Expression profiling and integrative analysis of the CESA/CSL superfamily in rice

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The cellulose synthase and cellulose synthase-like gene superfamily (<it>CESA</it>/<it>CSL</it>) is proposed to encode enzymes for cellulose and non-cellulosic matrix polysaccharide synthesis in plants. Although the rice (<it>Oryza sativa </it>L.) genome has been sequenced for a few years, the global expression profiling patterns and functions of the <it>OsCESA</it>/<it>CSL </it>superfamily remain largely unknown.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>A total of 45 identified members of <it>OsCESA</it>/<it>CSL </it>were classified into two clusters based on phylogeny and motif constitution. Duplication events contributed largely to the expansion of this superfamily, with Cluster I and II mainly attributed to tandem and segmental duplication, respectively. With microarray data of 33 tissue samples covering the entire life cycle of rice, fairly high <it>OsCESA </it>gene expression and rather variable <it>OsCSL </it>expression were observed. While some members from each <it>CSL </it>family (<it>A1</it>, <it>C9</it>, <it>D2</it>, <it>E1</it>, <it>F6 </it>and <it>H1</it>) were expressed in all tissues examined, many of <it>OsCSL </it>genes were expressed in specific tissues (stamen and radicles). The expression pattern of <it>OsCESA</it>/<it>CSL </it>and <it>OsBC1L </it>which extensively co-expressed with <it>OsCESA</it>/<it>CSL </it>can be divided into three major groups with ten subgroups, each showing a distinct co-expression in tissues representing typically distinct cell wall constitutions. In particular, <it>OsCESA1, -3 & -8 </it>and <it>OsCESA4, -7 & -9 </it>were strongly co-expressed in tissues typical of primary and secondary cell walls, suggesting that they form as a cellulose synthase complex; these results are similar to the findings in <it>Arabidopsis</it>. <it>OsCESA5</it>/<it>OsCESA6 </it>is likely partially redundant with <it>OsCESA3 </it>for OsCESA complex organization in the specific tissues (plumule and radicle). Moreover, the phylogenetic comparison in rice, <it>Arabidopsis </it>and other species can provide clues for the prediction of orthologous gene expression patterns.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The study characterized the <it>CESA</it>/<it>CSL </it>of rice using an integrated approach comprised of phylogeny, transcriptional profiling and co-expression analyses. These investigations revealed very useful clues on the major roles of <it>CESA</it>/<it>CSL</it>, their potentially functional complement and their associations for appropriate cell wall synthesis in higher plants.</p

Tunable Terahertz Metamaterial with Electromagnetically Induced Transparency Characteristic for Sensing Application

We present and demonstrate a MEMS-based tunable terahertz metamaterial (TTM) composed of inner triadius and outer electric split-ring resonator (eSRR) structures. With the aim to explore the electromagnetic responses of TTM device, different geometrical parameters are compared and discussed to optimize the suitable TTM design, including the length, radius, and height of TTM device. The height of triadius structure could be changed by using MEMS technique to perform active tunability. TTM shows the polarization-dependent and electromagnetic induced transparency (EIT) characteristics owing to the eSRR configuration. The electromagnetic responses of TTM exhibit tunable characteristics in resonance, polarization-dependent, and electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT). By properly tailoring the length and height of the inner triadius structure and the radius of the outer eSRR structure, the corresponding resonance tuning range reaches 0.32 THz. In addition to the above optical characteristics of TTM, we further investigate its potential application in a refraction index sensor. TTM is exposed on the surrounding ambient with different refraction indexes. The corresponding key sensing performances, such as figure of merit (FOM), sensitivity (S), and quality factor (Q-factor) values, are calculated and discussed, respectively. The calculated sensitivity of TTM is 0.379 THz/RIU, while the average values of Q-factor and FOM are 66.01 and 63.83, respectively. These characteristics indicate that the presented MEMS-based TTM device could be widely used in tunable filters, perfect absorbers, high-efficient environmental sensors, and optical switches applications for THz-wave optoelectronics

Time-Efficient Allocation Mechanisms for Crowdsensing Tasks with Precedence Constraints

Crowdsensing has emerged as an efficient and inexpensive way to perform specialized tasks by leveraging external crowds. In some crowdsensing systems, different tasks may have different requirements, and there may be precedence constraints among them, such as the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) crowdsensing systems. Moreover, minimizing the total execution time is a regular target for finishing the crowdsensing tasks with precedence constraints. As far as we know, only a few existing studies consider the precedence constraints among crowdsensing tasks, and none of them can minimize the total execution time simultaneously. To tackle this challenge, an efficient allocation mechanism for tasks with precedence constraints is first proposed, which can minimize the total execution time. Then, a case study is given to show how to fit our mechanism in the UAV crowdsensing system. Finally, the simulation results show that the proposed mechanisms have good approximate optimal ratios under different parameter settings and are efficient for the UAV crowdsensing system as well

Origin of Lithium&ndash;Potassium-Rich Brines in the Jianghan Basin, South China: Constraints by Water&ndash;Rock Reactions of Mesozoic&ndash;Cenozoic Igneous Rocks

A large number of lithium&ndash;potassium-rich brines have been found in Paleocene reservoirs in the Jianghan Basin, South China. First, the brines have exceptionally high lithium and potassium contents that are even higher than those in other closed basins on the Tibetan Plateau. Second, the enriched brines are widely distributed in the center of the basin. The Mesozoic and Cenozoic igneous rocks in the Jiangling depression are mainly basalt and granite, and their distribution area exceeds 50% of the basin. The large basalt body provided a thermal source for the water&ndash;rock reaction. The igneous rocks in the study area could have provided ore-forming elements, such as lithium and potassium, for the brine. A static immersion experiment at room temperature shows that fluids with certain salinities are more likely to activate K ions in basalt. However, weakly alkaline solutions more easily dissolve K. High-temperature water&ndash;rock experiments show that the dissolution rates of Ca, Mg, and Sr decrease with increasing temperature, while the dissolution rates of K and Li first increase and then decrease with increasing temperature. The dissolution of K and Li is easier when saline fluid reacts with volcanic rock. The dissolution rate of K is higher than that of Li in basalt, and the dissolution rate of Li is higher than that of K in granite. Compared with the results at normal temperatures, the ability of the fluid to leach elements at higher temperatures is significantly enhanced. Temperature is the main factor controlling the ability of fluid to leach elements. High-salinity fluid is the main carrier of ore-forming elements. According to the water&ndash;rock experiments, the mineral composition of the ancient brine in the Jiangling depression that formed during the Paleocene is consistent with that of the ore-rich brine found today, but different by a few orders of magnitude, indicating that the formation of lithium&ndash;potassium-rich brines requires a long time. The water&ndash;rock reaction is one of the important processes of brine formation, and surface evaporation and concentration are the main mechanisms of brine mineralization

Origin of Lithium–Potassium-Rich Brines in the Jianghan Basin, South China: Constraints by Water–Rock Reactions of Mesozoic–Cenozoic Igneous Rocks

A large number of lithium–potassium-rich brines have been found in Paleocene reservoirs in the Jianghan Basin, South China. First, the brines have exceptionally high lithium and potassium contents that are even higher than those in other closed basins on the Tibetan Plateau. Second, the enriched brines are widely distributed in the center of the basin. The Mesozoic and Cenozoic igneous rocks in the Jiangling depression are mainly basalt and granite, and their distribution area exceeds 50% of the basin. The large basalt body provided a thermal source for the water–rock reaction. The igneous rocks in the study area could have provided ore-forming elements, such as lithium and potassium, for the brine. A static immersion experiment at room temperature shows that fluids with certain salinities are more likely to activate K ions in basalt. However, weakly alkaline solutions more easily dissolve K. High-temperature water–rock experiments show that the dissolution rates of Ca, Mg, and Sr decrease with increasing temperature, while the dissolution rates of K and Li first increase and then decrease with increasing temperature. The dissolution of K and Li is easier when saline fluid reacts with volcanic rock. The dissolution rate of K is higher than that of Li in basalt, and the dissolution rate of Li is higher than that of K in granite. Compared with the results at normal temperatures, the ability of the fluid to leach elements at higher temperatures is significantly enhanced. Temperature is the main factor controlling the ability of fluid to leach elements. High-salinity fluid is the main carrier of ore-forming elements. According to the water–rock experiments, the mineral composition of the ancient brine in the Jiangling depression that formed during the Paleocene is consistent with that of the ore-rich brine found today, but different by a few orders of magnitude, indicating that the formation of lithium–potassium-rich brines requires a long time. The water–rock reaction is one of the important processes of brine formation, and surface evaporation and concentration are the main mechanisms of brine mineralization

Review of Remote Sensing-Based Methods for Forest Aboveground Biomass Estimation: Progress, Challenges, and Prospects

Quantifying forest aboveground biomass (AGB) is essential for elucidating the global carbon cycle and the response of forest ecosystems to climate change. Over the past five decades, remote-sensing techniques have played a vital role in forest AGB estimation at different scales. Here, we present an overview of the progress in remote sensing-based forest AGB estimation. More in detail, we first describe the principles of remote sensing techniques in forest AGB estimation: that is, the construction and use of parameters associated with AGB (rather than the direct measurement of AGB values). Second, we review forest AGB remotely sensed data sources (including passive optical, microwave, and LiDAR) and methods (e.g., empirical, physical, mechanistic, and comprehensive models) alongside their limitations and advantages. Third, we discuss possible sources of uncertainty in resultant forest AGB estimates, including those associated with remote sensing imagery, sample plot survey data, stand structure, and statistical models. Finally, we offer forward-looking perspectives and insights on prospective research directions for remote sensing-based forest AGB estimation. Remote sensing is anticipated to play an increasingly important role in future forest AGB estimation and carbon cycle studies. Overall, this comprehensive review may (1) benefit the research communities focused on carbon cycle, remote sensing, and climate change elucidation, (2) provide a theoretical basis for the study of the carbon cycle and global climate change, (3) inform forest ecosystems and carbon management, and (4) aid in the elucidation of forest feedbacks to climate change

40Ar/39Ar Geochronology, Geochemistry and Petrogenesis of the Volcanic Rocks in the Jiangling Basin, China

In this study, 40Ar/39Ar geochronology and major and trace element data were presented for Paleogene basaltic rocks from the Jiangling Basin, China. The volcanic rocks erupted at ca. 53.19&ndash;60.78 Ma and belonged to the sub alkaline series. These basaltic rocks are generally characterized by enrichment in large-ion lithophile elements (LILEs) and light rare earth elements (LREEs) ((La/Yb)cn = 6.14&ndash;11.72) and lack of Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.98&ndash;1.09), similar to ocean island basalts. The geochemical signatures of these rocks are similar to hotspot-related Paleogene volcanic rocks in the North China Block and late Cenozoic volcanic rocks in Southeast China. The Cenozoic lithospheric mantle, as well as the Mesozoic basalts that are beneath the northern Yangtze Blocks, might be inherited from the Mesozoic lithospheric mantle. The basaltic rocks from the Jiangling Basin in the northern Yangtze Block were generated from the partial melting of EMII (enrichedmantleII)-like lithospheric mantle due to the intracontinental extension

⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar Geochronology, Geochemistry and Petrogenesis of the Volcanic Rocks in the Jiangling Basin, China

In this study, 40Ar/39Ar geochronology and major and trace element data were presented for Paleogene basaltic rocks from the Jiangling Basin, China. The volcanic rocks erupted at ca. 53.19–60.78 Ma and belonged to the sub alkaline series. These basaltic rocks are generally characterized by enrichment in large-ion lithophile elements (LILEs) and light rare earth elements (LREEs) ((La/Yb)cn = 6.14–11.72) and lack of Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.98–1.09), similar to ocean island basalts. The geochemical signatures of these rocks are similar to hotspot-related Paleogene volcanic rocks in the North China Block and late Cenozoic volcanic rocks in Southeast China. The Cenozoic lithospheric mantle, as well as the Mesozoic basalts that are beneath the northern Yangtze Blocks, might be inherited from the Mesozoic lithospheric mantle. The basaltic rocks from the Jiangling Basin in the northern Yangtze Block were generated from the partial melting of EMII (enrichedmantleII)-like lithospheric mantle due to the intracontinental extension

A potential biomarker hsa-miR-200a-5p distinguishing between benign thyroid tumors with papillary hyperplasia and papillary thyroid carcinoma.

Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is the most common endocrine cancer with a significantly increase of the incidence recently. Several cytokines, such as thyroid peroxidase (TPO), cluster of differentiation 56 (CD56), Galectin-3, mesothelial cell (MC), cytokeratin 19 (CK19) and BRAF (B-raf) were recommended to be tested by immunohistochemistry (IHC) for a definitive diagnosis, but were still limited in clinical use because of their relative lower sensitivity and specificity. MicroRNA (miRNA), as a new molecular biomarkers, however, has not been reported yet so far. To address this, hsa-miR-200a-5p, a miRNA, was selected and detected in PTC patients by in situ hybrization with benign thyroid tumor with papillary hyperplasia as a control, and the differential expression of hsa-miR-200a-5p between fresh PTC tissues and control was detected by qRT-PCR. Expressive levels of cytokines of TPO, CD56, Galectin-3, MC, CK19 and B-raf were also detected by immunohistochemistry. The correlation was analyzed by SPSS software using Spearman methods. As expected, the hsa-miR-200a-5p expressive level was significantly increased in PTC patients, compared to that of control, and was consistent with that of TPO, CD56, Galectin-3, MC, CK19 and B-raf. In addition, expression of hsa-miR-200a-5p showed negative correlation to that of TPO (rs = - 0.734; **: P < 0.01) and CD56 (rs = - 0.570; **: P < 0.01), but positive correlation to that of Galectin-3 (rs = 0.601; **: P < 0.01), MC (rs = 0.508; **: P < 0.01), CK19 (rs = 0.712; **: P < 0.01) and B-raf (rs = 0.378; **: P < 0.01). PTC and papillary benign thyroid papillary hyperplasia are difficult to distinguish in morphology, so requiring immunohistochemistry to further differentiate the diagnosis, however, for the existing clinical common diagnostic marker for immunohistochemistry, the sensitivity and accuracy are low, it is easy to miss diagnosis. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a rapid and sensitive molecular marker. So miR-200a-5p can be used to assist in the diagnosis of PTC at the molecular level, and as a biomarker, can be effectively used to distinguish between PTC and benign thyroid tumor with papillary hyperplasia