bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cucurbitacins B, E and I Concentrations and Relationship with Drought Tolerance in Bottle Gourd [Lagenaria siceraria (Molina) Standl.]
Authors: Mkhize Phumzile , Shimelis Hussein , Mashilo Jacob
Published: October 2023

Bottle gourd [Lagenaria siceraria (Molina) Standl.]) is a relatively drought-tolerant cucurbit due to the high composition of unique biochemical compositions, including cucurbitacin. The objective of this study was to determine the concentrations of cucurbitacins in bottle gourd and their relationship to drought tolerance. The study assessed 12 bottle gourd accessions grown under two moisture levels (i.e., non-stressed (NS) and drought-stressed (DS)) and three drought stress intensities (i.e., mild, moderate, and severe) using a 12 × 2 × 3 factorial experiment designed in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Control studies were undertaken under glasshouse conditions. The content of cucurbitacins B, E, and I were quantified in leaves and roots using high-performance liquid Cchromatography–mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS). The free radical scavenging activities of pure cucurbitacins B, E, and I were quantified using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and a ferrulic acid power assay (FRAP). Results revealed that cucurbitacins B and I were present in accessions BG-48, BG-58, BG-70, BG-78, BG-79, BG-81, BG-52, and GC in leaves and roots under DS condition. The contents of cucurbitacins B and I were enhanced under increased drought intensity for accessions BG-48, BG-81, and GC. In all the leaf and root samples, cucurbitacin E was not detectable. Based on the DPPH test, pure cucurbitacins I, B, and E reduced free radicals at maximum values of 78, 60, and 66%, respectively. Based on the FRAP assay, pure cucurbitacins I, B, and E had maximum ferric-reducing powers of 67, 62, and 48%. Additionally, cucurbitacin I recorded the highest antioxidant activity compared to cucurbitacins B and E. Increased cucurbitacin accumulation and antioxidant properties indicate their role in minimising cell damage caused by oxidative stress under drought-stressed environments. The present study revealed that cucurbitacins B and I serve as novel biochemical markers for screening drought tolerance in bottle gourd or related cucurbits.
Molecular Biology of Ornamental Plants
Authors: Song Aiping , Chen Yu
Published: October 2023

Relative to model plants, ornamental plants have many special characteristics, such as their flower color and shape, and a floral fragrance [...]
Strategies of NaCl Tolerance in Saline–Alkali-Tolerant Green Microalga Monoraphidium dybowskii LB50
Authors: Yang Haijian , Zhang Jing , Li Hua
Published: October 2023

Studying how freshwater cells modify metabolism and membrane lipids in response to salt stress is important for understanding how freshwater organisms adapt to salt stress and investigating new osmoregulatory ways. Physiological, biochemical, metabolic, and proteomic analyses were applied in a novel saline–alkali-tolerant microalga Monoraphidium dybowskii LB50 under different NaCl concentrations. Cells adopt a variety of strategies to adapt to salt stress, including increasing ion transport and osmolytes, regulating cell cycle and life history, and accumulating triacylglycerol (TAG). A large number of metabolic activities point to TAG accumulation. With increasing NaCl concentration, the C resource for TAG accumulation went from photosynthetically fixed C and a small amount of lipid remodeling to macromolecule degradation and a mass of lipid remodeling, respectively. The energy for TAG accumulation went from linear electron transfer and oxidative phosphate pentose pathway to cyclic electron flow, substrate phosphorylation, oxidation phosphorylation, and FA oxidation. Additionally, digalacturonic acid and amino acids of the N-acetyl group, which usually were the osmotica for marine organisms, were important for M. dybowskii LB50. Freshwater organisms evolved many biological ways to adapt to salt stress. This insight enriches our understanding of the adaptation mechanisms underlying abiotic stress.
Novel Mechanisms Underlying Rubber Accumulation and Programmed Cell Death in Laticiferous Canals of Decaisnea insignis Fruits: Cytological and Transcriptomic Analyses
Authors: Zhou Yafu , Li Gen , Han Guijun , Mao Shaoli , Yang Luyao , Wang Yanwen
Published: October 2023

Natural rubber is one of the most important industrial raw materials, and its biosynthesis is still a fascinating process that is still largely unknown. In this research, we studied Decaisnea insignis, a unique rubber-producing plant that is different from other rubber-producing species due to the presence of lactiferous canals in its pericarp. The present study aims to provide novel insights into the mechanisms underlying rubber accumulation and PCD by subjecting the Decaisnea insignis laticiferous canals to light microscopy, TUNEL assay, and DAPI staining, as well as viability analysis, cellular ultrastructure analysis, and molecular analysis using light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, immunofluorescence labeling, transmission electron microscopy, and transcriptome sequencing. At the cellular level, the origin of small rubber particles in the laticiferous canals had no morphological correlation with other organelles, and these particles were freely produced in the cytosol. The volume of the rubber particles increased at the sunken and expanding stage, which were identified as having the characteristics of programmed cell death (PCD); meanwhile, plenty of the rubber precursors or rubber particles were engulfed by the vacuoles, indicating a vacuole-mediated autophagy process. The accumulation of rubber particles occurred after the degeneration of protoplasts, suggesting a close association between rubber biosynthesis and PCD. The molecular analysis revealed the expression patterns of key genes involved in rubber biosynthesis. The upstream genes DiIPP, DiFPP, and DiGGPPS showed a decreasing trend during fruit ripening, while DiHRT, which is responsible for rubber particle extension, exhibited the highest expression level during the rubber particle formation. Moreover, the transcription factors related to PCD, DiLSD1, and DiLOL2 showed a negative correlation with the expression pattern of DiHRT, thus exhibiting strict rules of sequential expression during rubber biosynthesis. Additionally, the expression trends of DiXCP1 and DiCEP1, which act as proteases during PCD, were positively correlated with DiGGPPS expression. In conclusion, the findings suggest that the autophagic PCD may play a crucial role in rubber accumulation in D. insignis. Further research is still needed to fully understand the complex regulatory network underlying rubber biosynthesis in plants.
Quantitative Trait Loci and Candidate Genes That Control Seed Sugars Contents in the Soybean ‘Forrest’ by ‘Williams 82’ Recombinant Inbred Line Population
Authors: Knizia Dounya , Bellaloui Nacer , Yuan Jiazheng , Lakhssasi Naoufal , Anil Erdem , Vuong Tri , Embaby Mohamed , Nguyen Henry T. , Mengistu Alemu , Meksem Khalid , Kassem My Abdelmajid
Published: October 2023

Soybean seed sugars are among the most abundant beneficial compounds for human and animal consumption in soybean seeds. Higher seed sugars such as sucrose are desirable as they contribute to taste and flavor in soy-based food. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to use the ‘Forrest’ by ‘Williams 82’ (F × W82) recombinant inbred line (RIL) soybean population (n = 309) to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and candidate genes that control seed sugar (sucrose, stachyose, and raffinose) contents in two environments (North Carolina and Illinois) over two years (2018 and 2020). A total of 26 QTLs that control seed sugar contents were identified and mapped on 16 soybean chromosomes (chrs.). Interestingly, five QTL regions were identified in both locations, Illinois and North Carolina, in this study on chrs. 2, 5, 13, 17, and 20. Amongst 57 candidate genes identified in this study, 16 were located within 10 Megabase (MB) of the identified QTLs. Amongst them, a cluster of four genes involved in the sugars’ pathway was collocated within 6 MB of two QTLs that were detected in this study on chr. 17. Further functional validation of the identified genes could be beneficial in breeding programs to produce soybean lines with high beneficial sucrose and low raffinose family oligosaccharides.
Differences in Cadmium Uptake and Accumulation in Seedlings of Wheat Varieties with Low- and High-Grain Cadmium Accumulation under Different Drought Stresses
Authors: Xiao Yatao , Guo Wei , Qi Xuebin , Hashem Mahmoud S. , Wang Dezhe , Sun Chaoxiang
Published: October 2023

Cadmium (Cd) and drought, as abiotic stresses, have long been significant challenges for crop growth and agricultural production. However, there have been relatively few studies conducted on the effects of drought stress on Cd uptake, especially regarding the differences in Cd uptake characterization in varieties with varying Cd accumulation under different drought stress. To investigate the effects of drought conditions on Cd uptake by wheat in different genotypes under specific background levels of Cd pollution, we validated the differences in root absorption characteristics of low- (YM) and high-grain Cd accumulating wheat genotypes (XM) using non-invasive micro-test technology, and we conducted a hydroponic experiment on the Cd addition and different drought levels in a climate-controlled chamber. The biomass, root morphology, Cd uptake, and accumulation were determined under Cd (100 µmol L−1) and different drought levels of 0% (0 MPa), 5% (−0.100 Mpa), 10% (−0.200 Mpa), and 15% (−0.388 Mpa) simulated by polyethylene glycol (PEG-6000). We found that the simultaneous exposure to Cd and drought had a suppressive effect on the total root lengths, root surface areas, and root volumes of XM and YM, albeit with distinct patterns of variation. As the concentration of PEG-6000 increased, the Cd concentrations and the amount of Cd accumulated in the roots and shoots of XM and YM decreased. Specifically, the Cd concentration in the roots exhibited a reduction ranging from 12.51% to 66.90%, while the Cd concentration in the shoots experienced an even greater decrease of 50.46% to 80.57%. The PEG-6000 concentration was significantly negatively correlated (p < 0.001) with Cd concentration of roots and shoots and Cd accumulation in roots, shoots, and the whole plants and significantly negatively correlated (p < 0.05) with the total length, surface area, and volume of roots. This study confirms that drought stress (5% PEG-6000) can decrease the uptake and accumulation of Cd in wheat seedlings without significant inhibition of biomass, and the change of root morphology (root length) and the decrease of Cd concentration in roots may be the main direct pathways for achieving these effects under drought stress. This research provides a new perspective and idea for water management in Cd-contaminated farmland.
The Carbon Isotope Composition of Epiphytes Depends Not Only on Their Layers, Life Forms, and Taxonomical Groups but Also on the Carbon and Nitrogen Indicators of Host Trees
Authors: Eskov Alen K. , Elumeeva Tatiana G. , Leonov Vlad. D. , Tsurikov Sergey M. , Viktorova Violetta A. , Prilepsky Nikolay G. , Abakumov Evgeny V.
Published: October 2023

The carbon isotopic composition of plant tissues is a diagnostic feature of a number of physiological and ecological processes. The most important of which is the type of photosynthesis. In epiphytes, two peaks of δ13C values are known to correspond to C3 and CAM photosynthesis and some variants of transitional forms between them. But the diagnosis of δ13C may not be limited to the type of photosynthesis. This makes it necessary to study trends in the distribution of δ13C in a broader ecological context. In this study, we present trends in the distribution of δ13C epiphytes and other structurally dependent plants and their relationship with other isotopic and elemental parameters (δ15N, C%, N%, and C/N) and with life forms of epiphytes, taxonomic or vertical groups in crowns (synusia), and the parameters of the trees themselves. In all communities except for the moss forest, δ13C in epiphyte leaves was significantly higher (less negative) than in phorophyte leaves. In general, δ13C in epiphytes in mountain communities (pine forest and moss forest) was more negative than in other communities due to the absence of succulents with CAM. δ13C in the leaves of all epiphytes was negatively related to the percentage of carbon and δ15N in the leaves of the phorophyte. When considering the Gaussian distributions of δ13C with the method of modeling mixtures, we observe the unimodal, bimodal, and trimodal nature of the distribution.
Modification of Tomato Photosystem II Photochemistry with Engineered Zinc Oxide Nanorods
Authors: Tryfon Panagiota , Sperdouli Ilektra , Adamakis Ioannis-Dimosthenis S. , Mourdikoudis Stefanos , Dendrinou-Samara Catherine , Moustakas Michael
Published: October 2023

We recently proposed the use of engineered irregularly shaped zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) coated with oleylamine (OAm), as photosynthetic biostimulants, to enhance crop yield. In the current research, we tested newly engineered rod-shaped ZnO nanorods (NRs) coated with oleylamine (ZnO@OAm NRs) regarding their in vivo behavior related to photosynthetic function and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) plants. ZnO@OAm NRs were produced via solvothermal synthesis. Their physicochemical assessment revealed a crystallite size of 15 nm, an organic coating of 8.7% w/w, a hydrodynamic diameter of 122 nm, and a ζ-potential of −4.8 mV. The chlorophyll content of tomato leaflets after a foliar spray with 15 mg L−1 ZnO@OAm NRs presented a hormetic response, with an increased content 30 min after the spray, which dropped to control levels 90 min after the spray. Simultaneously, 90 min after the spray, the efficiency of the oxygen-evolving complex (OEC) decreased significantly (p < 0.05) compared to control values, with a concomitant increase in ROS generation, a decrease in the maximum efficiency of PSII photochemistry (Fv/Fm), a decrease in the electron transport rate (ETR), and a decrease in the effective quantum yield of PSII photochemistry (ΦPSII), indicating reduced PSII efficiency. The decreased ETR and ΦPSII were due to the reduced efficiency of PSII reaction centers (Fv’/Fm’). There were no alterations in the excess excitation energy at PSII or the fraction of open PSII reaction centers (qp). We discovered that rod-shaped ZnO@OAm NRs reduced PSII photochemistry, in contrast to irregularly shaped ZnO@OAm NPs, which enhanced PSII efficiency. Thus, the shape and organic coating of the nanoparticles play a critical role in the mechanism of their action and their impact on crop yield when they are used in agriculture.
Zucchini Yellow Mosaic Virus (ZYMV) as a Serious Biotic Stress to Cucurbits: Prevalence, Diversity, and Its Implications for Crop Sustainability
Authors: Ahsan Muhammad , Ashfaq Muhammad , Amer Mahmoud Ahmed , Shakeel Muhammad Taimoor , Mehmood Mirza Abid , Umar Muhammad , Al-Saleh Mohammed Ali
Published: October 2023

Zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV) is a severe threat to cucurbit crops worldwide, including Pakistan. This study was pursued to evaluate the prevalence, geographic distribution, and molecular diversity of ZYMV isolates infecting cucurbits in Pakistan’s Pothwar region. Almost all the plant viruses act as a biotic stress on the host plants, which results in a yield loss. These viruses cause losses in single-infection or in mixed-infection cucurbit crops, and we have found a number of mixed-infected samples belonging to the Curubitaceae family. Serological detection of the tested potyviruses in the collected cucurbit samples revealed that ZYMV was the most prevalent virus, with a disease incidence (DI) at 35.2%, followed by Papaya ringspot virus (PRSV) with an incidence of 2.2%, and Watermelon mosaic virus (WMV) having an incidence as little as 0.5% in 2016. In the year 2017, a relatively higher disease incidence of 39.7%, 2.4%, and 0.3% for ZYMV, WMV, and PRSV, respectively, was recorded. ZYMV was the most prevalent virus with the highest incidence in Attock, Rawalpindi, and Islamabad, while PRSV was observed to be the highest in Islamabad and Jhelum. WMV infection was observed only in Rawalpindi and Chakwal. Newly detected Pakistani ZYMV isolates shared 95.8–97.0% nucleotide identities among themselves and 77.1–97.8% with other isolates retrieved from GenBank. Phylogenetic relationships obtained using different ZYMV isolates retrieved from GenBank and validated by in silico restriction analysis revealed that four Pakistani isolates clustered with other ZYMV isolates in group IIb with Chinese, Italian, Polish, and French isolates, while another isolate (MK848239) formed a separate minor clade within IIb. The isolate MK8482490, reported to infect bitter gourd in Pakistan, shared a minor clade with a Chinese isolate (KX884570). Recombination analysis revealed that the recently found ZYMV isolate (MK848239) is most likely a recombinant of Pakistani (MK848237) and Italian (MK956829) isolates, with a recombinant breakpoint between 266 and 814 nucleotide positions. Local isolate comparison and recombination detection may aid in the development of a breeding program that identifies resistant sources against recombinant isolates because the ZYMV is prevalent in a few cucurbit species grown in the surveyed areas and causes heavy losses and economic damage to the agricultural community.
The Glycine-Rich RNA-Binding Protein Is a Vital Post-Transcriptional Regulator in Crops
Authors: Cheng Ke , Zhang Chunjiao , Lu Yao , Li Jinyan , Tang Hui , Ma Liqun , Zhu Hongliang
Published: October 2023

Glycine-rich RNA binding proteins (GR-RBPs), a branch of RNA binding proteins (RBPs), play integral roles in regulating various aspects of RNA metabolism regulation, such as RNA processing, transport, localization, translation, and stability, and ultimately regulate gene expression and cell fate. However, our current understanding of GR-RBPs has predominantly been centered on Arabidopsis thaliana, a model plant for investigating plant growth and development. Nonetheless, an increasing body of literature has emerged in recent years, shedding light on the presence and functions of GRPs in diverse crop species. In this review, we not only delineate the distinctive structural domains of plant GR-RBPs but also elucidate several contemporary mechanisms of GR-RBPs in the post-transcriptional regulation of RNA. These mechanisms encompass intricate processes, including RNA alternative splicing, polyadenylation, miRNA biogenesis, phase separation, and RNA translation. Furthermore, we offer an exhaustive synthesis of the diverse roles that GR-RBPs fulfill within crop plants. Our overarching objective is to provide researchers and practitioners in the field of agricultural genetics with valuable insights that may inform and guide the application of plant genetic engineering for enhanced crop development and sustainable agriculture.
Transcriptome and Metabolome Provide Insights into Fruit Ripening of Cherry Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme)
Authors: Pan Feng , Zhang Qianrong , Zhu Haisheng , Li Junming , Wen Qingfang
Published: October 2023

Insights into flavor formation during fruit ripening can guide the development of breeding strategies that balance consumer and producer needs. Cherry tomatoes possess a distinctive taste, yet research on quality formation is limited. Here, metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses were conducted on different ripening stages. The results revealed differentially accumulated metabolites during fruit ripening, providing candidate metabolites related to flavor. Interestingly, several key flavor-related metabolites already reached a steady level at the mature green stage. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that the expression levels of the majority of genes tended to stabilize after the pink stage. Enrichment analysis demonstrated that changes in metabolic and biosynthetic pathways were evident throughout the entire process of fruit ripening. Compared to disease resistance and fruit color genes, genes related to flavor and firmness may have a broader impact on the accumulation of metabolites. Furthermore, we discovered the interconversion patterns between glutamic acid and glutamine, as well as the biosynthesis patterns of flavonoids. These findings contribute to our understanding of fruit quality formation mechanisms and support breeding programs aimed at improving fruit quality traits.
Regulation of Flowering Time and Other Developmental Plasticities by 3’ Splicing Factor-Mediated Alternative Splicing in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Lee Keh Chien , Kim Young-Cheon , Kim Jeong-Kook , Lee Horim , Lee Jeong Hwan
Published: October 2023

Plants, as sessile organisms, show a high degree of plasticity in their growth and development and have various strategies to cope with these alterations under continuously changing environments and unfavorable stress conditions. In particular, the floral transition from the vegetative and reproductive phases in the shoot apical meristem (SAM) is one of the most important developmental changes in plants. In addition, meristem regions, such as the SAM and root apical meristem (RAM), which continually generate new lateral organs throughout the plant life cycle, are important sites for developmental plasticity. Recent findings have shown that the prevailing type of alternative splicing (AS) in plants is intron retention (IR) unlike in animals; thus, AS is an important regulatory mechanism conferring plasticity for plant growth and development under various environmental conditions. Although eukaryotes exhibit some similarities in the composition and dynamics of their splicing machinery, plants have differences in the 3’ splicing characteristics governing AS. Here, we summarize recent findings on the roles of 3’ splicing factors and their interacting partners in regulating the flowering time and other developmental plasticities in Arabidopsis thaliana.
Comparative Transcriptome and Metabolome Profiling Reveal Mechanisms of Red Leaf Color Fading in Populus × euramericana cv. ‘Zhonghuahongye’
Authors: Zhang Shaowei , Yu Xinran , Chen Mengjiao , Chang Cuifang , Zhu Jingle , Zhao Han
Published: October 2023

Anthocyanins are among the flavonoids that serve as the principal pigments affecting the color of plants. During leaf growth, the leaf color of ‘Zhonghuahongye’ gradually changes from copper-brown to yellow-green. At present, the mechanism of color change at different stages has not yet been discovered. To find this, we compared the color phenotype, metabolome, and transcriptome of the three leaf stages. The results showed that the anthocyanin content of leaves decreased by 62.5% and the chlorophyll content increased by 204.35%, 69.23%, 155.56% and 60%, respectively. Differential metabolites and genes were enriched in the pathway related to the synthesis of ‘Zhonghuahongye’ flavonoids and anthocyanins and to the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites. Furthermore, 273 flavonoid metabolites were detected, with a total of eight classes. DFR, FLS and ANS downstream of anthocyanin synthesis may be the key structural genes in reducing anthocyanin synthesis and accumulation in the green leaf of ‘Zhonghuahongye’. The results of multi-omics analysis showed that the formation of color was primarily affected by anthocyanin regulation and its related synthesis-affected genes. This study preliminarily analyzed the green regression gene and metabolic changes in ‘Zhonghuahongye’ red leaves and constitutes a reference for the molecular breeding of ‘Zhonghuahongye’ red leaves.
Genetic Diversity and Population Structure Analyses in Bitter Gourd (Momordica charantia L.) Based on Agro-Morphological and Microsatellite Markers
Authors: Mallikarjuna K. N. , Tomar Bhoopal Singh , Mangal Manisha , Singh Naveen , Singh Deepak , Kumar Sachin , Tomer Avinash , Singh Balraj , Jat Gograj Singh
Published: October 2023

Bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.) is an important vine crop of the Cucurbitaceae family and is well known for its high nutritional and medicinal values. However, the genetic variation remains largely unknown. Herein, 96 diverse bitter gourd genotypes were undertaken for diversity analysis using 10 quantitative traits, and 82 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. Out of 82 SSRs, 33 were polymorphic and the mean polymorphism information content (PIC) value was 0.38. Marker, JY-003 revealed a maximum (0.81) PIC value and, the number of alleles per locus ranged from 2 to 7 (average 3.46). The value of gene diversity showed the presence of a significant level of polymorphism among these genotypes. The unweighted pair group method (UPGMA) cluster analysis grouped the genotypes into two major clusters of which Cluster I comprised mostly small and medium-fruited genotypes of both M. charantia var. charantia and M. charantia var. muricata, whereas Cluster II included mostly long and extra-long fruited genotypes. Furthermore, these genotypes were divided into six distinct groups based on population structure analysis. The diversity analysis based on 10 quantitative traits revealed that earliness and high-yielding ability were exhibited by the predominantly gynoecious line DBGS-21-06 followed by DBGS-48-00. The principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that the first two components exhibited more than 50% of the total genetic variation. The present study deciphered a higher magnitude of agro-morphological and genetic diversity in 96 bitter gourd genotypes. Therefore, trait-specific genotypes identified in this study could be utilized in breeding programmes directed towards the development of improved cultivars and hybrids of bitter gourd.
Transcriptome Insights into Candidate Genes of the SWEET Family and Carotenoid Biosynthesis during Fruit Growth and Development in Prunus salicina ‘Huangguan’
Authors: Lin Zhimin , Yi Xiaoyan , Ali Muhammad Moaaz , Zhang Lijuan , Wang Shaojuan , Chen Faxing
Published: October 2023

The Chinese plum (Prunus salicina L.) is a fruit tree belonging to the Rosaceae family, native to south-eastern China and widely cultivated throughout the world. Fruit sugar metabolism and color change is an important physiological behavior that directly determines flavor and aroma. Our study analyzed six stages of fruit growth and development using RNA-seq, yielding a total of 14,973 DEGs, and further evaluation of key DEGs revealed a focus on sugar metabolism, flavonoid biosynthesis, carotenoid biosynthesis, and photosynthesis. Using GO and KEGG to enrich differential genes in the pathway, we selected 107 differential genes and obtained 49 significant differential genes related to glucose metabolism. The results of the correlation analyses indicated that two genes of the SWEET family, evm.TU.Chr1.3663 (PsSWEET9) and evm.TU.Chr4.676 (PsSWEET2), could be closely related to the composition of soluble sugars, which was also confirmed in the ethylene treatment experiments. In addition, analysis of the TOP 20 pathways between different growth stages and the green stage, as well as transient overexpression in chili, suggested that capsanthin/capsorubin synthase (PsCCS) of the carotenoid biosynthetic pathway contributed to the color change of plum fruit. These findings provide an insight into the molecular mechanisms involved in the ripening and color change of plum fruit.
Genomics and Physiology of Chlorophyll Fluorescence Parameters in Hordeum vulgare L. under Drought and Salt Stresses
Authors: Makhtoum Somayyeh , Sabouri Hossein , Gholizadeh Abdollatif , Ahangar Leila , Katouzi Mahnaz , Mastinu Andrea
Published: October 2023

To map the genomic regions and control chlorophyll fluorescence attributes under normal, salinity-, and drought-stress conditions in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) at the seedling stage, an experiment was conducted in 2019–2020 using 106 F8 lines resulting from the cross between Badia × Kavir. Initially, the different chlorophyll fluorescence parameters were evaluated. Under drought stress, the highest decrease was related to REo/CSm (59.56%), and the highest increase was related to dV/dto (77.17%). Also, under salinity stress, the highest decrease was related to Fv/Fo (59.56%), and the highest increase was related to DIo/RC (77.17%). Linkage maps were prepared using 152 SSR polymorphic markers, 72 ISSR alleles, 7 IRAP alleles, 29 CAAT alleles, 27 Scot alleles, and 15 iPBS alleles. The obtained map accounted for 999.2 centi-Morgans (cM) of the barley genome length (92% of the whole barley genome). The results indicated the importance of chromosomes 3, 2, and 7 in controlling ABS/CSm, Area, ETo/CSm, Fm, Fv, and ETo/RC under drought stress. qEToRCD-7, as a major QTL, controlled 18.3% of ETo/RC phenotypic variation under drought stress. Under salinity stress, the regions of chromosomes 2 and 7 (102 cM and 126 cM) controlled the parameters ABS/CSo, Fm, Fo, Fv, TRo/SCo, Area, ETo/CSm, and ETo/CSo. The results showed that chlorophyll fluorescence is an important parameter in the study of drought and salinity effects on barley. This is the first report of the investigation of changes in the genetic structure of quantitative genes controlling the fluorescence parameters associated with barley response to drought and salinity stresses in the Iranian barley RILs population. According to the obtained results, it is possible to use HVPLASC1B and EBmac0713 in normal conditions, ISSR21-2 and ISSR30-4 in drought conditions, and Bmac0047, Scot5-B, CAAT6-C, and ISSR30iPBS2076-4 in saline stress conditions to select genotypes with higher photosynthetic capacity in marker-assisted selection programs.
Effect of Nano-Silica and Sorbitol on the Properties of Chitosan-Based Composite Films
Authors: Zhang Wei , Zhou Wentao , Zhang Zisen , Zhang Di , Guo Zhengzheng , Ren Penggang , Liu Fei
Published: October 2023

Chitosan and its derivatives are widely used in food packaging, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical, textile, paper, agriculture, and environmental industries. However, the flexibility of chitosan films is extremely poor, which limits its relevant applications to a large extent. In this paper, chitosan/sorbitol/nano-silica (CS/sorbitol/SiO2) composite films were prepared by the casting film method using chitosan, sorbitol, Tween-80 and nano-SiO2 as raw materials. The structure of the films was characterized by infrared spectroscopy, electron scanning microscopy, and X-ray diffraction analysis. The effects of sorbitol and nano-silica dosage on the mechanical properties, thermal properties and water vapor barrier properties of the composite film were investigated. The results show that with the gradual increase in sorbitol (≤75 wt %), the elongation at the break of chitosan/sorbitol films significantly increased. When the addition of sorbitol was 75 wt %, the elongation at break of the chitosan/sorbitol composite film was 13 times higher than that of the chitosan film. Moreover, nano-SiO2 can further improve the mechanical properties and thermal stability of the chitosan/sorbitol composite films. When the amount of nano-silica was 4.5 wt %, the composite film became more flexible, with a maximum elongation of 90.8% (which is 14 times that of chitosan film), and its toughness increased to 10.52 MJm−3 (which is 6 times that of chitosan film). This study balances the tensile strength and elongation at break of the composite films by adding a plasticizer and nano-filler, providing a reference for the preparation of chitosan composites or their blending with other polymers, and has practical guiding significance for the industrial production of biomass plastics.
Oxy-Butane Ablation Testing of Thermal Protection Systems Based on Nanomodified Phenolic Resin Matrix Materials
Authors: Pelin George , Pelin Cristina Elisabeta , Stefan Adriana , Tsakiris Violeta , Panait Alexandra Ana Maria , Costea Emil
Published: October 2023

Two classes of thermal protection systems composed of a carbon-fibre-reinforced (CFRP) layer and an ablative material layer joined with a thermo-resistant ceramic adhesive were developed. The two classes differ in the composition of the ablative material reinforcing compound. In the first class, the ablative material is based on micronic-sized cork granules, and in the second class, the ablative material is reinforced with carbonic felt. For both classes of thermal protection systems, the reinforcement material was impregnated in simple phenolic resin, and nanometric additive, consisting of silicon carbide nanoparticles added in two different weight contents (1 and 2% by weight) relative to the resin. The thermal conductivity for the ablative materials in the thermal protection systems structure was determined. A test facility using oxy-butane flame was developed through which the thermal protection systems developed were tested at extreme temperatures, to simulate some thermal conditions in space applications. The materials were characterised from a morphostructural point of view using optical and scanning electron microscopy after thermal testing. The TPS composed of the carbon-felt-based ablative layer showed improved behaviour compared to the cork-based ablative ones in terms of the temperature increase rate during thermal conductivity testing, mass loss, as well as morphostructural appearance and material erosion after oxy-butane testing. The nSiC-based samples in both sets of TPSs showed improved behaviour compared to the un-filled ones, considering the temperature increase, mass loss, and morphostructure of the eroded material.
Investigation of the Gas Permeation Properties Using the Volumetric Analysis Technique for Polyethylene Materials Enriched with Pure Gases under High Pressure: H2, He, N2, O2 and Ar
Authors: Lee Ji-Hun , Kim Ye-Won , Jung Jae-Kap
Published: October 2023

Polyethylene (PE) is widely used as a gas-sealing material in packing films and gas transport pipes. A technique for evaluating the permeability of water-insoluble gases has recently been developed. This technique is a volumetric analysis that is used to calculate the gas permeability by measuring the gas uptake and diffusivity. With this technique, we investigated the permeability of pure gases, such as H2, He, N2, O2 and Ar, enriched under high pressure up to 9 MPa in low-density polyethylene (LDPE), ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE). The gas uptake showed a linear pressure-dependent behavior that followed Henry’s law, and the diffusivity was independent of the pressure. Furthermore, the logarithmic diffusivity values of the five gases linearly decreased as their molecular kinetic diameters increased. The logarithmic solubility values linearly increased as the critical temperatures of the gases increased. The calculated permeability results were correlated with the volume fraction of the amorphous phase and the fractional free volume. This result newly showed that the amorphous phase was directly correlated to the fractional free volume.
A Review of Solid-State Proton–Polymer Batteries: Materials and Characterizations
Authors: Rani M. S. A. , Norrrahim M. N. F. , Knight V. F. , Nurazzi N. M. , Abdan K. , Lee S. H.
Published: October 2023

The ever-increasing global population necessitates a secure and ample energy supply, the majority of which is derived from fossil fuels. However, due to the immense energy demand, the exponential depletion of these non-renewable energy sources is both unavoidable and inevitable in the approaching century. Therefore, exploring the use of polymer electrolytes as alternatives in proton-conducting batteries opens an intriguing research field, as demonstrated by the growing number of publications on the subject. Significant progress has been made in the production of new and more complex polymer-electrolyte materials. Specific characterizations are necessary to optimize these novel materials. This paper provides a detailed overview of these characterizations, as well as recent advancements in characterization methods for proton-conducting polymer electrolytes in solid-state batteries. Each characterization is evaluated based on its objectives, experimental design, a summary of significant results, and a few noteworthy case studies. Finally, we discuss future characterizations and advances.
Experimental Simulation on the Stress Disturbance Mechanism Caused by Hydraulic Fracturing on the Mechanical Properties of Shale Formation
Authors: Tang Yu , Zheng Heng , Xiang Hong , Nie Xiaomin , Liao Ruiquan
Published: October 2023

Hydraulic fracturing is an indispensable technology for the development of shale oil and shale gas. Knowing the changes in the rock mechanical properties and failure modes during hydraulic fracturing is the key to improving the efficiency of hydraulic fracturing. Based on experiments and simulations, it can be concluded that the injection of fracturing fluid in the hydraulic fracturing caused deformation of the fracture surface, and the rock mechanical properties experienced degradation with a maximum reduction in the rock mechanical properties of 44.24%. As indicated in the experiments, the displacement of the measurement point was decreased with the distance increase between the injection point and the measurement point. According to the numerical simulations, tensile failure is the main failure mode in hydraulic fracturing, but the percentage of shear failure had an obvious increase with the increase in distance between the injection point and the measurement point. Comparing DDS #1 and DDS #5, the DDS #5 measurement point was farther away from the injection point, and the average percentage of shear failure increased from 21.94 to 52.72%. Meanwhile, the increase in the branch fractures also caused shear failure to occur. Comparing Sample 1 and Sample 3, in Sample 3, which had more branch fractures, the average percentage of shear failure increased from 33.12 to 37.58%. Due to the porous medium of the reservoir rock, the enormous pressure generated during the injection of fracturing fluid caused significant deformation of the fracture surface, leading to the tensile failure of the rock. The displacement of the fracture surface caused by the fracturing fluid injection also led to the deformation of the pore throat structure; thus, the shear failure increased when the measurement point was away from the injection point.
Some Insights into the Factors Influencing Continuous Citation of Retracted Scientific Papers
Authors: Tang Bor Luen
Published: October 2023

Once retracted, the citation count of a research paper might be intuitively expected to drop precipitously. Here, we assessed the post-retraction citation of life and medical sciences papers from two top-ranked, multidisciplinary journals Nature and Science, from 2010 to 2018. Post-retraction citations accounted for a staggering 47.7% and 40.9% of total citations (median values), respectively, of the papers included in our analysis. These numbers are comparable with those from two journals with lower impact factors, and with retracted papers from the physical sciences discipline. A more qualitative assessment of five papers from the two journals with a high percentage (>50%) of post-retraction citations, all of which are associated with misconduct, reveal different contributing reasons and factors. Retracted papers associated with highly publicized misconduct cases are more prone to being cited with the retraction status indicated, or projected negatively (such as in the context of research ethics and misconduct discussions), with the latter also indicated by cross-disciplinary citations by humanities and social sciences articles. Retracted papers that retained significant validity in their main findings/conclusions may receive a large number of neutral citations that are somewhat blind to the retraction. Retracted papers in popular subject areas with massive publication outputs, particularly secondary publications such as reviews, may also have a high background citation noise. Our findings add further insights to the nature of post-retraction citations beyond the plain notion that these are largely made through sheer ignorance or negligence by the citing authors.
From Local to the State: Acknowledging the Cult of Qiansui Baozhang in the Chan Historiography
Authors: Zhang Lu
Published: October 2023

The cult of Qiansui Baozhang, a legendary Indian monk, gained prominence during the Song dynasty. He has been revered as the founding patriarch of Hangzhou’s Zhong Tianzhu monastery ever since. Although accounts of Baozhang’s travels in China date back to the third century, records about him primarily emerged during the Song dynasty. The earliest known account of Baozhang can be found in the Jiatai kuaiji zhi, where he is described as a Daoist alchemist. Subsequently, his hagiography was compiled in the Chan historiography Jiatai pu denglu. Selected as the first figure in the “Yinghua shengxian” section, Baozhang is portrayed as a divine monk who traveled to many locations which are significantly important to Chan Buddhism. My research suggests that Baozhang’s cult initially gained popularity in the Pujiang, Zhuji, and Kuaiji regions. During the mid-Southern Song dynasty, the abbot of the Zhong Tianzhu monastery played a pivotal role in spreading Baozhang’s cult among high literati. With the dissemination of the Jiatai pu denglu, Baozhang’s account was included in multiple monastic gazetteers, and he himself was revered as the founding patriarch in several monasteries. Examining Baozhang’s various records from diverse sources, this paper aims to delineate his transformation from a local cult figure to a Chan ideal promoted in imperial-sanctioned Buddhist historiography. I argue that the recognition of Baozhang’s cult demonstrates the Chan school’s acknowledgment and response to prevalent folk Buddhist cults at the time. By incorporating Baozhang’s cult into their narratives, the Chan school actively engaged with and adapted to the religious landscape of the Song dynasty.
Food Waste in Public Food Service Sector—Surplus and Leftovers
Authors: Gonçalves Carla , Saraiva Sónia , Nunes Fernando , Saraiva Cristina
Published: October 2023

Food waste occurs at various stages of the food supply chain, starting from the production stage on farms to processing, distribution, and consumption. It is an important global problem that has social, environmental, ethical, and economic costs. The present work aims to discuss the differences in waste generated from surpluses or leftovers, the monitoring systems of food waste in public food services, and the good practices to reduce food waste. Besides the accessible knowledge about reducing waste, tonnes of food were daily discarded and wasted. To achieve a sustainable food system, food waste must be reduced significantly. Collaborative efforts are necessary to achieve significant reductions in food waste for achieving SDG 12.3 in public food services. Thus, policies that support or enforce larger implementation of best practices are needed. Knowledge about food waste is important to change attitudes and behaviors toward surplus food and leftovers. Some best practices can include promoting awareness campaigns to educate staff about the impact of food waste and the best practices to reduce it, including information on proper storage, portion control, and meal planning; implementing inventory management systems; donating surplus food via collaboration with food banks and charities; optimizing portion sizes, ensuring they are adequate and manageable for customers, reducing the likelihood of leftover food on the plate; allowing customers to order smaller quantities or share a meal; providing packaging to allow customers take their leftovers home for later consumption. The procedures to be adopted by public food services should provide guidance for the selection of products that can be donated. However, specific temperature requirements depending on the food category should be complied with. This paper enlarges the understanding of surpluses and leftovers and the best practices that could be implemented in public food services to minimize food waste.
A Novel Actor—Critic Motor Reinforcement Learning for Continuum Soft Robots
Authors: Pantoja-Garcia Luis , Parra-Vega Vicente , Garcia-Rodriguez Rodolfo , Vázquez-García Carlos Ernesto
Published: October 2023

Reinforcement learning (RL) is explored for motor control of a novel pneumatic-driven soft robot modeled after continuum media with a varying density. This model complies with closed-form Lagrangian dynamics, which fulfills the fundamental structural property of passivity, among others. Then, the question arises of how to synthesize a passivity-based RL model to control the unknown continuum soft robot dynamics to exploit its input–output energy properties advantageously throughout a reward-based neural network controller. Thus, we propose a continuous-time Actor–Critic scheme for tracking tasks of the continuum 3D soft robot subject to Lipschitz disturbances. A reward-based temporal difference leads to learning with a novel discontinuous adaptive mechanism of Critic neural weights. Finally, the reward and integral of the Bellman error approximation reinforce the adaptive mechanism of Actor neural weights. Closed-loop stability is guaranteed in the sense of Lyapunov, which leads to local exponential convergence of tracking errors based on integral sliding modes. Notably, it is assumed that dynamics are unknown, yet the control is continuous and robust. A representative simulation study shows the effectiveness of our proposal for tracking tasks.
Cooperative Passivity-Based Control of Nonlinear Mechanical Systems
Authors: de Groot Oscar , Valk Laurens , Keviczky Tamas
Published: October 2023

In this work, we propose two cooperative passivity-based control methods for networks of mechanical systems. By cooperatively synchronizing the end-effector coordinates of the individual agents, we achieve cooperation between systems of different types. The underlying passivity property of our control approaches ensures that cooperation is stable and robust. Neither of the two approaches rely on the modeling information of neighbors, locally, which simplifies the interconnection of applicable systems and makes the approaches modular in their use. Our first approach is a generalized cooperative Interconnection-and-Damping Assignment passivity-based control (IDA-PBC) scheme for networks of fully actuated and underactuated systems. Our approach leverages the definition of end-effector coordinates in existing single-agent IDA-PBC solutions for underactuated systems to satisfy the matching conditions, independently of the cooperative control input. Accordingly, our approach integrates a large set of existing single-agent solutions and facilitates cooperative control between these and fully actuated systems. Our second approach proposes agent outputs composed of their end-effector coordinates and velocities to guarantee cooperative stability for networks of fully actuated systems in the presence of communication delays. We validate both approaches in simulation and experiments.