bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design and optimization of a semi‐industrial cavitation device for a pretreatment of an anaerobic digestion treatment of excess sludge and pig slurry
Authors: Vilarroig Jose , Martínez Raúl , Zuriaga‐Agustí Elena , Torró Salvador , Galián Manuel , Chiva Sergio
Published: May 2020

The use of hydrodynamic cavitation (HC) as a wastewater treatment and anaerobic digestion pretreatment is a well‐known process. However, most of the experiments have been done at laboratory scale and using a low concentration of total solids in the sludge treated. In this study, the waste‐activated sludge has been mixed with pig slurry with the aim of treating two wastes rich in nutrients and organic matter. The HC has been studied not only at laboratory scale but also at industrial scale (up to 500 L), using a novel rotating device consisting of a rotor with multiple teeth that rotate inside a grooved stator. The effectiveness of the process has been calculated using the disintegration degree (DD) and analyzing the volatile fatty acids, while the energy efficiency has been determined with specific energy of the sludge solubilization (SESCOD) and the specific energy. Results show that both the SESCOD and the specific energy decrease when the cavitation process is scaled from laboratory scale to industrial scale. Specifically, SESCOD decreases from 2.71 × 102 to 0.16 × 102 kJ/g SCOD and specific energy decreases from 3.58 × 104 to 2.85 × 103 kJ/kg TS while DD values show reasonable values up to 17%.

Practitioner points

A new industrial hydrodynamic cavitation device has been developed to treat industrial wastewater without chemical additives

A volume up to 500 L has been treated at industrial scale experiments.

Sludge with 7% of total solids content was satisfactorily disintegrated.

The process scale‐up lead to an energy efficiency enhancement.
QCD axion window and false vacuum Higgs inflation
Authors: Matsui Hiroki , Takahashi Fuminobu , Yin Wen
Published: May 2020

Abstract

The abundance of the QCD axion is known to be suppressed if the Hubble parameter during inflation, H
inf , is lower than the QCD scale, and if the inflation lasts sufficiently long. We show that the tight upper bound on the inflation scale can be significantly relaxed if the eternal old inflation is driven by the standard-model Higgs field trapped in a false vacuum at large field values. Specifically, H
inf can be larger than 100 GeV if the false vacuum is located above the intermediate scale. We also discuss the slow-roll inflation after the tunneling from the false vacuum to the electroweak vacuum.
Typical behaviour along geodesic rays in hyperbolic groups
Authors: Cantrell Stephen
Published: May 2020

In this note we study the limiting behaviour of real valued functions on hyperbolic groups as we travel along typical geodesic rays in the Gromov boundary of the group. Our results apply to group homomorphisms, certain quasimorphisms and to the displacement functions associated to convex cocompact group actions on CAT$$(-1)$$

(
-
1
)

metric spaces.
On the analysis of the contact angle for impacting droplets using a polynomial fitting approach
Authors: Quetzeri-Santiago Miguel A. , Castrejón-Pita J. Rafael , Castrejón-Pita Alfonso A.
Published: June 2020

Practical considerations on the measurement of the dynamic contact angle and the spreading diameter of impacting droplets are discussed in this paper.
The contact angle of a liquid is commonly obtained either by a polynomial or a linear fitting to the droplet profile around the triple-phase point. Previous works have focused on quasi-static or sessile droplets, or in cases where inertia does not play a major role on the contact angle dynamics.
Here, we study the effect of droplet shape, the order of the fitting polynomial and the fitting domain, on the measurement of the contact angle on various stages following droplet impact where the contact line is moving. Our results, presented in terms of the optical resolution and the droplet size, show that a quadratic fitting provides the most consistent results for a range of various droplet shapes. As expected, our results show that contact angle values are less sensitive to the fitting conditions for the cases where the droplet can be approximated to a spherical cap.
Our experimental conditions include impact events with liquid droplets of different sizes and viscosities on various substrates. In addition, validating past works, our results show that the maximum spreading diameter can be parameterised by the Weber number and the rapidly advancing contact angle.

Graphic abstract
On the problems of sequential statistical inference for Wiener processes with delayed observations
Authors: Gapeev Pavel V.
Published: June 2020

We study the sequential hypothesis testing and quickest change-point (or disorder) detection problems with linear delay penalty costs for observable Wiener processes under (constantly) delayed detection times. The method of proof consists of the reduction of the associated delayed optimal stopping problems for one-dimensional diffusion processes to the equivalent free-boundary problems and solution of the latter problems by means of the smooth-fit conditions. We derive closed-form expressions for the Bayesian risk functions and optimal stopping boundaries for the associated weighted likelihood ratio processes in the original problems of sequential analysis.
Fatty acid composition of adipose tissue at term indicates deficiency of arachidonic and docosahexaenoic acid and excessive linoleic acid supply in preterm infants
Authors: Böckmann K. A. , von Stumpff A. , Bernhard W. , Shunova A. , Minarski M. , Frische B. , Warmann S. , Schleicher E. , Poets C. F. , Franz A. R.
Published: May 2020

Background

Arachidonic (ARA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are constitutive to membrane phospholipids, and essential for brain and overall development. ARA/DHA pools in term infants (TI) are built during the third trimester, stored as adipose tissue triglycerides and predominantly distributed via plasma phosphatidylcholine (PC). In preterm infants (PTI), placental ARA/DHA supply is replaced by linoleic-acid (LA)-enriched nutrition. This study aimed to investigate the impact of PTI nutrition, compared to placental supply, on fatty acid composition in adipose tissue and blood.

Methods

Prospective observational study (4/2017–3/2019) in 12 PTI and 3 PTI with enterostomy (PTI/E) (gestational age (GA) < 32 weeks) with surgical intervention at term (± 6 weeks) and 14 TI (GA ≥ 34 weeks, surgical intervention < 2 weeks postnatally). PTI/E were analyzed descriptively only. PC and triglyceride fatty acids were analyzed with tandem mass spectrometry and gas chromatography, respectively. Results were compared between TI and PTI with Wilcoxon Test and shown as median [25th percentile–75th percentile] mol%.

Results

PTI had less ARA in adipose tissue TG (0.77[0.67–0.87]% vs. 1.04[0.95–1.14]%, p = 0.0003) and plasma PC (20.7[18.7–22.8]% vs. 28.3[22.7–33.5]%, p = 0.011) than TI. PTI also had less DHA in adipose tissue TG (0.6[0.4–0.8]% vs. 1.1[0.8–1.4]%, p = 0.006) and plasma PC (6.4[5.6–7.1]% vs. 8.4[7.8–13.1]%, p = 0.002). LA was increased in PTI’s adipose tissue TG (10.0[8.8–12.3]% vs. 3.0[2.5–3.6]%, p < 0.0001) and plasma PC (48.4[44.6–49.6]% vs. 30.6[24.9–35.6]%, p = 0.0002). Similar differences were observed in erythrocyte PC.

Conclusion

In PTI, LA is increased and ARA/DHA decreased in adipose tissue, plasma and erythrocyte lipids as proxies for other tissues, likely caused by PTI nutrition. This may contribute to impaired PTI development.
Using social and physical variables to assess vulnerability of northwestern Montana lakes to illegal fish introductions
Authors: Clancy Niall G. , Bourret Samuel L.
Published: May 2020

The spread of non-native fish species is a common problem in lakes and streams worldwide. Species that establish viable populations in a new environment can seriously deplete populations of native species and desired sportfishes. In some instances, extirpation of a native species has occurred. In western North America, the most common avenue by which non-native species invade new waterbodies is illegal stocking by anglers, aquaculturists, and others. Thus, preventing further illegal fish introductions is of the utmost importance for native aquatic species. Using data collected by state agency personnel from 1953 to 2015, we examined multiple social and physical variables to determine the factors that best explain which lakes in northwestern Montana had past illegal fish introductions. An equation using elevation, surrounding population, and fishing pressure was found to best fit the data. This equation was then used to calculate an index of the vulnerability of lakes within the region to future illegal fish introductions. The techniques used in this study have broad applicability that can be used in many regions with illegal fish introductions, and ultimately help to alleviate the problem.
Analytical and Functional Similarity Assessment of ABP 710, a Biosimilar to Infliximab Reference Product
Authors: Saleem Ramsey , Cantin Greg , Wikström Mats , Bolton Glen , Kuhns Scott , McBride Helen J. , Liu Jennifer
Published: May 2020

Purpose

ABP 710 has been developed as a biosimilar to infliximab reference product (RP). The objective of this study was to assess analytical similarity (structural and functional) between ABP 710 and infliximab RP licensed by the United States Food and Drug Administration (infliximab [US]) and the European Union (infliximab [EU]), using sensitive, state-of-the-art analytical methods capable of detecting minor differences in product quality attributes.

Methods

Comprehensive analytical characterization utilizing orthogonal techniques was performed with 14 to 28 unique lots of ABP 710 or infliximab RP, depending on the assay. Comparisons were used to investigate the primary structure related to amino acid sequence; post-translational modifications (PTMs) including glycans; higher order structure; particles and aggregates; primary biological properties mediated by target and receptor binding; product-related substances and impurities; and general properties.

Results

ABP 710 had the same amino acid sequence, primary structure, higher order structure, PTM profiles and biological activities as infliximab RP. The finished drug product had the same strength (protein content and concentration) as infliximab RP.

Conclusions

Based on the comprehensive analytical similarity assessment, ABP 710 was found to be highly analytically similar to infliximab RP for all biological activities relevant for clinical efficacy and safety.
Modelling Age-Related Changes in the Pharmacokinetics of Risperidone and 9-Hydroxyrisperidone in Different CYP2D6 Phenotypes Using a Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Approach
Authors: Kneller Lisa Alina , Hempel Georg
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Dose-optimization strategies for risperidone are gaining in importance, especially in the elderly. Based on the genetic polymorphism of cytochrome P 450 (CYP) 2D6 genetically and age-related changes cause differences in the pharmacokinetics of risperidone and 9-hydroxyrisperidone. The goal of the study was to develop physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models for the elderly aged 65+ years. Additionally, CYP2D6 phenotyping using metabolic ratio were applied and different pharmacokinetic parameter for different age classes predicted.

Methods

Plasma concentrations of risperidone and 9-hydroxyrisperidone were used to phenotype 17 geriatric inpatients treated under naturalistic conditions. For this purpose, PBPK models were developed to examine age-related changes in the pharmacokinetics between CYP2D6 extensive metabolizer, intermediate metabolizer, poor metabolizer, (PM) and ultra-rapid metabolizer.

Results

PBPK-based metabolic ratio was able to predict different CYP2D6 phenotypes during steady-state. One inpatient was identified as a potential PM, showing a metabolic ratio of 3.39. About 88.2% of all predicted plasma concentrations of the inpatients were within the 2-fold error range. Overall, age-related changes of the pharmacokinetics in the elderly were mainly observed in Cmax and AUC. Comparing a population of young adults with the oldest-old, Cmax of risperidone increased with 24–44% and for 9-hydroxyrisperidone with 35–37%.

Conclusions

Metabolic ratio combined with PBPK modelling can provide a powerful tool to identify potential CYP2D6 PM during therapeutic drug monitoring. Based on genetic, anatomical and physiological changes during aging, PBPK models ultimately support decision-making regarding dose-optimization strategies to ensure the best therapy for each patient over the age of 65 years.
A commentary review on the use of normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) in the era of popular remote sensing
Authors: Huang Sha , Tang Lina , Hupy Joseph P. , Wang Yang , Shao Guofan
Published: May 2020

The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), one of the earliest remote sensing analytical products used to simplify the complexities of multi-spectral imagery, is now the most popular index used for vegetation assessment. This popularity and widespread use relate to how an NDVI can be calculated with any multispectral sensor with a visible and a near-IR band. Increasingly low costs and weights of multispectral sensors mean they can be mounted on satellite, aerial, and increasingly—Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). While studies have found that the NDVI is effective for expressing vegetation status and quantified vegetation attributes, its widespread use and popularity, especially in UAS applications, carry inherent risks of misuse with end users who received little to no remote sensing education. This article summarizes the progress of NDVI acquisition, highlights the areas of NDVI application, and addresses the critical problems and considerations in using NDVI. Detailed discussion mainly covers three aspects: atmospheric effect, saturation phenomenon, and sensor factors. The use of NDVI can be highly effective as long as its limitations and capabilities are understood. This consideration is particularly important to the UAS user community.
Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses reveal that melatonin promotes melon root development under copper stress by inhibiting jasmonic acid biosynthesis
Authors: Hu Zhicheng , Fu Qiushi , Zheng Jing , Zhang Aiai , Wang Huaisong
Published: May 2020

Melatonin has been shown to alleviate the effects of abiotic stress and to regulate plant development. Copper, a common heavy metal and soil pollutant, can suppress plant growth and development. In this work, we explored the protective effects of exogenous melatonin on lateral root formation in response to copper stress using melon seeds subjected to three germination treatments: CK1 (control), CK2 (300 μmol/L CuSO4), and MT3 (300 μmol/L melatonin + 300 μmol/L CuSO4). Melatonin pretreatment increased the antioxidant enzyme activities and root vigor, and decreased the proline and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents in the roots of copper-stressed melon seedlings. We then used transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses to explore the mechanisms by which exogenous melatonin protects against copper stress. There were 70 significant differentially expressed genes (DEGs) (28 upregulated, 42 downregulated) and 318 significantly differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs) (168 upregulated, 150 downregulated) between the MT3 and CK2 treatments. Melatonin pretreatment altered the expression of genes related to redox and cell wall formation processes. In addition, we found that members of the AP2/ERF, BBR/BPC, GRAS, and HD-ZIP transcription factor families may have vital roles in lateral root development. Melatonin also increased the level of Glutathione (GSH), which chelates excess Cu2+. The combined transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis revealed DEGs and DEMs involved in jasmonic acid (JA) biosynthesis, including four lipoxygenase-related genes and two metabolites (linoleic acid and lecithin) related to melatonin’s alleviation effect on copper toxicity. This research elucidated the molecular mechanisms of melatonin’s protective effects in copper-stressed melon.
The integration of transcriptomic and transgenic analyses reveals the involvement of the SA response pathway in the defense of chrysanthemum against the necrotrophic fungus Alternaria sp.
Authors: Zhao Xiting , Song Lingyu , Jiang Liwei , Zhu Yuting , Gao Qinghui , Wang Dandan , Xie Jing , Lv Meng , Liu Ping , Li Mingjun
Published: May 2020

Chrysanthemum morifoliumcv. ‘Huaihuang’ has ornamental, edible, medicinal, and tea product uses. However, its field growth, yield, and quality are negatively affected by black spot disease caused byAlternariasp. (Strain: HQJH10092301; GenBank accession number: KF688111). In this study, we transcriptionally and transgenically characterized a new cultivar, ‘Huaiju 2#’ (Henan Traditional Chinese Medicine Plant Cultivar identification number: 2016002), which was bred from ‘Huaihuang’ and shows resistance toAlternariasp. Numerous ‘Huaiju 2#’ plants were inoculated withAlternariasp. for three or five days. Metabolic analysis showed increases in both salicylic acid (SA) and jasmonic acid (JA) in infected plants compared to the control. Protein activity analysis also revealed a significant increase in defense enzyme activities in infected plants. RNA-Seq of plants infected for 3 or 5 days produced a total of 58.6 GB of clean reads. Among these reads, 16,550 and 13,559 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in Cm_3 dpi (sample from 3 days post-inoculation labeled as Cm_3 dpi) and Cm_5 dpi (sample from 5 days post-inoculation labeled as Cm_5 dpi), respectively, compared with their controls (Cm_0 d: a mixture samples from 0 d (before inoculation) and those treated with sterile distilled water at 3 dpi and 5 dpi). Gene annotation and cluster analysis of the DEGs revealed a variety of defense responses toAlternariasp. infection, which were characterized by increases in resistance (R) proteins and the reactive oxygen species (ROS), Ca2+, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and JA signaling pathways. In particular, SA signaling was highly responsive toAlternariasp. infection. The qPCR analysis of 12 DEG candidates supported their differential expression characterized by using the RNA-Seq data. One candidate wasCmNPR1(nonexpressor of pathogenesis-related gene 1), an important positive regulator of SA in systemic acquired resistance (SAR). Overexpression ofCmNPR1in ‘Huaiju 2#’ increased the resistance of transgenic plants to black spot. These findings indicate that the SA response pathway is likely involved in the defense of ‘Huaiju 2#’ againstAlternariasp. pathogens.
DNA methylome and transcriptome landscapes revealed differential characteristics of dioecious flowers in papaya
Authors: Zhou Ping , Zhang Xiaodan , Fatima Mahpara , Ma Xinyi , Fang Hongkun , Yan Hansong , Ming Ray
Published: May 2020

Separate sexes in dioecious plants display different morphology and physiological characteristics. The differences between the two sexes lie in their highly differentiated floral characteristics and in sex-related phenotype, which is genetically determined and epigenetically modified. In dioecious papaya (Carica papaya L.), global comparisons of epigenetic DNA methylation and gene expressions were still limited. We conducted bisulfite sequencing of early-stage flowers grown in three seasons (spring, summer and winter) and compared their methylome and transcriptome profiles to investigate the differential characteristics of male and female in papaya. Methylation variances between female and male papaya were conserved among three different seasons. However, combined genome-scale transcriptomic evidence revealed that most methylation variances did not have influence on the expression profiles of neighboring genes, and the differentially expressed genes were most overrepresented in phytohormone signal transduction pathways. Further analyses showed diverse stress-responsive methylation alteration in male and female flowers. Male flower methylation was more responsive to stress whereas female flower methylation varied less under stress. Early flowering of male papaya in spring might be associated with the variation in the transcription of CpSVP and CpAP1 coinciding with their gene-specific hypomethylation. These findings provide insights into the sex-specific DNA methylation and gene expression landscapes of dioecious papaya and a foundation to investigate the correlation between differentiated floral characteristics and their candidate genes.
Hybrid de novo genome assembly of red gromwell (Lithospermum erythrorhizon) reveals evolutionary insight into shikonin biosynthesis
Authors: Auber Robert P. , Suttiyut Thiti , McCoy Rachel M. , Ghaste Manoj , Crook Joseph W. , Pendleton Amanda L. , Widhalm Joshua R. , Wisecaver Jennifer H.
Published: May 2020

Lithospermum erythrorhizon(red gromwell; zicao) is a medicinal and economically valuable plant belonging to the Boraginaceae family. Roots fromL. erythrorhizonhave been used for centuries based on the antiviral and wound-healing properties produced from the bioactive compound shikonin and its derivatives. More recently, shikonin, its enantiomer alkannin, and several other shikonin/alkannin derivatives have collectively emerged as valuable natural colorants and as novel drug scaffolds. Despite several transcriptomes and proteomes having been generated fromL. erythrorhizon, a reference genome is still unavailable. This has limited investigations into elucidating the shikonin/alkannin pathway and understanding its evolutionary and ecological significance. In this study, we obtained a de novo genome assembly forL. erythrorhizonusing a combination of Oxford Nanopore long-read and Illumina short-read sequencing technologies. The resulting genome is ∼367.41 Mb long, with a contig N50 size of 314.31 kb and 27,720 predicted protein-coding genes. Using theL. erythrorhizongenome, we identified several additionalp-hydroxybenzoate:geranyltransferase (PGT) homologs and provide insight into their evolutionary history. Phylogenetic analysis of prenyltransferases suggests that PGTs originated in a common ancestor of modern shikonin/alkannin-producing Boraginaceous species, likely from a retrotransposition-derived duplication event of an ancestral prenyltransferase gene. Furthermore, knocking down expression ofLePGT1inL. erythrorhizonhairy root lines revealed that LePGT1 is predominantly responsible for shikonin production early in culture establishment. Taken together, the reference genome reported in this study and the provided analysis on the evolutionary origin of shikonin/alkannin biosynthesis will guide elucidation of the remainder of the pathway.
Abnormal expression of bHLH3 disrupts a flavonoid homeostasis network, causing differences in pigment composition among mulberry fruits
Authors: Li Han , Yang Zhen , Zeng Qiwei , Wang Shibo , Luo Yiwei , Huang Yan , Xin Youchao , He Ningjia
Published: May 2020

Mulberry fruits with high concentrations of anthocyanins are favored by consumers because of their good taste, bright color, and high nutritional value. However, neither the regulatory mechanism controlling flavonoid biosynthesis in mulberry nor the molecular basis of different mulberry fruit colors is fully understood. Here, we report that a flavonoid homeostasis network comprising activation and feedback regulation mechanisms determines mulberry fruit color. In vitro and in vivo assays showed that MYBA-bHLH3-TTG1 regulates the biosynthesis of anthocyanins, while TT2L1 and TT2L2 work with bHLH3 or GL3 and form a MYB-bHLH-WD40 (MBW) complex with TTG1 to regulate proanthocyanidin (PA) synthesis. Functional and expression analyses showed thatbHLH3is a key regulator of the regulatory network controlling mulberry fruit coloration and thatMYB4is activated by MBW complexes and participates in negative feedback control of the regulatory network to balance the accumulation of anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins. Our research demonstrates that the interaction between bHLH3 and MYB4 in the homeostasis regulatory network ensures that the fruits accumulate desirable flavonoids and that this network is stable in pigment-rich mulberry fruits. However, the abnormal expression ofbHLH3disrupts the balance of the network and redirects flavonoid metabolic flux in pale-colored fruits, resulting in differences in the levels and proportions of anthocyanins, flavones, and flavonols among differently colored mulberry fruits (red, yellow, and white). The results of our study reveal the molecular basis of the diversity of mulberry fruit colors.
Gene body demethylation increases expression and is associated with self-pruning during grape genome duplication
Authors: Zou Luming , Liu Wenwen , Zhang Zhan , Edwards Everard J. , Gathunga Elias Kirabi , Fan Peige , Duan Wei , Li Shaohua , Liang Zhenchang
Published: May 2020

A colchicine-induced autotetraploid grapevine exhibiting potentially valuable agronomic traits for grape production and breeding, including self-pruning, was identified. This study investigated DNA methylation variation and its role in gene expression during self-pruning in the autotetraploid grapevine. We used RNA-Seq to estimate differentially expressed genes between diploid and autotetraploid grapevine shoot tips. The genes showing increases in the autotetraploid were mainly related to stress response pathways, whereas those showing decreases in the autotetraploid were related to biological metabolism and biosynthesis. Whole-genome bisulfite sequencing was performed to produce single-base methylomes for the diploid and autotetraploid grapevines. Comparison between the methylomes revealed that they were conserved in CG and CHG contexts. In the autotetraploid grapevine, hypodifferentially methylated regions (DMRs) and hyper-DMRs in the gene body increased or decreased gene expression, respectively. Our results indicated that a hypo-DMR in theACO1gene body increased its expression and might promote self-pruning. This study reports that hypo-DMRs in the gene body increase gene expression in plants and reveals the mechanism underlying the changes in the modifications affecting gene expression during genome duplication. Overall, our results provide valuable information for understanding the relationships between DNA methylation, gene expression, and autotetraploid breeding in grape.
Whole-genome sequencing provides insights into the genetic diversity and domestication of bitter gourd (Momordica spp.)
Authors: Cui Junjie , Yang Yan , Luo Shaobo , Wang Le , Huang Rukui , Wen Qingfang , Han Xiaoxia , Miao Nansheng , Cheng Jiaowen , Liu Ziji , Zhang Changyuan , Feng Chengcheng , Zhu Haisheng , Su Jianwen , Wan Xinjian , Hu Fang , Niu Yu , Zheng Xiaoming , Yang Yulan , Shan Dai , Dong Zhensheng , He Weiming , Dhillon Narinder P. S. , Hu Kailin
Published: May 2020

Bitter gourd (Momordica charantia) is a popular cultivated vegetable in Asian and African countries. To reveal the characteristics of the genomic structure, evolutionary trajectory, and genetic basis underlying the domestication of bitter gourd, we performed whole-genome sequencing of the cultivar Dali-11 and the wild small-fruited line TR and resequencing of 187 bitter gourd germplasms from 16 countries. The major gene clusters (Bi clusters) for the biosynthesis of cucurbitane triterpenoids, which confer a bitter taste, are highly conserved in cucumber, melon, and watermelon. Comparative analysis among cucurbit genomes revealed that the Bi cluster involved in cucurbitane triterpenoid biosynthesis is absent in bitter gourd. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the TR group, including 21 bitter gourd germplasms, may belong to a new species or subspecies independent from M. charantia. Furthermore, we found that the remaining 166 M. charantia germplasms are geographically differentiated, and we identified 710, 412, and 290 candidate domestication genes in the South Asia, Southeast Asia, and China populations, respectively. This study provides new insights into bitter gourd genetic diversity and domestication and will facilitate the future genomics-enabled improvement of bitter gourd.
The genome sequence of star fruit (Averrhoa carambola)
Authors: Wu Shasha , Sun Wei , Xu Zhichao , Zhai Junwen , Li Xiaoping , Li Chengru , Zhang Diyang , Wu Xiaoqian , Shen Liming , Chen Junhao , Ren Hui , Dai Xiaoyu , Dai Zhongwu , Zhao Yamei , Chen Lei , Cao Mengxia , Xie Xinyu , Liu Xuedie , Peng Donghui , Dong Jianwen , Hsiao Yu-Yun , Chen Shi-lin , Tsai Wen-Chieh , Lan Siren , Liu Zhong-Jian
Published: May 2020

Oxalidaceae is one of the most important plant families in horticulture, and its key commercially relevant genus, Averrhoa, has diverse growth habits and fruit types. Here, we describe the assembly of a high-quality chromosome-scale genome sequence for Averrhoa carambola (star fruit). Ks distribution analysis showed that A. carambola underwent a whole-genome triplication event, i.e., the gamma event shared by most eudicots. Comparisons between A. carambola and other angiosperms also permitted the generation of Oxalidaceae gene annotations. We identified unique gene families and analyzed gene family expansion and contraction. This analysis revealed significant changes in MADS-box gene family content, which might be related to the cauliflory of A. carambola. In addition, we identified and analyzed a total of 204 nucleotide-binding site, leucine-rich repeat receptor (NLR) genes and 58 WRKY genes in the genome, which may be related to the defense response. Our results provide insights into the origin, evolution and diversification of star fruit.
MYB41, MYB107, and MYC2 promote ABA-mediated primary fatty alcohol accumulation via activation of AchnFAR in wound suberization in kiwifruit
Authors: Wei Xiaopeng , Mao Linchun , Wei Xiaobo , Xia Ming , Xu Changjie
Published: May 2020

Wound damage triggers the accumulation of abscisic acid (ABA), which induces the expression of a large number of genes involved in wound suberization in plants. Fatty acyl-CoA reductase (FAR) catalyzes the generation of primary fatty alcohols by the reduction of fatty acids in suberin biosynthesis. However, the regulatory effects of transcription factors (TFs) on AchnFAR in response to ABA are unexplored. In this study, kiwifruit AchnFAR displayed a biological function analogous to that of FAR in transiently overexpressed tobacco (Nicotiana benthamiana) leaves. The positive role of TFs, including AchnMYB41, AchnMYB107, and AchnMYC2, in the regulation of AchnFAR was identified. The three TFs could individually bind to the AchnFAR promoter to activate gene transcription in yeast one-hybrid and dual-luciferase assays. Transient overexpression of TFs in tobacco leaves resulted in the upregulation of aliphatic synthesis genes (including FAR) and the increase in aliphatics, including primary alcohols, α,ω-diacids, ω-hydroxyacids, and fatty acids. Moreover, exogenous ABA treatment elevated TF-mediated AchnFAR expression and the accumulation of primary alcohols. Conversely, fluridone, an inhibitor of ABA biosynthesis, suppressed the expression of AchnFAR and TF genes and reduced the formation of primary alcohols. The results indicate that AchnMYB41, AchnMYB107, and AchnMYC2 activate AchnFAR transcription to promote ABA-mediated primary alcohol formation in wound suberization in kiwifruit.
Comparative transcriptome analysis reveals synergistic and disparate defense pathways in the leaves and roots of trifoliate orange (Poncirus trifoliata) autotetraploids with enhanced salt tolerance
Authors: Wei Tonglu , Wang Yue , Liu Ji-Hong
Published: May 2020

Abstract

Polyploid plants often exhibit enhanced stress tolerance relative to their diploid counterparts, but the physiological and molecular mechanisms of this enhanced stress tolerance remain largely unknown. In this study, we showed that autotetraploid trifoliate orange (Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf.) exhibited enhanced salt tolerance in comparison with diploid progenitors. Global transcriptome profiling of diploid and tetraploid plants with or without salt stress by RNA-seq revealed that the autotetraploids displayed specific enrichment of differentially expressed genes. Interestingly, the leaves and roots of tetraploids exhibited different expression patterns of a variety of upregulated genes. Genes related to plant hormone signal transduction were enriched in tetraploid leaves, whereas those associated with starch and sucrose metabolism and proline biosynthesis were enriched in roots. In addition, genes encoding different antioxidant enzymes were upregulated in the leaves (POD) and roots (APX) of tetraploids under salt stress. Consistently, the tetraploids accumulated higher levels of soluble sugars and proline but less ROS under salt stress compared to the diploids. Moreover, several genes encoding transcription factors were induced specifically or to higher levels in the tetraploids under salt stress. Collectively, this study demonstrates that the activation of various multifaceted defense systems in leaves and roots contributes to the enhanced salt tolerance of autotetraploids.
Comparative population genomics dissects the genetic basis of seven domestication traits in jujube
Authors: Guo Mingxin , Zhang Zhongren , Cheng Yanwei , Li Sunan , Shao Peiyin , Yu Qiang , Wang Junjie , Xu Gan , Zhang Xiaotian , Liu Jiajia , Hou Linlin , Liu Hanxiao , Zhao Xusheng
Published: May 2020

Jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.) is an important perennial fruit tree with a range of interesting horticultural traits. It was domesticated from wild jujube (Ziziphus acidojujuba), but the genomic variation dynamics and genetic changes underlying its horticultural traits during domestication are poorly understood. Here, we report a comprehensive genome variation map based on the resequencing of 350 accessions, including wild, semi-wild and cultivated jujube plants, at a >15× depth. Using the combination of a genome-wide association study (GWAS) and selective sweep analysis, we identified several candidate genes potentially involved in regulating seven domestication traits in jujube. For fruit shape and kernel shape, we integrated the GWAS approach with transcriptome profiling data, expression analysis and the transgenic validation of a candidate gene to identify a causal gene, ZjFS3, which encodes an ethylene-responsive transcription factor. Similarly, we identified a candidate gene for bearing-shoot length and the number of leaves per bearing shoot and two candidate genes for the seed-setting rate using GWAS. In the selective sweep analysis, we also discovered several putative genes for the presence of prickles on bearing shoots and the postharvest shelf life of fleshy fruits. This study outlines the genetic basis of jujube domestication and evolution and provides a rich genomic resource for mining other horticulturally important genes in jujube.
Genome-wide analysis of NDR1/HIN1-like genes in pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) and functional characterization of CaNHL4 under biotic and abiotic stresses
Authors: Liu Changyun , Peng Haoran , Li Xinyu , Liu Chaolong , Lv Xing , Wei Xuefeng , Zou Aihong , Zhang Jian , Fan Guangjin , Ma Guanhua , Ma Lisong , Sun Xianchao
Published: May 2020

Plant NDR1/HIN1-like (NHL) genes play an important role in triggering plant defenses in response to biotic stresses. In this study, we performed a genome-wide identification of theNHLgenes in pepper (Capsicum annuumL.) and characterized the functional roles of theseCaNHLgenes in response to abiotic stresses and infection by different pathogens. Phylogenetic analysis revealed thatCaNHLs can be classified into five distinct subgroups, with each group containing generic and specific motifs. Regulatory element analysis showed that the majority of the promoter regions of the identifiedCaNHLs contain jasmonic acid (JA)-responsive and salicylic acid (SA)-responsive elements, and transcriptomic analysis revealed thatCaNHLgenes are expressed in all the examined tissues of pepper. TheCaNHL1,CaNHL4,CaNHL6,CaNHL10,CaNHL11, andCaNHL12genes were significantly upregulated under abiotic stress as well as in response to different pathogens, such as TMV,Phytophthora capsiciandPseudomonas syringae. In addition, we found that CaNHL4 localizes to the plasma membrane.CaNHL4-silenced pepper plants display significantly increased susceptibility to TMV,Phytophthora capsiciandPseudomonas syringae, exhibiting reduced expression of JA-related and SA-related genes and reduced ROS production. However, transient overexpression ofCaNHL4in pepper increases the expression of JA-related and SA-related genes, enhances the accumulation of ROS, and inhibits the infection of these three pathogens. Collectively, for the first time, we identified theNHLgenes in pepper and demonstrated thatCaNHL4is involved in the production of ROS and that it also regulates the expression of JA-related and SA-related genes in response to different pathogens, suggesting that members of the CaNHL family play an essential role in the disease resistance of pepper.
A dinuclear rhenium complex in the electrochemically driven homogeneous and heterogeneous H+/CO2-reduction
Authors: Paul Lucas A. , Rajabi Sheida , Jooss Christian , Meyer Franc , Ebrahimi Fatemeh , Siewert Inke
Published: June 2020

Herein, we report on the homogeneous and heterogeneous H+/CO2-reduction forming syngas with a binuclear Re complex having a proton rely.
The effect of isomerism and other structural variations on the G-quadruplex DNA-binding properties of some nickel Schiff base complexes
Authors: Pham Son Q. T. , Richardson Christopher , Kelso Celine , Willis Anthony C. , Ralph Stephen F.
Published: June 2020

Changing the position of pendant groups on nickel Schiff base complexes can alter their binding behaviour towards quadruplex DNA.
Amino acid-functionalized polyampholytes as natural broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents for high-efficient personal protection
Authors: Chen Kai , Qiu Xueqing , Yang Dongjie , Qian Yong
Published: May 2020

Biocompatible amino acid-modified lignin polyampholytes exhibit outstanding antibacterial activity and bio-adhesion resistance, which are successfully demonstrated in personal protection masks.
Novel stepwise and combined stepwise–piece‐wise linear tripping characteristics for coordinating numerical overcurrent relays
Authors: Azari Mehdi , Mazlumi Kazem , Ojaghi Mansour
Published: June 2020

Technological developments in protective devices have established the basis for appearance of numerical overcurrent relays (OCRs), which enable the users to apply their desired time‐current characteristics (TCCs). This study propounds novel stepwise and combined stepwise–piece‐wise linear TCCs and presents clear procedure to utilise them for coordinating OCRs in large meshed power systems. The TCCs keep constant time interval between the main/backup relay pairs within entire fault current range. They are examined first by coordinating the OCRs in a 4‐bus power system and by coordinating the ground fault OCRs in a practical 60 kV looped power system. Then, the OCRs of the IEEE 14‐bus test system, which is a rather large meshed power system with 39 OCRs and 102 main/backup pairs, are coordinated by using the novel TCCs. The same relays in the aforesaid power systems are coordinated using some non‐standard TCCs recently introduced in the literature. The comparison verifies that the lowest operating times are achieved by using the novel TCCs. The devised TCCs are simply formed as look‐up tables to be exactly set on the existing industrial relays. This fact is verified by setting them on an industrial OCR, and then, by testing the relay through the current injection method.
Ewing’s Sarcoma of the Cranial Vault Revealed by Macrocrania
Authors: Diop Abdoulaye , Thiam Lamine , Faye Mohameth , Senghor Fabrice , Ba Momar Codé , Badiane Seydou Boubacar
Published: May 2020

Ewing’s sarcomas are a heterogeneous group of aggressive tumors affecting mostly children and young adults. They account for 10% of primary malignancies of the bones and 3% of all malignancies in children. They mainly affect the long bones, pelvis, and ribs. Cranial vault localization is extremely rare and indeed account for less than 1% of all localizations in the body. We are reporting the unusual case of a 3-year-old child who presented to our unit with a macrocrania which had been evolving for 2 months prior to his admission, associated with sporadic vomiting and a right frontal swelling that was gradually installed. The cerebral computed tomography scan showed a right frontoparietal lytic tissular process, heterogeneously enhanced after injection of contrast material; with dural invasion and intraparenchymal extension. The child was biopsied and the pathological examination concluded Ewing’s sarcoma. The evolution was fatal with the passing of the child 2 weeks after the biopsy.
Flood risk assessment using the CV-TOPSIS method for the Belt and Road Initiative: an empirical study of Southeast Asia
Authors: An Yan , Tan Xianchun , Gu Baihe , Zhu Kaiwei
Published: May 2020

Instruction

The countries along the Belt and Road Initiative remain high exposure and vulnerability to climate extremes. Southeast Asia, a significant part of the Belt and Road Initiative, suffers a lot from flood disasters. This study assessed the flood disaster risk from 1990–2015 in all 11 Southeast Asian countries. A model integrating the coefficient of variation approach and the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution method was introduced to analyze the flood disaster data. Considering that populations living in areas where elevation is below 5 m and land area where elevation is below 5 m have reached 11.86% and 3.54% (2015), respectively, the two indicators were opted for to propose new metrics for flood disaster risk assessment.
Outcomes
: Our findings show that the flood disaster risk in Southeast Asia appeared very high during most of the study period. Indonesia had an extremely high flood disaster risk, followed by Vietnam, whereas Laos, Malaysia, Brunei, and Timor Leste had lower flood risks. The model introduced in this paper is quite simple and easy to understand, providing accessible flood risk information for decision makers.
Conclusion
: The results we obtained have practical implications for land use and investment activities in Southeast Asia.
Influence of process parameters on quality of copper in electron-beam melting
Authors: Vassileva V , Vutova K
Published: June 2020

Results are presented and discussed obtained by experimental and theoretical investigation concerning the influence of process parameters (melting power and refining time) on the quality of copper metal ingots in electron-beam melting. The thermodynamic and kinetic conditions are analyzed. Possible refining process mechanisms under different technological conditions are investigated. Appropriate processing regimes are proposed for efficient refining of copper and for obtaining high-quality metal after e-beam melting.
Influence of post-polymerization processing on the mechanical characteristics of 3D-printed occlusal splints
Authors: Taneva I , Uzunov T
Published: June 2020

Occlusal splints are the most common devices for preventing bruxism and its consequences. Their application significantly reduces the pathologies of the dental and periodontal structures. Apart from the well-known technologies of manufacturing occlusal splints – thermo-vacuum forming, wax elimination and CAD/CAM machining, three-dimensional (3D) printing is a novel promising technique. It makes use of stereolithography, whereby the splint is built layer-by-layer through consecutive polymerization of a liquid photo-polymer by ultraviolet laser light. A very important stage in stereolithography following the 3D-printing is the post polymerization processing. It is a key moment in achieving biocompatibility and the final mechanical parameters – hardness, elasticity modulus, and strength. The process comprises two steps – washing with isopropyl alcohol (IPA) followed by post-curing in a polymerization device with an ultraviolet light source. The aim of the present study is determining the influence of the polymerization device’s light source on the mechanical characteristics of the occlusal splint.
Synthesis and characterization of 2D platinum diselenide
Authors: Buchkov K , Dimitrov D , Mickovski J , Dikov Ch , Goovaerts E , Petrova D , Babeva T , Marinova V
Published: June 2020

Two-dimensional (2D) materials have been intensively studied due to their outstanding chemical, physical, electronic and optical properties potentially offering a breakthrough in the search of a direct integration of these materials with the silicon (Si) technology. Among them, platinum diselenide (PtSe2) is of significant interest for applications in electronics, spintronics, sensors, catalysis, etc. In this paper, we report a large-scale synthesis of PtSe2-layers by thermally-assisted selenization of pre-deposited platinum films in a horizontal quartz-tube chemical vapor deposition (CVD) reactor. The overall structural information and quality of the PtSe2-films is analyzed by Raman spectroscopy and Raman active modes identification. The electrical characterization via V-I characteristics reveals sheet resistance values in the range of ~103 Ω.
Deposition of SiOx thin films using hexamethyldisiloxane in atmospheric pressure plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Krueger T , Hansen L , Kersten H
Published: June 2020

The atmospheric pressure plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition method was used to study the enhancement of the particle growth and thin layer deposition. For this purpose, an atmospheric pressure plasma jet was used to deposit silicon oxide compounds on a (100)-silicon wafer substrate. In this parametric study, hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDSO) was dissociated under different plasma jet parameters. It was found that by varying the working gas, the treatment time and jet parameters, such as nozzle-to-substrate distance and input energy, it is possible to influence the particles size and the morphology of the thin film. The choice of the working gas plays a major role in the formation of nanoparticles and the surface texture. This study was focused on the particles growth and how the growth can be controlled by tuning the parameters mentioned. Particles size of up to 100 nm was achieved under optimized conditions.
Carbon nanostructures on capacitor electrodes
Authors: Marinov S , Vachkov V , Djermanova N , Kiss’ovski Zh
Published: June 2020

Carbon nanostructures, such as carbon nanowires, nanotubes, nanosheets, have found applications in many areas – from electronics to medicine. Recently, they attracted particular attention as materials for energy storage due to their large aspect ratios, specific surface areas, and electrical conductivity. An efficient method for their deposition on metallic surfaces at atmospheric pressure is microwave plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (MPECVD). In this study, metallic surfaces with deposited carbon nanostructures were used for preparation of capacitor electrodes. The capacitance of an electrolytic capacitor with metal electrodes without and with deposited carbon nanostructures was measured by an electronic system. The resulting high value of the capacitance of a capacitor with electrodes with deposited carbon nanostructures is discussed on the basis of these structures morphology as studied by SEM.