Transposable element-initiated enhancer-like elements generate the subgenome-biased spike specificity of polyploid wheat

Transposable elements (TEs) comprise ~85% of the common wheat genome, which are highly diverse among subgenomes, possibly contribute to polyploid plasticity, but the causality is only assumed. Here, by integrating data from gene expression cap analysis and epigenome profiling via hidden Markov model in common wheat, we detect a large proportion of enhancer-like elements (ELEs) derived from TEs producing nascent noncoding transcripts, namely ELE-RNAs, which are well indicative of the regulatory activity of ELEs. Quantifying ELE-RNA transcriptome across typical developmental stages reveals that TE-initiated ELE-RNAs are mainly from RLG_famc7.3 specifically expanded in subgenome A. Acquisition of spike-specific transcription factor binding likely confers spike-specific expression of RLG_famc7.3-initiated ELE-RNAs. Knockdown of RLG_famc7.3-initiated ELE-RNAs resulted in global downregulation of spike-specific genes and abnormal spike development. These findings link TE expansion to regulatory specificity and polyploid developmental plasticity, highlighting the functional impact of TE-driven regulatory innovation on polyploid evolution

Environment-based preference selection promotes cooperation in spatial prisoner’s dilemma game

Abstract The impact of environment on individuals is particularly critical. In evolutionary games, adopting the strategy of the neighbor who performs better is nontrivial for the survival and maintenance of cooperation, in that such an action may help the agents to obtain higher benefit and more obvious evolutionary advantages. Inspired by this idea, we investigate the effect of the environment-based preference selection on the evolution of cooperation in spatial prisoner’s dilemma. A simple rule, incorporating individual preference selection via an adjustable parameter α to explore how the selection of the potential strategy sources influences individual behavior traits, is considered. Because social interaction may not be the only way of generating payoffs, we assume that the individual’s income is also affected by the environment. Besides, taking into account individual differences, we introduce the heterogeneity of the environment. Through numerous computing simulations, we find that environment-based preference selection, which accelerates the microscopic organization of cooperator clusters to resist the aggression of defectors, can truly promote cooperation within a large range of parameters. Our study indicates that the combination of heterogeneity and preference selection may be key for the sustainability of cooperation in structured populations

Research on Finite Element Model Modification of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) Laminated Structures Based on Correlation Analysis and an Approximate Model

Carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) laminated structures have been widely used in modern engineering due to their excellent material properties, especially in the aerospace and shipping industries. This requires a high-accuracy finite element model of CFRP laminated structures. However, it is difficult to master the mechanical properties of CFRP structures comprehensively and accurately due to influences from multiple aspects, such as dispersion of material properties, uncertainty of manufacturing technologies, etc. Therefore, a finite element model modification method of CFRP laminated structures based on correlation analysis and an approximate model was proposed. Aiming at minimizing the difference between the analysis model and the measured inherent frequency, the proposed method improves the finite element modeling accuracy of CFRP laminated structures, by iterative optimization based on a global optimization algorithm. In order to solve the problem of high spatial dimension and slow searching in modification of CFRP laminated structure models, the Pearson correlation analysis method was used to screen the material parameters which exert significant impacts on frequency characteristics to reconstruct the searching space. Based on significance parameters, an approximate response model of the CFRP laminated structural system was established. Meanwhile, the modeling accuracy of different orders of response surface models (RSM) and a radial basis function (RBF) neural network model was analyzed, and the best approximate modeling scheme was obtained. The approximate model was updated based on the multi-island genetic algorithm (MIGA) to modify the finite element model of the CFRP laminated structure model. The maximum error and mean error of the updated model are 1.47% and 0.45%. It was proved that the material parameters modified by the proposed method are applicable to simulation analysis of the CFRP laminated structure

Bioenergy versus Soil Improvement: Policy Coherence and Implementation Gaps in Crop Residue-Based Bioenergy Development in China

Promoting crop residue-based bioenergy (CRB) is a strategy for mitigating climate change and ensuring water-energy-food security. Although China has abundant crop residues, CRB is not well developed, and several policy targets are not being reached. These implementation gaps need critical examination as CRB development mainly relies on policy support. This examination provides a framework to assess the feasibility of this policy that covers several cross-cutting issues. By reviewing national policies, this paper analyzes the horizontal coherence of multisectoral CRB policies during the last two decades. Based on 55 semi-structured interviews, conducted with stakeholders, civil servants and experts, we analyzed the vertical coherence among policy implementation to further explore the causes of the limited success of CRB policies. The priority given to the cultivation and livestock sectors (particularly for soil improvement) in crop residue utilization policies and the development of energy policy targets resulted in horizontal policy incoherence. Furthermore, financial limitations were shown to be the most significant obstacle to CRB policy implementation. Successful CRB policy implementation requires a debate about the crop residue utilization for either energy or fertilizer to determine the more sustainable application. Appropriate incentives and increased technological quality of bioenergy projects are also recommended

Functional Characterization of the Maize Phytochrome-Interacting Factors PIF4 and PIF5

Phytochrome-interacting factors (PIFs) play important roles in photomorphogenesis, the shade avoidance response, and other aspects of plant growth and development. PIF family proteins have been well-studied in Arabidopsis thaliana, but little is known about their physiological functions and molecular mechanisms in maize (Zea mays). In this study, we investigated the physiological functions of ZmPIF4 and ZmPIF5, two highly conserved members of the PIF gene family. RT-qPCR and western blot analyses revealed that ZmPIF4 and ZmPIF5 expression and ZmPIF4 and ZmPIF5 levels peak at night and remain low during the day. Overexpression of ZmPIF4 and ZmPIF5 in Arabidopsis partially rescued the reduced hypocotyl elongation and defective response to gravity in pif1 pif3 pif4 pif5 quadruple mutants (pifq). In addition, under high red: far-red light conditions, Arabidopsis lines overexpressing ZmPIF4 exhibited a constitutive shade avoidance response, including early flowering, slender leaves and inflorescences, plant lodging and precocious leaf senescence. Furthermore, ZmPIF4 physically interacted with the Arabidopsis DELLA protein REPRESSOR OF GA1-3 (RGA), indicating a potential interaction between ZmPIF4 and gibberellin signaling pathway on plant growth. Taken together, our results revealed that ZmPIF4 and ZmPIF5 are functionally conserved proteins that may play conserved roles in the response to phytochrome signaling in plants.Highlights:In this study, the functions of ZmPIF4 and ZmPIF5 were characterized by expression in Arabidopsis, revealing conserved roles of PIF family proteins in photomorphogenesis and the shade avoidance response in land plants

Impacts of Temperature Trends and SPEI on Yields of Major Cereal Crops in the Gambia

Variations in the climate constitute a significant threat to the productivity of food crops in the Gambia. A good understanding of the influence of climate variability on crop production is vital for climate resilience and improved food security. This study examined the trends, relationships, and the extent to which growing season temperatures and the SPEI (Standardized Precipitation and Evapotranspiration Index) impacted sorghum, millet, maize, and rice yields in three agro-ecological regions of the Gambia during 1990–2019. Mean temperatures and the SPEI exhibited increasing trends while observed yields showed a decline across all regions. The SPEI had a significant positive relationship with yields, and temperatures were negatively associated with yields. Though yield response to climate variability differs among regions, 20% to 62% of variations in the four crop yields were due to climate trends. The combined effect of the SPEI and temperatures decreased yields from 3.6 kg ha−1 year−1 to 29.4 kg ha−1 year−1, with the most severe decline observed in rice and maize yields in the Sahelian zone. Although uncertainties might arise from not considering related extreme climate events, this study highlights how past climate trends affect cereal yields in the Gambia; thus, any unfavorable change in the local climate could have severe repercussions on the country’s food security. There is a need for concerted efforts to increase investments in adaptation strategies to lessen the effects of the climate for improved crop productivity

Effect of the Mendelsohn maneuver and swallowing training in patients with senile vascular dementia complicated with dysphagia

Objective We investigated the effect of the Mendelsohn maneuver and swallowing training in patients with senile vascular dementia complicated with dysphagia. Methods We randomly classified 214 patients with senile vascular dementia and swallowing dysfunction into a control group (CG, n = 106) and observation group (OG, n = 108). Both groups underwent health education, psychological intervention, and training of the oral muscle group. The OG additionally underwent the Mendelsohn maneuver and swallowing training. The Hasegawa Dementia Scale (HDS), China Stroke Scale (CSS), and Neurobehavioral Cognitive Status Examination (NCSE) were used to evaluate dementia, neurological impairment, and cognitive dysfunction, respectively. Results The OG had a higher rate of effective therapy than the CG. After intervention, the OG showed better swallowing function than the CG. At 15 days and 1 month after intervention, the OG had higher video fluoroscopic swallowing exam scores than the CG. The OG had lower serum interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α levels than the CG. After intervention, the OG had higher HDS and NCSE scores and lower CSS scores than the CG. Conclusions The Mendelsohn maneuver and swallowing training can improve swallowing function in patients with senile vascular dementia complicated with dysphagia and help to ameliorate the inflammatory response