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SUMMARY: Fusarium head blight (FHB), mainly caused by Fusarium graminearum, is one of the most destructive diseases of wheat (Triticum aestivum) around the world. FHB causes significant yield losses and reduces grain quality. The lack of resistance resources is a major bottleneck for wheat FHB resistance breeding. As a wheat relative, Thinopyrum elongatum contains many genes that can be used for wheat improvement. Although the novel gene Fhb‐7EL was mapped on chromosome 7EL of Th. elongatum, successful transfer of the FHB resistance gene into commercial wheat varieties has not been reported. In this study, we developed 836 wheat–Th. elongatum translocation lines of various types by irradiating the pollen of the wheat–Th. elongatum addition line CS‐7EL at the flowering stage, among which 81 were identified as resistant to FHB. By backcrossing the FHB‐resistant lines with the main cultivar Jimai 22, three wheat–Th. elongatum translocation lines, Zhongke 1878, Zhongke 166, and Zhongke 545, were successfully applied in wheat breeding without yield penalty. Combining karyotype and phenotype analyses, we mapped the Fhb‐7EL gene to the distal end of chromosome 7EL. Five molecular markers linked with the FHB resistance interval were developed, which facilitates molecular marker‐assisted breeding. Altogether, we successfully applied alien chromatin with FHB resistance from Th. elongatum in wheat breeding without yield penalty. These newly developed FHB‐resistant wheat–Th. elongatum translocation lines, Zhongke 1878, Zhongke 166, and Zhongke 545, can be used as novel resistance resources for wheat breeding. Significance Statement: Fusarium head blight (FHB) seriously threatens wheat (Triticum aestivum) production around the world. Deploying wheat cultivars with FHB resistance is considered as the most effective and environment‐friendly measure. Eighty‐one wheat–Th. elongatum translocation lines with FHB resistance were systemically developed in this study. Among them, three Zhongke lines were successfully applied in wheat breeding without yield penalty. These lines can be used as novel resistance sources for wheat FHB resistance breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY: Polyploidy is a common mode of evolution in flowering plants. Both the natural tetraploid Thinopyrum elongatum and the diploid one from the same population show a diploid‐like pairing in meiosis. However, debate on the chromosome composition and origin of the tetraploid Th. elongatum is ongoing. In the present study, we obtained the induced tetraploid Th. elongatum and found that the induced and natural tetraploids are morphologically close, except for slower development and lower seed setting. Using probes developed from single chromosome microdissection and a Fosmid library, obvious differentiations were discovered between two chromosome sets (E1 and E2) of the natural tetraploid Th. elongatum but not the induced one. Interestingly, hybrid F1 derived from the two different wheat‐tetraploid Th. elongatum amphiploids 8802 and 8803 produced seeds well. More importantly, analysis of meiosis in F2 individuals revealed that chromosomes from E1 and E2 could pair well on the durum wheat background with the presence of Ph1. No chromosome set differentiation on the FISH level was discovered from the S1 to S4 generations in the induced one. In metaphase of the meiosis first division in the natural tetraploid, more pairings were bivalents and fewer quadrivalents with ratio of 13.94 II + 0.03 IV (n = 31). Chromosome pairing configuration in the induced tetraploid is 13.05 II + 0.47 IV (n = 19), with the quadrivalent ratio being only slightly higher than the ratio in the natural tetraploid. Therefore, the natural tetraploid Th. elongatum is of autoploid origin and the induced tetraploid Th. elongatum evolutionarily underwent rapid diploidization in the low generation. Significance Statement: Chromosomes of the natural tetraploid Thinopyrum elongatum could be classified into two groups (E1 and E2) evenly using probes developed from single chromosome microdissection and a Fosmid library, and were different from the induced tetraploid with uniform chromosome pattern. However, the E1 and E2 chromosome sets could pair well in the presence of Ph1. These results suggest that the natural tetraploid Th. elongatum is of autoploid origin and underwent rapid diploidization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Keywords: Thinopyrum; Fusarium head blight; Translocation line; Fhb7; glutathione S-transferases EN Thinopyrum Fusarium head blight Translocation line Fhb7 glutathione S-transferases 1091 1093 3 05/30/23 20230601 NES 230601 Fusarium head blight (FHB) is one of the devastating diseases for wheat production worldwide, which causes significant yield losses and reduces grain quality because of mycotoxins contamination in wheat grains. After backcrossing Zhongke 1878 with the highly susceptible variety Jimai 22 for six generations, FHB resistance evaluation showed that the translocated chromosome could significantly increase the FHB resistance of Jimai 22 to the level of Sumai 3 by decreasing the number of diseased spikelets from 13.43 to 1.43 (Figure 1b,c). Relying on the recombination between I Th. elongatum i chromosome 7E and I Th. ponticum i chromosome 7E1, a resistant gene I Fhb-7EL i for FHB resistance was located to the long arm of 7E (Ceoloni I et al i ., [1]). [Extracted from the article]

Auxin and cytokinin are two kinds of important phytohormones that mediate outgrowth of axillary buds in plants. How nitric oxide and its regulator of S-nitrosoglutathione reductase (GSNOR) take part in auxin and cytokinin signaling for controlling axillary buds outgrowth remains elusive. We investigated the roles of GSNOR during tomato axillary bud outgrowth by using physiological, biochemical and genetic approaches. GSNOR negatively regulated NO homeostasis. Suppression of GSNOR promoted axillary bud outgrowth by inhibiting the expression of FZY in both apical and axillary buds. Meanwhile, AUX1 and PIN1 were down-regulated in apical buds but up-regulated in axillary buds in GSNOR -suppressed plants. Thus, reduced IAA accumulation was shown in both apical buds and axillary buds of GSNOR -suppressed plants. GSNOR -mediated changes of NO and auxin affected cytokinin biosynthesis, transport, and signaling. And a decreased ratio of auxin: cytokinin was shown in axillary buds of GSNOR -suppressed plants, leading to bud dormancy breaking. We also found that the original NO signaling was generated by nitrate reductase (NR) catalyzing nitrate as substrate. NR-mediated NO reduced the GSNOR activity through S -nitrosylation of Cys-10, then induced a further NO burst, which played the above roles to promote axillary buds outgrowth. Together, GSNOR -mediated NO played important roles in controlling axillary buds outgrowth by altering the homeostasis and signaling of auxin and cytokinin in tomato plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the first discovery of old yellow enzyme 1 (OYE1) from Saccharomyces pastorianus in 1932, biocatalytic asymmetric reduction of activated alkenes by OYEs has become a valuable reaction in organic synthesis. To access stereocomplementary C=C-bond bioreduction, the mining of novel OYEs and especially the protein engineering of existing OYEs have been performed, which successfully achieved the stereocomplementary reduction in several cases and further raise the potential of applications. In this review, we analyzed the structures, active sites, and substrate recognition of OYEs, which are the bases for their substrate specificity and stereospecificity. Sequence similarity network of OYEs superfamily was also constructed to investigate the scope of characterized OYEs. The structure-guided engineering to switch the stereoselectivity of OYEs and thus access stereocomplementary bioreduction over the last decade (2009–2020) was then reviewed and discussed, which might give new insights into the mining and engineering of related biocatalysts. Key points: • The sequence similarity network of OYEs superfamily was constructed and annotated. • The structures and active sites of OYEs from different classes were compared. • "Left/right" binding mode was used to explain the stereopreferences of OYEs. • Structure-guided engineering of OYEs to switch their stereoselectivity was reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

S-nitrosylation, regulated by S-nitrosoglutathione reductase (GSNOR), is considered as an important route for nitric oxide (NO)-modulated stress tolerance in plants. However, genetic evidence for the GSNOR -mediated integrated regulation of S-nitrosylation and plant stress response remains elusive until now. In the present study, we used a site-specific nitrosoproteomic approach to identify 334 endogenously S-nitrosylated proteins with 425 S-nitrosylated sites from the wild type (WT) and GSNOR -knockdown (G) tomato plants under both control (C) and sodic alkaline stress (S) conditions. In detail, the results revealed 68, 92, 54 and 56 up-regulated, as well as 10, 36, 14 and 10 down-regulated S-nitrosylated proteins in G-C/WT-C, G-S/WT-S, WT-S/WT-C, and G-S/G-C, which is the first dataset for S-nitrosylated proteins in Solanaceae. These S-nitrosylated proteins are involved in a wide range of various metabolic, cellular and catalytic processes. Based on this data, proteins involving in NO homeostasis control, signaling of Ca2+, ethylene and MAPK, reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging, osmotic regulation, as well as energy support pathway have been identified and selected as the key and sensitive targets that were regulated by GSNOR -modulated S-nitrosylation in response to sodic alkaline stress. Taken together, GSNOR is actively involved in the regulation of sodic alkaline stress tolerance by S-nitrosylation. And the present study provided valuable resources and new clues for the study of S-nitrosylation-regulated metabolism in tomato plants. • GSNOR negatively regulates the sodic alkaline stress tolerance. • GSNOR is a key regulator to control protein S-nitrosylation. • Sodic alkaline stress induces the protein S-nitrosylation. • This study provides many novel S-nitrosylated protein sites in tomato plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The present study was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of Streptomyces (GLY-P2) in degradation of ferulic acid (FA) and p-hydroxybenzonic acid (PHBA) in the rhizosphere of cucumbers by assaying the alteration of antioxidant enzymes activities and rhizospheric microbial community.Methods: GLY-P2 was isolated, identified as Streptomyces canus, and applied to cucumber-planted soil containing FA and PHBA.Results: Optimal conditions for FA and PHBA degradation by GLY-P2 were 40 °C, pH 7, and 0.2 g l−1 mixture of FA and PHBA. During the degradation, vanillin, vanillic acid, and protocatechoic acid were metabolites; and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and dehydroascorbate reductase in GLY-P2 were induced. When inoculated into cucumber-planted soil containing 220 μg g−1 mixture of FA and PHBA, GLY-P2 degraded FA and PHBA in soil, improved plant growth, and decreased malonaldehyde, superoxide radical, and hydrogen peroxide levels in leaves. GLY-P2 also enhanced activities of SOD, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, APX, monodehydroascorbate reductase, dehydroascorbate reductase, and glutathione reductase, increased contents of ascorbate and glutathione, and elevated transcript levels of copper/zinc SOD, manganese SOD, catalase, and APX in leaves. Moreover, GLY-P2 changed soil bacterial richness, diversity, and community composition, and increased phosphatase, catalase, urease, and sucrase activities in rhizospheric soil.Conclusion: GLY-P2 mitigates FA and PHBA stress in cucumber by activating leaf antioxidant enzymes and affecting soil bacterial community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The St genome is one of the most fundamental genomes in Triticeae. Repetitive sequences are widely used to distinguish different genomes or species. The primary objectives of this study were to ( i) screen a new sequence that could easily distinguish the chromosome of the St genome from those of other genomes by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and ( ii) investigate the genome constitution of some species that remain uncertain and controversial. We used degenerated oligonucleotide primer PCR (Dop-PCR), Dot-blot, and FISH to screen for a new marker of the St genome and to test the efficiency of this marker in the detection of the St chromosome at different ploidy levels. Signals produced by a new FISH marker (denoted St2-80) were present on the entire arm of chromosomes of the St genome, except in the centromeric region. On the contrary, St2-80 signals were present in the terminal region of chromosomes of the E, H, P, and Y genomes. No signal was detected in the A and B genomes, and only weak signals were detected in the terminal region of chromosomes of the D genome. St2-80 signals were obvious and stable in chromosomes of different genomes, whether diploid or polyploid. Therefore, St2-80 is a potential and useful FISH marker that can be used to distinguish the St genome from those of other genomes in Triticeae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In vitro shoot regeneration system via callus is a widely used approach in fruit tree studies. However, it has some obvious limitations, such as high expenses associated with maintaining the sterile conditions, as well as long duration from in vitro culture to field evaluation. After optimization of the key factors including growth regulator, callus induction time and branch diameter, we firstly established a high efficient in vivo callus induction and shoot regeneration system in Chinese jujube, a diploid woody fruit tree. Combining this new system with colchicine induction, pure polyploid could be easily created which could even bloom in the experimental year, at least 2 years earlier compared to the conventional in vitro polypoid induction approach. Furthermore, the new system is much simpler, less costly and more convenient. A wide range of applications in basic and applied researches, such as ploidy manipulation, genetic transformation and mutant induction, would become more efficient with this novel system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new p-phenylenevinylene-linked perylene diimide has been synthesized and self-assembled for the formation of zero-dimensional molecular aggregate structures of nanospheres and vesicles through solvent tuning. The solid-state optical properties induced by a special wavelength laser were studied and the results indicated excellent fluorescent enhancement properties. The emission intensity of these aggregates increased with elongation of the laser irradiation time. Based on the analysis of variable-temperature 1H NMR spectra, DFT calculations, and the single-crystal structure of the linkage group, a conformation-dependent fluorescent enhancement mechanism could be demonstrated. The mechanism is different from the fluorescent bleaching of normal solid-state fluorescent materials and offers potential applications in optical devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of cow manure vermicompost on plant growth, metabolite contents, and antioxidant activities of Chinese cabbage were investigated in pot cultures. Five treatments were designed by mixing vermicompost and soil at ratio of 0:7, 1:7, 2:7, 4:7, 7:0 (w/w). Marketable weight of Chinese cabbage was significantly ( p < 0.05) higher in the 2:1 treatment than in the other treatments, while plants grown in the full soil treatment (0:7) showed the lowest marketable weight (Fig. 1a). Vermicompost application significantly increased the nutrient content of Chinese cabbage leaves ( p < 0.05), especially in the 4:7 treatment, with increases in the contents of soluble sugar (Fig. 2a), soluble protein (Fig. 2b), vitamin C (Fig. 3a), total phenols (Fig. 3b), and total flavonoids (Fig. 3c) by 62%, 18%, 200%, 25%, and 17% compared to the full soil treatment, respectively. The antioxidant activities expressed by 2, 2-Dipenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl-scavenging activity (Fig. 4a), hydroxyl (OH)-scavenging activity (Fig. 4b), and iron (Fe2+)-chelating activity (Fig. 4c) were higher by 92%, 40%, and 36% in the 4:7 than 0:7 the treatment, respectively. Vermicompost application significantly increased ( p < 0.05) the plant contents of 16 essential amino acids (Table 1); the total amino acid content showed the greatest increase in the 4:7 treatment, 90% compared to the full soil treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: An efficient enantioselective synthetic method for (S)-4-methyleneglutamic acid is reported. Phase-transfer catalytic conjugate addition–elimination of the benzophenone imine of glycine tert-butyl ester in the presence of chiral Cinchona-derived catalysts give the corresponding conjugated addition products (>99% ee), which could be hydrolyzed to chiral (S)-4-methyleneglutamic acid. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The effects of silicon (Si) application on plant growth, pigments, photosynthetic parameters, chlorophyll a (Chl a) fluorescence parameters and nitrogen metabolism were studied in Cucumis sativus L. under cadmium (Cd) toxicity. Compared with the control, 100μM CdCl2 treatment caused dramatic accumulation of Cd in cucumber leaves, greatly induced chlorosis, and the transmission electron microscope (TEM) analysis indicated that Cd treatment cucumber chloroplast showed obvious swollen, thylakoids and chloroplast membrane were seriously damaged, and could not be observed clearly. Application of Si reversed the chlorosis, protected the chloroplast from disorganization, and significantly increased the pigments contents, which might be mainly responsible for the higher photosynthetic rate and accumulation of biomass under Cd stress. Further investigation of chlorophyll a fluorescence indicated that Cd treatment decreasing photosynthesis was not due to stomatal restriction, while was closely related integrity damage or function lost of the photosynthetic machinery which can be concluded from the higher intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci) and lower F v/F m and ΦPSII. Application of Si alleviated the inhibited level of photosynthesis and F v/F m and ΦPSII by Cd, which might imply that Si plays important roles in protecting photosynthetic machinery from damaging. The Cd treatment also greatly inhibited the enzymes of nitrogen metabolism including nitrogen reductase (NR), glutamine synthetase (GS), glutamate synthase (GOGAT) and glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH), and Si supply decreased the inhibiting effects of Cd. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The effects of salicylic acid (SA) on manganese (Mn) toxicity in cucumber plants (Cucumis sativus L.) were studied by investigating the symptoms, plant growth, lipid peroxidation, antioxidative enzymes and antioxidants. Excess Mn caused serious chlorosis and inhibited the growth of cucumber plants, and dramatically increased accumulation of Mn in both shoots and roots, furthermore, inhibited the absorption of Ca, Mg and Zn. Addition of SA decreased the transport of Mn from roots to shoots, alleviated the inhibition of Ca, Mg and Zn absorption induced by excess Mn, reduced the toxicity symptoms and promoted the plant growth. The accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) significantly increased in cucumber leaves exposed to excess Mn, and resulted in the lipid peroxidation, which was indicated by accumulated concentration of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS). Addition of SA significantly decreased the level of ROS and lipid peroxidation. Activities of antioxidant enzymes showed different changes, addition of SA inhibited catalase (CAT) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activities, while increased activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR) and glutathione reductase (GR) in cucumber leaves exposed to excess Mn. As important antioxidants, ascorbate and glutathione contents in cucumber leaves exposed to excess Mn were significantly increased by SA treatment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Merrifield resin supported cinchona ammonium salts bearing 2′-fluorobenzene, 2′-cyanobenzene and 2′-N-oxypyridine groups were prepared and applied to the phase-transfer catalytic alkylation of N-(diphenylmethylene)glycine tert-butyl ester for the enantioselective synthesis of α-amino acids (76–96% ee). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Mitochondria are subcellular organelles with an essentially oxidative type of metabolism. The production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in it increases under stress conditions and causes oxidative damage. In the present study, effects of exogenous sodium nitroprusside (SNP), a nitric oxide (NO) donor, on both the ROS metabolism in mitochondria and functions of plasma membrane (PM) and tonoplast were studied in cucumber seedlings treated with 100mM NaCl. NaCl treatment induced significant accumulation of H2O2 and led to serious lipid peroxidation in cucumber mitochondria, and the application of 50μM SNP stimulated ROS-scavenging enzymes and reduced accumulation of H2O2 in mitochondria of cucumber roots induced by NaCl. As a result, lipid peroxidation of mitochondria decreased. Further investigation showed that application of SNP alleviated the inhibition of H+-ATPase and H+-PPase in PM and/or tonoplast by NaCl. While application of sodium ferrocyanide (an analog of SNP that does not release NO) did not show the effect of SNP, furthermore, the effects of SNP were reverted by addition of hemoglobin (a NO scavenger). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Effects of excess manganese (Mn) on plant growth, lipid peroxidation, contents of Mn, Mg and Fe, activities of antioxidant enzymes and contents of ascorbate and glutathione were studied in cucumber plants under two (optimum and suboptimum) light intensities. The plant growth was inhibited by excess Mn, and the inhibition induced by excess Mn was much bigger under optimum light intensity than under low (suboptimum) light intensity. Excess Mn significantly increased the Mn content and reduced the Mg and Fe content in the leaves, particularly under optimum light intensity. Excess Mn increased accumulation of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and low light intensity decreased TBARS concentration. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), guaiacol peroxidase (GPX), glutathione reductase (GR) and dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR) were increased by excess Mn, especially more significantly under optimum light intensity. The contents of reduced ascorbate (ASC), dehydroascorbate (DHA), total ascorbate, reduced glutathione (GSH), oxidized glutathione (GSSG) in the leaves were higher under optimum light intensity than under low light intensity, and decreased by excess Mn, particularly more considerably under optimum light intensity. It may be concluded that enhanced oxidative stress and increased Mn content be responsible for increased growth inhibition by excess Mn, especially under optimum light intensity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The effects of exogenous silicon (Si) on plant growth, activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), guaiacol peroxidase (GPX), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR), glutathione reductase (GR) and catalase, and concentrations of ascorbate and glutathione were investigated in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) plants treated with excess manganese (Mn) (600 μM). Compared with the treatment of normal Mn (10 μM), excess Mn significantly increased H2O2 concentration and lipid peroxidation indicated by accumulation of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances. The leaves showed apparent symptoms of Mn toxicity and the plant growth was significantly inhibited by excess Mn. The addition of Si significantly decreased lipid peroxidation caused by excess Mn, inhibited the appearance of Mn toxicity symptoms, and improved plant growth. This alleviation of Mn toxicity by Si was related to a significant increase in the activities of SOD, APX, DHAR and GR and the concentrations of ascorbate and glutathione. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Presents a study to determine whether there is a relationship between paternal age and meiotic recombination of the pseudoautosomal region, using single-sperm genotyping. Methods; Results; Conclusion that the result suggests that paternal age has no effect on the recombination frequency in the pseudoautosomal region.

• In-detailed identification of four ene reductases. • The biochemical and kinetic properties of the mined ene reductases were characterized to understand their catalytic power. • The four mined ene reductases were applied to synthesize the dihydrocarvones and profen derivatives. • Molecular simulation was performed to understand the origin of enzymes' activity and stereoselectivity. The ene reductases (ERs) from the old yellow enzymes (OYEs) family have the ability to reduce activated alkenes to generate up to two stereocenters, therefore they have been received extensive attention as powerful biocatalysts. In this study, through gene mining, four ERs were identified from the genomes of Ensifer adhaerens , Pseudomonas fluorescens , and Pseudomonas veronil. The biocatalytic properties of these four ERs were identified, and their applications in the synthesis process of dihydrocarvone and profen derivatives were further evaluated. Among them, three ERs (EaER2, PvER1, and PvER2) belonging to the classic OYEs showed the best catalytic activity at 30 °C and pH 7.0 (100 mM potassium phosphate buffer) and the PfER2, which belongs to the thermophilic-like OYEs exhibited the best catalytic at 40 °C and pH 7.0 (100 mM potassium phosphate buffer). When exploring the influence of organic solvents on the catalytic efficiency, it was found that the four ERs were more sensitive to toluene and had tolerance to several other selected organic solvents. In addition, EaER2, PfER2, PvER1 and PvER2 showed excellent catalytic activity toward carvone, and the stereoselectivity of PvER2 toward carvone could reach up to 88.7 % de. EaER2 and PfER2 can catalyze the synthesis of a variety of profen derivatives with a stereoselectivity over 99 % ee. Moreover, through homology modeling and molecular docking, we preliminarily explained the mechanism of catalytic activity and stereoselectivity of the four ERs, which provided a solid base on the rational design of their stereo-preference in the future. The discovery of EaER2, PfER2, PvER1, and PvER2 provides four new enzyme sources for the study of the OYEs family and enriches the biocatalytic toolbox of ERs. Our exploration of the enzymatic properties of these four ERs will provide the sufficient data basis for future research and industrialization progress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Male infertility due to asthenozoospermia is quite frequent, but its etiology is poorly understood. We recruited two infertile brothers, born to first‐cousin parents from Pakistan, displaying idiopathic asthenozoospermia with mild stuttering disorder but no ciliary‐related symptoms. Whole‐exome sequencing identified a splicing variant (c.916+1G>A) in ARMC3, recessively co‐segregating with asthenozoospermia in the family. The ARMC3 protein is evolutionarily highly conserved and is mostly expressed in the brain and testicular tissue of human. The ARMC3 splicing mutation leads to the exclusion of exon 8, resulting in a predicted truncated protein (p.Glu245_Asp305delfs*16). Quantitative real‐time PCR revealed a significant decrease at mRNA level for ARMC3 and Western blot analysis did not detect ARMC3 protein in the patient's sperm. Individuals homozygous for the ARMC3 splicing variant displayed reduced sperm motility with frequent morphological abnormalities of sperm flagella. Transmission electron microscopy of the affected individual IV: 2 revealed vacuolation in sperm mitochondria at the midpiece and disrupted flagellar ultrastructure in the principal and end piece. Altogether, our results indicate that this novel homozygous ARMC3 splicing mutation destabilizes sperm flagella and leads to asthenozoospermia in our patients, providing a novel marker for genetic counseling and diagnosis of male infertility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Objectives Materials and methods Results Discussion and conclusion HENMT1 encodes a small RNA methyltransferase that plays a crucial role in mouse spermatogenesis through the methylation of the 3′ end of PIWI‐interacting RNAs.Our study aims to elucidate the relationship between HENMT1 and male infertility in humans.A consanguineous family, having a single non‐obstructive azoospermia patient was recruited for pathogenic variants screening. The research includes genetic analysis and experimental validation using mouse models. The patient was diagnosed with non‐obstructive azoospermia. Whole‐exome sequencing and subsequent bioinformatic analyses were performed to screen for candidate pathogenic variants. The pathogenicity of the identified variant was assessed and studied in vivo using a mouse model that mimicked the patient's mutation.Through whole‐exome sequencing, we identified a homozygous nonsense variant (c.555G > A, p.Trp185*) in HENMT1 in the patient. The presence of the mutant HENMT1 mRNA was detected in the patient's blood, and the truncated HENMT1 protein was observed in transfected HEK293T cells. The mutant mice modeling this HENMT1 variant displayed an infertile phenotype similar to that of the patient, characterized by spermiogenesis arrest. Further analysis revealed a significant derepression of retrotransposon LINE1 in the testes of the Henmt1 mutant mice, and increased apoptosis of spermatids.Our findings provide the evidence of pathogenicity of the identified HENMT1 variant, thus shedding light on the indispensable role of HENMT1 in human spermatogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Soil nitrogen (N) significantly influences the interaction between plants and pathogens, yet its impact on host defenses and pathogen strategies via alterations in plant metabolism remains unclear. Through metabolic and genetic studies, this research demonstrates that high‐N‐input exacerbates tomato bacterial wilt by altering γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) metabolism of host plants. Under high‐N conditions, the nitrate sensor NIN‐like protein 7 (SlNLP7) promotes the glutamate decarboxylase 2/4 (SlGAD2/4) transcription and GABA synthesis by directly binding to the promoters of SlGAD2/4. The tomato plants with enhanced GABA levels showed stronger immune responses but remained susceptible to Ralstonia solanacearum. This led to the discovery that GABA produced by the host actually heightens the pathogen's virulence. We identified the R. solanacearum LysR‐type transcriptional regulator OxyR protein, which senses host‐derived GABA and, upon interaction, triggers a response involving protein dimerization that enhances the pathogen's oxidative stress tolerance by activating the expression of catalase (katE/katGa). These findings reveal GABA's dual role in activating host immunity and enhancing pathogen tolerance to oxidative stress, highlighting the complex relationship between tomato plants and R. solanacearum, influenced by soil N status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Objectives Materials and methods Results Conclusion With the development of socio‐economic conditions and a shift in attitudes towards fertility, there has been a gradual increase in delayed childbearing since the 2000s. Age plays a significant role in the decline of fertility. However, we know very little about the association of paternal age with reproductive outcomes.To investigate the correlation between advanced paternal age and semen quality, embryo quality, pregnancy, and neonatal outcomes in IVF cycles.In this study, after excluding female partners aged ≥35 years, we analyzed data from 761 infertile couples who underwent in vitro fertilization cycles at the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC between June 2020 and March 2023. Cases were classified into three groups according to the age of the male: <35 years (530 infertile couples), 35 years ≤ paternal age <40 years (125 infertile couples), and ≥40 years (106 infertile couples). Then, we compared the general clinical data arising from in vitro fertilization cycles between the three groups, including semen parameters, embryonic parameters, and pregnancy and neonatal birth outcomes.Data analysis showed that the duration of infertility and the incidence of secondary infertility were significantly higher in paternal age ≥35 years groups than those aged <35 years (all p < 0.05). We also observed a significant difference between ≥40 years and <35 years groups in terms of the normal fertilization rate, high‐quality embryo rate, clinical pregnancy rate, miscarriage rate, live birth rate, Apgar scores, and the low birth weight neonatal rate (all p < 0.05). The group with paternal age ≥40 years showed statistically significant differences in terms of clinical pregnancy rate, miscarriage rate, live birth rate, and low birth weight on multivariable logistic regression (all p < 0.05).The results of our study indicate that advanced paternal age (≥40 years) has a significant impact on the embryo quality, pregnancy outcome, and neonatal outcome. Paternal age over 40 years is a risk for in vitro fertilization success rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chilling stress is a major environmental factor that significantly reduces crop production. To adapt to chilling stress, plants activate a series of cellular responses and accumulate an array of metabolites, particularly proline. Here, we report that the transcription factor SlWRKY51 increases proline contents in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) under chilling stress. SlWRKY51 expression is induced under chilling stress. Knockdown or knockout of SlWRKY51 led to chilling‐sensitive phenotypes, with lower photosynthetic capacity and more reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation than the wild type (WT). The proline contents were significantly reduced in SlWRKY51 knockdown and knockout lines under chilling stress, perhaps explaining the phenotypes of these lines. D‐1‐pyrroline‐5‐carboxylate synthetase (P5CS), which catalyses the rate‐limiting step of proline biosynthesis, is encoded by two closely related P5CS genes (P5CS1 and P5CS2). We demonstrate that SlWRKY51 directly activates the expression of P5CS1 under chilling stress. In addition, the VQ (a class of plant‐specific proteins containing the conserved motif FxxhVQxhTG) family member SlVQ10 physically interacts with SlWRKY51 to enhance its activation of P5CS1. Our study reveals that the chilling‐induced transcription factor SlWRKY51 enhances chilling tolerance in tomato by promoting proline accumulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cryopreservation of metaphase II (MII) oocytes is crucial to preserve female fertility. However, the existing vitrification technology just provides partial cryogenic protection for oocytes and must use high concentrations of toxic penetrating cryoprotective agents (CPAs, up to 4.8 M). Here, a multi‐scale ice inhibition platform is proposed, which effectively suppresses ice crystal morphology, ice recrystallization (IR), temperature gradient, and devitrification. This platform achieves mouse oocyte survival rate of 98.6% using the low concentration of CPA (3.1 M) while also possessing batch oocyte cryopreservation ability. In contrast, recovered oocytes show a much more modest variation of genes compared with the conventional method (85 vs. 1396 genes), retaining normal fertilization, embryonic development, and birth to healthy offspring. Diverging from the conventional vitrification method with partial cryogenic protection capability, this platform introduces full‐cycle ice inhibition, offering promising prospects for achieving high‐quality and scalable fertility preservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Overexpression of COMT1 improves tomato low P tolerance. • Overexpression of COMT1 influences P uptake and plant growth. • We firstly provide metabolic insights into COMT1 -mediated low P tolerance. • NO and PAs play important roles in COMT1 -mediated low P tolerance. Caffeic acid O-methyltransferase (COMT) controls the biosynthesis of lignin and melatonin. Though melatonin-induced stress tolerance has been widely studied, little can be found about COMT1 -mediated low phosphorus (LP) stress tolerance and metabolic characteristic. Transgenic plants overexpressing COMT1 (COMT1) exhibited a significant increase in tolerance to LP stress by promoting plant growth and P uptake compared with wild type (WT) plants. Then, a LC MS based approach was used to conduct a detailed broad-scale identification of metabolic responses of WT and COMT1 tomato roots to LP stress. Totally, 5918 metabolites were identified in the present study, which contained 480–551 significantly changed metabolites (SCMs) in four comparative groups. PCA analysis of these SCMs strongly showed a COMT1- mediated LP resistance process at metabolic level. These SCMs were enriched in 11 shared pathways in comparative groups of "LP effect" and "COMT1 effect". We further condensed these pathways to five parts: citrate cycle, amino acids biosynthesis and metabolism, arginine-mediated nitric oxide and polyamine metabolism, linoleic acids metabolism, organic acids and derivatives metabolism. A detailed discussion around these five metabolic parts was conducted to unravel tomato LP response and COMT1 -mediated resistance mechanism. Taken together, this metabolomics analysis provided more global insights into the physiological and molecular mechanisms of COMT1 against LP stress in tomato plants at metabolic levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

TTC12 is a cytoplasmic and centromere-localized protein that plays a role in the proper assembly of dynein arm complexes in motile cilia in both respiratory cells and sperm flagella. This finding underscores its significance in cellular motility and function. However, the wide role of TTC12 in human spermatogenesis-associated primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) still needs to be elucidated. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) and Sanger sequencing were performed to identify potentially pathogenic variants causing PCD and multiple morphological abnormalities of sperm flagella (MMAF) in an infertile Pakistani man. Diagnostic imaging techniques were used for PCD screening in the patient. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT‒PCR) was performed to detect the effect of mutations on the mRNA abundance of the affected genes. Papanicolaou staining and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were carried out to examine sperm morphology. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was performed to examine the ultrastructure of the sperm flagella, and the results were confirmed by immunofluorescence staining. Using WES and Sanger sequencing, a novel homozygous missense variant (c.C1069T; p.Arg357Trp) in TTC12 was identified in a patient from a consanguineous family. A computed tomography scan of the paranasal sinuses confirmed the symptoms of the PCD. RT–PCR showed a decrease in TTC12 mRNA in the patient's sperm sample. Papanicolaou staining, SEM, and TEM analysis revealed a significant change in shape and a disorganized axonemal structure in the sperm flagella of the patient. Immunostaining assays revealed that TTC12 is distributed throughout the flagella and is predominantly concentrated in the midpiece in normal spermatozoa. In contrast, spermatozoa from patient deficient in TTC12 showed minimal staining intensity for TTC12 or DNAH17 (outer dynein arms components). This could lead to MMAF and result in male infertility. This novel TTC12 variant not only illuminates the underlying genetic causes of male infertility but also paves the way for potential treatments targeting these genetic factors. This study represents a significant advancement in understanding the genetic basis of PCD-related infertility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-mobility group B (HMGB) proteins are a class of non-histone proteins associated with eukaryotic chromatin and are known to regulate a variety of biological processes in plants. However, the functions of HMGB genes in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) remain largely unexplored. Here, we identified 11 members of the HMGB family in tomato using BLAST. We employed genome-wide identification, gene structure analysis, domain conservation analysis, cis-acting element analysis, collinearity analysis, and qRT-PCR-based expression analysis to study these 11 genes. These genes were categorized into four groups based on their unique protein domain structures. Despite their structural diversity, all members contain the HMG-box domain, a characteristic feature of the HMG superfamily. Syntenic analysis suggested that tomato SlHMGBs have close evolutionary relationships with their homologs in other dicots. The promoter regions of SlHMGBs are enriched with numerous cis-elements related to plant growth and development, phytohormone responsiveness, and stress responsiveness. Furthermore, SlHMGB members exhibited distinct tissue-specific expression profiles, suggesting their potential roles in regulating various aspects of plant growth and development. Most SlHMGB genes respond to a variety of abiotic stresses, including salt, drought, heat, and cold. For instance, SlHMGB2 and SlHMGB4 showed positive responses to salt, drought, and cold stresses. SlHMGB1, SlHMGB3, and SlHMGB8 were involved in responses to two types of stress: SlHMGB1 responded to drought and heat, while SlHMGB3 and SlHMGB8 responded to salt and heat. SlHMGB6 and SlHMGB11 were solely regulated by drought and heat stress, respectively. Under various treatment conditions, the number of up-regulated genes significantly outnumbered the down-regulated genes, implying that the SlHMGB family may play a crucial role in mitigating abiotic stress in tomato. These findings lay a foundation for further dissecting the precise roles of SlHMGB genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How to develop a simple and economic approach to improve plant cold stress tolerance is an important scientific problem. With the hope that we explored the effect and metabolism of cold plasma (CP) seed treatment on the chilling tolerance in tomato plants. 75 W CP seed treatment showed the best mitigative effect on cold-induced injury of tomato seedlings, as evidenced by the higher maximum photochemical efficiency of PSII (F v / F m), lower ion leakage and chilling injury index. Moreover, the results showed that CP-induced chilling tolerance was related to the hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2) mediated by respiratory burst oxidase homologue 1 (RBOH1), which was proved by the decrease low temperature tolerance observed in RBOH1 silence or chemical scavenging of H 2 O 2 seedlings. Furthermore, RBOH1 -mediated H 2 O 2 acted as the downstream signaling of CP treatment to enhance the levels of abscisic acid (ABA) by increasing the transcript of 9-cis-epoxycarotenoid dioxygenase 1 (NCED1). Mutation of NCED1 completely abolished CP-induced cold resistance. Genetic evidence showed that H 2 O 2 and ABA were positive regulators of cold stress tolerance. Thus, CP-induced H 2 O 2 and ABA cascade signal up-regulated the regulatory genes (ICE1 and CBF1) of cold acclimation, which increased the osmotic adjustment substances (proline and soluble sugar) accumulation and antioxidant enzymes (SOD, APX and CAT) activities. Our results indicate that H 2 O 2 and ABA signals are involved in conferring cold stress tolerance induced by CP seed treatment in tomato plants. [Display omitted] • CP seed treatment can improve cold resistance in tomato plants. • ROS and ABA are firstly evidenced to take part in CP-induced cold resistance. • The period of validity of CP-induced cold resistance is evaluated firstly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Asthenozoospermia is an important cause of male infertility, and the most serious type is characterized by multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella (MMAF). However, the precise etiology of MMAF remains unknown. In the current study, we recruited a consanguineous Pakistani family with two infertile brothers suffering from primary infertility due to MMAF without obvious signs of PCD. Methods: We performed whole-exome sequencing on DNAs of the patients, their parents, and a fertile brother and identified the homozygous missense variant (c.1490C > G (p.P497R) in NPHP4 as the candidate mutation for male infertility in this family. Results: Sanger sequencing confirmed that this mutation recessively co-segregated with the MMAF in this family. In silico analysis revealed that the mutation site is conserved across different species, and the identified mutation also causes abnormalities in the structure and hydrophobic interactions of the NPHP4 protein. Different bioinformatics tools predict that NPHP4p.P497R mutation is pathogenic. Furthermore, Papanicolaou staining and scanning electron microscopy of sperm revealed that affected individuals displayed typical MMAF phenotype with a high percentage of coiled, bent, short, absent, and/or irregular flagella. Transmission electron microscopy images of the patient's spermatozoa revealed significant anomalies in the sperm flagella with the absence of a central pair of microtubules (9 + 0) in every section scored. Conclusions: Taken together, these results show that the homozygous missense mutation in NPHP4 is associated with MMAF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The production capacity and application of plastic films in China have increased dramatically with the rapid development of agricultural greenhouse and plastic tunnels. Although the effects of films on crop management have received much attention, only a few studies have considered their effects on insect pests. Here, we investigated the developmental and demographic parameters of an insect pest of economic significance Aphis gossypii Glover (Hemiptera: Aphididae) in yellow, purple, blue, red and clear plastic films, when feeding on cucumber plants. The fecundity of the aphids under blue and red films was significantly lower compared to purple, yellow, or the clear. The red film significantly decreased the intrinsic rate of increase, finite rate of increase, net reproduction rate, and gross reproductive rate of the aphids compared to the clear. Red and blue films reduced the age-specific fecundity and reproductive value of A. gossypii compared to the clear. In general, the red films could be used to retard the population growth of A. gossypii in large-scale agricultural greenhouses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field experiments were conducted to determine the relationship between chalkiness of high-quality rice and temperature during grain filling period in 2016–2017. Significant differences in chalkiness and response to temperature during grain filling period were observed among the cultivars and years of production. A positive correlation between chalkiness and temperature that includes daily minimum temperature (T-min), daily mean temperature (T-mean) and daily maximum temperature (T-max) during grain filling period was observed. The correlation between chalkiness and T-min during 7 days after heading was lower than that of other stages, while the correlation between chalkiness and T-mean during the ripening stage was the highest than other stages. The chalkiness values of some varieties such as Jiuxiangzhan, Zhendao18 and Yongyou1538 were sensitive to temperature, however, it might be reached optimum level through suitable ecological regions. Other varieties such as Huanghuazhan, Wangxiangyouhuazhan and Ganchangjing1 could maintain lower level of chalkiness regardless of different ecological regions in southern China. These high-quality rice varieties with low and relatively stable chalkiness could be moderately planted in Chinese double-rice cropping systems, and could be used as breeding materials to cope with the adverse effects of future global temperature increase (mainly night temperature) on the appearance quality of rice. • Significant differences in chalkiness and response to temperature during grain filling period were observed among the cultivars. • The chalkiness showed the closest positive correlation with T-min. • Varieties with low and relatively stable chalkiness could be used as breeding materials to cope with the adverse effects of global warming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We encourage centers with large cohorts of POI patients as well as FA patients to precisely define the genotype-phenotype correlations in women with I FANC i variants. To the Editor, We thank Heddar and Misrahi for their interest in our recent paper (Yang et al. [20]), and for sharing their different opinions on the causal link between I FANCA i variants and premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). First, no rare variant in any other causative/candidate POI genes has been found in our I FANCA i -associated patients after processing whole-exome sequencing (WES) data. [Extracted from the article]

SUMMARY: Nucleolar dominance (ND) is a widespread epigenetic phenomenon in hybridizations where nucleolus transcription fails at the nucleolus organizer region (NOR). However, the dynamics of NORs during the formation of Triticum zhukovskyi (GGAuAuAmAm), another evolutionary branch of allohexaploid wheat, remains poorly understood. Here, we elucidated genetic and epigenetic changes occurring at the NOR loci within the Am, G, and D subgenomes during allopolyploidization by synthesizing hexaploid wheat GGAuAuAmAm and GGAuAuDD. In T. zhukovskyi, Au genome NORs from T. timopheevii (GGAuAu) were lost, while the second incoming NORs from T. monococcum (Am Am) were retained. Analysis of the synthesized T. zhukovskyi revealed that rRNA genes from the Am genome were silenced in F1 hybrids (GAuAm) and remained inactive after genome doubling and subsequent self‐pollinations. We observed increased DNA methylation accompanying the inactivation of NORs in the Am genome and found that silencing of NORs in the S1 generation could be reversed by a cytidine methylase inhibitor. Our findings provide insights into the ND process during the evolutionary period of T. zhukovskyi and highlight that inactive rDNA units may serve as a 'first reserve' in the form of R‐loops, contributing to the successful evolution of T. zhukovskyi. Significance Statement: Nucleolar dominance is a widespread epigenetic phenomenon in distant hybridizations, which describes reversible nucleolus transcription failure at the uniparental NOR. Triticum zhukovskyi lost Au genome NORs during the first polyploidization event, but retained Am genome NORs across the second polyploidization process. Nucleolus dominance is established in hybrid F1 independently of chromosome doubling events, which may be one of the reasons for the successful evolution of hexaploid wheat T. zhukovskyi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An algorithm based on the Paterson-Stockmeyer (PS) scheme and filtering technology is developed to compute the large matrix functions in dynamic problems accurately and efficiently. With the assistance of analysis on truncation error and error caused by filtering, the error growth law during the computation is studied, based on which an adaptive filtering threshold is proposed to help the proposed algorithm more efficiently achieve similar accuracy as the original PS scheme. Numerical examples, including 30 random matrices with different bandwidths, 10 adjacency matrices in the complex network dynamic problems, and a trampoline vibration problem, are given to verify the efficiency and accuracy of the proposed algorithm. Numerical results suggest that the proposed algorithm can achieve good accuracy and efficiency in computing the matrix function in the considered dynamic problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cornichon is a functionally conserved transmembrane protein family that generally acts as a cargo-sorting receptor and cycles between the ER and the Golgi. Four Cornichon family members (CNIH1-4) have been identified. The key residues responsible for CNIH1-3 to bind to AMPA receptors are not conserved in CNIH4. Additionally, the function of CNIH1-3 in GPCR signaling is less established, while more established in case of CNIH4 protein that interact with GPCR and control their exportation. Many GPCRs are known for their essential roles in male and female gonad development. But whether CNIH4 plays a role in gametogenesis remains unknown. Mice carrying the Cnih4 knockout allele (Cnih4 tm1a−/− ) were generated by insertion of a LacZ reporter and a polyadenylation site after exon 1. Western blot, Immunofluorescence, computer-aided sperm analysis and other methods were used in the functional analysis. We identified that both Cnih4 tm1a−/− male and female mice have normal fertility. Though, the sperm count, morphology, and motility of Cnih4 tm1a−/− mice were slightly impaired compared to those of wild-type mice, the testes to body weight ratio and testicular histology were similar to those in control mice. Histological examination of Cnih4 tm1a−/− ovaries detected follicles from primordial to antral stages and the numbers of follicles at each stage were also comparable to wild-type controls. Normal fertility was noticed after six-month fertility tests. That was likely due to the compensatory role of Chin3 , which significantly upregulated in the Cnih4 tm1a−/− mice to preserve the fertility role. Despite CNIH4 showing enriched expression in mouse germ cells, our genetic knockout studies demonstrated that CNIH4 is not essential for gametogenesis and fertility in mice although with a slight reduction in count, motility and morphology of sperm in male mice. [Display omitted] • The CNIH4 protein interacts with GPCR and controls its export. • GPCRs are known to play an important role in the development of male and female gonads. • CNIH4 is highly expressed in mouse spermatocytes and oocytes. • Cnih4 knockout mice were viable, without obvious defects in fertility and gametogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the distributed information fusion of wireless sensor networks (WSNs), the filtering accuracy is commonly negatively correlated with energy consumption. Therefore, a class of distributed consensus Kalman filters was designed to balance the contradiction between them in this paper. Firstly, an event-triggered schedule was designed based on historical data within a timeliness window. Furthermore, considering the relationship between energy consumption and communication distance, a topological transformation schedule with energy-saving is proposed. The energy-saving distributed consensus Kalman filter with a dual event-driven (or event-triggered) strategy is proposed by combining the above two schedules. The sufficient condition of stability for the filter is given by the second Lyapunov stability theory. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed filter was verified by a simulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The low absolute positioning accuracy of industrial robots is one of the bottlenecks preventing industrial robots from precision applications. Kinematic calibration is the main way to improve the absolute positioning accuracy of industrial robots, which greatly relies on three-dimensional (3D) measurement instruments, including laser trackers and pull rope mechanisms. These instruments are costly, and their required intervisibility space is large. In this paper, a precision 3D measurement instrument integrating multiple laser range sensors is designed, which fuses the information of multiple redundant laser range sensors to obtain the coordinates of a 3D position. An identification model of laser beam position and orientation parameters based on redundant distance information and standard spherical constraint is then developed to reduce the requirement for the assembly accuracy of laser range sensors. A hybrid identification algorithm of PSO-LM (particle swarm optimization Levenberg Marquardt) is designed to solve the high-order nonlinear problem of the identification model, where PSO is used for initial value identification, and LM is used for final value identification. Experiments of identification of position and orientation, verifications of the measuring accuracy, and the calibration of industrial robots are conducted, which show the effectiveness of the proposed 3D measurement instrument and identification methods. Moreover, the proposed instrument is small in size and can be used in narrow industrial sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Automatic modulation recognition is advantageous for wireless communication systems employing adaptive modulation, software-defined radio, and cognitive radio. In this paper, we consider a phase based maximum likelihood (ML) approach for identifying the modulation format of a linearly modulated signal. Since the optimal ML scheme is computationally intensive, we propose two approximate ML alternatives, which can offer close-to-optimal performance with reduced complexity. We then present a general performance analysis for classification of K types of modulation constellations. For K<=5, probability of correct classification (Pcc) can be evaluated via simplified integration. In the case of K>5, we obtain a set of upper bounds on Pcc, which provide a tradeoff between accuracy and complexity in calculating the Pcc. In addition, asymptotic behavior of phase based ML classification schemes is investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Weaver et al. report that chromosome nondisjunction induced by knockout of the mitosis-specific motor protein CENP-E does not increase the rate of binucleation in mouse fibroblasts and conclude that nondisjunction is therefore not coupled to furrow regression. However, they have not yet excluded alternative interpretations of their results, which makes it hard to compare them directly to our findings. Critical confounding issues include analysis of different cell types and the use of a specific gene deletion, for which corresponding naturally occurring mutations have not been described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Melatonin (MT) is a phytohormone-like substance and is profoundly involved in modulating nearly all aspects of plant development and acclimation to environmental stressors. However, there remain no studies about the effects of MT on tomato seed germination under salt stress. Here we reported that the overexpression of caffeic acid O-methyltransferase 1 (SlCOMT1) significantly increased both MT content and salt tolerance in the germinated seeds of a transgenic tomato relative to wild type (WT) samples. Physiological investigation showed higher amylase activity in the stressed overexpression seeds than WT, leading to the promoted starch decomposition and enhanced soluble sugar content. The stimulated production of osmolytes and enhanced activities of SOD, POD, and CAT, together with the significant reduction in H2O2 and O2·− accumulation, were revealed in the stressed overexpression seeds relative to WT, largely accounting for their lower membrane lipid peroxidation. qPCR assay showed that, upon salt stress, the transcript abundance of hub genes related to germination (SlCYP707A1, SlABA1, SlGA3ox2 and SlGA2ox4) and stress tolerance (SlCDPK1, SlWRKY33 and SlMAPK1) were distinctly altered in the overexpression samples when compared to WT, providing a molecular basis for MT-mediated improvement of seed salt tolerance. Altogether, our observations shed new insights into biological functions of SlCOMT1 and could expand its utilization in genetic improvement of tomato salt tolerance in future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. radicis-lycopersici (Forl) is a destructive soil-borne phytopathogenic fungus that causes Fusarium crown and root rot (FCRR) of tomato, leading to considerable field yield losses. In this study, we explored the antifungal capability of linalool, a natural plant volatile organic component, against Forl and its role in controlling FCRR symptoms in tomatoes. Our results showed that Forl mycelial growth was inhibited by the linalool treatment and that the linalool treatment damaged cell membrane integrity, enhanced reactive oxygen species levels, depleted glutathione, and reduced the activities of many antioxidant enzymes in Forl. Transcriptomic and proteomic analyses demonstrated that linalool also downregulated metabolic biosynthetic pathways at the transcript and protein levels, including redox, transporter activity, and carbohydrate metabolism in Forl. Moreover, linalool significantly decreased the expression of many Forl pathogenic genes, such as cell wall degrading enzymes (CWDEs) and G proteins, which is likely how a Forl infection was prevented. Importantly, exogenously applied linalool activated the salicylic acid (SA) and jasmonic acid (JA) defensive pathways to improve disease resistance and relieved the negative effects of Forl on plant growth. Taken together, we report that linalool is an effective fungicide against Forl and will be a promising green chemical agent for controlling FCRR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Testis‐specifically expressed genes are important for male reproduction according to their unique expression patterns. However, the functions of most of these genes in reproduction are unclear. Here, we showed that mouse 4930590J08Rik was a testis‐specifically expressed gene. 4930590J08Rik knockout mice exhibited a delay in the first wave of spermatogenesis and a reduction of cauda epididymal sperm. Furthermore, knockout spermatozoa exhibited defective acrosome reactions and decreased progressive motility, which led to impaired in vivo fertilization. Transcriptome analysis of testes revealed that most of the differentially expressed genes in knockout testes were associated with metabolic processes. 4930590J08Rik knockout sperm exhibited oxidative phosphorylation deficiency and were highly dependent on increased anaerobic glycolysis to compensate for ATP demands. Taken together, the 4930590J08Rik‐disrupted mouse partially mimics the phenotypes of human asthenospermia and oligozoospermia, which provides a new model for further understanding the pathogenesis of idiopathic male infertility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Centromeres typically contain tandem repeat sequences, but centromere function does not necessarily depend on these sequences. We identified functional centromeres with significant quantitative changes in the centromeric retrotransposons of wheat (CRW) contents in wheat aneuploids (Triticum aestivum) and the offspring of wheat wide hybrids. The CRW signals were strongly reduced or essentially lost in some wheat ditelosomic lines and in the addition lines from the wide hybrids. The total loss of the CRW sequences but the presence of CENH3 in these lines suggests that the centromeres were formed de novo. In wheat and its wide hybrids, which carry large complex genomes or no sequenced genome, we performed CENH3-ChIP-dot-blot methods alone or in combination with CENH3-ChIP-seq and identified the ectopic genomic sequences present at the new centromeres. In adcdition, the transcription of the identified DNA sequences was remarkably increased at the new centromere, suggesting that the transcription of the corresponding sequences may be associated with de novo centromere formation. Stable alien chromosomes with two and three regions containing CRW sequences induced by centromere breakage were observed in the wheat-Th. elongatum hybrid derivatives, but only one was a functional centromere. In wheat-rye (Secale cereale) hybrids, the rye centromere-specific sequences spread along the chromosome arms and may have caused centromere expansion. Frequent and significant quantitative alterations in the centromere sequence via chromosomal rearrangement have been systematically described in wheat wide hybridizations, which may affect the retention or loss of the alien chromosomes in the hybrids. Thus, the centromere behavior in wide crosses likely has an important impact on the generation of biodiversity, which ultimately has implications for speciation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Runoff from farmland is of great importance to both agricultural and environmental sustainability. In the present study, a meta-analysis was conducted to quantify the effectiveness of no-tillage (NT) in reducing surface runoff and to explore the factors controlling the effectiveness. Results showed that overall, NT significantly reduced runoff by 21.9% and 27.2% compared to reduced tillage (RT) and conventional moldboard plow (MP), respectively. The effectiveness of NT in reducing runoff was higher under simulated than natural rainfall, particularly as compared to MP. The reduction in runoff under NT was significant and greatest for moderate slope gradients (5–10%) relative to both RT and MP, but without statistical significance for both gentle (<5%) and steep (>10%) slope gradients. As compared to MP, the effectiveness of NT in reducing runoff decreased over time, whereas no such trend was found relative to RT. Compared to RT, NT significantly reduced runoff in soils with low clay content (<33% clay), while resulting in a slight but non-significant increase in runoff in soils with high clay content (≥33% clay). The effectiveness of NT in reducing runoff compared to RT did not vary with tillage direction. Runoff was significantly reduced by NT with crop residue retention relative to RT, but not with residue removal. Our results conclude that NT needs to be adapted to specific environmental conditions and management practices for improved controls on runoff. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In an article published in Advanced Functional Materials, researchers Huanzhong Liu, Yunxia Cao, Gang Zhao, and their colleagues present a multi-scale ice inhibition platform that effectively prevents ice crystal formation and other detrimental effects during cryopreservation. By using this platform, the researchers were able to successfully preserve mouse oocytes with high efficiency using low concentrations of cryoprotective agents. The preserved oocytes maintained their normal fertilization, embryonic development, and resulted in the birth of healthy offspring. This research shows promising potential for achieving high-quality fertility preservation. [Extracted from the article]

Plant mineral nutrition is critical for agricultural productivity and for human nutrition; however, the availability of mineral elements is spatially and temporally heterogeneous in many ecosystems and agricultural landscapes. Nutrient imbalances trigger intricate signalling networks that modulate plant acclimation responses. One signalling agent of particular importance in such networks is phytomelatonin, a pleiotropic molecule with multiple functions. Evidence indicates that deficiencies or excesses of nutrients generally increase phytomelatonin levels in certain tissues, and it is increasingly thought to participate in the regulation of plant mineral nutrition. Alterations in endogenous phytomelatonin levels can protect plants from oxidative stress, influence root architecture, and influence nutrient uptake and efficiency of use through transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation; such changes optimize mineral nutrient acquisition and ion homeostasis inside plant cells and thereby help to promote growth. This review summarizes current knowledge on the regulation of plant mineral nutrition by melatonin and highlights how endogenous phytomelatonin alters plant responses to specific mineral elements. In addition, we comprehensively discuss how melatonin influences uptake and transport under conditions of nutrient shortage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitric oxide (NO), as a redox molecule, played important role in plant response to environmental stress. Here, we found that loss of tomato S-Nitrosoglutathione reductase (SlGSNOR), a critical regulator of NO balance, led to global sensitivity to heat, salt, bicarbonate, and paraquat stresses in tomato, suggesting that SlGSNOR was a positive regulator in tomato against abiotic stresses. In addition, under these stresses, loss of SlGSNOR induced excessive NO accumulation in the roots of the transgenic plant. Bicarbonate accumulation has been a limiting factor of tomato production in the north of China, and there were less reports on the regulation of bicarbonate stress compared with other abiotic stress, therefore, in the following experiment, the mechanism of SlGSNOR function focused on investigating bicarbonate tolerance. Proteomes data indicated that loss of SlGSNOR triggered the expression of proteins in MAPK and ethylene signaling pathway under bicarbonate condition. Importantly, loss of SlGSNOR increased ethylene emission under bicarbonate condition, meaning that ethylene signaling participated in SlGSNOR -mediated tomato bicarbonate stress tolerance. Interestingly, under bicarbonate stress, silencing SlMAPK3 or SlACO1 in SlGSNOR -RNAi tomato partially compromised the sensitivity and ethylene emission. Mechanistically, under bicarbonate stress, silencing SlMAPK3 in SlGSNOR -RNAi tomato plants suppressed the transcription of SlACO1 , whereas silencing SlACO1 in SlGSNOR -RNAi tomato activated the transcription of SlMAPK3. Collectively, these data demonstrated that SlGSNOR -mediated tomato abiotic stress tolerance was depended on SlMAPK3 - SlACO1 cascade signaling, largely. In addition, the incorporation of global abiotic stress tolerance traits into crop plants may succeed by manipulating GSNOR expression. • Tomato GSNOR was a multiple stress-induced gene. • SlGSNOR was positively regulated tomato heat, salt, bicarbonate, and paraquat tolerance. • SlGSNOR -mediated bicarbonate tolerance was depended on SlMAPK3 - SlACO1 cascade signaling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phosphorus (P) utilization by plants is low, which limits crop yields and causes environmental pollution. SAMS1 controls polyamines and ethylene synthesis, and actively responds to various biotic and abiotic stresses. However, how SAMS1 regulates plant P efficiency remains unclear. This study showed that SAMS1 -overexpressing improves tomato P efficiency. As a result, overexpression of SAMS1 reduced the accumulation of putrescine and, which induced H 2 O 2 by promoting the conversion of putrescine to spermidine/spermine. This not only facilitated the occurrence of lateral roots under low-P conditions but also promoted the continuous elongation of lateral roots, forming the low-P adaptive root morphological characteristics in tomato plants. In addition to morphological regulation, SAMS1 also promoted root H+-ATPase activity and H+ secretion through polyamines and ethylene signals, enhancing P absorption. However, the phosphatase activity, reutilization of cell wall P, and its distribution to the root was only induced by SAMS1 -mediated ethylene signal. Field experiments showed that using SAMS1 -overexpressing transgenic rootstocks significantly reduced the input of P fertilizer, promoted plant growth and yield. Together, SAMS1 can promote tomato root growth and P utilization by activating synergistic signals of PAs and Eth. ● SAMS1 is a PSR gene. ● SAMS1 stimulates tomato root growth and P availability via PAs and Eth synergetic signaling. ● Using SAMS1 -OE rootstock significantly increase tomato yield and P fertilizer use efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]