bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Introduction of barnase/barstar in soybean produces a rescuable male sterility system for hybrid breeding
Authors: Szeluga Nicole , Baldrich Patricia , DelPercio Ryan , Meyers Blake C. , Frank Margaret H. 
Published: August 2023

SummaryHybrid breeding for increased vigour has been used for over a century to boost agricultural outputs without requiring higher inputs. While this approach has led to some of the most substantial gains in crop productivity, breeding barriers have fundamentally limited soybean (Glycine max) from reaping the benefits of hybrid vigour. Soybean flowers self‐pollinate prior to opening and thus are not readily amenable to outcrossing. In this study, we demonstrate that the barnase/barstar male sterility/rescue system can be used in soybean to produce hybrid seeds. By expressing the cytotoxic ribonuclease, barnase, under a tapetum‐specific promoter in soybean anthers, we are able to completely block pollen maturation, creating male sterile plants. We show that fertility can be rescued in the F1 generation of these barnase‐expressing lines when they are crossed with pollen from plants that express the barnase inhibitor, barstar. Importantly, we found that the successful rescue of male fertility is dependent on the relative dosage of barnase and barstar. When barnase and barstar were expressed under the same tapetum‐specific promoter, the F1 offspring remained male sterile. When we expressed barstar under a relatively stronger promoter than barnase, we were able to achieve a successful rescue of male fertility in the F1 generation. This work demonstrates the successful implementation of a biotechnology approach to produce fertile hybrid offspring in soybean.
Susceptibility of Eucalyptus trees to defoliation by the Eucalyptus snout beetle, Gonipterus sp. n. 2, is enhanced by high foliar contents of 1,8‐cineole, oxalic acid and sucrose and low contents of palmitic and shikimic acid
Authors: Joubert Johannes , Sivparsad Benice , Schröder Michelle , Germishuizen Ilaria , Chen Jingyuan , Hurley Brett , Allison Jeremy D. , Hammerbacher Almuth 
Published: August 2023

AbstractGonipterus sp. n. 2 (Coleoptera, Curculionidae) is an invasive, commercially important weevil that causes large‐scale defoliation of Eucalyptus trees. The weevil specifically feeds on young leaves and new shoots, thus reducing tree growth. The weevil displays a very strong preference for certain Eucalyptus genotypes, however, this behaviour and the chemistry underlying it is poorly understood, thereby complicating the selection of resistant trees. To elucidate the feeding preference of Gonipterus sp. n. 2, we assessed the relative levels of susceptibility of 62 Eucalyptus genotypes from 23 species using a laboratory choice assay. This revealed large intraspecific variation in susceptibility to weevil feeding, which for certain species, exceeded the interspecific variation. A semiquantitative metabolite profile analysis on 13 genotypes revealed strong correlations of 10 metabolites to feeding damage. The behavioural effects of the identified compounds were assessed through an in vitro feeding preference assay using artificial diets as well as under field conditions. This revealed three phagostimulants (1,8‐cineole, oxalic acid and sucrose) and two feeding deterrent compounds (shikimic acid and palmitic acid) for Gonipterus sp. n. 2. These chemical markers can be applied to tree breeding programmes for the selection of resistant genotypes to reduce damage caused by Gonipterus weevils.
Agency and responsibility: The personal and the political
Authors: Jeppsson Sofia 
Published: August 2023

AbstractIn this paper, I review arguments according to which harsh criminal punishments and poverty areundeservedand thereforeunjust. Such arguments come in different forms. First, one may argue thatno onedeserves to be poor or be punished, because there is no such thing as desert‐entailing moral responsibility. Second, one may argue that poor people in particular do not deserve to remain in poverty or to be punished if they commit crimes, because poor people suffer from psychological problems that undermine their agency and moral responsibility. Third, one may argue that poor and otherwise marginalized people frequently face external obstacles that prevent them from taking alternative courses of action. The first kind of argument has its place in the philosophy seminar. Psychological difficulties may be important to attend to both in personal relationships and when holding ourselves responsible. Nevertheless, I argue that neither type of argument belongs in political contexts. Moral responsibility scepticism ultimately rests on contested intuitions. Labelling certain groups of people particularly irrational, weak‐willed, or similar is belittling and disrespectful; such claims are also hard to prove, and may have the opposite effect to the intended one on people's attitudes. Arguments from external obstacles have none of these problems. Such arguments may not take us all the way to criminal justice reform, but in this context, we can supplement them with epistemic arguments and crime prevention arguments.
The prognostic impact of a high number of peritumoral alveolar macrophages in neuroendocrine carcinoma in the lung
Authors: Tanaka Takehiko , Umemura Shigeki , Miyoshi Tomohiro , Nakai Tokiko , Noritake Osamu , Suzuki Jun , Tane Kenta , Samejima Joji , Aokage Keiju , Mimaki Sachiyo , Tsuchihara Katsuya , Taki Tetsuro , Miyazaki Saori , Watanabe Reiko , Sakashita Shingo , Sakamoto Naoya , Kojima Motohiro , Goto Koichi , Ikeda Norihiko , Tsuboi Masahiro , Ishii Genichiro 
Published: August 2023

AbstractAlveolar macrophages (AMs) are resident macrophages in the lungs; however, whether the number of AMs plays a role in the lung neuroendocrine tumor (NET) prognosis remains unclear. We counted the number of AMs located around the tumor (peritumoral alveolar macrophages [pAMs]) and the number of AMs located apart from the tumor (distant macrophages; dAMs). In 73 cases of neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC: small cell lung carcinoma and large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma), the group that contained higher pAMs (≥86/μm2) revealed shorter recurrent‐free survival (RFS) than those with lower pAMs (<86/μm2) (p = 0.005). Bivariate analysis showed that the number of pAMs was an independent predictor of a poor RFS. In contrast, in the carcinoid tumor cohort (n = 29), there was no statistically significant correlation between the two groups with high and low numbers of pAMs in RFS (p = 0.113). Furthermore, we examined the correlation between genomic alterations and the number of pAMs in NEC, but no significant correlation was observed. In conclusion, the number of pAMs is a prognostic factor for NEC in the lung and pAMs may contribute to tumor progression within the peritumoral microenvironment.
Components and processes involved in retrograde signaling from chloroplast to nucleus
Authors: Agrawal Variyata , Singh Vijetna , Tripathi Bhumi Nath 
Published: August 2023

AbstractRetrograde signaling conceptually means the transfer of signals from semi‐autonomous cell organelles to the nucleus to modulate nuclear gene expression. A generalized explanation is that chloroplasts are highly sensitive to environmental stimuli and quickly generate signaling molecules (retrograde signals) and transport them to the nucleus through the cytosol to reprogram nuclear gene expression for cellular/metabolic adjustments to cope with environmental fluctuations. During the past decade, substantial advancements have been made in the area of retrograde signaling, including information on putative retrograde signals. Researchers have also proposed possible mechanisms for generating retrograde signals and their transmission. However, the exact mechanisms and processes responsible for transmitting retrograde signaling from the chloroplast to the nucleus remain elusive, demanding substantial attention. This review highlights strategies employed to detect retrograde signals, their possible modes of signaling to the nucleus, and their implications for cellular processes during stress conditions. The present review also summarizes the role of ROS‐mediated retrograde signaling in plastid‐nucleus communication and its functional significance in co‐coordinating the physiological profile of plant cells.
Metabolomic profile of seminal plasma from Guzerá bulls (Bos indicus) with contrasting sperm freezability phenotypes
Authors: Rodrigues Pessoa Eduardo , Roger Vasconcelos Fábio , de Oliveira Paula‐Marinho Stelamaris , de Menezes Daloso Danilo , Damasceno Guerreiro Denise , Matias Martins Jorge André , Gomes‐Filho Enéas , Alencar Moura Arlindo 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThe present study evaluated the seminal plasma metabolome of Bos indicus Guzerá bulls with good (n = 4) and poor (n = 5) sperm freezability. Animals were raised in natural pasture of a ‘Caatinga’ ecosystem, in the semi‐arid region of Brazil. Seminal plasma samples were subjected to gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry and data, analysed using bioinformatics tools (Cytoscape with the MetScape plug‐in). Sixty‐two metabolites were identified in the bovine seminal plasma. Fatty acids and conjugates and organic compounds were the predominant seminal fluid metabolites, followed by carboxylic acids and derivatives, amino acids, benzenes and steroids and derivatives, carbohydrates and carbohydrate conjugates and prenol lipids. Multivariate analysis indicated a distinct separation of seminal plasma metabolomes from bulls with contrasting sperm freezability. Abundances of propanoic acid, d‐ribose and glycine were greater in the seminal plasma of bulls with good sperm freezability. Heptadecanoic acid and undecanoic acid were the predominant in bulls of poor sperm freezability. Propanoic acid is an energy source for spermatozoa and may act as an antimicrobial component in semen. Glycine acts against oxidizing and denaturing reactions. d‐ribose is also an energy source and reduces apoptosis and oxidative stress. Undecanoic acid may protect sperm against fungal damage. This study provides fundamental information approximately the seminal plasma metabolome of tropically adapted bulls and its association with sperm freezability. However, further studies with larger groups of animals are needed to validate those metabolites as markers of sperm freezability. This strategy could support the selection of sires with superior sperm cryoresistance.
Mitochondrial phylogenetics position a new Afrotropical termite species into its own subfamily, the Engelitermitinae (Blattodea: Termitidae)
Authors: Romero Arias Johanna , Hellemans Simon , Kaymak Esra , Akama Pierre D. , Bourguignon Thomas , Roisin Yves , Scheffrahn Rudolf H. , Šobotník Jan 
Published: August 2023

AbstractWhile new species of termites are described every year, the description of species distant from every known termite species is rare. In this paper, we describe one such species, Engelitermes zambo sp.n., an African Termitidae belonging to an entirely new lineage of termites for which we create a new subfamily, Engelitermitinae subfam.n. The subfamily status of Engelitermitinae was supported by termite phylogenetic trees, including sequences from the four existing samples of E. zambo sp.n., which, albeit with low bootstrap supports, placed Engelitermes gen.n. on a long branch sister to Forficulitermes, the two of which formed the sister group of a clade comprising Cubitermitinae, Nasutitermitinae, Syntermitinae and all other Termitinae. The sister relationship between Engelitermes gen.n. and Forficulitermes is further supported by the similar gut structure of their workers. In contrast, the soldiers of Engelitermes gen.n. resemble those of Cephalotermes. Our phylogenetic analyses, including all clades of Termitinae, call for a global taxonomic revision of the Termitinae subfamily names. Finally, our study highlights that new unique termite lineages are still awaiting to be described.
Wounding induces a peroxisomal H2O2 decrease via glycolate oxidase‐catalase switch dependent on glutamate receptor‐like channel‐supported Ca2+ signaling in plants
Authors: Li Xiangyang , Chen Linru , Zeng Xiaoyue , Wu Kaixin , Huang Jiayu , Liao Mengmeng , Xi Yue , Zhu Guohui , Zeng Xiuying , Hou Xuewen , Zhang Zhisheng , Peng Xinxiang 
Published: August 2023

SUMMARYSensing of environmental challenges, such as mechanical injury, by a single plant tissue results in the activation of systemic signaling, which attunes the plant's physiology and morphology for better survival and reproduction. As key signals, both calcium ions (Ca2+) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) interplay with each other to mediate plant systemic signaling. However, the mechanisms underlying Ca2+‐H2O2 crosstalk are not fully revealed. Our previous study showed that the interaction between glycolate oxidase and catalase, key enzymes of photorespiration, serves as a molecular switch (GC switch) to dynamically modulate photorespiratory H2O2 fluctuations via metabolic channeling. In this study, we further demonstrate that local wounding induces a rapid shift of the GC switch to a more interactive state in systemic leaves, resulting in a sharp decrease in peroxisomal H2O2 levels, in contrast to a simultaneous outburst of the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase‐derived apoplastic H2O2. Moreover, the systemic response of the two processes depends on the transmission of Ca2+ signaling, mediated by glutamate‐receptor‐like Ca2+ channels 3.3 and 3.6. Mechanistically, by direct binding and/or indirect mediation by some potential biochemical sensors, peroxisomal Ca2+ regulates the GC switch states in situ, leading to changes in H2O2 levels. Our findings provide new insights into the functions of photorespiratory H2O2 in plant systemic acclimation and an optimized systemic H2O2 signaling via spatiotemporal interplay between the GC switch and NADPH oxidases.
CFD SIMULATION AND VALIDATION FOR MIXING VENTILATION SCALED-DOWN EMPTY AIRCRAFT CABIN USING OPENFOAM
Authors: Sarmin Shahliza Azreen , Abd Razak Azli , Jerai Fauziah , Harun Mohd Khir 
Published: August 2023

An investigation into the spread of the COVID-19 virus within a confined space including an aircraft cabin is essential in order to find out the mechanism. However, this is time-consuming and limited in scope, so a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation is used instead. Therefore, a prior study and an appropriate choice of turbulence model are required before the simulation. The main objective of this study is to validate and evaluate the results predicted by the Open Source Field Operation and Manipulation (OpenFOAM) software through comparison with the experimental data from the literature which was conducted using particle image velocimetry (PIV) measurement. Three different Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes turbulence models were selected; Re-normalisation Group k - ɛ (RNG), Realizable k - ɛ (RLZ) and Low Reynold Number (LRN) to simulate a mixing ventilation system of a scaled-down model of empty aircraft cabin. In the RNG and LRN model cases, a fairly large circulation flows were observed on the right and left sides of the model representing the passenger area. The results were also evaluated quantitatively using the factor of two of observations (FAC2) for the velocity components and turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) with root mean square error (RMSE) for the former and normalised mean square errors (NMSE) for the latter. The simulation results showed that RNG and LRN are capable of predicting the flow field well. However, for TKE prediction LRN performed better than RNG which concluded that LRN is the suitable turbulence model in simulating flow fields in investigated case.
The normal distribution of the hypoxic ventilatory response and methodological impacts: a meta‐analysis and computational investigation
Authors: Oeung Britney , Pham Kathy , Olfert I. Mark , Zerda David J. De La , Gaio Eduardo , Powell Frank L. , Heinrich Erica C. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThe hypoxic ventilatory response (HVR) is the increase in breathing in response to reduced arterial oxygen pressure. Over several decades, studies have revealed substantial population‐level differences in the magnitude of the HVR as well as significant inter‐individual variation. In particular, low HVRs occur frequently in Andean high‐altitude native populations. However, our group conducted hundreds of HVR measures over several years and commonly observed low responses in sea‐level populations as well. As a result, we aimed to determine the normal HVR distribution, whether low responses were common, and to what extent variation in study protocols influence these findings. We conducted a comprehensive search of the literature and examined the distributions of HVR values across 78 studies that utilized step‐down/steady‐state or progressive hypoxia methods in untreated, healthy human subjects. Several studies included multiple datasets across different populations or experimental conditions. In the final analysis, 72 datasets reported mean HVR values and 60 datasets provided raw HVR datasets. Of the 60 datasets reporting raw HVR values, 35 (58.3%) were at least moderately positively skewed (skew > 0.5), and 21 (35%) were significantly positively skewed (skew > 1), indicating that lower HVR values are common. The skewness of HVR distributions does not appear to be an artifact of methodology or the unit with which the HVR is reported. Further analysis demonstrated that the use of step‐down hypoxia versus progressive hypoxia methods did not have a significant impact on average HVR values, but that isocapnic protocols produced higher HVRs than poikilocapnic protocols. This work provides a reference for expected HVR values and illustrates substantial inter‐individual variation in this key reflex. Finally, the prevalence of low HVRs in the general population provides insight into our understanding of blunted HVRs in high‐altitude adapted groups.
imageKey points
The hypoxic ventilatory response (HVR) plays a crucial role in determining an individual's predisposition to hypoxia‐related pathologies.
There is notable variability in HVR sensitivity across individuals as well as significant population‐level differences.
We report that the normal distribution of the HVR is positively skewed, with a significant prevalence of low HVR values amongst the general healthy population. We also find no significant impact of the experimental protocol used to induce hypoxia, although HVR is greater with isocapnic versus poikilocapnic methods.
These results provide insight into the normal distribution of the HVR, which could be useful in clinical decisions of diseases related to hypoxaemia.
Additionally, the low HVR values found within the general population provide insight into the genetic adaptations found in populations residing in high altitudes.
Exhaustive Intermittent Cycling Preferentially Decreases Explosive Over Maximal Voluntary Torque in the Knee Extensors, With No Difference Between Normoxia and Moderate to Severe Hypoxia
Authors: Girard Olivier , Racinais Sébastien 
Published: August 2023

Purpose: To compare the effects of graded hypoxia during exhaustive intermittent cycling on subsequent rapid and maximal torque-production capacity. Methods: Fifteen well-trained cyclists repeated intermittent cycling bouts (15 s at 30% of anaerobic power reserve; rest = 45 s) until exhaustion at sea level (FiO2 ∼0.21/end-exercise arterial oxygen saturation ∼96%), moderate hypoxia (FiO2 ∼0.16/∼90%), and severe hypoxia (FiO2 ∼0.12/∼79%). Rapid (rate of torque development [RTD]) and maximal isometric torque-production capacities of the knee extensors were assessed at baseline (visit 1) and exhaustion (visits 2–4). Results: Exercise capacity decreased with hypoxia severity (39 [30], 22 [13], and 13 [6] cycle efforts in sea level, moderate hypoxia, and severe hypoxia, respectively; P = .002). Changes in maximal-voluntary-contraction torque between baseline and postexercise in all conditions were not statistically significant (pooled values: −2.6% [5.7%]; P = .162). Peak RTD measured postexercise was reduced below baseline in all conditions (–21.5% [5.1%]; P ≤ .015). Compared with baseline, absolute RTD values were lower at 0- to 30-millisecond (–35.1% [5.3%], P ≤ .020), 0- to 50-millisecond (–40.0% [3.9%], P ≤ .002), 0- to 100-millisecond (–30.7% [3.7%], P ≤ .001), and 0- to 200-millisecond (–18.1% [2.4%], P ≤ .004) time intervals in all conditions. Conclusions: Exhaustive intermittent cycling induces substantial yet comparable impairments in RTD of knee extensors between normoxia and moderate to severe hypoxia.
Hydration and Performance in Young Triathletes During a Competition in Tropical Climate
Authors: Rivera-Brown Anita M. , Pagán-Lassalle Patricia 
Published: August 2023

Purpose: We examined fluid intake, the relation between body mass (BM) loss and performance, and core temperature in young triathletes during a competition in tropical climate. Methods: Fluid intake and pre and post BM were measured in 35 adolescent athletes, and core temperature was measured in one female and one male. Results: Mean urine specific gravity (1.024 [0.007]) indicated that athletes were in suboptimal state of hydration upon waking. Race time was 73.2 (8.0) minutes. BM decreased by 0.6 (0.3) kg (P < .05). Fluid intake (528.5 [221.6] mL) replaced 47% of the fluid loss (1184.9 [256.4] mL) and was higher during run (11.5 [6.6] mL·min−1) compared to bike (7.3 [3.1] mL·min−1), P < .01. Loss in BM was ≥1.0% in 66% and ≥1.5% in 29% of the athletes. Males showed a moderate association between percentage loss in BM and finishing time (r = −.52), higher sweat rates (1.0 [0.3] L·h−1), and faster times (69.4 [7.5] min; P < .05). Core temperature rose to 40.1 °C in the female and 39.6 °C in the male. Conclusion: Young triathletes competing in a hot/humid climate became mildly to moderately dehydrated and hyperthermic even when water and sports drinks were available but did not show symptoms of heat illness.
Complete genome sequence of the broad host range
Acinetobacter baumannii
phage EAb13
Authors: Margulieux Katie R. , Bird Jordan T. , Kevorkian Richard T. , Ellison Damon W. , Nikolich Mikeljon P. , Mzhavia Nino , Filippov Andrey A. 
Published: August 2023

ABSTRACT

We describe the genome of a lytic phage EAb13 isolated from sewage, with broad activity against multidrug-resistant
Acinetobacter baumannii
. EAb13 is an unclassified siphovirus. Its genome consists of 82,411 bp, with 40.15% GC content, 126 protein-coding sequences, 1 tRNA, and 2,177 bp-long direct terminal repeats.
Methane Emission from Flooded Soils of Rice Paddies in Rostov Oblast
Authors: Gar’kusha D. N. , Fedorov Yu. A. , Tambieva N. S. , Mel’nikov E. V. 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
The methane fluxes to the atmosphere from the rice fields in the Rostov oblast (south of the European Russia) are analyzed using the results of field chamber measurements. In addition to the measurements of methane fluxes at the stages of rice seedlings and full ripeness, the concentrations of methane and hydrogen sulfide, Eh, pH, density, and moisture content are determined in water and different horizons of flooded paddy soils. The methane flux to the atmosphere from a rice paddy varies in the range of 0.195–0.531 mg CH4/(m2 h) and is on the average 2.1-fold higher at the stage of full ripeness as compared with the stage of seedlings. The rate of the methane flux to the atmosphere from the surface of dry soils separating rice paddies is on the average 4.9–12.1-fold lower as compared with the flux from the paddies, varying from 0.034 to 0.045 mg CH4/(m2 h). After flooding the rice paddies, the Eh values decrease in the soils isolated by a water layer and, as a consequence, the methane concentration in soils increases as well as its fluxes to the atmosphere. According to our assessment, the total methane emission from the rice fields in the Rostov oblast approximately reaches 1.253 t/day of 150 t/year, which accounts for 0.4–1.5% of the total methane emission from the soils of the Rostov oblast.