bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genome-wide association studies of mineral and phytic acid concentrations in pea (Pisum sativum L.) to evaluate biofortification potential
Authors: Powers Sarah , Boatwright J Lucas , Thavarajah Dil 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Pea (Pisum sativum L.) is an important cool season food legume for sustainable food production and human nutrition due to its nitrogen fixation capabilities and nutrient-dense seed. However, minimal breeding research has been conducted to improve the nutritional quality of the seed for biofortification, and most genomic-assisted breeding studies utilize small populations with few single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Genomic resources for pea have lagged behind those of other grain crops, but the recent release of the Pea Single Plant Plus Collection (PSPPC) and the pea reference genome provide new tools to study nutritional traits for biofortification. Calcium, phosphorus, potassium, iron, zinc, and phytic acid concentrations were measured in a study population of 299 different accessions grown under greenhouse conditions. Broad phenotypic variation was detected for all parameters except phytic acid. Calcium exhibited moderate broad-sense heritability (H2) estimates, at 50%, while all other minerals exhibited low heritability. Of the accessions used, 267 were previously genotyped in the PSPPC release by the USDA, and we mapped the genotyping data to the pea reference genome for the first time. This study generated 54,344 high-quality SNPs used to investigate the population structure of the PSPPC and perform a genome-wide association study to identify genomic loci associated with mineral concentrations in mature pea seed. Overall, we were able to identify multiple significant SNPs and candidate genes for iron, phosphorus, and zinc. These results can be used for genetic improvement in pea for nutritional traits and biofortification, and the candidate genes provide insight into mineral metabolism.
Regulation of Msh4-Msh5 association with meiotic chromosomes in budding yeast
Authors: Nandanan Krishnaprasad G , Salim Sagar , Pankajam Ajith V , Shinohara Miki , Lin Gen , Chakraborty Parijat , Farnaz Amamah , Steinmetz Lars M , Shinohara Akira , Nishant Koodali T 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
In the baker’s yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, most of the meiotic crossovers are generated through a pathway involving the highly conserved mismatch repair related Msh4-Msh5 complex. To understand the role of Msh4-Msh5 in meiotic crossing over, we determined its genome wide in vivo binding sites in meiotic cells. We show that Msh5 specifically associates with DSB hotspots, chromosome axes, and centromeres on chromosomes. A basal level of Msh5 association with these chromosomal features is observed even in the absence of DSB formation (spo11Δ mutant) at the early stages of meiosis. But efficient binding to DSB hotspots and chromosome axes requires DSB formation and resection and is enhanced by double Holliday junction structures. Msh5 binding is also correlated to DSB frequency and enhanced on small chromosomes with higher DSB and crossover density. The axis protein Red1 is required for Msh5 association with the chromosome axes and DSB hotspots but not centromeres. Although binding sites of Msh5 and other pro-crossover factors like Zip3 show extensive overlap, Msh5 associates with centromeres independent of Zip3. These results on Msh5 localization in wild type and meiotic mutants have implications for how Msh4-Msh5 works with other pro-crossover factors to ensure crossover formation.
Functional characterization of the developmental genes asm2, asm3, and spt3 required for fruiting body formation in the filamentous ascomycete Sordaria macrospora
Authors: Lütkenhaus Ramona , Breuer Jan , Nowrousian Minou 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
The formation of fruiting bodies is one of the most complex developmental processes in filamentous ascomycetes. It requires the development of sexual structures that give rise to meiosporangia (asci) and meiotic spores (ascospores) as well as surrounding structures for protection and dispersal of the spores. Previous studies have shown that these developmental processes are accompanied by significant changes of the transcriptome, and comparative transcriptomics of different fungi as well as the analysis of transcriptome changes in developmental mutants have aided in the identification of differentially regulated genes that are themselves involved in regulating fruiting body development. In previous analyses, we used transcriptomics to identify the genes asm2 and spt3, which result in developmental phenotypes when deleted in Sordaria macrospora. In this study, we identified another gene, asm3, required for fruiting body formation, and performed transcriptomics analyses of Δasm2, Δasm3, and Δspt3. Deletion of spt3, which encodes a subunit of the SAGA complex, results in a block at an early stage of development and drastic changes in the transcriptome. Deletion mutants of asm2 and asm3 are able to form fruiting bodies, but have defects in ascospore maturation. Transcriptomics analysis of fruiting bodies revealed a large overlap in differentially regulated genes in Δasm2 and Δasm3 compared to the wild type. Analysis of nuclear distribution during ascus development showed that both mutants undergo meiosis and postmeiotic divisions, suggesting that the transcriptomic and morphological changes might be related to defects in the morphogenesis of structural features of the developing asci and ascospores.
Introduction to the Symposium: Effects of Light Pollution Across Diverse Natural Systems
Authors: Kernbach Meredith E , Miller Colleen , Alaasam Valentina , Ferguson Stephen , Francis Clinton D 
Published: July 2021

SynopsisLight pollution, or the presence of artificial light at night (ALAN), is among the fastest growing but least understood anthropogenic stressor on the planet. While historically light pollution has not received attention comparable to climate change or chemical pollution, research over the past several decades has revealed the plethora of negative effects on humans, animals, and supporting ecosystems. As light pollution continues to grow in spatial, spectral, and temporal extent, we recognize the urgent need to understand how this affects circadian physiology, organismal fitness, life history traits and tradeoffs, population trends, and community interactions. Here, we aim to highlight background and foundational evidence of the effects of light pollution to present context and the basis for early light pollution studies. Next, we touch on several understudied topics where research is underway to fill gaps in our knowledge and provide the basis for future research. Last, we focus on questions that are vital to understanding the effects of ALAN on diverse natural systems and discuss the barriers we face conducting research on light pollution.
Valve-sparing aortic root replacement in adult patients with congenital heart disease
Authors: Bobylev Dmitry , Avsar Murat , Sarikouch Samir , Cvitkovic Tomislav , Boethig Dietmar , Westhoff-Bleck Mechthild , Bertram Harald , Beerbaum Philipp , Haverich Axel , Horke Alexander 
Published: July 2021

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Aortic root dilatation is frequently observed in patients with congenital heart defects (CHD), but has received little attention in terms of developing a best practice approach for treatment. In this study, we analysed our experience with aortic valve-sparing root replacement in patients following previous operations to repair CHD.

METHODS
In this study, we included 7 patients with a history of previous surgery for CHD who underwent aortic valve-sparing operations. The underlying initial defects were tetralogy of Fallot (n = 3), transposition of great arteries (n = 2), coarctation of the aorta (n = 1), and pulmonary atresia with ventricle septum defect (n = 1). The patients’ age ranged from 20 to 40 years (mean age 31 ± 6 years).

RESULTS
David reimplantation was performed in 6 patients and a Yacoub remodelling procedure was performed in 1 patient. Four patients underwent simultaneous pulmonary valve replacement. The mean interval between the corrective procedure for CHD and the aortic valve-sparing surgery was 26 ± 3 years. There was no operative or late mortality. The patient with transposition of great arteries following an arterial switch operation was re-operated 25 months after the valve-sparing procedure due to severe aortic regurgitation. In all other patients, the aortic valve regurgitation was mild or negligible at the latest follow-up (mean 8.7 years, range 2.1–15.1 years).

CONCLUSIONS
Valve-sparing aortic root replacement resulted in good aortic valve function during the first decade of observation in 6 of 7 patients. This approach can offer a viable alternative to root replacement with mechanical or biological prostheses in selected patients following CHD repair.
Characterization of local and peripheral immune system in pregnant and nonpregnant ewes
Authors: Quirke Laurel D , Maclean Paul H , Haack Neville A , Edwards Sara J , Heiser Axel , Juengel Jennifer L 
Published: July 2021

AbstractModulation of the immune system is known to be important for successful pregnancy but how immune function might differ between the lymph nodes draining the reproductive tract and peripheral lymph nodes is not well understood. Additionally, if immune system changes in response to the presence of an embryo during early pregnancy, and if this response differs in local versus peripheral immune tissue, has not been well characterized. To address these questions, we examined expression of genes important for immune function using NanoString technology in the ampulla and isthmus of the oviduct, endometrium, lymph nodes draining the reproductive tract (lumbo-aortic and medial iliac) as well as a peripheral lymph node (axillary), the spleen, and circulating immune cells from ewes on day 5 of the estrous cycle or pregnancy. Concentrations of estradiol and progesterone in plasma were also determined. Principal component analysis revealed separation of the local from the peripheral lymph nodes (MANOVA P = 3.245e-08, R2 = 0.3) as well as separation of tissues from pregnant and nonpregnant animals [lymph nodes (MANOVA P = 2.337e-09, R2 = 0.5), reproductive tissues (MANOVA P = 2.417e-14, R2 = 0.47)]. Nine genes were differentially (FDR &lt; 0.10) expressed between lymph node types, with clear difference in expression of these genes between the lumbo-aortic and axillary lymph nodes. Expression of these genes in the medial iliac lymph node was not consistently different to either the axillary or the lumbo-aortic lymph node. Expression of IL10RB was increased (FDR &lt; 0.05) by 24% in the reproductive tissue of the pregnant animals compared to nonpregnant animals. Analysis of gene categories revealed that expression of genes of the T-cell receptor pathway in reproductive tract tissues was associated (P &lt; 0.05) with pregnancy status. In conclusion, assessment of gene expression of reproductive and immune tissue provides evidence for a specialization of the local immune system around the reproductive tract potentially important for successful establishment of pregnancy. Additionally, differences in gene expression patterns in reproductive tissue from pregnant and nonpregnant animals could be discerned as early as day 5 of pregnancy. This was found to be associated with expression of genes important for T-cell function and thus highlights the important role of these cells in early pregnancy.
First Report of Alfalfa Weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) Resistance to Lambda-Cyhalothrin in Montana
Authors: Rodbell Erika A , Wanner Kevin W 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Forage alfalfa (Medicago sativa L. [Fabales: Fabacae]) is a major agronomic crop grown nationally and Montana ranks highly in acres harvested. The alfalfa weevil (Hypera postica Gyllenhal [Coleoptera: Curculionidae]) is the primary defoliating pest that requires insecticide applications to prevent yield loss, particularly pyrethroid active ingredients (a.i.) that are both efficacious and cost-effective. Reports from commercial alfalfa producers in Big Horn County, MT, suggested local populations of alfalfa weevil had developed resistance to the pyrethroid a.i. lambda-cyhalothrin (type II pyrethroid). Chemical control is an important component of integrated pest management (IPM) of alfalfa weevil and the loss of pyrethroid a.i. as an effective tool would result in additional production costs. Two locations in southern Big Horn County and nine locations in four other Montana counties where resistance has not been reported were sampled and assayed for resistance to lambda-cyhalothrin. Populations from three counties were susceptible, the concentration causing 50% mortality (LC50) ranged from 0.02 to 0.10 µg/cm2. In contrast, populations from Big Horn County did not reach 50% mortality at the highest concentration of lambda-cyhalothrin tested (3.30 µg/cm2), indicating high levels of resistance have developed in these populations. A field trial in Big Horn County supported laboratory results of resistance; lambda-cyhalothrin at the highest label rate did not reduce alfalfa weevil populations. Additional bioassays suggest cross-resistance to zeta-cypermethrin (type II pyrethroid), but only partial cross-resistance to permethrin (type I pyrethroid).
Biology and Management of Peanut Burrower Bug (Hemiptera: Cydnidae) in Southeast U.S. Peanut
Authors: Aigner Benjamin L , Crossley Michael S , Abney Mark R 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Peanut burrower bug, Pangaeus bilineatus (Say), is a piercing-sucking pest of peanut, Arachis hypogaea (L.), that is native to Central and North America. The insect spends most of its life below the soil surface and is not easily detected in the field. Although injury to peanut is sporadic in the Southern USA, the bug has become a serious economic pest for farmers in the region in recent years. During and after peanut seed formation, adult and immature bugs feed directly on seeds through the hull, reducing the quality and value of the crop. The value of peanut is reduced by approximately $209/MT when feeding injury is present on ≥3.5% of kernels by weight. Deep tillage prior to planting and application of granular chlorpyrifos during the growing season are the only tactics currently available for managing P. bilineatus in peanut in the United States. Relatively little research attention has been focused on P. bilineatus, and improved knowledge of the insect’s biology and ecology is needed to develop an integrated pest management (IPM) strategy that significantly reduces financial losses caused by this insect. The purpose of this article is to provide a review of the taxonomic history, biology, pest status, and management of P. bilineatus primarily as it relates to peanut production systems in the Southeast USA.
Identification and RNAi-Based Functional Analysis of Four Chitin Deacetylase Genes in Sogatella furcifera (Hemiptera: Delphacidae)
Authors: Yang Xi-Bin , Zhou Cao , Gong Ming-Fu , Yang Hong , Long Gui-Yun , Jin Dao-Chao 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Chitin deacetylases (CDAs) are chitin-degrading enzymes that play a key role in insect molting. In this study, we identified and characterized four full-length cDNAs of CDAs from Sogatella furcifera (Horváth). Developmental expression showed that SfCDA1 and SfCDA2 were expressed at all nymph developmental stages, SfCDA3 and SfCDA4 were mainly expressed in the third-instar to fifth-instar nymph stages, whereas tissue-specific analyses indicated that four CDA genes were mainly high expressed in the integument and head during the fifth-instar nymph. RNA interference (RNAi) results revealed that SfCDA1, SfCDA2, and SfCDA4 are associated with molting defect and high mortality with nymph–adult molting. Furthermore, transcripts of chitin synthase 1 variants (SfCHS1, SfCHS1a, and SfCHS1b) were significantly downregulated and causing significant changes in the expression levels of trehalases (TRE1 and TRE2) in the SfCDA1, SfCDA2, and SfCDA4 dsRNA treatment groups. By contrast, no significant phenotypic characteristics were observed after dsSfCDA3 injection. Taken together, our results suggest that SfCDA1, SfCDA2, and SfCDA4 play a vital role in nymph-adult transition, and these genes could regulate chitin biosynthesis expression levels.
Risk Assessment for the Establishment of Vespa mandarinia (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) in the Pacific Northwest, United States
Authors: Norderud Erik D , Powell Scott L , Peterson Robert K D 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
The recent introduction of the Asian giant hornet, Vespa mandarinia Smith, in the United States in late 2019 has raised concerns about its establishment in the Pacific Northwest and its potential deleterious effects on honey bees, Apis spp., and their pollination services in the region. Therefore, we conducted a risk assessment of the establishment of V. mandarinia in Washington, Oregon, Montana, and Idaho on a county-by-county basis. Our highly conservative tier-1 qualitative and semiquantitative risk assessment relied on the biological requirements and ecological relationships of V. mandarinia in the environments of the Pacific Northwest. Our risk characterization was based on climate and habitat suitability estimates for V. mandarinia queens to overwinter and colonize nests, density and distribution of apiaries, and locations of major human-mediated introduction pathways that may increase establishment of the hornet in the counties. Our results suggest that 32 counties in the region could be at low risk, 120 at medium risk, and 23 at high risk of establishment. Many of the western counties in the region were estimated to be at the highest risk of establishment mainly because of their suitable climate for queens to overwinter, dense forest biomass for nest colonization, and proximity to major port and freight hubs in the region. By design, our tier-1 risk assessment most likely overestimates the risk of establishment, but considering its negative effects, these counties should be prioritized in ongoing monitoring and eradication efforts of V. mandarinia.
Fine-scale spatial distribution of soil organic carbon and its fractions after afforestation withPinus sylvestrisandSalix psammophilain a semiarid desert of China
Authors: Lan Zhilong , Zhang Shaolei , Sial Tanveer Ali , Wu Luyao , Chang Wenqian , Li Xiong , Zhang Jianguo , Fan Jinglong 
Published: July 2021

AbstractAfforestation is helpful to improve soil functions and increase soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration in semiarid deserts. However, the fine-scale (around a single plant) spatial distribution of SOC and its liable organic carbon (LOC) fractions after afforestation in semiarid deserts are poorly understood. Pinus sylvestris and Salix psammophila afforested on shifting sandy land (Sland) were selected to quantify fine-scale (at 20, 80, 150 and 240 cm away from the trees) spatial distribution of SOC and its LOC fractions in the southeast edge of Mu Us Desert, China. The results showed that the afforested S. psammophila and P. sylvestris significantly increased SOC, total nitrogen, dissolved organic carbon, microbial biomass carbon and readily oxidized organic carbon (ROOC). At 20 cm distance, SOC storage of P. sylvestris was 27.21% higher than S. psammophila in 0–100 cm soil layers, and SOC storage of S. psammophila at 80 and 150 cm distances was 5.50% and 5.66% higher than P. sylvestris, respectively. Compared with Sland, SOC storage under S. psammophila and P. sylvestris significantly increased by 94.90%, 39.50%, 27.10% and 18.50% at 20, 80, 150 and 240 cm distance, respectively. ROOC accounted for 14.09% and 18.93% of SOC under S. psammophila and P. sylvestris, respectively. Our results suggest that afforestation can promote SOC accumulation at different distances from the plants, and that P. sylvestris allocates more organic matter to the closer soil compared with S. psammophila (&lt;80 cm from the tree).
Competition and abiotic stress affect the size of mangroves near their geographic range limit
Authors: Peng Dan , Guo Hongyu , Armitage Anna R , Pennings Steven C 
Published: July 2021

AbstractStudies of competition in mangroves are mostly limited to seedlings and artificial settings like forestry projects. We conducted the first experimental study of intraspecific competition among adult mangroves in a natural mangrove forest to examine how important competition is in determining tree size compared with abiotic conditions. We conducted a study near Port Aransas, TX, USA, which is near the geographical limit of mangroves and dominated by monospecific stands of ‘scrub’ form black mangroves, Avicennia germinans. We thinned 10 plots to create a gradient of mangrove cover, and quantified the effects of mangrove cover on the growth of tagged mangroves from 2013 to 2019, and the mangrove canopy height in 2019. The relative growth rate of tagged mangroves declined as mangrove cover increased, and plants in the plot with 100% mangrove cover did not grow, indicating that they had attained their maximum size. In plots with reduced mangrove cover, plant height increased sharply, with plants in the plot with 11% mangrove cover growing ~52% taller over 6 years. Canopy height was ~30% taller in the plot fringe than in the interior, and canopy height in both fringe and interior declined as mangrove cover increased. Measures of leaf chlorophyll concentration and light interception suggested that plants were primarily limited by nitrogen. Our results showed that scrub mangroves compete strongly despite being limited by abiotic conditions, and that the importance of competition was greater in magnitude than that of abiotic differences between the fringe and interior.
Using a gene-based phenology model to identify optimal flowering periods of spring wheat in irrigated mega-environments
Authors: Hu Pengcheng , Chapman Scott C , Dreisigacker Susanne , Sukumaran Sivakumar , Reynolds Matthew , Zheng Bangyou 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
To maximize the grain yield of spring wheat, flowering needs to coincide with the optimal flowering period (OFP) by minimizing frost and heat stress on reproductive development. This global study conducted a comprehensive modelling analysis of genotype, environment, and management to identify the OFPs for sites in irrigated mega-environments of spring wheat where the crop matures during a period of increasing temperatures. We used a gene-based phenology model to conduct long-term simulation analysis with parameterized genotypes to identify OFPs and optimal sowing dates for sites in irrigated mega-environments, considering the impacts of frost and heat stress on yield. The validation results showed that the gene-based model accurately predicted wheat heading dates across global wheat environments. The long-term simulations indicated that frost and heat stress significantly advanced or delayed OFPs and shrank the durations of OFPs in irrigated mega-environments when compared with OFPs where the model excluded frost and heat stress impacts. The simulation results (incorporating frost and heat penalties on yield) also showed that earlier flowering generally resulted in higher yields, and early sowing dates and/or early flowering genotypes were suggested to achieve early flowering. These results provided an interpretation of the regulation of wheat flowering to the OFP by the selection of sowing date and cultivar to achieve higher yields in irrigated mega-environments.