Male infertility can result from impaired sperm motility caused by multiple morphological abnormalities of the flagella(MMAF).Distinct projections encircling the central microtubules of the spermatozoal axoneme play p...Male infertility can result from impaired sperm motility caused by multiple morphological abnormalities of the flagella(MMAF).Distinct projections encircling the central microtubules of the spermatozoal axoneme play pivotal roles in flagellar bending and spermatozoal movement.Mammalian sperm-associated antigen 17(SPAG17)encodes a conserved axonemal protein of cilia and flagella,forming part of the C1a projection of the central apparatus,with functions related to ciliary/flagellar motility,skeletal growth,and male fertility.This study investigated two novel homozygous SPAG17 mutations(M1:NM_206996.2,c.829+1G>T,p.Asp212_Glu276del;and M2:c.2120del,p.Leu707*)identified in four infertile patients from two consanguineous Pakistani families.These patients displayed the MMAF phenotype confirmed by Papanicolaou staining and scanning electron microscopy assays of spermatozoa.Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(PCR)of patients’spermatozoa also revealed a significant decrease in SPAG17 mRNA expression,and immunofluorescence staining showed the absence of SPAG17 protein signals along the flagella.However,no apparent ciliary-related symptoms or skeletal malformations were observed in the chest X-rays of any of the patients.Transmission electron microscopy of axoneme cross-sections from the patients showed incomplete C1a projection and a higher frequency of missing microtubule doublets 1 and 9 compared with those from fertile controls.Immunofluorescence staining and Western blot analyses of spermatogenesis-associated protein 17(SPATA17),a component of the C1a projection,and sperm-associated antigen 6(SPAG6),a marker of the spring layer,revealed disrupted expression of both proteins in the patients’spermatozoa.Altogether,these findings demonstrated that SPAG17 maintains the integrity of spermatozoal flagellar axoneme,expanding the phenotypic spectrum of SPAG17 mutations in humans.展开更多
The exploration and understanding of myxosporean,one of the crucial stressors causing fish disease,have always been highly regarded.The present study aims to fully understand a novel myxobolid species,Thelohanellus xi...The exploration and understanding of myxosporean,one of the crucial stressors causing fish disease,have always been highly regarded.The present study aims to fully understand a novel myxobolid species,Thelohanellus xiushanensis n.sp.infecting the gill filaments of Carassius auratus from Chongqing,China,as well as the associated pathological impacts.A multifaceted analysis at various levels and perspectives was carried out by the approach integrating morphology,molecular systematics,histopathology,combined host and habitat,as well as SSU rDNA data.The results indicated that its mature myxospores displayed a tapering anterior and a blunt-rounded posterior,with a dropshape in front view and melon-seed shape in sutural view in morphology.The outer surface was covered with a transparent membrane sheath in valve view.The dimensions of myxospores were average(19.2±1.1)(17.1-21.0)×(10.0±0.7)(8.7-12.1)×(9.7±0.5)(9.1-10.8)μm.An elliptical polar capsule,containing four to five turns of single polar filament,measures(8.0±0.6)(6.9-9.1)×(6.6±0.3)(6.1-7.1)μm.Its SSU rDNA sequence demonstrated the closest similarity(99.95%)with an actinosporean Neoactinomyxum sp.NEO-7.Histopathological results indicated that numerous myxoplasmodia of T.xiushanensis n.sp.were located in the tips of the gill filaments,resulting in deformation and rupture of partial gill filaments.Furthermore,severely infected gill lamellae exhibited hyperplasia and fusion,accompanied by infiltration of numerous eosinophils.In addition,regenerated gill filaments were observed at the bases of partially ruptured gill filaments,indicating that the host’s gill tissue has the innate capacity to shed diseased tissues and regenerate new ones.This study has proved the present species and Neoactinomyxum sp.NEO-7 belong to the same myxosporean species but corresponding to different developmental stage,designated as a new species.This novel species is a potential pathogen for the host,which should not be ignored.This study not only enriches myxobolid biodiversity and demonstrates a potentially pathogenic agent,but also provides a valid diagnosis for the gill myxoboliosis caused by the present pathogen in aquaculture.展开更多
In order to contribute to a better understanding of the biodiversity of local chicken populations, this study focused on the description of the essential qualitative parameters in the phenotypic characterization of lo...In order to contribute to a better understanding of the biodiversity of local chicken populations, this study focused on the description of the essential qualitative parameters in the phenotypic characterization of local species. Conducted in 6 localities in the Far North Region of Cameroon (Doukoula, Yagoua, Guidiguis, Dziguilao, Maroua 3rd and Méri), a population of 240 local chickens, including 172 hens and 68 cocks were characterized in family farms. The choice of localities was made on the basis of their strong potential local chicken flocks in the region. To this end, each animal was the subject of a qualitative description based on the identification of the sex of the animal, the description of the colorations of the plumage and extremities, and the description of the types of format, plumage and crests. All observations were made with the naked eye and in daylight and then photographed. The main results show that the plumage colors are multiple and dominated by the White-Pied-Black (21.7%) and the Mille-fleur (20.8%);the wattles are dominated by the red (60%) and the pink (35.4%);the tarsi are dominated by the white (43.8%) and the black (32.08%);the white skin (92.5%) dominates over the pink skin (7.5%);the “Smooth-uniform” feather is dominant (97.08%), followed by the smooth-crested type (2.08%) and the fries type (0.82%);the medium size of the chickens is dominant (86.66%), followed by the dwarf size (9.58%) and the large size (3.75%). The results of this study demonstrate that there is a strong phenotypic diversity within the local chicken population. This diversity can serve as a basis for the development of selection, conservation and genetic potential improvement programs based on rational exploitation of the local chicken.展开更多
This study investigates the morphological characteristics and evolutionary mechanisms of stream potholes in the granodiorite riverbed of the Quanfengtan reach,located in the lower Zijiang River,Hunan Province,China.Fi...This study investigates the morphological characteristics and evolutionary mechanisms of stream potholes in the granodiorite riverbed of the Quanfengtan reach,located in the lower Zijiang River,Hunan Province,China.Field surveys and statistical analyses reveal that these potholes exhibit diverse geometries(calibers:0.2-2.5 m;depths:0.03-1.98 m;depth-to-caliber ratios:0.08-1.63),predominantly elliptical and shallow,reflecting distinct developmental stages.These potholes show no spatial correlation with bedrock joints,and their long-axis orientations diverge from dominant joint trends.Instead,they exhibit consistent alignment with the river’s prevailing flow direction.Furthermore,pothole dimensions(e.g.,depth and diameter)strongly correlate with gravel size,indicating sediment-driven abrasion as the primary formation mechanism.The uplift of the Xuefeng Mountains relative to the Dongting Basin since the Late Quaternary,which drove the incision of the lower Zijiang River,transforming it from an alluvial channel to a bedrock-dominated channel,is the primary precondition enabling pothole development in this region.Additionally,the influence of climatic factors and human activities cannot be overlooked.The progressive formation,coalescence,and evolution of potholes into grooves constitute the primary mechanism driving riverbed erosion by the Zijiang River at Quanfengtan.展开更多
Since 2007,the world's largest transregional green tides caused by Ulva prolifera have periodically occurred in China.The morphology of U.prolifera drastically changes during the drifting period,but the reason for...Since 2007,the world's largest transregional green tides caused by Ulva prolifera have periodically occurred in China.The morphology of U.prolifera drastically changes during the drifting period,but the reason for this phenomenon has still been under debate.Our results showed that temperature partly explained the changes in the morphology of U.prolifera,with a determining factor of 0.498.The ratio of highly branched thalli decreased as the temperature increased from around 25 to 30℃.Because morphological changes and physiological acclimation synergistically occurred in floating macroalgae,we hypothesized that if the morphology of U.prolifera is also determined by its development state,and the U.prolifea thalli with different development states should have distinct morphological and physiological traits even under the same environmental conditions.To test the hypothesis,we investigated the photosynthesis of U.prolifera and found a higher photosynthetic capacity but lower photoprotective capacity in algae that grew in the branched development state compared to those in the unbranched development state.Combined with other field observations and lab experiments,we suggest that both temperature and development state contribute to the morphological changes of U.prolifera.Given the varying trends of temperature during U.prolifera blooms in past eleven years and the initial occurrence of U.prolifera thalli in the branched development state in the source of algal bloom,we emphasize the need for source management of green tides.展开更多
Rivers are crucial in the spread of invasive plants.Invasive plants alter their seed traits to adapt to environmental changes and promote invasion.Studying the trait changes in invasive plant seeds may improve the und...Rivers are crucial in the spread of invasive plants.Invasive plants alter their seed traits to adapt to environmental changes and promote invasion.Studying the trait changes in invasive plant seeds may improve the understanding of their propagation mechanisms along the river and provide appropriate control measures.In this study,seven Ambrosia trifida populations along the Liaohe River were used as study subjects.The results showed that the seven A.trifida populations were closely related and exhibited a certain gene exchange,but the absence of evidence of directed gene flow among populations did not confirm that rivers were the medium of seed dispersal of A.trifida.Along the Liaohe River,from top to bottom,the positive view area,length,width,perimeter,and thousand seed weight of A.trifida seeds showed an increasing trend.The total nitrogen and phosphorus contents in the river water of the A.trifida population in the lower reaches of the Liaohe River were higher than those at the other sites.Furthermore,along the river,from top to bottom,the available nitrogen,total nitrogen,total potassium,available potassium,and organic matter contents in the soil in which A.trifida populations grew showed significant increasing trends.River structure,water quality,and soil nutrients had direct and indirect effects on seed morphology.Soil total nitrogen,available potassium,and organic matter had significant positive effects on seed positive view area and perimeter,suggesting that the maternal effect played a critical role in shaping seed morphology.Our analysis showed that soil nutrients along the river may be the primary driver that governs changes in A.trifida seed traits.展开更多
OBJECTIVE:To investigate the site specificity and differences of the Hegu(LI4)located on the midpoint of the second metacarpal and the point where the bases of the first and second metacarpal bones on the dorsum was h...OBJECTIVE:To investigate the site specificity and differences of the Hegu(LI4)located on the midpoint of the second metacarpal and the point where the bases of the first and second metacarpal bones on the dorsum was historically used as Hegu(LI4)in Japan,through morphological,biomechanical,and histological analyses.METHODS:We defined distally located Hegu(LI4)as Hegu(LI4)-D and proximally located Hegu(LI4)as Hegu(LI4)-P.The distance from the skin surface to the blood vessels as well as the biomechanical properties of the two Hegu(LI4)samples were measured using an ultrasound device and Myoton PRO(Myoton AS,Tallinn,Estonia),respectively,in 20 healthy adult volunteers.Sympathetic fibers under the two Hegu(LI4)samples were histologically observed using tyrosine hydroxylase(TH)immunostaining in 10 cadavers.RESULTS:Hegu(LI4)-D was classified into type 1 with blood vessels<4 mm away from the skin surface,and type 2 with blood vessels>10 mm away from the skin surface.In Hegu(LI4)-P,blood vessels were approximately 10 mm away from the surface.Further,Hegu(LI4)-P had significantly higher tone,stiffness,and elasticity than Hegu(LI4)-D(P<0.0001).TH-positive fibers were present near the artery in Hegu(LI4)-P.CONCLUSION:Hegu(LI4)-D and Hegu(LI4)-P differed in terms of hardness and the distance between the skin surface and blood vessels.Furthermore,sympathetic nerve fibers were present near the artery in Hegu(LI4)-P.Taken together,these results suggest that there is site specificity of morphological,biomechanical,and histological differences between the Hegu(LI4)-D and Hegu(LI4)-P.展开更多
Interfacial compatibilization is essential to generate compatible blend structures with synergistically enhanced properties.However,the effect of molecular structure on the reactivity of compatibilizers is not properl...Interfacial compatibilization is essential to generate compatible blend structures with synergistically enhanced properties.However,the effect of molecular structure on the reactivity of compatibilizers is not properly known.This study investigates the compatibilization effect of multifunctional,epoxy-based Joncryl chain extender in blends of polylactide(PLA)and polybutylene adipate-co-terephthalate(PBAT)using PLA with varying D-lactide contents and molecular weights.These PLAs were high molecular weight amorphous PLA(aPLA)with D-content of 12 mol%and semi-crystalline PLA(scPLA)grades with D-contents below 1.5 mol%at both high(h)and low(l)molecular weights.The reactivity of Joncryl was assessed with each individual neat polymer,and its compatibilization effectwas examined in blends at aweight ratio of 75 wt/25wt using small amplitude oscillatory shear(SAOS)rheological analysis.Differential scanning calorimetry(DSC),dynamic mechanical analysis(DMA),tensile and impact tests,as well as scanning electron microscopy(SEM)observations,were conducted to characterize the blends.The addition of Joncryl resulted in remarkable improvements rheological behavior of all neat polymers and noticeably refined PBAT droplets in all blends,particularly in aPLA/PBAT and scPLA(l)/PBAT.The ductility,toughness and impact strength of these blends were significantly enhanced,while their tensile strength and modulus also showed slight improvements.Although the addition of Joncryl retarded the crystallization of the scPLA samples,the scPLA(h)/PBAT blend with Joncryl exhibited the highest thermomechanical performance over a wide temperature range.This was attributed to the higher crystallinity of scPLA(h),which,even in the presence of Joncryl,provided high thermal stability.展开更多
Dryopteridaceae are the largest fern family and include nearly 20%of extant fern diversity,with 24 currently recognized genera.Recognition and delineation of genera within this family have varied greatly.The three-sub...Dryopteridaceae are the largest fern family and include nearly 20%of extant fern diversity,with 24 currently recognized genera.Recognition and delineation of genera within this family have varied greatly.The three-subfamily classification of Dryopteridaceae was based primarily on molecular phylogenetic relationships but lacked morphological evidence,and the phylogenetic relationships of the subfamilies and genera of Dryopteridaceae are only partially resolved.A comprehensive and robust phylogeny is urgently needed.The heterogeneous morphology of the current members of Dryopteridaceae makes the family and its subfamilies difficult to define by single morphological characteristics or even character combinations.We carried out phylogenetic analyses to reconstruct a highly supported phylogeny of Dryopteridaceae.Our analyses recovered 24 strongly supported clades grouped into seven major clades of Dryopteridaceae.Seven morphological characters including habit,rhizome shape,frond morphology,rachis-costae architecture,appendages on stipe base and lamina,and soral arrangement were found to be informative for identifying different major clades and clades in Dryopteridaceae.Based on phylogenetic reconstruction and morphological analysis,we presented an updated infra-familial classification of Dryopteridaceae with seven subfamilies and 24 genera including four newly proposed subfamilies(Ctenitidoideae,Lastreopsidoideae,Pleocnemioideae,and Polystichopsidoideae).Morphological character combinations of each subfamily are summarized,and a key is provided.Most genera sensu PPG I are recognized,with Stigmatopetris reclassified into Dryopteridoideae and Arthrobotrya considered a synonym of Teratophyllum.A new genus Pseudarachniodes is introduced.This revised classification will serve as a foundational framework for future investigations on taxonomy,biogeography,and diversification of the most species-rich Dryopteridaceae in ferns.展开更多
Advertisement calls are essential for communication among anuran amphibians,with their production influenced by a range of environmental factors and morphological traits.To understand the primary sources of variation ...Advertisement calls are essential for communication among anuran amphibians,with their production influenced by a range of environmental factors and morphological traits.To understand the primary sources of variation of advertisement calls in male Leptobrachium liui,we recorded their advertisement calls during the breeding season and analyzed two primary acoustic parameters: call duration(CD) and dominant frequency(DF),along with their within-individual coefficients of variation.Additionally,we collected nest-related environmental parameters and morphological traits to investigate how these factors influence the variation in advertisement calls.Our analyses revealed that both nest-related environmental parameters(particularly water temperature) and individual morphological traits(especially head morphology) significantly influenced advertisement call characteristics in male L.liui.Water temperature showed a negative relationship with CD,while head morphology was positively associated with both CD and DF.These findings enhance our understanding of the factors shaping acoustic communication in L.liui during the breeding season and highlight the importance of both environmental and morphological factors in anuran vocalization.展开更多
The microstructural evolution at the liquid Al/solid Ni interface during remelting and resolidification was dynamically observed by using synchrotron radiography.The formation and growth behavior of Al_(3)Ni_(2) and A...The microstructural evolution at the liquid Al/solid Ni interface during remelting and resolidification was dynamically observed by using synchrotron radiography.The formation and growth behavior of Al_(3)Ni_(2) and Al_(3)Ni brittle intermetallic compounds(IMCs)under different conditions was investigated,and the formation mechanisms of dendritic Al_(3)Ni crystals with different morphologies were elucidated.The increasing remelting cycles accelerated the formation of Al_(3)Ni_(2) layer and the growth of Al_(3)Ni IMCs.The increased-step heating temperatures and time promoted the morphological transition from faceted to non-faceted dendritic Al_(3)Ni,which was attributed to the enhanced undercooling during solidification and incompletely remelted Al_(3)Ni IMCs during remelting.The growth of regular Al_(3)Ni dendrites was dominated by coalescence of secondary dendrite arms,while the growth of irregular dendrites Al_(3)Ni was controlled by dendrite merging,radial melting and axial melting of secondary arms.The axially free dendritic Al_(3)Ni was attributed to the small distance between adjacent main trunks,and the dense secondary arms promoted the formation of local solute depletion regions.展开更多
A morphology-based growth stage system should describe the growth and development of a crop and thereby help farmers and agronomists in formulating reasonable managementmeasures conducive to the development of marketa...A morphology-based growth stage system should describe the growth and development of a crop and thereby help farmers and agronomists in formulating reasonable managementmeasures conducive to the development of marketable products.However,existing growth stage systems for soybean are either based on plant growth or covered particular phases of flower or pod development,making it difficult to use for tracking the entire growth period of individual flowers and pods.Therefore,the first flower and pod,located at the base of the primary raceme in the eighth trifoliate node of the main stem,were chosen to illustrate growth dynamics during the full reproductive period.The size and fresh weight of the primary raceme in the eighth trifoliate leaf axil,the first flower and pod,the pistils in the first flower,and seeds in the first pod were examined,and the growth of these organs was depicted.Integrating the morphological characteristics and growth features of flowers and pods,as well as existing growth stage systems,the growth and development were delineated in 13 stages.In detail,we classified the flower phase based on the relative positions of floral components,inspired by the ratio of bract to flower used for staging,refined the lag phase proposed previously,retained the use of pod length to define the early pod phase,and innovatively described the late pod phase by the seed appearance.The developmental events in each stage of flower and pod were distinctive and closely connected to the corresponding morphology.Taken together,a more detailed growth stage system for describing individual flowers and pods in soybean was established.This system will serve as a valuable research tool for describing the development,gene expression,and cellular metabolism associated with the formation of flowers,pods,and seeds.展开更多
This study explored how the human cortical folding pattern composed of convex gyri and concave sulci afected single-subject morphological brain networks,which are becoming an important method for studying the human br...This study explored how the human cortical folding pattern composed of convex gyri and concave sulci afected single-subject morphological brain networks,which are becoming an important method for studying the human brain connectome.We found that gyri-gyri networks exhibited higher morphological similarity,lower small-world parameters,and lower long-term test-retest reliability than sulci-sulci networks for cortical thickness-and gyrifcation index-based networks,while opposite patterns were observed for fractal dimension-based networks.Further behavioral association analysis revealed that gyri-gyri networks and connections between gyral and sulcal regions signifcantly explained inter-individual variance in Cognition and Motor domains for fractal dimension-and sulcal depth-based networks.Finally,the clinical application showed that only sulci-sulci networks exhibited morphological similarity reductions in major depressive disorder for cortical thickness-,fractal dimension-,and gyrifcation index-based networks.Taken together,these fndings provide novel insights into the constraint of the cortical folding pattern to the network organization of the human brain.展开更多
Understanding the ecogeographic mechanisms driving morphological variation is pivotal in biogeographic studies. However, patterns and determinants of such variation remain contentious, particularly in amphibians. Alth...Understanding the ecogeographic mechanisms driving morphological variation is pivotal in biogeographic studies. However, patterns and determinants of such variation remain contentious, particularly in amphibians. Although several hypotheses have been formulated and investigated in amphibians, their validity remains disputed with mixed support. Using the Sichuan spiny frog(Nanorana sichuanensis) as an indicator, we investigated the morphological variations across geographic and environmental gradients to explore the underlying ecogeographic mechanisms. We found that both the body size and limb characteristics of N.sichuanensis were not significantly related to latitude or elevation, suggesting that it did not follow Bergmann's or Allen's rules. Eye diameter decreased linearly with increasing elevation and latitude, whereas snout length increased with increasing elevation and latitude. Heat balance, endurance, seasonality, water availability, and primary productivity collectively explain body size variation. Hierarchical partitioning identified primary productivity and thermal excursion as the most influential factors, explaining significant variability in body size and other morphological features. Specifically, primary productivity accounted for 52.40% of the variation in body size, whereas thermal excursion had the greatest impact on eye diameter(36.23%) and snout length(72.17%). Based on body size and dimensionally reduced morphological features, our results identified ecogeographic patterns, assessed the validity of different hypotheses, and examined how environmental factors influence these morphological variations. More generally, our study offers comprehensive insights into the ecogeographic variation observed in mountain amphibians,provides a critical evaluation of existing ecogeographic hypotheses, and infers possible morphological adaptations in response to environmental change.展开更多
Driven by rapid technological advancements and economic growth,mineral extraction and metal refining have increased dramatically,generating huge volumes of tailings and mine waste(TMWs).Investigating the morphological...Driven by rapid technological advancements and economic growth,mineral extraction and metal refining have increased dramatically,generating huge volumes of tailings and mine waste(TMWs).Investigating the morphological fractions of heavy metals and metalloids(HMMs)in TMWs is key to evaluating their leaching potential into the environment;however,traditional experiments are time-consuming and labor-intensive.In this study,10 machine learning(ML)algorithms were used and compared for rapidly predicting the morphological fractions of HMMs in TMWs.A dataset comprising 2376 data points was used,with mineral composition,elemental properties,and total concentration used as inputs and concentration of morphological fraction used as output.After grid search optimization,the extra tree model performed the best,achieving coefficient of determination(R2)of 0.946 and 0.942 on the validation and test sets,respectively.Electronegativity was found to have the greatest impact on the morphological fraction.The models’performance was enhanced by applying an ensemble method to the top three optimal ML models,including gradient boosting decision tree,extra trees and categorical boosting.Overall,the proposed framework can accurately predict the concentrations of different morphological fractions of HMMs in TMWs.This approach can minimize detection time,aid in the safe management and recovery of TMWs.展开更多
Objective:To confirm the presence of Culex(Cx.)(Lophoceraomyia)cinctellus in Sri Lanka using morphological and molecular evidence.Methods:From October 2019 to April 2020,mosquito surveillance was conducted fort-nightl...Objective:To confirm the presence of Culex(Cx.)(Lophoceraomyia)cinctellus in Sri Lanka using morphological and molecular evidence.Methods:From October 2019 to April 2020,mosquito surveillance was conducted fort-nightly in the Banduragoda Public Health Inspector area.Larvae were collected using standard siphoning methods,while adults were sampled using Cattle Baited Trap,Gravid Traps,Light Traps,Bird-Baited Traps,Dog Baited Traps,and diurnal human landing collections.Specimens were transported to the Entomology Laboratory at the Medical Research Institute for identification.Morphological identification was performed using standard taxonomic keys.Molecular confirmation was achieved through DNA sequencing of mosquito head and thoracic regions,followed by sequence analysis using NCBI BLAST and Geneious software(version 7.1.3).Results:Adults of Cx.cinctellus were identified in Bird-Baited Traps and human bait collections.Unique morphological characteristics,including well-developed pulvilli,wing vein 1A ending before the apex of cross vein mcu,basal transverse pale bands on abdominal terga,and two labial basal setae on the proboscis,confirmed species identity.Morphometric measurements included mean thoracic length(0.58±0.02)mm,thoracic width(0.63±0.02)mm,abdominal length(2.15±0.03)mm,abdominal width(0.61±0.01)mm,and wing length(2.91±0.02)mm.Molecular analysis corroborated the morphological identification,affirming the species as Cx.cinctellus.COI sequences of the collected specimen(452 bp)were confirmed as Cx.cinctellus for sequence identity by BLAST and BOLD analysis.These sequences were subsequently deposited in GenBank under the accession number OR225623.1.Conclusions:This study documents the first occurrence of Cx.cinctellus in Sri Lanka,highlighting the need to enhance entomological surveillance to monitor its dispersal and population dynamics.展开更多
With the objective of investigating the basis of phosphorus(P)utilization efficiency(PUE),physiological and morphological traits,two P-efficient and two P-inefficient rapeseed(Brassica napus L.)cultivars were compared...With the objective of investigating the basis of phosphorus(P)utilization efficiency(PUE),physiological and morphological traits,two P-efficient and two P-inefficient rapeseed(Brassica napus L.)cultivars were compared at the seedling stage.P-efficient cultivars showed root morphological adaptation,high P uptake activity,and greater phospholipid degradation under low P stress.Improving root morphological adaptation and reducing lipid-P allocation could allow increasing PUE in rapeseed seedlings.展开更多
Multiple morphological abnormalities of the flagella(MMAF)represent a severe form of sperm defects leading to asthenozoospermia and male infertility.In this study,we identified a novel homozygous splicing mutation(c.8...Multiple morphological abnormalities of the flagella(MMAF)represent a severe form of sperm defects leading to asthenozoospermia and male infertility.In this study,we identified a novel homozygous splicing mutation(c.871-4 ACA>A)in the adenylate kinase 7(AK7)gene by whole-exome sequencing in infertile individuals.Spermatozoa from affected individuals exhibited typical MMAF characteristics,including coiled,bent,short,absent,and irregular flagella.Transmission electron microscopy analysis showed disorganized axonemal structure and abnormal mitochondrial sheets in sperm flagella.Immunofluorescence staining confirmed the absence of AK7 protein from the patients’spermatozoa,validating the pathogenic nature of the mutation.This study provides direct evidence linking the AK7 gene to MMAF-associated asthenozoospermia in humans,expanding the mutational spectrum of AK7 and enhancing our understanding of the genetic basis of male infertility.展开更多
Multiple morphological abnormalities of sperm flagella(MMAF)is a severe form of asthenoteratozoospermia,characterized by morphological abnormalities and reduced motility of sperm,causing male infertility.Although appr...Multiple morphological abnormalities of sperm flagella(MMAF)is a severe form of asthenoteratozoospermia,characterized by morphological abnormalities and reduced motility of sperm,causing male infertility.Although approximately 60%of MMAF cases can be explained genetically,the etiology of the remaining cases is unclear.Here,we identified two novel compound heterozygous variants in the gene,dynein axonemal heavy chain 10(DNAH10),in three patients from two unrelated Pakistani families using whole-exome sequencing(WES),including one compound heterozygous mutation(DNAH10:c.9409C>A[p.P3137T];c.12946G>C[p.D4316H])in family 1 and another compound heterozygous mutation(DNAH10:c.8849G>A[p.G2950D];c.11509C>T[p.R3687W])in family 2.All the identified variants are absent or rare in public genome databases and are predicted to have deleterious effects according to multiple bioinformatic tools.Sanger sequencing revealed that these variants follow an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance.Hematoxylin and eosin(H&E)staining revealed MMAF,including sperm head abnormalities,in the patients.In addition,immunofluorescence staining revealed loss of DNAH10 protein signals along sperm flagella.These findings broaden the spectrum of DNAH10 variants and expand understanding of the genetic basis of male infertility associated with the MMAF phenotype.展开更多
Successful non-native species can exhibit rapid divergence of key phenotypic traits to facilitate population persistence and further range expansion.Such phenotypic shifts can be sex-dependent as males and females usu...Successful non-native species can exhibit rapid divergence of key phenotypic traits to facilitate population persistence and further range expansion.Such phenotypic shifts can be sex-dependent as males and females usually have distinct reproductive and dispersal modes responding to relevant selective forces.Here,we showed significant phenotypic divergence in a set of fitness-related traits among males but not among females in the introduced oriental fire-bellied toads(Bombina orientalis),which established a non-native population in Beijing after being introduced in 1927.Specifically,compared with the native counterparts,introduced males displayed younger age and reduced body size,but increased hindlimb length and eye size after controlling the age effect.As the toads have male-biased sex ratio and male-biased dispersal during breeding season,the observed shifts may suggest that the male-biased selective forces have induced increased energy allocation to dispersal and foraging,and thus decreased allocation to maintain longevity in males.Overall,our study provides evidence for the modification of fitness-related phenotypic traits in a non-native anuran population compared with native populations and extends our understanding of key trait divergence in established non-native amphibian under sexual-unbalanced selective forces.展开更多
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.82171599 and No.32270901)the National Key Research and Developmental Program of China(2022YFC2702601 and 2022YFA0806303)the Global Select Project(DJKLX-2022010)of the Institute of Health and Medicine,Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center.
文摘Male infertility can result from impaired sperm motility caused by multiple morphological abnormalities of the flagella(MMAF).Distinct projections encircling the central microtubules of the spermatozoal axoneme play pivotal roles in flagellar bending and spermatozoal movement.Mammalian sperm-associated antigen 17(SPAG17)encodes a conserved axonemal protein of cilia and flagella,forming part of the C1a projection of the central apparatus,with functions related to ciliary/flagellar motility,skeletal growth,and male fertility.This study investigated two novel homozygous SPAG17 mutations(M1:NM_206996.2,c.829+1G>T,p.Asp212_Glu276del;and M2:c.2120del,p.Leu707*)identified in four infertile patients from two consanguineous Pakistani families.These patients displayed the MMAF phenotype confirmed by Papanicolaou staining and scanning electron microscopy assays of spermatozoa.Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(PCR)of patients’spermatozoa also revealed a significant decrease in SPAG17 mRNA expression,and immunofluorescence staining showed the absence of SPAG17 protein signals along the flagella.However,no apparent ciliary-related symptoms or skeletal malformations were observed in the chest X-rays of any of the patients.Transmission electron microscopy of axoneme cross-sections from the patients showed incomplete C1a projection and a higher frequency of missing microtubule doublets 1 and 9 compared with those from fertile controls.Immunofluorescence staining and Western blot analyses of spermatogenesis-associated protein 17(SPATA17),a component of the C1a projection,and sperm-associated antigen 6(SPAG6),a marker of the spring layer,revealed disrupted expression of both proteins in the patients’spermatozoa.Altogether,these findings demonstrated that SPAG17 maintains the integrity of spermatozoal flagellar axoneme,expanding the phenotypic spectrum of SPAG17 mutations in humans.
基金National Natural Science Foundation of China(31970409)Projects of Chongqing Science and Technology Commission(cstc2021jcyj-msxmX0731)。
文摘The exploration and understanding of myxosporean,one of the crucial stressors causing fish disease,have always been highly regarded.The present study aims to fully understand a novel myxobolid species,Thelohanellus xiushanensis n.sp.infecting the gill filaments of Carassius auratus from Chongqing,China,as well as the associated pathological impacts.A multifaceted analysis at various levels and perspectives was carried out by the approach integrating morphology,molecular systematics,histopathology,combined host and habitat,as well as SSU rDNA data.The results indicated that its mature myxospores displayed a tapering anterior and a blunt-rounded posterior,with a dropshape in front view and melon-seed shape in sutural view in morphology.The outer surface was covered with a transparent membrane sheath in valve view.The dimensions of myxospores were average(19.2±1.1)(17.1-21.0)×(10.0±0.7)(8.7-12.1)×(9.7±0.5)(9.1-10.8)μm.An elliptical polar capsule,containing four to five turns of single polar filament,measures(8.0±0.6)(6.9-9.1)×(6.6±0.3)(6.1-7.1)μm.Its SSU rDNA sequence demonstrated the closest similarity(99.95%)with an actinosporean Neoactinomyxum sp.NEO-7.Histopathological results indicated that numerous myxoplasmodia of T.xiushanensis n.sp.were located in the tips of the gill filaments,resulting in deformation and rupture of partial gill filaments.Furthermore,severely infected gill lamellae exhibited hyperplasia and fusion,accompanied by infiltration of numerous eosinophils.In addition,regenerated gill filaments were observed at the bases of partially ruptured gill filaments,indicating that the host’s gill tissue has the innate capacity to shed diseased tissues and regenerate new ones.This study has proved the present species and Neoactinomyxum sp.NEO-7 belong to the same myxosporean species but corresponding to different developmental stage,designated as a new species.This novel species is a potential pathogen for the host,which should not be ignored.This study not only enriches myxobolid biodiversity and demonstrates a potentially pathogenic agent,but also provides a valid diagnosis for the gill myxoboliosis caused by the present pathogen in aquaculture.
文摘In order to contribute to a better understanding of the biodiversity of local chicken populations, this study focused on the description of the essential qualitative parameters in the phenotypic characterization of local species. Conducted in 6 localities in the Far North Region of Cameroon (Doukoula, Yagoua, Guidiguis, Dziguilao, Maroua 3rd and Méri), a population of 240 local chickens, including 172 hens and 68 cocks were characterized in family farms. The choice of localities was made on the basis of their strong potential local chicken flocks in the region. To this end, each animal was the subject of a qualitative description based on the identification of the sex of the animal, the description of the colorations of the plumage and extremities, and the description of the types of format, plumage and crests. All observations were made with the naked eye and in daylight and then photographed. The main results show that the plumage colors are multiple and dominated by the White-Pied-Black (21.7%) and the Mille-fleur (20.8%);the wattles are dominated by the red (60%) and the pink (35.4%);the tarsi are dominated by the white (43.8%) and the black (32.08%);the white skin (92.5%) dominates over the pink skin (7.5%);the “Smooth-uniform” feather is dominant (97.08%), followed by the smooth-crested type (2.08%) and the fries type (0.82%);the medium size of the chickens is dominant (86.66%), followed by the dwarf size (9.58%) and the large size (3.75%). The results of this study demonstrate that there is a strong phenotypic diversity within the local chicken population. This diversity can serve as a basis for the development of selection, conservation and genetic potential improvement programs based on rational exploitation of the local chicken.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.42101005)the Hunan Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.2025JJ50182)the Scientific Research Fund of Hunan Provincial Education Department(Grant No.24A0582).
文摘This study investigates the morphological characteristics and evolutionary mechanisms of stream potholes in the granodiorite riverbed of the Quanfengtan reach,located in the lower Zijiang River,Hunan Province,China.Field surveys and statistical analyses reveal that these potholes exhibit diverse geometries(calibers:0.2-2.5 m;depths:0.03-1.98 m;depth-to-caliber ratios:0.08-1.63),predominantly elliptical and shallow,reflecting distinct developmental stages.These potholes show no spatial correlation with bedrock joints,and their long-axis orientations diverge from dominant joint trends.Instead,they exhibit consistent alignment with the river’s prevailing flow direction.Furthermore,pothole dimensions(e.g.,depth and diameter)strongly correlate with gravel size,indicating sediment-driven abrasion as the primary formation mechanism.The uplift of the Xuefeng Mountains relative to the Dongting Basin since the Late Quaternary,which drove the incision of the lower Zijiang River,transforming it from an alluvial channel to a bedrock-dominated channel,is the primary precondition enabling pothole development in this region.Additionally,the influence of climatic factors and human activities cannot be overlooked.The progressive formation,coalescence,and evolution of potholes into grooves constitute the primary mechanism driving riverbed erosion by the Zijiang River at Quanfengtan.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(No.2022YFC3106000)the major innovation project for the science education industry integration pilot project of Qilu University of Technology(Shandong Academy of Sciences)(No.2023JBZ03)+1 种基金the talent research projects of Qilu University of Technology(Shandong Academy of Science)(No.2023RCKY039)the open funding project of Key Laboratory of Marine ecological monitoring and restoration technologies,MNR,China(No.MEMRT202301)。
文摘Since 2007,the world's largest transregional green tides caused by Ulva prolifera have periodically occurred in China.The morphology of U.prolifera drastically changes during the drifting period,but the reason for this phenomenon has still been under debate.Our results showed that temperature partly explained the changes in the morphology of U.prolifera,with a determining factor of 0.498.The ratio of highly branched thalli decreased as the temperature increased from around 25 to 30℃.Because morphological changes and physiological acclimation synergistically occurred in floating macroalgae,we hypothesized that if the morphology of U.prolifera is also determined by its development state,and the U.prolifea thalli with different development states should have distinct morphological and physiological traits even under the same environmental conditions.To test the hypothesis,we investigated the photosynthesis of U.prolifera and found a higher photosynthetic capacity but lower photoprotective capacity in algae that grew in the branched development state compared to those in the unbranched development state.Combined with other field observations and lab experiments,we suggest that both temperature and development state contribute to the morphological changes of U.prolifera.Given the varying trends of temperature during U.prolifera blooms in past eleven years and the initial occurrence of U.prolifera thalli in the branched development state in the source of algal bloom,we emphasize the need for source management of green tides.
基金funded by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2022YFF1301004)the National Key R&D Program(2023YFC2604500).
文摘Rivers are crucial in the spread of invasive plants.Invasive plants alter their seed traits to adapt to environmental changes and promote invasion.Studying the trait changes in invasive plant seeds may improve the understanding of their propagation mechanisms along the river and provide appropriate control measures.In this study,seven Ambrosia trifida populations along the Liaohe River were used as study subjects.The results showed that the seven A.trifida populations were closely related and exhibited a certain gene exchange,but the absence of evidence of directed gene flow among populations did not confirm that rivers were the medium of seed dispersal of A.trifida.Along the Liaohe River,from top to bottom,the positive view area,length,width,perimeter,and thousand seed weight of A.trifida seeds showed an increasing trend.The total nitrogen and phosphorus contents in the river water of the A.trifida population in the lower reaches of the Liaohe River were higher than those at the other sites.Furthermore,along the river,from top to bottom,the available nitrogen,total nitrogen,total potassium,available potassium,and organic matter contents in the soil in which A.trifida populations grew showed significant increasing trends.River structure,water quality,and soil nutrients had direct and indirect effects on seed morphology.Soil total nitrogen,available potassium,and organic matter had significant positive effects on seed positive view area and perimeter,suggesting that the maternal effect played a critical role in shaping seed morphology.Our analysis showed that soil nutrients along the river may be the primary driver that governs changes in A.trifida seed traits.
文摘OBJECTIVE:To investigate the site specificity and differences of the Hegu(LI4)located on the midpoint of the second metacarpal and the point where the bases of the first and second metacarpal bones on the dorsum was historically used as Hegu(LI4)in Japan,through morphological,biomechanical,and histological analyses.METHODS:We defined distally located Hegu(LI4)as Hegu(LI4)-D and proximally located Hegu(LI4)as Hegu(LI4)-P.The distance from the skin surface to the blood vessels as well as the biomechanical properties of the two Hegu(LI4)samples were measured using an ultrasound device and Myoton PRO(Myoton AS,Tallinn,Estonia),respectively,in 20 healthy adult volunteers.Sympathetic fibers under the two Hegu(LI4)samples were histologically observed using tyrosine hydroxylase(TH)immunostaining in 10 cadavers.RESULTS:Hegu(LI4)-D was classified into type 1 with blood vessels<4 mm away from the skin surface,and type 2 with blood vessels>10 mm away from the skin surface.In Hegu(LI4)-P,blood vessels were approximately 10 mm away from the surface.Further,Hegu(LI4)-P had significantly higher tone,stiffness,and elasticity than Hegu(LI4)-D(P<0.0001).TH-positive fibers were present near the artery in Hegu(LI4)-P.CONCLUSION:Hegu(LI4)-D and Hegu(LI4)-P differed in terms of hardness and the distance between the skin surface and blood vessels.Furthermore,sympathetic nerve fibers were present near the artery in Hegu(LI4)-P.Taken together,these results suggest that there is site specificity of morphological,biomechanical,and histological differences between the Hegu(LI4)-D and Hegu(LI4)-P.
基金supported by the Istanbul Technical University-Scientific Research Projects(ITUBAP)with project number of 45964Additional financial support was granted by the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey(TUBITAK)under the 2218 Domestic Post-Doctoral Research Fellowship Program(Project No.118C574).
文摘Interfacial compatibilization is essential to generate compatible blend structures with synergistically enhanced properties.However,the effect of molecular structure on the reactivity of compatibilizers is not properly known.This study investigates the compatibilization effect of multifunctional,epoxy-based Joncryl chain extender in blends of polylactide(PLA)and polybutylene adipate-co-terephthalate(PBAT)using PLA with varying D-lactide contents and molecular weights.These PLAs were high molecular weight amorphous PLA(aPLA)with D-content of 12 mol%and semi-crystalline PLA(scPLA)grades with D-contents below 1.5 mol%at both high(h)and low(l)molecular weights.The reactivity of Joncryl was assessed with each individual neat polymer,and its compatibilization effectwas examined in blends at aweight ratio of 75 wt/25wt using small amplitude oscillatory shear(SAOS)rheological analysis.Differential scanning calorimetry(DSC),dynamic mechanical analysis(DMA),tensile and impact tests,as well as scanning electron microscopy(SEM)observations,were conducted to characterize the blends.The addition of Joncryl resulted in remarkable improvements rheological behavior of all neat polymers and noticeably refined PBAT droplets in all blends,particularly in aPLA/PBAT and scPLA(l)/PBAT.The ductility,toughness and impact strength of these blends were significantly enhanced,while their tensile strength and modulus also showed slight improvements.Although the addition of Joncryl retarded the crystallization of the scPLA samples,the scPLA(h)/PBAT blend with Joncryl exhibited the highest thermomechanical performance over a wide temperature range.This was attributed to the higher crystallinity of scPLA(h),which,even in the presence of Joncryl,provided high thermal stability.
基金funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.31970232)the National Key Basic Research Program of China(Grant No.2014CB954100).
文摘Dryopteridaceae are the largest fern family and include nearly 20%of extant fern diversity,with 24 currently recognized genera.Recognition and delineation of genera within this family have varied greatly.The three-subfamily classification of Dryopteridaceae was based primarily on molecular phylogenetic relationships but lacked morphological evidence,and the phylogenetic relationships of the subfamilies and genera of Dryopteridaceae are only partially resolved.A comprehensive and robust phylogeny is urgently needed.The heterogeneous morphology of the current members of Dryopteridaceae makes the family and its subfamilies difficult to define by single morphological characteristics or even character combinations.We carried out phylogenetic analyses to reconstruct a highly supported phylogeny of Dryopteridaceae.Our analyses recovered 24 strongly supported clades grouped into seven major clades of Dryopteridaceae.Seven morphological characters including habit,rhizome shape,frond morphology,rachis-costae architecture,appendages on stipe base and lamina,and soral arrangement were found to be informative for identifying different major clades and clades in Dryopteridaceae.Based on phylogenetic reconstruction and morphological analysis,we presented an updated infra-familial classification of Dryopteridaceae with seven subfamilies and 24 genera including four newly proposed subfamilies(Ctenitidoideae,Lastreopsidoideae,Pleocnemioideae,and Polystichopsidoideae).Morphological character combinations of each subfamily are summarized,and a key is provided.Most genera sensu PPG I are recognized,with Stigmatopetris reclassified into Dryopteridoideae and Arthrobotrya considered a synonym of Teratophyllum.A new genus Pseudarachniodes is introduced.This revised classification will serve as a foundational framework for future investigations on taxonomy,biogeography,and diversification of the most species-rich Dryopteridaceae in ferns.
基金supported by the County-School Cooperation Project in Suichang County (2024-HZ12)Ecological Discipline Construction Fund of Lishui University。
文摘Advertisement calls are essential for communication among anuran amphibians,with their production influenced by a range of environmental factors and morphological traits.To understand the primary sources of variation of advertisement calls in male Leptobrachium liui,we recorded their advertisement calls during the breeding season and analyzed two primary acoustic parameters: call duration(CD) and dominant frequency(DF),along with their within-individual coefficients of variation.Additionally,we collected nest-related environmental parameters and morphological traits to investigate how these factors influence the variation in advertisement calls.Our analyses revealed that both nest-related environmental parameters(particularly water temperature) and individual morphological traits(especially head morphology) significantly influenced advertisement call characteristics in male L.liui.Water temperature showed a negative relationship with CD,while head morphology was positively associated with both CD and DF.These findings enhance our understanding of the factors shaping acoustic communication in L.liui during the breeding season and highlight the importance of both environmental and morphological factors in anuran vocalization.
基金financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China-Outstanding Young Scholars(52325407)National Natural Science Foundation of China(52474401)+1 种基金Project funded by China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(No.2022M712919)Guangdong Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation(2023A1515140124,2025A1515012873,2022A1515140028,2022A1515010761).
文摘The microstructural evolution at the liquid Al/solid Ni interface during remelting and resolidification was dynamically observed by using synchrotron radiography.The formation and growth behavior of Al_(3)Ni_(2) and Al_(3)Ni brittle intermetallic compounds(IMCs)under different conditions was investigated,and the formation mechanisms of dendritic Al_(3)Ni crystals with different morphologies were elucidated.The increasing remelting cycles accelerated the formation of Al_(3)Ni_(2) layer and the growth of Al_(3)Ni IMCs.The increased-step heating temperatures and time promoted the morphological transition from faceted to non-faceted dendritic Al_(3)Ni,which was attributed to the enhanced undercooling during solidification and incompletely remelted Al_(3)Ni IMCs during remelting.The growth of regular Al_(3)Ni dendrites was dominated by coalescence of secondary dendrite arms,while the growth of irregular dendrites Al_(3)Ni was controlled by dendrite merging,radial melting and axial melting of secondary arms.The axially free dendritic Al_(3)Ni was attributed to the small distance between adjacent main trunks,and the dense secondary arms promoted the formation of local solute depletion regions.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2023YFD2301500).
文摘A morphology-based growth stage system should describe the growth and development of a crop and thereby help farmers and agronomists in formulating reasonable managementmeasures conducive to the development of marketable products.However,existing growth stage systems for soybean are either based on plant growth or covered particular phases of flower or pod development,making it difficult to use for tracking the entire growth period of individual flowers and pods.Therefore,the first flower and pod,located at the base of the primary raceme in the eighth trifoliate node of the main stem,were chosen to illustrate growth dynamics during the full reproductive period.The size and fresh weight of the primary raceme in the eighth trifoliate leaf axil,the first flower and pod,the pistils in the first flower,and seeds in the first pod were examined,and the growth of these organs was depicted.Integrating the morphological characteristics and growth features of flowers and pods,as well as existing growth stage systems,the growth and development were delineated in 13 stages.In detail,we classified the flower phase based on the relative positions of floral components,inspired by the ratio of bract to flower used for staging,refined the lag phase proposed previously,retained the use of pod length to define the early pod phase,and innovatively described the late pod phase by the seed appearance.The developmental events in each stage of flower and pod were distinctive and closely connected to the corresponding morphology.Taken together,a more detailed growth stage system for describing individual flowers and pods in soybean was established.This system will serve as a valuable research tool for describing the development,gene expression,and cellular metabolism associated with the formation of flowers,pods,and seeds.
基金supported by the STI 2030-Major Projects(2021ZD0200500)the National Social Science Foundation of China(20&ZD296)Key Realm R&D Program of Guangdong Province(2019B030335001).
文摘This study explored how the human cortical folding pattern composed of convex gyri and concave sulci afected single-subject morphological brain networks,which are becoming an important method for studying the human brain connectome.We found that gyri-gyri networks exhibited higher morphological similarity,lower small-world parameters,and lower long-term test-retest reliability than sulci-sulci networks for cortical thickness-and gyrifcation index-based networks,while opposite patterns were observed for fractal dimension-based networks.Further behavioral association analysis revealed that gyri-gyri networks and connections between gyral and sulcal regions signifcantly explained inter-individual variance in Cognition and Motor domains for fractal dimension-and sulcal depth-based networks.Finally,the clinical application showed that only sulci-sulci networks exhibited morphological similarity reductions in major depressive disorder for cortical thickness-,fractal dimension-,and gyrifcation index-based networks.Taken together,these fndings provide novel insights into the constraint of the cortical folding pattern to the network organization of the human brain.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (32071544, 32271737)the Interdisciplinary Innovation Team of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) “Light of West China” Program (xbzg-zdsys-202207)。
文摘Understanding the ecogeographic mechanisms driving morphological variation is pivotal in biogeographic studies. However, patterns and determinants of such variation remain contentious, particularly in amphibians. Although several hypotheses have been formulated and investigated in amphibians, their validity remains disputed with mixed support. Using the Sichuan spiny frog(Nanorana sichuanensis) as an indicator, we investigated the morphological variations across geographic and environmental gradients to explore the underlying ecogeographic mechanisms. We found that both the body size and limb characteristics of N.sichuanensis were not significantly related to latitude or elevation, suggesting that it did not follow Bergmann's or Allen's rules. Eye diameter decreased linearly with increasing elevation and latitude, whereas snout length increased with increasing elevation and latitude. Heat balance, endurance, seasonality, water availability, and primary productivity collectively explain body size variation. Hierarchical partitioning identified primary productivity and thermal excursion as the most influential factors, explaining significant variability in body size and other morphological features. Specifically, primary productivity accounted for 52.40% of the variation in body size, whereas thermal excursion had the greatest impact on eye diameter(36.23%) and snout length(72.17%). Based on body size and dimensionally reduced morphological features, our results identified ecogeographic patterns, assessed the validity of different hypotheses, and examined how environmental factors influence these morphological variations. More generally, our study offers comprehensive insights into the ecogeographic variation observed in mountain amphibians,provides a critical evaluation of existing ecogeographic hypotheses, and infers possible morphological adaptations in response to environmental change.
基金Project(2024JJ2074) supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Hunan Province,ChinaProject(22376221) supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of ChinaProject(2023QNRC001) supported by the Young Elite Scientists Sponsorship Program by CAST,China。
文摘Driven by rapid technological advancements and economic growth,mineral extraction and metal refining have increased dramatically,generating huge volumes of tailings and mine waste(TMWs).Investigating the morphological fractions of heavy metals and metalloids(HMMs)in TMWs is key to evaluating their leaching potential into the environment;however,traditional experiments are time-consuming and labor-intensive.In this study,10 machine learning(ML)algorithms were used and compared for rapidly predicting the morphological fractions of HMMs in TMWs.A dataset comprising 2376 data points was used,with mineral composition,elemental properties,and total concentration used as inputs and concentration of morphological fraction used as output.After grid search optimization,the extra tree model performed the best,achieving coefficient of determination(R2)of 0.946 and 0.942 on the validation and test sets,respectively.Electronegativity was found to have the greatest impact on the morphological fraction.The models’performance was enhanced by applying an ensemble method to the top three optimal ML models,including gradient boosting decision tree,extra trees and categorical boosting.Overall,the proposed framework can accurately predict the concentrations of different morphological fractions of HMMs in TMWs.This approach can minimize detection time,aid in the safe management and recovery of TMWs.
文摘Objective:To confirm the presence of Culex(Cx.)(Lophoceraomyia)cinctellus in Sri Lanka using morphological and molecular evidence.Methods:From October 2019 to April 2020,mosquito surveillance was conducted fort-nightly in the Banduragoda Public Health Inspector area.Larvae were collected using standard siphoning methods,while adults were sampled using Cattle Baited Trap,Gravid Traps,Light Traps,Bird-Baited Traps,Dog Baited Traps,and diurnal human landing collections.Specimens were transported to the Entomology Laboratory at the Medical Research Institute for identification.Morphological identification was performed using standard taxonomic keys.Molecular confirmation was achieved through DNA sequencing of mosquito head and thoracic regions,followed by sequence analysis using NCBI BLAST and Geneious software(version 7.1.3).Results:Adults of Cx.cinctellus were identified in Bird-Baited Traps and human bait collections.Unique morphological characteristics,including well-developed pulvilli,wing vein 1A ending before the apex of cross vein mcu,basal transverse pale bands on abdominal terga,and two labial basal setae on the proboscis,confirmed species identity.Morphometric measurements included mean thoracic length(0.58±0.02)mm,thoracic width(0.63±0.02)mm,abdominal length(2.15±0.03)mm,abdominal width(0.61±0.01)mm,and wing length(2.91±0.02)mm.Molecular analysis corroborated the morphological identification,affirming the species as Cx.cinctellus.COI sequences of the collected specimen(452 bp)were confirmed as Cx.cinctellus for sequence identity by BLAST and BOLD analysis.These sequences were subsequently deposited in GenBank under the accession number OR225623.1.Conclusions:This study documents the first occurrence of Cx.cinctellus in Sri Lanka,highlighting the need to enhance entomological surveillance to monitor its dispersal and population dynamics.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2024YFD2301200)National Nature Science Foundation of China(32172662).
文摘With the objective of investigating the basis of phosphorus(P)utilization efficiency(PUE),physiological and morphological traits,two P-efficient and two P-inefficient rapeseed(Brassica napus L.)cultivars were compared at the seedling stage.P-efficient cultivars showed root morphological adaptation,high P uptake activity,and greater phospholipid degradation under low P stress.Improving root morphological adaptation and reducing lipid-P allocation could allow increasing PUE in rapeseed seedlings.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(No.2021YFC2700202,No.2022YFA0806303,and No.2022YFC2702601)the Global Select Project of the Institute of Health and Medicine,Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center(DJK-LX-2022010)the Joint Fund for New Medicine of USTC(YD9100002034).
文摘Multiple morphological abnormalities of the flagella(MMAF)represent a severe form of sperm defects leading to asthenozoospermia and male infertility.In this study,we identified a novel homozygous splicing mutation(c.871-4 ACA>A)in the adenylate kinase 7(AK7)gene by whole-exome sequencing in infertile individuals.Spermatozoa from affected individuals exhibited typical MMAF characteristics,including coiled,bent,short,absent,and irregular flagella.Transmission electron microscopy analysis showed disorganized axonemal structure and abnormal mitochondrial sheets in sperm flagella.Immunofluorescence staining confirmed the absence of AK7 protein from the patients’spermatozoa,validating the pathogenic nature of the mutation.This study provides direct evidence linking the AK7 gene to MMAF-associated asthenozoospermia in humans,expanding the mutational spectrum of AK7 and enhancing our understanding of the genetic basis of male infertility.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.32100689)the National Key Research and Development Program of China(No.2021YFC2700202,No.2022YFA0806303,and No.2022YFC2702601)+1 种基金the Global Select Project(No.DJK-LX-2022010)of the Institute of Health and MedicineHefei Comprehensive National Science Center,and the Joint Fund for New Medicine of USTC(No.YD9100002034).
文摘Multiple morphological abnormalities of sperm flagella(MMAF)is a severe form of asthenoteratozoospermia,characterized by morphological abnormalities and reduced motility of sperm,causing male infertility.Although approximately 60%of MMAF cases can be explained genetically,the etiology of the remaining cases is unclear.Here,we identified two novel compound heterozygous variants in the gene,dynein axonemal heavy chain 10(DNAH10),in three patients from two unrelated Pakistani families using whole-exome sequencing(WES),including one compound heterozygous mutation(DNAH10:c.9409C>A[p.P3137T];c.12946G>C[p.D4316H])in family 1 and another compound heterozygous mutation(DNAH10:c.8849G>A[p.G2950D];c.11509C>T[p.R3687W])in family 2.All the identified variants are absent or rare in public genome databases and are predicted to have deleterious effects according to multiple bioinformatic tools.Sanger sequencing revealed that these variants follow an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance.Hematoxylin and eosin(H&E)staining revealed MMAF,including sperm head abnormalities,in the patients.In addition,immunofluorescence staining revealed loss of DNAH10 protein signals along sperm flagella.These findings broaden the spectrum of DNAH10 variants and expand understanding of the genetic basis of male infertility associated with the MMAF phenotype.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (32171657,32301459)the grant from Institute of Zoology,Chinese Academy of Sciences (2023IOZ0104)the grant from Youth Innovation Promotion Association of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Y201920)。
文摘Successful non-native species can exhibit rapid divergence of key phenotypic traits to facilitate population persistence and further range expansion.Such phenotypic shifts can be sex-dependent as males and females usually have distinct reproductive and dispersal modes responding to relevant selective forces.Here,we showed significant phenotypic divergence in a set of fitness-related traits among males but not among females in the introduced oriental fire-bellied toads(Bombina orientalis),which established a non-native population in Beijing after being introduced in 1927.Specifically,compared with the native counterparts,introduced males displayed younger age and reduced body size,but increased hindlimb length and eye size after controlling the age effect.As the toads have male-biased sex ratio and male-biased dispersal during breeding season,the observed shifts may suggest that the male-biased selective forces have induced increased energy allocation to dispersal and foraging,and thus decreased allocation to maintain longevity in males.Overall,our study provides evidence for the modification of fitness-related phenotypic traits in a non-native anuran population compared with native populations and extends our understanding of key trait divergence in established non-native amphibian under sexual-unbalanced selective forces.
