<p>The balance between the uptake of CO<span class="inline-formula"><sub>2</sub></span> by phytoplankton photosynthesis and the production of CO<span class="inline-formula"><sub>2</sub></span> from prokaryoplankton, zooplankton and phytoplankton respiration controls how much carbon can be stored in the ocean and hence how much remains in the atmosphere to affect climate. Yet, despite its crucial role, knowledge on the respiration of plankton groups is severely limited because traditional methods cannot differentiate the respiration of constituent groups within the plankton community. The reduction of the iodonitrotetrazolium salt (INT) to formazan, which when converted to oxygen consumption (O<span class="inline-formula"><sub>2</sub></span>C) using an appropriate conversion equation, provides a proxy for both total and size fractionated plankton respiration. However, the method has not been thoroughly tested with prokaryoplankton. Here we present respiration rates, as O<span class="inline-formula"><sub>2</sub></span>C and formazan formation (INT<span class="inline-formula"><sub>R</sub></span>), for a wide range of relevant marine prokaryoplankton including the gammaproteobacteria <i>Halomonas venusta</i>, the alphaproteobacteria <i>Ruegeria pomeroyi</i> and <i>Candidatus Pelagibacter ubique</i> (SAR11), the actinobacteria <i>Agrococcus lahaulensis</i>, and the cyanobacteria <i>Synechococcus marinus</i> and <i>Prochlorococcus marinus</i>. All species imported and reduced INT, but the relationship between the rate of O<span class="inline-formula"><sub>2</sub></span>C and INT<span class="inline-formula"><sub>R</sub></span> was not constant between oligotrophs and copiotrophs. The range of measured O<span class="inline-formula"><sub>2</sub></span>C <span class="inline-formula"><math xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" id="M9" display="inline" overflow="scroll" dspmath="mathml"><mo>/</mo></math><span><svg:svg xmlns:svg="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="8pt" height="14pt" class="svg-formula" dspmath="mathimg" md5hash="880d1b22cfae9b4167ff115d05c6894c"><svg:image xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href="bg-22-6225-2025-ie00001.svg" width="8pt" height="14pt" src="bg-22-6225-2025-ie00001.png"/></svg:svg></span></span> INT<span class="inline-formula"><sub>R</sub></span> conversion equations equates to an up to 40-fold difference in derived O<span class="inline-formula"><sub>2</sub></span>C. These results suggest that when using the INT method in natural waters, a constant O<span class="inline-formula"><sub>2</sub></span>C <span class="inline-formula"><math xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" id="M13" display="inline" overflow="scroll" dspmath="mathml"><mo>/</mo></math><span><svg:svg xmlns:svg="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="8pt" height="14pt" class="svg-formula" dspmath="mathimg" md5hash="8550e2e9970f84100ffbfa4da4f4f543"><svg:image xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href="bg-22-6225-2025-ie00002.svg" width="8pt" height="14pt" src="bg-22-6225-2025-ie00002.png"/></svg:svg></span></span> INT<span class="inline-formula"><sub>R</sub></span> relationship cannot be assumed, but must be determined for each plankton community studied.</p>
Abstract Trait-based analyses have shown great potential to advance our understanding of terrestrial ecosystem processes and functions. However, challenges remain in adequately synthesising a multidimensional and covarying trait space. Reducing the number of studied traits while identifying the most informative ones is increasingly recognized as a priority in functional ecology. Here, we develop a trait reduction procedure based on network analysis of a global dataset comprising 27 traits in three steps. We first construct all possible reduced networks and identify optimal reduced networks that capture the structure of the full 27-trait network. Then we apply the constraints on trait consistency to identified optimal reduced networks and establish consistent network series across ecoregions. We find the best performing networks that capture the three main dimensions of the full network (hydrological safety, leaf economic strategy, and plant reproduction and competition) and the global variance of network metrics. Finally, we find a parsimonious representation of trait covariation strategies is achieved by a 10-trait network which preserves 60% of all the original information while costing only 20.1% of the full suite of traits. Our results show the network reduction approach can improve our understanding on the main plant strategies and facilitate the future trait-based research.
Research into brain-body communication is being reinvigorated as the field unites under the umbrella of "interoception." In this issue of PLOS Biology, four Perspectives show the breadth of this emerging field, highlighting how interoceptive pathways might be used to promote health.
Morbilliviruses, including measles virus (MV), canine distemper virus (CDV), peste des petits ruminants virus, and cetacean morbillivirus pose a significant threat to humans and animals. While the host range of morbilliviruses is generally well-defined, cross-species transmission events with significant mortality have also been reported. Their entry into immune cells, the primary targets of morbilliviruses, relies on the signaling lymphocytic activation molecule (SLAM), also known as SLAMF1 or CD150. In this study, we hypothesize that the ability of morbilliviruses to utilize heterologous SLAM receptors stems from evolutionarily conserved structural determinants within the SLAM protein and that minimal genetic changes in the viral receptor-binding H protein can enable adaptation to novel hosts. To test this, we systematically assessed SLAM utilization and adaptation by diverse morbilliviruses. We found that most morbilliviruses efficiently utilize SLAM from multiple host species, including Myotis bat SLAM, but not human SLAM. Only MV could efficiently utilize human SLAM. Additionally, unlike other morbilliviruses, MV utilized Myotis bat SLAM inefficiently. As an example of morbillivirus adaptation to non-host animal SLAM, we conducted an MV adaptation experiment with Myotis bat SLAM. We demonstrated that MV readily adapted to utilize Myotis bat SLAM by acquiring a single N187Y mutation in its hemagglutinin protein. Notably, hypothetical ancestral SLAMs acted as universal receptors for all morbilliviruses. These results reinforced that morbillivirus receptor usage is primarily supported by evolutionarily conserved structural features of SLAM, highlighting a molecular basis that enables morbilliviruses to rapidly adapt to diverse animal SLAMs.
This review highlights recent progresses in seed germination and dormancy research. Research on the weakening of the endosperm during germination, which is almost a classic theme in seed biology, was resumed by α-xylosidase studies. Strong genetic evidence was presented to suggest that the quality control of xyloglucan biosynthesis in the endosperm (and the embryo) plays a critical role in germination. Further analyses on the endosperm and the adjacent layers have suggested that the cutin coat in the endosperm-testa interphase negatively affects germination while the endosperm-embryo interphase produces a sheath that facilitates germination. These progresses significantly advanced our understanding of seed germination mechanisms. A breakthrough in dormancy research, on the other hand, revealed the unique abscisic acid signaling pathway that is regulated by DELAY OF GERMINATION1 (DOG1). The detailed analysis of DOG1 expression uncovered the intriguing story of reciprocal regulation of the sense-antisense pair, which generated new questions. Recent studies also suggested that the DOG1 function is not limited to dormancy but extended through general seed maturation, which provokes questions about the evolution of DOG1 family proteins. Seed biology is becoming more exciting with the classic stories being revitalized and new puzzles emerging from the frontier.
Ana Torres, Lorena Bernardo, Carmen Sánchez
et al.
Abstract Background The lack of standardized protocols for isolating extracellular vesicles (EVs), especially from biobank-stored blood plasma, translates to limitations for the study of new biomarkers. This study examines whether a combination of current isolation methods could enhance the specificity and purity of isolated EVs for diagnosis and personalized medicine purposes. Results EVs were isolated from healthy human plasma stored for one year by ultracentrifugation (UC), size exclusion chromatography (SEC), or SEC and UC combined (SEC + UC). The EV isolates were then characterized by transmission electron microscopy imaging, nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) and western blotting. Proteomic procedures were used to analyze protein contents. The presence of EV markers in all isolates was confirmed by western blotting yet this analysis revealed higher albumin expression in EVs-UC, suggesting plasma protein contamination. Proteomic analysis identified 542 proteins, SEC + UC yielding the most complex proteome at 364 proteins. Through gene ontology enrichment, we observed differences in the cellular components of EVs and plasma in that SEC + UC isolates featured higher proportions of EV proteins than those derived from the other two methods. Analysis of proteins unique to each isolation method served to identify 181 unique proteins for the combined approach, including those normally appearing in low concentrations in plasma. This indicates that with this combined method, it is possible to detect less abundant plasma proteins by proteomics in the resultant isolates. Conclusions Our findings reveal that the SEC + UC approach yields highly pure and diverse EVs suitable for comprehensive proteomic analysis with applications for the detection of new biomarkers in biobank-stored plasma samples.
Aims This study evaluated millet germplasms in Liaoning Province to support the collection, preservation and innovation of millet germplasm resources. Methods The study was conducted from 2018 to 2020, involved the selection of 105 millet germplasm resources from the Germplasm Bank of the Liaoning Academy of Agricultural Sciences (LAAS), the observation and recording of 31 traits, and the application of multivariate analysis methods to assess phenotypic diversity. Results From the diversity analysis and correlation analysis, it was found that the tested traits had abundant diversity and complex correlations among them. Principal component analysis (PCA) comprehensively analyzed all quantitative traits and extracted seven principal components. Grey relational analysis (GRA) highlighted the varied contributions of different traits to yield. Through systematic cluster analysis (SCA), the resources were categorized into six groups at Euclidean distance of 17.09. K-mean cluster analysis determined the distribution interval and central value of each trait, then identified resources with desirable traits. Conclusion The results revealed resources that possess characteristics such as upthrow seedling leaves, more tillers and branches, larger and well-formed ears, and lodging resistance prefer to higher grain yield. It was also discovered that the subear internode length (SIL) could be an indicator for maturity selection. Four specific resources, namely, Dungu No. 1, Xiao-li-xiang, Basen Shengu, and Yuhuanggu No. 1, were identified for further breeding and practical applications.
Abstract Land use and land cover changes (LULCCs) can influence surface temperature through local and nonlocal biophysical processes, which remain inadequately addressed. In this study, we separate the local and nonlocal effects of historical (1850–2014) LULCCs based on model outputs from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6. We also attempt to explore the sources of intermodel differences in the effects of LULCCs. The multimodel mean shows a cooling effect of −0.05°C (with an intermodel range of −0.24–0.06°C) at the global scale due to cropland and pastureland expansion, consisting of dominant nonlocal cooling of −0.06°C (with an intermodel range of −0.26–0.06°C) and slight local warming of 0.01°C (with an intermodel range of −0.01–0.05°C). The modeling results show some clear consistency in the effects of LULCCs despite considerable intermodel uncertainties. The local effects cause warming at low latitudes and cooling in boreal regions via changes in upward shortwave radiation and sensible and latent heat fluxes. The nonlocal effects mainly cause cooling via decreases in downward longwave radiation and increases in upward shortwave radiation. Intermodel differences in the total effects are dominated by those in the nonlocal effects, which are further attributed to divergent changes in downward longwave radiation and sensible heat flux across the models. This study highlights the importance of the nonlocal effects of LULCCs in terms of strength and intermodel uncertainty, with implications for designing land‐based solutions aimed at climate change mitigation.
This 8-page publication presents UF/IFAS recommendations for fertilization of crisphead lettuce on organic soils in Florida. Written by George Hochmuth, Ed Hanlon, Russell Nagata, George Snyder, Tom Schueneman, J. Mabry McCray, and German Sandoya, and published by the UF/IFAS Horticultural Sciences Department, revised January 2023.
SP153/WQ114: Fertilization Recommendations for Crisphead Lettuce Grown on Organic Soils in Florida (ufl.edu)
Leonora Szabo, Amandine Grimm, Juan Antonio García-León
et al.
Pathological abnormalities in the tau protein give rise to a variety of neurodegenerative diseases, conjointly termed tauopathies. Several tau mutations have been identified in the tau-encoding gene <i>MAPT</i>, affecting either the physical properties of tau or resulting in altered tau splicing. At early disease stages, mitochondrial dysfunction was highlighted with mutant tau compromising almost every aspect of mitochondrial function. Additionally, mitochondria have emerged as fundamental regulators of stem cell function. Here, we show that compared to the isogenic wild-type triple <i>MAPT</i>-mutant human-induced pluripotent stem cells, bearing the pathogenic N279K, P301L, and E10+16 mutations, exhibit deficits in mitochondrial bioenergetics and present altered parameters linked to the metabolic regulation of mitochondria. Moreover, we demonstrate that the triple tau mutations disturb the cellular redox homeostasis and modify the mitochondrial network morphology and distribution. This study provides the first characterization of disease-associated tau-mediated mitochondrial impairments in an advanced human cellular tau pathology model at early disease stages, ranging from mitochondrial bioenergetics to dynamics. Consequently, comprehending better the influence of dysfunctional mitochondria on the development and differentiation of stem cells and their contribution to disease progression may thus assist in the potential prevention and treatment of tau-related neurodegeneration.
Kamendra Kumar, Kamal Datta, Albert J. Fornace, Jr.
et al.
Low-LET photon radiation-induced persistent alterations in bone marrow (BM) cells are well documented in total-body irradiated (TBI) rodents and also among radiotherapy patients. However, the late effects of protons and high-LET heavy-ion radiation on BM cells and its implications in osteoclastogenesis are not fully understood. Therefore, C57BL6/J female mice (8 weeks; n = 10/group) were irradiated to sham, and 1 Gy of the proton (0.22 keV/μm), or high-LET 56Fe-ions (148 keV/μm) and at 60 d post-exposure, mice were sacrificed and femur sections were obtained for histological, cellular and molecular analysis. Cell proliferation (PCNA), cell death (active caspase-3), senescence (p16), osteoclast (RANK), osteoblast (OPG), osteoblast progenitor (c-Kit), and osteoclastogenesis-associated secretory factors (like RANKL) were assessed using immunostaining. While no change in cell proliferation and apoptosis between control and irradiated groups was noted, the number of BM megakaryocytes was significantly reduced in irradiated mice at 60 d post-exposure. A remarkable increase in p16 positive cells indicated a persistent increase in cell senescence, whereas increased RANKL/OPG ratio, reductions in the number of osteoblast progenitor cells, and osteocalcin provided clear evidence that exposure to both proton and 56Fe-ions promotes pro-osteoclastogenic activity in BM. Among irradiated groups, 56Fe-induced alterations in the BM cellularity and osteoclastogenesis were significantly greater than the protons that demonstrated a radiation quality-dependent effect. This study has implications in understanding the role of IR-induced late changes in the BM cells and its involvement in bone degeneration among deep-space astronauts, and also in patients undergoing proton or heavy-ion radiotherapy.
Benedikt Hülsemann, Lijun Zhou, Wolfgang Merkle
et al.
High precision of measurement of methane potential is important for the economic operation of biogas plants in the future. The biochemical methane potential (BMP) test based on the VDI 4630 protocol is the state-of-the-art method to determine the methane potential in Germany. The coefficient of variation (CV) of methane yield was >10% in several previous inter-laboratory tests. The aim of this work was to investigate the effects of inoculum and the digestion system on the measurement variability. Methane yield and methane percentage of five substrates were investigated in a Hohenheim biogas yield test (D-HBT) by using five inocula, which were used several times in inter- laboratory tests. The same substrates and inocula were also tested in other digestion systems. To control the quality of the inocula, the effect of adding trace elements (TE) and the microbial community was investigated. Adding TE had no influence for the selected, well- supplied inocula and the community composition depended on the source of the inocula. The CV of the specific methane yield was <4.8% by using different inocula in one D-HBT (D-HBT1) and <12.8% by using different digestion systems compared to D-HBT1. Incubation time between 7 and 14 days resulted in a deviation in CV of <4.8%.
Mohd Rosli Mohd Hasan, Zhanping You, Mohd Khairul Idham Mohd Satar
et al.
This study was initiated to evaluate the performance of asphalt binders and mixtures incorporating linear low-density polyethylene- calcium carbonate (LLDPE-CaCO3) pellet, either with or without titanate coupling agent. The detailed manufacturing process of modifier pellets was displayed. The coupling agent was used to enhance the cross-linking between materials by means of winding up covalent bonds or molecule chains, thus improving the performance of composites. In the preparation of modified bitumen, the preheated asphalt binder was mixed with the modifiers using a high shear mixer at 5000 rpm rotational speed for 45 min. Experimental works were conducted to evaluate the performance of asphalt binders in terms of volatile loss, viscosity, rutting potential, and low temperature cracking. Meanwhile, the asphalt mixtures were tested using the flow number test and tensile strength ratio (TSR) test. The addition of LLDPE-CaCO3 modifiers and coupling agent does not significantly affect the volatile loss of modified asphalt binders. The addition of modifiers and coupling agent has significantly improved the resistance to permanent deformation of asphalt binders. Even though, the addition of LLDPE-CaCO3 modifier and coupling agent remarkably increased the mixture stiffness that contributed to lower rutting potential, the resistance to low temperature cracking of asphalt binder was not adversely affected. The combination of 1% coupling agent with 3% PECC is optimum dosage for asphalt binder to have satisfactory performance in resistance to moisture damage and rutting.
Several invasive species of thrips have established in Florida and are causing serious economic losses to vegetable, ornamental, and agronomic crops. Damage to crops results from thrips feeding and egg-laying injury, by the thrips vectoring of plant diseases, the cost of using control tactics, and the loss of pesticides due to resistance. This updated fact sheet describes the biology and ecology of thrips and tomato spotted wilt virus, and recommends a management program.
ENY859/IN895: Managing Thrips and Tospoviruses in Tomato (ufl.edu)
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