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Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) clones can be identified in a significant proportion of patients with aplastic anemia (AA). Screening for PNH clones at the time of an AA diagnosis is recommended by national and international guidelines. In this report, an expert panel of physicians discusses current best practices and provides recommendations for managing PNH in patients with AA in the Asia–Pacific region. Plasma/serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels and reticulocyte count should be measured with every blood test. PNH clone size should be monitored regularly by flow cytometry, with on-demand testing in the event of a rise in LDH level ± reticulocyte count or development of symptoms such as thrombosis. Monitoring for PNH clones can guide the choice of initial AA treatment, although flow cytometry has resource implications which may present a challenge in some Asia–Pacific countries. The treatment of patients with both PNH and AA depends on which condition predominates; following PNH treatment guidelines if hemolysis is the main symptom and AA treatment guidelines if bone marrow failure is severe (regardless of whether hemolysis is mild or moderate). The expert panel's recommendations on the monitoring and treatment of PNH in patients with AA are practical for healthcare systems in the Asia–Pacific region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ishikawaella is an obligate gut bacterium in stinkbugs that belong to Plataspidae family (Hemiptera: Heteroptera). It is vertically transmitted to newborn nymphs through capsules laid on eggs by maternal stinkbugs. Previous research has established a pattern of strict cospeciation between Plataspidae stinkbugs and Ishikawaella. However, the possibility of host–symbiont coevolution at the population level within Plataspidae stinkbugs has not been thoroughly explored. This study analyzed the samples of Megacopta cribraria from three phylogenetic clades to investigate host–symbiont coevolution in this insect species. We compared data from third‐generation sequencing (PacBio), next‐generation sequencing (Illumina), and first‐generation sequencing (Sanger), and the results indicated that Illumina sequencing most accurately represents the composition of gut bacterial communities. All stinkbug individuals shared a dominant amplicon sequence variant (ASV), which accounted for an average of 65.99% of Ishikawaella sequences (ranging from 58.68% to 87.01%). The top five ASVs (ASV0–ASV4) represented 99.82% of all Ishikawaella sequences. Among these, the number of base substitutions between any two ASVs ranged from 1 to 3, significantly lower than the number of substitutions between the main and minor ASVs. This finding suggests that closely related strains are likely to coexist in the same host. Beta diversity analyses revealed significant differences in Ishikawaella composition among the three phylogenetic clades, providing evidence for host–symbiont coevolution at the population level in Plataspidae stinkbugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A major breakthrough in developmental biology is the ex vivo generation of synthetic human embryos from stem cells. A comprehensive, in-depth bioethical analysis from a Sunni Islamic perspective reveals that the reproductive applications of synthetic human embryos contravene Islamic precepts of preserving lineage integrity (Hifz al-Nasl) due to disruption and confusion of kinship and familial relationships, similar to human cloning with somatic cell nuclear transfer. However, their non-reproductive applications in generating replacement tissues/organs, serving as in vitro experimental models of human development and disease, and testing platforms for evaluating pharmaceuticals and biomedical devices appear to align with Islamic principles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The role of fatty acid transport protein 1 (FATP1) in decapod crustaceans is still poorly understood. In this study, we cloned the FATP1 cDNA from the mud crab Scylla paramamosain, identified its sequence features and tissue distribution pattern and analyzed its roles in lipid metabolism in vivo. We found that FATP1 is involved in long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid metabolism and deposition in crustaceans, which provides new information for understanding the function of FATP1 in invertebrates. In mammals, fatty acid transport protein 1 (FATP1) plays important roles in cellular uptake and activation of long-chain fatty acid (LCFA), especially in processes of transportation, oxidation and triacylglycerol synthesis. However, the role of FATP1 in invertebrates, especially decapod crustaceans, is still poorly understood. In this study, the cDNA of a FATP1 gene from a decapod crustacean, mud crab Scylla paramamosain, was cloned and functionally characterized. The FATP1 gene encoded a polypeptide consisting of 643 amino acids that exhibits all the typical features of the FATP family and shares high homology with the other FATP orthologs of crustaceans. The relative mRNA expression levels of FATP1 were observed to be higher in metabolically active tissues such as hepatopancreas, stomach and gill than in other crab parts. Knockdown of the FATP1 mRNA in vivo significantly reduced triacylglycerols and total lipid levels in the hepatopancreas, accompanied by an increase in the expression of genes related to fatty acid transportation, allocation and hydrolysis, including long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase 3/4 (ACSL3/4) and carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1 (CPT1), and a decrease in the expression of genes related to fatty acid synthesis such as acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) and fatty acid synthase (FAS) in the hepatopancreas. Furthermore, increased dietary n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LC-PUFA) levels resulted in the up-regulation of the FATP1 expression in the hepatopancreas, accompanied by an increase in LC-PUFA content, especially eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3), in both polar (PLs) and neutral lipids (NLs) in the hepatopancreas and muscles of crabs. These findings suggested that the FATP1 gene identified in S. paramamosain might play important roles in regulating long-chain fatty acid metabolism and deposition in crustaceans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A term which is a formal expression defined by variables and operation symbols can be described by tree diagram. The class of terms under which the longest distance from the root to each vertex is equal is called completely expanded. In this paper, we consider the partial many-sorted operation defined on the family of all completely expanded terms of type τ and construct the partial algebra satisfying the clone axioms. The partial operations on arbitrary algebra generated by completely expanded terms and their related structures are obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the long history of human relations with flowering cherry trees in Japan, 'Somei-Yoshino' occupies an exceptional position among a variety of flowering trees: it is a self-incompatible interspecific hybrid but has been enthusiastically planted by grafting throughout Japan, due most likely to its flamboyant appearance upon full bloom. Thus, 'Somei-Yoshino' gives us a rare opportunity to trace and investigate the occurrence and distribution of somatic mutations within a single plant species through analysis of the genomes of the clonally propagated trees grown under a variety of geographical and artificial environments. In the studies presented here, a total of 46 samples of 'Somei-Yoshino' trees were collected and their genomes were analysed. We identified 684 single nucleotide mutations, of which 71 were present in more than two samples. Clustering analysis of the mutations indicated that the 46 samples were classified into eight groups, four of which included 36 of the 46 samples analysed. Interestingly, all the four tree samples collected in Ueno Park of Tokyo were members of the four groups mentioned above. Based on comparative analysis of their mutations, one of the four trees growing in Ueno Park was concluded to be the closest to the original ancestor. We propose that somatic mutations may be used as tracers to establish the ancestral relationship amongst clonally propagated individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Common ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.) has been considered an important candidate species for climate-resilient forest management in Germany. The occurrence of ash dieback, caused by the invasive fungus Hymenoscyphus fraxineus, severely limits its use. However, less damaged ash trees in heavily infested stands are observed. This suggests a tree-specific and genetically determined susceptibility to ash dieback. The potential of individual trees for selection and conservation programs has been investigated on 35 clones in a clonal trial and 30 families in a progeny trial since 2014. Ash dieback-related mortality, crown damage, and height growth were examined. Resistance to ash dieback was evaluated based on multi-year observations. Mortality of ramets occurred rapidly and crown damage of clones stabilized, whereas steadily increasing in progeny during the study period. About 34 percent of all offspring (0–56 percent per family) showed high resistance to ash dieback and 10 percent showed also good height growth. Broad-sense heritability and narrow-sense heritability were moderate and comparable to previous studies. We assume that at least some individuals from specific progenies will resist the disease in forest stands. In situ and ex situ conservation strategies should be promoted. Seed orchards with more resistant genotypes could provide less susceptible reproductive material, and breeding programs could help to accelerate the fixation of favorable alleles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infection is inconceivable without T cells. T cells not only eliminate virus-infected cells and participate in the formation of immunological memory, but also indirectly modulate the humoral response through the selection and maintenance of specific B cells. The T-cell receptor (TCR) recognizes processed antigen presented on the surface of cells in the MHC of one of two classes. Thus, the formed TCR repertoire reflects the history of encountered antigens through the prism of the specific organism with a particular set of MHC. To investigate changes in the TCR repertoire in response to acute viral infection, we utilized a yellow fever vaccination model. The yellow fever vaccine has been a benchmark for both safety and efficacy for over half a century. The vaccine is based on a live attenuated virus, allowing the study of the immune response under conditions closely to the viral infection. The yellow fever-specific T-cell response to immunodominant peptides presented on HLA-A02 is well studied, but experiments with HLA-A02-negative donors are still lacking. The aim of this study was to examine the dynamics of changes in the T-cell repertoire structure that occur in response to yellow fever vaccination in a donor without the HLA-A02 allele. We found that the overall T-cell response dynamics were similar to that in HLA-A02-positive donors: vaccination led to rapid expansion of yellow fever-reactive clones by day 14. Despite the absence of a known immunodominant epitope for HLA I alleles in this donor, the immune response also shifted towards CD8⁺ T cells, with increasing of the CD8⁺ clones fraction by day 53. The amino acid sequences of CDR3 TCRb yellow fever specific clones formed a stable cluster by CD4⁺ T cells, further confirming the presence of novel immunogenic epitopes.

: [Objective] The Nanug gene is a transcription factor that regulates the maintenance of stem cell pluripotency, and ectopic expression of Nanog can lead to some pluripotency in somatic cell reprogramming. Cloning the Nanog gene of Rongchang pigs, constructing a pMX retroviral vector, and identifying the transfection efficiency of the expression vector will lay the foundation for further genetic improvement and stem cell research of Rongchang pigs. (Method) Using the reproductive crest of Rongchang pigs as material, total RNA was extracted and reverse transcribed into cDNA. The Nanog gene of Rongchang pigs was amplified and cloned by PCR. The ear tissue from Rongchang pigs and culture Rongchang pig fibroblasts were collceted using tissue block method. The 3rd to 5th generation of pig fibroblasts were selected as transfected cells, and the pMD18T-Nanog vector was constrcuted through T-A cloning; The Nanog gene was ligated to the pMX retroviral vector by T4 ligation method, and the pMX-Nanog-neo expression vector was constructed after enzyme digestion identification. Then, the reporter gene EGFP was ligated to the pMX-Nanog-neo to construct the pMX-Nanog-EGFP expression vector. The liposomal LTX method was used for transfection, and pMX-Nanog vector was mixed with pCMV-VSVG in the ratio of 2: 1. Then the pMX-Nanog-EGFP expression vector was allowed to transfect 293GP packaging cells and the viral supernatant was collected for spare parts, and Hoechst-stained nuclei were used for immunohistochemical identification of its transfection and expression effects with Nanog antibody. Subsequently, the pMX-Nanog-neo expression vector was transfected into Rongchang pig fibroblasts amplified by the same method, and the positive cell lines were also screened by G418. [Result] The Nanog gene of Rongchang pig was successfully cloned, and pMX-Nanog-neo and pMX-Nanog-EGFP reverse transcription vectors were successfully constructed. The pMX-Nanog-EGFP expression vector was transfected into 293 GP cells, and stable expression of EGFP fluorescence was visible after 48 hours. After cell expansion and culture, the Nanog gene was confirmed to be a stable nuclear expression protein through Hoechst staining and Nanog antibody immunohistochemistry identification. Thus, it was confirmed that the constructed retrovirus vector could efficientively transfect cells and stably express the target genes. Porcine fibroblasts were transfected with pMX-Nanog-neo vector, and the positive cell lines stably expressing Nanog gene were obtained by G418 (600 ng/mL) screening. (Conclusion】 The constructed pMX retrovirus expression vector can stably transfect the target gene Nanog into Rong chang pig fibroblasts and efficiently express it, which will provide a reliable technical method for study on the pluripotency maintenance mechanism, self-renewal mechanism, differentiation mechanism and reprogramming mechanism of Rongchang pig stem cells in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potential role of the juvenile hormone receptor gene (methoprene-tolerant , Met) in reproduction of Coccinella septempunctata L. (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), was investigated by cloning, analyzing expression profiles by quantitative real-time PCR, and via RNA interference (RNAi). CsMet encoded a 1518-bp open reading frames with a predicted protein product of 505 amino acids; the latter contained 2 Per-Arnt-Sim repeat profile at amino acid residues 30–83 and 102–175. CsMet was expressed in different C. septempunctata larvae developmental stages and was most highly expressed in third instar. CsMet expression in female adults gradually increased from 20 to 30 d, and expression levels at 25 and 30 d were significantly higher than levels at 1–15 d. CsMet expression in 20-d-old male adults was significantly higher than in males aged 1–15 d. CsMet expression levels in fat body tissues of male and female adults were significantly higher than expression in the head, thorax, and reproductive system. At 5 and 10 d after CsMet -dsRNA injection, CsMet expression was significantly lower than the controls by 75.05% and 58.38%, respectively. Ovary development and vitellogenesis in C. septempunctata injected with CsMet -dsRNA were significantly delayed and fewer mature eggs were produced. This study provides valuable information for the large-scale rearing of C. septempunctata. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Current methods to obtain bovine embryos of high genetic merit include approaches that require skilled techniques for low-efficiency cloning strategies. Aims: The overall goal herein was to identify the efficacy of alternative methods for producing multiple embryos through blastomere complementation while determining maintenance of cell pluripotency. Methods: Bovine oocytes were fertilised in vitro to produce 4-cell embryos from which blastomeres were isolated and cultured as 2-cell aggregates using a well-of-the-well system. Aggregates were returned to incubation up to 7 days (Passage 1). A second passage of complement embryos was achieved by splitting 4-cell Passage 1 embryos. Passaged embryos reaching the blastocyst stage were characterised for cell number and cell lineage specification in replicate with non-reconstructed zona-intact embryos. Key results: Passage 1 and 2 embryo complements yielded 29% and 25% blastocyst development, respectively. Passage 1 embryos formed blastocysts, but with a reduction in expression of SOX2 and decreased size compared to non-reconstructed zona-intact embryos. Passage 2 embryos had a complete lack of SOX2 expression and a reduction in transcript abundance of SOX2 and SOX17, suggesting loss of pluripotency markers that primarily affected inner cell mass (ICM) and hypoblast formation. Conclusions: In vitro fertilised bovine embryos can be reconstructed with multiple passaging to generate genetically identical embryos. Increased passaging drives trophectoderm cell lineage specification while compromising ICM formation. Implications: These results may provide an alternative strategy for producing genetically identical bovine embryos through blastomere complementation with applications towards the development of trophoblast and placental models of early development. Reproductive technologies that advance in vitro embryo production while directing cell lineage specification are beneficial for both agriculture and biomedical applications. Multiple passaging of bovine embryos subjected to blastomere complementation allows for the production of genetically identical embryos from a single fertilised egg while shifting cell lineage pluripotency towards trophectoderm lineage specification. These findings may be further developed as alternative strategies for producing genetically identical cattle with desirable traits and trophoblast stem cell models for embryo technologies and placental biology. Diagram by Bradford W. Daigneault and Maura S. McGraw. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of South China Agricultural University is the property of Gai Kan Bian Wei Hui and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

ABSTRACT Ishikawaella is an obligate gut bacterium in stinkbugs that belong to Plataspidae family (Hemiptera: Heteroptera). It is vertically transmitted to newborn nymphs through capsules laid on eggs by maternal stinkbugs. Previous research has established a pattern of strict cospeciation between Plataspidae stinkbugs and Ishikawaella. However, the possibility of host–symbiont coevolution at the population level within Plataspidae stinkbugs has not been thoroughly explored. This study analyzed the samples of Megacopta cribraria from three phylogenetic clades to investigate host–symbiont coevolution in this insect species. We compared data from third‐generation sequencing (PacBio), next‐generation sequencing (Illumina), and first‐generation sequencing (Sanger), and the results indicated that Illumina sequencing most accurately represents the composition of gut bacterial communities. All stinkbug individuals shared a dominant amplicon sequence variant (ASV), which accounted for an average of 65.99% of Ishikawaella sequences (ranging from 58.68% to 87.01%). The top five ASVs (ASV0–ASV4) represented 99.82% of all Ishikawaella sequences. Among these, the number of base substitutions between any two ASVs ranged from 1 to 3, significantly lower than the number of substitutions between the main and minor ASVs. This finding suggests that closely related strains are likely to coexist in the same host. Beta diversity analyses revealed significant differences in Ishikawaella composition among the three phylogenetic clades, providing evidence for host–symbiont coevolution at the population level in Plataspidae stinkbugs.

An assessment was made on the main growth and productivity indicators in half-sibs progeny planta-tions of 18 Robinia pseudoacacia L. clones in the region of Ruse, on (М-I-2 D1 (13)) site, on rich, dry and compacted (Haplic luvisols) grey forest soil, at planting scheme 3.0х1,5 m. The differences in the main inventory indicators, defining the growth and productivity of the progenies of 18 black locust clones, confirm good qualities of the progenies of the Bulgarian clones Pordim-10, Pordim-13, Obretenik-1, Obretenik-6 and Ryahovo-1 and of the Hungarian clones Szajki and Nyirségi. This should be taken into account in the selection of material for establishment of industrial plantations and plantations for bio-mass production, as well as in the choice and performance of tending activities.

Abstract Bulk DNA sequencing of multiple samples from the same tumor is becoming common, yet most methods to infer copy-number aberrations (CNAs) from this data analyze individual samples independently. We introduce HATCHet2, an algorithm to identify haplotype- and clone-specific CNAs simultaneously from multiple bulk samples. HATCHet2 extends the earlier HATCHet method by improving identification of focal CNAs and introducing a novel statistic, the minor haplotype B-allele frequency (mhBAF), that enables identification of mirrored-subclonal CNAs. We demonstrate HATCHet2’s improved accuracy using simulations and a single-cell sequencing dataset. HATCHet2 analysis of 10 prostate cancer patients reveals previously unreported mirrored-subclonal CNAs affecting cancer genes.

Scientific manuring, by adopting balanced nutrition in perennial plantations is the need of hour for increased productivity and addressing global warming by adopting 4 R nutrient stewardship. Continuous use of NPK in perennial crops can lead to deficiency of micronutrients. Therefore, a study was carried out to understand nutrient status of major rubber growing tracts and to formulate a customized nutrient mixture for rubber. A detailed soil fertility assessment and leaf tissue analysis of mature rubber plantations of age group 11-15 years in five agro ecological units (AEU) in Thiruvananthapuram were conducted during the study. Based on this, a multi micronutrient mixture was formulated for rubber and the composition of the mixture was Zn -3.64 %, B -8.04 %, Fe- 2.01 %, Cu- 2.55 % and Mn-3.25 %. For accessing the effect of the mixture, a field experiment was conducted in existing rubber plantation of RRII 105 replanted in 2005 at Aryanad (AEU 14) in randomized block design with seven treatments and three replications, namely general recommendation of NPK at 30:30:30 kg ha-1year-1, soil test based recommendation of NPK at 22:8:21 kg ha-1 year-1, application of multi micronutrient mixture along with soil test based recommendation of NPK at varying levels from 5 to 15 kg ha-1year-1. The treatments had a significant effect on dry rubber content (DRC). For the post monsoon, summer, and annual period, the highest DRC was noticed in 15 kg ha-1 of the mixture applied plot which was on par with 7.5 kg ha-1 applied plot. Application of micronutrient mixture resulted in enhancement of different micronutrient pools and enriched nutrient storehouse. It was also observed that available micronutrients were within sufficiency level even after application of the mixture. Multi micronutrient mixture application at 7.5 kg ha-1 along with soil test based recommendation of NPK can be considered for future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Horticulture / Kertgazdaság is the property of Herman Otto Intezet Nonprofit Kft. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Roots play a fundamental role in forest ecosystems, but obtaining samples from deep layers remains a challenging process due to the methodological and financial efforts required. In our quest to understand the dynamics of Eucalyptus roots, we raise three fundamental questions. First, we inquire about the average extent of the roots of two contrasting Eucalyptus genotypes. Next, we explore the factors that directly influence the growth and depth of these roots, addressing elements such as soil type, climate, and water availability. Lastly, we investigate how the variation in Eucalyptus species may impact root growth patterns, biomass, and carbon stock. In this study, we observed that the maximum root depth increased by an average of 20% when genotypes were grown on sites with higher water availability (wet site). E. urophylla stands had a higher biomass and carbon stock (5.7 Mg C ha−1) of fine roots when cultivated on dry sites (annual rainfall~727 mm) than the wet sites (annual rainfall~1590 mm). In E. grandis × E. camaldulensis stands, no significant differences were observed in the stock of fine root biomass (3.2 Mg C ha−1) between the studied environments. Our results demonstrated that genotypes with greater drought tolerance (E. grandis × E. camaldulensis) tend to maintain higher stocks of fine root biomass (3.2–6.3 Mg ha−1) compared to those classified as plastic (E. urophylla), regardless of the edaphoclimatic conditions of the cultivation site. Finally, our research helps understand how Eucalyptus trees adapt to their environment, aiding sustainable forest management and climate change mitigation. We also provide a practical tool to estimate underground biomass, assisting forest managers and policymakers in ensuring long-term forest sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To understand the effects of clones and planting spacing on carbon storage in poplar plantations, the impacts of four planting spacings（6 m×6 m, 4.5 m×8.0 m, 5 m×5 m, and 3 m×8 m） for NL-895 and 6 m×6 m spacing for two clones（NL-95, and NL-797） on carbon storage in the plantations were investigated using the direct harvesting of forest biomass method. A significant difference in single tree biomass was evident among the investigated plantations（P＜0.05). The highest biomass(400.96 kg·tree-1) occurred in the 6 m×6 m stand of NL-895. No significant variation was observed in biomass production per area among the four planting spacings for NL-895. The stand biomass production was significantly greater in clones NL-895 and NL-95 than in NL-797 at a planting spacing of 6 m×6 m（P＜0.05). The carbon content in the poplar components ranged from 39.79% to 47.76% in the order stem＞ branch＞ root＞ leaf. The variation tendency of poplar carbon storage was similar to the biomass production of the plantations. The highest and lowest tree carbon storage was observed in the NL-895 plantation with a planting spacing of 6 m×6 m and 3 m×8 m, respectively. Soil carbon storage in the top 1 m accounted for approximately 71.7% of the total carbon storage. However, no obvious variation in soil carbon storage was detected among plantations. The total carbon storage among the plantations differed significantly with the four planting spacings in NL-895（P＜0.05). By contrast, no significant difference was observed among the plantations with the three poplar clones at 6 m×6 m spacing. Overall, the highest carbon storage of 192.46 t·hm-2 was obtained in the 6 m×6 m plantation of NL-895; this level was 1.17-, 1.31-, and 1.38-times the levels in the plantations with 4.5 m×8.0 m, 5 m×5 m, and 3 m×8 m spacings, respectively. The collective findings indicate that using the clone NL-895 as the planting material and establishing a plantation with an even planting spacing of 6 m×6 m are optimal management patterns for carbon sequestration forests at similar sites in Jiangsu Province. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grapevine leafroll disease is a viral disease that affects grapevines (Vitis vinifera L.) and has a severe economic impact on viticulture. In this study, the effect of grapevine leafroll-associated viruses (GLRaV) on berry quality was investigated in clones of cultivar cv. Crimson Seedless table grapes infected with GLRaV. RT-PCR confirmed the identity of the clones: clone 3236, infected only with GLRaV-3 (termed single); clone 3215, infected with GLRaV-3, GLRaV-4 strain 9 and grapevine virus A (termed mixed); and a viral free clone of the same genetic background of the infected clones (termed control). The berry quality indices of size, sugar, acidity and anthocyanin content were measured at harvest maturity. RT-qPCR was used to determine the viral load. The study was repeated over 2 year. A two-way, multivariate analysis of variance was applied with clone and year as independent variables and the measured berry quality parameters as a dependent variable. All dependent variables were significantly affected by viral infection (Wilks, λ, (2,33) = 0.033895, P-value <0.001), while only titratable acidity was affected by year. The average berry dry mass decreased (P-value <0.001). The water content of both infected clones was greater than that of the control (P-value <0.001). Both infected clones displayed reduced sugar content as a fraction of the berry dry mass (P-value <0.001). The anthocyanin and the phenol content of the infected clones were significantly reduced compared with the control clone (P < 0.001, P < 0.05, clone 3236 and clone 3215, respectively). Finally, the viral load was highly variable, and no quantitative relationship between viral load and berry composition was found. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to understand the effects of different fertilization treatments on endogenous hormones and growth of Juglans mandshurica Maxim, a three-factor orthogonal fertilization test of N, P and K was conducted to determine the endogenous hormone contents and growth traits of 6-year-old Juglans mandshurica Maxim clones as test materials. The results showed that fertilization helped to increase the contents of four endogenous hormones of Juglans mandshurica Maxim, namely trans-zeatin ( tZ), gibberellin (GA3 ), abscisic acid (ABA) and indole acetic acid ( IAA), among which the content of trans-zeatin ( tZ) changed the most; the three kinds of fertilizers, namely, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, had different influences on the endogenous hormones, and the influences on the contents of trans-zeatin (tZ) and gibberellin (GA3) were N>K>P, and the role of affecting abscisic acid (ABA) and indole acetic acid (IAA) content was N>P>K; nitrogen fertilizer was the optimal factor to enhance the content of the four endogenous hormones, and the combination of fertilization treatments to enhance the content of the four endogenous hormones in the comprehensive analysis was 0. 75 kg / plant of nitrogen fertilizer, 0. 3 kg / plant of phosphorus fertilizer, 0. 15 kg / plant of potash fertilizer. In terms of growth, fertilization reduced the variation in tree height within the asexual seed source, but the difference in net growth in tree height between the different fertilization treatments was not significant, and the different fertilization treatments did not have a significant effect on the promotion of new shoot length and coarseness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Equivalence relations or, more general, quasiorders (i.e., reflexive and transitive binary relations) ϱ have the property that an n-ary operation f preserves ϱ , i.e., f is a polymorphism of ϱ , if and only if each translation (i.e., unary polynomial function obtained from f by substituting constants) preserves ϱ , i.e., it is an endomorphism of ϱ. We introduce a wider class of relations—called generalized quasiorders—of arbitrary arities with the same property. With these generalized quasiorders we can characterize all algebras whose clone of term operations is determined by its translations by the above property, what generalizes affine complete algebras. The results are based on the characterization of so-called u-closed monoids (i.e., the unary parts of clones with the above property) as Galois closures of the Galois connection End – gQuord , i.e., as endomorphism monoids of generalized quasiorders. The minimal u-closed monoids are described explicitly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The adversarial machine learning approaches are modelled to provide a defence mechanism during the prediction of cloning and jamming attacks launched over the wireless communication process. The transmitter is supplied with a pre-trained classifier to analyze the status of the channel based on the sensing nature and determine the other transmission process. The learning method gathers all acknowledgements and fusion made between nodes and the channel's current state to build a learning model that can accurately identify the succeeding transmission constraint caused by network jamming. In this instance, compared to random jamming procedures, an inventive anticlone detection strategy aims to minimize the number of clones and jamming found throughout the network model. The transmitter analyzes the power restrictions over the sensor networks using the learning-based fisher score (FS). Here, an adversarial network model (ANM-FS) is fused to diminish the computational time to collect the training dataset by examining the incoming samples. With this defence mechanism, the transmitter intends to predict the false prediction rate (FPR) and design a better model for providing a reliable classifier. Systematically, the transmitter identifies the floating of attacks over the network model and adopts the defending mechanism to mislead the injected clone, enhancing the throughput and reducing the prediction error. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The seeds are generally much larger than wild seeds and are most likely to respond to selective pressure on yield, uniform germination, and seedling vitality exerted by humans during domestication. In particular, on the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana, we are able to clone various genes such as seed weight and size. Cloned genes responsible for seed-weight variation also control the number and size of cells in the integument, embryo, and endoderm, but mainly control cell division affecting the final weight/size of the seed. QTL mapping and cloning experiments carried out on rapeseed over the past decade have identified many seed weight QTLs, cloned some genes regulated the seed weight and dissected part of mechanism of the formation of seed weight in rapeseed. In this review, identifying main loci and cloning of some genes responsible for seed-weight variation in the Brassica genus from the prior studies is summarized to provide basic information on the cloning of the gene responsible for seed weight.'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider classes of Boolean functions stable under compositions both from the right and from the left with clones. Motivated by the question how many properties of Boolean functions can be defined by means of linear equations, we focus on stability under compositions with the clone of linear idempotent functions. It follows from a result by Sparks that there are countably many such linearly definable classes of Boolean functions. In this paper, we refine this result by completely describing these classes. This work is tightly related with the theory of function minors, stable classes, clonoids, and hereditary classes, topics that have been widely investigated in recent years by several authors including Maurice Pouzet and his coauthors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) is the pathogen that causes tuberculosis and develops resistance to many of the existing drugs. The sole licensed TB vaccine, BCG, is unable to provide a comprehensive defense. So, it is crucial to maintain the immunological response to eliminate tuberculosis. Our previous in silico study reported five uncharacterized proteins as potential vaccine antigens. In this article, we considered the uncharacterized Mtb H37Rv regions of difference (RD-2) Rv1987 protein as a promising vaccine candidate. The vaccine quality of the protein was analyzed using reverse vaccinology and immunoinformatics-based quality-checking parameters followed by an ex vivo preliminary investigation. In silico analysis of Rv1987 protein predicted it as surface localized, secretory, single helix, antigenic, non-allergenic, and non-homologous to the host protein. Immunoinformatics analysis of Rv1987 by CD4 + and CD8 + T-cells via MHC-I and MHC-II binding affinity and presence of B-cell epitope predicted its immunogenicity. The docked complex analysis of the 3D model structure of the protein with immune cell receptor TLR-4 revealed the protein's capability for potential interaction. Furthermore, the target protein-encoded gene Rv1987 was cloned, over-expressed, purified, and analyzed by mass spectrometry (MS) to report the target peptides. The qRT-PCR gene expression analysis shows that it is capable of activating macrophages and significantly increasing the production of a number of key cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-10). Our in-silico analysis and ex vivo preliminary investigations revealed the immunogenic potential of the target protein. These findings suggest that the Rv1987 be undertaken as a potent subunit vaccine antigen and that further animal model immuno-modulation studies would boost the novel TB vaccine discovery and/or BCG vaccine supplement pipeline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sex control techniques are in great demand for aquaculture because of the huge benefits of mono-sex production. In a previous study on yellow catfish (Tachysurus fulvidraco), intersex individuals were produced by administrating 17α-methyltestosterone (MT) or aromatase inhibitor letrozole (LZ). The ovarian and testicular portions of intersexual gonads developed well and were completely separated, arousing our interest in producing self-fertilizable fish and clone-like fish populations. In this study, yellow catfish fry were treated with a combination of MT and LZ at a low dose (5 mg kg−1 MT, 300 mg kg−1 LZ) at a low water temperature (27.0 °C, mixed sex-producing temperature, LL group) and a high temperature (33.5 °C, male-producing temperature, HL group), and with a high dose (10 mg kg−1 MT, 600 mg kg−1 LZ) at a low water temperature (LH group), during 12–65 days post-hatching, the critical period of sex differentiation. Both XX and XY intersex were produced with different percentages at the same time through co-treatment with MT and LZ, with or without the help of male-producing temperature. The highest percentage of XY intersex (53% in XY, 36% in XX and XY) and XX intersex (47% in XX, 25% in XX and XY) was produced in LH and HL groups, respectively. Results of gonadal morphology, histology, and sperm dynamic analysis indicate that some XX and XY intersex individuals were capable of self-fertilization through artificial insemination. The reproductive performance of these intersex individuals was then investigated by injecting spawning agents, dissecting gonads, and artificially fertilizing eggs with their own sperm. The XX, XY, and YY genotypic individuals were produced by the self-fertilization of XY intersex individuals. The present study successfully produced high percentages of XX and XY intersex and conducted self-fertilization by mating the eggs and sperm of a single intersex individual. Self-fertilization in fish will show great potential in aquaculture genetics and breeding, for example, generating highly homozygous (or ‘‘clonal’’) genetic material, producing mono-sex populations, and identifying unknown sex determination modes. In particular, the cloning method of producing genetic materials will be greatly beneficial for maintaining advantageous traits through self-fertilization generation after generation.

In mammals, fatty acid transport protein 1 (FATP1) plays important roles in cellular uptake and activation of long-chain fatty acid (LCFA), especially in processes of transportation, oxidation and triacylglycerol synthesis. However, the role of FATP1 in invertebrates, especially decapod crustaceans, is still poorly understood. In this study, the cDNA of a FATP1 gene from a decapod crustacean, mud crab Scylla paramamosain, was cloned and functionally characterized. The FATP1 gene encoded a polypeptide consisting of 643 amino acids that exhibits all the typical features of the FATP family and shares high homology with the other FATP orthologs of crustaceans. The relative mRNA expression levels of FATP1 were observed to be higher in metabolically active tissues such as hepatopancreas, stomach and gill than in other crab parts. Knockdown of the FATP1 mRNA in vivo significantly reduced triacylglycerols and total lipid levels in the hepatopancreas, accompanied by an increase in the expression of genes related to fatty acid transportation, allocation and hydrolysis, including long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase 3/4 (ACSL3/4) and carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1 (CPT1), and a decrease in the expression of genes related to fatty acid synthesis such as acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) and fatty acid synthase (FAS) in the hepatopancreas. Furthermore, increased dietary n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LC-PUFA) levels resulted in the up-regulation of the FATP1 expression in the hepatopancreas, accompanied by an increase in LC-PUFA content, especially eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3), in both polar (PLs) and neutral lipids (NLs) in the hepatopancreas and muscles of crabs. These findings suggested that the FATP1 gene identified in S. paramamosain might play important roles in regulating long-chain fatty acid metabolism and deposition in crustaceans.

Simple Summary: The EcRACK1 protein from Exopalaemon carinicauda has been identified and analyzed. It consists of 957 nucleotides, encoding 318 amino acids. EcRACK1 exhibits a molecular weight of approximately 35.6 kDa and a theoretical isoelectric point (pI) of 7.90. Moreover, the secondary structure analysis reveals the presence of seven WD repeats in EcRACK1, which exhibit more than a 96% sequence identity with the RACK1 protein found in Penaeus species. Additionally, significant upregulation of EcRACK1 expression is observed during stages II and IV, with tissue-specific expression detected in hepatopancreas, spermary, and muscle tissues of adult E. carinicauda individuals. Furthermore, exposure to Aroclor 1254 for durations of 6, 10, 20, and 30 days significantly induces the expression level of EcRACK1 compared to the control group (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that EcRACK1 may play crucial roles in larval development as well as environmental defense mechanisms in E. carinicauda. The receptor for activated protein kinase C1 (RACK1) belongs to the typical WD repeat family, which is extremely conservative and important in multiple signal transduction pathways related to growth and development that coordinate the intracellular role of various life activities. As a novel protein with versatile functions, it was found in a variety of organisms. In a previous study, we identified the RACK1 sequence of white shrimp from transcriptome data. In this study, we employed specialized bioinformatics software to conduct an in-depth analysis of EcRACK1 and compare its amino acid sequence homology with other crustaceans. Furthermore, we investigated the expression patterns of RACK1 at different developmental stages and tissues, as well as at various time points after exposure to Aroclor 1245, aiming to elucidate its function and potential response towards Aroclor 1245 exposure. The length of EcRACK1 is 957 nucleotides, which encodes 318 amino acids. Moreover, there were seven typical WD repeats in EcRACK1, which have more than a 96% sequence identity with the RACK1 proteins of Penaeus. The results of tissue expression and spatiotemporal expression showed that it was significantly increased in the II and IV stages, but had a significant tissue specificity in the hepatopancreas, spermary, and muscle tissues of E. carinicauda, adult stage. Compared to the control, EcRACK1 was significantly induced in E. carinicauda zoea larvae exposed to Aroclor 1254 for 6, 10, 20, and 30 d (p < 0.05). These results suggested that EcRACK1 may play an important role in the larval development and environmental defense of E. carinicauda. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To clone the gene of Marmota himalayana type Ⅰ interferon receptor β subunit (mhIFNAR2) ， and to perform antibody preparation and functional identification. Methods RT-PCR was used for amplification in the spleen tissue of Marmota himalayana to obtain the sequence， which was cloned to the prokaryotic expression vector pRSET-B to express the recombinant protein. Electrophoresis and Western blot were used for identification. BALB/c mice were immunized with the recombinant protein to prepare the polyclonal antibody of its extracellular domain； immunohistochemistry， immunofluorescence assay， and Western Blot were used for identification， and the method of siRNA blockade was used to investigate its function. An analysis of variance was used for comparison of continuous data between multiple groups， and the least significant difference t-test was used for comparison between two groups. Results A fragment of mhIFNAR2 (149—1 300 bp) was obtained from spleen tissue， which showed the highest homology of 98.05% in marmot. A prokaryotic expression plasmid was successfully constructed for expression of the extracellular domain of the mhIFNAR2 (50-181aa) and was named pRSET-B.mhIFNAR2， and the recombinant protein expressed by this plasmid had a molecular weight of 27 kD， a purity of about 95% after purification， and a concentration of 160 µg/mL. After BALB/c mice were immunized with the purified recombinant protein，1∶1 000 specific polyclonal antibodies were obtained， and immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence assay showed the expression in cell membrane and cytoplasm. Among the three siRNAs synthesized， the siRNA starting from the 277 locus (siRNA277) could silence the expression of target genes and weaken the interferon signaling pathway compared with the blank control group and the negative control group (both P<0.05) . Conclusion The fragment of mhIFNAR2 is obtained， and the polyclonal antibody for the extracellular domain of mhIFNAR2 is successfully prepared， with relatively high titer and specificity， and can be used for immunohistochemistry， immunofluorescence assay， and Western blot. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The gene encoding juvenile hormone response (Krüppel homolog1, Kr-hl) in Coccinella septempunctata was investigated by cloning and analysing expression profiles in different developmental stages and tissues by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). C. septempunctata Kr-hl (CsKr-hl) encoded a 1338 bp open reading frame (ORF) with a predicted protein product of 445 amino acids; the latter showed high similarity to orthologs in other species and contained eight highly-conserved Zn-finger motifs for DNA-binding. CsKr-hl was expressed in different developmental stages of C. septempunctata. The expression levels of CsKr-hl in eggs, 2nd, 3rd, 4th instar larvae, and pupa were 3.31, 2.30, 7.09, 0.58, and 7.48 times the number of 1st instar larvae, respectively. CsKr-hl expression levels in female adults gradually increased at 25–30 days and were significantly higher than expression at 1–20 days. CsKr-hl expression in 20–30 days-old male adults was significantly higher than males aged 1–15 days. CsKr-hl expression levels in heads of male and female adults were significantly higher than expression levels in the thorax, adipose, and reproductive system. Interestingly, CsKr-hl expression levels in the adipose and reproductive system of female adults were significantly higher than in adult male corresponding organs, which suggest that CsKr-hl plays an important role in regulating reproductive development in C. septempunctata. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A finite semigroup is finitely related (has finite degree) if its term functions are determined by a finite set of finitary relations. For example, it is known that all nilpotent semigroups are finitely related. A nilpotent monoid is a nilpotent semigroup with adjoined identity. We show that every 4-nilpotent monoid is finitely related. We also give an example of a 5-nilpotent monoid that is not finitely related. To our knowledge, this is the first example of a finitely related semigroup where adjoining an identity yields a semigroup which is not finitely related. We also provide examples of finitely related semigroups which have subsemigroups, homomorphic images, and in particular Rees quotients, that are not finitely related. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Using nucellar and clonal selection methods, for the relatively strict conditions of citrus cultivation, the forms with the earliest and the latest ripening period of the fruits, as well as the longest and the shortest ripening period are distinguished. If implemented, it is possible to gradually supply the market with new tangerine products from the end of September to the middle of December. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An assessment was made on the main growth and productivity indicators in half-sibs progeny plantations of 18 Robinia pseudoacacia L. clones in the region of Ruse, on (M-I-2 D1 (13)) site, on rich, dry and compacted (Haplic luvisols) grey forest soil, at planting scheme 3.0x1,5 m. The differences in the main inventory indicators, defining the growth and productivity of the progenies of 18 black locust clones, confirm good qualities of the progenies of the Bulgarian clones Pordim-10, Pordim-13, Obretenik-1, Obretenik-6 and Ryahovo-1 and of the Hungarian clones Szajki and Nyirsegi. This should be taken into account in the selection of material for establishment of industrial plantations and plantations for biomass production, as well as in the choice and performance of tending activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Early phase malaria vaccine field trials typically measure malaria infection by PCR or thick blood smear microscopy performed on serially sampled blood. Vaccine efficacy (VE) is the proportion reduction in an endpoint due to vaccination and is often calculated as VEHR = 1–hazard ratio or VERR = 1–risk ratio. Genotyping information can distinguish different clones and distinguish multiple infections over time, potentially increasing statistical power. This paper investigates two alternative VE endpoints incorporating genotyping information: VEmolFOI, the vaccine-induced proportion reduction in incidence of new clones acquired over time, and VEC, the vaccine-induced proportion reduction in mean number of infecting clones per exposure. Methods Power of VEmolFOI and VEC was compared to that of VEHR and VERR by simulations and analytic derivations, and the four VE methods were applied to three data sets: a Phase 3 trial of RTS,S malaria vaccine in 6912 African infants, a Phase 2 trial of PfSPZ Vaccine in 80 Burkina Faso adults, and a trial comparing Plasmodium vivax incidence in 466 Papua New Guinean children after receiving chloroquine + artemether lumefantrine with or without primaquine (as these VE methods can also quantify effects of other prevention measures). By destroying hibernating liver-stage P. vivax, primaquine reduces subsequent reactivations after treatment completion. Results In the trial of RTS,S vaccine, a significantly reduced number of clones at first infection was observed, but this was not the case in trials of PfSPZ Vaccine or primaquine, although the PfSPZ trial lacked power to show a reduction. Resampling smaller data sets from the large RTS,S trial to simulate phase 2 trials showed modest power gains from VEC compared to VEHR for data like those from RTS,S, but VEC is less powerful than VEHR for trials in which the number of clones at first infection is not reduced. VEmolFOI was most powerful in model-based simulations, but only the primaquine trial collected enough serial samples to precisely estimate VEmolFOI. The primaquine VEmolFOI estimate decreased after most control arm liver-stage infections reactivated (which mathematically resembles a waning vaccine), preventing VEmolFOI from improving power. Conclusions The power gain from the genotyping methods depends on the context. Because input parameters for early phase power calculations are often uncertain, these estimators are not recommended as primary endpoints for small trials unless supported by targeted data analysis. Trial registrations: NCT00866619, NCT02663700, NCT02143934.

We investigate the interval $I(p^3)$ in the lattice of clones on the ring $\mathbb{Z}_{p^3}$ between the clone of polynomial operations and the clone of congruence preserving operations. All clones in this interval are known and described by means of generators. In this paper, we characterize each of these clones by the property of preserving a small set of relations. These relations turn out to be in a close connection to commutators.

Abstract Laryngeal cancer ranks as the second most prevalent upper airway malignancy, following Lung cancer. Although some progress has been made in managing laryngeal cancer, the 5-year survival rate is disappointing. The gradual increase in the incidence of second primary tumors (SPTs) plays a crucial role in determining survival outcomes during long-term follow-up, and the esophagus was the most common site with a worse prognosis. In clinical practice, the treatment of esophageal second primary tumors (ESPT) in patients with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) has always been challenging. For patients with synchronous tumors, several treatment modalities, such as radiotherapy, chemotherapy and potentially curative surgery are necessary but are typically poorly tolerated. Secondary cancer therapy options for metachronous patients are always constrained by index cancer treatment indications. Therefore, understanding the clonal origin of the second primary tumor may be an important issue in the treatment of patients. LSCC cells demonstrate genetic instability because of two distinct aetiologies (human papillomavirus (HPV)-negative and HPV-positive) disease. Various etiologies exhibit distinct oncogenic mechanisms, which subsequently impact the tissue microenvironment. The condition of the tissue microenvironment plays a crucial role in determining the destiny and clonal makeup of mutant cells during the initial stages of tumorigenesis. This review focuses on the genetic advances of LSCC, the current research status of SPT, and the influence of key carcinogenesis of HPV-positive and HPV-negative LSCC on clonal evolution of ESPT cells. The objective is to gain a comprehensive understanding of the molecular basis underlying the clonal origins of SPT, thereby offering novel perspectives for future investigations in this field.

The article describes the existential category of the Other and the Otherness in V. Sorokin's screenplay for the film called 4, which was directed by I. Hrzhanovsky in 2004. The Otherness helped V. Sorokin to realize his artistic idea of post-Soviet Russia. According to Jean Paul Sartre, the Other conveys a feeling of the last days: without a single scene of physical violence, the reader develops a feeling of nausea. The essence of the Other is based on the principles of rejection, fear, and inevitability; the Other is the only verifier of one’s existence. In 4, the frightening atmosphere of the Other World is created by such artistic means as coding, dying, masking, and deconstruction of symmetry. They highlight the artistic intent to portray the chaotic nature of being and the absence of time, where human fate is meaningless, and people are reduced to functions in the game of life. The Otherness of the chronotype gives the script and the film a new code: the loss of the holy number four desacralizes existence, thus condemning the world and people in it to a life of hopeless dismay.

【Objective】Cunninghamia lanceolata is an important timber species in southern China, and the application effect and dose effect of foliar spraying paclobutrazol on different clones of C. lanceolata were explored, aiming to provide reference for early growth regulation of C. lanceolata mother plants.【Method】The young plants from excellent clones of C. lanceolata (T-c04, T-c08 and T-cF1) were used as materials. The effects of paclobutrazol treament with active component concentrations of 0.12, 0.24 and 0.48 g/L on clonal plant height, ground diameter, number of rhizome germination, partial crown, relative chlorophyll content (SPAD) of needles, needle thickness and biomass were determined.【Result】Foliar spraying paclobutrazol had the most significant inhibitory effect on plant height of T-c04 clone (P