bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Alternatively spliced BobCAL transcripts alter curd morphotypes in a collection of Chinese cauliflower accessions
Authors: Cao Wenguang , Cao Biting , Wang Xuan , Bai Jinjuan , Xu Yong-Zhen , Zhao Jianjun , Li Xiaorong , He Yuke , Hu Shengwu 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe curd of cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L. var. botrytis) is a modified inflorescence that is consumed as a vegetable. Curd formation is proposed to be due to a mutation in the BobCAULIFLOWER (BobCAL) gene, but the genetic relationship between BobCAL variation and curd morphotypes remains obscure. To address this question, we collected and classified a collection of 78 cauliflower accessions into four subpopulations according to curd surface features: smooth, coarse, granular, and hairy curd morphotypes. Through the cDNA sequencing of BobCAL alleles, we showed that smooth and coarse accessions characterized by inflorescence meristem arrest presented a strong association with the 451T SNP (BobCAL_T), whereas granular and hairy accessions marked with floral organ arrest presented an association with 451G (BobCAL_G). Interestingly, all BobCAL alleles were alternatively spliced, resulting in a total of four alternative splice (AS) variants due to the retention of the fourth and/or seventh introns. Among accessions with BobCAL_G alleles, the total expression of all these AS variants in granular plants was almost equal to that in hairy plants; however, the expression of the individual AS variants encoding intact proteins relative to those encoding truncated proteins differed. Hairy accessions showed relatively high expression of the individual variants encoding intact proteins, whereas granular accessions displayed relatively low expression. In smooth cauliflower, the overexpression of the BobCAL_Ga variant caused an alteration in the curd morphotype from smooth to hairy, concurrent with an increase in the expression levels of downstream floral identity genes. These results reveal that alternative splicing of BobCAL transcripts is involved in the determination of cauliflower curd morphotypes.
Gibberellin induced shot berry formation in cv. Early Sweet is a direct consequence of high fruit set
Authors: Or Etti , Oren Orly , Halaly-Basha Tamar , Koilkonda Padmalatha , Shi Zhaowan , Zheng Chuanlin , Acheampong Atiako Kwame 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe ‘seedless’ table grape industry relies mainly on stenospermocarpic cultivars, in which endosperm abortion results in berries with seed rudiments and low levels of bioactive gibberellin (GA). Application of GA to enhance berry sizing in these cultivars is often accompanied by adverse effects, one of which is increased proportions of very small berries (termed shot berries). Manual removal of these berries, which is essential to improve uniformity and market value, increases production cost and exposes the cluster to damage. Unraveling the physiological causes of shot berry formation is thus of both scientific and practical value. This study focuses on understanding the GA-mediated regulation of shot berry formation inVitis viniferacv. Early Sweet, known for a high proportion of shot berries, which severely damage cluster appearance. As GA is known to induce the parthenocarpic fruit set, we first tested the assumption that the parthenocarpic nature of a fruitlet is a primary cause for shot berry development. We then examined the consequence of the flower load on the proportion of shot berries in the cluster. Our data suggests that: (1) contrary to prior assumptions, the parthenocarpic nature of a fruitlet is not the primary cause for shot berry development, demonstrated by the fact that parthenocarpic fruitlets develop into a full-size berries; (2) the proportion of shot berries on a cluster is a function of the initial flower load on the inflorescence, with high initial flower load resulting in greater shot berry percentage in the cluster; (3) GA treatment bypasses the natural regulation of flower load, resulting in high fruitlet density and increased competition among fruitlets; (4) variation of flower load within the cluster influences berry size uniformity to a greater extent than does the variation in number of cluster per vine. The identity of the factors that determine the fate of a given flower on a high-load cluster remains an open question.
Frequent new particle formation over the high Arctic pack ice by enhanced iodine emissions
Authors: Baccarini Andrea , Karlsson Linn , Dommen Josef , Duplessis Patrick , Vüllers Jutta , Brooks Ian M. , Saiz-Lopez Alfonso , Salter Matthew , Tjernström Michael , Baltensperger Urs , Zieger Paul , Schmale Julia 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIn the central Arctic Ocean the formation of clouds and their properties are sensitive to the availability of cloud condensation nuclei (CCN). The vapors responsible for new particle formation (NPF), potentially leading to CCN, have remained unidentified since the first aerosol measurements in 1991. Here, we report that all the observed NPF events from the Arctic Ocean 2018 expedition are driven by iodic acid with little contribution from sulfuric acid. Iodic acid largely explains the growth of ultrafine particles (UFP) in most events. The iodic acid concentration increases significantly from summer towards autumn, possibly linked to the ocean freeze-up and a seasonal rise in ozone. This leads to a one order of magnitude higher UFP concentration in autumn. Measurements of cloud residuals suggest that particles smaller than 30 nm in diameter can activate as CCN. Therefore, iodine NPF has the potential to influence cloud properties over the Arctic Ocean.
Porous organic cages as synthetic water channels
Authors: Yuan Yi Di , Dong Jinqiao , Liu Jie , Zhao Daohui , Wu Hui , Zhou Wei , Gan Hui Xian , Tong Yen Wah , Jiang Jianwen , Zhao Dan 
Published: October 2020

AbstractNature has protein channels (e.g., aquaporins) that preferentially transport water molecules while rejecting even the smallest hydrated ions. Aspirations to create robust synthetic counterparts have led to the development of a few one-dimensional channels. However, replicating the performance of the protein channels in these synthetic water channels remains a challenge. In addition, the dimensionality of the synthetic water channels also imposes engineering difficulties to align them in membranes. Here we show that zero-dimensional porous organic cages (POCs) with nanoscale pores can effectively reject small cations and anions while allowing fast water permeation (ca. 109 water molecules per second) on the same magnitude as that of aquaporins. Water molecules are found to preferentially flow in single-file, branched chains within the POCs. This work widens the choice of water channel morphologies for water desalination applications.
Structural basis for substrate recognition and chemical inhibition of oncogenic MAGE ubiquitin ligases
Authors: Yang Seung Wook , Huang Xin , Lin Wenwei , Min Jaeki , Miller Darcie J. , Mayasundari Anand , Rodrigues Patrick , Griffith Elizabeth C. , Gee Clifford T. , Li Lei , Li Wei , Lee Richard E. , Rankovic Zoran , Chen Taosheng , Potts Patrick Ryan 
Published: October 2020

AbstractTestis-restricted melanoma antigen (MAGE) proteins are frequently hijacked in cancer and play a critical role in tumorigenesis. MAGEs assemble with E3 ubiquitin ligases and function as substrate adaptors that direct the ubiquitination of novel targets, including key tumor suppressors. However, how MAGEs recognize their targets is unknown and has impeded the development of MAGE-directed therapeutics. Here, we report the structural basis for substrate recognition by MAGE ubiquitin ligases. Biochemical analysis of the degron motif recognized by MAGE-A11 and the crystal structure of MAGE-A11 bound to the PCF11 substrate uncovered a conserved substrate binding cleft (SBC) in MAGEs. Mutation of the SBC disrupted substrate recognition by MAGEs and blocked MAGE-A11 oncogenic activity. A chemical screen for inhibitors of MAGE-A11:substrate interaction identified 4-Aminoquinolines as potent inhibitors of MAGE-A11 that show selective cytotoxicity. These findings provide important insights into the large family of MAGE ubiquitin ligases and identify approaches for developing cancer-specific therapeutics.
Discovery of gramicidin A analogues with altered activities by multidimensional screening of a one-bead-one-compound library
Authors: Takada Yuri , Itoh Hiroaki , Paudel Atmika , Panthee Suresh , Hamamoto Hiroshi , Sekimizu Kazuhisa , Inoue Masayuki 
Published: October 2020

AbstractGramicidin A (1) is a peptide antibiotic that disrupts the transmembrane ion concentration gradient by forming an ion channel in a lipid bilayer. Although long used clinically, it is limited to topical application because of its strong hemolytic activity and mammalian cytotoxicity, likely arising from the common ion transport mechanism. Here we report an integrated high-throughput strategy for discovering analogues of 1 with altered biological activity profiles. The 4096 analogue structures are designed to maintain the charge-neutral, hydrophobic, and channel forming properties of 1. Synthesis of the analogues, tandem mass spectrometry sequencing, and 3 microscale screenings enable us to identify 10 representative analogues. Re-synthesis and detailed functional evaluations find that all 10 analogues share a similar ion channel function, but have different cytotoxic, hemolytic, and antibacterial activities. Our large-scale structure-activity relationship studies reveal the feasibility of developing analogues of 1 that selectively induce toxicity toward target organisms.
Cardiovascular deconditioning during long-term spaceflight through multiscale modeling
Authors: Gallo Caterina , Ridolfi Luca , Scarsoglio Stefania 
Published: October 2020

AbstractHuman spaceflight has been fascinating man for centuries, representing the intangible need to explore the unknown, challenge new frontiers, advance technology, and push scientific boundaries further. A key area of importance is cardiovascular deconditioning, that is, the collection of hemodynamic changes—from blood volume shift and reduction to altered cardiac function—induced by sustained presence in microgravity. A thorough grasp of the 0G adjustment point per se is important from a physiological viewpoint and fundamental for astronauts’ safety and physical capability on long spaceflights. However, hemodynamic details of cardiovascular deconditioning are incomplete, inconsistent, and poorly measured to date; thus a computational approach can be quite valuable. We present a validated 1D–0D multiscale model to study the cardiovascular response to long-term 0G spaceflight in comparison to the 1G supine reference condition. Cardiac work, oxygen consumption, and contractility indexes, as well as central mean and pulse pressures were reduced, augmenting the cardiac deconditioning scenario. Exercise tolerance of a spaceflight traveler was found to be comparable to an untrained person with a sedentary lifestyle. At the capillary–venous level significant waveform alterations were observed which can modify the regular perfusion and average nutrient supply at the cellular level. The present study suggests special attention should be paid to future long spaceflights which demand prompt physical capacity at the time of restoration of partial gravity (e.g., Moon/Mars landing). Since spaceflight deconditioning has features similar to accelerated aging understanding deconditioning mechanisms in microgravity are also relevant to the understanding of aging physiology on the Earth.
A 2015 inventory of embodied carbon emissions for Chinese power transmission infrastructure projects
Authors: Wei Wendong , Wang Meng , Zhang Pengfei , Chen Bin , Guan Dabo , Shao Shuai , Li Jiashuo 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe spatial mismatch of energy resources and electricity demand in China drives the large-scale construction of power transmission infrastructure, which consumes a large amount of carbon-intensive products. However, a systematic accounting framework for the carbon emissions of power transmission infrastructure has not yet been established. This study for the first time compiles an embodied carbon emissions inventory covering 191 typical power transmission infrastructure projects in China in 2015, including 145 types of alternating current (AC) transmission line projects, 37 typical AC substation projects, 8 typical direct current (DC) transmission line projects and 1 typical DC converter station project. The inventory also shows the detailed inputs of all the projects. These data not only enable a quantitative assessment of the embodied carbon emissions of power transmission infrastructure in China but also provide essential information for climate mitigation policy design in the power sector.
Optical and mechanical properties of streptavidin-conjugated gold nanospheres through data mining techniques
Authors: Peli Simone , Ronchi Andrea , Bianchetti Giada , Rossella Francesco , Giannetti Claudio , Chiari Marcella , Pingue Pasqualantonio , Banfi Francesco , Ferrini Gabriele 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe thermo-mechanical properties of streptavidin-conjugated gold nanospheres, adhered to a surface via complex molecular chains, are investigated by two-color infrared asynchronous optical sampling pump-probe spectroscopy. Nanospheres with different surface densities have been deposited and exposed to a plasma treatment to modify their polymer binding chains. The aim is to monitor their optical response in complex chemical environments that may be experienced in, e.g., photothermal therapy or drug delivery applications. By applying unsupervised learning techniques to the spectroscopic traces, we identify their thermo-mechanical response variation. This variation discriminates nanospheres in different chemical environments or different surface densities. Such discrimination is not evident based on a standard analysis of the spectroscopic traces. This kind of analysis is important, given the widespread application of conjugated gold nanospheres in medicine and biology.
A myofibre model for the study of uterine excitation-contraction dynamics
Authors: Goldsztejn Uri , Nehorai Arye 
Published: October 2020

AbstractAs the uterus remodels in preparation for delivery, the excitability and contractility of the uterine smooth muscle layer, the myometrium, increase drastically. But when remodelling proceeds abnormally it can contribute to preterm birth, slow progress of labour, and failure to initiate labour. Remodelling increases intercellular coupling and cellular excitability, which are the main targets of pharmaceutical treatments for uterine contraction disorders. However, the way in which electrical propagation and force development depend on intercellular coupling and cellular excitability is not fully understood. Using a computational myofibre model we study the dependency of electrical propagation and force development on intercellular coupling and cellular excitability. This model reveals that intercellular coupling determines the conduction velocity. Moreover, our model shows that intercellular coupling alone does not regulate force development. Further, cellular excitability controls whether conduction across the cells is blocked. Lastly, our model describes how cellular excitability regulates force development. Our results bridge cellular factors, targeted by drugs to regulate uterine contractions, and tissue level electromechanical properties, which are responsible for delivery. They are a step forward towards understanding uterine excitation-contraction dynamics and developing safer and more efficient pharmaceutical treatments for uterine contraction disorders.
Molecular signatures of anthroponotic cutaneous leishmaniasis in the lesions of patients infected with Leishmania tropica
Authors: Masoudzadeh Nasrin , Östensson Malin , Persson Josefine , Mashayekhi Goyonlo Vahid , Agbajogu Christopher , Taslimi Yasaman , Erfanian Salim Reza , Zahedifard Farnaz , Mizbani Amir , Malekafzali Ardekani Housein , Gunn Bronwyn M. , Rafati Sima , Harandi Ali M. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractAnthroponotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) caused by Leishmania tropica (L. tropica) represents a public health challenge in several resource poor settings. We herein employed a systems analysis approach to study molecular signatures of CL caused by L. tropica in the skin lesions of ulcerative CL (UCL) and non-ulcerative CL (NUCL) patients. Results from RNA-seq analysis determined shared and unique functional transcriptional pathways in the lesions of the UCL and NUCL patients. Several transcriptional pathways involved in inflammatory response were positively enriched in the CL lesions. A multiplexed inflammatory protein analysis showed differential profiles of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in the UCL and NUCL lesions. Transcriptional pathways for Fcγ receptor dependent phagocytosis were among shared enriched pathways. Using L. tropica specific antibody (Ab)-mediated phagocytosis assays, we could substantiate Ab-dependent cellular phagocytosis (ADCP) and Ab-dependent neutrophil phagocytosis (ADNP) activities in the lesions of the UCL and NUCL patients, which correlated with L. tropica specific IgG Abs. Interestingly, a negative correlation was observed between parasite load and L. tropica specific IgG/ADCP/ADNP in the skin lesions of CL patients. These results enhance our understanding of human skin response to CL caused by L. tropica.
Optimization of regeneration and Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni): a commercially important natural sweetener plant
Authors: Taak Pooja , Tiwari Siddharth , Koul Bhupendra 
Published: October 2020

AbstractStevia rebaudiana Bertoni is a commercially important zero calorie natural-sweetener herb which produce sweet compounds known as steviol glycosides. Rising demands of steviol glycosides by food and beverage industries has led to an increase in its cultivation in various countries. Unfortunately, stevia cultivation faces 2–25% yield penalty due to weeds which further adds to its cultivation cost. To resolve this major challenge, Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation of in vitro derived stevia-nodal explants using herbicide resistance gene (bar) has been optimized, for the production of stable transgenic stevia plants. Several parameters including explant type, pre-incubation duration, acetosyringone (As) concentration, Agrobacterium cell density, Agro-inoculation duration, co-cultivation duration, selection regime and plant growth regulators (PGRs) combination and concentration, have been successfully optimized. Among the two types of explants used, nodal explants showed a higher regeneration response of 82.85%, with an average of 25 shoots/explant. The best PGRs combination and concentration for shoot-induction, shoot-elongation and root-induction was found to be 6-benzyladenine (1.0 mg l−1) + naphthalene acetic acid (0.5 mg l−1), gibberellic acid (1.0 mg l−1), and half-strength MS medium, respectively. The two-step selection (phosphinothricin) regime resulted in an average transformation efficiency of 40.48% with nodal explants. Molecular characterization of putative transformants through PCR, RT-PCR, qRT-PCR and Southern-blot hybridization confirmed the presence, stability, expression as well as copy number of bar gene respectively. Compared to the non-transgenic plants, the T0 transgenic plants successfully tolerated 8 mg l−1 glufosinate ammonium sprays. Thus, the optimized protocol can be useful for the introduction of other genes (inter-kingdom transfer) into stevia genome.
A three-dimensional laser interferometer gravitational-wave detector
Authors: Liu Mengxu , Gong Biping 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe gravitational wave (GW) has opened a new window to the universe beyond the electromagnetic spectrum. Since 2015, dozens of GW events have been caught by the ground-based GW detectors through laser interferometry. However, all the ground-based detectors are L-shaped Michelson interferometers, with very limited directional response to GW. Here we propose a three-dimensional (3-D) laser interferometer detector in the shape of a regular triangular pyramid, which has more spherically symmetric antenna pattern. Moreover, the new configuration corresponds to much stronger constraints on parameters of GW sources, and is capable of constructing null-streams to get rid of the signal-like noise events. A 3-D detector of kilometer scale of such kind would shed new light on the joint search of GW and electromagnetic emission.
Comparative transcriptome analysis identifies CARM1 and DNMT3A as genes associated with osteoporosis
Authors: Panach Layla , Pertusa Clara , Martínez-Rojas Beatriz , Acebrón Álvaro , Mifsut Damián , Tarín Juan J. , Cano Antonio , García-Pérez Miguel Ángel 
Published: October 2020

AbstractTo identify new candidate genes in osteoporosis, mainly involved in epigenetic mechanisms, we compared whole gene-expression in osteoblasts (OBs) obtained from women undergoing hip replacement surgery due to fragility fracture and severe osteoarthritis. Then, we analyzed the association of several SNPs with BMD in 1028 women. Microarray analysis yielded 2542 differentially expressed transcripts belonging to 1798 annotated genes, of which 45.6% (819) were overexpressed, and 54.4% (979) underexpressed (fold-change between − 7.45 and 4.0). Among the most represented pathways indicated by transcriptome analysis were chondrocyte development, positive regulation of bone mineralization, BMP signaling pathway, skeletal system development and Wnt signaling pathway. In the translational stage we genotyped 4 SNPs in DOT1L, HEY2, CARM1 and DNMT3A genes. Raw data analyzed against inheritance patterns showed a statistically significant association between a SNP of DNMT3A and femoral neck-(FN) sBMD and primarily a SNP of CARM1 was correlated with both FN and lumbar spine-(LS) sBMD. Most of these associations remained statistically significant after adjusting for confounders. In analysis with anthropometric and clinical variables, the SNP of CARM1 unexpectedly revealed a close association with BMI (p = 0.000082), insulin (p = 0.000085), and HOMA-IR (p = 0.000078). In conclusion, SNPs of the DNMT3A and CARM1 genes are associated with BMD, in the latter case probably owing to a strong correlation with obesity and fasting insulin levels.