Enhancing gain and isolation of a quad-element MIMO antenna array design for 5G sub-6 GHz applications assisted with characteristic mode analysis.

This paper presents a novel quad-element array with multiple inputs and multiple outputs (MIMO) designed for 5th generation sub-6 GHz applications. The MIMO system achieves a wide impedance bandwidth, high gain, and high isolation among its components, representing significant advancements in sub-6 GHz antenna applications. The single element, an elliptical resonator with a circular slot, is fed by a 50 Ω microstrip feedline, achieves a broad characteristic bandwidth from 3.7 to 5.7 GHz with a resonant frequency of 4.33 GHz and a gain of 1.81 dBi. Characteristic Mode Analysis (CMA) was employed to elucidate the evolution phases of this design. The quad-element MIMO antenna array maintains a compact size and broadband characteristics by arranging mirrored elements on the same ground plane. Implemented on a cost-effective FR-4 substrate measuring 44 × 44 × 1.6 mm3, the recommended MIMO antenna array, enhanced with a partial ground plane and due to the introduction of a vertical strip, a high isolation of - 38.53 dB is achieved between MIMO components along with a realized gain of 3.01 dBi and a radiation efficiency of 71% in the 5G sub-6 GHz band. Noteworthy properties include high isolation, diversity gain (DG), and envelope correlation coefficient (ECC), verifying the appropriateness of the suggested MIMO scheme for 5G transmission and reception in sub-6 GHz applications.

Realization of circular polarized multiple band multi-mode OAM antenna using a ring patch for IoT applications.

A multiband and multi-mode antenna with circular polarized conical patterns is suitable for achieving desired spectral efficiency, increased capacity, and spatial diversity for IoT applications. However, simultaneous excitation of such circular polarized multiple Orbital Angular Momentum (OAM) modes through a single patch antenna is challenging due to the complexity of simultaneously fulfilling distinct requirements of each mode. In this paper, a ring patch antenna is designed to excite different OAM states at different frequencies simultaneously. First, characteristic mode analysis is used to analyze the possibility of simultaneous excitation of multiple OAM modes at corresponding frequencies through a simple ring patch antenna. Then, a dual port ring patch antenna is designed and fabricated to verify the capability of generating multiple OAM states at corresponding frequencies. Furthermore, it also presents the guidance to suppress unwanted OAM modes.

Effect of Traverse Speed Variation on Microstructural Properties and Corrosion Behavior of Friction Stir Welded WE43 Mg Alloy Joints.

The growing demand for Magnesium in the automotive and aviation industries has enticed the need to improve its corrosive properties. In this study, the WE43 magnesium alloys were friction stir welded (FSW) by varying the traverse speed. FSW eliminates defects such as liquefication cracking, expulsion, and voids in joints encountered frequently in fusion welding of magnesium alloys. The microstructural properties were scrutinized using light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Additionally, the elemental makeup of precipitates was studied using electron dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The electrochemical behavior of specimens was evaluated by employing potentiodynamic polarization tests and was correlated with the microstructural properties. A defect-free weldment was obtained at a traverse and rotational speed of 100 mm/min and 710 rpm, respectively. All weldments significantly improved corrosion resistance compared to the base alloy. Moreover, a highly refined microstructure with redistribution/dissolution of precipitates was obtained. The grain size was reduced from 256 µm to around 13 µm. The corrosion resistance of the welded sample was enhanced by 22 times as compared to the base alloy. Hence, the reduction in grain size and the dissolution/distribution of secondary-phase particles within the Mg matrix are the primary factors for the enhancement of anti-corrosion properties.

Genome wide identification and characterization of fertility associated novel CircRNAs as ceRNA reveal their regulatory roles in sheep fecundity.

Reproductive traits play a vital role in determining the production efficiency of sheep. Maximizing the production is of paramount importance for breeders worldwide due to the growing population. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) act as miRNA sponges by absorbing miRNA activity through miRNA response elements (MREs) and participate in ceRNA regulatory networks (ceRNETs) to regulate mRNA expression. Despite of extensive research on role of circRNAs as miRNA sponges in various species, their specific regulatory roles and mechanism in sheep ovarian tissue are still not well understood. In this study, we performed whole genome sequencing of circRNAs, miRNA and mRNA employing bioinformatic techniques on ovine tissues of two contrasting sheep breeds "Small tail Han (X_LC) and Dolang sheep (D_LC)", which results into identification of 9,878 circRNAs with a total length of 23,522,667 nt and an average length of 2,381.32 nt. Among them, 44 differentially expressed circRNAs (DECs) were identified. Moreover, correlation between miRNA-mRNA and lncRNA-miRNA provided us with to prediction of miRNA binding sites on nine differentially expressed circRNAs and 165 differentially expressed mRNAs using miRanda. miRNA-mRNA and lncRNA-miRNA pairs with negative correlation were selected to determine the ceRNA score along with positively correlated pairs from lncRNA and mRNA network. Integration of ceRNA score and positively correlated pairs exhibit a significant ternary relationship among circRNAs-miRNA-mRNA demonestrated by ceRNA, comprising of 50 regulatory pairs sharring common nodes and predicted potential differentially expressed circRNAs-miRNAs-mRNAs regulatory axis. Based on functional enrichment analysis shortlisted key ceRNA regulatory pairs associated with reproduction including circRNA_3257-novel579_mature-EPHA3, circRNA_8396-novel130_mature-LOC101102473, circRNA_4140- novel34_mature > novel661_mature-KCNK9, and circRNA_8312-novel339_mature-LOC101110545. Furthermore, expression profiling, functional enrichments and qRT-PCR analysis of key target genes infer their implication in reproduction and metabolism. ceRNA target mRNAs evolutionary trajectories, expression profiling, functional enrichments, subcellular localizations following genomic organizations will provide new insights underlying molecular mechanisms of reproduction, and establish a solid foundation for future research. Graphical abstract summarizing the scheme of study.

Combined transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses elucidate key salt-responsive biomarkers to regulate salt tolerance in cotton.

BACKGROUND: Cotton is an important industrial crop and a pioneer crop for saline-alkali land restoration. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the cotton response to salt is not completely understood. METHODS: Here, we used metabolome data and transcriptome data to analyze the salt tolerance regulatory network of cotton and metabolic biomarkers. RESULTS: In this study, cotton was stressed at 400 m M NaCl for 0 h, 3 h, 24 h and 48 h. NaCl interfered with cotton gene expression, altered metabolite contents and affected plant growth. Metabolome analysis showed that NaCl stress increased the contents of amino acids, sugars and ABA, decreased the amount of vitamin and terpenoids. K-means cluster analysis of differentially expressed genes showed that the continuously up-regulated genes were mainly enriched in metabolic pathways such as flavonoid biosynthesis and amino acid biosynthesis. CONCLUSION: The four metabolites of cysteine (Cys), ABA(Abscisic acid), turanose, and isopentenyladenine-7-N-glucoside (IP7G) were consistently up-regulated under salt stress, which may indicate that they are potential candidates for cotton under salt stress biomarkers. Combined transcriptome and metabolome analysis revealed accumulation of cysteine, ABA, isopentenyladenine-7-N-glucoside and turanose were important for salt tolerance in cotton mechanism. These results will provide some metabolic insights and key metabolite biomarkers for salt stress tolerance, which may help to understanding of the metabolite response to salt stress in cotton and develop a foundation for cotton to grow better in saline soil.

A prolific and robust whole-genome genotyping method using PCR amplification via primer-template mismatched annealing.

Whole-genome genotyping methods are important for breeding. However, it has been challenging to develop a robust method for simultaneous foreground and background genotyping that can easily be adapted to different genes and species. In our study, we accidently discovered that in adapter ligation-mediated PCR, the amplification by primer-template mismatched annealing (PTMA) along the genome could generate thousands of stable PCR products. Based on this observation, we consequently developed a novel method for simultaneous foreground and background integrated genotyping by sequencing (FBI-seq) using one specific primer, in which foreground genotyping is performed by primer-template perfect annealing (PTPA), while background genotyping employs PTMA. Unlike DNA arrays, multiple PCR, or genome target enrichments, FBI-seq requires little preliminary work for primer design and synthesis, and it is easily adaptable to different foreground genes and species. FBI-seq therefore provides a prolific, robust, and accurate method for simultaneous foreground and background genotyping to facilitate breeding in the post-genomics era.

Expression deregulation of matrix metalloproteinases and vasoconstriction related genes in Pakistani females with abnormal uterine bleeding.

BACKGROUND: Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) is irregular menstrual bleeding which has great impact on female health and life style. Various genetic factors are involved in etiology and pathology of AUB. Present study was designed to explore the association of PTGFR, MMP9, MMP2, TGFB3 and VEGFB with AUB. METHODS: Blood samples of 212 females with AUB were collected along with age-matched healthy control. Expression variation of targeted genes was evaluated using qPCR. Present study cohort was divided into different groups based on demographic parameters and all targeted genes were correlated with study demographics. RESULTS: Expression of targeted genes was significantly (P < 0.001) downregulated in females with AUB compared to control. Reduced (P < 0.01) expression of targeted genes was observed in all age groups (21-30, 31-40, 41-50 year) of AUB patients compared to respective control. Expression of VEGFB increased (P < 0.05) in AUB females with > 9 days bleeding compared to AUB patient had < 9 days bleeding. AUB women with miscarriage history showed upregulation in MMP2, TGFB3 (P < 0.05), and downregulation in MMP9 and VEGFB (P < 0.05) expression compared to AUB group with no miscarriage history. Expression of MMP2 increased (P < 0.05) in AUB females with > 60 kg body weigh compared to AUB patient with < 60 kg weight. CONCLUSION: Present study open a new window for diagnosis of AUB at early stages and suggested a possible involvement of PTGFR, MMP9, MMP2, TGFB3 and VEGFB as candidate biomarkers in AUB.

Systematic analysis of Histidine photosphoto transfer gene family in cotton and functional characterization in response to salt and around tolerance.

BACKGROUND: Phosphorylation regulated by the two-component system (TCS) is a very important approach signal transduction in most of living organisms. Histidine phosphotransfer (HP) is one of the important members of the TCS system. Members of the HP gene family have implications in plant stresses tolerance and have been deeply studied in several crops. However, upland cotton is still lacking with complete systematic examination of the HP gene family. RESULTS: A total of 103 HP gene family members were identified. Multiple sequence alignment and phylogeny of HPs distributed them into 7 clades that contain the highly conserved amino acid residue "XHQXKGSSXS", similar to the Arabidopsis HP protein. Gene duplication relationship showed the expansion of HP gene family being subjected with whole-genome duplication (WGD) in cotton. Varying expression profiles of HPs illustrates their multiple roles under altering environments particularly the abiotic stresses. Analysis is of transcriptome data signifies the important roles played by HP genes against abiotic stresses. Moreover, protein regulatory network analysis and VIGS mediated functional approaches of two HP genes (GhHP23 and GhHP27) supports their predictor roles in salt and drought stress tolerance. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides new bases for systematic examination of HP genes in upland cotton, which formulated the genetic makeup for their future survey and examination of their potential use in cotton production.

Fyn and Lyn gene polymorphisms impact the risk of thyroid cancer.

Thyroid cancer is the most common malignancy of the endocrine glands, and during last couple of decades, its incidence has risen alarmingly, across the globe. Etiology of thyroid cancer is still debatable. There are a few worth mentioning risk factors which contribute to initiation of abnormalities in thyroid gland leading to cancer. Genetic instability is major risk factors in thyroid carcinogenesis. Among the genetic factors, the Src family of genes (Src, Yes1, Fyn and Lyn) have been implicated in many cancers but there is little data regarding the association of these (Src, Yes1, Fyn and Lyn) genes with thyroid carcinogenesis. Fyn and Lyn genes of Src family found engaged in proliferation, migration, invasion, angiogenesis, and metastasis in different cancers. This study was planned to examine the effect of Fyn and Lyn SNPs on thyroid cancer risk in Pakistani population in 500 patients and 500 controls. Three polymorphisms of Fyn gene (rs6916861, rs2182644 and rs12910) and three polymorphisms of Lyn gene (rs2668011, rs45587541 and rs45489500) were analyzed using Tetra-primer ARMS-PCR followed by DNA sequencing. SNP rs6916861 of Fyn gene mutant genotype (CC) showed statistically significant threefold increased risk of thyroid cancer (P < 0.0001). In case of rs2182644 of Fyn gene, mutant genotype (AA) indicated statistically significant 17-fold increased risk of thyroid cancer (P < 0.0001). Statistically significant threefold increased risk of thyroid cancer was observed in genotype AC (P < 0.0001) of Fyn gene polymorphism rs12910. In SNP rs2668011 of Lyn gene, TT genotype showed statistically significant threefold increased risk of thyroid cancer (P < 0.0001). In case of rs45587541 of Lyn gene, GA genotypes showed statistically significant 11-fold increased risk in thyroid cancer (P < 0.0001). Haplotype analysis revealed that AAATAG*, AGACAG*, AGCCAA*, AGCCAG*, CAATAG*, CGCCAG* and CGCCGA* haplotypes of Fyn and Lyn polymorphisms are associated with increased thyroid cancer risk. These results showed that genotypes and allele distribution of Fyn and Lyn are significantly linked with increased thyroid cancer risk and could be genetic adjuster for said disease.

Expression variation of OGG1 and HPRT gene and DNA damage in arsenic exposed industrial workers.

Arsenic exposure alters redox balance, induces DNA damage, and deregulates many genes. OGG1 gene involved in base repair mechanism, for excision of 8-oxoguanine (8-oxoG) from DNA formed as a result of accumulation of ROS in cell. HPRT gene encode transferase enzymes involved in purine recycling mechanism. The main focus of the study was to evaluate the expression variation in HPRT, OGG1 gene expression, and DNA damage of industrial workers. Blood samples of 300 occupational workers were collected from welding, brick kiln, furniture, pesticide, and paint industry (n = 60/industry) to evaluate the expression variation in HPRT, OGG1 gene expression, and DNA damage in blood cells by comet assay along with age and gender matched 300 control individuals. Blood arsenic content was higher (P<0.001) in an industrial group compared to the control. OGG1 and HPRT expression were (P<0.05) downregulated in exposed workers compared to controls. Spearman correlation analysis showed a significant positive correlation between HPRT vs OGG1 (P< 0.0001) in exposed workers compared to controls. Altered expression of both genes was observed between workers with <25years and >25years of age as well as between workers with <10years and >10year exposure. Reduced expression (P<0.05) of both genes and a high extent of DNA damage was evident in exposed smokers compared to respective non-smokers. DNA fragmentation was higher (P<0.05) in the furniture, welding and brick kiln group compared to control, and other industries. The present study suggests that altered expression of OGG1 and HPRT gene induce oxidative stress, showed a negative impact on the recycling of purines leading to DNA damage which increase the vulnerability of workers to carcinogenicity.

Comprehensive genomic characterization of cotton cationic amino acid transporter genes reveals that GhCAT10D regulates salt tolerance.

BACKGROUND: The cationic amino acid transporters (CAT) play indispensable roles in maintaining metabolic functions, such as synthesis of proteins and nitric oxide (NO), biosynthesis of polyamine, and flow of amino acids, by mediating the bidirectional transport of cationic amino acids in plant cells. RESULTS: In this study, we performed a genome-wide and comprehensive study of 79 CAT genes in four species of cotton. Localization of genes revealed that CAT genes reside on the plasma membrane. Seventy-nine CAT genes were grouped into 7 subfamilies by phylogenetic analysis. Structure analysis of genes showed that CAT genes from the same subgroup have similar genetic structure and exon number. RNA-seq and real-time PCR indicated that the expression of most GhCAT genes were induced by salt, drought, cold and heat stresses. Cis-elements analysis of GhCAT promoters showed that the GhCAT genes promoters mainly contained plant hormones responsive elements and abiotic stress elements, which indicated that GhCAT genes may play key roles in response to abiotic stress. Moreover, we also conducted gene interaction network of the GhCAT proteins. Silencing GhCAT10D expression decreased the resistance of cotton to salt stress because of a decrease in the accumulation of NO and proline. CONCLUSION: Our results indicated that CAT genes might be related with salt tolerance in cotton and lay a foundation for further study on the regulation mechanism of CAT genes in cationic amino acids transporting and distribution responsing to abiotic stress.

Structure and character analysis of cotton response regulator genes family reveals that GhRR7 responses to draught stress.

BACKGROUND: Cytokinin signal transduction is mediated by a two-component system (TCS). Two-component systems are utilized in plant responses to hormones as well as to biotic and abiotic environmental stimuli. In plants, response regulatory genes (RRs) are one of the main members of the two-component system (TCS). METHOD: From the aspects of gene structure, evolution mode, expression type, regulatory network and gene function, the evolution process and role of RR genes in the evolution of the cotton genome were analyzed. RESULT: A total of 284 RR genes in four cotton species were identified. Including 1049 orthologous/paralogous gene pairs were identified, most of which were whole genome duplication (WGD). The RR genes promoter elements contain phytohormone responses and abiotic or biotic stress-related cis-elements. Expression analysis showed that RR genes family may be negatively regulate and involved in salt stress and drought stress in plants. Protein regulatory network analysis showed that RR family proteins are involved in regulating the DNA-binding transcription factor activity (COG5641) pathway and HP kinase pathways. VIGS analysis showed that the GhRR7 gene may be in the same regulatory pathway as GhAHP5 and GhPHYB, ultimately negatively regulating cotton drought stress by regulating POD, SOD, CAT, H2O2 and other reactive oxygen removal systems. CONCLUSION: This study is the first to gain insight into RR gene members in cotton. Our research lays the foundation for discovering the genes related to drought and salt tolerance and creating new cotton germplasm materials for drought and salt tolerance.

Role of Chk1 gene in molecular classification and prognosis of gastric cancer using immunohistochemistry and LORD-Q assay.

Purpose: The aim of the current study was to assess the prognostic value of the Chk1 gene in the DNA damage response pathway in gastric cancer (GC). Methods: Expression levels of the Chk1 were measured in 220 GC tumor tissues and adjacent healthy/noncancerous tissues using real-time PCR and immunohistochemical staining. Genomic instability in GC patients was measured using the long-run real-time PCR technique for DNA-damage quantification assay and comet assay. Results: Significantly downregulated expression of Chk1 was observed at the mRNA level (p < 0.0001) and protein level (p < 0.0001). Significantly increased frequency of lesions/10 kb and comets was observed in tumor tissues compared with control tissues. Conclusion: The data suggest that downregulated expression of Chk1 and positive Heliobacter pylori infection status may have prognostic significance in GC.

A high-quality assembled genome and its comparative analysis decode the adaptive molecular mechanism of the number one Chinese cotton variety CRI-12.

BACKGROUND: Gossypium hirsutum L. is the most widely cultivated cotton species, and a high-quality reference genome would be a huge boost for researching the molecular mechanism of agronomic traits in cotton. FINDINGS: Here, Pacific Biosciences and Hi-C sequencing technologies were used to assemble a new upland cotton genome of the No. 1 Chinese cotton variety CRI-12. We generated a high-quality assembled CRI-12 genome of 2.31 Gb with a contig N50 of 19.65 Mb, which was superior to previously reported genomes. Comparisons between CRI-12 and other reported genomes revealed 7,966 structural variations and 7,378 presence/absence variations. The distribution of the haplotypes among A-genome (Gossypium arboreum), D-genome (Gossypium raimondii), and AD-genome (G. hirsutum and Gossypium barbadense) suggested that many haplotypes were lost and recombined in the process of polyploidization. More than half of the haplotypes that correlated with different tolerances were located on chromosome D13, suggesting that this chromosome may be important for wide adaptation. Finally, it was demonstrated that DNA methylation may provide advantages in environmental adaptation through whole-genome bisulfite sequencing analysis. CONCLUSIONS: This research provides a new reference genome for molecular biology research on Gossypium hirsutum L. and helps decode the broad environmental adaptation mechanisms in the No. 1 Chinese cotton variety CRI-12.

Genome-wide expression analysis of carboxylesterase (CXE) gene family implies GBCXE49 functional responding to alkaline stress in cotton.

BACKGROUND: Carboxylesterase (CXE) is a type of hydrolase with α/ß sheet hydrolase activity widely found in animals, plants and microorganisms, which plays an important role in plant growth, development and resistance to stress. RESULTS: A total of 72, 74, 39, 38 CXE genes were identified in Gossypium barbadense, Gossypium hirsutum, Gossypium raimondii and Gossypium arboreum, respectively. The gene structure and expression pattern were analyzed. The GBCXE genes were divided into 6 subgroups, and the chromosome distribution of members of the family were mapped. Analysis of promoter cis-acting elements showed that most GBCXE genes contain cis-elements related to plant hormones (GA, IAA) or abiotic stress. These 6 genes we screened out were expressed in the root, stem and leaf tissues. Combined with the heat map, GBCXE49 gene was selected for subcellular locate and confirmed that the protein was expressed in the cytoplasm. CONCLUSIONS: The collinearity analysis of the CXE genes of the four cotton species in this family indicated that tandem replication played an indispensable role in the evolution of the CXE gene family. The expression patterns of GBCXE gene under different stress treatments indicated that GBCXE gene may significantly participate in the response to salt and alkaline stress through different mechanisms. Through the virus-induced gene silencing technology (VIGS), it was speculated that GBCXE49 gene was involved in the response to alkaline stress in G. barbadense.

Genetic interactions of mitochondrial sirtuins in brain tumorigenesis.

Purpose: The present study was designed to understand the role of expression variations of mitochondrial imported sirtuins in brain tumorigenesis. The expression levels of mitochondrial imported sirtuins were further analyzed for biomarker potential. Methods: Samples from 200 brain tumors and 200 healthy control tissues were used for expression analysis using quantitative PCR and for DNA damage using LORD-Q analysis. Results: Significant deregulation of SIRT3 (p = 0.002), SIRT4 (p = 0.03) and SIRT5 (p = 0.006) was observed in brain tumors versus controls. Co-expression analysis showed a significant correlation between the mitochondrial imported sirtuins versus apoptotic genes. LORD-Q analysis showed a significantly increased frequency of lesions/10 kb of mitochondrial imported sirtuins (p < 0.0001) in brain tumor tissue versus controls. Conclusion: The present study showed a correlation between variations of mitochondrial imported sirtuins and increased brain tumor risk.

Structure and character analysis of cotton response regulator genes family reveals that GhRR7 responses to draught stress

BACKGROUND: Cytokinin signal transduction is mediated by a two-component system (TCS). Two-component systems are utilized in plant responses to hormones as well as to biotic and abiotic environmental stimuli. In plants, response regulatory genes (RRs) are one of the main members of the two-component system (TCS). METHOD: From the aspects of gene structure, evolution mode, expression type, regulatory network and gene function, the evolution process and role of RR genes in the evolution of the cotton genome were analyzed. RESULT: A total of 284 RR genes in four cotton species were identified. Including 1049 orthologous/paralogous gene pairs were identified, most of which were whole genome duplication (WGD). The RR genes promoter elements contain phytohormone responses and abiotic or biotic stress-related cis-elements. Expression analysis showed that RR genes family may be negatively regulate and involved in salt stress and drought stress in plants. Protein regulatory network analysis showed that RR family proteins are involved in regulating the DNA-binding transcription factor activity (COG5641) pathway and HP kinase pathways. VIGS analysis showed that the GhRR7 gene may be in the same regulatory pathway as GhAHP5 and GhPHYB, ultimately negatively regulating cotton drought stress by regulating POD, SOD, CAT, H2O2 and other reactive oxygen removal systems. CONCLUSION: This study is the first to gain insight into RR gene members in cotton. Our research lays the foundation for discovering the genes related to drought and salt tolerance and creating new cotton germplasm materials for drought and salt tolerance.