Mechanism Of Accumulation Research Articles

Insights for Soil Improvements: Unraveling Distinct Mechanisms of Microbial Residue Carbon Accumulation under Chemical and Anaerobic Soil Disinfestation

Soil disinfestation has been widely used as an effective strategy to improve soil health and crop yield by suppression of soil-borne plant pathogens, but its effect on soil organic carbon (SOC), a crucial factor linked to climate change, remains unknown. A microcosm trial was conducted to evaluate microbial residue carbon (MRC) and its contribution to SOC under chemical soil disinfestation (CSD) with quicklime (QL) and chloropicrin (CP), as well as anaerobic soil disinfestation (ASD) with maize straw (MASD) and soybean straw (SASD). The SOC concentrations were increased by both CSD and ASD. Also, total SOC-normalized MRC concentration was enhanced, with a considerable increase in soil bacterial and fungal MRC, particularly evident under CP and SASD treatment. Due to broad-spectrum biocidal activities, decreased SOC-normalized microbial biomass carbon (MBC) was consistent with the reductions in bacterial and fungal phospholipid fatty acids (PLFAs), consequently increasing MRC accumulation under CSD. Similarly, ASD decreased fungal PLFAs while shifting bacterial PLFAs from aerobic to anaerobic taxa or from gram-negative to -positive taxa, both of which contributed to both MBC and MRC buildup. Collectively, the findings demonstrate that ASD can efficiently increase SOC concentration, with distinct mechanisms underlying MRC generation when compared to traditional CSD.

A novel electric field-assisted material extrusion process for clean additive manufacturing

Material extrusion (MEX) is a type of additive manufacturing technique that is widely used in a variety of applications. However, the issue of reduced quality of printed parts caused by degraded polymer debris accumulation on the nozzle surface during the MEX process has received very limited attention. This work presents a novel electric field-assisted MEX (E-MEX) method to solve the quality issue by significantly reducing the accumulations of polymer debris on the nozzle. By applying a high-voltage power source between the nozzle and the build plate, an electrostatic force was generated to overcome the which showed great potential to reduce the accumulation of molten thermoplastic material on the nozzles. Both the E-MEX and conventional MEX methods were used to print test specimens for specific amounts of time to confirm the efficacy of the E-MEX method. 3D scanning was used to quantify the volumes of debris that had accumulated on the nozzle. Compared to the conventional MEX method, the E-MEX printing reduced debris accumulation by 47 % after about 5 h and over 80 % after about 15 h of the printing process. The changes in electric field intensity over orienting height were analyzed using numerical simulations. The relationship between electric field intensity and time spent by the nozzle during the printing process at a specific height was established. The polymer accumulation in the E-MEX process was found to be dependent on the electric field intensity and the continuous time spent by the nozzle in the weaker electric field enhanced polymer debris accumulations on the nozzle surfaces. The presented study integrates experimental observations with simulation results, revealing the mechanism of debris accumulation on the nozzle when the electric field decreased to a certain level during printing process. A numerical simulation model was developed to understand the traveling of accumulated polymer debris from the nozzle's outer surface to the printing layer under the influence of electrostatic force. The simulation results showed that the dragging of polymer debris towards the build plate occurs when the electric force acting in the tangential and normal direction is sufficient to overcome the viscous force and normal force in the polymer debris. The simulation results also showed some part of the debris remained in the crease area of the nozzle surface due to the viscous and surface tension forces prevailing over the electric force.

Root cell wall polysaccharides and endodermal barriers restrict long-distance Cd translocation in the roots of Kentucky bluegrass

Soil Cd pollution is a significant environmental issue faced by contemporary society. Kentucky bluegrass is considered a potential phytoremediation species, as some varieties have excellent cadmium (Cd) tolerance. However, the mechanisms of Cd accumulation and transportation in Kentucky bluegrass are still not fully understood. The Cd-tolerant Kentucky bluegrass cultivar ‘Midnight’ (M) exhibits lower Cd translocation efficiency and a higher leaf Cd concentration compared to the Cd-sensitive cultivar ‘Rugby II’ (R). We hypothesized that Cd translocation from roots to shoots in cultivar M is hindered by the endodermal barriers and cell wall polysaccharides; hence, we conducted Cd distribution, cytological observation, cell wall component, and transcriptomic analyses under Cd stress conditions using the M and R cultivars. Cd stress resulted in the thickening of the endodermis and increased synthesis of cell wall polysaccharides in both the M and R cultivars. Endodermis development restricted the radical transport of Cd from the root cortex to the stele, while the accumulation of cell wall polysaccharides promoted the binding of Cd to the cell wall. These changes further inhibited the long-distance translocation of Cd from the roots to the aerial parts. Furthermore, the M cultivar exhibited limited long-distance Cd translocation efficiency compared to the R cultivar, which was attributed to the enhanced development of endodermal barriers and increased Cd binding by cell wall polysaccharides. This study provides valuable insights for screening high Cd transport efficiency in Kentucky bluegrass based on anatomical structure and genetic modification.

The Biosynthesis Pattern and Transcriptome Analysis of Sapindus saponaria Oil.

The Sapindus saponaria (soapberry) kernel is rich in oil that has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, promotes cell proliferation, cell migration, and stimulates skin wound-healing effects. S. saponaria oil has excellent lubricating properties and is a high-quality raw material for biodiesel and premium lubricants, showing great potential in industrial and medical applications. Metabolite and transcriptome analysis revealed patterns of oil accumulation and composition and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) during seed development. Morphological observations of soapberry fruits at different developmental stages were conducted, and the oil content and fatty acid composition of the kernels were determined. Transcriptome sequencing was performed on kernels at 70, 100, and 130 days after flowering (DAF). The oil content of soapberry kernels was lowest at 60 DAF (5%) and peaked at 130 DAF (31%). Following soapberry fruit-ripening, the primary fatty acids in the kernels were C18:1 (oleic acid) and C18:3 (linolenic acid), accounting for an average proportion of 62% and 18%, respectively. The average contents of unsaturated fatty acids and saturated fatty acids in the kernel were 86% and 14%, respectively. Through the dynamic changes in fatty acid composition and DEGs analysis of soapberry kernels, FATA, KCR1, ECR, FAD2 and FAD3 were identified as candidate genes contributing to a high proportion of C18:1 and C18:3, while DGAT3 emerged as a key candidate gene for TAG biosynthesis. The combined analysis of transcriptome and metabolism unveiled the molecular mechanism of oil accumulation, leading to the creation of a metabolic pathway pattern diagram for oil biosynthesis in S. saponaria kernels. The study of soapberry fruit development, kernel oil accumulation, and the molecular mechanism of oil biosynthesis holds great significance in increasing oil yield and improving oil quality.

MiR-33a-5p in stored red blood cells regulates genes of innate immune response and promotes inflammation.

Blood transfusion is a common therapeutic procedure in hospitalized patients. Red blood cell (RBC) units undergo various biochemical and morphological changes during storage (storage lesion). miRNAs have been studied intensively regarding cellular metabolic processes, but the effect of miRNAs on blood storage is not well defined. We performed bioinformatics analysis on the public data set of miRNA expression of RBC based on R language, and performed the Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis on the target genes of differentially expressed miRNA. The expression of miRNA differential genes in blood samples stored at different times was verified by qRT-PCR. Next, we used ELISA and qRT-PCR to verify the expression of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-12 and TNF-α in blood at day 1 and day 42. In addition, in vitro, we transfected macrophages with overexpressed miRNA, and the effects of overexpressed miRNA on macrophage polarization and the release of inflammatory factors were verified by flow cytometry and qRT-PCR and ELISA. This study combined bioinformatics analysis and experiments to discover the differentially expressed miRNAs in long-term stored blood. The results showed that compared to fresh blood samples, the inflammatory factors were significantly doubled by ELISA, as well as the higher mRNA expression at 42 day. Experimentally verified that miR-33a-5p promoted the M1 type macrophage polarization and increased the release of related inflammatory factors through PPARα/ACC2/AMPK/CPT-1a axis regulation. This study elucidates a potential mechanism of inflammatory factor accumulation in long-term stored blood, providing a theoretical basis and a potential target to prevent transfusion-related adverse reactions.

The general conformable fractional grey system model and its applications

As a mathematical instrument, the fractional order grey system model can be employed to characterize uncertain real-world data. This paper presents new definitions for the generalized conformable fractional accumulation (GCFA) and the generalized conformable fractional difference (GCFD). For the first time, complex network theory explains the modelling mechanisms of accumulation. Then a novel generalized conformable fractional grey model (GCFGM(1,1)) is proposed based on the GCFA and GCFD, and the particle swarm optimizer (PSO) method is employed to optimize its fractional order. In this study, the proposed model is applied to the prediction of China’s overall energy consumption, natural gas consumption, and gross domestic product. Our research reveals that our proposed model achieves mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) values of less than 5% on real datasets from 9 different regions, outperforming other comparative models. These key empirical findings demonstrate the superiority of our model in accurately predicting relevant variables.

Modernisation of the definition of human capital of the working population

The article substantiates the relevance of the topic, which is since in the current conditions of uncertainty, unpredictability, and the emergence of new social risks, the issue of preserving human capital is the basis for ensuring the country’s recovery and, accordingly, is one of the key programs of the country’s post-war development. The purpose of the study is to investigate the change in the essence of the definition of "human capital" of the working population under the influence of factors and structural changes of the present. To achieve this goal, the author analyzes information sources on the formation of the concept of "human capital" as an economic category. Accordingly, the emphasis was placed on laying the foundations of the study by foreign experts in social issues. In addition, the author states the relevance of the issue among domestic scholars who have adapted the results of foreign research to domestic realities, taking into account the development of technology, new challenges of a political, institutional, economic, social, and demographic nature, as well as climatic and epidemiological factors faced by society. The author studies the recommendations of international institutions regarding the availability of provisions on the content of the concept of "human capital" and the effectiveness of its development. Accordingly, the author substantiates that the main task is not only to invest in human capital, as was originally envisaged, but also to invest in the mechanisms of accumulation, development, preservation, protection, and enhancement as a driving force for minimizing the risks of income loss, an important condition for ecological, inclusive, and sustainable development. The analysis of the positions of domestic scholars in this area reveals a general statement that the consequences of the pandemic, the war, and its duration are not only the economic decline of the country but also physical losses (both quantitative and qualitative), the manifestations of which will be felt by more than one generation. It is found that the above emphasizes the need to improve the mechanism for restoring, accumulating, and protecting human capital, considering the impact of new social risks. It is argued that the main task of the new social policy, in particular social protection, and social insurance, is to ensure the continuous accumulation, protection, preservation, multiplication, and development of human capital lifelong, considering inclusion, human-centered approach, and the latest technologies.

MT1G induces lipid droplet accumulation through modulation of H3K14 trimethylation accelerating clear cell renal cell carcinoma progression

BackgroundLipid droplet formation is a prominent histological feature in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), but the significance and mechanisms underlying lipid droplet accumulation remain unclear.MethodsExpression and clinical significance of MT1G in ccRCC were analyzed by using TCGA data, GEO data and scRNASeq data. MT1G overexpression or knockdown ccRCC cell lines were constructed and in situ ccRCC model, lung metastasis assay, metabolomics and lipid droplets staining were performed to explore the role of MT1G on lipid droplet accumulation in ccRCC.ResultsInitially, we observed low MT1G expression in ccRCC tissues, whereas high MT1G expression correlated with advanced disease stage and poorer prognosis. Elevated MT1G expression promoted ccRCC growth and metastasis both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, MT1G significantly suppressed acylcarnitine levels and downstream tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle activity, resulting in increased fatty acid and lipid accumulation without affecting cholesterol metabolism. Notably, MT1G inhibited H3K14 trimethylation (H3K14me3) modification. Under these conditions, MT1G-mediated H3K14me3 was recruited to the CPT1B promoter through direct interaction with specific promoter regions, leading to reduced CPT1B transcription and translation.ConclusionsOur study unveils a novel mechanism of lipid droplet accumulation in ccRCC, where MT1G inhibits CPT1B expression through modulation of H3K14 trimethylation, consequently enhancing lipid droplet accumulation and promoting ccRCC progression.Graphical abstract figure Schematic diagram illustrating MT1G/H3K14me3/CPT1B-mediated lipid droplet accumulation promoted ccRCC progression via FAO inhibition.

Experimental investigation on the damage accumulation mechanism of 3D orthogonal woven composites under repeated low-velocity impacts

This paper presents an experimental investigation into the response of carbon fiber reinforced composites with various fiber architectures to repeated low-velocity impacts. Mechanical response diagrams, including repetition numbers and damage morphologies of the composite samples, are provided. Varied energy levels (20 J, 35 J, 50 J) and impact numbers (up to 30th) are considered to induce perforated damage in the composite samples. It is found that the mechanical responses of the composite samples under repeated impact events exhibit distinct characteristics in terms of impact threshold and stiffness degradation. The 2D unidirectional (2DUD) laminated composite sample exhibits a high impact threshold during impact events but stiffness rapidly decays after an initial substantial decline. The 2D plain woven (2DPW) laminated composite sample accumulates impact damage at both high and low levels, resulting in a gradual stiffness decrease during impact events. In addition, the 3D orthogonal woven (3DOW) composite sample demonstrates a higher impact threshold with its stiffness gradually decreasing under high-level impacts. In contrast, both 2DUD and 2DPW composite samples exhibit extensive plastic deformation of the resin matrix with minimal fiber fracture, enabling efficient dissipation of impact energy. Conversely, the 3DOW composite sample primarily dissipates impact energy through fiber fracture. Additionally, it is noteworthy that while both 2DUD and 2DPW composites demonstrate enhanced robustness against repeated impacts at low-energy levels, a significant improvement in durability is observed specifically for the 3DOW composite under high-energy level impacts.

Paleo-Sedimentary Environment and Formation Mechanism of the Organic-Rich Shale of the Permian Lucaogou Formation, Jimsar Sag, Junggar Basin, China

The Jimsar Sag is an important shale oil exploration target area in the Junggar Basin, northwestern China. The Permian Lucaogou Formation, with a thickness of 200–300 m, is the primary exploration target. High-frequency variation in lithology is a typical feature of the Lucaogou Formation, reflecting the fluctuation of the depositional environment and organic matter enrichment. The evolution of the depositional environment and accumulation mechanism of organic matter still need to be elucidated for the Lucaogou Formation. High-resolution sampling of the entire Lucaogou Formation was applied to a 248 m long core from Well JX in the Jimsar Sag to examine the depositional environment and organic matter enrichment. The findings unveiled that the Lucaogou Formation was deposited under a hot and arid climate, within the confines of a closed saline paleo-lake, where sediments endured an extended period of anoxic conditions, displayed periodic oscillations in paleo-temperature and paleo-salinity values over time, alongside a continuous rise in paleo-water depth. The predominant source lithology of the Lucaogou Formation is felsic igneous rock. Small-scale transgression and hydrothermal sedimentation occurred during the deposition of the Lucaogou Formation. The prevailing hot climate and enduring reducing environment fostered ideal circumstances for the enrichment of organic matter in the Lucaogou Formation. Due to different sedimentary environments and enrichment mechanisms, organic matter is enriched in two modes in the Lucaogou Formation.

Comparative transcriptome analysis reveals transcriptional regulation of anthocyanin biosynthesis in purple radish (Raphanus sativus L.)

Radish exhibits significant variation in color, particularly in sprouts, leaves, petals, fleshy roots, and other tissues, displaying a range of hues such as green, white, red, purple, and black. Although extensive research has been conducted on the color variation of radish, the underlying mechanism behind the variation in radish flower color remains unclear. To date, there is a lack of comprehensive research investigating the variation mechanism of radish sprouts, leaves, fleshy roots, and flower organs. This study aims to address this gap by utilizing transcriptome sequencing to acquire transcriptome data for white and purple radish flowers. Additionally, the published transcriptome data of sprouts, leaves, and fleshy roots were incorporated to conduct a systematic analysis of the regulatory mechanisms underlying anthocyanin biosynthesis in these four radish tissues. The comparative transcriptome analysis revealed differential expression of the anthocyanin biosynthetic pathway genes DFR, UGT78D2, TT12 and CPC in the four radish tissues. Additionally, the WGCNA results identified RsDFR.9c and RsUGT78D2.2c as hub genes responsible for regulating anthocyanin biosynthesis. By integrating the findings from the comparative transcriptome analysis, WGCNA, and anthocyanin biosynthetic pathway-related gene expression patterns, it is hypothesized that genes RsDFR.9c and RsUGT78D2.2c may serve as pivotal regulators of anthocyanins in the four radish tissues. Furthermore, the tissue-specific expression of the four copies of RsPAP1 is deemed crucial in governing anthocyanin synthesis and accumulation. Our results provide new insights into the molecular mechanism of anthocyanin biosynthesis and accumulation in different tissues of radish.

Foresight of the development of rural tourism in Ukraine in the post-war period

Purpose. The purpose of this study is to develop alternative scenarios for the development of rural tourism through the foresight methodology. Methodology / approach. Theoretical interpretations were formed by general scientific methods and approaches. To assess the prospects for the development of revitalisation of rural tourism, the method of scanning the horizon was used, which demonstrated the main tendencies and trends of the market and consumer tourism needs. Empirical methods made it possible to work out the stressors of systemic national crises, the global COVID pandemic, a full-scale war, which threaten the subjects of rural tourism with extraordinary losses and critical destruction of the material and technical base, losses of tourist interest – that is, questioning the existence of business as a whole. Therefore, an important task today is to draw up foresight scenarios and tactics that will create modules of investment attractiveness and mechanisms for the rapid accumulation of financial, architectural and construction, infrastructural and social potentials for the recovery of the economy of territorial units and the country as a whole. Results. Since forecasting is based on three “whales” (actual state, business experience and prospects), the foresight methodology is represented by tools with appropriate characteristics and management competencies. Therefore, in order to avoid complications and contradictions in the foresight of rural tourism, it is suggested to think over and install profiles of investment proposals, foresight scenarios for realising the possibilities of its restoration. Reasoned positions reflect the relevance of foresight research for assessing future prospects and opportunities for the restoration of rural tourism in Ukraine. The results of the study shed light on opportunities for rural development and suggest interventions to create a fully sustainable ecosystem. The study provides actionable information for rural tourism actors, stakeholders and potential investors who can benefit from forecasting the prospects and expectations emerging in rural tourism in the post-war period. Originality / scientific novelty. The scientific value of the research lies in the evaluation of the prospects for the development of rural tourism as a direction of diversification of the agricultural economy of Ukraine in 2019–2023 and the post-war period. A model for forming the investment profile of a rural tourism subject is proposed for implementation. Practical value / implications. The practical value of the research lies in the fact that it can be used as a tool for building effective cooperation in the development of plans and programs aimed at partnership relations with rural communities of Ukraine, tourism subjects, estate owners, etc. The value of this study lies in the foresight of rural tourism development prospects, which determine the competitive advantage of rural areas, with an emphasis on a relatively new and controversial topic after the war in Ukraine, namely its positioning in the structure of the restorative mechanism of regional development and tourism.

Circular RNA circNIPBL regulates TP53-H179R mutations in NNK-induced bronchial epithelial carcinogenesis

Exposure to environmental carcinogens is a significant contributor to cancer development, with genetic and epigenetic alterations playing pivotal roles in the carcinogenic process. However, the interplay between epigenetic regulation and genetic changes in carcinogenesis has yet to receive comprehensive attention. This study investigates the impact of continuous exposure to the tobacco-specific carcinogen 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) on bronchial epithelial cells, leading to malignant transformation. Our findings reveal the down-regulation of the tumor suppressor-like circular RNA circNIPBL during oncogenic processes concomitant with the accumulation of the TP53-H179R, a single nucleotide variant. Diminished circNIPBL expression enhances the proliferative, distant metastatic, and tumor-forming capabilities of NNK-induced cancerous cells and lung cancer cell lines (A549, H1299), while also promoting the accumulation of TP53-H179R during NNK-induced carcinogenesis. Mechanistic investigations demonstrate that circNIPBL interacts with HSP90α to regulate the translocation of AHR into the nucleus, which may be a potential regulatory mechanism for NNK-induced carcinogenesis and TP53-H179R accumulation. This study introduces a novel perspective on the interplay between genetic alterations and epigenetic regulation in chemical carcinogenesis, which provides novel insight into the etiology of cancer.

Hemin enhances the 5-aminolevulinic acid-photodynamic therapy effect through the changes of cellular iron homeostasis

BackgroundPhotodynamic therapy (PDT) has been utilized as a promising alternative cancer treatment due to its minimum invasiveness over the years. Exogenous 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) triggers protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) accumulation, which happens in cancer cells. However, certain types of cancer exhibit reduced effectiveness in the PpIX accumulation mechanism. This study aimed to determine the effect of ALA-PDT combination with hemin on gastric carcinoma TMK-1 cells. MethodsThis study utilized TMK-1 gastric cancer cell line to evaluate PpIX, ROS, and Fe2+ accumulation following the administration of ALA, hemin, and a combination of ALA and hemin PDT. We also evaluate the mRNA expressions related to iron homeostasis and treatment impacts on cell viability. ResultsThe co-addition of ALA and hemin PDT for 4 h of treatment resulted in a significant decrease in cell viability by up to 18 %. While ALA-PDT enhanced PpIX metabolism, the addition of hemin influenced both the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cellular iron homeostasis by inducing Fe2+ accumulation and affecting mRNA levels of IRP, Tfr1, Ferritin, NFS1, and SDHB. ConclusionThese findings suggest that the addition of ALA and hemin enhances phototoxicity in TMK-1 cells. The combination of ALA and hemin with PDT induces cell death, evidenced by increased cytotoxicity properties such as PpIX and ROS, along with significant changes in TMK-1 gastric cancer iron homeostasis. Therefore, the combination of ALA and hemin could be one of the alternatives in photodynamic therapy for cancer in the future.

A clade of receptor-like cytoplasmic kinases and 14-3-3 proteins coordinate inositol hexaphosphate accumulation

Inositol hexaphosphate (InsP6) is the major storage form of phosphorus in seeds. Reducing seed InsP6 content is a breeding objective in agriculture, as InsP6 negatively impacts animal nutrition and the environment. Nevertheless, how InsP6 accumulation is regulated remains largely unknown. Here, we identify a clade of receptor-like cytoplasmic kinases (RLCKs), named Inositol Polyphosphate-related Cytoplasmic Kinases 1-6 (IPCK1-IPCK6), deeply involved in InsP6 accumulation. The InsP6 concentration is dramatically reduced in seeds of ipck quadruple (T-4m/C-4m) and quintuple (C-5m) mutants, accompanied with the obviously increase of phosphate (Pi) concentration. The plasma membrane-localized IPCKs recruit IPK1 involved in InsP6 synthesis, and facilitate its binding and activity via phosphorylation of GRF 14-3-3 proteins. IPCKs also recruit IPK2s and PI-PLCs required for InsP4/InsP5 and InsP3 biosynthesis respectively, to form a potential IPCK-GRF-PLC-IPK2-IPK1 complex. Our findings therefore uncover a regulatory mechanism of InsP6 accumulation governed by IPCKs, shedding light on the mechanisms of InsP biosynthesis in eukaryotes.

Integrated multi-omics analysis reveals genes involved in flavonoid biosynthesis and trichome development of Artemisia argyi

Artemisia argyi is an herbaceous plant of the genus Artemisia. Its young and mature leaves are used as food and medicine, respectively. Glandular trichomes (GTs) are distributed on the leaf surface in A. argyi and are generally considered the location of flavonoid biosynthesis and accumulation. However, the mechanism of flavonoid biosynthesis and accumulation in A. argyi remains unclear. In this study, the coregulatory genes involved in flavonoid biosynthesis and trichome development in this species were screened and evaluated, and the biosynthetic pathways for key flavonoids in A. argyi were uncovered. AaMYB1 and AaYABBY1 were screened using weighted gene co-expression network analysis, and both genes were then genetically transformed into Nicotiana tabacum L. cv. K326 (tobacco). Simultaneously, AaYABBY1 was also genetically transformed into Arabidopsis thaliana. The total flavonoid and rutin contents were increased in tobacco plants overexpressing AaMYB1 and AaYABBY1, and the expression levels of genes participating in the flavonoid synthesis pathway, such as PAL, FLS, and F3H, were significantly up-regulated in plants overexpressing these genes. These results indicated that AaMYB1 and AaYABBY1 promote flavonoid biosynthesis in tobacco. Furthermore, compared to that in the wild-type, the trichome density was significantly increased in tobacco and A. thaliana plants overexpressing AaYABBY1. These results confirm that AaYABBY1 might be involved in regulating trichome formation in A. argyi. This indicates the potential genes involved in and provides new insights into the development of trichome cellular factories based on the “development–metabolism” interaction network and the cultivation of high-quality A. argyi.

A novel nature-inspired nutcracker optimizer algorithm for congestion control in power system transmission lines

In the restructured power system, where uncertainties are common, managing congestion becomes a crucial aspect of power system operation and control. Congestion management aims to alleviate the power system transmission line congestion while meeting the system constraints at minimal cost. This research introduces a generation rescheduling method for congestion management in the electricity market, leveraging an innovative nutcracker optimizer algorithm. The nutcracker optimizer algorithm, inspired by nutcrackers’ food accumulation mechanisms, is a recently developed nature-inspired algorithm. The efficacy of this proposed approach is assessed across modified IEEE 30-bus, and IEEE 118-bus test systems, considering the system parameters. The effectiveness of the proposed congestion management with the nutcracker optimizer algorithm is analyzed by comparing its results with those generated by other recent optimization techniques. Results demonstrated that the nutcracker optimizer algorithm surpasses other comparative methods, requiring fewer fitness function evaluations, avoiding local optima, and displaying encouraging convergence traits. Implementing this approach can assist the system operators in swiftly addressing contingencies, ensuring secure and reliable power system operation within a deregulated environment.

A novel three-layer module BoMYB1R1-BoMYB4b/BoMIEL1-BoDFR1 regulates anthocyanin accumulation in kale.

Anthocyanin is an important pigment responsible for plant coloration and beneficial to human health. Kale (Brassica oleracea var. acephala), a primary cool-season flowers and vegetables, is an ideal material to study anthocyanin biosynthesis and regulation mechanisms due to its anthocyanin-rich leaves. However, the underlying molecular mechanism of anthocyanin accumulation in kale remains poorly understood. Previously, we demonstrated that BoDFR1 is a key gene controlling anthocyanin biosynthesis in kale. Here, we discovered a 369-bp InDel variation in the BoDFR1 promoter between the two kale inbred lines with different pink coloration, which resulted in reduced transcriptional activity of the BoDFR1 gene in the light-pink line. With the 369-bp insertion as a bait, an R2R3-MYB repressor BoMYB4b was identified using the yeast one-hybrid screening. Knockdown of the BoMYB4b gene led to increased BoDFR1 expression and anthocyanin accumulation. An E3 ubiquitin ligase, BoMIEL1, was found to mediate the degradation of BoMYB4b, thereby promoting anthocyanin biosynthesis. Furthermore, the expression level of BoMYB4b was significantly reduced by light signals, which was attributed to the direct repression of the light-signaling factor BoMYB1R1 on the BoMYB4b promoter. Our study revealed that a novel regulatory module comprising BoMYB1R1, BoMIEL1, BoMYB4b, and BoDFR1 finely regulates anthocyanin accumulation in kale. The findings aim to establish a scientific foundation for genetic improvement of leaf color traits in kale, meanwhile, providing a reference for plant coloration studies.

The influence of various polymer coatings on the in vitro and in vivo properties of PLGA nanoparticles: Comprehensive study

Nanoparticles based on poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) with various surface chemistry are widely used in biomedicine for theranostic applications. The nature of the external coating of nanoparticles has a significant influence on their efficiency as drug carriers or visualization agents. However, information about the mechanisms of nanoparticle accumulation in tumors and the influence of their surface properties on biodistribution is scarce due to the lack of systematic evaluation. Here we investigate the effect of different polymer coatings of the surface on in vitro and in vivo properties of PLGA nanoparticles. Namely, cell binding efficiency, cytotoxicity, efficiency of fluorescent bioimaging, and tumor accumulation were tested. The highest binding efficiency in vitro and cytotoxicity were observed for positively charged polymers. Interestingly, in vivo fluorescent visualization of tumor-bearing mice and quantitative measurements of biodistribution of magnetite-loaded nanoparticles indicated different dependences of accumulation in tumors on the coating of PLGA nanoparticles. This means that nanoparticle surface properties can simultaneously enhance imaging efficiency and decrease quantitative accumulation in tumors. The obtained data demonstrate the complexity of the dependence of nanoparticles’ effectiveness for theranostic applications on surface features. We believe that this study will contribute to the rational design of nanoparticles for effective cancer diagnostics and therapy.

Accumulation mechanism of multi-type unconventional oil and gas reservoirs in Northern China: Taking Hari Sag of the Yin’e Basin as an example

Abstract Many multi-types of unconventional oil and gas reservoirs have been found in some faulted basins in northern China, showing good exploration potential. However, the hydrocarbon accumulation mechanism in these areas is still unclear, which limits the understanding of the distribution of oil and gas. In this study, we took Hari Sag in Yin’e Basin as an example, conducted a systematic analysis on various types unconventional oil and gas reservoirs, and revealed its characteristics and accumulation mechanisms. The study showed that there were many types of unconventional oil and gas reservoirs in Hari Sag, such as biogas reservoirs, shale gas reservoirs, shale oil reservoirs, tight sandstone oil reservoirs, tight sandstone gas reservoirs, and volcanic gas reservoirs. These reservoirs generally had characteristics of “near/within source rocks accumulation,” “coexistence of oil reservoirs and gas reservoirs,” “shallow oil and deep gas,” and so on. Research on the mechanism of hydrocarbon accumulation showed that: the lack of effective hydrocarbon migration pathway was the main reason for “near/within source rocks accumulation” of oil and gas reservoirs; the differences in the thermal evolution degree of the main source rocks at different structural positions in the sag made the distribution characteristics of hydrocarbon as “coexistence of oil reservoirs and gas reservoirs” and “shallow oil and deep gas”; and the joint development of multi-type effective unconventional reservoirs created the situation of “coexistence of multi-type unconventional oil and gas reservoirs.” It is predicted that six types of unconventional oil and gas reservoirs have a cumulative area of 381 km2, indicating that the Hari Sag has great potential for unconventional oil and gas exploration. The research results can not only guide the unconventional oil and gas exploration in Hari Sag but also provide a theoretical basis for exploration research in similar blocks.