bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Molecular insights into biochar-mediated plant growth promotion and systemic resistance in tomato against Fusarium crown and root rot disease
Authors: Jaiswal Amit K. , Alkan Noam , Elad Yigal , Sela Noa , Philosoph Amit M. , Graber Ellen R. , Frenkel Omer 
Published: August 2020

AbstractMolecular mechanisms associated with biochar-elicited suppression of soilborne plant diseases and improved plant performance are not well understood. A stem base inoculation approach was used to explore the ability of biochar to induce systemic resistance in tomato plants against crown rot caused by a soilborne pathogen, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. radicis lycopersici. RNA-seq transcriptome profiling of tomato, and experiments with jasmonic and salycilic acid deficient tomato mutants, were performed to elucidate the in planta molecular mechanisms involved in induced resistance. Biochar (produced from greenhouse plant wastes) was found to mediate systemic resistance against Fusarium crown rot and to simultaneously improve tomato plant growth and physiological parameters by up to 63%. Transcriptomic analysis (RNA-seq) of tomato demonstrated that biochar had a priming effect on gene expression and upregulated the pathways and genes associated with plant defense and growth such as jasmonic acid, brassinosteroids, cytokinins, auxin and synthesis of flavonoid, phenylpropanoids and cell wall. In contrast, biosynthesis and signaling of the salicylic acid pathway was downregulated. Upregulation of genes and pathways involved in plant defense and plant growth may partially explain the significant disease suppression and improvement in plant performance observed in the presence of biochar.
LncRNA EIF3J-AS1 enhanced esophageal cancer invasion via regulating AKT1 expression through sponging miR-373-3p
Authors: Wei Wei-tian , Wang Liang , Liang Jin-xiao , Wang Jiang-feng , Li Qing , Zeng Jian 
Published: August 2020

AbstractEsophageal cancer (ECa) remains a major cause of mortality across the globe. The expression of EIF3J-AS1 is altered in a plethora of tumors, but its role in ECa development and progression are undefined. Here, we show that EIF3J-AS1 is up-regulated in ECa and that its expression correlates with advanced TNM stage (P = 0.014), invasion depth (P = 0.001), positive lymph node metastasis (P < 0.001) and poor survival (OS: P = 0.0059; DFS: P = 0.0037) in ECa. Functional experiments showed that knockdown EIF3J-AS1 inhibited ECa growth and metastasis through in vitro and in vivo experiments. Regarding the mechanism, EIF3J-AS1/miR-373-3p/AKT1 established the ceRNA network involved in the modulation of cell progression of ECa cells. Overall, EIF3J-AS1 may exhibit an oncogenic function in ECa via acting as a sponge for miR-373-3p to up-regulate AKT1 mRNA level, and may serve as a potential therapeutic target and a prognostic biomarker for ECa patients.
Identification of strong candidate genes for backfat and intramuscular fatty acid composition in three crosses based on the Iberian pig
Authors: Crespo-Piazuelo Daniel , Criado-Mesas Lourdes , Revilla Manuel , Castelló Anna , Noguera José L. , Fernández Ana I. , Ballester Maria , Folch Josep M. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractMeat quality has an important genetic component and can be modified by the fatty acid (FA) composition and the amount of fat contained in adipose tissue and muscle. The present study aimed to find genomic regions associated with the FA composition in backfat and muscle (longissimus dorsi) in 439 pigs with three different genetic backgrounds but having the Iberian breed in common. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) were performed between 38,424 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) covering the pig genome and 60 phenotypic traits related to backfat and muscle FA composition. Nine significant associated regions were found in backfat on theSus scrofachromosomes (SSC): SSC1, SSC2, SSC4, SSC6, SSC8, SSC10, SSC12, and SSC16. For the intramuscular fat, six significant associated regions were identified on SSC4, SSC13, SSC14, and SSC17. A total of 52 candidate genes were proposed to explain the variation in backfat and muscle FA composition traits. GWAS were also reanalysed including SNPs on five candidate genes (ELOVL6,ELOVL7,FADS2,FASN, andSCD). Regions and molecular markers described in our study may be useful for meat quality selection of commercial pig breeds, although several polymorphisms were breed-specific, and further analysis would be needed to evaluate possible causal mutations.
Multidisciplinary team approach to the prenatal management of orofacial clefts: a single center cohort study in Taiwan
Authors: Ko Hsuan , Chang Tung-Yao , Lussier Eric C. , Olisova Ksenia , Sung Chan-Yu , Chen Philip Kuo-Ting , Li Wen-Chu , Yang Tze-Yi , Wang Ru-Xuan 
Published: August 2020

AbstractAdvances in ultrasound fetal diagnostics and treatment have created a dilemma for doctors and parents: choosing whether to continue with a pregnancy as well as choosing between various treatment options. A multidisciplinary approach has been widely accepted in the management of other prenatally diagnosed anomalies and has shown superior results compared to routine care. We present a retrospective cohort of patients prenatally diagnosed with orofacial clefts who were offered consultation by an expert multidisciplinary team, including: a fetal medicine specialist, an obstetrician, a plastic surgeon, and a case managing nurse. We analyzed factors influencing parents' decision to utilize a consultation service, as well as their decision about pregnancy continuation. Our results suggest that the presence of other anomalies and maternal age heavily influenced the decision about the uptake of consultations. If consulted by the team, parents tended to continue with the pregnancy, even when accounting for fetal gender and maternal age. On the other hand, having a consultation had varying effects depending on the cleft type. The findings suggest that multidisciplinary consultations may be an efficient approach in managing pregnancies complicated by orofacial cleft anomalies; which may help in preventing unnecessary pregnancy terminations and developing a sufficient postnatal care plan.
Pentadecafluorooctanoic-acid-free polytetrafluoroethylene and mechanism of PFOA formation by γ-irradiation
Authors: Oshima Akihiro , Tanaka Takayuki , Nakaya Hideki , Senba Ryosuke , Satoh Kazuyuki 
Published: August 2020

AbstractLow-molecular-weight (Mw) polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) micropowder is added to wax for use in automotive equipment and printing machines and is produced by radiation-initiated degradation under atmospheric conditions. However, pentadecafluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is produced as a by-product in concentrations greater than 25 ppb, which is problematic because PFOA does not degrade in the environment. Herein, we clarify the PFOA-formation mechanism and develop a manufacturing process for a novel low-Mw PTFE micropowder that does not contain PFOA (less than 5 ppb). The process uses combined irradiation and heat treatment in an oxygen-free atmosphere. Furthermore, PFOA-free PTFE micropowder can be produced on the 10-kg scale.
Modeling homeostasis mechanisms that set the target cell size
Authors: Vargas-Garcia Cesar A. , Björklund Mikael , Singh Abhyudai 
Published: August 2020

AbstractHow organisms maintain cell size homeostasis is a long-standing problem that remains unresolved, especially in multicellular organisms. Recent experiments in diverse animal cell types demonstrate that within a cell population, cellular proliferation is low for small and large cells, but high at intermediate sizes. Here we use mathematical models to explore size-control strategies that drive such a non-monotonic profile resulting in the proliferation capacity being maximized at a target cell size. Our analysis reveals that most models of size control yield proliferation capacities that vary monotonically with cell size, and non-monotonicity requires two key mechanisms: (1) the growth rate decreases with increasing size for excessively large cells; and (2) cell division occurs as per the Adder model (division is triggered upon adding a fixed size from birth), or a Sizer-Adder combination. Consistent with theory, Jurkat T cell growth rates increase with size for small cells, but decrease with size for large cells. In summary, our models show that regulation of both growth and cell-division timing is necessary for size control in animal cells, and this joint mechanism leads to a target cell size where cellular proliferation capacity is maximized.
Identification of heterogenous treatment response trajectories to anti-IL6 receptor treatment in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Blair J. P. M. , Bay-Jensen A.-C. , Tang M. H. , Frederiksen P. , Bager C. , Karsdal M. , Brunak S. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease with fluctuating course of progression. Despite substantial improvement in treatments in recent years, treatment response is still not guaranteed. The aim of this study was to identify variation in Disease Activity Score 28 (DAS28) of RA patients in response to Tocilizumab, and to investigate both molecular and clinical factors influencing response. Clinical and biochemical data for 485 RA patients receiving Tocilizumab in combination with methotrexate were extracted from the LITHE phase III clinical study (NCT00106535), and post-hoc analysis conducted. Latent class mixed models were used to identify statistically distinct trajectories of DAS28 after the initiation of treatment. Biomarker measurements were then analysed cross-sectionally and temporally, to characterise patients by serological biomarkers and clinical factors. We identified three distinct trajectories of drug response: class 1 (n = 85, 17.5%), class 2 (n = 338, 69.7%) and class 3 (n = 62, 12.8%). All groups started with high DAS28 on average (DAS28 > 5.1). Class 1 showed the least reduction in DAS28, with significantly more patients seeking escape therapy (p < 0.001). Class 3 showed significantly higher rates of improvement in DAS28, with 58.1% achieving ACR response levels compared to 2.4% in class 1 (p < 0.0001). Biomarkers of inflammation, MMP-3, CRP, C1M, showed greater reduction in class 3 compared to the other classes. Identification of more homogenous patient sub-populations of drug response may allow for more targeted therapeutic treatment regimens and a better understanding of disease aetiology.
Experimental study on the engineering properties of expansive soil treated with Al13
Authors: She Jianbo , Lu Zheng , Duan Yahui , Yao Hailin , Liu Liang 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThis paper investigates the stabilization of expansive soil with hydroxy-aluminium (Al13) with Al/soil ratios of 0.10, 0.14, 0.18, 0.22 and 0.26 mmol/g. A series of laboratory tests were conducted to study the effects of Al13 on the mechanical properties of expansive soil, including Atterberg limits, grain size distribution, swell percent, swell pressure and unconsolidated-undrained (UU) triaxial strength. The results revealed that Al13 reduced the plasticity index, clay content and swelling potential and enhanced the shear strength of expansive soil. The minerals and micro-structural changes in the soil samples were also determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the stabilized soil showed a remarkable flocculated-agglomerated structure characterized by the densification of particle associations. The consistency of the changes in mechanical properties and micro-morphology indicated that expansive soil can be effectively improved with the use of Al13. Additionally, the optimum dosage of polynuclear hydroxy-Al (PHA) solution for stabilizing expansive soil was 0.18 mmol/g under the given properties of expansive soil and PHA utilized in this study.
Comparing methods for estimating leaf area index by multi-angular remote sensing in winter wheat
Authors: He Li , Ren Xingxu , Wang Yangyang , Liu Beicheng , Zhang Haiyan , Liu Wandai , Feng Wei , Guo Tiancai 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe reflectance of wheat’s canopy exhibits angular sensitivity, which can influence the accuracy of different methods for its leaf area index (LAI) estimation through multi-angular remote sensing. The primary objective of this study was to assess and compare the ability of various methods for LAI estimation from 13 view zenith angles (VZAs). The four methods included: (1) common hyper-spectral vegetation indices (VIs), (2) optimal two-band combination VIs (i.e., VIs: normalized difference index, simple ratio index, and difference vegetation index), (3) back-propagation neural network (BPNN), and (4) partial least squares regression (PLSR). Our results demonstrated that the red-edge plays a key role in estimating LAI, in that the traditional VIs, optimal two-band VIs, and PLSR including the red-edge band all showed satisfactory performance, with coefficient of determination (R2) > 0.72 in the nadir direction. However, the estimation accuracy of LAI was not positively related with band number, and BPNN gave unsatisfactory results under a larger viewing angle, with R2 ≤ 0.60 for extreme angles. The predictive ability of all four methods declined with an increasing VZA, with reliable LAI estimation near the nadir direction. Importantly, by comparing the four methods, PLSR emerged as superior in both its estimation accuracy and angular insensitivity, with R2 = 0.83 in the nadir direction and ≥ 0.65 for extreme angles. For this reason, we highly recommend it be used with multi-angular remote sensing data, especially in agricultural applications.
Plants are visited by more pollinator species than pollination syndromes predicted in an oceanic island community
Authors: Wang Xiangping , Wen Meihong , Qian Xin , Pei Nancai , Zhang Dianxiang 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe pollination syndrome concept has provided powerful utility in understanding the evolution and adaptation of floral traits. However, the utility of this conception has been questioned on the grounds that flowers usually attract a broader spectrum of visitors than one might expect. Furthermore, the relationship between plant specialization and floral traits is poorly understood. Here, we examined the applicability of using the pollination syndrome to predict the pollinators of plants on Yongxing Island. We used the species-level specialization of pollination networks to compare the difference of plant ecological specialization among floral traits. The result of full model was not significant, indicating that floral traits did not affect the pollinator functional groups. The five floral traits explained only 22.5% of the pollinator’s visitation preference. Our results showed that plants were visited by more pollinator species than pollination syndromes predicted. Plants with restrictive flowers showed higher specialization than those with unrestrictive flowers, while other floral traits exhibited no significant effect on plant specialization. Generalized pollination system on oceanic island might influence the predictive accuracy of pollination syndromes and the relationship between floral traits and plant ecological specialization. Our findings highlighted the utility and limitations of pollination syndromes concept in oceanic island communities.
Exogenous proline induces regulation in 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline (2-AP) biosynthesis and quality characters in fragrant rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Luo Haowen , Zhang Tantan , Zheng Axiang , He Longxin , Lai Rifang , Liu Jinhai , Xing Pipeng , Tang Xiangru 
Published: August 2020

AbstractProline is one of the precursors of the biosynthesis of 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline (2-AP) which is the key and characteristic volatile component of fragrant rice aroma. In order to study the effects of exogenous proline on 2-AP biosynthesis and other grain quality attributes in fragrant rice, two indica fragrant rice cultivars, “Meixiangzhan-2” and “Xiangyaxiangzhan”, and one japonica fragrant rice, “Yunjingyou”, were used in present study. At initial heading stage, proline solutions at 0 (CK), 0.10 (Pro1), 0.20 (Pro2) and 0.50 (Pro3) g L-1 were applied as foliar spray solution to fragrant rice plants. Compared with CK, Pro1, Pro2 and Pro3 treatments significantly increased the grain 2-AP content. The significant up-regulation effects due to proline treatments were observed in the contents of proline, △1-pyrrolidine-5-carboxylic acid (P5C) and △1-pyrroline which involved in 2-AP formation. Exogenous proline application also significantly decreased the grain γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) content. Furthermore, proline treatments enhanced the activity of proline dehydrogenase (ProDH) as well as transcript level of gene PRODH. On the other hand, the transcript level of gene BADH2 and activity of betaine aldehyde dehydrogenase (BADH) decreased under proline treatments. Proline treatments (Pro2 and Pro3) also increased the grain protein content by 3.57–6.51%. Moreover, 32.03–34.25% lower chalky rice rate and 30.80–48.88% lower chalkiness were recorded in proline treatments (Pro2 and Pro3) for both Meixiangzhan and Xiangyaxiangzhan whilst for Yunjingyou, foliar application of proline had no significant effect on chalky rice rate and chalkiness. There was no remarkable difference observed in grain milled quality (brown rice rate, milled rice rate and head rice rate) and amylose content between CK and proline treatments. In conclusion, exogenous proline enhanced the 2-AP biosynthesis and promoted some grain quality characters of fragrant rice.
Fabricating THz spiral zone plate by high throughput femtosecond laser air filament direct writing
Authors: Zhang Zhi , Dai Zijie , Wang Yunfei , Chu Chunyue , Su Qiang , Kosareva Olga , Zhang Nan , Lin Lie , Liu Weiwei 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe sixth-generation wireless communication will exploit the radio band with frequencies higher than 90 GHz, reaching terahertz (THz) band, to achieve huge signal bandwidths. However, the cost-effective fabrication methods of the key components in THz band, which can compromise large scale, high precision, and high efficiency, remain great challenges at present. In this work, we have developed a high throughput fabrication method based on the femtosecond laser filament direct writing. The ability of fabricating large-scale THz elements with high precision and fast speed has been demonstrated by fabricating 100 × 100 mm2 spiral zone plates (SZPs), which can convert the Gaussian THz beam into vortex beam. The performance of the obtained THz vortex beam is in good agreement with the theoretical predictions. The fabrication method reported here has promising applications in fabricating various kinds of THz elements on substrates with both flat and curved surfaces.
Fc-Elabela fusion protein attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced kidney injury in mice
Authors: Xu Feng , Zhou Huifen , Wu Man , Zhang Hong , Zhang Yixian , Zhao Qingbin , Brown Robert , Gong Da-Wei , Miao Lining 
Published: August 2020

AbstractEndotoxemia-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common clinical condition that lacks effective treatments. Elabela (ELA) is a recently discovered kidney peptide hormone, encoded by the gene apela, and has been reported to improve cardio-renal outcomes in sepsis. However, ELA is a small peptide and is largely unsuitable for clinical use because of its short in vivo half-life. In the present study, we evaluated the potential renoprotective effects of a long-acting constant fragment (Fc)-ELA fusion protein in liposaccharide (LPS)-induced AKI in mice. LPS administration in mice for 5 days greatly lowered the gene expression of apela and impaired kidney function, as evidenced by elevated serum creatinine and the ratio of urine protein to creatinine. In addition, renal inflammation and macrophage infiltration were apparent in LPS-challenged mice. Treatment with the Fc-ELA fusion protein partially restored apela expression and attenuated the kidney inflammation. Moreover, LPS treatment induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and apoptosis in kidney HK-2 cells as well as in the mouse kidney, which were mitigated by ELA or Fc-ELA treatment. Finally, we found that ELA promoted the survival of HK-2 cells treated with LPS, and this action was abolished by LY204002, a PI3K/Akt inhibitor. Collectively, we have demonstrated that the Fc-ELA fusion protein has significant renoprotective activities against LPS-induced AKI in mice.
LncRNA VPS9D1-AS1 promotes cell proliferation in acute lymphoblastic leukemia through modulating GPX1 expression by miR-491-5p and miR-214-3p evasion
Authors: Xiao Shishan , Xu Na , Ding Qian , Huang Shengwen , Zha Yan , Zhu Hongqian 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Alterations in messenger RNAs (mRNAs) of protein-coding genes can influence the malignant behaviors of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) cells. According to the prediction from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, we discovered that glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPX1) was up-regulated in acute myeloid leukemia (LAML) tissues, which pushed us to explore the feasible role and its related modulatory mechanism of GPX1 in ALL. In this research, we first proved the high expression of GPX1 in ALL cells compared with normal cells. Functional assays further revealed that the proliferation was obstructed and the apoptosis was facilitated in ALL cells with silenced GPX1. Then, both miR-491-5p and miR-214-3p that were down-regulated in ALL cells were affirmed to target GPX1. Subsequently, VPS9D1 antisense RNA 1 (VPS9D1-AS1) was recognized as the upstream regulator of miR-491-5p-miR-214-3p/GPX1 axis in a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) model. Importantly, we proved that VPS9D1-AS1 served as a tumor promoter in ALL through elevating GPX1. In conclusion, VPS9D1-AS1 contributed to ALL cell proliferation through miR-491-5p-miR-214-3p/GPX1 axis, hinting an optional choice for the treatment of ALL.
Association between ALMS 1 variants and early-onset coronary artery disease: a case–control study in Chinese population
Authors: Zhang Shao-Yan , Xuan Chao , Wang Yi , Zhang Shao-Qiang , Li Hui , He Guo-Wei , Tian Qing-Wu 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Genome-wide linkage analysis revealed the polymorphism of rs6748040 and glutamic acid repeat are potential pathogenic factors of early-onset myocardial infarction (MI). The present study was designed to investigate the associations of Alström syndrome 1 (ALMS 1) gene in Chinese populations with early-onset coronary artery disease (CAD).
Methods: The two variants of the ALMS 1 gene were genotyped in 1252 early-onset CAD patients and 1378 controls using PCR, followed by Sml I restriction enzyme digestion or direct sequencing of the PCR product. The associations were estimated using the odds ratio (OR) and the 95% confidence interval (CI).
Results: A significant association between the ALMS 1 G/A variant and the risk of early-onset MI was detected in G vs.A (OR = 1.371, 95% CI: 1.183–1.589), GG vs. AA (OR = 2.037, 95% CI: 1.408–2.948), dominant genetic model (OR = 1.794, 95% CI: 1.254–2.567), and recessive genetic model (OR = 1.421, 95% CI: 1.177–1.716). 14 glutamic acid repeat (A14) is risk factor for early-onset MI (OR = 1.605, 95% CI: 1.313–1.962) and 17 glutamic acid repeat (A17) is protective factor for the disease (OR = 0.684, 95% CI: 0.601–0.827). These associations were not detected in early-onset CAD patients.
Conclusions: Our findings indicated that G/A variant (rs6748040) and glutamic acid repeat polymorphism of the ALMS 1 gene associated with the risk of early-onset MI in the Chinese population.