Contributions to the Dynamic Regime Behavior of a Bionic Leg Prosthesis

The purpose of prosthetic devices is to reproduce the angular-torque profile of a healthy human during locomotion. A lightweight and energy-efficient joint is capable of decreasing the peak actuator power and/or power consumption per gait cycle, while adequately meeting profile-matching constraints. The aim of this study was to highlight the dynamic characteristics of a bionic leg with electric actuators with rotational movement. Three-dimensional (3D)-printing technology was used to create the leg, and servomotors were used for the joints. A stepper motor was used for horizontal movement. For better numerical simulation of the printed model, three mechanical tests were carried out (tension, compression, and bending), based on which the main mechanical characteristics necessary for the numerical simulation were obtained. For the experimental model made, the dynamic stresses could be determined, which highlights the fact that, under the conditions given for the experimental model, the prosthesis resists.

The Effects of Seawater Treatment on Selected Coniferous Wood Types

The mechanical strength of wood from Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris), European larch (Larix decidua), and Norway spruce (Picea abies) was studied using static compression tests. The material was exposed under constant soaking in water with salinity of 7‱. The liquid mix was prepared according to a value roughly equivalent to the average salinity along the entire length of the Baltic Sea. The mechanical strength and quality of the raw material were determined using a sea salt saturation test, which determined the adhesion of the raw material to the extrusion process (permissible stress). An investigation was conducted to determine the physicochemical parameters of the material that was tested. It was investigated how much mineral compounds were absorbed over four cycles lasting a total of six weeks during the test. According to the statistical analysis, the chemical composition of wood and the presence of salts and mineral compounds correlated with its mechanical strength. An important part of the study focused on examining the factors affecting the construction of coniferous wood structures. The preparation of the raw material correctly can provide information on how the material can be protected during exposure to specific environmental conditions for longer.

Application of the FEM Method to Modeling and Analysis of the Cold Thread Rolling Process-Part 1: Conditions for Ensuring a Plane State of Deformations

The article concerns the application of the FEM method for the prediction of stress and deformation states in a workpiece during the thread rolling process (TR). The analysis covered a new kinematic variant of the TR process in which the basket of the head rotates and is torque-driven, while the workpiece is stationary and the head with the rollers moves axially relative to the workpiece. The TR process was considered as a geometrical and physical non-linear initial and boundary problem with non-linear, moving, and variable in time and space boundary conditions. The boundary conditions in the contact areas of the tool with the workpiece were unknown. An updated Lagrange (UL) description was used to describe the physical phenomena at a typical incremental step. The states of strain and strain rate were described by non-linear relationships without linearization. New discrete systems of motion and deformation equations of the object in the TR were introduced, which take into account the change in the stiffness of the system during the TR process. This equation was solved by the central differences method (explicit). The material parameters were estimated during tensile tests to determine the characteristics of the C45 steel, and a new semi-empirical method was used to determine the relationship yield stress, effective true strain, and effective true strain rate in the thread rolling process. A modified Cowper-Symonds material model was also used to model the displacement process of the wedge on an elastic/visco-plastic body reflecting the TR process. A non-linear dependency of material hardening module depending on strain and strain rate was introduced. To confirm the plane state of deformation and spatial state of stress, an experimental investigation was carried out. The computer models were validated, and a good convergence of the results was obtained. Applications in the ANSYS/LS-Dyna program were developed to simulate the TR process. The developed applications enable a comprehensive time analysis of the states of displacement, strain, and stress occurring in an object consisting of a workpiece (shaft) and a tool (roller) for the case of a plane strain state and a spatial stress state. Exemplary results of numerical analyzes are presented to explain the influence of the friction coefficient on the condition of the thread quality, and the state of deformations and stresses were shown.

Effect of Seawater with Average Salinity on the Moisture Content, Ash Content and Tensile Strength of Some Coniferous Wood

In this paper, the differences in mechanical strength tested during the static tensile and compression test of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.), European larch (Larix decidua) and Norway spruce (Picea abies) wood exposed to continuous soaking in water with a salinity of 7‱ were determined. The value of salinity corresponded to the average salinity on the Polish Baltic coast. This paper also aimed to examine the content of mineral compounds absorbed during four cycles of two weeks each. The essence of the statistical research was to identify the effect of the mineral range compounds and salts depending on the mechanical strength of the wood. Based on the results of the experiments, it can be concluded that the medium used has a specific effect on the wood species' structure. The effects of soaking on the wood parameters depend obviously on the type of wood. A tensile strength test of pine, as well as the tensile strength other species, was enhanced by incubating it in seawater. A native sample's initial mean tensile strength was 82.5 MPa, which increased to 94.8 MPa in the last cycle. It was found that the larch wood had the lowest tensile strength difference (9 MPa) of the woods studied in the current study. Four to six weeks of soaking was necessary to notice an increase in tensile strength.

Identification and analysis of lignin biosynthesis genes related to fruit ripening and stress response in banana (Musa acuminata L. AAA group, cv. Cavendish)

BACKGROUND

Lignin is a key component of the secondary cell wall of plants, providing mechanical support and facilitating water transport as well as having important impact effects in response to a variety of biological and abiotic stresses.

RESULTS

In this study, we identified 104 genes from ten enzyme gene families related to lignin biosynthesis in Musa acuminata genome and found the number of MaCOMT gene family was the largest, while MaC3Hs had only two members. MaPALs retained the original members, and the number of Ma4CLs in lignin biosynthesis was significantly less than that of flavonoids. Segmental duplication existed in most gene families, except for MaC3Hs, and tandem duplication was the main way to expand the number of MaCOMTs. Moreover, the expression profiles of lignin biosynthesis genes during fruit development, postharvest ripening stages and under various abiotic and biological stresses were investigated using available RNA-sequencing data to obtain fruit ripening and stress response candidate genes. Finally, a co-expression network of lignin biosynthesis genes was constructed by weighted gene co-expression network analysis to elucidate the lignin biosynthesis genes that might participate in lignin biosynthesis in banana during development and in response to stresses.

CONCLUSION

This study systematically identified the lignin biosynthesis genes in the Musa acuminata genome, providing important candidate genes for further functional analysis. The identification of the major genes involved in lignin biosynthesis in banana provides the basis for the development of strategies to improve new banana varieties tolerant to biological and abiotic stresses with high yield and high quality.

Comparative Study of the Magnetic Behavior of FINEMET Thin Magnetic Wires: Glass-Coated, Glass-Removed, and Cold-Drawn

In this paper, a comparative investigation of the magnetic behavior and its stress dependence in the case of FINEMET glass-coated, glass-removed, and cold-drawn microwires at low and high frequencies, respectively, is presented. The experimental results show major differences between their magnetic properties depending on the preparation method and microwire diameter. The evolution of the magnetic permeability, coercivity, and magnetoimpedance responses with the applied tensile force was investigated and analyzed in correlation with the stresses induced during preparation, their relief following annealing, and the annealing-induced structural transformations. The coercivity dependence on applied force was found to show the highest sensitivity in the glass-removed microwires, while the magnetic permeability and magnetoimpedance sensitivity to force were found to be higher in the cold-drawn samples. The results of this comparative study will enable an enhanced material selection process for various applications in miniaturized magnetic and stress sensors with increased sensitivity.

Genome-Wide Characterization and Analysis of R2R3-MYB Genes Related to Fruit Ripening and Stress Response in Banana (Musa acuminata L. AAA Group, cv. 'Cavendish')

MYB is an important type of transcription factor in eukaryotes. It is widely involved in a variety of biological processes and plays a role in plant morphogenesis, growth and development, primary and secondary metabolite synthesis, and other life processes. In this study, bioinformatics methods were used to identify the R2R3-MYB transcription factor family members in the whole Musa acuminata (DH-Pahang) genome, one of the wild ancestors of banana. A total of 280 MaMYBs were obtained, and phylogenetic analysis indicated that these MaMYBs could be classified into 33 clades with MYBs from Arabidopsis thaliana. The amino acid sequences of the R2 and R3 Myb-DNA binding in all MaMYB protein sequences were quite conserved, especially Arg-12, Arg-13, Leu-23, and Leu-79. Distribution mapping results showed that 277 MaMYBs were localized on the 11 chromosomes in the Musa acuminata genome. The MaMYBs were distributed unevenly across the 11 chromosomes. More than 40.0% of the MaMYBs were located in collinear fragments, and segmental duplications likely played a key role in the expansion of the MaMYBs. Moreover, the expression profiles of MaMYBs in different fruit development and ripening stages and under various abiotic and biotic stresses were investigated using available RNA-sequencing data to obtain fruit development, ripening-specific, and stress-responsive candidate genes. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was used to analyze transcriptome data of banana from the above 11 samples. We found MaMYBs participating in important metabolic biosynthesis pathways in banana. Collectively, our results represent a comprehensive genome-wide study of the MaMYB gene family, which should be helpful in further detailed studies on MaMYBs functions related to fruit development, postharvest ripening, and the seedling response to stress in an important banana cultivar.

Parthenium hysterophorus's Endophytes: The Second Layer of Defense against Biotic and Abiotic Stresses

Parthenium hysterophorus L. is considered an obnoxious weed due to its rapid dispersal, fast multiplications, and agricultural and health hazards. In addition to its physio-molecular and phytotoxic allelochemical usage, this weed most probably uses endophytic flora as an additional line of defense to deal with stressful conditions and tolerate both biotic and abiotic stresses. The aim of this article is to report the diversity of endophytic flora (fungi and bacteria) in P. hysterophorus and their role in the stress mitigation (biotic and abiotic) of other important crops. Various endophytes were reported from P. hysterophorus and their roles in crops evaluated under biotic and abiotic stressed conditions. These endophytes have the potential to alleviate different stresses by improving crops/plants growth, development, biomass, and photosynthetic and other physiological traits. The beneficial role of the endophytes may be attributed to stress-modulating enzymes such as the antioxidants SOD, POD and APX and ACC deaminases. Additionally, the higher production of different classes of bioactive secondary metabolites, i.e., flavonoids, proline, and glutathione may also overcome tissue damage to plants under stressed conditions. Interestingly, a number of medicinally important phytochemicals such as anhydropseudo-phlegmcin-9, 10-quinone-3-amino-8-O methyl ether 'anhydropseudophlegmacin-9, 10-quinone-3-amino-8-Omethyl ether were reported from the endophytic flora of P. hysterophorus. Moreover, various reports revealed that fungal and bacterial endophytes of P. hysterophorus enhance plant growth-promoting attributes and could be added to the consortium of biofertilizers.

Phytomicrobiome communications: Novel implications for stress resistance in plants

The agricultural sector is a foremost contributing factor in supplying food at the global scale. There are plethora of biotic as well as abiotic stressors that act as major constraints for the agricultural sector in terms of global food demand, quality, and security. Stresses affect rhizosphere and their communities, root growth, plant health, and productivity. They also alter numerous plant physiological and metabolic processes. Moreover, they impact transcriptomic and metabolomic changes, causing alteration in root exudates and affecting microbial communities. Since the evolution of hazardous pesticides and fertilizers, productivity has experienced elevation but at the cost of impeding soil fertility thereby causing environmental pollution. Therefore, it is crucial to develop sustainable and safe means for crop production. The emergence of various pieces of evidence depicting the alterations and abundance of microbes under stressed conditions proved to be beneficial and outstanding for maintaining plant legacy and stimulating their survival. Beneficial microbes offer a great potential for plant growth during stresses in an economical manner. Moreover, they promote plant growth with regulating phytohormones, nutrient acquisition, siderophore synthesis, and induce antioxidant system. Besides, acquired or induced systemic resistance also counteracts biotic stresses. The phytomicrobiome exploration is crucial to determine the growth-promoting traits, colonization, and protection of plants from adversities caused by stresses. Further, the intercommunications among rhizosphere through a direct/indirect manner facilitate growth and form complex network. The phytomicrobiome communications are essential for promoting sustainable agriculture where microbes act as ecological engineers for environment. In this review, we have reviewed our building knowledge about the role of microbes in plant defense and stress-mediated alterations within the phytomicrobiomes. We have depicted the defense biome concept that infers the design of phytomicrobiome communities and their fundamental knowledge about plant-microbe interactions for developing plant probiotics.

Elements of Designing Upholstered Furniture Sandwich Frames Using Finite Element Method

This paper presents an approach to the design of an upholstered furniture frame using the finite element method and empirical studies. Three-dimensional discrete models of upholstered furniture frames were developed taking into account orthotropic properties of solid pine wood (Pinus sylvestris L.) without and with details strengthening their structure in the form of glue joints and upholstery staples. Using the CAE Autodesk Inventor Nastran finite element method, linear static analyses were performed by simulating normative loading. The finite element method was performed considering the experimentally determined stiffness coefficients of the PCAC adhesive and staple joints. As a result, stress, displacement, and equivalent strain distributions were obtained for upholstered furniture frame models with stapled corner joints. The deformation and strength behavior of the upholstered furniture frames was improved by reinforcing with a wood strip. A new approach to the design of upholstered furniture frame frames using the FEM method with stapled component connections was developed and tested. The results of the study can be applied in the optimization of upholstered furniture construction.

Simple Phenotypic Sensor for Visibly Tracking H2O2 Fluctuation to Detect Plant Health Status

Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), as a main component of reactive oxygen species (ROS), serves as a key signaling molecule relevant to plant stress response and health status. Many strategies have been developed for detecting or quantifying H₂O₂ concentration. However, reports on simply, visibly tracking H₂O₂ fluctuation in vivo are limited. Here, for visibly tracking the plant H₂O₂ wave, a green fluorescent phenotypic probe was designed by merging a H₂O₂-sensitive tertiary amine moiety with the core fluorophore tetraphenylethene skeleton. The green fluorescence emission is quenched up to 52% by H₂O₂ with good sensitivity, selectivity, and reversibility within the plant physiological range of 10-100 μM H₂O₂. In response to various abiotic stresses, including mechanical damage, high salt, strong light and drought, fluorescence fluctuations, response to H₂O₂ concentration alterations in vivo was visible to the naked eye under irradiation of commercially available UV light (365 nm) after simple injection of this H₂O₂ probe solution into seedling leaves. This phenotypic fluorescent H₂O₂ probe illustrates great potential as early sensors of plant health under stress without the aid of skillful operation and specialized equipment.

Corrigendum: Role of Promising Secondary Metabolites to Confer Resistance Against Environmental Stresses in Crop Plants: Current Scenario and Future Perspectives

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.881032.].

Role of Promising Secondary Metabolites to Confer Resistance Against Environmental Stresses in Crop Plants: Current Scenario and Future Perspectives

Plants often face incompatible growing environments like drought, salinity, cold, frost, and elevated temperatures that affect plant growth and development leading to low yield and, in worse circumstances, plant death. The arsenal of versatile compounds for plant consumption and structure is called metabolites, which allows them to develop strategies to stop enemies, fight pathogens, replace their competitors and go beyond environmental restraints. These elements are formed under particular abiotic stresses like flooding, heat, drought, cold, etc., and biotic stress such as a pathogenic attack, thus associated with survival strategy of plants. Stress responses of plants are vigorous and include multifaceted crosstalk between different levels of regulation, including regulation of metabolism and expression of genes for morphological and physiological adaptation. To date, many of these compounds and their biosynthetic pathways have been found in the plant kingdom. Metabolites like amino acids, phenolics, hormones, polyamines, compatible solutes, antioxidants, pathogen related proteins (PR proteins), etc. are crucial for growth, stress tolerance, and plant defense. This review focuses on promising metabolites involved in stress tolerance under severe conditions and events signaling the mediation of stress-induced metabolic changes are presented.

Regulatory long non-coding RNAs in root growth and development

As sessile organisms, plants have evolved sophisticated mechanisms of gene regulation to cope with changing environments. Among them, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a class of RNAs regulating gene expression at both transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. They are highly responsive to environmental cues or developmental processes and are generally involved in fine-tuning plant responses to these signals. Roots, in addition to anchoring the plant to the soil, allow it to absorb the major part of its mineral nutrients and water. Furthermore, roots directly sense environmental constraints such as mineral nutrient availability and abiotic or biotic stresses and dynamically adapt their growth and architecture. Here, we review the role of lncRNAs in the control of root growth and development. In particular, we highlight their action in fine-tuning primary root growth and the development of root lateral organs, such as lateral roots and symbiotic nodules. Lastly, we report their involvement in plant response to stresses and the regulation of nutrient assimilation and homeostasis, two processes leading to the modification of root architecture. LncRNAs could become interesting targets in plant breeding programs to subtly acclimate crops to coming environmental changes.

Insights into the Superoxide Dismutase Gene Family and Its Roles in Dendrobium catenatum under Abiotic Stresses

Dendrobium catenatum is a member of epiphytic orchids with extensive range of pharmacological properties and ornamental values. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), a key member of antioxidant system, plays a vital role in protecting plants against oxidative damage caused by various biotic and abiotic stresses. So far, little is known about the SOD gene family in D. catenatum. In this study, eight SOD genes, including four Cu/ZnSODs, three FeSODs and one MnSOD, were identified in D. catenatum genome. Phylogenetic analyses of SOD proteins in D. catenatum and several other species revealed that these SOD proteins can be assigned to three subfamilies based on their metal co-factors. Moreover, the similarities in conserved motifs and gene structures in the same subfamily corroborated their classification and inferred evolutionary relationships. There were many hormone and stress response elements in DcaSODs, of which light responsiveness elements was the largest group. All DcaSODs displayed tissue-specific expression patterns and exhibited abundant expression levels in flower and leaf. According to public RNA-seq data and qRT-PCR analysis showed that the almost DcaSODs, except for DcaFSD2, were highly expressed under cold and drought treatments. Under heat, light, and salt stresses, DcaCSD1, DcaCSD2, DcaCSD3 were always significantly up-regulated, which may play a vital role in coping with various stresses. The expression levels of DcaFSD1 and DcaFSD2 were promoted by high light, suggesting their important roles in light response. These findings provided valuable information for further research on DcaSODs in D. catenatum.

Sowing Date Affects the Timing and Duration of Key Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Growth Phases

Chickpea is the main legume rotation crop within farming systems in northern New South Wales (NSW), Australia, and is grown mainly under rainfed conditions. Recent expansion of chickpea growing areas in southern and central western NSW expose them to abiotic stresses; however, knowledge about how these stresses affect overall crop development is limited. This study aimed to examine the influence of sowing time on the timing and duration of key chickpea phenological growth phases in southern and central western environments of NSW. Experiments were conducted over two years in southern NSW (Leeton, Wagga Wagga and Yanco (one year)) and central western NSW (Trangie) to identify phenology responses. Climatic, phenology and experimental site data was recorded, and the duration of growth phases and growing degree days calculated. Early sowing (mid-April) generally delayed flowering, extending the crop’s vegetative period, and the progressive delay in sowing resulted in shorter vegetative and podding growth phases. All genotypes showed photoperiod sensitivity, and the mean daily temperature at sowing influenced time to emergence and to some extent crop establishment. This study concludes that environmental factors such as temperature, moisture availability and day length are the main drivers of phenological development in chickpea.

Enzyme Catalytic Efficiencies and Relative Gene Expression Levels of (R)-Linalool Synthase and (S)-Linalool Synthase Determine the Proportion of Linalool Enantiomers in Camellia sinensis var. sinensis

Linalool is abundant in tea leaves and contributes greatly to tea aroma. The two isomers of linalool, (R)-linalool and (S)-linalool, exist in tea leaves. Our study found that (R)-linalool was the minor isomer in nine of Camellia sinensis var. sinensis cultivars. The (R)-linalool synthase of tea plant CsRLIS was identified subsequently. It is a chloroplast-located protein and specifically catalyzes the formation of (R)-linalool in vitro and in vivo. CsRLIS was observed to be a stress-responsive gene and caused the accumulation of internal (R)-linalool during oolong tea manufacture, mechanical wounding, and insect attack. Further study demonstrated that the catalytic efficiency of CsRLIS was much lower than that of (S)-linalool synthase CsSLIS, which might explain the lower (R)-linalool proportion in C. sinensis var. sinensis cultivars. The relative expression levels of CsRLIS and CsSLIS may also affect the (R)-linalool proportions among C. sinensis var. sinensis cultivars. This information will help us understand differential distributions of chiral aroma compounds in tea.

Stresses as First-Line Tools for Enhancing Lipid and Carotenoid Production in Microalgae

Microalgae can produce high-value-added products such as lipids and carotenoids using light or sugars, and their biosynthesis mechanism can be triggered by various stress conditions. Under nutrient deprivation or environmental stresses, microalgal cells accumulate lipids as an energy-rich carbon storage battery and generate additional amounts of carotenoids to alleviate the oxidative damage induced by stress conditions. Though stressful conditions are unfavorable for biomass accumulation and can induce oxidative damage, stress-based strategies are widely used in this field due to their effectiveness and economy. For the overproduction of different target products, it is required and meaningful to deeply understand the effects and mechanisms of various stress conditions so as to provide guidance on choosing the appropriate stress conditions. Moreover, the underlying molecular mechanisms under stress conditions can be clarified by omics technologies, which exhibit enormous potential in guiding rational genetic engineering for improving lipid and carotenoid biosynthesis.

Temperature Effect on the Compressive Behavior and Constitutive Model of Plain Hardened Concrete

Concrete is one of the most common and versatile construction materials and has been used under a wide range of environmental conditions. Temperature is one of them, which significantly affects the performance of concrete, and therefore, a careful evaluation of the effect of temperature on concrete cannot be overemphasized. In this study, an overview of the temperature effect on the compressive behavior of plain hardened concrete is experimentally provided. Concrete cylinders were prepared, cured, and stored under different temperature conditions to be tested under compression. The stress–strain curve, mode of failure, compressive strength, ultimate strain, and modulus of elasticity of concrete were evaluated between the ages of 7 and 90 days. The experimental results were used to propose constitutive models to predict the mechanical properties of concrete under the effect of temperature. Moreover, previous constitutive models were examined to capture the stress–strain relationships of concrete under the effect of temperature. Based on the experimental data and the proposed models, concrete lost 10–20% of its original compressive strength when heated to 100 °C and 30–40% at 260 °C. The previous constitutive models for stress–strain relationships of concrete at normal temperatures can be used to capture these relationships under the effect of temperature by using the compressive strength, ultimate strain, and modulus of elasticity affected by temperature. The effect of temperature on the modulus of elasticity of concrete was considered in the ACI 318-14 equation by using the compressive strength affected by temperature and the results showed good agreement with the experimental data.

The pivotal function of dehydroascorbate reductase in glutathione homeostasis in plants

Under natural conditions, plants are exposed to various abiotic and biotic stresses that trigger rapid changes in the production and removal of reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The ascorbate-glutathione pathway has been recognized to be a key player in H2O2 metabolism, in which reduced glutathione (GSH) regenerates ascorbate by reducing dehydroascorbate (DHA), either chemically or via DHA reductase (DHAR), an enzyme belonging to the glutathione S-transferase (GST) superfamily. Thus, DHAR has been considered to be important in maintaining the ascorbate pool and its redox state. Although some GSTs and peroxiredoxins may contribute to GSH oxidation, analysis of Arabidopsis dhar mutants has identified the key role of DHAR in coupling H2O2 to GSH oxidation. The reaction of DHAR has been proposed to proceed by a ping-pong mechanism, in which binding of DHA to the free reduced form of the enzyme is followed by binding of GSH. Information from crystal structures has shed light on the formation of sulfenic acid at the catalytic cysteine of DHAR that occurs with the reduction of DHA. In this review, we discuss the molecular properties of DHAR and its importance in coupling the ascorbate and glutathione pools with H2O2 metabolism, together with its functions in plant defense, growth, and development.

SUMOylation modulates the LIN28A-let-7 signaling pathway in response to cellular stresses in cancer cells

LIN28A is a conserved RNA-binding protein that inhibits the biogenesis of let-7 microRNAs, thus promoting cancer progression. However, mechanisms underlying the activation of the LIN28A-let-7 signaling pathway remain poorly understood. Here, we show that LIN28A is SUMOylated in vivo and in vitro at K15, which is increased by hypoxia but reduced by chemotherapy drugs such as Cisplatin and Paclitaxel. SUMOylation of LIN28A aggravates its inhibition of let-7 maturation, resulting in a stark reduction in let-7, which promotes cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and tumor growth in vivo. Mechanistically, SUMOylation of LIN28A increases its binding affinity with the precursor let-7 (pre-let-7), which subsequently enhances LIN28A-mediated recruitment of terminal uridylyltransferase TUT4 and simultaneously blocks DICER processing of pre-let-7, thereby reducing mature let-7 production. These effects are abolished in SUMOylation-deficient mutant LIN28A-K15R. In summary, these findings shed light on a novel mechanism by which SUMOylation could regulate the LIN28A-let-7 pathway in response to cellular stress in cancer cells.

Genome-Wide Analysis of Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors to Elucidate Candidate Genes Related to Fruit Ripening and Stress in Banana (Musa acuminata L. AAA Group, cv. Cavendish)

The basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) proteins are a superfamily of transcription factors (TFs) that can bind to specific DNA target sites, playing a central role in a wide range of metabolic, physiological, and developmental processes in higher organisms. However, no systemic analysis of bHLH TFs has been reported in banana, a typical climacteric fruit in tropical and subtropical regions. In our study, 259 MabHLH TF genes were identified in the genome of Musa acuminata (A genome), and phylogenetic analysis indicated that these MabHLHs could be classified into 23 subfamilies with the bHLHs from rice and Arabidopsis. The amino acid sequences of the bHLH domain in all MabHLH protein sequences were quite conserved, especially Arg-12, Arg-13, Leu-23, and Leu-79. Distribution mapping results showed that 258 MabHLHs were localized on the 11 chromosomes in the M. acuminata genome. The results indicated that 40.7% of gene duplication events were located in collinear fragments, and segmental duplications might have played a key role in the expansion of MabHLHs. Moreover, the expression profiles of MabHLHs in different fruit development and ripening stages and under various abiotic and biotic stresses were investigated using available RNA-sequencing data to obtain fruit development, ripening-specific, and stress-responsive candidate genes. Finally, a co-expression network of MabHLHs was constructed by weighted gene co-expression network analysis to elucidate the MabHLHs that might participate in important metabolic biosynthesis pathways in banana during development and the response to stress. A total of 259 MabHLHs were identified, and their sequence features, conserved domains, phylogenetic relationships, chromosomal distributions, gene duplications, expression profiles, and co-expression networks were investigated. This study systematically identified the MabHLHs in the M. acuminata genome at the genome-wide level, providing important candidate genes for further functional analysis. These findings improve our understanding of the molecular basis of developmental and stress tolerance in an important banana cultivar.

Biomechanical finite element analysis of a single implant threaded in anterior and posterior regions of maxilla bone

Context

The ability of implant dentistry to be a successful alternative for edentulous patients has increased in the last decade. Clinical features such as osseointegration and stability, in addition to the endurance of the integration urged the researchers towards a better understanding of the design parameters that control long term success of the implants. It is therefore necessary to quantify the effect of changing implant design parameters on interface stress distribution within the maxilla bone.

Methods and Materials

A 3D-finite element study was conducted to investigate the effect of changing implant shape parameters (implant body design and implant thread depth) on stress distribution while insertion of the implant in two different regions of maxilla bone (anterior (type III bone) and posterior (type IV bone)). A 3D-CAD geometry of implant-maxilla bone was created through importing digitally visualized CT skull images of a human adult, and then converted into a workable solid body through using a collection of engineering software. Tapered and cylindrical implant models with three different implant V-shaped thread depths (0.25 mm, 0.35 mm, 0.45 mm) were threaded into maxilla bone to investigate the design parameters effect on the final stress status. The proposed implant was of commercial dimensions of 10 mm length and 4 mm in diameter. A vertical static load of 250N was directly applied to the center of the suprastructure of the implant for each model.

Results

Evaluations were performed for stress distribution patterns and maximum equivalent Von Mises (EQV) stresses for implants in two regions of maxilla bone under 250N vertical static loading. The obtained results throughout this work showed that, for all models, the highest stresses were located at the crestal cortical bone around the implant neck. The von-Mises stress distribution patterns at different models were similar and higher peak von-Mises stresses of cortical bone were seen in tapered implant body compared to cylinder body in all models.

Conclusions

Within the restrictions of the current model, the results obtained can be applied clinically to select properly both implant thread depth and body shape design for a foreseeable success of implant therapy.

Computational Techniques in Numerical simulations of arc and laser welding processes

The article presents a comparison of modern computational techniques used in numerical analyses of welding processes. The principles of the “transient” technique calculations with a moving heat source, the “macro-bead” (MBD) technique, with an imposed thermal cycle on a selected weld bead section and the “local–global” approach with shrinkage calculation technique were described. They can be used, depending on the variant chosen, both for individual, simple weld joints and those made of many beads or constructions containing dozens of welds and welded elements. Differences in the obtained results and time needed to perform calculations with four different calculation examples of single and multipass arc and laser beam welding processes were presented. The results of calculations of displacements and stresses distributions in the welded joints using various computational techniques were compared, as well as the calculation times with the described techniques. The numerical analyses in the SYSWELD software package have shown the differences between the described computational techniques, as well as an understanding of the benefits and disadvantages of using each of them. This knowledge allows preparing an efficient and fast optimization of the welding processes, often aimed at minimizing deformations in the first place, as well as detection of potential defects of both simple and complex welded structures. In general, the possibilities and flexibility of modern numerical calculation software have been presented.

A Study of the Biomechanical Behavior of the Implantation Method of Inverted Shoulder Prosthesis (BIO⁻RSA) under Different Abduction Movements

The shoulder is the most mobile joint of the human body, but it is very fragile; several pathologies, and especially muscular degenerations in the elderly, can affect its stability. These are more commonly called rotator cuff fractures. In the case of this type of pathology, the mobility of the shoulder decreases and pain appears. In order to restore mobility and reduce pain, implantation of an inverted shoulder prosthesis is recommended. Unfortunately, over time a notch phenomenon has been observed. In the lower position of the arm, part of the implant comes into contact with the scapula and therefore causes deterioration of the bone. Among the solutions adopted is the lateralized method with bone grafting. However, a main disadvantage of this method concerns the reconstruction of the graft in the case of prosthesis revision. In this context, the aim of the present work was to reconstruct the shoulder joint in 3D in order to obtain a bio-faithful geometry, and then study the behavior of different types of biomaterials that can replace bone grafting. To this end, three arm abduction motions were examined for three individuals. From the results obtained, it appears that grafts in ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) exhibit a behavior closer to that of bones.

Numerical Simulations of Laser and Hybrid S700MC T-Joint Welding

This article presents examples of numerical simulations done based on the real experiments of S700MC steel T-joint laser and hybrid welding. Presented results of numerical analyses carried out using SYSWELD show the possibilities offered to contemporary engineers by modern software used to make numerical analyses of production processes. After calibration of a heat source models on the chosen examples of S700MC steel 10-mm-thick T-joint laser and hybrid welding, distributions of temperature fields, thermal cycles, distributions of individual metallurgical phases and hardness, and strains and plastic deformations in simulated processes were calculated for one selected joint from both mentioned methods. The results of the analysis allow determining both the differences in the stress distributions and their minimal and maximal values. This article also presents the benefits resulting from the use of such analyses, due to the significant savings in time and resources to be spent on the development of correct technologies for joining modern construction materials such as thermomechanically treated steels, especially given that some of the results are unavailable or very difficult to collect using conventional measurement methods.

Biotic and Abiotic Constraints in Mungbean Production-Progress in Genetic Improvement

Mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek var. radiata] is an important food and cash legume crop in Asia. Development of short duration varieties has paved the way for the expansion of mungbean into other regions such as Sub-Saharan Africa and South America. Mungbean productivity is constrained by biotic and abiotic factors. Bruchids, whitefly, thrips, stem fly, aphids, and pod borers are the major insect-pests. The major diseases of mungbean are yellow mosaic, anthracnose, powdery mildew, Cercospora leaf spot, halo blight, bacterial leaf spot, and tan spot. Key abiotic stresses affecting mungbean production are drought, waterlogging, salinity, and heat stress. Mungbean breeding has been critical in developing varieties with resistance to biotic and abiotic factors, but there are many constraints still to address that include the precise and accurate identification of resistance source(s) for some of the traits and the traits conferred by multi genes. Latest technologies in phenotyping, genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics could be of great help to understand insect/pathogen-plant, plant-environment interactions and the key components responsible for resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. This review discusses current biotic and abiotic constraints in mungbean production and the challenges in genetic improvement.

Can WRKY transcription factors help plants to overcome environmental challenges?

WRKY transcription factors (TFs) are responsible for the regulation of genes responsive to many plant growth and developmental cues, as well as to biotic and abiotic stresses. The modulation of gene expression by WRKY proteins primarily occurs by DNA binding at specific cis-regulatory elements, the W-box elements, which are short sequences located in the promoter region of certain genes. In addition, their action can occur through interaction with other TFs and the cellular transcription machinery. The current genome sequences available reveal a relatively large number of WRKY genes, reaching hundreds of copies. Recently, functional genomics studies in model plants have enabled the identification of function and mechanism of action of several WRKY TFs in plants. This review addresses the more recent studies in plants regarding the function of WRKY TFs in both model and crop plants for coping with environmental challenges, including a wide variety of abiotic and biotic stresses.

Analytical, Numerical and Experimental Study of a Horizontal Electrothermal MEMS Microgripper for the Deformability Characterisation of Human Red Blood Cells

Microgrippers are typical microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) that are widely used for micromanipulation and microassembly in both biological and micromanufacturing fields. This paper presents the design, modelling, fabrication and experimental testing of an electrothermal microgripper based on a 'hot and cold arm' actuator design that is suitable for the deformability characterisation of human red blood cells (RBCs). The analysis of the mechanical properties of human RBCs is of great interest in the field of medicine as pathological alterations in the deformability characteristics of RBCs have been linked to a number of diseases. The study of the microgripper's steady-state performance is initially carried out by the development of a lumped analytical model, followed by a numerical model established in CoventorWare® (Coventor, Inc., Cary, NC, USA) using multiphysics finite element analysis. Both analytical and numerical models are based on an electothermomechanical analysis, and take into account the internal heat generation due to the applied potential, as well as conduction heat losses through both the anchor pads and the air gap to the substrate. The models are used to investigate key factors of the actuator's performance including temperature distribution, deflection and stresses based on an elastic analysis of structures. Results show that analytical and numerical values for temperature and deflection are in good agreement. The analytical and computational models are then validated experimentally using a polysilicon microgripper fabricated by the standard surface micromachining process, PolyMUMPs™ (Durham, NC, USA). The microgripper's actuation is characterised at atmospheric pressure by optical microscopy studies. Experimental results for the deflection of the microgripper arm tips are found to be in good agreement with the analytical and numerical results, with process-induced variations and the non-linear temperature dependence of the material properties accounting for the slight discrepancies observed. The microgripper is shown to actuate to a maximum opening displacement of 9 μ m at an applied voltage of 3 V, thus being in line with the design requirement of an approximate opening of 8 μ m for securing and characterising a RBC.

Stress analysis of mandibular implant overdentures retained with one, two, or four ball attachments: A finite element study

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study is to compare stress patterns induced by ball attachments when used to retain mandibular overdentures supported by one, two, or four dental implants.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this finite element study, three 3D models were prepared to simulate mandibular implant overdentures retained by one or two or four ball attachments of 3.5 mm diameter with collar height 1.6 mm. The geometric solid models were created by commercial engineering computer-aided design package then transferred to ANSYS as set of standard ACIS text files. Vertical load of 100 N was applied on the central fossa of the right molar. Stresses were evaluated at the areas of implant and attachment components, mucosa underlying overdentures, and cortical and cancellous bone adjacent to implants.

RESULTS

The results of this study showed that the Von Mises stresses generated by the application of vertical loading varied according to the number of implants used to support the overdenture. Maximum Von Mises stress on cortical bone ranged between 1.15 and 1.77 MPa in all-studied cases. Mucosa was squeezed under the one implant model. Flexibility of the overdenture material played a significant role in distributing the load stress and deformation of all underlying structure. Caps deformation was the highest when using two implants.

CONCLUSION

With increasing the number of implants, stresses and deformations of overdenture are reduced, but implants receive greater stresses and deformations. Using two implants in the canine region showed the best results when compared with using one or four implants, except for the caps.

[New biophotonics methods for improving efficiency and safety of laser modification of the fibrous tunic of the eye]

The article describes a newly developed and tested diffractive optical element (DOE) that converts non-uniform radiation of the laser output into a homogeneous ring. The Gerchberg-Saxton algorithm is shown to be well suited for achieving annular intensity distribution. Testing this ring transducer on threshold-plasticity cornea demonstrated the reversibility of axisymmetric changes in the cornea. Atomic-Force microscopy of the area of maximum stresses in the corneal periphery showed no significant changes in the structure of the cornea when irradiated in the selected mode. Measurement of Young's modulus of the corneal surface areas after their irradiation also revealed no changes in the elastic properties, while examination of the corneal structure demonstrated the absence of significant structural changes in irradiated samples compared with intact ones.

A rice jacalin-related mannose-binding lectin gene, OsJRL, enhances Escherichia coli viability under high salinity stress and improves salinity tolerance of rice

Salinity, which is one of the most common abiotic stresses, may severely affect plant productivity and quality. Although plant lectins are thought to play important roles in plant defense signaling during pathogen attack, little is known about the contribution of plant lectins to stress resistance. We cloned and functionally characterized a rice jacalin-related mannose-binding lectin gene, OsJRL, from rice 'Nipponbare'. We analyzed the expression patterns of OsJRL under various stress conditions in rice. Furthermore, we overexpressed OsJRL in Escherichia coli and rice. The cDNA of OsJRL contained a 438 bp open reading frame, which encodes a polypeptide of 145 amino acids. OsJRL was localized in the nucleus and cytoplasm. Real time PCR analyses revealed that OsJRL expression showed tissue specificity in rice and was upregulated under diverse stresses, namely salt, drought, cold, heat and abscisic acid treatments. Overexpression of OsJRL in E. coli enhanced cell viability and dramatically improved tolerance of high salinity. Overexpression of OsJRL in rice also enhanced salinity tolerance and increased the expression levels of a number of stress-related genes, including three LEA (late embryogenesis abundant proteins) genes (OsLEA19a, OsLEA23 and OsLEA24), three Na⁺ transporter genes (OsHKT1;3, OsHKT1;4 and OsHKT1;5) and two DREB genes (OsDREB1A and OsDREB2B). Based on these results, we suggest that OsJRL plays an important role in cell protection and stress signal transduction.

Effect of Implant Position and Edentulous Span Length on Stresses Around Implants Assisting Claspless Distal Extension Partial Overdentures: An In Vitro Study

The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of implant position and edentulous span length on stresses around implants assisting claspless distal extension partial overdentures. Four bilateral mandibular distal extension acrylic models were constructed. Two implants were inserted in the distal extension ridges parallel to each other and perpendicular to the ridges. Based on the implant position, models were categorized into two groups: Group I, mesial implants position and Group II, distal implant position. Each group was subdivided into 2 subgroups according to the length of edentulous span: Subgroup a, long span and Subgroup b, short span. Four claspless partial overdentures were fabricated on the models and retained to the implants with ball-and-socket attachments. Three strain gauges were cemented to the acrylic resin at buccal, lingual, and distal sides of each implant. Static unilateral vertical load of 60N was applied in the central fossae of the first molar, and peri-implant stresses were measured on loading and nonloading sides. Distal implant placements recorded significantly higher peri-implant stresses than did mesial implant placements. Long saddle recorded significantly higher stresses than did short saddle. The greatest peri-implant stresses were recorded with distal placement and long saddle at the loading side. At loading and nonloading sides, the mesial placement with a short saddle recorded the lowest strain. For mandibular distal extension partial overdentures, a mesially placed implant combined with short saddle may be preferable to a distally placed implant combined with long saddle, as the former was associated with reduced peri-implant stresses.

Silicon and Plants: Current Knowledge and Technological Perspectives

Elemental silicon (Si), after oxygen, is the second most abundant element in the earth's crust, which is mainly composed of silicates. Si is not considered essential for plant growth and development, however, increasing evidence in the literature shows that this metalloid is beneficial to plants, especially under stress conditions. Indeed Si alleviates the toxic effects caused by abiotic stresses, e.g., salt stress, drought, heavy metals, to name a few. Biogenic silica is also a deterrent against herbivores. Additionally, Si ameliorates the vigor of plants and improves their resistance to exogenous stresses. The protective role of Si was initially attributed to a physical barrier fortifying the cell wall (e.g., against fungal hyphae penetration), however, several studies have shown that the action of this element on plants is far more complex, as it involves a cross-talk with the cell interior and an effect on plant metabolism. In this study the beneficial role of Si on plants will be discussed, by reviewing the available data in the literature. Emphasis will be given to the protective role of Si during (a)biotic stresses and in this context both priming and the effects of Si on endogenous phytohormones will be discussed. A whole section will be devoted to the use of silica (SiO₂) nanoparticles, in the light of the interest that nanotechnology has for agriculture. The paper also discusses the potential technological aspects linked to the use of Si in agriculture and to modify/improve the physical parameters of plant fibers. The study indeed provides perspectives on the use of Si to increase the yield of fiber crops and to improve the thermal stability and tensile strength of natural fibers.

Metabolomics, a Powerful Tool for Agricultural Research

Metabolomics, which is based mainly on nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), gas-chromatography (GC) or liquid-chromatography (LC) coupled to mass spectrometry (MS) analytical technologies to systematically acquire the qualitative and quantitative information of low-molecular-mass endogenous metabolites, provides a direct snapshot of the physiological condition in biological samples. As complements to transcriptomics and proteomics, it has played pivotal roles in agricultural and food science research. In this review, we discuss the capacities of NMR, GC/LC-MS in the acquisition of plant metabolome, and address the potential promise and diverse applications of metabolomics, particularly lipidomics, to investigate the responses of Arabidopsis thaliana, a primary plant model for agricultural research, to environmental stressors including heat, freezing, drought, and salinity.

New Insights Into Roles of Ubiquitin Modification in Regulating Plastids and Other Endosymbiotic Organelles

Recent findings have revealed important and diverse roles for the ubiquitin modification of proteins in the regulation of endosymbiotic organelles, which include the primary plastids of plants as well as complex plastids: the secondary endosymbiotic organelles of cryptophytes, alveolates, stramenopiles, and haptophytes. Ubiquitin modifications have a variety of potential consequences, both to the modified protein itself and to cellular regulation. The ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) can target individual proteins for selective degradation by the cytosolic 26S proteasome. Ubiquitin modifications can also signal the removal of whole endosymbiotic organelles, for example, via autophagy as has been well characterized in mitochondria. As plastids must import over 90% of their proteins from the cytosol, the observation that the UPS selectively targets the plastid protein import machinery is particularly significant. In this way, the UPS may influence the development and interconversions of different plastid types, as well as plastid responses to stress, by reconfiguring the organellar proteome. In complex plastids, the Symbiont-derived ERAD-Like Machinery (SELMA) has coopted the protein transport capabilities of the ER-Associated Degradation (ERAD) system, whereby misfolded proteins are retrotranslocated from ER for proteasomal degradation, uncoupling them from proteolysis: SELMA components have been retargeted to the second outermost plastid membrane to mediate protein import. In spite of this wealth of new information, there still remain a large number of unanswered questions and a need to define the roles of ubiquitin modification further in the regulation of plastids.

Are Nutrient Stresses Associated with Enantioselectivity of the Chiral Herbicide Imazethapyr in Arabidopsis thaliana?

Plant growth can be inhibited by herbicides and is strongly limited by the availability of nutrients, which can influence human health through the food chain. Until now, however, cross talk between the enantioselectivity of herbicides and nutrient stresses has been poorly understood. We analyzed trace element and macroelement contents in shoots of Arabidopsis thaliana treated by the chiral herbicide imazethapyr (IM) and observed that multiple-nutrient stress (trace elements Mn, Cu, and Fe and macroelements P, K, Ca, and Mg) was enantioselective. The (R)-IM treatments resulted in Mn 23.37%, Cu 63.53%, P 30.61%, K 63.70%, Ca 34.32%, and Mg 36.14% decreases compared with the control. Interestingly, it was also found that herbicidally active (R)-IM induced notable aggregation of nutrient elements in leaves and roots compared with the control and (S)-IM. Through gene expression analyses, it was found that herbicidally active (R)-IM induced the up- or down-regulation of genes involved in the transport of nutrient elements. We propose that (R)-IM affected the uptake and translocation of nutrient elements in A. thaliana, which destroyed the balance of nutrient elements in the plant. This finding reminds us to reconsider the effect of nutrient stresses in risk assessment of herbicides.

The Biomechanical Effect of Different Denture Base Materials on the Articular Disc in Complete Denture Wearers: A Finite Element Analysis

AIM:

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of different denture base materials on the stress distribution in TMJ articular disc (AD) in complete denture wearers.

MATERIAL AND METHODS:

A three dimensional Finite Element (FEA) models of an individual temporomandibular joint (TMJ) was built on the basis CT scan. The FEA model consisted of four parts: the condyle, the articular disc, the denture base, and the articular eminence skull. Acrylic resin and chrome-cobalt denture base materials were studied. Static loading of 300N was vertically applied to the central fossa of the mandibular second premolar. Stress and strain were calculated to characterize the stress/strain patterns in the disc.

RESULTS:

The maximum tensile stresses were observed in the anterior and posterior bands of (AD) on load application with the two denture base materials. The superior boundaries of the glenoid fossa showed lower stress than those on the inferior boundaries facing the condyle.

CONCLUSIONS:

Within the limitations of the present study it may be concluded that: The denture base material may have an effect in stress-strain pattern in TMJ articular disc. The stiffer denture base material, the better the distribution of the load to the underling mandibular supporting structures & reducing stresses induced in the articular disc.

Computational modeling of vibration-induced systemic hydration of vocal folds over a range of phonation conditions

Predicting phonation conditions that are benign to voice health remains a biomechanically relevant problem. Our objective is to provide insight into vocal fold (VF) hydration based on continuum-based VF models that are able to compute VF stresses during phonation and a scheme for the extraction and generalization of such computational data based on the principle of linear superposition. Because VF tissue is poroelastic, spatial gradients of VF hydrostatic stresses computed for a given phonation condition determine VF interstitial fluid flow. The present approach transforms, based on linear superposition principles, the computed interstitial fluid velocities at the particular phonation to those at an arbitrary phonation condition. Intersititial fluid flow characteristics for a range of phonation conditions are compared. For phonation conditions with no or moderate collision, no dehydration per vibration cycle is predicted throughout the VF. For more severe collision conditions, tissue dehydration is restricted to a region close to the glottal surface. Interstitial fluid displacement in the VF is found to be heterogeneous and strongly dependent on the phonation condition. A phonation condition is found to exist for which dehydration peaks. The proposed method significantly expands the scope and relevance of conducting isolated numerical simulations of VF vibration.

Genome-wide identification and analysis of mitogen activated protein kinase kinase kinase gene family in grapevine (Vitis vinifera)

BACKGROUND

Mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinases (MAPKKKs; MAP3Ks) are important components of MAPK cascades, which are highly conserved signal transduction pathways in animals, yeast and plants, play important roles in plant growth and development. MAPKKKs have been investigated on their evolution and expression patterns in limited plants including Arabidopsis, rice and maize.

RESULTS

In this study, we performed a genome-wide survey and identified 45 MAPKKK genes in the grapevine genome. Chromosome location, phylogeny, gene structure and conserved protein motifs of MAPKKK family in grapevine have been analyzed to support the prediction of these genes. In the phylogenetic analysis, MAPKKK genes of grapevine have been classified into three subgroups as described for Arabidopsis, named MEKK, ZIK and RAF, also confirmed in grapevine by the analysis of conserved motifs and exon-intron organizations. By analyzing expression profiles of MAPKKK genes in grapevine microarray databases, we highlighted the modulation of different MAPKKKs in different organs and distinct developmental stages. Furthermore, we experimentally investigated the expression profiles of 45 grape MAPKKK genes in response to biotic (powdery mildew) and abiotic stress (drought), as well as to hormone (salicylic acid, ethylene) and hydrogen peroxide treatments, and identified several candidate MAPKKK genes that might play an important role in biotic and abiotic responses in grapevine, for further functional characterization.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first comprehensive experimental survey of the grapevine MAPKKK gene family, which provides insights into their potential roles in regulating responses to biotic and abiotic stresses, and the evolutionary expansion of MAPKKKs is associated with the diverse requirement in transducing external and internal signals into intracellular actions in MAPK cascade in grapevine.

Silicon era of carbon-based life: application of genomics and bioinformatics in crop stress research

Abiotic and biotic stresses lead to massive reprogramming of different life processes and are the major limiting factors hampering crop productivity. Omics-based research platforms allow for a holistic and comprehensive survey on crop stress responses and hence may bring forth better crop improvement strategies. Since high-throughput approaches generate considerable amounts of data, bioinformatics tools will play an essential role in storing, retrieving, sharing, processing, and analyzing them. Genomic and functional genomic studies in crops still lag far behind similar studies in humans and other animals. In this review, we summarize some useful genomics and bioinformatics resources available to crop scientists. In addition, we also discuss the major challenges and advancements in the "-omics" studies, with an emphasis on their possible impacts on crop stress research and crop improvement.

A computational study of systemic hydration in vocal fold collision

Mechanical stresses develop within vocal fold (VF) soft tissues due to phonation-associated vibration and collision. These stresses in turn affect the hydration of VF tissue and thus influence voice health. In this paper, high-fidelity numerical computations are described, taking into account fully 3D geometry, realistic tissue and air properties, and high-amplitude vibration and collision. A segregated solver approach is employed, using sophisticated commercial solvers for both the VF tissue and glottal airflow domains. The tissue viscoelastic properties were derived from a biphasic formulation. Two cases were considered, whereby the tissue viscoelastic properties corresponded to two different volume fractions of the fluid phase of the VF tissue. For each case, hydrostatic stresses occurring as a result of vibration and collision were investigated. Assuming the VF tissue to be poroelastic, interstitial fluid movement within VF tissue was estimated from the hydrostatic stress gradient. Computed measures of overall VF dynamics (peak airflow velocity, magnitude of VF deformation, frequency of vibration and contact pressure) were well within the range of experimentally observed values. The VF motion leading to mechanical stresses within the VFs and their effect on the interstitial fluid flux is detailed. It is found that average deformation and vibration of VFs tend to increase the state of hydration of the VF tissue, whereas VF collision works to reduce hydration.