Average Branch Length Research Articles

Characterization of white matter branching in human cerebella: quantitative morphological assessment and fractal analysis of skeletonized MR images

Introduction: The aim of the present study was to investigate branching characteristics of the human cerebellar white matter by the means of findings obtained from the quantitative morphological assessment and fractal analysis of the skeletonized MR images of the human cerebellum.
 Methods: Thirty individuals with no apparent brain pathology (15 males and 15 females, ranging from 18 - 30 years of age) participated in this study. Their normal T2-weighted MR images of the cerebellar vermis (midsagittal plane) were examined. The skeletonizing procedure and subsequent quantitative morphological assessment of the acquired skeletonized MR images were performed. The following parameters were determined: the number of branches, the number of junctions, the amount of end-point voxels, junction voxels and slab voxels, the average and maximum branch lengths, the longest-shortest patch length, and the number of triple and quadruple points. Additionally, the individual branches of the obtained digital skeletons of the cerebellar white matter were examined and the following parameters were assessed: branch length variability, Euclidean distance, and branch length/Euclidean distance ratio. A fractal analysis was performed using the box counting method prior to and after the MR image skeletonizing procedure. The values of the fractal dimensions (FD) of both skeletonized and non-skeletonized MR images were calculated.
 Results: It was established that the cerebella, which had the maximum values of the FD, possessed a large number of small branches approximately equal in length and which were connected by numerous junctions, forming numerous endpoints. Those cerebella, which had higher values of the average branch length and greater branch length variability, showed lower values of the FD. The key characteristics of the digital skeleton that determined the values of the FD of the cerebellum and its skeletonized MR images were the number of branches and the number of junctions that had the strongest correlational relationships with the FD of the skeletonized MR images. We submitted a proposition to consider the number of branches and amount of junctions as a diagnostic criterion in the determination of normal values of the FD.
 Conclusions: The obtained data can be used as diagnostic criteria in assessment of the morphofunctional state of the cerebellum using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique.

The association of the heterogeneity of HBV reverse transcriptase quasispecies with antiviral efficacy after treatment with nucleos(t)ide analogues for 10years.

To assess the heterogeneity of HBV reverse transcriptase (RT) quasispecies during 10years of antiviral therapy and their association with antiviral efficacy. Nineteen patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection receiving nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs) were enrolled. Based on the antiviral efficacy after 1year of treatment, 5 patients were grouped into an early virologic response (EVR) group, while 8 patients were grouped into a late virologic response (LVR) group. Furthermore, 6 CHB patients that had undergone antiviral treatment for 10years were grouped into a virologic breakthrough (VBT) group. The HBV RT from each patient were amplified, cloned, and sequenced. The complexity of the RT gene in the EVR group was significantly higher than that in the LVR (P=0.0393) and VBT groups (P=0.0141). Phylogenetic tree analysis showed that the average branch length of the EVR and LVR groups were significantly greater than that of VBT group (P<0.001). The complexity (at the nucleotide level) of the RT quasispecies was negatively correlated with the corresponding HBV DNA load (P=0.0163) at one year post-antiviral treatment. Moreover, both the LVR and VBT groups accumulated more deleterious mutations than the EVR group. After 1year of NAs treatment, the increased HBV quasispecies complexity and evolutionary topologies, coupled with less deleterious mutations, are likely associated with a favorable efficacy during long-term antiviral treatment.

Correlation and Path Coefficient Analysis of Morphological Quantitative Characters in Some Ethiopian Specialty Coffee (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Coffea arabica&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; L.) Accessions

Ethiopia is the motherland and center of genetic diversity of Arabica coffee (<i>Coffea arabica</i> L., Rubiaceae). Receiving extra information on genetic variability is a precondition for more enhancement of coffee (<i>Coffea arabica</i> L.). The present study was carried out to study the correlation and path coefficient analysis of 104 entries consisting of 100 accessions from southern parts of Ethiopia and four standard cultivars were evaluated using augmented design. Data on 22 quantitative traits were recorded from five envoy trees per row for each accession. The result revealed that, for nearly all of the traits phenotypic correlation coefficients were lower than genotypic correlation coefficients, indicative of the inherent union among various traits is less influenced by environment. The genotypic path coefficient analysis revealed that leaf area, number of primary branches, number of nodes of primary branches, canopy diameter, bean width, stem diameter, fruit width, fruit thickness, hundred bean weight, bean thickness and average inter node length of primary branches, had positive direct effects on yield per tree, at the same time as the other traits affected yield indirectly, primarily through total plant height, number of secondary branches, height up to first primary branches, fruit length, bean length, average length of primary branches, leaf width and leaf length, show negative direct sound effects on yield per tree.

Exploring the Mechanism of MicroRNA-125a Reversing the Resistance of Laryngeal Cancer Stem Cells to Cisplatin from Mitochondrial Autophagy

To explore the mechanism of microRNA-125a reversing the resistance of laryngeal cancer stem cells to cisplatin from mitochondrial autophagy. The human laryngeal carcinoma cell line Hep-2 was purchased from Shanghai Bioleaf Biotechnology Co., Ltd. The expression of microRNA-125a messenger RNA in each group of cells was analyzed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. The cell migration and invasion ability of each group was evaluated by Transwell assay. Cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. Western blot analysis was conducted to evaluate the protein expression. The expression of microRNA-125a messenger RNA in the Hep-2/diamminedichloroplatinum group was lower than that in the control group (p<0.05) and the expression of microRNA-125a messenger RNA in the microRNA-125a mimic group was higher than that in the Hep-2/diamminedichloroplatinum group (p<0.05). Compared with the Hep-2/diamminedichloroplatinum group, the microRNA-125a mimic group had more mitochondrial fragments and the average branch length of mitochondria decreased (p<0.05). The cell migration, invasion and viability of the Hep-2/diamminedichloroplatinum group increased (p<0.05) and the apoptosis rate decreased (p<0.05). The protein expression of phosphoinositide 3-kinase, protein kinase B and mammalian target of rapamycin in the Hep-2/diamminedichloroplatinum group was higher than that in the control group (p<0.05) and their expression in the microRNA-125a mimic group was lower than that in the Hep-2/ diamminedichloroplatinum group (p<0.05). The dysregulation of microRNA-125a was related to diamminedichloroplatinum resistance in laryngeal cancer and diamminedichloroplatinum resistance was induced by microRNA-125a through phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin pathway mediated autophagy inhibition. Overexpression of microRNA-125a inhibited the growth and metastasis of Hep-2/diamminedichloroplatinum cells through the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/ protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin pathway and induced their apoptosis and autophagy.

Colony structure and caste distribution in living trees of the Ryukyu drywood termite, Neotermes sugioi (Blattodea: Kalotermitidae) in Okinawa Island

• Neotermes sugioi that attack living trees is a new species found from East Asia. • Broken of living tree trunks were may be caused by N. sugioi infestation. • Populations of 1,000–4,000 individuals were common in Neotermes sugioi colonies. • Reproductives were in the central or root side of the nest branches. • Regular pruning of dead branches of trees might help to remove small nests. Termites are major pests of houses and buildings, and also living plants such as agricultural crops, trees in forests, urban areas and gardens. However, in Japan, the basic ecology of termites nesting in living trees is not fully understood. In this study, we observed 255 colonies (nests) of the drywood termite Neotermes sugioi , collected in the field on Okinawa Island, and reported the frequency composition of the reproductive castes, the size of wood with termite gallery, the population size of colonies, and the relative position of the reproductive and non-reproductive castes within nests. Most colonies were headed by a primary queen and a primary king. However, colonies headed only by primary queens, primary kings, or neotenic kings, each accounted for approximately 5% of the colonies. A colony size of 1,000– 4,000 individuals (2058.2 ± 1695.0 [mean ± SD]) was common and the average length of colony branches was less than 100 cm. Queens and kings were found in the same or nearby nest areas, and more predominantly in the central or root side of nest wood areas. The termites may experience colony fragmentation and reproductive loss as a consequence of typhoons. Incipient colonies (i.e., colonies at an early stage of development) were found on 11.3% of branches of Leucaena leucocephala that did not show any obvious signs of infestation. In future research, it will be necessary to update the list of trees damaged by this termite species, compare the damage by tree species, and evaluate the economic impact.

Human mesenchymal stromal cell source and culture conditions influence extracellular vesicle angiogenic and metabolic effects on human endothelial cells in vitro.

Mesenchymal stem/stromal cell (MSC)-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) are a possible cell-free alternative to MSCs because they retain the regenerative potential of MSCs, while still mitigating some of their limitations (such as the possible elicitation of host immune responses). The promotion and restoration of angiogenesis, however, is an important component in treating trauma-related injuries, and has not been fully explored with EVs. Herein, we describe the effects of monolayer adipose-derived EVs, spheroid adipose-derived EVs (SAd-EVs), monolayer bone marrow-derived EVs (MBM-EVs), and spheroid bone marrow-derived EVs (SBM-EVs) on human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) tube formation and mitochondrial respiration. The successful isolation of EVs derived from adipose MSCs or bone marrow MSCs in monolayer or spheroid cultures was confirmed by NanoSight (particle size distribution) and Western blot (surface marker expression). The EV angiogenic potential was measured using a 24-hour HUVEC tube formation assay. The EV effects on HUVEC mitochondrial function were evaluated using the Seahorse respirometer machine. The number of junctions, branches, and the average length of branches formed at 24 hours of tube formation were significantly affected by cell and culture type; overall adipose-derived EVs outperformed bone marrow-derived EVs, and spheroid-derived EVs outperformed monolayer-derived EVs. Additionally, adipose-derived EVs resulted in significantly increased HUVEC mitochondrial maximal respiration and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, while only MBM-EVs negatively impacted HUVEC proton leak. Adipose-derived EVs promoted HUVEC tube formation significantly more than bone marrow-derived EVs, while also maximizing HUVEC mitochondria function. Results demonstrate that, as with MSC therapies, it is possible to tailor EV culture and production to optimize therapeutic potential. Basic or Foundational Research.

The Feasibility of a Sensate Profunda Artery Perforator Flap in Autologous Breast Reconstruction: An Anatomic Study for Clinical Application.

The profunda artery perforator (PAP) flap has been demonstrated to be an effective method of autologous breast reconstruction, particularly when the abdominal donor site is contraindicated. However, there are no current reports regarding the use of a sensate PAP flap in this type of reconstruction. The objective of this study is to describe the feasibility and anatomic location of the sensory nerves supplying the PAP flap in relation to surface landmarks for use in autologous breast reconstruction. In this anatomic study, 10 cadaver lower limbs were microsurgically dissected. We investigated the posterior femoral cutaneous nerve (PFCN), which supplies sensation to the skin of the posterior thigh and distribution of the PAP flap. The midline of the posterior thigh and gluteal crease were used for surface landmarks. The diameter and length of the nerve branches were documented. There were between 2 and 5 PFCN branches, with an average of 3 branches, that were found within the distribution of the PAP flap. Measurements were taken from the gluteal crease and midline to the nerve branches. The average distance caudal to the gluteal crease was 2.4 cm (0 to 7 cm). The average distance medial to the midline was 4.3 cm (0.2 to 8.1 cm). The average diameter of the nerve branches was 1.8 mm (1 to 2.5 mm). The average length of nerve branches from the flap to the fascia was 2.0 cm (1.5 to 2.4 cm). The maximum length of the nerve branches from the flap to the main trunk of the PFCN was 7.8 cm when tracing the nerve branches intramuscularly. The findings from this study provide an anatomic basis for the sensate PAP flap that would potentially provide an additional dimension to the use of this perforator flap in autologous breast reconstruction. These preliminary results are promising, and further physiological studies are warranted to validate the use of this sensate flap.

Structural and Magnetic Studies of Al-Doped Y2.8 La0.2 Fe5 O12 Nanoferrites Prepared by a Sol-Gel Route

Y3Fe5O12 and Y2.8La0.2Fe5 − xAlxO12 (x = 0.0, 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3) nanoferrites have been prepared by the sol-gel auto combustion route followed by sintering at 900 ° C for 3 h. The garnet phase formation has been confirmed by analyzing XRD patterns and also by noting intense bands for Fe-O vibrations in FTIR spectra. The XRD analysis has shown a decreasing trend for lattice parameter, X-ray density, and d-spacing due to the addition of smaller Al3+ ions at tetrahedral sites. The SEM study has shown agglomerated and branched morphology with an average branch width and branch length ranging between 90–140 nm and 537–437 nm, respectively. Enhanced values of saturation magnetization have been observed for all the samples due to the presence of 6.7% of La3+ ions in place of Y3+ ions. However, it decreased due to weakening of superexchange interaction with the addition of Al3+ ions at tetrahedral sites. These nanoferrite powders can be used as a substitute for costly rare earth garnets and also in many high-frequency microwave devices.

Synthesis and Characterization of Long-Chain Branched Poly(ether imide)s with A3 Comonomers

The synthesis of an aromatic trisamine enabled the generation of long-chain branched poly(ether imide)s (LCB-PEIs). The nucleophilic aromatic substitution of 1-chloro-4-nitrobenzene with 1,1,1-tris(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethane resulted in tris((p-nitrophenoxy)phenyl)ethane, and a subsequent reduction afforded tris((p-aminophenoxy)phenyl)ethane (TAPE) in high yields (>90%). Introducing TAPE at low percentages with m-phenylenediamine and bisphenol A dianhydride enabled synthesis of high molecular weight, branched poly(ether imide)s with varied branch lengths. The stoichiometric imbalance and phthalic anhydride end-capping controlled molecular weights. Complementary 1H NMR spectroscopy and size exclusion chromatography (SEC) identified average branch length as a function of TAPE incorporation and provided comparisons in molecular weights and distributions. The melt viscosity and thermal stability at elevated temperatures (∼340 °C) probed the feasibility of melt processing of LCB-PEIs in comparison to linear analog...

Branching, spatial periodicity, and confluence of plasma waves propagating in planar micro-dielectric barrier discharge devices

Self-organization of periodic, streamer-like ionization waves in planar microplasma devices having a dielectric barrier discharge structure is observed. In contrast to plasma propagation in arrays of microchannels or microcavities, the ionization waves originate from a single point but rapidly sub-divide into as many as 10 ‘branch’ plasma wave packets that eventually recombine. In less than 70 ns, the self-organization of the spatially-periodic array of co-propagating branches is complete and two successive sets of waves, separated in distance and time by ∼1.8 mm and ∼50 ns, respectively, are generated. The mean propagation velocity of each plasma packet is greater than 70 km s−1 but values as large as 150 km s−1 have been measured. Because the propagation path for all subsequent streamers is established by the first set of plasma packets, the intensity of the second set is noticeably enhanced. The average length of the primary branches is ∼1.5 mm but reaches a maximum of ∼4.5 mm as the wave packets travel an overall distance of 1 cm. These phenomena are interpreted in terms of photoelectron emission from the floor and walls of the shallow dielectric microcavity, induced by radiation from the advancing packets, and the rapid collapse of the sheath of each microplasma owing to the accumulation of charge on the underlying dielectric. The spatial profiles of the propagating plasmas suggest that generating and probing plasma solitons may now be feasible.

Responses of tree growth to artificial intervention on micro-topography in degraded woodland on hillslope

We explored the effects of microtopography changes from artificial intervention of soil and water conservation (contour reverse-slope terrace, CRT) on tree growth in a degraded woodland on hillslope in water resource area of Songhua dam in Kunming City. The differences of the diameter at breast height (DBH), tree height, new branch increment, and leaf area index (LAI) of dominant tree species in different plots were compared through dynamic monitoring. Then, the causes of differences were analyzed by combining the soil water availability. The results showed that the maximum and mean values of DBH and height of Pinus yunnanensis (dominant species) in contour reverse-slope terrace plot were larger than those in control plot (CK), and the proportion of small-sized and low-dwarf trees in degraded forest community was higher, which indicated that the growth potential of new and seriously degraded forest was stimulated. The annual variation rate of the ave-rage new branch length and diameter of P. yunnanensis in different plots reached 72.4% and 39.1%, respectively. The changes of new branch growth of P. yunnanensis, LAI of plots, and the new branch growth rate were greater in CRT than those in CK. Soil water content was significantly correlated with both the new branch growth and LAI. The ratio of available water in plot (64.2%) was higher than that in CK (54.7%). During the rainy season (from May to September), the available water in CRT existed longer, which was conducive to tree growth and the improvement of plant community structure in degraded woodland.

SHADING EFFECT ON COFFEE TREE IN FORMATION STAGE

&lt;p&gt;According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, global warming is expected with temperature rise and changes in the rainfall in tropical regions, including soil warming, which may lead losses to perennial plants. This phenomenon causes researchers to search through science alternatives in order to minimize these impacts. The objective in this research was to evaluate the cultivation of different plants in a intercropping for the coffee tree shading and its influence on the seedlings establishment, development, coffee growth and the maintenance of lower soil temperatures. The experiment was carried out at the Santa Felicidade Site, Campestre - municipality - South of MG , located at 21 ° 43’ 12 “South and 46 ° 14’ 46” West at an altitude of 1.106 meters. The cultivar used was the Catuai IAC 144, was intercropped with the following species: maize (Zea mays L.), guandu (Cajanus cajan L.), crotalaria (Crotalaria spectabilis L.), mucuna (Stizolobium aterrimun) and control without any intercrop, totaling five treatments. The plants sowing for shading was performed using a manual planter and the planting was done in 4 plots per treatment, totaling 20 experimental units in a randomized block design with 14 coffee plants per plot. The 10 central plants were analyzed. At the end of the experiment, the following characteristics were evaluated: seedlings establishment, growth in height, average length of plagiotropic branches, number of internodes in plagiotropic branches, coffee canopy and soil temperature. The data were statistically interpreted by means of variance analysis. The means were grouped by the Scott Knott test at 5% probability using the statistical software SISVAR®. According to the results obtained the shading plants in intercropped with the coffee tree managed in the post-planting and first-year phases contributed to a better coffee tree development, observed mainly in the treatments using the Crotalaria and Guandu species.&lt;/p&gt;

Comprehensive branching analysis of star-shaped polystyrenes using a liquid chromatography-based approach.

The comprehensive branching analysis of complex polymers is still a challenge in advanced polymer analysis. Average branching information (average number and length of branches) can be obtained by spectroscopic methods, mainly NMR spectroscopy. The determination of the branching distribution, i.e., the concentration of macromolecules with a given number of branches, however, requires fractionation. Typically, size exclusion chromatography is used that separates the complex mixture with regard to molecular size in solution and not strictly with regard to the number of branches. In the present approach, model star-shaped polystyrenes were synthesized with a pre-determined architecture to give theoretical three-arm, four-arm, and six-arm structures. The branched samples were compared with a linear analogue of comparable molar mass known not to contain branching. Triple detector size exclusion chromatography with refractive index, multiangle light scattering, and online viscometer detection was used to determine absolute molar masses, radii of gyration, and branching distributions of the star-shaped polymers. 1H-NMR was used to calculate the average functionality and a reasonable agreement between the results of the two methods was obtained. Thermal gradient interaction chromatography and solvent gradient interaction chromatography were employed to separate the complex reaction products according to chemical composition (number of branches) and to resolve by-products. The separation capabilities of the two chromatographic techniques were compared and evaluated. Comprehensive two-dimensional liquid chromatography was used to separate the polydisperse star-shaped polystyrenes with regard to both branching and molar mass. Graphical abstract.

Trabecular architecture in the humeral metaphyses of non-avian reptiles (Crocodylia, Squamata and Testudines): Lifestyle, allometry and phylogeny.

The lifestyle of extinct tetrapods is often difficult to assess when clear morphological adaptations such as swimming paddles are absent. According to the hypothesis of bone functional adaptation, the architecture of trabecular bone adapts sensitively to physiological loadings. Previous studies have already shown a clear relation between trabecular architecture and locomotor behavior, mainly in mammals and birds. However, a link between trabecular architecture and lifestyle has rarely been examined. Here, we analyzed trabecular architecture of different clades of reptiles characterized by a wide range of lifestyles (aquatic, amphibious, generalist terrestrial, fossorial, and climbing). Humeri of squamates, turtles, and crocodylians have been scanned with microcomputed tomography. We selected spherical volumes of interest centered in the proximal metaphyses and measured trabecular spacing, thickness and number, degree of anisotropy, average branch length, bone volume fraction, bone surface density, and connectivity density. Only bone volume fraction showed a significant phylogenetic signal and its significant difference between squamates and other reptiles could be linked to their physiologies. We found negative allometric relationships for trabecular thickness and spacing, positive allometries for connectivity density and trabecular number and no dependence with size for degree of anisotropy and bone volume fraction. The different lifestyles are well separated in the morphological space using linear discriminant analyses, but a cross-validation procedure indicated a limited predictive ability of the model. The trabecular bone anisotropy has shown a gradient in turtles and in squamates: higher values in amphibious than terrestrial taxa. These allometric scalings, previously emphasized in mammals and birds, seem to be valid for all amniotes. Discriminant analysis has offered, to some extent, a distinction of lifestyles, which however remains difficult to strictly discriminate. Trabecular architecture seems to be a promising tool to infer lifestyle of extinct tetrapods, especially those involved in the terrestrialization.

Morphological characteristics of tree crowns of Cunninghamia lanceolata var. Luotian

The structural characteristics of the tree crowns of Cunninghamia lanceolata var. Luotian (herein, Luotian), a natural variety of C. lanceolata (Chinese-fir, herein Lanceolata) in China, were analyzed using trunk and branch measurements and biomass determinations. Samples from two typical cultivated varietal populations were collected, including twenty-six 15–23-year-old trees of Luotian from a plantation, and nine 16–23-year-old trees of Lanceolata. Our results show that Luotian and Lanceolata samples differed significantly in crown structure, morphological indices, and biomass: (1) the oldest live branches on Luotian trees were 5–6 years old and 8–11 years old on Lanceolata. The ages of the live branches were not affected by the ages of the Luotian trees, while live branch ages increased with ages of Lanceolata trees; (2) the maximum branching order of Luotian was level two. Compared to Lanceolata, the average number of first-order lateral branches (i.e., branches emerging from the trunk) and the number of first-order lateral branch whorls per sample tree were 12.9% and 32.2% lower, respectively, in Luotian. However, the average number of branches within a single whorl was 21.8% greater in Luotian; the average number of branch whorls at crown height was 51.1% greater. Thus, the Luotian variety has thicker branches; (3) the average lateral branch angles in Luotian and Lanceolata sample trees were 105.2° and 61.4°, respectively. The branch angles in 53.0% of lateral branches on Luotian ranged from 105° to 135°, but 30° to 90° in 96% of the lateral branches on Lanceolata. Within the same crown layer, the average branch angle was 1.6–2.2 times greater in Luotian, and the angle was directly proportional to crown thickness; (4) the average base diameter and branch length on Luotian were 1.3 cm and 75.8 cm, respectively, and 1.6 cm and 112.2 cm for Lanceolata. For individual trees, branch growth differed significantly (p < 0.01) between Luotian and Lanceolata. However, the lateral branches grew at a similar rate among Luotian trees of different ages; (5) the average height to the lowest live branch on Luotian was 128.3% greater than on Lanceolata, resulting in a significant difference (p < 0.01) in crown size. Compared to the crowns on Lanceolata, the Luotian crowns were 45.3% higher and 41.1% wider, and the surface area, volume, and growth of the crown were 27.0%, 11.4%, and 2.4 times greater than for Lanceolata, respectively; and, (6) the biomass of Luotian and Lanceolata sample trees also differed significantly. The mean crown, branch, and leaf biomass for Luotian was 40.0%, 25.2%, and 54.1% of those for Lanceolata, respectively. However, the leaf biomass in each layer of the Luotian crown was higher than that of Lanceolata, and leaf biomass increased with crown thickness.

Development and interaction between plant architecture and yield-related traits in winged bean (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus (L.) DC.)

Winged bean (P. tetragonolobus (L.) DC.) is a leguminous crop that could contribute towards food security in tropical areas, but whose growth and development is still poorly understood. In order to develop improved individuals for increased green pod and seed productivity, we investigated the factors involved in winged bean plant architecture, development, and their link to a number of yield-related traits. An F2 population was generated from the cross between M3 and FP15 Malaysian accessions and assessed under field conditions in Malaysia. The results showed stem length to be mainly influenced by internode length (rs = .80; p < .01), while multiple genes could be controlling the number of branches, with an average number of branches in the offspring above the highest parent value. The average length of branches appeared to influence the most the final number of pods per plant (rs = .44; p < .001), while flowering showed potentially transgressive segregation towards earliness, without preventing the potential development of high pod-yielding individuals (rs = − 208; p = .056). Taken together, the results reported here shed light on the interaction between morphological, developmental, and yield-related traits, defining potential targets for developing crop ideotypes to direct breeding programmes for this underutilised crop.

Synthesis of mesoporous-silica coated multi-branched gold nanoparticles for surface enhanced Raman scattering evaluation of 4-bromomethcathinone

Mesoporous silica-coated multi-branched gold nanoparticles (bAu@mesoSiO2) aiming for enhanced Raman sensing for 4-bromomethcathinone (4-BMC) detection is reported. In this work, we present an effective strategy to probe the Raman signal of 4-MBC. Morphologies and optical properties of the synthesized materials with different [Au3+]/[Au0] ratios are characterized utilizing transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV–vis and mid-infrared spectroscopy. Both experimental and theoretical (simulation) studies were investigated. Taking advantages of gold core branches that provide highly localized and strongly enhanced electromagnetic fields due to plasmon resonance, surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is observed. The experimental results show that the SERS intensity exhibits a 100-fold increase with the increased average length and quantity of gold branches (nano tips). The analytical performance yielded a detection limit of 0.1 mg/ml for the 4-MBC target within 5 mins. The sensing method will likely find further improvement and broad use in the forensic science. Besides rapid detection and portability, the combination of the Raman effect and enhanced materials imparts other notable advantages, such as its non-contact and free of reagents.

A genome-wide association study using a Vietnamese landrace panel of rice (Oryza sativa) reveals new QTLs controlling panicle morphological traits

ContextYield improvement is an important issue for rice breeding. Panicle architecture is one of the key components of rice yield and exhibits a large diversity. To identify the morphological and genetic determinants of panicle architecture, we performed a detailed phenotypic analysis and a genome-wide association study (GWAS) using an original panel of Vietnamese landraces.ResultsUsing a newly developed image analysis tool, morphological traits of the panicles were scored over two years: rachis length; primary, secondary and tertiary branch number; average length of primary and secondary branches; average length of internode on rachis and primary branch. We observed a high contribution of spikelet number and secondary branch number per panicle to the overall phenotypic diversity in the dataset. Twenty-nine stable QTLs associated with seven traits were detected through GWAS over the two years. Some of these QTLs were associated with genes already implicated in panicle development. Importantly, the present study revealed the existence of new QTLs associated with the spikelet number, secondary branch number and primary branch number traits.ConclusionsOur phenotypic analysis of panicle architecture variation suggests that with the panel of samples used, morphological diversity depends largely on the balance between indeterminate vs. determinate axillary meristem fate on primary branches, supporting the notion of differences in axillary meristem fate between rachis and primary branches. Our genome-wide association study led to the identification of numerous genomic sites covering all the traits studied and will be of interest for breeding programs aimed at improving yield. The new QTLs detected in this study provide a basis for the identification of new genes controlling panicle development and yield in rice.

Kinetic Analysis of Vasculogenesis Quantifies Dynamics of Vasculogenesis and Angiogenesis In Vitro.

Vasculogenesis is a complex process by which endothelial stem and progenitor cells undergo de novo vessel formation. Quantitative assessment of vasculogenesis has become a central readout of endothelial progenitor cell functionality, and therefore, several attempts have been made to improve both in vitro and in vivo vasculogenesis models. However, standard methods are limited in scope, with static measurements failing to capture many aspects of this highly dynamic process. Therefore, the goal of developing this novel protocol was to assess the kinetics of in vitro vasculogenesis in order to quantitate rates of network formation and stabilization, as well as provide insight into potential mechanisms underlying vascular dysfunction. Application of this protocol is demonstrated using fetal endothelial colony forming cells (ECFCs) exposed to maternal diabetes mellitus. Fetal ECFCs were derived from umbilical cord blood following birth, cultured, and plated in slides containing basement membrane matrix, where they underwent vasculogenesis. Images of the entire slide wells were acquired using time-lapse phase contrast microscopy over 15 hours. Images were analyzed for derivation of quantitative data using an analysis software called Kinetic Analysis of Vasculogenesis (KAV). KAV uses image segmentation followed by skeletonization to analyze network components from stacks of multi-time point phase contrast images to derive ten parameters (9 measured, 1 calculated) of network structure including: closed networks, network areas, nodes, branches, total branch length, average branch length, triple-branched nodes, quad-branched nodes, network structures, and the branch to node ratio. Application of this protocol identified altered rates of vasculogenesis in ECFCs obtained from pregnancies complicated by diabetes mellitus. However, this technique has broad implications beyond the scope reported here. Implementation of this approach will enhance mechanistic assessment and improve functional readouts of vasculogenesis and other biologically important branching processes in numerous cell types or disease states.

Kinetic Analysis of Vasculogenesis Quantifies Dynamics of Vasculogenesis and Angiogenesis &lt;em&gt;In Vitro&lt;/em&gt;

Vasculogenesis is a complex process by which endothelial stem and progenitor cells undergo de novo vessel formation. Quantitative assessment of vasculogenesis has become a central readout of endothelial progenitor cell functionality, and therefore, several attempts have been made to improve both in vitro and in vivo vasculogenesis models. However, standard methods are limited in scope, with static measurements failing to capture many aspects of this highly dynamic process. Therefore, the goal of developing this novel protocol was to assess the kinetics of in vitro vasculogenesis in order to quantitate rates of network formation and stabilization, as well as provide insight into potential mechanisms underlying vascular dysfunction. Application of this protocol is demonstrated using fetal endothelial colony forming cells (ECFCs) exposed to maternal diabetes mellitus. Fetal ECFCs were derived from umbilical cord blood following birth, cultured, and plated in slides containing basement membrane matrix, where they underwent vasculogenesis. Images of the entire slide wells were acquired using time-lapse phase contrast microscopy over 15 hours. Images were analyzed for derivation of quantitative data using an analysis software called Kinetic Analysis of Vasculogenesis (KAV). KAV uses image segmentation followed by skeletonization to analyze network components from stacks of multi-time point phase contrast images to derive ten parameters (9 measured, 1 calculated) of network structure including: closed networks, network areas, nodes, branches, total branch length, average branch length, triple-branched nodes, quad-branched nodes, network structures, and the branch to node ratio. Application of this protocol identified altered rates of vasculogenesis in ECFCs obtained from pregnancies complicated by diabetes mellitus. However, this technique has broad implications beyond the scope reported here. Implementation of this approach will enhance mechanistic assessment and improve functional readouts of vasculogenesis and other biologically important branching processes in numerous cell types or disease states.