ–Ⅴ semiconductors on the cheap and mature Si platform. A technique that ensures flexibility and freedom in the design of NW structures is the growth of ternary Ⅲ–Ⅴ NWs, which offer a tuneable frame of optical characteristics, merely by adjusting their nominal composition. In this review, we will focus on the recent progress in the growth of ternary Ⅲ–Ⅴ NWs on Si substrates. After analysing the growth mechanisms that are being employed and describing the effect of strain in the NW growth, we will thoroughly inspect the available literature and present the growth methods, characterization and optical measurements of each of the Ⅲ–Ⅴ ternary alloys that have been demonstrated. The different properties and special treatments required for each of these material platforms are also discussed. Moreover, we will present the results from the works on device fabrication, including lasers, solar cells, water splitting devices, photodetectors and FETs, where ternary Ⅲ–Ⅴ NWs were used as building blocks. Through the current paper, we exhibit the up-to-date state in this field of research and summarize the important accomplishments of the past few years.

STUDIES ON CULTURE CONDITIONS OF BENTHIC DIATOMS FOR FEEDING ABALONE I.EFFECTS OF TEMPERATURE AND LIGHT INTENSITY ON GROWTH RATE

Effects of temperature and light intensity on the groWth rate of four species of benthic diatoms for feeding abalone were studied by using a novel method (in situ optical density measurement)which was simple, convenient, fast, accurate and reliable for determining biomass of benthic algae. The results showed that the favourable temperature and light intensity were as follows: for Amphora coffeaeformis, 30℃, 18 W/m2 for Cocconeis scutellum var. parv. 18℃, 20 W/m2; for Navicula Corymbosa, 18℃. 12.4 W/m2;for Navicula mollis, 24℃, 6 W/m2.

Effect of Yeast Culture and Direct-Fed Microbes on the Growth Performance and Rumen Fermentation of Weaner Lambs

The effects of yeast culture and directfed microbes on the growth performance of weaner lambs was examined. Thirty-two Hu lambs with inihtial weight of 22.20 （ ±0.75 ） kg were randomly assigned to one of four treatments： basal diet without additive （control）, added with yeast culture at 15 g/head/d （YEC）, YEC plus Bacillus licheniformis preparation at 2. 3 g/head/d （YBL） or plus Clostridium butyricum preparation at 2. 3 g/head/d （YCB）. The feeding trial lasted 75 d with 15 d for adaptation. Feed intake was not influenced （P 〉0. 05） by treatment. Average daily gain of growing lambs was 102, 114, 90, and 89 g/d in control, YEC, YBL, and YCB, respectively, with no significant difference （P 〉 0.05） among treatments, but the carcass weight of YEC lambs was significantly higher （P 〈 0.05） than that of other treatments. Total volatile fatty acids and acetate to propionate ratio in the rumen were unaffected, although the butyric acid concentration was higher （ P 〈 0.05 ） in the ru men fluid of YCB lambs compared with YEC lambs and slightly higher （ P 〉 0. 05 ） than in controls and YBL lambs. Solid-associated fungi population relative to total rumen bacteria 16S ribosomal DNA was significantly lower （ P 〈 0. 05 ） in YBL lambs （3.55） compared with those on YCB （23.12）. There was little difference in blood glucose and plasma urea-N concentrations among the treatments. Blood concentrations of creatinine and globulin were significantly higher （P 〈0.05） in YBL lambs, compared with the control and YEC-fed animals, and no difference with YCB lambs. Total protein and triglycerides in blood were significantly （P 〈 0.05） higher in YBL lambs, compared with controls. These serum biochemical parameters suggest that treatment increased amounts of absorbable protein but not efficiency of protein utilization and in YBL and YCB lambs. The results indicated that yeast culture improve growth performance, while little advantage could be expected from combining yeast culture with either the B. licheniformis preparation or C. butyricum preparation. More research using lower doses of B. licheniformis prepara- tion or C. butyricum preparation in combination with yeast culture is warranted.

Influences of Plant Growth Regulators， Basal Media and Carbohydrate Levels on Cell Suspension Culture of Panax ginseng

A cell suspension culture of Panax ginseng which may be continuously subcultured has been established. Embryogenic callus derived from clutured young leaves was used to initiate the culture.Plant growth regulators, basal medium formula and carbohydrate levels were examined to determine their various effects on suspension culture cell growth and development. The best selection of plant growth regulator, hasal medium and carbohydrate level is 2 mg / L 2,4-D: 0.5 mg / L KT,MS and 3% sucrose respectively.

Effect of Salinity on the Growth Performance, Body Composition, Antioxidant Indexes of Perinereis aibuhitensis and Total Nitrogen in the Substrate

In this study, the effects of different salinity levels (9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, and 33) on the growth performance, body composition, antioxidant indexes of Perinereis aibuhitensis (initial average mass, 20.4 ± 0.3 mg) and total nitrogen in the substrate were investigated. The survival rate, specific growth rate, feed coefficient, and protein efficiency ratio under different salinity levels were measured. The results showed that the survival rate of P. aibuhitensis at the salinity level of 9 was significantly lower than that of P. aibuhitensis at other salinity levels (P P. aibuhitensis at other salinity levels was not significant (P > 0.05). On the basis of quadratic polynomial fitting of the relationship between salinity levels and the specific growth rate, feed coefficient, and protein efficiency ratio, it was concluded that 25.36 - 25.9 is the most suitable salinity range for the growth performance of P. aibuhitensis. The main body composition (moisture, crude fat, crude protein, and ash content) was measured at different salinity levels. The results indicated that, with the increase in salinity, the moisture content of P. aibuhitensis decreased gradually;in contrast, the ash content increased gradually, as the salinity level increased. However, in the salinity range of 18 to 33, the difference in ash content was not significant (P > 0.05). Salinity had a significant influence on the crude protein content (P P. aibuhitensis specimens were cultured for 60 days was higher than the total nitrogen in the soil. With an increase in salinity, the total nitrogen content first decreased and then increased, and the lowest value was observed at the salinity level of about 24.

Effects of water depth and substrate color on the growth and body color of the red sea cucumber,Apostichopus japonicus

Three color variants of the sea cucumber,Apostichopus japonicus are recognized,the red one is highly valued in the market. When the red variant is cultured in ponds in China,its body color changes from red to celadon in 3–6 months. The effects of water depth and substrate color on the growth and body color of this animal were investigated. Juveniles of red A. japonicus were cultured in cages suspended at a range of water depths(20,50,100,150 and 200 cm). The specific growth rate of red sea cucumbers was significantly higher in animals cultured at deeper water layers compared with those grown at shallowers. Body weights were greatest for sea cucumbers cultured at a depth of 150 cm and their survival rates were highest at a depth of 200 cm. A scale to evaluate the color of red sea cucumbers(R value) was developed using a Pantone standard color card. All stocked animals in the 9-month trial retained a red color,however the red body color was much more intense in sea cucumbers cultured at shallower depths,while animals suspended in deeper layers became pale. In a separate trial,A. japonicus were cultured in suspended cages with seven different colored substrates. Substrate color had a significant effect on the growth and body-color of red A. japonicus. The yield were greatest for A. japonicus cultured on a yellow substrate,followed by green > white > orange > red > black and blue. All sea cucumbers in the 7-month trial retained a red color,although the red was most intense(highest R value) in animals cultured on a blue substrate and pale(lowest R value) for animals cultured on a green substrate.

A low-dimensional crystal growth model on an isotropic and quasi-free sustained substrate

A new crystal growth theoretical model is established for the low-dimensional nanocrystals on an isotropic and quasifree sustained substrate. The driven mechanism of the model is based on the competitive growth among the preferential growth directions of the crystals possessing anisotropic crystal structures, such as the hexagonal close-packed and wurtzite structures. The calculation results are in good agreement with the experimental findings in the growth process of the lowdimensional Zn nanocrystals on silicone oil surfaces. Our model shows a growth mechanism of various low-dimensional crystals on/in the isotropic substrates.

Formation and preferred growth behavior of grooved seed silicon substrate for kerfless technology

Kerfless technology is a promising alternative for reducing cost and providing flexible thin crystals in silicon-based semiconductors. In this work we propose a protruded seed substrate technology to prepare flexible monocrystalline Si thin film economically. Grooved seed substrate is fabricated by using SiNx thin film as a mask for the wet-etching and thermal oxidation process. After the SiNx layer on the wedged strip is removed by hot phosphoric acid, the pre-defined structured substrate is achieved with the top of the strip serving as the seed site where there is no oxide layer. And a preferred growth of epitaxial Si on the substrate is performed by introducing an intermittent feed method for silicon source gas. The technique in this paper obviously enhances the mechanical stability of the seed structure and the growth behavior on the seed sites, compared with our previous techniques, so this technique promises to be used in the industrial fabrication of flexible Si-based devices.

Microbial Growth and Decay: A Commented Review of the Model

The paper reviews previous publications and reports some comments about a semi empirical model of the growth and decay process of a planktonic microbial culture. After summarizing and reshaping some fundamental mathematical expressions, the paper highlights the reasons for the choice of a suitable time origin that makes the parameters of the model self-consistent. Besides the potential applications to predictive microbiology studies and to effects of bactericidal drugs, the model allows a suitable proxy of the fitness of the microbial culture, which can be of interest for the studies on the evolution across some thousand generations of a Long Term Evolution Experiment.

Growth and Characterization of GaInP Layers on GaAs Substrates by MOCVD

GaInP is an important material in fabrication of optoelectronic and microwave devices. Growth process of GaInP by MOCVD (metal-organic chemical vapor deposition) was investigated, and the effect of growth parameters on the epilayer properties was discussed. It is found that the distribution coefficient of indium is close to unity, while the growth temperature of GaInP is 700°C. The background concentration at 300K is 5.34×1015cm-3 and Hall mobility is 2.27×103cm2&middotV-1&middotS-1.