Search Results (64)

Leafy head formation is a critical agronomic trait that determines the yield and quality of Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa), involving complex morphological transitions. While BEL1-like homeodomain (BLH) transcription factors regulate development, their specific roles in heading remain elusive. To systematically identify the BraBLH gene family and elucidate its expression networks and regulatory functions during leafy head formation, a total of 36 BraBLH genes were identified. The phylogenetic analysis revealed that Brassica rapa had a specific clade (Group II). A high-resolution spatiotemporal expression framework for the BraBLH family was constructed. Subsequently, comparative transcriptomics of heading, non-heading, and GA₃-treated heading plants highlighted multiple differentially expressed BraBLH genes, suggesting that this gene family may contribute to the regulation of leafy head formation in Chinese cabbage. Subsequently, a high-resolution spatiotemporal expression framework for the BraBLH family was constructed. Within this framework, BraBLH5 emerged as a pivotal node integrating GA signaling, peaking during the rosette stage to initiate heading. In contrast, a distinct negative module (BraBLH9/26) was significantly upregulated in the non-heading line. Spatial profiling further revealed functional compartmentalization within the family, where specific members maintained shoot apical meristem identity, whereas others drove inner leaf expansion and incurvature. Furthermore, subcellular localization analysis confirmed that BraBLH5 was localized to the nucleus. Ultimately, this systems-level study elucidates a transcriptome-driven framework for heading, highlighting a GA-mediated BraBLH5 mechanism and providing valuable candidates for Brassica functional genomics. Full article

This study presents the synthesis of novel heterocyclic derivatives from oxazol-5(4H)-ones and 1,2,4-triazin-6(5H)-ones classes containing the 4-chlorophenylsulfonylphenyl and arylidene motifs as potential bioactive molecules. The synthesis of new oxazol-5(4H)-ones was conducted by cyclocondensation of 2-(4-(4-chlorophenylsulfonyl)benzamido)acetic acid with several aromatic aldehydes. The reaction of oxazol-5(4H)-ones with phenylhydrazine afforded the new 1,2,4-triazin-6(5H)-ones. Spectroscopic techniques (IR, ¹H-, ¹³C-NMR, and MS) and elemental analysis were used to confirm the structures of all new compounds. The compounds were tested against Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and cells lacking the BLH1 gene were more susceptible to compound toxicity. Moreover, the compounds increased bleomycin toxicity against yeast cells. Structural similarity analysis against the ChEMBL database and approved drugs from DrugBank was performed to evaluate the structural novelty of the synthesized compounds and to obtain preliminary information regarding their potential pharmacological profiles. Full article

The Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) is widely distributed along eastern China, where northern and southern populations may have evolved different environmental adaptation mechanisms. DNA methylation, as an important epigenetic modification, plays a key regulatory role in environmental adaptation. In this study, muscle and hepatopancreas tissues from E. sinensis populations of the Liaohe River (LH) and Beilunhe River (BLH) were subjected to integrated RNA-seq and whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) analyses, generating 12 mRNA libraries and 12 DNA methylation libraries. RNA-seq analysis identified 622 and 783 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in muscle and the hepatopancreas, respectively, in the LH group compared with the BLH group, with downregulated genes accounting for a larger proportion. WGBS analysis showed that genome-wide DNA methylation in E. sinensis was predominantly in the CG context, with the highest methylation levels observed in gene body regions. A total of 972 and 991 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were identified in muscle and the hepatopancreas, respectively. Integrated analysis further identified 10 differentially methylated and expressed genes (DMEGs) in muscle and 26 DMEGs in the hepatopancreas. Notably, no single fixed pattern was observed between methylation changes and gene expression changes in either tissue. These findings suggest that DNA methylation may participate in environmental adaptation in northern and southern populations of E. sinensis by modulating gene expression. Our results highlight the important role of epigenetic regulation in the evolutionary adaptation of crustaceans to different environments and provide a theoretical basis for the development of environment-associated molecular markers and the evaluation of adaptive germplasm resources. Full article

Understanding the evolution of the atmospheric boundary layer height (BLH) is essential for characterizing air–surface exchange and air pollution processes. This study investigates the consistency and applicability of three BLH retrieval methods based on multi-source remote sensing observations at Beijing Southern Suburb station during autumn–winter 2023. Using Doppler wind lidar (DWL) and microwave radiometer (MWR) data, the Haar wavelet covariance transform (HWCT), vertical velocity variance (Var), and parcel methods were applied, and 10 min averages were used to suppress short-term fluctuations. Statistical analysis shows good overall consistency among the methods, with the strongest correlation between HWCT and Var method (R = 0.62) and average systematic positive bias of 0.4–0.6 km for the parcel method. Case studies under clear-sky, cloudy, and hazy conditions reveal distinct responses: HWCT effectively captures aerosol gradients but fails under cloud contamination, the Var method reflects turbulent dynamics and requires adaptive thresholds, and the Parcel method robustly describes thermodynamic evolution. The results demonstrate that the three methods are complementary in capturing the material, dynamic, and thermodynamic characteristics of the boundary layer, providing a comprehensive framework for evaluating BLH variability and improving multi-sensor retrievals under diverse meteorological conditions. Full article

Enterococcus alishanensis JNUCC 77 (=BLH10) was isolated from the flowers of Zinnia elegans collected at Ilchul Land, Jeju Island, Republic of Korea. Whole-genome sequencing was conducted to clarify its taxonomic position, genomic composition, and adaptive metabolic potential. The assembled genome comprised five contigs totaling 3.86 Mb, with a G + C content of 35.6% and 100% completeness. Genome-based phylogenomic analyses using the Type Strain Genome Server (TYGS) and digital DNA–DNA hybridization (dDDH) confirmed that strain JNUCC 77 belongs to E. alishanensis. Functional annotation revealed enrichment of genes related to transcriptional regulation, carbohydrate metabolism, replication, and DNA repair, suggesting a lifestyle adapted to oxidative and UV-exposed floral habitats rather than pathogenic competitiveness. Genome mining with antiSMASH identified two putative biosynthetic regions associated with terpenoid and isoprenoid metabolism, which are commonly linked to redox regulation and cellular protection. These genomic features indicate that E. alishanensis JNUCC 77 has evolved a metal-assisted, redox-regulated survival strategy suitable for floral microenvironments. Given its origin from vibrant flowers and its genomic potential for redox-protective metabolism, this strain represents an attractive microbial resource for future development of nature-inspired postbiotic and cosmeceutical ingredients that align with the clean and eco-friendly image of flower-derived biotechnologies. Full article

The FY-4A satellite represents a new generation of geostationary platforms, providing high-temporal-resolution observations over China. However, challenges remain in effectively leveraging the FY-4A satellite data for high-temporal-resolution PM_2.5 concentration estimation, particularly regarding the unclear key parameters required for accurate estimation and the limited interpretability of models. This study utilizes an interpretable deep learning framework that integrates FY-4A Top-of-Atmosphere (TOA) reflectance data, meteorological variables, and auxiliary data to estimate surface high-temporal-resolution PM_2.5 concentrations from 2019 to 2023. A multicollinearity test was applied to optimize feature selection, while the SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) method was used to enhance model interpretability. The results indicate that parameters such as TOA02, TOA03, TOA04, and boundary layer height (BLH) significantly influence model performance across years. The model demonstrates strong predictive ability in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei (BTH) region, achieving an average R² of 0.83. Root mean square error (RMSE) values remained below 15 µg/m³, aligning well with ground-based monitoring data. These findings demonstrate that combining high temporal satellite data with interpretable deep learning provides a reliable approach for long-term, high-temporal-resolution PM_2.5 monitoring in regions. Full article

The visual performance and photobiological effects of white LED systems based on spectral compensation are discussed, specifically focusing on the total optical power, the ratio of scotopic vision luminous flux to photopic vision luminous flux (S/P), the blue light hazard (BLH), and the circadian action factor (CAF). Theoretical models are established by integrating the spectral power distribution (SPD) with spectral sensitivity functions associated with the human visual system, and meanwhile, the impacts of LEDs’ electro-thermal characteristics on the mixed spectral structure and optical properties are analyzed. As experimental results demonstrate, an excellent agreement is shown between the calculated and measured values of the total optical power, S/P, BLH, and CAF, in terms of both values and variation trends. These proposed models are expected to serve as effective tools for understanding the visual perception and non-visual biological effects in specific illumination environments. Moreover, they can offer valuable reference frameworks for the development of lighting solutions that are more human-centered and health-oriented. Full article

In recent years, bifunctional ingredients extracted and utilized from waste by-products as raw materials have received significant attention in the food production process. Previous studies have found that bovine livers possess both antioxidant and emulsifying potential; therefore, enhancing these dual properties is a current research focus. In this study, three different types of polyphenols (epigallocatechin gallate [EGCG], gallic acid [GA] and tannin [TA]) provide a reference on how to achieve better complexation of polyphenols with bovine liver hydrolysates (BLHs). Based on the molecular weight results, it was shown that the bovine liver peptides bind to polyphenols to form complexes with higher molecular weights. Furthermore, the binding affinities among the three complexes were as follows: TA > EGCG > GA. The emulsions stabilized by the coupling compounds contained more homogeneous and dense droplets (optical microscopy). Both the antioxidant properties and the emulsifying activity of all complexes were superior to those of bovine liver hydrolysates (BLHs) (p < 0.05), confirming synergistic effects that either flavonoids, phenolic acids or tannins possess with bovine liver hydrolysates. This combination provides an effective strategy for developing novel foods with specific functions. Full article

BEL1-like homeodomain protein 3 (BLH3) plays a crucial role in plant development. However, its involvement in the salt stress response has not been studied. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanism underlying the response of LpBLH3 to salt stress in Lilium pumilum (L. pumilum) using various techniques, including quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), determination of physiological indices of plant after Saline-Alkali stress, yeast two-hybrid screening, luciferase complementation imaging (LCI), and chromosome walking to obtain the promoter sequence, analyzed by PlantCARE, electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA), and then dual-luciferase reporter assay(LUC). RT-qPCR analysis revealed that LpBLH3 is most highly expressed in the leaves of L. pumilum. The expression of LpBLH3 peaks at 24 or 36 h in the leaves under different saline stress. Under various treatments, compared to the wild type (WT), the LpBLH3 overexpression lines exhibited less chlorosis and leaf curling and stronger photosynthesis. The overexpression of LpBLH3 can enhance lignin accumulation in root and stem by positively modulating the expression of crucial genes within the lignin biosynthesis pathway. Y2H and LCI analyses demonstrated that LpBLH3 interacts with LpKNAT3. Additionally, EMSA and LUC analyses confirmed that LpBLH3 can bind to the promoter of LpABI5 and upregulate the expression of ABI5 downstream genes (LpCAT1/LpATEM/LpRD29B). In summary, LpBLH3 enhances the plant’s salt tolerance through the ABA pathway and lignin synthesis. This study can enrich the functional network of the BLH transcription factor family, obtain Lilium pumilum lines with good saline-alkali resistance, expand the planting area of Lilium pumilum, and improve its medicinal and ornamental values. Additionally, the functional analysis of the BLH transcription factor family provides new insights into how crops adapt to the extreme growth environment of saline-alkali soils. Full article

The leaf plastochron serves as an indicator of the rate of leaf appearance, biomass accumulation, and branch number, while also impacting plant architecture and seed yield. However, research on the leaf plastochron of crops remains limited. In this study, 2116C exhibited a rapid leaf plastochron compared to ZH18 during both rosette and bud periods. There were significant positive correlations among the leaf plastochron and primary branch number of the F₂ populations (r ranging from 0.395 to 0.635, p < 0.01). Genetic analyses over two years demonstrated that two equally dominant genes might govern the leaf plastochron. Through bulk segregant analysis sequencing (BSA-seq), three novel genomic intervals were identified on chromosomes A02 (9.04–9.48 Mb and 13.52–13.66 Mb) and A04 (19.84–20.14 Mb) of ZS11 and Darmor-bzh reference genomes. By gene functional annotations, single-nucleotide variation (SNV) analyses, transcriptome data from parents, genetic progeny, and natural accessions, we identified ten candidate genes within the intervals, including FLOWERING LOCUS T, RGL1, MYB-like, CYP96A8, BLH3, NIT2, ASK6, and three CLAVATA3/ESR (CLE)-related genes. These findings lay the molecular foundation for further exploration into the leaf plastochron and the implications in plastochron-related breeding in rapeseed. Full article

To effectively mine and utilize the valuable genes of wild emmer wheat (Triticum dicoccoides, 2n = 4x = 28, AABB), this study conducted an investigation of agronomic traits using two sets of chromosome arm substitution lines (CASLs) of wild emmer wheat in the backgrounds of the common wheat varieties Bethlehem (BLH) and Chinese Spring (CS). The results indicated significant differences in growth parameters, including seedling agronomic traits, heading date (HD), and yield traits among the various CASLs in both the BLH and CS backgrounds. In both genetic backgrounds, the number of tillers in CASL7BS was significantly fewer than that of the parents. Additionally, the average leaf width of six CASLs (2BS, 1AL, 7AL, 5BS, 4AS, and 2BL) was significantly narrower compared to the parents. Among CASLs in the CS background, CASL2BS exhibited a significantly narrower average leaf width and shorter average plant height compared to both the parents and early-maturing CASLs. Conversely, CASL4AL exhibited significantly more tillers and a shorter average plant height than the other CASLs. In the BLH background, the spike phenotypes of all CASLs showed no significant differences from BLH. However, in the CS background, CASL6AS and CASL5AL demonstrated significantly longer spike lengths than CS. Moreover, CASL6BL had more spikelets per spike than CS. CASLs 4AS, 4AL, 6BS, and 6BL exhibited basal short awns and apical long awns, whereas the remaining CASLs displayed no awns, a pattern consistent with CS. We hypothesize that genes governing physiological traits such as seedling tiller number, leaf width, plant height, and spike traits are likely located on the corresponding chromosome arms. Full article

The ambient levels of NO₂ in urban areas in China in recent years have generally shown a downward trend, but high NO₂ concentrations still exist under certain conditions, and the causes for such phenomenon and its impact on air quality remain unclear. Taking Dongying, a typical petrochemical city in the Bohai Bay of China, as an example, this paper analyzed the influence of NO₂ on urban air quality and investigated the causes for the formation of NO₂ with high concentrations. The results indicated that higher daily NO₂ concentrations (>40 μg/m³) mainly occurred during January-April and September-December each year, and higher hourly NO₂ concentrations mainly occurred during the nighttime and morning rush hour in Dongying from 2017 to 2023. With the increase in daily NO₂ concentrations, the daily air pollution levels showed a general increasing trend from 2017 to 2023. The occurrence of high NO₂ values in Dongying was affected by the combination of unfavorable meteorological conditions, local emissions and regional transports, and localized atmospheric chemical generation. High-pressure and uniform-pressure weather patterns in 2017–2022, along with land–sea breeze circulation in 2022, contribute to high NO₂ concentrations in Dongying. Boundary layer heights (BLH) in spring (−0.43) and winter (−0.36), wind direction in summer (0.21), and temperature in autumn (−0.46) are the primary meteorological factors driving NO₂-HH (High hourly NO₂ values), while BLH (−0.47) is the main cause for NO₂-HD (High daily NO₂ values). The titration reaction between NO with O₃ is the main cause for NO₂-HH in spring, summer and autumn, and photochemical reactions of aromatics have a significant influence on NO₂-HD. NOx emissions from the thermal power and petrochemical industry in Dongying and air pollution transports from western and southwestern Shandong Province (throughout the year) and from the Bohai Sea (during spring and summer) had serious adverse impact on high NO₂ values in 2022. The results of the study could help to provide a scientific basis for the control of NO₂ and the continuous improvement of air quality in Dongying and similar petrochemical cities. Full article

Sustainable food resources, including cell-cultured meat and edible insect proteins, are emerging as key solutions to meet future protein demands. This study evaluated the effects of black soldier fly larvae hydrolysate (BLH) on primary cells isolated from broiler leg and breast muscle tissues, as well as abdominal fat tissues. Primary cells isolated from each tissue were characterized for their myogenic and adipogenic (stromal vascular fraction, SVF) properties. Cells were cultured in a basal medium with five percent FBS supplemented with BLH at concentrations ranging from 25 to 300 µg/mL. Leg and breast muscle cells showed significantly enhanced proliferation, as indicated by MTS assay results and cell counts, in the BLH100 group compared to the FBS5 and control groups (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the expression of myogenic markers, including PAX7, NCAM1, MYF5, and MYOD1, was upregulated in leg muscle cells treated with BLH (p < 0.05). For SVFs, BLH50 promoted cell proliferation; however, differentiation decreased as BLH concentration increased. These findings suggest that BLH can enhance the proliferation of primary broiler cells, highlighting its potential applicability in the edible insect and cultured meat industries. Full article

Meteorological factors are the key drivers of air pollution. Stable weather conditions, the boundary layer height, and temperature inversion significantly influence the dispersion of particulate matter, which is also associated with the aerodynamic properties of particles. However, limited studies have been conducted on this topic in northeast China. This study investigates the influence of meteorological factors on PM_2.5 pollution under cold weather conditions, employing both qualitative and quantitative methods. The key meteorological factors considered include temperature difference, relative humidity, wind speed and direction, the boundary layer height (BLH), and temperature inversion. The stable weather index (SWI) is introduced as a quantitative measure of the stability of weather based on data from the last five winters in a typical megacity of northeast China. The monthly PM_2.5 concentrations recorded during the last five Februarys ranged from 59.79 μg/m³ to 85.68 μg/m³, with the highest daily concentration reaching 417 μg/m³. A new parameter, ‘temperature difference (ΔT)’, is defined in this study as the difference in temperature between two consecutive days, calculated by subtracting the previous day’s temperature from the current day’s. The temperature differences were found to have a significantly positive correlation with the differences in PM_2.5 concentrations (p < 0.01). The results showed that PM_2.5 pollution was associated with increased temperature, higher relative humidity, and lower wind speed, or any combination of these factors. The SWI explained 65% and 64% of the variances in air quality index (AQI) and PM_2.5 pollution, respectively. When the predicted SWI exceeds 10, the likelihood of particle pollution increases. A lower BLH, in conjunction with a thicker inversion layer, contributes to the formation of severe particle pollution. In the early stages of a winter pollution episode in Harbin, the temperature inversion layer thickened and intensified, with the inversion top height reaching approximately 200 m. The boundary layer remained below 200 m, resulting in a poor vertical dispersion condition. PM_2.5 pollution, therefore, is influenced by the combined effects of multiple meteorological factors. Our study quantitatively analyzed the characteristics of weather conditions and their impacts on air quality, which could provide scientific evidence for air pollution prediction and assist in making specific policy interventions, particularly for the upcoming ninth Asian Winter Games in Harbin in February 2025. Full article

This study analyzes fluctuations in the atmospheric boundary layer height (aBLH) over a Caribbean island using hourly measured and model-interpolated data from the 2019–2023 period. Our focus is the mean structure, diurnal cycle, and aBLH correlation with meteorological parameters on the leeward coast at Mayaguez (18.2 N, 67.1 W). The mean diurnal cycle of the aBLH increases from 300 m near sunrise (07:00) to 1200 m by 13:00 because of turbulent heating. Summer-time thermal circulations lead to a 3 °C increase in near-surface dewpoint temperature (Td) that propagates upward to 3000 m by 16:00. A case study demonstrates how mid-day trade winds turn onshore and generate significant rainfall and river discharge across the island. The context for this study is provided by a 24 yr cluster analysis that identifies rainfall over the island’s northwest interior driven by upstream heating. Analysis of linear trends from 1979 to 2023 shows that Td declined by −0.02 °C/yr above 1500 m because of large-scale subsidence. However, cool interior forests transpire humidity and instill contrasting trends that may amplify climate extremes. A better understanding of entrainment at the top of the atmospheric boundary layer could be critical for managing future water resources in Caribbean islands. Full article