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Photosynthetic efficiency, a key trait that determines yield potential in rice, is quantitatively regulated by multiple genes. Utilization of valuable genetic resources hidden in wild rice is an effective way to improve rice photosynthesis and yield potential. In this study, 152 backcross inbred lines derived from wild rice Oryza longistaminata were explored for QTL mapping of photosynthetic rate (Pn) and biomass (BM) in natural fields. Five novel QTLs for Pn and seven QTLs for BM or daily biomass (DBM) derived from O. longistaminata were identified. One of these QTLs, qPn8.1, could significantly improve Pn and was located in a 68-kb region containing only 11 candidate genes. Meanwhile, qBM1.1 and qDBM1.1 for BM and DBM on chromosome 1 were overlapped with qPn1.1 for Pn from 9311, and could affect both Pn and BM in natural fields. These QTLs identified in O. longistaminata may provide a novel alternative to explore new genes and resources for yield potentiality, highlighting the important role of wild rice in rice breeding programs.

A strong driving force for charge separation and transfer in semiconductors is essential for designing effective photoelectrodes for solar energy conversion. While defect engineering and polarization alignment can enhance this process, their potential interference within a photoelectrode remains unclear. Here we show that oxygen vacancies in bismuth vanadate (BiVO4) can create defect dipoles due to a disruption of symmetry. The modified photoelectrodes exhibit a strong correlation between charge separation and transfer capability and external electrical poling, which is not seen in unmodified samples. Applying poling at −150 Volt boosts charge separation and transfer efficiency to over 90%. A photocurrent density of 6.3 mA cm−2 is achieved on the photoelectrode after loading with a nickel-iron oxide-based cocatalyst. Furthermore, using generated holes for methane partial oxidation can produce methanol with a Faradaic efficiency of approximately 6%. These findings provide valuable insights into the photoelectrocatalytic conversion of greenhouse gases into valuable chemical products. The design of effective photoelectrodes for solar energy conversion relies on optimizing charge separation and transfer, which remain a challenge. In this study, the authors demonstrate that an external poling treatment can create a built-in electric field in bismuth vanadate photoelectrodes, thereby facilitating efficient charge transport for water oxidation and methane conversion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lignin is nature's second most abundant vascular plant biopolymer, playing significant roles in mechanical support, water transport, and stress responses. This study identified 90 lignin biosynthesis genes in rice based on phylogeny and motif constitution, and they belong to PAL, C4H, 4CL, HCT, C3H, CCoAOMT, CCR, F5H, COMT, and CAD families. Duplication events contributed largely to the expansion of these gene families, such as PAL, CCoAOMT, CCR, and CAD families, mainly attributed to tandem and segmental duplication. Microarray data of 33 tissue samples covering the entire life cycle of rice suggested fairly high PAL, HCT, C3H, CCoAOMT, CCR, COMT, and CAD gene expressions and rather variable C4H, 4CL, and F5H expressions. Some members of lignin-related genes (OsCCRL11, OsHCT1/2/5, OsCCoAOMT1/3/5, OsCOMT, OsC3H, OsCAD2, and OsPAL1/6) were expressed in all tissues examined. The expression patterns of lignin-related genes can be divided into two major groups with eight subgroups, each showing a distinct co-expression in tissues representing typically primary and secondary cell wall constitutions. Some lignin-related genes were strongly co-expressed in tissues typical of secondary cell walls. Combined HPLC analysis showed increased lignin monomer (H, G, and S) contents from young to old growth stages in five genotypes. Based on 90 genes' microarray data, 27 genes were selected for qRT-PCR gene expression analysis. Four genes (OsPAL9, OsCAD8C, OsCCR8, and OsCOMTL4) were significantly negatively correlated with lignin monomers. Furthermore, eleven genes were co-expressed in certain genotypes during secondary growth stages. Among them, six genes (OsC3H, OsCAD2, OsCCR2, OsCOMT, OsPAL2, and OsPAL8) were overlapped with microarray gene expressions, highlighting their importance in lignin biosynthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The auxin/indoleacetic acid (Aux/IAA) family plays a central role in regulating gene expression during auxin signal transduction. Nonetheless, there is limited knowledge regarding this gene family in sugarcane. In this study, 92 members of the IAA family were identified in Saccharum spontaneum, distributed on 32 chromosomes, and classified into three clusters based on phylogeny and motif compositions. Segmental duplication and recombination events contributed largely to the expansion of this superfamily. Additionally, cis-acting elements in the promoters of SsIAAs involved in plant hormone regulation and stress responsiveness were predicted. Transcriptomics data revealed that most SsIAA expressions were significantly higher in stems and basal parts of leaves, and at nighttime, suggesting that these genes might be involved in sugar transport. QRT-PCR assays confirmed that cold and salt stress significantly induced four and five SsIAAs, respectively. GFP-subcellular localization showed that SsIAA23 and SsIAA12a were localized in the nucleus, consistent with the results of bioinformatics analysis. In conclusion, to a certain extent, the functional redundancy of family members caused by the expansion of the sugarcane IAA gene family is related to stress resistance and regeneration of sugarcane as a perennial crop. This study reveals the gene evolution and function of the SsIAA gene family in sugarcane, laying the foundation for further research on its mode of action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Democracy is considered by many to be the ultimate form of government. This paper tries to identify the effects of choosing certain regime types over others on the economic development of that society. Through careful review of several scholars’ works on this topic, this study finds that several key factors, such as how long has the newly created democracy existed, how well democratic institutions are established (free and fair elections, control over economy, rule of law etc.). Simply transitioning into a democracy does not guarantee economic growth, but maturing as a democracy does. This study seeks to provide a meaningful discussion and help its audience understand the more specific details of each type of regime, thus allowing for a closer examination of the debate of democracy versus autocracy. Through this paper, readers will be able to understand what makes a mature democracy, and how does a mature democracy help economic development.