The transcriptional landscape of the developmental switch from regular pollen maturation towards microspore-derived plant regeneration in barley

Plant formation from in vitro-cultivated microspores involves a complex network of internal and environmental factors.Haploids/doubled haploids(DHs)derived from in vitro-cultured microspores are widely used in plant breeding and genetic engineering.However,the mechanism underlying the developmental switch from regular pollen maturation towards microspore-derived plant regeneration remains poorly defined.Here,RNA-sequencing was employed to elucidate the transcriptional landscapes of four early stages of microspore embryogenesis(ME)in barley cultivars Golden Promise and Igri,which exhibit contrasting responsiveness to microspore-derived plant formation.Our experiments revealed fundamental regulatory networks,specific groups of genes,and transcription factor(TF)families potentially regulating the developmental switch.We identified a set of candidate genes crucial for genotype-dependent responsiveness/recalcitrance to ME.Our high-resolution temporal transcriptome atlas provides an important resource for future functional studies on the genetic control of microspore developmental transition.

High-resolution genome-wide association study of a large Czech collection of sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) on fruit maturity and quality traits

In sweet cherry(Prunus avium L.),quantitative trait loci have been identified for fruit maturity,colour,firmness,and size to develop markers for marker-assisted selection.However,resolution is usually too low in those analyses to directly target candidate genes,and some associations are missed.In contrast,genome-wide association studies are performed on broad collections of accessions,and assemblies of reference sequences from Tieton and Satonishiki cultivars enable identification of single nucleotide polymorphisms after whole-genome sequencing,providing high marker density.Two hundred and thirty-five sweet cherry accessions were sequenced and phenotyped for harvest time and fruit colour,firmness,and size.Genome-wide association studies were used to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with each trait,which were verified in breeding material consisting of 64 additional accessions.A total of 1767106 single nucleotide polymorphisms were identified.At that density,significant single nucleotide polymorphisms could be linked to co-inherited haplotype blocks(median size∼10 kb).Thus,markers were tightly associated with respective phenotypes,and individual allelic combinations of particular single nucleotide polymorphisms provided links to distinct phenotypes.In addition,yellow-fruit accessions were sequenced,and a∼90-kb-deletion on chromosome 3 that included five MYB10 transcription factors was associated with the phenotype.Overall,the study confirmed numerous quantitative trait loci from bi-parental populations using high-diversity accession populations,identified novel associations,and genome-wide association studies reduced the size of trait-associated loci from megabases to kilobases and to a few candidate genes per locus.Thus,a framework is provided to develop molecular markers and evaluate and characterize genes underlying important agronomic traits.

Analysis of stresses at the center of transversely isotropic Brazilian disk

This article presents the stresses at the center of a Brazilian disk(BD)for transversely isotropic rocks.It is shown that the solution of stresses at the center of an anisotropic disk is a function of the disk radius and the magnitude of applied load,as well as the material orientation with respect to the load axis and two dimensionless ratios with specific physical meanings and limitations.These two dimensionless parameters are the ratios of Young’s modulus and apparent shear modulus,although the ratio of apparent shear modulus will be eliminated if the Saint-Venant assumption is considered.Considerable finite element simulations are carried out to find the stresses at the disk center concerning the material orientation and the two dimensionless parameters.Also,an approximate formula obtained from analytical results,previously proposed in the literature for solving the tensile and compressive stresses at the disk center,is re-written and simplified based on these new definitions.The results of the approximate formula fitted to the analytical results are compared to those obtained from numerical solutions,suggesting a good agreement between the numerical and analytical methods.An approximate equation for the shear stress at the disk center is also formulated based on the numerical results.Finally,the influence of the assumptions for simplification of the proposed formula for the tensile,compressive,and shear stresses at the disk center is discussed,and simple and practical equations are proposed as estimations for the stresses at the center of the BD specimen for low to moderate anisotropic rocks.For highly anisotropic rocks,the reference plots can be used for more accuracy.

Three-dimensional crystal plasticity and HR-EBSD analysis of the local stress-strain fields induced during twin propagation and thickening in magnesium alloys

Present work focuses on analysis of the stress and strain fields inside and around the individual {10–12} twin in magnesium alloy. The 3D crystal plasticity model represents twin as an ellipsoidal inclusion surrounded by the matrix. Five different twin thicknesses and three different lateral twin lengths are used for stress/strain analysis. The simulations are complemented with experimental observations using high-resolution electron backscattered diffraction. The simulations and experiments show a similar distribution of the shear stress and the spatial activity of individual slip systems(basal, prismatic, pyramidal). Plasticity induced inside the twin is dominantly caused by the prismatic dislocations slip and does not influence twin back stress which is identical to pure elastic twin. The twin with larger lateral dimension requires lower equilibrium stress which suggests anisotropic twin propagation and increased thickness of such twins. The lateral twin propagation is mostly influenced by prismatic and pyramidal slip in the twin vicinity. The twin thickness can reach a maximal level that is driven by the critical resolved shear stress values for dislocation slip with the significant influence of basal slip.

Generalized uncertainty principle from long-range kernel effects:The case of the Hawking black hole temperature

We prove the existence of an analogy between spatial long-range interactions,which are of the convolution-type introduced in non-relativistic quantum mechanics,and the generalized uncertainty principle predicted from quantum gravity theories.As an illustration,black hole temperature effects are discussed.It is observed that for specific choices of the moment's kernels,cold black holes may emerge in the theory.

Comparative analysis of microstructure,mechanical,and corrosion properties of biodegradable Mg-3Y alloy prepared by selective laser melting and spark plasma sintering

This work explored possibilities of biodegradable magnesium alloy Mg-3Y preparation by two modern powder metallurgy techniques–spark plasma sintering(SPS)and selective laser melting(SLM).The powder material was consolidated by both methods utilising optimised parameters,which led to very low porosity(∼0.3%)in the SLM material and unmeasurably low porosity in the SPS material.The main aim of the study was the thorough microstructure characterisation and interrelation between the microstructure and the functional properties,such as mechanical strength,deformability,and corrosion resistance.Both materials showed comparable strength of∼110 MPa in tension and compression and relatively good deformability of∼9%and∼21%for the SLM and SPS materials,respectively.The corrosion resistance of the SPS material in 0.1 M NaCl solution was superior to the SLM one and comparable to the conventional extruded material.The digital image correlation during loading and the cross-section analysis of the corrosion layers revealed that the residual porosity and large strained grains have the dominant negative effect on the functional properties of the SLM material.On the other hand,one of the primary outcomes of this study is that the SPS consolidation method is very effective in the preparation of the W3 biodegradable alloy,resulting in material with convenient mechanical and degradation properties that might find practical applications.

Collective coherent emission of electrons in strong laser fields and perspective for hard x-ray lasers

Coherent motion of particles in a plasma can imprint itself on radiation.The recent advent of high-power lasers—allowing the nonlinear inverse Compton-scattering regime to be reached—has opened the possibility of looking at collective effects in laser–plasma interactions.Under certain conditions,the collective interaction of many electrons with a laser pulse can generate coherent radiation in the hard x-ray regime.This perspective paper explains the limitations under which such a regime might be attained.

Limited validity of Mayo endoscopic subscore in ulcerative colitis with concomitant primary sclerosing cholangitis

BACKGROUND Ulcerative colitis(UC)with concomitant primary sclerosing cholangitis(PSC)represents a distinct disease entity(PSC-UC).Mayo endoscopic subscore(MES)is a standard tool for assessing disease activity in UC but its relevance in PSC-UC remains unclear.AIM To assess the accuracy of MES in UC and PSC-UC patients,we performed histological scoring using Nancy histological index(NHI).METHODS MES was assessed in 30 PSC-UC and 29 UC adult patients during endoscopy.NHI and inflammation were evaluated in biopsies from the cecum,rectum,and terminal ileum.In addition,perinuclear anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies,fecal calprotectin,body mass index,and other relevant clinical characteristics were collected.RESULTS The median MES and NHI were similar for UC patients(MES grade 2 and NHI grade 2 in the rectum)but were different for PSC-UC patients(MES grade 0 and NHI grade 2 in the cecum).There was a correlation between MES and NHI for UC patients(Spearman's r=0.40,P=0.029)but not for PSC-UC patients.Histopathological examination revealed persistent microscopic inflammation in 88%of PSC-UC patients with MES grade 0(46%of all PSC-UC patients).Moreover,MES overestimated the severity of active inflammation in an additional 11%of PSCUC patients.CONCLUSION MES insufficiently identifies microscopic inflammation in PSC-UC.This indicates that histological evaluation should become a routine procedure of the diagnostic and grading system in both PSC-UC and PSC.

The slip activity during the transition from elastic to plastic tensile deformation of the Mg-Al-Mn sheet

The deformation behavior of the Mg-Al-Mn sheet was investigated during tensile loading along the rolling(RD)and transversal direction(TD)with special attention to the early stage of deformation.The activity of dislocation slip systems during the transition from elastic to plastic deformation was revealed by the acoustic emission(AE)technique.The parametrization and statistical AE analysis using the adaptive sequential k-mean(ASK)clustering provided necessary information about the individual deformation mechanisms and their evolution.The AE findings were supported by microstructural analyses,including in-situ secondary electron(SE)imaging and Schmid factor estimation for the activity of particular dislocation slip systems with respect to the loading direction.It was found that basal slip is the dominating mechanism up to the stress of~80 MPa in both loading directions with an absolute dominance during the RD-loading,while during the TD-loading,the contribution of prismatic slip to the deformation at stresses above 50 MPa was determined.Below the yielding in both loading directions,the predominance of prismatic over pyramidal slip was found at the stress in the range of 80-110 MPa and the opposite tendency occurred at stresses between 110 and 140 MPa.

Volumetric changes in the focal areas of seismic events corresponding to destress blasting

The typical development of total volumetric change in the focal areas of seismic events,corresponding to destress blasting,is characterized as an explosive phase followed by an implosive phase and with alternating additional phases following on from that.In a few cases,a non-typical development of volumetric change was identified,where the first phase was implosive and the second phase,explosive.This development is mainly typical for induced seismic events recorded during mining,not for destress blasting.Seismic events were recorded during longwall mining in the Czech part of the Upper Silesian Coal Basin,where the destress blasting technique is used as a rockburst prevention active measure.Kinematic source processes in the focal areas of selected seismic events were analyzed by the seismic moment tensor inversion method,as well as by studying geomechanical rock mass conditions at the localities of the seismic events.The main goal of the analysis was to attempt to identify the reasons for non-typical development of volumetric changes in these cases.Volumetric changes were analyzed for seismic events with energy greater than 104 J,recorded in the period of time from 1993 to 2009(1109 events).80%(891)of the recorded seismic events were induced seismic events that were registered during longwall mining and 20%(218)corresponded to destress blasting events.Research shows that the main reason for the non-typical development of volumetric changes in the focal areas of seismic events is an association with destress blasting in the rock mass,which is very close to rock mass overstressing.The detonation of explosives in boreholes,which would dominate the first phase of volumetric changes,probably obscured stress release in the rock mass,as manifested in the first implosion phase of the volumetric changes in this case.

Impact of the COVID‑19 outbreak on the US equity sectors:Evidence from quantile return spillovers

The aim of this study is to examine the extreme return spillovers among the US stock market sectors in the light of the COVID-19 outbreak.To this end,we extend the now-traditional Diebold-Yilmaz spillover index to the quantiles domain by building networks of generalized forecast error variance decomposition of a quantile vector autoregressive model specifically for extreme returns.Notably,we control for common movements by using the overall stock market index as a common factor for all sectors and uncover the effect of the COVID-19 outbreak on the dynamics of the network.The results show that the network structure and spillovers differ considerably with respect to the market state.During stable times,the network shows a nice sectoral clustering structure which,however,changes dramatically for both adverse and beneficial market conditions constituting a highly connected network structure.The pandemic period itself shows an interesting restructuring of the network as the dominant clusters become more tightly connected while the rest of the network remains well separated.The sectoral topology thus has not collapsed into a unified market during the pandemic.

Geochemistry of Rhenium and Other Trace Elements in Molybdenite,Sar Cheshmeh Porphyry Cu-Mo Deposit,Iran

LA-ICP-MS analysis of molybdenite from the Sar Cheshmeh porphyry Cu-Mo deposit(PCD),Iran,shows moderate concentration of Re(average~207 ppm)and low concentration of chalcogenides(average of Pb+Te+Bi,~31 ppm)as well as metalloids(average of As+Sb+Ge,~4.5 ppm).The early-formed quartz–molybdenites associated with potassic alteration are characterized by moderately low concentration of Re(21–215 ppm with an average of 83 ppm),whereas the transitional quartz–molybdenite veins related to the sericitic stage of mineralization contain more Re(62–465 ppm,with an average of 207 ppm).In contrast,the late-formed quartz–molybdenite veins associated with phyllic alteration show the highest concentration of Re(up to 1273 ppm with an average of 395 ppm).Gradual increase in Re content of molybdenites deposited throughout the evolution of the porphyry system is probably related to elevated fO_(2) and acidic conditions of the ore fluids governing the transitional and late stage of mineralization,when compared to the moderately low fO_(2) and basic conditions of the ore fluids precipitating the low-Re molybdenites associated with potassic alteration.The mixed mantle/crustal source of the ore-related magma and its fractionated composition in Sar Cheshmeh are consistent with magmatic conditions for the formation of Mo-rich and Re-poor PCDs in the world.

Locating the source field lines of Jovian decametric radio emissions

Decametric(DAM) radio emissions are one of the main windows through which one can reveal and understand the Jovian magnetospheric dynamics and its interaction with the moons. DAMs are generated by energetic electrons through cyclotron-maser instability. For Io(the most active moon) related DAMs, the energetic electrons are sourced from Io volcanic activities, and quickly trapped by neighboring Jovian magnetic field. To properly interpret the physical processes behind DAMs, it is important to precisely locate the source field lines from which DAMs are emitted. Following the work by Hess et al.(2008, 2010), we develop a method to locate the source region as well as the associated field lines for any given DAM emission recorded in a radio dynamic spectrum by, e.g.,Wind/WAVES or STEREO/WAVES. The field lines are calculated by the state-of-art analytical model, called JRM09(Connerney et al., 2018).By using this method, we may also derive the emission cone angle and the energy of associated electrons. If multiple radio instruments at different perspectives observe the same DAM event, the evolution of its source region and associated field lines is able to be revealed. We apply the method to an Io-DAM event, and find that the method is valid and reliable. Some physical processes behind the DAM event are also discussed.

Effects of gradient high-field static magnetic fields on diabetic mice

Although 9.4 T magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) has been tested in healthy volunteers,its safety in diabetic patients is unclear.Furthermore,the effects of high static magnetic fields(SMFs),especially gradient vs.uniform fields,have not been investigated in diabetics.Here,we investigated the consequences of exposure to 1.0-9.4 T high SMFs of different gradients(>10 T/m vs.0-10 T/m)on type 1 diabetic(T1D) and type 2 diabetic(T2D) mice.We found that 14 h of prolonged treatment of gradient(as high as 55.5 T/m) high SMFs(1.0-8.6 T) had negative effects on T1D and T2D mice,including spleen,hepatic,and renal tissue impairment and elevated glycosylated serum protein,blood glucose,inflammation,and anxiety,while 9.4 T quasi-uniform SMFs at 0-10 T/m did not induce the same effects.In regular T1D mice(blood glucose>16.7 mmol/L),the>10 T/m gradient high SMFs increased malondialdehyde(P<0.01) and decreased superoxide dismutase(P<0.05).However,in the severe T1D mice(blood glucose≥30.0 mmol/L),the>10 T/m gradient high SMFs significantly increased tissue damage and reduced survival rate.In vitro cellular studies showed that gradient high SMFs increased cellular reactive oxygen species and apoptosis and reduced MS-1 cell number and proliferation.Therefore,this study showed that prolonged exposure to high-field(1.0-8.6 T)>10 T/m gradient SMFs(35-1 380 times higher than that of current clinical MRI)can have negative effects on diabetic mice,especially mice with severe T1D,whereas 9.4 T high SMFs at 0-10T/m did not produce the same effects,providing important information for the future development and clinical application of SMFs,especially high-field MRI.

Mechanical behaviors of deep pillar sandwiched between strong and weak layers

A variety of coal room and pillar mining methods have been efficiently practiced at depths of up to 500 m with least strata mechanics issues.However,for the first time,this method was trialled at depths of 850 e900 m in CSM mine of Czech Republic.The rhomboid-shaped coal pillars with acute corners of 70,surrounded with 5.2 m wide and 3.5e4.5 m high mine roadways,were used.Pillars were developed in a staggered manner with their size variation in the Panel II from 83 m×25 m to 24 m×20 m(corner to corner)and Panel V from 35 m×30 m to 26 m×16 m.Coal seam inclined at 12was affected by the unusual slippery slickenside roof bands and sometimes in the floor levels with high vertical stress below strong and massive sandstone roof.In order to ensure safety,pillars in both the panels were continuously monitored using various geotechnical instruments measuring the induced stresses,side spalling and roof sagging.Both panels suffered high amounts of mining induced stress and pillar failure with side-spalling up to 5 m from all sides.Heavy fracturing of coal pillar sides was controlled by fully encapsulated steel bolts.Mining induced stress kept increasing with the progress of development of pillars and galleries.Instruments installed in the pillar failed to monitor actual induced stress due to fracturing of coal mass around it which created an apprehension of pillar failure up to its core due to high vertical mining induced stress.This risk was reduced by carrying out scientific studies including the three-dimensional numerical models calibrated with data from the instrumented pillar.An attempt has been made to study the behavior of coal pillars and their yielding characteristics at deeper cover based on field and simulation results.

Lead isotope evolution of the Central European upper mantle:Constraints from the Bohemian Massif

The Pb isotope composition of the upper mantle beneath Central Europe is heterogeneous due to the subduction of regionally contrasting material during the Variscan and Alpine orogenies.Late Variscan to Cenozoic mantlederived melts allow mapping this heterogeneity on a regional scale for the last ca.340 Myr.Late Cretaceous and Cenozoic anorogenic magmatic rocks of the Bohemian Massif(lamprophyres,volcanic rocks of basanite/tephrite and trachyte/phonolite series) concentrate mostly in the Eger Rift.Cretaceous ultramafic lamprophyres yielded the most radiogenic Pb isotope signatures reflecting a maximum contribution from metasomatised lithospheric mantle,whereas Tertiary alkaline lamprophyres originated from mantle with less radiogenic ^(206)Pb/^(204)b ratios suggesting a more substantial modification of lithospheric source by interaction with asthenosphericderived melts.Cenozoic volcanic rocks of the basanite/tephrite and trachyte/phonolite series define a linear mixing trend between these components,indicating dilution of the initial lithospheric mantle signature by upwelling asthenosphere during rifting.The Pb isotope composition of Late Cretaceous and Cenozoic magmatic rocks of the Bohemian Massif follows the same Pb growth curve as Variscan orogenic lamprophyres and lamproites that formed during the collision between Laurussia,Gondwana,and associated terranes.This implies that the crustal Pb signature in the post-Variscan mantle is repeatedly sampled by younger anorogenic melts.Most Cenozoic mantle-derived rocks of Central Europe show similar Pb isotope ranges as the Bohemian Massif.

Glacier retreat, rock weathering and the growth of lichensin the Churup Valley, Peruvian Tropical Andes

The most heavily glacierized tropical range in the world– the Peruvian Cordillera Blanca-has been losing ice since the end of the Little Ice Age(LIA).In this study,the decline of the Churup glacier(9°28’18"S;77°25’02"W)and associated processes were documented employing multi-proxy approach including the analysis of remotely sensed images(1948-2016),the Schmidt hammer rock test and lichenometric dating.It is shown that Churup glacier has lost the vast majority of its estimated LIA extent(1.05±0.1 km^2;45.0×10^6-57.4×10^6 m^3).The rate of glacier retreat is documented to vary in space(SE,SW and NW-facing slopes)and time,with the peak between 1986 and 1995.With an area of 0.045 km^2 in 2016,it is expected that the complete deglaciation of the Churup valley is inevitable in the near future.Recently(post-LIA)exposed bedrock surfaces have shown higher R-values(54.2-66.4,AVG 63.3,STDEV 2.9)compared to pre-LIA exposed surfaces(46.1-59.3,AVG 50.1,STDEV 4.9),confirming the links to the duration of rock weathering.The Lichenometric dating is applied to recently exposed areas and elevations above 4800 m a.s.l.,revealing only limited reliability and agreement with the age of deglaciation estimated from remotely-sensed images in such an environment.

Butterfly-plant interactions and body size patterns along an elevational gradient in the Manang region of central Nepal

Butterflies are widely studied due to their key ecosystem functions.For this reason,they are used in ecosystem assessment,formulating conservation plans and in raising the environmental awareness.Quantification of different factors affecting diversity of butterflies is important for their effective conservation.In this study,we investigated abiotic and biotic factors affecting species richness and community composition of butterflies along an elevational gradient in Manang region,central Nepal.We also tested if butterfly species follow the Bergmann’s rule.A total of 57 butterfly species belonging to 39 genera and 8 families were recorded in the study area.Out of a total of 127 plant species identified in the study region,only 67 plant species were visited by butterflies as nectar sources.Species richness of butterflies increased with increasing elevation.Species richness was significantly higher in places with shrubs compared to other places and also in autumn than in summer.Species richness of butterflies also depended on composition of plant species occurring at the localities.Butterfly species composition varied among sampling localities.It was also determined by habitat type,elevation,sampling time,plant species and interactions of elevation×time.The relationship between butterfly size and elevation was in the opposite direction than expected according to the Bergmann’s rule.In conclusion,protection of butterfly diversity can only be achieved by protecting different habitats across the diverse physiography of the region and different plant species,in particular herbs and shrubs.Our results do not support the Bergmann’s rule for butterflies along an elevational gradient in our region.

On the role of stablecoins in cryptoasset pricing dynamics

We examine the interactions between stablecoins,Bitcoin,and a basket of altcoins to uncover whether stablecoins represent the investors’demand for trading and investing into cryptoassets or rather play a role as boosting mechanisms during cryptomarkets price rallies.Using a set of instruments covering the standard cointegration framework as well as quantile-specific and non-linear causality tests,we argue that stablecoins mostly reflect an increasing demand for investing in cryptoassets rather than serve as a boosting mechanism for periods of extreme appreciation.We further discuss some specificities of 2017,even though the dynamic patterns remain very similar to the general behavior.Overall,we do not find support for claims about stablecoins being bubble boosters in the cryptoassets ecosystem.

Decomposition of labile and recalcitrant coniferous litter fractions affected by temperature during the growing season

Temperate coniferous forest soils are considered important sinks of soil organic carbon(C).Fresh C inputs may,however,affect soil microbial activity,leading to increased organic matter decomposition and carbon dioxide production.Litter consists of labile and recalcitrant fractions which are thought to be utilized by distinct microbial communities and at different rates during the growing season.In this study,we incubated the whole litter(LC+RC),the labile(LC)and the recalcitrant(RC)fractions with the coniferous soil at two temperatures representing spring/autumn(10℃)and summer(20℃)for one month.Soil respiration and microbial community composition were regularly determined using phospholipid fatty acids as biomarkers.The LC fraction greatly increased soil respiration at the beginning of the incubation period but this effect was rather short-term.The effect of the RC fraction persisted longer and,together with the LC+RC fraction,respiration increased during the whole incubation period.Decomposition of the RC fraction was more strongly affected by higher temperatures than decomposition of the more labile fractions(LC and LC+RC).However,when we consider the relative increase in soil respiration compared to the dH2 O treatment,respiration increased more at a lower temperature,suggesting that available C is more important for microbial metabolism at lower temperatures.Although C was added only once in our study,no changes in microbial community composition were detected,possibly because the microbial community is adapted to relatively low amounts of additional C such as the amounts naturally found in litter.