bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetic basis and identification of candidate genes for salt tolerance in rice by GWAS
Authors: Yuan Jie , Wang Xueqiang , Zhao Yan , Khan Najeeb Ullah , Zhao Zhiqiang , Zhang Yanhong , Wen Xiaorong , Tang Fusen , Wang Fengbin , Li Zichao 
Published: June 2020

AbstractSoil salinity is a major factor affecting rice growth and productivity worldwide especially at seedling stage. Many genes for salt tolerance have been identified and applied to rice breeding, but the actual mechanism of salt tolerance remains unclear. In this study, seedlings of 664 cultivated rice varieties from the 3000 Rice Genome Project (3K-RG) were cultivated by hydroponic culture with 0.9% salt solution for trait identification. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) of salt tolerance was performed using different models of analysis. Twenty-one QTLs were identified and two candidate genes namedOsSTL1(Oryza sativasalt tolerance level 1) andOsSTL2(Oryza sativasalt tolerance level 2) were confirmed using sequence analysis. Haplotype and sequence analysis revealed that geneOsSTL1was a homolog of salt tolerance geneSRP1(Stress associated RNA-binding protein 1) in Arabidopsis. The hap1 ofOsSTL1was identified as the superior haplotype and a non-synonymous SNP was most likely to be the functional site. We also determined that the level of salt tolerance was improved by combining haplotypes of different genes. Our study provides a foundation for molecular breeding and functional analysis of salt tolerance in rice seedlings.
Phloem sap in Cretaceous ambers as abundant double emulsions preserving organic and inorganic residues
Authors: Lozano Rafael Pablo , Pérez-de la Fuente Ricardo , Barrón Eduardo , Rodrigo Ana , Viejo José Luis , Peñalver Enrique 
Published: June 2020

AbstractFossilized remains preserved in amber provide abundant data on the paleobiota surrounding the resin-producing plants, but relatively scarcer information about the resinous sources themselves. Here, dark pseudoinclusions in kidney-shaped amber pieces from the Early Cretaceous (Albian) amber from Spain are studied. This type of fossilized remain, abundant in Cretaceous ambers, was first interpreted as fossilized vacuole-bearing microorganisms, but later regarded as artifactual and probably secreted by the resinous trees, although their origin remained unclear. Using complementary microscopy (light, electron, confocal), spectroscopy (infrared, micro-Raman), mass spectrometry and elemental analysis techniques, we demonstrate that the pseudoinclusions correspond to droplets of phloem sap containing amber spheroids and preserving both organic and inorganic residues consistent with degraded components from the original sap. The amber pieces containing pseudoinclusions are fossilized, resin-in-sap-in-resin double emulsions, showing banding patterns with differential content of resin-in-sap emulsion droplets. Our findings represent the first time fossilized phloem sap, 105 million years old, has been recognized and characterized, and open new lines of paleontological research with taxonomic, taphonomic, physiological and ecological implications.
Clinical impact of pre-hypertension on the risk of cancer in male and female subjects
Authors: Lee Su Hwan , Lee Hye Ah , Lee Sean S. , Kim Seong-Eun , Shim Ki-Nam , Jung Hye-Kyung , Jung Sung-Ae , Chang Jung Hyun , Kwon Kihwan , Pyun Wook Bum , Joung Boyoung , Moon Chang Mo , Park Junbeom 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThere are few studies assessing pre-hypertension and an impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and their combined effects on the cancer risk. We investigated the impact of pre-hypertension on cancer risk and IFG, and their combined effects on the cancer risk. This study included 371,762 subjects (≥40 years) who had never been diagnosed with hypertension, diabetes mellitus (DM), and cancer before. During a mean follow-up of 10.06 ± 1.86 years, 35,605 (9.58%) of the subjects developed cancer. In men only, cancer risk was significantly increased with an increase in the blood pressure (BP) (P for trend < 0.001), and were increased in the hypertension range, but not the pre-hypertension range. When analyzing the combination effect of BP and fasting glucose, cancer risks were serially increased with an increase in the fasting glucose in a dose-dependent manner, but not with an increase in BP. These results were more consistently significant in the never-smoker and non-alcohol drinking groups. However, in women, there was no significant difference. In conclusions, increased BP status or the fasting serum glucose level status were associated with cancer risk in men. Furthermore, the combination of both pre-hypertension and IFG also was associated with a cancer risk in men.
Minimum Number of Settlers for Survival on Another Planet
Authors: Salotti Jean-Marc 
Published: June 2020

AbstractWhat is the feasibility of survival on another planet and being self-sustaining? This question is of particular importance for the future of the space conquest and perhaps also for the future of humanity in general [1,2]. The use of in situ resources and different social organizations have been proposed [3–6,12–19] but there is still a poor understanding of the problem’s variables. I show here that a mathematical model can be used to determine the minimum number of settlers and the way of life for survival on another planet, using Mars as the example [6,15]. It is based on the comparison between the time requirements to implement all kinds of human activities for long term survival and the available time of the settlers. An important parameter of the model is called the sharing factor, which allows some reduction of time requirements per individual if, for example, the activity concerns the construction of an object that can be shared by several individuals. For survival on Mars, some assumptions are made for the organization of the settlers and engineering issues [13–15]. The minimum number of settlers has been calculated and the result is 110 individuals. Other assumptions can be made. The proposed method allows assessments and comparisons, opening the debate for the best strategy for survival. If this relatively low number is confirmed, survival on another planet might be easier than expected, provided that the organization of the settlers is appropriate.
The Role of Bone Morphogenetic Protein Signaling in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Thayer Timothy E. , Lino Cardenas Christian L. , Martyn Trejeeve , Nicholson Christopher J. , Traeger Lisa , Wunderer Florian , Slocum Charles , Sigurslid Haakon , Shakartzi Hannah R. , O’Rourke Caitlin , Shelton Georgia , Buswell Mary D. , Barnes Hanna , Neitzel Leif R. , Ledsky Clara D. , Li Jason Pingcheng , Burke Megan F. , Farber-Eger Eric , Perrien Daniel S. , Kumar Ravindra , Corey Kathleen E. , Wells Quinn S. , Bloch Kenneth D. , Hong Charles C. , Bloch Donald B. , Malhotra Rajeev 
Published: June 2020

AbstractNon-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) affects over 30% of adults in the United States. Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling is known to contribute to hepatic fibrosis, but the role of BMP signaling in the development of NAFLD is unclear. In this study, treatment with either of two BMP inhibitors reduced hepatic triglyceride content in diabetic (db/db) mice. BMP inhibitor-induced decrease in hepatic triglyceride levels was associated with decreased mRNA encoding Dgat2, an enzyme integral to triglyceride synthesis. Treatment of hepatoma cells with BMP2 induced DGAT2 expression and activity via intracellular SMAD signaling. In humans we identified a rare missense single nucleotide polymorphism in the BMP type 1 receptor ALK6 (rs34970181;R371Q) associated with a 2.1-fold increase in the prevalence of NAFLD. In vitro analyses revealed R371Q:ALK6 is a previously unknown constitutively active receptor. These data show that BMP signaling is an important determinant of NAFLD in a murine model and is associated with NAFLD in humans.
Nutraceutical properties of Leucaena leucocephala, Manihot esculenta, Cajanus cajan and a foliage blend in goat kids infected with Haemonchus contortus
Authors: Minatchy Nathalie , Marie-Magdeleine Carine , Garin Miguel , Nimirf Ferdy , Romil-Granville Dimitri , Philibert Lucien , Calif Valeriuse , Bambou Jean-Christophe , Archimède Harry 
Published: June 2020

AbstractProtein and condensed tannin-rich foliage (TRF) are potentially useful as nutraceuticals. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the diet and anthelmintic properties of three TRF types both individually and in combination. We hypothesized that synergistic or antagonistic effects on feed and anthelmintic values related to associations between TRF types may occur. Nutritional and anthelmintic characteristics of Leucaena leucocephala, Manihot esculenta, Cajanus cajan and a mixture of the compounds were evaluated using alfalfa pellets as a control. TRF ingredients were combined with Dichantium hay (48 and 52% of dry matter intake respectively) in mixed diets were consumed by Creole goat kids. Measurements were carried out in animals without parasites and in animals artificially infected with Haemonchus contortus. Individual feed intake and the digestibility of each diet was measured along with kid growth. There were no significant differences between the growth rates of pre-infected animals and animals fed mixed diets that included alfalfa. A strong anthelmintic activity is observed with Leucaena leucocephala contrary to other TRFs. This work confirms variable dietary and anthelmintic properties of TRF. The combination of TRF did not have synergistic or antagonistic effects on feed value or the anthelmintic potential of TRF.
On an EUV Atmospheric Simulation Chamber to Study the Photochemical Processes of Titan’s Atmosphere
Authors: Bourgalais Jérémy , Carrasco Nathalie , Vettier Ludovic , Gautier Thomas , Blanchet Valérie , Petit Stéphane , Descamps Dominique , Fedorov Nikita , Delos Romain , Gaudin Jérôme 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe in situ exploration of Titan’s atmosphere requires the development of laboratory experiments to understand the molecular growth pathways initiated by photochemistry in the upper layers of the atmosphere. Key species and dominant reaction pathways are used to feed chemical network models that reproduce the chemical and physical processes of this complex environment. Energetic UV photons initiate highly efficient chemistry by forming reactive species in the ionospheres of the satellite. We present here a laboratory experiment based on a new closed and removable photoreactor coupled here to an Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) irradiation beam produced by the high-order harmonic generation of a femtosecond laser. This type of EUV stable source allow long-term irradiation experiments in which a plethora of individual reactions can take place. In order to demonstrate the validity of our approach, we irradiated for 7 hours at 89.2 nm, a gas mixture based on N2/CH4 (5%). Using only one wavelength, products of the reaction reveal an efficient photochemistry with the formation of large hydrocarbons but especially organic compounds rich in nitrogen similar to Titan. Among these nitrogen compounds, new species had never before been identified in the mass spectra obtained in situ in Titan’s atmosphere. Their production in this experiment, on the opposite, corroborates previous experimental measurements in the literature on the chemical composition of aerosol analogues produced in the laboratory. Diazo-compounds such as dimethyldiazene (C2H6N2), have been observed and are consistent with the large nitrogen incorporation observed by the aerosols collector pyrolysis instrument of the Huygens probe. This work represents an important step forward in the use of a closed cell chamber irradiated by the innovative EUV source for the generation of photochemical analogues of Titan aerosols. This approach allows to better constrain and understand the growth pathways of nitrogen incorporation into organic aerosols in Titan’s atmosphere.
Substrate promiscuity of polyketide synthase enables production of tsetse fly attractants 3-ethylphenol and 3-propylphenol by engineering precursor supply in yeast
Authors: Hitschler Julia , Grininger Martin , Boles Eckhard 
Published: June 2020

AbstractTsetse flies are the transmitting vector of trypanosomes causing human sleeping sickness and animal trypanosomiasis in sub-saharan Africa. 3-alkylphenols are used as attractants in tsetse fly traps to reduce the spread of the disease. Here we present an inexpensive production method for 3-ethylphenol (3-EP) and 3-propylphenol (3-PP) by microbial fermentation of sugars. Heterologous expression in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae of phosphopantetheinyltransferase-activated 6-methylsalicylic acid (6-MSA) synthase (MSAS) and 6-MSA decarboxylase converted acetyl-CoA as a priming unit via 6-MSA into 3-methylphenol (3-MP). We exploited the substrate promiscuity of MSAS to utilize propionyl-CoA and butyryl-CoA as alternative priming units and the substrate promiscuity of 6-MSA decarboxylase to produce 3-EP and 3-PP in yeast fermentations. Increasing the formation of propionyl-CoA by expression of a bacterial propionyl-CoA synthetase, feeding of propionate and blocking propionyl-CoA degradation led to the production of up to 12.5 mg/L 3-EP. Introduction of a heterologous ‘reverse ß-oxidation’ pathway provided enough butyryl-CoA for the production of 3-PP, reaching titers of up to 2.6 mg/L. As the concentrations of 3-alkylphenols are close to the range of the concentrations deployed in tsetse fly traps, the yeast broths might become promising and inexpensive sources for attractants, producible on site by rural communities in Africa.
Forest aboveground biomass estimation using Landsat 8 and Sentinel-1A data with machine learning algorithms
Authors: Li Yingchang , Li Mingyang , Li Chao , Liu Zhenzhen 
Published: June 2020

AbstractForest aboveground biomass (AGB) plays an important role in the study of the carbon cycle and climate change in the global terrestrial ecosystem. AGB estimation based on remote sensing is an effective method for regional scale. In this study, Landsat 8 Operational Land Imager and Sentinel-1A data and China’s National Forest Continuous Inventory data in combination with three algorithms, either the linear regression (LR), random forest (RF), or the extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), were used to estimate biomass of the subtropical forests in Hunan Province, China. XGBoost is a scalable tree boosting system that is widely used by data scientists and provides state-of-the-art results for many problems. It can process an entire dataset with billions of examples using a minimal amount of computational resources through the particular way of cache access patterns, data compression, and data fragmentation. The results include: (1) The combination of Landsat 8 and Sentinel-1A images as predictor variables in the XGBoost model provided the best AGB estimation. (2) In contrast to the LR method, the F-test results indicated that a significant improvement in AGB estimation was achieved with the RF and XGBoost algorithms. (3) The effect of parameter optimization was found to be more significant on XGBoost than on RF. (4) The XGBoost model is an effective method for AGB estimation and can reduce the problems of overestimation and underestimation. This research provides a new way of estimating AGB for the subtropical forest based on remote sensing through the synergy of different sensors datasets and modeling algorithms.
Effects of Selenium and Vitamin E on Enzymatic, Biochemical, and Immunological Biomarkers in Galleria mellonella L
Authors: Coskun Mustafa , Kayis Tamer , Gulsu Emre , ALP Emel 
Published: June 2020

AbstractTo understand the effects of micronutrients have particular biological functions that are involved mainly in the antioxidant system, which has essential implications for the development of diseases, this study investigated how vitamin E, selenium, and their combination affect lipid, protein, carbohydrate, and malondialdehyde (MDA) content; antioxidant enzyme (catalase [CAT], superoxide dismutase [SOD], glutathione-S-transferase [GST]) activity; and the total hemocyte count (THC) in larvae of Galleria mellonella L. fed different diets. Diet 1 (100 µg of selenium) significantly decreased carbohydrate and lipid content. Diets 2 (100 µg of vitamin E), 3 (100 µg of selenium and vitamin E each), and 5 (Tween 80) did not significantly affect protein and carbohydrate content. Diet 2 significantly increased the lipid content compared to diet 4 (control). Diet 1 increased CAT, SOD, and GST activity and MDA content (highest at 27.64 nmol/mg protein). Diet 2 significantly decreased SOD activity and MDA content compared to other diets. Diet 1 significantly decreased the THC compared to other diets. These results suggested that selenium changes oxidative stress parameters, energy reserves, and THC in G. mellonella. These changes could be a physiological adaptation against selenium-induced oxidative stress. Vitamin E could play a protective role in selenium toxicity.
Rat intestinal homogenate and pancreatic juice can induce the Z-isomerization of all-E-lycopene in vitro
Authors: Huang Jin , Hui Bodi 
Published: June 2020

AbstractLycopene is one of the carotenoids often consumed by humans in their diet. Although lycopene exists mainly in the form of the all E-isomer in foods, the considerable quantity of its Z-isomers is found in the human plasma and liver. This observation suggested that the lycopene all-E-isomer was converted into Z-isomers in the human body. In this study, the Z-isomerization of the all-E-isomer was induced in vitro by the pancreatic juice and small intestinal homogenate of male rats under the conditions of 37 °C, pH = 7.5, nitrogen and darkness, as well as shaking. After 2 hours, the proportion of the all E-isomer decreased to 25% and Z-isomer amounts increased relatively. The converted products were identified as 5, 9, and 11 Z-isomers by electronic absorption spectroscopy and mass spectrometry (MS). The observations from this experiment suggested that the Z-isomerization site of the lycopene all E-isomer was located in the small intestinal wall of the rat.
Mutation of LRP1 in cardiac neural crest cells causes congenital heart defects by perturbing outflow lengthening
Authors: Lin Jiuann-Huey I. , Feinstein Timothy N. , Jha Anupma , McCleary Jacob T. , Xu Juan , Arrigo Angelo B. , Rong Grace , Maclay Lindsey M. , Ridge Taylor , Xu XinXiu , Lo Cecilia W. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe recent recovery of mutations in vesicular trafficking genes causing congenital heart disease (CHD) revealed an unexpected role for the endocytic pathway. We now show that mice with a C4232R missense mutation in Low density lipoprotein receptor related protein 1 (LRP1) exhibit atrioventricular septal defects with double outlet right ventricle. Lrp1m/m mice exhibit shortened outflow tracts (OFT) and dysmorphic hypocellular cushions with reduced proliferation and increased apoptosis. Lrp1m/m embryonic fibroblasts show decreased cell motility and focal adhesion turnover associated with retention of mutant LRP1 in endoplasmic reticulum and reduced LRP1 expression. Conditional deletion of Lrp1 in cardiac neural crest cells (CNC) replicates the full CHD phenotype. Cushion explants showed defective cell migration, with gene expression analysis indicating perturbation of Wnt and other signaling pathways. Thus, LRP1 function in CNCs is required for normal OFT development with other cell lineages along the CNC migratory path playing a supporting role.
Tubular transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif protects against ischemic acute kidney injury
Authors: Wu Chia-Lin , Chang Chia-Chu , Yang Tao-Hsiang , Tsai Alexander Charng-Dar , Wang Jui-Lin , Chang Chung-Ho , Tarng Der-Cherng 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) is a key downstream effector of the Hippo tumor-suppressor pathway. The functions of TAZ in the kidney, especially in tubular epithelial cells, are not well-known. To elucidate the adaptive expression, protective effects on kidney injury, and signaling pathways of TAZ in response to acute kidney injury (AKI), we used in vitro (hypoxia-treated human renal proximal tubular epithelial cells [RPTECs]) and in vivo (mouse ischemia–reperfusion injury [IRI]) models of ischemic AKI. After ischemic AKI, TAZ was up-regulated in RPTECs and the renal cortex or tubules. Up-regulation of TAZ in RPTECs subjected to hypoxia was controlled by IκB kinase (IKK)/nuclear factor κ-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cell (NF-κB) signaling. TAZ overexpression attenuated hypoxic and oxidative injury, inhibited apoptosis and activation of p38 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) proteins, and promoted wound healing in an RPTEC monolayer. However, TAZ knockdown aggravated hypoxic injury, apoptosis, and activation of p38 and JNK signaling, delayed wound closure of an RPTEC monolayer, and promoted G0/G1 phase cell-cycle arrest. Chloroquine and verteporfin treatment produced similar results to TAZ overexpression and knockdown in RPTECs, respectively. Compared with vehicle-treated mice, chloroquine treatment increased TAZ in the renal cortex and tubules, improved renal function, and attenuated tubular injury and tubular apoptosis after renal IRI, whereas TAZ siRNA and verteporfin decreased TAZ in the renal cortex and tubules, deteriorated renal failure and tubular injury, and aggravated tubular apoptosis. Our findings indicate the renoprotective role of tubular TAZ in ischemic AKI. Drugs augmenting (e.g., chloroquine) or suppressing (e.g., verteporfin) TAZ in the kidney might be beneficial or deleterious to patients with AKI.
A strong neutron burst in jet-like supernovae of spinstars
Authors: Choplin Arthur , Tominaga Nozomu , Meyer Bradley S. 
Published: June 2020

Context. Some metal-poor stars have abundance patterns, which are midway between the slow (s) and rapid (r) neutron capture processes.
Aims. We show that the helium shell of a fast rotating massive star experiencing a jet-like explosion undergoes two efficient neutron capture processes: one during stellar evolution and one during the explosion. It eventually provides a material whose chemical composition is midway between the s- and r-process.
Methods. A low metallicity 40 M⊙ model with an initial rotational velocity of ∼700 km s−1 was computed from birth to pre-supernova with an extended nuclear network following the slow neutron capture process. A two-dimensional hydrodynamic relativistic code was used to model a E = 1052 erg relativistic jet-like explosion hitting the stellar mantle. The jet-induced nucleosynthesis was calculated in post-processing with an optimised network of 1812 nuclei.
Results. During the star’s life, heavy elements from 30 ≲ Z ≲ 82 are produced thanks to an efficient s-process, which is boosted by rotation. At the end of evolution, the helium shell is largely enriched in trans-iron elements and in (unburnt) 22Ne, whose abundance is ∼20 times higher than in a non-rotating model. During the explosion, the jet heats the helium shell up to ∼1.5 GK. It efficiently activates (α, n) reactions, such as 22Ne(α, n), and leads to a strong n-process with neutron densities of ∼1019 − 1020 cm−3 during 0.1 s. This has the effect of shifting the s-process pattern, which was built during stellar evolution, towards heavier elements (e.g. Eu). The resulting chemical pattern is consistent with the abundances of the carbon-enhanced metal-poor r/s star CS29528-028, provided the ejecta of the jet model is not homogeneously mixed.
Conclusions. The helium burning zones of rotating massive stars experience an efficient s-process during the evolution followed by an efficient n-process during a jet-like explosion. This is a new astrophysical site which can explain at least some of the metal-poor stars showing abundance patterns midway between the s- and r-process.