Attenuation of ethylene signaling increases cotton resistance to a defoliating strain of Verticillium dahliae

The severity of Verticillium wilt on cotton caused by defoliating strains of Verticillium dahliae has gradually increased and threatens production worldwide. Identification of the molecular components of leaf defoliation may increase cotton tolerance to V. dahliae. Ethylene, a major player in plant physiological processes, is often associated with senescence and defoliation of plants. We investigated the cotton–V.dahliae interaction with a focus on the role of ethylene in defoliation and defense against V. dahliae.Cotton plants inoculated with V. dahliae isolate V991, a defoliating strain, accumulated more ethylene and showed increased disease symptoms than those inoculated with a non-defoliating strain. In cotton with a transiently silenced ethylene synthesis gene(GhACOs) and signaling gene(GhEINs) during cotton–V. dahliae interaction, ethylene produced was derived from cotton and more ethylene increased cotton susceptibility and defoliation rate. Overexpression of AtCTR1, a negative regulator in ethylene signaling, in cotton reduced sensitivity to ethylene and increased plant resistance to V. dahliae.Collectively, the results indicated precise regulation of ethylene synthesis or signaling pathways improve cotton resistant to Verticillium wilt.

基于BIM技术的地下车库设计研究

BIM技术是建筑行业发展的热点方向。本文概要介绍了BIM技术特点,分析了BIM技术在地下车库工程设计过程中碰撞检查、车位优化、通风模拟等的应用,提出了基于三维的BIM建模方法,与传统二维工作方式进行了对比。结果表明:BIM技术应用于地下车库工程,可大幅提高工程项目的施工管理水平,并使其转化为实际的经济效益。

Deep Learning in Sheet Metal Bending With a Novel Theory-Guided Deep Neural Network

Sheet metal forming technologies have been intensively studied for decades to meet the increasing demand for lightweight metal components.To surmount the springback occurring in sheet metal forming processes,numerous studies have been performed to develop compensation methods.However,for most existing methods,the development cycle is still considerably time-consumptive and demands high computational or capital cost.In this paper,a novel theory-guided regularization method for training of deep neural networks(DNNs),implanted in a learning system,is introduced to learn the intrinsic relationship between the workpiece shape after springback and the required process parameter,e.g.,loading stroke,in sheet metal bending processes.By directly bridging the workpiece shape to the process parameter,issues concerning springback in the process design would be circumvented.The novel regularization method utilizes the well-recognized theories in material mechanics,Swift’s law,by penalizing divergence from this law throughout the network training process.The regularization is implemented by a multi-task learning network architecture,with the learning of extra tasks regularized during training.The stress-strain curve describing the material properties and the prior knowledge used to guide learning are stored in the database and the knowledge base,respectively.One can obtain the predicted loading stroke for a new workpiece shape by importing the target geometry through the user interface.In this research,the neural models were found to outperform a traditional machine learning model,support vector regression model,in experiments with different amount of training data.Through a series of studies with varying conditions of training data structure and amount,workpiece material and applied bending processes,the theory-guided DNN has been shown to achieve superior generalization and learning consistency than the data-driven DNNs,especially when only scarce and scattered experiment data are available for training which is often the case in practice.The theory-guided DNN could also be applicable to other sheet metal forming processes.It provides an alternative method for compensating springback with significantly shorter development cycle and less capital cost and computational requirement than traditional compensation methods in sheet metal forming industry.

Identification of Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) Underlying Protein, Oil, and Five Major Fatty Acids’ Contents in Soybean

Improved seed composition in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] for protein and oil quality is one of the major goals of soybean breeders. A group of genes that act as quantitative traits with their effects can alter protein, oil, palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic, and linolenic acids percentage in soybean seeds. The objective of this study was to identify Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) controlling protein, oil, and fatty acids content in a set of F5:8 RILs derived from a cross between lines, ‘MD 96-5722’ and ‘Spencer’ using 5376 Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) markers from the Illumina Infinium SoySNP6K BeadChip array. QTL analysis used WinQTL Cart 2.5 software for composite interval mapping (CIM). Identified, were;one protein content QTL on linkage group (LG-) B2 or chromosome (Chr_) 14;11 QTL associated with oil content on six linkage groups LG-N (Chr_3), LG-A1 (Chr_5), LG-K (Chr_9), LG-F (Chr_13), LG-B2 (Chr_14), and LG-J (Chr_16);and sixteen QTL for five major fatty acids (palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic, and linolenic acids) on LG-N (Chr_3), LG-F (Chr_13), LG-B2 (Chr_14), LG-E (Chr_15), LG-J (Chr_16), and LG-G (Chr_18). The SNP markers closely linked to the QTL reported here will be useful for development of cultivars with altered oil and fatty acid compositions in soybean breeding programs.

Prognostic potential of an immune score based on the density of CD8＋ T cells, CD20＋ B cells, and CD33＋/p-STAT1＋ double-positive cells and HMGB1 expression within cancer nests in stage ⅢA gastric cancer patients

Objoctive： There is heterogeneity in the prognosis of gastric cancers staged according to the tumornodes-metastasis （TNM） system. This study evaluated the prognostic potential of an immune score system to supplement the TNM staging system. Mothodsg An immunohistochemical analysis was conducted to assess the density of T cells, B cells, and myeloid-derived suppressor cells （MDSCs） in cancer tissues from 100 stage IIIA gastric cancer patients; the expression of the high-mobility group protein B1 （HMGB1） was also evaluated in cancer cells. The relationship between the overall survival （OS）, disease-free survival （DFS）, and immunological parameters was analyzed.Results： An immune score system was compiled based on the prognostic role of the density ofT cells, B cells, MDSCs, and the expression of HMGB1 in cancer tissues. The median 5-year survival of this group of patient was 32%. However, the 5-year survival rates of 80.0%, 51.7%, 0%, 5.8%, and 0% varied among the patients with an immune score of 4 to those with an immune score of 0 based on the immune score system, respectively. Similarly, differences in DFS rates were observed among the immune score subgroups. Concluslons： An immune score system could effectively identify the prognostic heterogeneity within stage IliA gastric cancer patients, implying that this immune score system may potentially supplement the TNM staging system, and help in identifying a more homogeneous group of patients who on the basis of prognosis can undergo adjuvant therapy.

Origin of the hydrate bound gases in the Juhugeng Sag, Muli Basin, Tibetan Plateau

The Juhugeng Sag,located in northwest of the Muli Basin,Tibetan Plateau,has been investigated for coal and petroleum resources during the past several decades.There have been successful recoveries of gas hydrates during recent years from the Middle Jurassic Yaojie Formation that offer insight into the origin of the hydrocarbon gases from the complex sag feature.This study examines the organic geochemical and stable carbon isotopic characteristics of shale and coal samples from the Middle Jurassic Yaojie Formation of the Juhugeng Sag,as well as compares with carbon isotopes,gas amounts and components of hydrate-bound gas.A total of 19 samples from surface mining,including 12 samples of black shale and 7 samples of coal,were analysed using a micro-photometer,a gas chromatograph,Rock–Eval and isotope methods.All the shale samples contained 100%type I kerogen,and the random vitrinite reflectance values vary from 0.65%to 1.32%and achieve thermal pyrolysis phase.Isotope values of methane(δ13C ranging from−52.6‰to−39.5‰andδD ranging from−285‰to−227‰)in the hydrate bound gases suggest that the methane originates mainly from thermogenic contributions.It is proposed that ethane from the gas hydrate is thermogenic-produced,and this conjecture is supported by the fact that most of the gas hydrate also contains more than 30%of thermogenic C2+hydrocarbons and is similar to structure II hydrate.Carbon isotope data from the gas hydrates show a positive carbon isotope series(δ13C1<δ13C2<δ13C3),with ethaneδ13C values being lighter than−28.5‰,as high consistency with source rocks from the Jurassic period indicate thermal oil-prone gas.A model of the accumulation of gas hydrate is plotted.However,the gaseous sources of gas hydrates may be a subject for more research.

Mapping of QTL Associated with Seed Amino Acids Content in “MD96-5722” by “Spencer” RIL Population of Soybean Using SNP Markers

Limited information is available on the genetic analysis of amino acid composition in soybean seeds. Previously, quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for seed isoflavones, protein, oil, and fatty acids were identified in the “MD96-5722” by “Spencer” and other RIL populations. There were wide variations for these seed constituents among the RIL populations. Therefore, the objective of this study was to identify QTLs controlling different amino acids content in soybean seeds. To achieve this objective, ninety-two F5:7 recombinant inbred lines (RIL), developed from a cross of MD96-5722 and Spencer, using a total 5376 Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNPs) markers, were used. The RILs were genotyped by using 537 polymorphic, reliably segregating SNP markers, developed from the Illumina Infinium SoySNP6K BeadChip array. A total of 13 QTLs were identified with three QTLs for threonine on the linkage group (LG) A1, C2, and B2. Two QTLs were identified for each of the amino acids proline on LG D1a and B2, serine on LG A1 and C2, tryptophan on LG K and G, and cysteine on LG A1 and K. One QTL was identified for arginine on LG N and histidine on LG J. The new QTLs findings for seed amino acid will facilitate the development of soybean cultivars with higher protein and amino acid quality to help meet the industry and consumer needs.

Quantitative Trait Loci Underlying Seed Sugars Content in “MD96-5722” by “Spencer” Recombinant Inbred Line Population of Soybean

Sucrose, raffinose, and stachyose are important soluble sugars in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] seeds. Seed sucrose is a desirable trait for taste and flavor. Raffinose and stachyose are undesirable in diets of monogastric animals, acting as anti-nutritional factors that cause flatulence and abdominal discomfort. Therefore, reducing raffinose and stachyose biosynthesis is considered as a key quality trait goal in soy food and feed industries. The objective of this study was to identify genomic regions containing quantitative trait loci (QTL) controlling sucrose, raffinose, and stachyose in a set of 92 F5:7 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from a cross between the lines “MD96-5722” and “Spencer” by using 5376 Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) markers from the Illumina Infinium SoySNP6K BeadChip array. Fourteen significant QTL were identified and mapped on eight different linkage groups (LGs) and chromosomes (Chr). Three QTL for seed sucrose content were identified on LGs N (Chr3), K (Chr9), and E (Chr15). Seven QTL were identified for raffinose content on LGs D1a (Chr1), N (Chr3), C2 (Chr6), K (Chr9), B2 (Chr14), and J (Chr16). Four QTL for stachyose content were identified on LG D1a (Chr1), C2 (Chr6), H (Chr12), and B2 (Chr14). Selection for beneficial alleles of these QTLs could facilitate breeding strategies to develop soybean lines with higher concentrations of sucrose and lower levels of raffinose and stachyose.

Investigation of Organic Matter Sources and Depositional Environment Changes for Terrestrial Shale Succession from the Yuka Depression: Implications from Organic Geochemistry and Petrological Analyses

Continental organic-rich shales are well developed in the Dameigou Formation within the Yuka Depression of the Qaidam Basin. Here, the Rock-Eval pyrolysis, biomarkers, organic petrology, and stable carbon isotope have been carried out on the Middle Jurassic Dameigou Formation source rocks from the northwest part of Yuka Depression, Qaidam Basin in order to study their thermal maturity, source of organic matter(OM), and palaeoenvironment changes. The Rock-Eval pyrolysis data(e.g., T_(max)), vitrinite reflectance, and biomarker-derived thermal maturity parameters(e.g., carbon preference index, Ts/(Ts+Tm), C_(29)Ts/(C_(29)Ts+C_(29)αβ hopane), C_(30) αβ/(αβ+βα) hopanes, C_(29)ααα 20S/(20S+20R) steranes, and C_(29)αββ/(αββ+ααα) steranes) suggest all studied samples stay between immature and low mature stage. The maceral compositions, stable carbon isotope compositions, n-alkane distributions, and biomarker-derived source parameters(e. g., C_(27)/C_(29)ααα 20R sterane, ternary diagram of C_(27)-C28-C_(29)steranes, C24 tetracyclic terpane) indicate both aquatic organisms and higher plants are the source of OM in the shales, but land plants are dominant. Generally low gammacerane concentration and environment-related parameters(e. g., cross-plots of C_(27)/C_(29)ααα 20R sterane vs. Pr/Ph) indicate these source rocks may be derived from lacustrine and fluvial-deltaic environments with fresh water, which is also supported by the variations of stable carbon isotopes from OM in the source rocks. However, the stable carbon isotope compositions of OM in the source rocks were influenced by multiple factors(e.g., source types and depositional environment) in the Yuka Depression. Slightly brackish condition is recorded in the upper part of the ZK6-1 well favor the formation of lacustrine algae, as confirmed by high contents of C_(27) steranes and short-chain n-alkanes. The variation of reducing to oxidizing condition of study area is possibly associated with the periodical flooded river-influenced aquatic condition during the deposition of the Middle Jurassic Dameigou Formation.

First Discovery of Late Triassic Tuffs in the South Qilian Basin: Geochemical Characteristics, Zircon LA-ICP-MS U-Pb Ages and Potential Source Regions

This investigation reports the first discovery of more than 70 tuff intervals in the Upper Triassic,South Qilian Basin.Petrographic and geochemical analyses were carried out on ten tuff samples and zircon U-Pb dating were on three.Thin section and X-ray diffraction(XRD)results indicate that the tuffs were composed of crystal shards and altered glass shards;crystal shards include plagio-clase and quartz.Most of the tuffs had been transformed into illite/smectite mixed-layers(I/S).In addition,calcite,pyrite,dolomite and siderite were also identified in some of the tuff samples.Analysis of major elements suggests that the tuffs are peraluminous high-K calcalkaline series.Trace elements indicate that the tuffs are enriched in high field strength elements(HFSE),including Th,U,Ta,Zr and Hf.Geochemical characteristics suggest that the tuffs originated from comendite pantellerite and rhyolite from within plate setting.Zircon U-Pb dating(236.0±1.7,231.4±1.6,and 223.1±3.9 Ma)indicate that the tuffs were erupted in the Late Triassic.Comparative chronology and geochemical analyses suggest that the West Qinling belt and the East Kunlun belt are the potential source regions of these tuffs,and they originated from the within plate magma during a post-collisional period.

Berberine enhances the anti-hepatocellular carcinoma effect of NK92-MI cells through inhibiting IFN-gamma-mediated PD-L1 expression

Background and aims:Berberine is one of the most promising clinically tested natural alkaloids,and immunotherapy using natural killer(NK)cells is a potentially effective treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).This study aims to elucidate the effect of berberine on the anti-HCC effect of NK92-MI cells.Materials and methods:Human HCC SMMC-7721 and Hep3B cells were co-incubated with NK92-MI cells,berberine(60 or 80 mmol/L),or their combination for 36 h.To evaluate the killing effect of NK92-MI cells on HCC cells,the release of lactate dehydrogenase(LDH)in HCC cells was measured.The anti-tumor effects of berberine,NK92-MI cells,and their combinations were evaluated by MTS,EdU,Tunel,and Western blot assays.A male BALB/c nude mouse subcutaneous tumor model was used to investigate the anti-HCC effect of berberine and NK92-MI cells in vivo.Results:The LDH assay showed that berberine enhanced the cytotoxicity of NK92-MI cells on HCC cells.The combination of berberine and NK92-MI cells demonstrated more obvious anti-HCC effect than did the berberine or NK92-MI single treatment in inhibiting cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis both in vitro and in vivo.Mechanistically,the expression of programmed cell death-ligand 1(PD-L1)in HCC cells was upregulated after co-culture with NK-92MI cells.PD-L1 expression was knocked down,thereby inhibiting the proliferation and promoting apoptosis of HCC cells,and inhibited by berberine that blocked the secretion of interferon gamma(IFN-g),thereby enhancing the anti-tumor effect of NK92-MI cells.Conclusions:Current data show that the immunomodulatory role of berberine is to enhance the cytotoxic effect of NK92-MI cells and inhibit tumor immune escape by reducing the expression of PD-L1.Our study provides a rationale for the clinical application of berberine in combination with NK cells for the treatment of HCC.