bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development and application of a dCAPS marker for the white immature fruit rind colour gene w in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.)
Authors: Yang Yuqing , Zhou Yuan , Xiang Yachen , Zhou Yuqing , Cui Haibing , Liu Hanqiang , Pan Yupeng 
Published: August 2024

AbstractImmature fruit rind colour, a key factor influencing consumer choice, is an important external quality trait in cucumbers. The application of molecular marker‐assisted selection (MAS) can significantly improve the efficiency of the cucumber breeding process that focuses on fruit rind colours. In this study, we developed a dCAPS marker Csw_dCAPS co‐segregated with cucumber white immature fruit rind regulating gene w (Csaprr2) based on its 1‐bp ‘G/‐’ sequence insertion. Both validations of marker Csw_dCAPS among 59 cucumber commercial cultivars and 41 inbred lines showed that the Csw_dCAPS marker has 100% accuracy rates in identifying the green and white coloured immature fruit rinds controlling by alleles W and w. Application of Csw_dCAPS marker in cucumber lines XNS023‐1 and XNS023‐2 revealed that the white immature fruit rind in XNS023‐1 is also caused by the 1‐bp ‘G/‐’ insertion of gene w. We discussed the derivation of gene w in cucumber XNS023‐1 according to the genetic background differences between XNS023‐1 and XNS023‐2. Besides, this newly developed marker was also compared with the previously reported linkage marker SSR06791 to underscore the precision and reliability of Csw_dCAPS. Herein, we first reported and verified a dCAPS marker Csw_dCAPS that completely co‐segregated with the white immature fruit rind regulating gene w. We concluded that this high‐accuracy dCAPS marker can effectively facilitate the MAS breeding process of new cucumber cultivars characterized by white‐coloured immature fruits.
Liana attachment to supports leads to profound changes in xylem anatomy and transcriptional profile of cambium and differentiating xylem
Authors: Lima André Carvalho , da Silva Andrade Sónia Cristina , Gerolamo Caian Souza , de Souza Diego Trindade , Coutinho Luiz Lehmann , Rossi Magdalena , Angyalossy Veronica 
Published: August 2024

AbstractWood serves crucial functions in plants, yet our understanding of the mechanisms governing the composition, arrangement, and dimensions of its cells remains limited. The abrupt transition from nonlianescent to lianescent xylem in lianas represents an excellent model to address the underlying mechanisms, although consistent triggering factors for this process remain uncertain. In this study we examined how physical support attachment impacts the development of lianescent xylem in Bignonia magnifica (Bignoniaceae), employing a comprehensive approach integrating detailed anatomical analysis with gene expression profiling of cambium and differentiating xylem. Our findings demonstrate that attachment to physical supports triggers the formation of lianescent xylem, leading to increased vessel size, broader vessel distribution, reduced fibre content, and higher potential specific water conductivity than nonlianescent xylem. These shifts in wood anatomy coincide with the downregulation of genes associated with cell division and cell wall biosynthesis, and the upregulation of transcription factors, defense/cell death, and hormone‐responsive genes in the lianescent xylem. Our findings provide insights into the regulation of xylem differentiation, driven by response to environmental stimuli. Additionally, they shed light on the mechanisms underlying the adaptation of lianas to climbing.
MAPKKK28 functions upstream of the MKK1‐MPK1 cascade to regulate abscisic acid responses in rice
Authors: Ren Ning , Zhang Gang , Yang Xiaokun , Chen Jing , Ni Lan , Jiang Mingyi 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade (MAPKKK‐MAPKK‐MAPK) plays a critical role in biotic and abiotic stress responses and abscisic acid (ABA) signalling. A previous study has shown that the ABA‐activated MKK1‐MPK1 cascade is essential in regulating ABA response and stress tolerance in rice. However, the specific MAPKKK upstream of the MKK1‐MPK1 cascade in ABA signalling remains unknown. Here, we identified that MAPKKK28, a previously uncharacterized member of the rice MEKK family, is involved in regulating ABA responses, including seed germination, root growth, stomatal closure, and the tolerance to oxidative stress and osmotic stress. We found that MAPKKK28 directly interacts with and phosphorylates MKK1. Further analysis indicated that the activation of both MKK1 and MPK1 depends on MAPKKK28 in ABA signalling. Genetic analysis revealed that MAPKKK28 functions upstream of the MKK1‐MPK1 cascade to positively regulate ABA responses and enhance tolerance to oxidative and osmotic stress. These results not only reveal a new complete MAPK cascade in plants but also uncover its importance in ABA signalling.
Photobiomodulation Using 830 nm Lighting‐Emitting Diode Inhibits Melanogenesis via FOXO3a in Human Melanocyte
Authors: Dan Yanjun , Chen Li , Jin Shanglin , Xing Xiaoxue , Zhu Yijian , Jiang Min , Zhang Chengfeng , Xiang Leihong Flora 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACTPhotobiomodulation (PBM) using 830 nm light‐emitting diode (LED) benefits tissue regeneration, wound healing and neural stimulation. However, there is not much exploration of its effect on melanocytes and ex vivo skin model. This study aims to investigate the mechanism behind the anti‐melanogenic activity of 830 nm LED and provides evidence for its activity in human ex vivo skin model. Our results showed that 830 nm LED at fluences ranging from 5 to 20 J/cm2 inhibited melanosome maturation and reduced melanin content, tyrosinase activity and melanogenesis‐related proteins. 830 nm LED inhibited the phosphorylation of AKT and its downstream FOXO3a, leading to nuclear translocation of FOXO3a. Furthermore, FOXO3a knockdown and AKT activator like SC79 could reverse the melanogenesis inhibition phenotype induced by 830 nm LED. In human ex vivo skin model, Fontana–Masson staining revealed a decrease in epidermal basal pigmentation after 830 nm LED irradiation. Taken together, 830 nm LED demonstrated the anti‐melanogenic activity via FOXO3a.
Standardization of CD30 immunohistochemistry staining among three automated immunostaining platforms
Authors: Seki Masafumi , Satou Akira , Funato Renji , Tamaki Tomoko , Wada Naoki , Nakada Norihiro , Matsumoto Hirofumi , Nakazato Iwao , Wada Eriko , Sakurai Kaneko , Tsuzuki Toyonori , Karube Kennosuke 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe identification of CD30 expression by immunohistochemistry is essential for the treatment of lymphomas using an antibody‐drug conjugate targeting CD30. However, no standardized protocol for CD30 staining has been available. In this study, we compared three common automated immunostaining platforms {Bond III (B III), Dako Omnis (DO) and Ventana BenchMark ULTRA (VBMU)}. A primary antibody for CD30, the Ber‐H2 clone, was diluted 50‐ to 400‐fold for B III and DO, and ready‐to‐use antibody was used for VBMU. An enhancement step using a linker was introduced in all protocols. First, several candidate dilutions were selected for each platform by staining six cases. These candidate conditions were then confirmed with 60 cases of various types of peripheral T‐cell lymphomas (PTCLs). The concordance rates of CD30 expression among platforms differed depending on cutoff values and antibody dilutions, except for anaplastic large cell lymphoma. The concordance rates among three platforms in the evaluation of “positive” or “negative” were 100% and 97% when the cutoff values were 1% and 10% respectively, if using 400‐diluted antibody in B III and 100‐diluted antibody in DO. This study demonstrated the feasibility of equalizing CD30 staining of PTCLs among different platforms by adjusting protocols.
Leaf drought adaptive response in winter oilseed rape is altered at the onset of senescence: a study combining NMR relaxometry, multi‐omics and microscopy
Authors: Boulc'h Pierre‐Nicolas , Clouet Vanessa , Niogret Marie‐Françoise , Avice Jean‐Christophe , Musse Maja , Leport Laurent 
Published: August 2024

AbstractClimate change is bringing more frequent and intense droughts, reducing overall water availability and adversely affecting crops. There is a need to improve our understanding of the tissular and cellular adaptation mechanisms that are critical for plant water conservation strategies. Here, we have used NMR relaxometry in combination with microscopy and multi‐omic analysis to study the effects of progressive soil drought on winter oilseed rape (WOSR, Brassica napus L., cv. Aviso) leaves. This study reveals the structural and metabolic adjustments these leaves operate to maintain cell homeostasis. Our results are original in showing that the adaptive responses are altered in leaves at the onset of senescence, associated with changes in metabolic plasticity and mesophyll structures. Thus, long‐term responses in young leaves involving osmotic adjustment were combined with the maintenance of tissue hydration and cell growth, contributing to high survival and recovery capacity. For the first time, short‐term responses observed in early senescent‐old leaves were associated with early drought‐induced dehydration of the spongy layer. However, this dehydration was not followed by osmotic adjustment and did not allow maintenance of leaf tissue turgor. These findings open further studies on the genetic variability of drought responses related to identified short‐ and long‐term structural and metabolic plasticity traits in Brassica species.
Early asymptomatic prediction of potato soft rot disease using phytohormone‐induced volatile biomarkers
Authors: Ray Rittika , Singh Shiv Shakti , Sircar Debabrata 
Published: August 2024

AbstractPotatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.) are one of the world's major staple crops. In stored potatoes, Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp carotovorum causes soft rot. As a result of the rapid spread of the disease during post‐harvest storage, potato production suffers huge losses. By detecting disease early and controlling it promptly, losses can be minimized. The profile of volatiles of plants can be altered by phytopathogens. Identifying unique volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as biomarkers for early disease detection has attracted considerable research attention. This study compared the VOC profiles of healthy and soft rot inoculated potatoes (cv. “Kufri Pukhraj”) over a time course using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). It was found that there was a differential emission of 27 VOCs between healthy non‐inoculated potatoes and soft rot inoculated potatoes. Among 27 VOCs, only five (1‐octen‐3‐ol, 2‐methylisoborneol, 3‐octanone, 1,4‐dimethyladamantane, and 2‐methyl‐2‐bornene) were found exclusively in soft rot inoculated potatoes, suggesting them potential biomarker for non‐destructive prediction of soft rot disease in potatoes. Reactive oxygen species (H2O2) and phytohormone methyl‐jasmonate (MeJa) levels increased transiently on infection with soft rot. The analysis of the primary metabolism of soft rot infected tubers at three different stages suggests metabolic reprogramming that occurs at the early stage of infection, possibly leading to biomarker volatile emission. Based on these results, it appears that the initial potato‐soft rot bacteria interaction initiates metabolic reprogramming mainly through H2O2 and the MeJa signalling pathway. In asymptomatic potatoes, these biomarkers may be promising candidates for non‐destructive detection of soft rot at an early stage. These biomarkers can be used to develop an e‐nose sensor to predict soft rot in the future.
HFR1 antagonizes ABI4 to coordinate cytosolic redox status for seed germination under high‐temperature stress
Authors: Wang Zhangcheng , Mao Yan , Liang Lei , Pedro García‐Caparrós , Zhi Lulu , Li Ping , Hu Xiangyang 
Published: August 2024

AbstractSeed germination and dormancy represent critical phases in the life cycle of plants, tightly regulated by endogenous phytochrome levels and environment signals. High temperatures (HT) induce the overaccumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and increase abscisic acid (ABA), thereby inhibiting seed germination. Our previous findings showed that HT induced the burst of reactive nitrogen species (RNS), increasing the S‐nitrosylation modification of HFR1, which effectively blocks seed germination. Importantly, stabilizing HFR1 has been shown to significantly mitigate the inhibitory effect of HT on seed germination. In this study, we reported that HT increased the protein abundance of ABI4, a crucial component in ABA signaling, which in turn activates the expression of RbohD while suppressing the expression of VTC2. This leads to the rapid generation of ROS, thereby inhibiting seed germination. Consistently, the seed germination of abi4 mutant showed insensitivity to HT with lower ROS level during seed germination, whereas transgenic lines overexpressing ABI4 showed reduced germination rates accompanied by elevated ROS levels. Furthermore, we noted that HFR1 interacts with ABI4 to sequester its activity under normal conditions. However, HT‐induced ROS triggered the degradation of HFR1, consequently releasing ABI4 activity. This activation of ABI4 promotes RbohD expression, culminating in a ROS burst that suppresses seed germination. Thus, our study unveils a novel function for ABI4 in regulating ROS level and seed germination under HT stress. Throughout this process, HFR1 plays a critical role in restraining ABI4 activity to maintain an optimal endogenous ROS level, thereby ensuring seed germination under favorable environmental conditions.
Stability of fronts in the diffusive Rosenzweig–MacArthur model
Authors: Ghazaryan Anna , Lafortune Stéphane , Latushkin Yuri , Manukian Vahagn 
Published: August 2024

AbstractWe consider a diffusive Rosenzweig–MacArthur predator–prey model in the situation when the prey diffuses at a rate much smaller than that of the predator. In a certain parameter regime, the existence of fronts in the system is known: the underlying dynamical system in a singular limit is reduced to a scalar Fisher–KPP (Kolmogorov–Petrovski–Piskunov) equation and the fronts supported by the full system are small perturbations of the Fisher–KPP fronts. The existence proof is based on the application of the Geometric Singular Perturbation Theory with respect to two small parameters. This paper is focused on the stability of the fronts. We show that, for some parameter regime, the fronts are spectrally and asymptotically stable using energy estimates, exponential dichotomies, the Evans function calculation, and a technique that involves constructing unstable augmented bundles. The energy estimates provide bounds on the unstable spectrum which depend on the small parameters of the system; the bounds are inversely proportional to these parameters. We further improve these estimates by showing that the eigenvalue problem is a small perturbation of some limiting (as the modulus of the eigenvalue parameter goes to infinity) system and that the limiting system has exponential dichotomies. Persistence of the exponential dichotomies then leads to bounds uniform in the small parameters. The main novelty of this approach is related to the fact that the limit of the eigenvalue problem is not autonomous. We then use the concept of the unstable augmented bundles and by treating these as multiscale topological structures with respect to the same two small parameters consequently as in the existence proof, we show that the stability of the fronts is also governed by the scalar Fisher–KPP equation. Furthermore, we perform numerical computations of the Evans function to explicitly identify regions in the parameter space where the fronts are spectrally stable.
Work inclusion of marginalised groups in a troubled city district—How can active labour market policies improve?
Authors: Frøyland Kjetil , Bull Helen , Skarpaas Lisebet Skeie , Berget Gerd , Spjelkavik Øystein , Lystad June Ullevoldsæter 
Published: August 2024

AbstractActive labour market policies (ALMP) have faced challenges in integrating marginalised groups into the workforce. This study explores perceptions among managers and frontline workers on enhancing work inclusion for neurodiverse citizens, marginalised youth, and individuals suffering from mental health or substance use disorders in a troubled city district. An examination of dialogue conferences and group interviews uncovers problems with current practises, attitudes, and service organisation. The proposed local solutions primarily include improved coordination of support and services, as well as enhanced competence within these services. Our results indicate that co‐creation at the system, organisation, and individual levels, coupled with expanded knowledge translation, can mobilise local actors to create new or adopt existing knowledge‐based strategies. Therefore, local co‐creation presents a potential for developing local inclusion strategies.
Impotence Through Relevance? Faustian Bargains, Beyond Impact and the Future of Political Science
Authors: Flinders Matthew 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe relationship between academe and society is shifting. Academics are increasingly expected to work through forms of co‐design and co‐production with potential research‐users to address state‐selected societal challenges and produce evidence of “impact”. The risk, however, is that this shift incentivises a form of Faustian bargain whereby scholars trade‐down their traditional criticality and independence as the price they pay for access to large funding streams and to be demonstrably “impactful”. The “impotence through relevance” thesis seeks to capture this paradoxical possibility: those scholars hailed as most relevant – the “high‐impact” academic superheroes – may in fact be almost completely irrelevant; while the most relevant scholars in terms of truly transformative socio‐political potential are dismissed and set aside as unproductive and therefore of little value. The “impotence through relevance” argument raises distinctive questions about co‐option and control, democracy and decline. These are particularly significant for political science.
The Political Scientist as a Critical Friend: A Comment on Flinders
Authors: Bovens Mark 
Published: August 2024

AbstractIn liberal democracies, the very essence of political science is to be a critical friend. It is both legitimate and rewarding to engage in policy relevant studies. It is not banal, technocratic, or oppressive to do research into pressing social issues and to provide advice on the effectiveness or desirability of policy interventions, or to evaluate existing policy programmes. And is not a Faustian bargain to train thousands of students each year to become professional policy advisors, civil servants, and politicians. On the contrary, well‐trained civil servants and policy staff are crucial for the vitality and survival of liberal democracies. What matters, both for the individual scholar and at the disciplinary level, is the right balance between hands‐on practical impact and critical distance.
The Mis‐conceptualisation of Societal Impact: Why the Swiss Approach to Societal Impact is Productive and not Inexistent
Authors: Ochsner Michael 
Published: August 2024

AbstractSocietal impact as a buzz word is high on the agenda of policy‐makers around the world. Often, the UK Research Excellence Framework (REF) is cited as the initiator of making the societal impact of research relevant and visible. Equally often, it is said that in Switzerland societal impact is not yet considered in higher education policy. In this paper, I show that both claims are as wrong as they are common. I argue that the UK REF's “impact agenda” is strongly linked to a specific ideology and does not represent the only approach to valorizing and fostering the research‐society nexus. By pointing out some major issues in impact evaluation and presenting how the research‐society nexus is discussed in Swiss science policy as a contrasting case, I sketch an approach to impact evaluation based on the role of research in society that considers different forms of knowledge generation and dissemination.
Adipose‐derived stem cells transplantation improves survival and alleviates contraction of skin grafts via promoting macrophages M2 polarization
Authors: Cui Yuying , He Jiahao , Yu Zheyuan , Zhou Sizheng , Cao Dejun , Jiang Taoran , Fang Bin , Li Guangshuai 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundFull‐thickness skin grafts are widely used in plastic and reconstructive surgery. The main limitation of skin grafting is the poor textural durability and associated contracture, which often needs further corrective surgery. Excessive inflammation is the main reason for skin graft contractions, which involve overactivation of myofibroblasts. These problems have prompted the development of new therapeutic approaches, including macrophage polarization modulation and stem cell–based therapies. Currently, adipose‐derived stem cells (ASCs) have shown promise in promoting skin grafts survival and regulating macrophage phenotypes. However, the roles of ASCs on macrophages in decreasing skin grafts contraction remain unknown.Materials and MethodsRat adipose‐derived stem cells (rASCs) were isolated from rat inguinal adipose tissues. Full‐thickness skin graft model was constructed on male rats divided into control group and rASCs treatment group. Skin graft was assessed for concentration, elasticity modulus and stiffness. Rat bone marrow‐derived macrophages (rBMDMs) were isolated from rat femurs, and subsequent RT‐qPCR and coculture assays were carried out to explore the cellular mechanisms. Immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence staining were used to verify mechanisms in vivo.ResultsIn vivo results showed that after injection of ASCs, improved texture, increased survival and inhibited contraction of skin grafts were seen. Vascularization was also improved as illustrated by laser perfusion image and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) concentration. Histological analysis revealed that ASCs injection significantly reduced expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines (TNF‐a, IL‐1β) and increased expression of anti‐inflammatory (IL‐10) and pro‐healing cytokines (IGF‐1). At cellular level, after co‐culturing with rASCs, rat bone marrow derived macrophages (rBMDMs) favored M2 polarization even under inflammatory stimulus.ConclusionASCs treatment enhanced vascularization via angiogenic cytokines secretion and alleviated inflammatory environment in skin grafts by driving M2 macrophages polarization, which improved survival and decreased skin grafts contraction. Our work showed that ASCs transplantation can be harnessed to enhance therapeutic efficacy of skin grafting in cutaneous defects treatment.