Transgenic plants of Petunia hybrida harboring the CYP2E1 gene efficiently remove benzene and toluene pollutants and improve resistance to formaldehyde

The CYP2E1 protein belongs to the P450 enzymes family and plays an important role in the metabolism of small molecular and organic pollutants. In this study we generated CYP2E1 transgenic plants of Petunia using Agrobacterium rhizogenes K599. PCR analysis confirmed that the regenerated plants contained the CYP2E1 transgene and the rolB gene of the Ri plasmid. Southern blotting revealed the presence of multiple copies of CYP2E1 in the genome of transgenic plants. Fluorescent quantitative PCR revealed exogenous CYP2E1 gene expression in CYP2E1 transgenic plants at various levels, whereas no like expression was detected in either GUS transgenic plants or wild-types. The absorption of benzene and toluene by transgenic plants was analyzed through quantitative gas chromatography. Transgenic plants with high CYP2E1 expression showed a significant increase in absorption capacity of environmental benzene and toluene, compared to control GUS transgenic and wild type plants. Furthermore, these plants also presented obvious improved resistance to formaldehyde. This study, besides being the first to reveal that the CYP2E1 gene enhances plant resistance to formaldehyde, also furnishes a new method for reducing pollutants, such as benzene, toluene and formaldehyde, by using transgenic flowering horticultural plants

A weak group inverse for rectangular matrices

[EN] In this paper, we extend the notion of weak group inverse to rectangular matrices (called WweightedWGinverse) by using the weighted core EP inverse recently investigated. This new generalized inverse also generalizes the well-known weighted group inverse given by Cline and Greville. In addition, we give several representations of the W-weighted WG inverse, and derive some characterizations and properties.First author was partially supported by UNRC (Grant PPI 18/C472) and CONICET (Grant PIP 112-201501-00433CO). Third author was partially supported by Ministerio de Economia, Industria y Competitividad of Spain (Grants DGI MTM2013-43678-P and Red de Excelencia MTM2017-90682-REDT).Ferreyra, DE.; Orquera, V.; Thome, N. (2019). A weak group inverse for rectangular matrices. Revista de la Real Academia de Ciencias Exactas Físicas y Naturales Serie A Matemáticas. 113(4):3727-3740. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13398-019-00674-9S372737401134Ben-Israel, A., Greville, T.N.E.: Generalized Inverses: Theory and Applications, 2nd edn. Springer, New York (2003)Baksalary, O.M., Trenkler, G.: Core inverse of matrices. Linear Multilinear Algebra 58, 681–697 (2010)Baksalary, O.M., Trenkler, G.: On a generalized core inverse. Appl. Math. Comput. 236, 450–457 (2014)Bajodah, A.H.: Servo-constraint generalized inverse dynamics for robot manipulator control design. Int. J. Robot. Autom. 25, (2010). https://doi.org/10.2316/Journal.206.2016.1.206-3291Campbell, S.L., Meyer Jr., C.D.: Generalized Inverses of Linear transformations. SIAM, Philadelphia (2009)Cline, R.E., Greville, T.N.E.: A Drazin inverse for rectangular matrices. Linear Algebra Appl. 29, 53–62 (1980)Dajić, A., Koliha, J.J.: The weighted g-Drazin inverse for operators. J. Aust. Math. Soc. 2, 163–181 (2007)Doty, K.L., Melchiorri, C., Bonivento, C.: A theory of generalized inverses applied to robotics. Int. J. Rob. Res. 12, 1–19 (1993)Drazin, M.P.: Pseudo-inverses in associate rings and semirings. Am. Math. Mon. 65, 506–514 (1958)Ferreyra, D.E., Levis, F.E., Thome, N.: Revisiting of the core EP inverse and its extension to rectangular matrices. Quaest. Math. 41, 265–281 (2018)Ferreyra, D.E., Levis, F.E., Thome, N.: Maximal classes of matrices determining generalized inverses. Appl. Math. Comput. 333, 42–52 (2018)Gigola, S., Lebtahi, L., Thome, N.: The inverse eigenvalue problem for a Hermitian reflexive matrix and the optimization problem. J. Comput. Appl. Math. 291, 449–457 (2016)Hartwig, R.E.: The weighted $$*$$ ∗ -core-nilpotent decomposition. Linear Algebra Appl. 211, 101–111 (1994)Kirkland, S.J., Neumann, M.: Group inverses of M-matrices and their applications. Chapman and Hall/CRC, London (2013)Malik, S., Thome, N.: On a new generalized inverse for matrices of an arbitrary index. Appl. Math. Comput. 226, 575–580 (2014)Male $${{\check{\rm s}}}$$ s ˇ ević, B., Obradović, R., Banjac, B., Jovović, I., Makragić, M.: Application of polynomial texture mapping in process of digitalization of cultural heritage. arXiv:1312.6935 (2013). Accessed 14 June 2018Manjunatha Prasad, K., Mohana, K.S.: Core EP inverse. Linear Multilinear Algebra 62, 792–802 (2014)Mehdipour, M., Salemi, A.: On a new generalized inverse of matrices. Linear Multilinear Algebra 66, 1046–1053 (2018)Meng, L.S.: The DMP inverse for rectangular matrices. Filomat 31, 6015–6019 (2017)Mosić, D.: The CMP inverse for rectangular matrices. Aequaetiones Math. 92, 649–659 (2018)Penrose, R.: A generalized inverse for matrices. Proc. Cambrid. Philos. Soc. 51, 406–413 (1955)Soleimani, F., Stanimirović, P.S., Soleymani, F.: Some matrix iterations for computing generalized inverses and balancing chemical equations. Algorithms 8, 982–998 (2015)Xiao, G.Z., Shen, B.Z., Wu, C.K., Wong, C.S.: Some spectral techniques in coding theory. Discrete Math. 87, 181–186 (1991)Wang, H.: Core-EP decomposition and its applications. Linear Algebra Appl. 508, 289–300 (2016)Wang, H., Chen, J.: Weak group inverse. Open Math. 16, 1218–1232 (2018)Wei, Y.: A characterization for the $$W$$ W -weighted Drazin inverse and a Crammer rule for the $$W$$ W -weighted Drazin inverse solution. Appl. Math. Comput. 125, 303–310 (2002

Genetic analysis of D-xylose metabolism by endophytic yeast strains of Rhodotorula graminis and Rhodotorula mucilaginosa

Two novel endophytic yeast strains, WP1 and PTD3, isolated from within the stems of poplar (Populus) trees, were genetically characterized with respect to their xylose metabolism genes. These two strains, belonging to the species Rhodotorula graminis and R. mucilaginosa, respectively, utilize both hexose and pentose sugars, including the common plant pentose sugar, D-xylose. The xylose reductase (XYL1) and xylitol dehydrogenase (XYL2) genes were cloned and characterized. The derived amino acid sequences of xylose reductase (XR) and xylose dehydrogenase (XDH) were 32%∼41% homologous to those of Pichia stipitis and Candida. spp., two species known to utilize xylose. The derived XR and XDH sequences of WP1 and PTD3 had higher homology (73% and 69% identity) with each other. WP1 and PTD3 were grown in single sugar and mixed sugar media to analyze the XYL1 and XYL2 gene regulation mechanisms. Our results revealed that for both strains, the gene expression is induced by D-xylose, and that in PTD3 the expression was not repressed by glucose in the presence of xylose

Psychology of Fragrance Use: Perception of Individual Odor and Perfume Blends Reveals a Mechanism for Idiosyncratic Effects on Fragrance Choice

Cross-culturally, fragrances are used to modulate body odor, but the psychology of fragrance choice has been largely overlooked. The prevalent view is that fragrances mask an individual's body odor and improve its pleasantness. In two experiments, we found positive effects of perfume on body odor perception. Importantly, however, this was modulated by significant interactions with individual odor donors. Fragrances thus appear to interact with body odor, creating an individually-specific odor mixture. In a third experiment, the odor mixture of an individual's body odor and their preferred perfume was perceived as more pleasant than a blend of the same body odor with a randomly-allocated perfume, even when there was no difference in pleasantness between the perfumes. This indicates that fragrance use extends beyond simple masking effects and that people choose perfumes that interact well with their own odor. Our results provide an explanation for the highly individual nature of perfume choice

Low Frequency Groans Indicate Larger and More Dominant Fallow Deer (Dama dama) Males

Background: Models of honest advertisement predict that sexually selected calls should signal male quality. In most vertebrates, high quality males have larger body sizes that determine higher social status and in turn higher reproductive success. Previous research has emphasised the importance of vocal tract resonances or formant frequencies of calls as cues to body size in mammals. However, the role of the acoustic features of vocalisations as cues to other quality-related phenotypic characteristics of callers has rarely been investigated. Methodology/Principal Findings: We examined whether the acoustic structure of fallow deer groans provides reliable information on the quality of the caller, by exploring the relationships between male quality (body size, dominance rank, and mating success) and the frequency components of calls (fundamental frequency, formant frequencies, and formant dispersion). We found that body size was not related to the fundamental frequency of groans, whereas larger males produced groans with lower formant frequencies and lower formant dispersion. Groans of high-ranking males were characterised by lower minimum fundamental frequencies and to a lesser extent, by lower formant dispersions. Dominance rank was the factor most strongly related to mating success, with higher-ranking males having higher mating success. The minimum fundamental frequency and the minimum formant dispersion were indirectly related to male mating success (through dominance rank). Conclusion/Significance: Our study is the first to show that sexually selected vocalisations can signal social dominance in mammals other than primates, and reveals that independent acoustic components encode accurate information on different phenotypic aspects of male quality

Premature Osteoblast Clustering by Enamel Matrix Proteins Induces Osteoblast Differentiation through Up-Regulation of Connexin 43 and N-Cadherin

In recent years, enamel matrix derivative (EMD) has garnered much interest in the dental field for its apparent bioactivity that stimulates regeneration of periodontal tissues including periodontal ligament, cementum and alveolar bone. Despite its widespread use, the underlying cellular mechanisms remain unclear and an understanding of its biological interactions could identify new strategies for tissue engineering. Previous in vitro research has demonstrated that EMD promotes premature osteoblast clustering at early time points. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of cell clustering on vital osteoblast cell-cell communication and adhesion molecules, connexin 43 (cx43) and N-cadherin (N-cad) as assessed by immunofluorescence imaging, real-time PCR and Western blot analysis. In addition, differentiation markers of osteoblasts were quantified using alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin and von Kossa staining. EMD significantly increased the expression of connexin 43 and N-cadherin at early time points ranging from 2 to 5 days. Protein expression was localized to cell membranes when compared to control groups. Alkaline phosphatase activity was also significantly increased on EMD-coated samples at 3, 5 and 7 days post seeding. Interestingly, higher activity was localized to cell cluster regions. There was a 3 fold increase in osteocalcin and bone sialoprotein mRNA levels for osteoblasts cultured on EMD-coated culture dishes. Moreover, EMD significantly increased extracellular mineral deposition in cell clusters as assessed through von Kossa staining at 5, 7, 10 and 14 days post seeding. We conclude that EMD up-regulates the expression of vital osteoblast cell-cell communication and adhesion molecules, which enhances the differentiation and mineralization activity of osteoblasts. These findings provide further support for the clinical evidence that EMD increases the speed and quality of new bone formation in vivo

Comparative genome analysis and genome-guided physiological analysis of Roseobacter litoralis

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p><it>Roseobacter litoralis </it>OCh149, the type species of the genus, and <it>Roseobacter denitrificans </it>OCh114 were the first described organisms of the <it>Roseobacter </it>clade, an ecologically important group of marine bacteria. Both species were isolated from seaweed and are able to perform aerobic anoxygenic photosynthesis.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The genome of <it>R. litoralis </it>OCh149 contains one circular chromosome of 4,505,211 bp and three plasmids of 93,578 bp (pRLO149_94), 83,129 bp (pRLO149_83) and 63,532 bp (pRLO149_63). Of the 4537 genes predicted for <it>R. litoralis</it>, 1122 (24.7%) are not present in the genome of <it>R. denitrificans</it>. Many of the unique genes of <it>R. litoralis </it>are located in genomic islands and on plasmids. On pRLO149_83 several potential heavy metal resistance genes are encoded which are not present in the genome of <it>R. denitrificans</it>. The comparison of the heavy metal tolerance of the two organisms showed an increased zinc tolerance of <it>R. litoralis</it>. In contrast to <it>R. denitrificans</it>, the photosynthesis genes of <it>R. litoralis </it>are plasmid encoded. The activity of the photosynthetic apparatus was confirmed by respiration rate measurements, indicating a growth-phase dependent response to light. Comparative genomics with other members of the <it>Roseobacter </it>clade revealed several genomic regions that were only conserved in the two <it>Roseobacter </it>species. One of those regions encodes a variety of genes that might play a role in host association of the organisms. The catabolism of different carbon and nitrogen sources was predicted from the genome and combined with experimental data. In several cases, e.g. the degradation of some algal osmolytes and sugars, the genome-derived predictions of the metabolic pathways in <it>R. litoralis </it>differed from the phenotype.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The genomic differences between the two <it>Roseobacter </it>species are mainly due to lateral gene transfer and genomic rearrangements. Plasmid pRLO149_83 contains predominantly recently acquired genetic material whereas pRLO149_94 was probably translocated from the chromosome. Plasmid pRLO149_63 and one plasmid of <it>R. denitrifcans </it>(pTB2) seem to have a common ancestor and are important for cell envelope biosynthesis. Several new mechanisms of substrate degradation were indicated from the combination of experimental and genomic data. The photosynthetic activity of <it>R. litoralis </it>is probably regulated by nutrient availability.</p

Galantamine improves olfactory learning in the Ts65Dn mouse model of Down syndrome

Down syndrome (DS) is the most common form of congenital intellectual disability. Although DS involves multiple disturbances in various tissues, there is little doubt that in terms of quality of life cognitive impairment is the most serious facet and there is no effective treatment for this aspect of the syndrome. The Ts65Dn mouse model of DS recapitulates multiple aspects of DS including cognitive impairment. Here the Ts65Dn mouse model of DS was evaluated in an associative learning paradigm based on olfactory cues. In contrast to disomic controls, trisomic mice exhibited significant deficits in olfactory learning. Treatment of trisomic mice with the acetylcholinesterase inhibitor galantamine resulted in a significant improvement in olfactory learning. Collectively, our study indicates that olfactory learning can be a sensitive tool for evaluating deficits in associative learning in mouse models of DS and that galantamine has therapeutic potential for improving cognitive abilities