Typical Color Research Articles

Ultrasound assisted fabrication of the yeast protein-chitooligosaccharide-betanin composite for stabilization of betanin

Betanin, a water-soluble colorant, is sensitive to light and temperature and is easily faded and inactivated. This study investigated the formation of yeast protein-chitooligosaccharide-betanin complex (YCB) induced by ultrasound treatment, and evaluated its protective effect on the colorant betanin. Ultrasound (200–600 W) increased the surface hydrophobicity and solubility of yeast protein, and influenced the protein’s secondary structure by decreasing the α-helix content and increasing the contents of β-sheet and random coil. The ultrasound treatment (200 W, 15 min) facilitated binding of chitooligosaccharide and betanin to the protein, with the binding numbers of 4.26 ± 0.51 and 0.61 ± 0.06, and the binding constant of (2.73 ± 0.25) × 105 M−1 and (3.92 ± 0.10) × 104 M−1, respectively. YCB could remain the typical color of betanin, and led to a smaller and disordered granule morphology. Moreover, YCB exhibited enhanced thermal-, light-, and metal irons (ferric and copper ions) -stabilities of betanin, protected the betanin against color fading, and realized a controlled release in simulated gastrointestinal tract. This study extends the potential application of the fungal proteins for stabilizing bioactive molecules.

Silver Nanowire-Based Transparent Electrodes for V2O5 Thin Films with Electrochromic Properties.

The development of electrochromic systems, known for the modulation of their optical properties under an applied voltage, depends on the replacement of the state-of-the-art ITO (In2O3:Sn) transparent electrode (TE) as well as the improvement of electrochromic films. This study presents an innovative ITO-free electrochromic film architecture utilizing oxide-coated silver nanowire (AgNW) networks as a TE and V2O5 as an electrochromic oxide layer. The TE was prepared by simple spray deposition of AgNWs that allowed for tuning different densities of the network and hence the resistance and transparency of the film. The conformal oxide coating (SnO2 or ZnO) on AgNWs was deposited by atmospheric-pressure spatial atomic layer deposition, an open-air fast and scalable process yielding a highly stable electrode. V2O5 thin films were then deposited by radio frequency magnetron sputtering on the AgNW-based TE. Independent of the oxide's nature, a 20 nm protective layer thickness was insufficient to prevent the deterioration of the AgNW network during V2O5 deposition. On the contrary, crystalline V2O5 films were grown on 30 nm thick ZnO or SnO2-coated AgNWs, exhibiting a typical orange color. Electrochromic characterization demonstrated that only V2O5 films deposited on 30 nm thick SnO2-coated AgNW showed characteristic oxidation-reduction peaks in the Li+-based liquid electrolyte associated with a reversible orange-to-blue color switch for at least 500 cycles. The electrochromic key properties of AgNW/SnO2 (30 nm)/V2O5 films are discussed in terms of structural and morphological changes due to the AgNW network and the nature and thickness of the two protective oxide coatings.

Effect of Zirconia Thickness, Cement Color, and Titanium Implant Abutment Surface Treatment Type on the Esthetic Outcomes of High-Translucency Monolithic Zirconia.

To investigate the esthetic outcomes based on the color differences in zirconia (Zr) of varying thickness, resin cement color, and types of titanium (Ti) implant surface treatments. Overall, 28 high-translucency monolithic zirconia (HTMZ) specimens were arranged into four groups based on Zr thickness: 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5 mm (n &#61; 7 per thickness). Each group was tested using two resin cement colors (clear and opaque) in combination with six surface-treated Ti groups (n &#61; 7), including untreated titanium (UT), anodization (AN), 50-μm alumina airborne-particle abrasion followed by AN (SBAN), AN followed by 50-μm alumina airborne-particle abrasion (ANSB), 9.5% hydrofluoric acid followed by AN (HFAN), and AN followed by 9.5% hydrofluoric acid (ANHF). This created a total of 48 experimental groups, including the use of composite resin (n &#61; 7, shade A2D) for four control groups. All specimens were measured using a spectrophotometer and subsequently compared with composite resin (control) with the corresponding Zr thickness to establish color differences. A color difference of < 2.7 was considered clinically acceptable. The data obtained were statistically analyzed using ANOVA and post hoc test (P &#61; .05). Zr thickness, resin cement color, and type of Ti implant surface treatment significantly affected the observed color differences (P < .05). When using 2.5-mm HTMZ with clear resin cement on AN, UT, SBAN, HFAN, and ANSB, the mean color differences were below the clinically acceptable values, and the 95% CIs of color differences were below the clinically acceptable values for AN, UT, and SBAN groups. HTMZ with a minimum thickness of 2.5 mm and clear resin cement on AN, UT, and SBAN groups potentially result in acceptable color matching with 95% CIs.

FEATURES OF COLOR SOLUTIONS OF UKRAINIAN ONLINE STORES` LOGOS

Purpose. To select, analyze, and systematize the logos of Ukrainian online stores of various product categories to identify the characteristic features of their color solutions.&#x0D; Methodology. The methodological basis of the study is a comprehensive approach, methods of analytical and visual-analytical analysis of research objects, and systematization of information on the varieties of color solutions of logos of well-known Ukrainian online stores of 24 product categories. The selection of e-commerce enterprises has been carried out using search engine ratings.&#x0D; Results. An analysis of scientific and practical literature on the specified topic has been conducted. And the information on the psychological and associative influence of colors on consumers has been systematized. Therefore, based on the analysis of color solutions of 720 logos of Ukrainian online stores, their typical variants in different product categories have been selected and described. Also, a clear relationship between the color solution of the online store logo and the category of goods sold has been revealed. Typical color solutions of one-color logos, as well as schemes of color combinations in two-color, three-color, and multi-color logos of linguistic and mixed types of online stores of various product categories, are defined and described. The logos of online stores of certain product categories with similar color schemes were selected and combined into groups.&#x0D; Scientific novelty. Information on color solutions of online store logos is systematized. Typical colors and color combinations for logos of e-commerce brands of various product categories are identified. The principles of color combinations in logos of online stores of various product categories are determined.&#x0D; Practical significance. It is advisable to use the obtained results both in the development of logos of new e-commerce enterprises and in the redesign of existing ones. The results of the research can be used in further scientific research on the design of corporate style of sites for e-commerce enterprises.

Correlation of fitzpatrick skin type and iris color with tumor size in 823 patients with uveal melanoma

PurposeTo determine the correlation of Fitzpatrick Skin Type (FST) and iris color with tumor size (tumor thickness and basal diameter) in patients with uveal melanoma. DesignRetrospective Cohort MethodsRetrospective cohort from a single ocular oncology center of 823 patients with uveal melanoma and documented FST, iris color, and tumor size. Patients were classified by FST (type I, II, and III–V) and iris color (blue, green, and brown) on the basis of external facial photography. There were no FST type VI patients. Tumor thickness was classified into small [< 3 millimeter (mm)], medium (3.1–8.0 mm), or large (> 8.0 mm), and basal diameter into small (< 10 mm), medium (10.1–15 mm) or large (> 15 mm). The correlation of FST and iris color with tumor thickness and basal diameter was evaluated using the Kruskal-Wallis H test. ResultsThe FST classification was type I (n = 92, 11%), type II (n = 643, 78%), or III–V (n = 88, 11%), and iris color was blue (n = 472, 57%), green (n = 102, 12%), or brown (n = 249, 30%). A comparison of FST revealed differences in mean tumor thickness (P = 0.04) and basal diameter (P = 0.006). Iris color showed no difference for mean tumor thickness (P = 0.41) or basal diameter (P = 0.48). There was a statistically significant difference with brown iris color relative to FST III–V for mean tumor thickness (P = 0.003) and basal diameter (P = 0.001) but no difference with blue or green iris color (P > 0.05). ConclusionsIris color alone showed no difference in tumor size, but those with brown iris color and FST type III–V demonstrated larger tumor thickness and basal diameter.

Association of quantitative traits and genetic diversity in Ethiopian sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) genotypes

To enhance sesame yield, it is important to utilize diverse parents in breeding programs and implement an effective selection procedure, which exploits the association of quantitative traits. Therefore, the objective of this experiment was to explore the correlation among quantitative traits and assess genetic variability and diversity using both qualitative and quantitative traits. Correlation coefficients indicated a noteworthy (P < 0.001) positive phenotypic (rp) and genotypic (rg) correlation between seed yield and various traits: plant height (rp = 0.60; rg = 0.58), length of the capsule-bearing zone (rp = 0.77; rg = 0.80), number of capsules on the main stem (rp = 0.80; rg = 0.85), primary branches (rp = 0.66; rg = 0.66), and capsules per plant (rp = 0.90; rg = 0.91). In contrast, a negative correlation (P < 0.001) was observed between yield and bacterial blight disease severity, both phenotypically (rp = −0.60) and genotypically (rg = −0.76). The analysis of path coefficients indicated that the most substantial positive direct effect on yield (0.77) was attributed to capsules per plant, whereas other traits associated with yield exhibited a significant indirect influence on yield through capsules per plant. Qualitative traits exhibited diversity, except for plant growth type, plant growth habit, and stem branching. Shannon-Weaner (H) and Simpson (1-D) diversity indices were higher for interior corolla color (H = 1.63; 1-D = 0.66), seed color (H = 1.50; 1-D = 0.46), and capsule beak type (H = 1.08; 1-D = 0.50). The analysis of variance indicated a notable variation among the examined genotypes regarding quantitative traits, excluding internode length. The plant materials were divided into five clusters through cluster analysis, where clusters I to V consisted of 21, 29, 4, 4, and 6 genotypes, respectively. The current study has shown that the yield of sesame can be enhanced through indirect selection for traits associated with yield, particularly the highest number of capsules per plant. Furthermore, examinations of genetic diversity confirmed the presence of variability within the assessed genotypes, providing valuable insights for upcoming sesame breeding programs.

The functions of laccase gene GhLAC15 in fiber colouration and development in brown-colored cotton.

The monotonicity of color type in naturally colored cottons (NCCs) has become the main limiting factor to their widespread use, simultaneously coexisting with poor fiber quality. The synchronous improvement of fiber quality and color become more urgent and crucial as the demand for sustainable development increases. The homologous gene of wild cotton Gossypium stocksii LAC15 in G. hirsutum, GhLAC15, was also dominantly expressed in the developing fibers of brown cotton XC20 from 5 DPA (day post anthesis) to 25 DPA, especially at the secondary cell wall thickening stage (20 DPA and 25 DPA). In XC20 plants with downregulated GhLAC15 (GhLAC15i), a remarkable reduction in proanthocyanidins (PAs) and lignin contents was observed. Some of the key genes in the phenylpropane and flavonoid biosynthesis pathway were down-regulated in GhLAC15i plants. Notably, the fiber length of GhLAC15i plants showed an obvious increase and the fiber color was lightened. Moreover, we found that the thickness of cotton fiber cell wall was decreased in GhLAC15i plants and the fiber surface became smoother compared to that of WT. Taken together, this study revealed that GhLAC15 played an important role in PAs and lignin biosynthesis in naturally colored cotton fibers. It might mediate fiber color and fiber quality by catalyzing PAs oxidation and lignin polymerization, ultimately regulating fiber colouration and development.

Ketertarikan Serangga Terhadap Berbagai Jenis Warna dan Ketinggian Perangkap Pada Tanaman Cabai Besar

Color traps are one way to control insects around plants. This research aims to determine the type of color and height of the trap on insect attraction to chili plants in 2 generative phases and vegetative phase. This research took place in Bentok Darat Village, Bati-Bati District, Tanah Laut Regency, South Kalimantan Province from May to July 2022. The method used was (RAL) with 2 factors and 3 repetitions. The first color factor is W1: Yellow, W2: Green, W3: Red and the second factor is the height of T1: 30 cm, T2: 60 cm and T3: 90 cm. The results of this research were that yellow traps had the highest number of insect catches, namely 1,634, and at a height of 30 cm, yellow traps had the highest number of catches, 362. From this research, the total number of insect catches obtained was 3,676 individuals. In the vegetative phase there were 1,629 insects and in the generative phase there were 2,047 insects.

Comparison of discoloration of ceramic containing 3D printable material and CAD/CAM blocks.

This study aimed to clarify aspects of the color and translucency of 3D printed dental material with CAD/CAM blocks. Three different ceramic-containing, resin-based CAD/CAM blocks and a 3D printable resin were evaluated after thermocycled and assessed for their degree of discoloration based on colorant types and storage times. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance followed by Tukey's post-hoc test. All materials in red wine had ∆E00 values higher than the clinically accepted threshold value. At 1 week and 1 month, the 3D material was statistically significantly more discolored than the other 3 materials (p<0.05). None of the materials exceeded the acceptable threshold value at any time point. The color changes increased over time in resin-based CAD/CAM blocks and 3D printable dental materials. After 1 week and 1 month, there was a statistically significant difference in the color change between the 3D printed material and the CAD/CAM blocks.

Genetic Variability of Tocol Content in a Genebank Collection of Temperate Maize Inbred Lines from Southeastern Europe

Maize is considered a promising candidate for biofortification through breeding, given its widespread cultivation and significance as a food crop. This cost-effective and sustainable approach could be used to increase the content of different tocol compounds, i.e., vitamin E, in maize grain due to the well-documented genetic variability. In the present study, an evaluation of the content of nine different tocol traits was performed in a genebank collection of 88 inbred lines of temperate maize grown at two locations in Croatia in 2019. A large genotypic variability within the studied material was observed for α-tocopherol, γ-tocopherol, δ-tocopherol, total tocopherols, α-/γ-tocopherol ratio, α-tocotrienol, γ-tocotrienol, total tocotrienols and total tocols with corresponding coefficients of variation of 52, 61, 51, 45, 106, 24, 54, 33 and 38%, respectively. Heritability estimates ranged from 0.66 for α-tocotrienol to 0.95 for δ-tocopherol. The content of α-tocopherol, which has the highest vitamin E activity and is therefore most interesting for selection, was not significantly correlated with either grain color or grain type. Comparison of the effects of simulated selection with an intensity of 20% on increased α-tocopherol content using the two selection criteria, absolute α-tocopherol content and α-/γ-tocopherol ratio, showed that the highest absolute α-tocopherol content was a better selection criterion. Indeed, simulated selection based on the absolute α-tocopherol content resulted in a 64% increase in this compound without significantly affecting the total tocopherols, the total tocotrienols, and the α-/γ-tocopherol ratio.

Distribution characteristics and ecological risk assessment of microplastics in intertidal sediments near coastal water

Plastic products are widely distributed worldwide and continue to have a negative impact on the environment and organisms. Intertidal regions, which interface between upland and marine ecosystems, are regions of high ecological importance and serve as repositories for a variety of plastic wastes. However, ecological risk assessments of microplastics (MPs) in these transitional environments are still scarce. In this study, the morphological characteristics and spatial distribution of MPs in the intertidal surface sediments of Haizhou Bay were analyzed, and an ecological risk assessment framework for MPs was developed. Overall, the average abundance of MPs in the sediments was 2.31 ± 1.35 pieces/g dw. The size of the MPs was mainly less than 1 mm, and the main shape, color and polymer type of the MPs were mainly fibrous (58%), blue (30%), and PVC (22%), respectively. Cluster analyses showed that the sites could be well distinguished by size and polymer type but not by MP shape and color. According to the hazard scores, most of the sites in this area belonged to a risk level of IV, while the pollution loading index (PLI) showed that most of the sites belonged to a risk level of II. The ecological toxicity risk from the species–sensitive distribution (SSD) model showed that one–third of the sites had ecological MPs toxicity risks to marine organisms. We believe that normalized and standardized assessment methods should be implemented to monitor and manage the risk of MPs in the intertidal sediments. Particularly, the multiple dimensions, standard abundance of MPs, as well as MPs ingestion in the intertidal organisms, should be fully considered in the next step.

Influence of food packaging color and foods type on consumer purchase intention: the mediating role of perceived fluency.

Packaging color entices and influences consumer perceptions and significantly affects the identification of products. Marketers manipulate the exterior packaging to influence consumer expectations, experiences, and behaviors. Building upon psychological literature on colors and emotions, we explored the influence of food packaging color and food type on consumers' purchase intentions. Study 1 explored the interaction effects between food packaging color (warm vs. cold) and food type (vice foods vs. virtue foods) on consumers' purchase intentions. Study 2 examined whether perceived fluency mediates the interaction effect of food packaging color and food type on consumers' purchase intentions. The results showed that for vice foods, characterized by tastiness but unhealthiness, the utilization of warm-colored food packaging enhances consumer purchase intent. In contrast, for virtue foods that are healthful but lack gustatory appeal, the use of cold food packaging colors will lead to higher consumer purchase intent. Perceived fluency mediates the interaction effect of food packaging color and food type on consumers' purchase intentions. This study will assist marketers to exploring a range of possibilities for packing color, impacting both the physiological and cognitive dimensions of consumer behavior related to food products, and offering practical implications for market managers.

Influence of coating on peroxidase-like activity of magnetic nanoparticles

Chitosan stabilized iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles (Chit-MNPs) were prepared with the theoretical Chit/Fe3O4 weight ratios equal to 0.5, 1, 2, 3 w/w and characterized by different techniques. The effect of various Chit/Fe3O4 weight ratios on the samples’ hydrodynamic diameter, zeta potential, and isoelectric point was studied by the dynamic light-scattering method. Using TEM analysis, the average magnetic core size was found to be ranging from 6 nm to 9 nm. The obtained results are comparable to those from magnetic measurements. The magnetic measurements confirmed successful chitosan coating on MNPs by means of the decrease in saturation magnetizations from 69.2 emu·g−1 for unmodified MNPs to 66.6, 65.9, 65.5 and 65.2 emu·g−1 for Chit-MNPs at different ratios of Chit/MNPs 0.5, 1, 2, and 3. TGA was used to quantify the amount of chitosan adsorbed on MNPs surface – the max. amount was 0.045 mg chitosan/mg MNPs. The peroxidase-like catalytic activity of unmodified MNPs and chitosan Chit-MNPs in present of a substrate such as N,N-diethyl-p-phenylenediamine sulfate salt (DPD) and hydrogen peroxide was studied. The results confirmed the peroxidase-like activity of samples, – they catalytically oxidise substrate DPD by H2O2 to produce a typical colour reaction. The chitosan coating was found to slightly decrease catalytic activity compared to MNPs at pH 7.4. Despite the fact, these findings can be useful for creating sets of MNPs and Chit-MNPs samples possessing predefined peroxidase-like activity and could be applied for chromogenic reactions in the future.

In-situ synthesis and performance evaluation of novel color coatings for galvanized steel

Traditional hot-dip galvanized coatings, typically single-silver in color, present increasing aesthetic challenges in diverse applications, while prevailing organic coating methods involve complex processes with high energy consumption and pollution emissions. In this study, a novel hot-dip process for in-situ synthesis of color coating on steel was proposed, capable of producing various uniform color coating. The microstructure of color coatings on steel was systematically examined, and an assessment of their corrosion and weather resistance was conducted. The results demonstrate the sequence of typical color variation is gold, purple, blue, cyan, red, green, and grey. By controlling the immersion temperature range, and regulating the final stable color of the oxide film. The coloration mechanism mainly is attributed to the light interference on the Mn oxide film. The cyan and brown coatings mainly consist of the dense rod-like ζ-FeZn13 phases which provide a structural foundation for corrosion resistance. Furthermore, the brown coating exhibited excellent weather resistance.

Doing more with less: A proposal to advance cigarette packaging regulations in the United States

Cigarette packages are potent marketing tools. Following guidance from the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, many countries have sought to diminish this marketing power by mandating that (1) large graphic health warnings be affixed to the packages (i.e., text warnings combined with graphic images of the health consequences of smoking) and (2) all packages be fully “plain” in their design (i.e., all packages use the same drab/bland color and font type; no brand logos, other colors, or designs are permitted). Yet, the United States lags other countries in implementing regulations designed to blunt the marketing power of cigarette packages. This is not because of a lack of effort on the part of the Food and Drug Administration, the main governmental body charged with regulating tobacco products in the United States. Rather, it is because the regulatory options that that have been advanced in the country (e.g., graphic health warnings) have not been found - yet - to be legally feasible by its courts. This commentary works through some of the conceptual, practical, and legal issues regarding packaging regulations in the United States. It considers the political and bureaucratic risks involved with issuing new regulations. The overall intent is to prompt our field to think creatively about what is realistic in this regulatory space and to offer a novel perspective that may help move the United States tobacco control community forward in its efforts to reduce the promotional power of cigarette packages.

Physiological and psychological responses to tended plant communities with varying color characteristics

Exposure to plants has been reported to promote health and reduce stress, and plant color has direct impacts on physical and mental health. We used images of common types of tended plant communities in Shenyang, China, with combinations of yellow, green, and red foliage, as experimental stimuli. A total of 27 images were used as visual stimuli. We used electroencephalography to measure α wave activity (8–13 Hz) in 40 subjects while they viewed visual stimuli. These data were combined with subjective questionnaire data to analyze the relaxing effect of images of tended plant communities with different color types and proportions on people. The results revealed that, although there were slight differences between the electroencephalography and psychological findings, women were significantly more relaxed than men after viewing the images. Physiological and psychological responses varied with the types and proportions of colors in the tended plant communities: those of foliage with combinations of two or three colors induced stronger responses than images with a single color. Specifically, (1) for one-color plant communities, green or yellow plant communities induced a stronger relaxation effect than red plant communities; (2) for two-color plant communities, the optimal color proportion was 55% + 45%, and the green + yellow and green + red color combinations induced a stronger relaxation effect; (3) for three-color plant communities, the relaxation effect was strongest when the color proportion was 55% green + 25% yellow + 20% red. These data would provide a plant color matching in future plant landscape design, which may be helpful for creating healthy and relaxing environments.Graphical abstract

Microplastic Abundance and Distribution in the Sediment of Cagayan de Oro River, Philippines

ABSTRACT Microplastics (MPs), or plastic particles smaller than 5 mm, are emerging contaminants that potentially affect aquatic species and humans. More research has been undertaken in the marine environment; however, rivers that serve as a sink and pathways for plastic entering the ocean have received less attention. The current study investigated the presence of MPs in the sediments of the Cagayan de Oro River, one of the top plastic-emitting rivers listed in the Philippines. Sediment samples were collected from the six sampling stations from upstream to downstream using a Van Veen grab sampler. Through stereomicroscope and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), MPs were analyzed and categorized according to color, shape, size, and polymer type. All the sampling stations were contaminated with MPs ranging from 4.4 ± 2.57 to 33.3 ± 4.44 items/kg. The highest density of MPs was found close to the river mouth that drains into Macajalar Bay which suggests that riverine contributions are substantial contributory to MPs contamination in the marine environments. Prevalent types of MPs are blue-colored (41%), fiber-shaped (41%), 0.5–1.0 mm (43%), and polyethylene (43%) particles. Microplastic accumulation is generally higher downstream than upstream.

The complete mitochondrial genome of the tropical sea urchin Tripneustes gratilla (Linnaeus, 1758) with two spine colors

The complete mitochondrial genomes of two spine-color individuals, red and white, of the tropical sea urchin species Tripneustes gratilla (Linnaeus, 1758) were sequenced on Illumina system platform. The red-spined species had a genome size of 15,774 bp, while the white-spined species had a genome size of 15,723 bp. Both genomes contained 13 protein-coding genes, 2 rRNA genes, and 22 tRNA genes. The GC composition in both species was above 40%. In order to investigate the phylogenetic relationships of two different spine-color individuals, a comprehensive analysis was conducted using eight complete mitochondrial genomic sequences of the genus Tripneustes on the software MEGA X. It was observed that the two spine color types of T. gratilla species showed a high similarity of 98.91%. However, different color-spined species of T. gratilla were found in separate branches of the phylogenetic tree of the same sea urchin species.

Does an R2R3-MYB transcription factor affect anthurium spathe colour variation via regulation of vacuolar pH?

The anthurium is a popular cut flower worldwide having red, pink, coral, white, green, or brown spathes. There is a constant demand for new flower colours in the commercial market. Flower colour in plants is mainly determined by anthocyanins. Understanding anthocyanin variation and other factors affecting anthurium spathe colour is important for genetic engineering approaches. Therefore, our objectives were to assess the factors affecting colour variation of selected commercially available cut flower anthuriums and to determine the associated regulatory networks and transcription factors (TFs). Nineteen commercial cut flower anthurium cultivars were selected for this purpose. The colour of the spathe surface, anthocyanin location, anthocyanidin type and vacuolar pH were recorded. Anthocyanin associated Gene Network Model generation and analysis were carried out. The CIELAB colourimeter procedure indicated the colour variation among the selected 19 cultivars in terms of colour type, colour intensity, chroma, and hue angle. The location of anthocyanin was limited to mesophyll and epidermal cells. Cyanidin was detected in tested anthurium cultivars as the main anthocyanidin. The pH gradient in pigment extracts indicated a variation with a range of 4.6 to 4.94. The gene pathways of anthocyanin biosynthesis and transport were associated with that of the vacuolar pH/H+ pump according to Gene Network Model. Three pathways were regulated by an R2R3-MYB transcription factor. Although, cyanidin was the only pigment in all the tested cultivars, different pH levels by R2R3-MYB regulated V-H+ synthase was suggested to be the cause of the high colour variation in addition to the anthocyanidin type and location. Our results indicate the application of R2R3-MYB transcription factor genes for desirable vacuolar pH maintenance in genetic engineering of the blue anthurium in the future.

Identifying selection signatures for immune response and resilience to Aleutian disease in mink using genotype data.

Aleutian disease (AD) brings tremendous financial losses to the mink industry. Selecting AD-resilient mink has been conducted to control AD. Such selections could have altered the patterns of genetic variation responding to selection pressures. This study aimed to identify selection signatures for immune response (IRE) and resilience to AD. A total of 1,411 mink from an AD-positive facility were used. For IRE, 264 animals were categorized according to the combined results of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and counterimmunoelectrophoresis (CIEP). For resilience, two grouping methods were used: 1) general resilience performance (GRP, n = 30) was evaluated based on the feed conversion ratio, Kleiber ratio, and pelt quality; and 2) female reproductive performance (FRP, n = 36) was measured based on the number of kits alive 24h after birth. Detection methods were the pairwise fixation index, nucleotide diversity, and cross-population extended haplotype homozygosity. A total of 619, 569, and 526 SNPs were identified as candidates for IRE, GRP, and FRP, respectively. The annotated genes were involved in immune system process, growth, reproduction, and pigmentation. Two olfactory-related Gene Ontology (GO) terms were significant (q < 0.05) for all traits, suggesting the impact of AD on the sense of smell of infected mink. Differences in detected genes and GO terms among different color types for IRE indicated variations in immune response to AD among color types. The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway was significant (q < 0.05) for FRP, suggesting that AD may disrupt MAPK signaling and affect FRP. The findings of this research contribute to our knowledge of the genomic architecture and biological mechanisms underlying AD resilience in mink.