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Tetracycline is often used in treating various diseases or infections, which also leads to severe environmental threats due to its toxicity, durability, and low biodegradation. Meanwhile, although ultrasound (US)-assisted activation of persulfate (PS) is a promising technology for water and wastewater treatment, its reaction mechanism is still not well-defined. Herein, we explored the effect of the enhanced mechanism of ultrasonic activation of peroxymonosulfate (PMS) on the degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH). The findings revealed that the US/PMS system was highly effective in degrading TCH, achieving an 83.2% degradation efficiency for a TCH concentration of 10 mg/L within 3 h. Moreover, the combination of radical quenching experiments and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) analysis confirmed the generation of different types of reactive radicals (such as sulfate radical (SO4•−), hydroxyl radical (•OH), superoxide anions (•O2−), and singlet oxygen (1O2)) upon PMS activation under ultrasonic cavitation. Thus, US-assisted activation of persulfate is a more promising strategy for efficient removal of refractory organic contaminants in wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyethylene mulch film (PEM) is widely utilized in garlic cultivation, significantly enhancing garlic yield. However, the prolonged use of this material leads to serious environmental issues that adversely affect soil health and plant growth. To promote the adoption of biodegradable mulch film (BDM) in garlic cultivation, we investigate the effects of BDMs with thicknesses of 0.006 mm, 0.008 mm, and 0.010 mm on garlic growth and soil properties, comparing them with the commonly used PEM 0.008 mm. The results indicated that the agronomic traits of garlic were significantly improved under both PEM and BDMs compared to no mulching, with yield increases ranging from 75.42% to 90.39%. The highest garlic yield was observed with the BDM 0.008 mm. Most above-ground agronomic traits of garlic did not exhibit significant differences between PEM and BDMs, although a few traits showed slight increases under the BDMs 0.008 mm and 0.010 mm. The quality characteristics of garlic bulbs, including the contents of soluble sugar, vitamin C, and allicin, did not differ significantly between PEM and BDMs. Soil temperature was significantly higher under both PEM and BDMs compared to no mulching. In comparison to PEM 0.008 mm, the application of BDMs 0.006 mm and 0.008 mm significantly enhanced potassium availability in the soil. Furthermore, the activities of catalase, phosphatase, and invertase were notably increased under the BDM 0.008 mm, suggesting that this type of mulch could improve the physicochemical properties of the soil. Additionally, the BDM 0.008 mm remained intact throughout the low-temperature overwintering period, began to partially degrade as temperatures rose in March and April, and exhibited considerable fragmentation during the maturity and harvest periods of garlic. Its degradation rate was well aligned with the growth requirements of garlic. Taken together, these findings suggested that the BDM 0.008 mm is particularly effective, resulting in significant yield increase and an appropriate degradation rate. These results provided a valuable reference for the selection and application of BDM in garlic cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study examined the corrosion and wear characteristics of hot-dip galvanized steel in complex soil environments. The results showed that hot-dip galvanized steel exhibited improved corrosion resistance characteristics. Additionally, the sliding speed was observed to influence both the coefficient of friction (COF) and the state of the worn surface. Moreover, the corrosion resistance of hot-dip galvanized steel declined as the immersion period increased. Following the incorporation of friction behavior, the galvanized layer is prone to accelerated degradation. The wear of the galvanized layer resulted in the failure of its electrochemical protection, creating a pathway for corrosion to occur on the substrate as a result of the coupling effect of corrosion and wear. The use of hot-dip galvanized steel presents challenges when exposed to a tribocorrosion environment for a prolonged period. This study lays the groundwork for future research on the maintenance cycle of industrial structures constructed primarily with hot-dip galvanized steel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the development of electronic packaging technology toward miniaturization, integration, and high reliability, the diameter and pitch of solder joints continue to shrink. Adjacent solder joints are highly susceptible to electrochemical migration (ECM) due to the synergistic effects of high-density electric fields, water vapor, and contaminants. Dust has become one of the non-negligible causal factors in ECM studies due to air pollution. In this study, 0.2 mM/L NaCl and Na2SO4 solutions were used to simulate soluble salt in dust, and the failure mechanism of an Sn-58Bi solder ECM in the soluble salt in dust was analyzed by a water-droplet experimental method. It was shown that the mean failure time of the ECM of an Sn-58Bi solder in an NaCl solution (53 s) was longer than that in an Na2SO4 solution (32 s) due to the difference in the anodic dissolution characteristics in the two soluble salt solutions. XPS analysis revealed that the dendrites produced by the ECM process were mainly composed of Sn, SnO, and SnO2, and there were precipitation products—Sn(OH)2 and Na2SO4—attached to the dendrites. The corrosion potential in the NaCl solution (−0.351 V) was higher than that in the Na2SO4 solution (−0.360 V), as shown by a polarization test, indicating that the Sn-58Bi solder had better corrosion resistance in the NaCl solution. Therefore, an Sn-58Bi solder has better resistance to electrochemical migration in an NaCl solution compared to an Na2SO4 solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To enhance the application of alkali-activated materials in mine filling, cemented tailings backfill was prepared using slag, fly ash, sodium silicate, and NaOH as primary constituents. The effects of the raw material type and dosage on the backfill were examined through a single-factor experiment. Additionally, response surface methodology (RSM) was utilized to optimize the mixing ratios of the backfill, with a focus on fluidity and compressive strength as key objectives. The evolution of backfill quality and compressive strength under the combined effects of dry–wet and freeze–thaw (DW-FT) cycles was analyzed. The hydration products, microstructure, and pore characteristics of the specimens were analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), and nitrogen adsorption tests (NATs) across varying cycles. The results demonstrate that the optimal backfill composition includes 47.8% fly ash, 6.10% alkali equivalent, and a 1.44 sodium silicate modulus. The macroscopic behavior of the backfill under DW-FT coupling followed this progression: pore initiation → pore expansion → crack formation → crack propagation → structural damage. After a minor initial increase, the backfill strength steadily decreased. Microscopic analysis revealed that the decline in internal cementation products and the deterioration of pore structure were the primary causes of this strength reduction. Thus, the DW-FT coupling can cause significant erosion of the backfill. The technical solutions presented in this paper offer a reference for solid waste utilization and provide valuable insights into the durability of backfill under DW-FT coupling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Expansive soil is widely distributed and often needs to be improved for engineering and construction needs. Using blast furnace slag and fly ash as precursors and NaOH as an alkali activator, a geopolymer was prepared to solidify expansive soil, and the effect of nano-SiO2 on the compressive strength and water stability of the geopolymer-solidified expansive soil was further studied. The effects of alkali addition ratio, nano-SiO2 addition ratio, and curing agent addition ratio on the unconfined compressive strength and water stability of the cured soil were studied through unconfined compressive strength tests, and the curing mechanism was analyzed by electron microscopy scanning. The experimental results showed that the unconfined compressive strength and water stability of geopolymer-stabilized soil first increased and then decreased with an increase in alkali activator dosage. The optimal dosage of alkali activator was found to be 12.5%. Furthermore, it was found that adding nano-SiO2 can further enhance the strength and water stability of solidified soil. When the content of nano-SiO2 was 3%, the unconfined compressive strength was increased by 15%. With an increase in the content of nano-SiO2 doped polymer (GFNS), the unconfined compressive strength and water stability of the solidified soil showed a trend of first increasing and then decreasing, reaching a peak at a content of 20%. The cementitious materials, such as hydrated calcium silicate and hydrated calcium silicate aluminate, generated by the reaction between nano-SiO2 and geopolymer played a role in bonding and filling in the solidified soil. Under the joint action of the two, the structural arrangement between the solidified soil particles became more compact, which improved the strength of the solidified soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infection by the mustard clubroot disease pathogen Plasmodiophora brassicae has a significant negative impact on the quality and yield of Chinese mustard (Brassica juncea). At present, screening resistant resources for breeding programs is the most economical and effective method available to control this disease. In this study, we isolated P. brassicae physiological race 4 from Chinese cabbage and examined 483 mustard germplasm resources (193 leaf mustard, 96 stem mustard, and 194 root mustard) from China and abroad to identify resistance to clubroot disease at the seedling stage through irrigation inoculation with the isolated pathogen. The results showed that there were no immune varieties among the tested mustard germplasm, but that there were differences in resistance to clubroot disease among the three mustard types. More than 90% of leaf and stem mustard resources were susceptible to clubroot disease, whereas 38.66% of root mustard resources showed resistance. In total, we detected 4 highly resistant, 9 resistant, and 83 moderately resistant varieties, of which 4 highly resistant, 8 resistant, and 63 moderately resistant varieties were root mustard resources, whereas only 1 resistant and 5 moderately resistant varieties were stem mustard resources, and 15 moderately resistant varieties were leaf mustard resources. In addition, we used seven molecular markers for clubroot disease resistance in Chinese cabbage to detect stem and root mustard resources. The results showed that the marker CRk was detected in 97.87% of stem mustard and 92.49% of root mustard resources. Six markers (Crr1, Crr2, Crr3, CRa, CRb, and CRc) were detected in 18.09%, 7.45%, 2.13%, 6.38%, 12.77%, and 12.77% of stem mustard germplasms, and four markers (Crr1, Crr2, Crr3, and CRc) were detected in 8.09%, 8.67%, 10.40%, and 8.67% of root mustard germplasms, respectively, suggesting that these markers are not suitable for detecting mustard germplasm resistance to clubroot disease. This study provides a technical reference and material support for the breeding of mustard varieties resistant to clubroot disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel chitosan (CS) functionalized optical fiber sensor with a bullet-shaped hollow cavity was proposed in this work for the trace concentration of Pb2+ ion detection in the water environment. The sensor is an optical fiber Mach–Zehnder interferometer (MZI), which consists of a sequentially spliced bullet-shaped hollow-core fiber (HCF), thin-core fiber, and another piece of spliced bullet-shaped HCF. The hollow-core fiber is caused to collapse by adjusting the amount of discharge to form a tapered hollow cavity with asymmetric end faces. The bullet-like hollow cavities act as beam expanders and couplers for optical fiber sensors, which were symmetrically spliced at both ends of a section of thin core fiber. The simulation and experiments show that the bullet-like hollow-core tapered cavity excites more cladding modes and is more sensitive to variation in the external environment than the planar and spherical cavities. The ion-imprinted chitosan (IIP-CS) film was fabricated with Pb2+ ion as a template and uniformly coated on the surface for specific recognition of Pb2+. Experimental verification confirms that the developed sensor can achieve high-sensitivity Pb2+ ion detection, with a sensitivity of up to −12.68 pm/ppm and a minimum Pb2+ ion detection concentration of 5.44 ppb Meanwhile, the sensor shows excellent selectivity, repeatability, and stability in the ion detection process, which has huge potential in the direction of heavy metal ion detection in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering that structured light depth imagers are difficult to use for precision measurements due to their limited measurement accuracy, we propose an innovative method for correcting structural parameters of structured light depth imagers to reduce the depth measurement error caused by structural parameter errors. For the structured light depth imager, the analytical imaging model is established, and the model of depth error caused by structural parameter errors is established based on the analysis of the depth measurement error analysis. Then, structural parameters are corrected according to the depth measurement error analysis and processing based on experimental depth imaging data of the standard reference plane at the maximum depth. As a result, the corrected analytical imaging model and corrected depth measurement values are obtained. Experimental results have demonstrated the success of this proposed method and its simplicity and convenience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Banana is one of the most important fruits in the world due to its status as a major food source for more than 400 million people. Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense tropical race 4 (Foc TR4) causes substantial losses of banana crops every year, and molecular host resistance mechanisms are currently unknown. We here performed a genomewide analysis of the autophagy-related protein 8 (ATG8) family in a wild banana species. The banana genome was found to contain 10 MaATG8 genes. Four MaATG8s formed a gene cluster in the distal part of chromosome 4. Phylogenetic analysis of ATG8 families in banana, Arabidopsis thaliana, citrus, rice, and ginger revealed five major phylogenetic clades shared by all of these plant species, demonstrating evolutionary conservation of the MaATG8 families. The transcriptomic analysis of plants infected with Foc TR4 showed that nine of the MaATG8 genes were more highly induced in resistant cultivars than in susceptible cultivars. Finally, MaATG8F was found to interact with MaATG4B in vitro (with yeast two-hybrid assays), and MaATG8F and MaATG4B all positively regulated banana resistance to Foc TR4. Our study provides novel insights into the structure, distribution, evolution, and expression of the MaATG8 family in bananas. Furthermore, the discovery of interactions between MaATG8F and MaATG4B could facilitate future research of disease resistance genes for the genetic improvement of bananas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clubroot disease, caused by Plasmodiophora brassicae, poses a significant global threat to cruciferous crops. The epidemic area of clubroot disease is expanding rapidly. In response to this pressing issue, there is a compelling need for the development of clubroot disease-resistant radish cultivars. China boasts an extensive array of radish varieties and germplasm resources. However, a comprehensive assessment of their resistance to clubroot has not yet been carried out, thereby impeding the effective utilization of germplasm and clubroot-resistant breeding. Therefore, it is urgent to systematically evaluate the clubroot resistance of the radish germplasm and identify resistant resources. In this study, clubroot resistance evaluations were conducted on 268 excellent radish varieties derived from 30 provinces in China, as well as seven accessions from Russia, North Korea, France, South Korea, and Germany. The resistance evaluation revealed a diverse range of resistance indices, with a mean disease index (DI) ranging from 0.6 to 58.5, showing significant disparities in clubroot resistance among these radish resources. A total of six accessions were characterized as highly resistant to clubroot, and a further 50 accessions were characterized as resistant. The disease-resistant radishes showed diversity in horticultural traits. Provinces in South China contributed significantly more resistance germplasm than those of North China. These materials are of great value for both genetic investigation and the crop breeding of clubroot resistance. Furthermore, we employed a previously established clubroot-resistance-linked SSR marker to analyze the clubroot-resistant resources. The accessions exhibited dissimilar genetic profiles from known clubroot-resistant germplasm, suggesting their potential status as novel sources of clubroot resistance. Conclusively, these newly identified accessions enriched the genetic diversity within the clubroot-resistant gene pool and may contribute to the future cloning of previously undiscovered clubroot-resistant genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hole sowing is a new and efficient cultivation method with few studies. This study investigated the effects of different sowing densities and nitrogen topdressing at the jointing stage on dry matter, quality, and yield under wheat hole sowing to provide a theoretical basis for integrating wheat fertilizer and density-supporting technology. In this study, a two-factor split-plot design was used. The sowing density was the main plot, and four levels were set: D1, D2, D3, and D4 (238, 327, 386, and 386 suitable seeds·m−2). The four sowing levels were sown according to 8 grains/hole, 11 grains/hole, 13 grains/hole, and 16 grains/hole, respectively, with a row spacing of 25 cm and a hole spacing of 13.5 cm; the amount of nitrogen fertilizer applied at the jointing stage was the sub-area, with four levels: N1, N2, N3, and N4 (0, 60, 120, and 180 kg·ha−1). After two years of experimental research, the following main conclusions are drawn: the use of high sowing density and nitrogen topdressing is helpful to improve the dry matter quality of wheat spikes at the maturing stage; the sowing density had significant or highly significant effects on protein content, starch content, and sedimentation value. The yield from 2018–2019 reached a maximum of 8448.67 kg·ha−1 under D4N4 treatment, and the yield from 2019–2020 reached a maximum of 10,136.40 kg·ha−1 under D4N3 treatment. Therefore, the combination of 225 kg·ha−1 sowing density and 120–180 kg·ha−1 nitrogen topdressing at the jointing stage can be used in field production, which can help improve wheat production potential. Similarly, understanding the interaction between wheat hole sowing and different sowing densities and nitrogen topdressing amounts provides a practical reference for high-yield wheat cultivation techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) are shape-morphing materials whose large and reversible shape transformations are caused by the coupling between the mobile anisotropic properties of liquid crystal (LC) units and the rubber elastic of polymer networks. Their shape-changing behaviors under certain stimuli are largely directed by the LC orientation; therefore, various strategies have been developed to spatially modulate the LC alignments. However, most of these methods are limited as they require complex fabrication technologies or have intrinsic limitations in applicability. To address this issue, programmable complex shape changes in some LCE types, such as polysiloxane side-chain LCEs, thiol-acrylate main-chain LCEs, etc., were achieved by using a mechanical alignment programming process coupled with two-step crosslinking. Here, we report a polysiloxane main-chain LCE with programmable 2- and 3D shape-changing abilities that were created by mechanically programming the polydomain LCE with two crosslinking steps. The resulting LCEs exhibited a reversible thermal-induced shape transformation between the initial and programmed shapes due to the two-way memory between the first and second network structures. Our findings expand on the applications of LCE materials in actuators, soft robotics, and smart structures where arbitrary and easily programmed shape morphing is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the production process of sweet cherry, there are unreasonable planting densities and tree shape selections. With increasing tree age, the crown of the tree continues to expand and the tree body is prone to canopy closure, which leads to the inability to efficiently use space and light energy. Low-light has become a major limiting factor in the quality of sweet cherry. Therefore, we analyzed the changes of various physiological indicators and the transcriptome of 'Hongdeng' sweet cherry under shading treatment in this study to investigate the effects of low-light stress on the photosynthetic characteristics of sweet cherry leaves and fruit physiology and biochemistry. The results showed that shading significantly reduces the light capture capacity of leaves, damages the photosystem, reduces carbon assimilation capacity, and consumes the majority of the captured light energy as photochemical energy, thereby restricting the growth and development of leaves and reducing the accumulation of nutrients in fruits. Shading significantly reduced fruit weight, sugar content, and vitamin C content at maturity and significantly increased acid content. Transcriptomic data demonstrated that low-light stress produces a large number of differential genes related to carbon metabolism, organic acid metabolism, and stress resistance, thereby suggesting that low-light stress may affect the expression of these related genes and inclusions in the fruit. The results of this study will provide theoretical and technical support for the physiological response mechanism of low-light tolerance in sweet cherry, the selection and breeding of low-light tolerant sweet cherry varieties, and the cultivation of sweet cherry in facilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In view of the risk of collision with humans or equipment arising from a lack of protection in the operation process of combined support and anchor equipment on the heading face, this paper designs a safety interlock system for combined support and anchor equipment. Firstly, a mathematical model of hydraulic power system control and a valve control system based on feedforward–feedback optimization were established according to the power demand of the combined support and anchor equipment. Secondly, according to the reliability indexes of the safety interlock system, corresponding sensor, logic control and execution modules were designed. Ultrasonic sensor groups were arranged at the key positions of the combined support and anchor equipment to capture the position information in real time when the equipment was moving. Thus, the pump-valve hydraulic system was controlled through closed-loop feedback. The experimental results show that the safety interlock system of the combined support and anchor equipment can adjust the revolving speed of the permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) in real time according to the distance from the obstacle, so as to control the pump outlet flow, and then perform interlocking safety control of the hydraulic cylinder's movement speed. The system can effectively prevent damage to the surrounding equipment or personnel arising from equipment malfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The planting area of hybrid rice (Oryza sativa L.) has continuously decreased in recent years partially because of the low eating quality. Longke638S and Jing4155S are two elite male sterile lines, which are used for developing many hybrid varieties with large planting areas in China. Here, 21 hybrid rice varieties of an incomplete diallel cross population with Longke638S and Jing4155S as female parents were planted under field conditions for two consecutive years, aiming to investigate the physiological and transcriptomic characteristics that is required for coordinating high yield and superior eating quality. As a result, grain yield ranged from 7.15 to 9.23 t ha−1 in 2019 and from 7.49 to 9.23 t ha−1 in 2020, and a negative relationship was identified between yield and quality-related traits. Hybrid varieties with Longke638S as the female parent (LLY) had higher yield but lower eating quality than those with Jing4155S as the female parent (JLY). The higher yield of LLY over JLY was due to higher biomass production and N uptake as well as higher yield stability across planting years, while their lower grain quality can be mainly ascribed to lower amylose content and alkali spreading value. Male parents significantly affected yield-related traits of LLY and eating quality-related traits of JLY. Candidate genes involved in grain starch biosynthesis were differentially expressed between LLYHZ, JLYHZ, and JLY1212, such as Wx and ALK. Overall, this study examined the relationship between grain yield and eating quality and identified the physiological and molecular traits that limited grain yield or eating quality of LLY and JLY hybrid varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sweet cherries are economically important fruit trees, and their quality changes during development need to be determined. The mechanism of fruit quality changes in sweet cherries were determined by analyzing sweet cherry fruits at 12 developmental stages. The results showed that the soluble sugar, anthocyanin content, and hormones of sweet cherries all changed drastically during the color transition. Therefore, the fruits at the beginning of color conversion, at the end of color conversion, and at the ripening state were selected for the comprehensive analysis of their metabolome and transcriptome. Different sugars, such as D-glucose, sucrose, and trehalose, were identified in the metabolome. Dihydroquercetin, delphinidin-3-glucoside, cyanidin-3-rutincoside, and other flavonoid species were also identified. D-glucose and cyanidin-3-rutinoside were among the most important components of sweet cherry soluble sugars and anthocyanins, respectively. The transcriptional analysis identified key structural genes and nine transcription factors involved in the ABA, sugar, organic acid, and anthocyanin synthesis pathways, with the following specific regulatory patterns. NAC71, WRKY57, and WRKY3 regulate fruit sugar accumulation mainly by acting on INV, SPS, and SUS. MYC2 is involved in the synthesis of anthocyanin precursors by activating PAL and C4H, whereas TCP7 mainly regulates CHI and F3H. WRKY3, NAC71, and WRKY57 have important positive regulatory significance on anthocyanin accumulation, mainly by activating the expression of DFR, ANS, and 3GT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To ensure effective heat recovery of thermoelectric generators, a cooling system is necessary to maintain the working temperature difference of the thermoelectric couples, which decreases continuously due to thermal diffusion. In order to evaluate and improve the thermoelectric performance of a concentric annular thermoelectric generator under various cooling methods, a comprehensive numerical model of the thermo-fluid-electric multi-physics field for an annular thermoelectric generator with a concentric annular heat exchanger was developed using the finite-element method. The effects of four cooling methods and different exhaust parameters on the thermoelectric performance were investigated. The results show that, in comparison to the cocurrent cooling pattern, the countercurrent cooling pattern effectively reduces temperature distribution non-uniformity and hence increases the maximum output power; however, it requires more thermoelectric semiconductor materials. Furthermore, when using the cocurrent air-cooling method, high exhaust temperatures may result in lower output power; high exhaust mass flow rates result in high exhaust resistance and reduce system net power. The maximum net power output Pnet = 432.42 W was obtained using the countercurrent water-cooling, corresponding to an optimal thermoelectric semiconductor volume of 9.06 × 10−4 m3; when compared to cocurrent water-cooling, the maximum net power increased by 8.9%, but the optimal thermoelectric semiconductor volume increased by 21.4%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radish (Raphanus sativus L.) is rich in specific glucosinolates (GSLs), which benefit human health and special flavor formation. Although the basic GSLs metabolic pathway in Brassicaceae plants is clear, the regulating mechanism for specific glucosinolates content in radish fleshy taproots is not well understood. In this study, we discovered that there was a significant difference in the GSLs profiles and the content of various GSLs components. Glucoraphasatin (GRH) is the most predominant GSL in radish taproots of different genotypes as assessed by HPLC analysis. Further, we compared the taproot transcriptomes of three radish genotypes with high and low GSLs content by employing RNA-seq. Totally, we identified forty-one differentially expressed genes related to GSLs metabolism. Among them, thirteen genes (RsBCAT4, RsIPMDH1, RsMAM1a, RsMAM1b, RsCYP79F1, RsGSTF9, RsGGP1, RsSUR1, RsUGT74C1, RsST5b, RsAPK1, RsGSL-OH, and RsMYB28) were significantly higher co-expressed in the high content genotypes than in low content genotype. Notably, correlation analysis indicated that the expression level of RsMYB28, as an R2R3 transcription factor directly regulating aliphatic glucosinolate biosynthesis, was positively correlated with the GRH content. Co-expression network showed that RsMYB28 probably positively regulated the expression of the above genes, particularly RsSUR1, and consequently the synthesis of GRH. Moreover, the molecular mechanism of the accumulation of this 4-carbon (4C) GSL in radish taproots was explored. This study provides new perspectives on the GSLs accumulation mechanism and genetic improvements in radish taproots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A passively Q-switched (PQS) operation of Tm,Ho:LuVO4 laser is experimentally demonstrated with a graphene saturable absorber (SA) mirror. An average output power of 1034 mW at 54.5 kHz is acquired with an 8% optical–optical conversion efficiency. The energy per pulse of 40.4 μJ and a peak power of 56.07 W are achieved; the narrowest pulse width of 300 ns is acquired, and the output wavelengths of Tm,Ho:LuVO4 are 2075.02 nm in a continuous wave (CW) regime and 2057.03 nm in a PQS regime. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a facile one-step microwave-assisted method for deposition of monodisperse Ni nanospheres on reduced graphene oxide (rGO) sheets to form Ni-rGO nanohybrids is discussed. In the presence of hydrazine monohydrate, Ni nanospheres are grown onto rGO sheets using nickel precursor and GO as starting materials in ethylene glycol (EG) solution under a low level of microwave irradiation (300 W) for 20 min, during which GO is also reduced to rGO. The as-prepared nanohybrids exhibit well-dispersed Ni nanosphere (about 80 nm in diameter) loadings and effective reduction of graphene oxide. The resulting Ni-rGO nanohybrids-modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) shows significantly improved electrochemical performance in nonenzymatic amperometric glucose detection. In addition, interference from the oxidation of common interfering species under physiological conditions, such as ascorbic acid (AA) and uric acid (UA), is effectively avoided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Measurements of the turbulent kinetic energy dissipation rate (ε) were conducted by a free-fall microstructure profiler in the western Pacific North Equatorial Current (WPNEC) during a continuous period of 25 h, from the sea surface to about 160 m depth. In the mixed layer (ML), ε values were typically on the order of 10−8∼10−7 W kg−1, and an obvious diurnal cycle existed in the upper 40 m of the surface mixing layer. Below the ML, ε was reduced to 10−9∼10−8 W kg−1 with some patches of high ε reaching 10−7.5 W kg−1. The barrier layer was identified in the nighttime with a maximum thickness of 20 m, and it was eroded by the advection of freshwater within the lower part of the isothermal layers associated with an anticyclonic eddy in the afternoon. A simple scaling relevant to shear (S2) instability and stratification (N2) that can predict turbulent dissipation rates in the transition layer, between the well-mixed layer and the thermocline below, was obtained through the scaling ε ∼ S − 0.40 N 0.20 . Besides turbulence, double-diffusive processes also contributed to the vertical mixing levels in the upper WPNEC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wheat, an important cereal crop, is responsible for the livelihoods of many people, and a component of national food security. Tillering, which determines plant architecture and spike number, is a critical agronomic trait of wheat. The carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase 7 (CCD7) has an important effect on the growth of tillers or lateral branches and lateral roots of plants. In order to study the relationship between CCD7 and tillering in wheat, CCD7-B was isolated from 10 Chinese wheat varieties with different tiller numbers. Subsequently, bioinformatics, allelic variation analysis, and field experiments were performed. Wheat CCD7-B belongs to the retinal pigment epithelial membrane receptor (RPE65) superfamily; it displays the greatest homology with monocot CCD7 proteins. Phylogenetic analysis of wheat CCD7-B proteins indicated division into dicotyledonous and monocotyledonous clades. Allelic variation analysis of CCD7-B via SrgAI enzyme digestion (a marker of cleaved amplified polymorphic sequences) suggested that 262 Chinese wheat micro-core collections and 121 Chinese wheat major cultivars from the Yellow and Huai River Valley winter wheat region can be divided into two groups: CCD7-B1 (C/T/T) and CCD7-B2 (G/C/A). CCD7-B1 showed better allelic variation than did CCD7-B2 for increasing the number of effective tillers of wheat varieties in China. This study provides reference data for the application of CCD7-B alleles to wheat breeding and supports further research regarding the mechanism of tillering in common wheat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Raphanus is an important genus of Brassicaceae and has undergone a lengthy evolutionary process. However, the inter- and intraspecific phylogenetic relationships and genetic diversity are not well understood. To elucidate these issues, we SSR-sequenced 939 wild, semi-wild and cultivated accessions, and discovered that Europe was the origin center of radishes with diverse European wild radishes, and Europe, South Asia and East Asia might be three independent domestication centers. There was considerable genetic differentiation within European cultivated radishes. European primitive cultivated radish exhibited gene flow with black radish/oil radish and rat-tail radish. Among Asian cultivated radishes, rat-tail radish was a sister to the clade of Chines big radish (including Japanese wild radish), suggesting that they may share the most recent common ancestry. Japanese wild radish had strong gene exchange with Japanese/Korea big radish, oil radish and rat-tail radish. American wild radish developed from natural hybridization between European wild radish and European small radish. All these demonstrated that European primitive cultivated type, American wild radish and Japanese wild radish might have played indispensable roles in radish evolution. Our study provides new perspectives into the origin, evolution and genetic diversity of Raphanus and facilitates the conservation and exploitation of radish germplasm resources. Raphanus has undergone a lengthy evolutionary process and has rich diversity. However, the inter- and intraspecific phylogenetic relationships and genetic diversity of this genus are not well understood. Through SSR-sequencing and multi-analysis of 939 wild, semi-wild and cultivated accessions, we discovered that the European wild radish (EWR) population is separated from cultivated radishes and has a higher genetic diversity. Frequent intraspecific genetic exchanges occurred in the whole cultivated radish (WCR) population; there was considerable genetic differentiation within the European cultivated radish (ECR) population, which could drive radish diversity formation. Among the ECR subpopulations, European primitive cultivated radishes (EPCRs) with higher genetic diversity are most closely related to the EWR population and exhibit a gene flow with rat-tail radishes (RTRs) and black radishes (BRs)/oil radishes (ORs). Among Asian cultivated radishes (ACRs), Chinese big radishes (CBRs) with a relatively high diversity are furthest from the EWR population, and most Japanese/Korean big radishes (JKBRs) are close to CBR accessions, except for a few old Japanese landraces that are closer to the EPCR. The CBR and JKBR accessions are independent of RTR accessions; however, phylogenetic analysis indicates that the RTR is sister to the clade of CBR (including JWR), which suggests that the RTR may share the most recent common ancestry with CBRs and JWRs. In addition, Japanese wild radishes (JWRs), (namely, R. sativus forma raphanistroides) are mainly scattered between CBRs and EPCRs in PCoA analysis. Moreover, JWRs have a strong gene exchange with the JKBR, OR and RTR subpopulations. American wild radishes (AWRs) are closely related to European wild and cultivated radishes, and have a gene flow with European small radishes (ESRs), suggesting that the AWR developed from natural hybridization between the EWR and the ESR. Overall, this demonstrates that Europe was the origin center of the radish, and that Europe, South Asia and East Asia appear to have been three independent domestication centers. The EPCR, AWR and JWR, as semi-wild populations, might have played indispensable transitional roles in radish evolution. Our study provides new perspectives into the origin, evolution and genetic diversity of Raphanus and facilitates the conservation and exploitation of radish germplasm resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The utilization of heterosis is an important way to improve wheat yield, and the production of wheat hybrid seeds mainly relies on male-sterile lines. Male sterility in line 15 Fan 03 derived from a cross of 72,180 and Xiaoyan 6 is controlled by a single recessive gene. The gene was mapped to the distal region of chromosome 4BS in a genetic interval of 1.4 cM and physical distance of 6.57 Mb between SSR markers Ms4BS42 and Ms4BS199 using an F2 population with 1205 individuals. Sterile individuals had a deletion of 4.57 Mb in the region presumed to carry the Ms1 locus. The allele for sterility was therefore named ms1s. Three CAPS markers were developed and verified from the region upstream of the deleted fragment and can be used for ms1s marker-assisted selection in wheat hybrid breeding. This work will enrich the utilization of male sterility genetic resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heterosis utilization is very important in hybrid seed production. An AL-type cytoplasmic male sterile (CMS) line has been used in wheat-hybrid seed production, but its sterility mechanism has not been explored. In the present study, we sequenced and verified the candidate CMS gene in the AL-type sterile line (AL18A) and its maintainer line (AL18B). In the late uni-nucleate stage, the tapetum cells of AL18A showed delayed programmed cell death (PCD) and termination of microspore at the bi-nucleate stage. As compared to AL18B, the AL18A line produced 100% aborted pollens. The mitochondrial genomes of AL18A and AL18B were sequenced using the next generation sequencing such as Hiseq and PacBio. It was found that the mitochondrial genome of AL18A had 99% similarity with that of Triticum timopheevii, AL18B was identical to that of Triticum aestivum cv. Chinese Yumai. Based on transmembrane structure prediction, 12 orfs were selected as candidate CMS genes, including a previously suggested orf256. Only the lines harboring orf279 showed sterility in the transgenic Arabidopsis system, indicating that orf279 is the CMS gene in the AL-type wheat CMS lines. These results provide a theoretical basis and data support to further analyze the mechanism of AL-type cytoplasmic male sterility in wheat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to improve the performance of fiber sensors and fully tap the potential of optical fiber sensors, various optical materials have been selectively coated on optical fiber sensors under the background of the rapid development of various optical materials. On the basis of retaining the original characteristics of the optical fiber sensors, the coated sensors are endowed with new characteristics, such as high sensitivity, strong structure, and specific recognition. Many materials with a large thermal optical coefficient and thermal expansion coefficients are applied to optical fibers, and the temperature sensitivities are improved several times after coating. At the same time, fiber sensors have more intelligent sensing capabilities when coated with specific recognition materials. The same/different kinds of materials combined with the same/different fiber structures can produce different measurements, which is interesting. This paper summarizes and compares the fiber sensors treated by different coating materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The collaboration of scientists is important for promoting the scientific development and technological progress of a country, and even of the world. Based on the cooperation data of academicians of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) in the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), we portray the scientific cooperation network of Chinese scientists using Pajek, Gephi, ArcGIS, and other software, and the complexity of the scientific cooperation network of Chinese scientists and its proximity mechanism are explored by combining complex network analysis, spatial statistical analysis, and negative binomial regression models. Our main conclusions are as follows: (1) In terms of network structure, the scientific cooperation network of Chinese scientists has a multi-triangular skeleton, with Beijing as its apex. The network has an obvious hierarchical structure. Beijing and Shanghai are located in the core area, and 16 cities are located in the semi-periphery of the network, while other cities are located at the periphery of the network. (2) In terms of spatial distribution, the regional imbalance of the scientific cooperation of Chinese scientists is obvious. Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei, the Yangtze River Delta, and the central-south region of Liaoning are hot spots for the scientific research activities of Chinese scientists. (3) The negative binomial regression model accurately explains the proximity mechanism of the scientific cooperation network of Chinese scientists. The geographical proximity positively affects the scientific cooperation of Chinese scientists under certain conditions. The educational proximity is the primary consideration for scientists to cooperate in scientific research. The closer the educational level of the cities, the greater the cooperation. Economic and social proximity can promote scientific cooperation among scientists, whereas institutional proximity negatively and significantly affects scientific cooperation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We studied the effect of visible absorber dyes on the photo-actuation performances of liquid crystalline elastomer (LCE) materials under quasi-daylight irradiation. The dye-doped LCE materials were prepared through infiltrating visible absorber dyes into a polysiloxane-based LCE matrix based on its solvent-swollen characteristic. They demonstrated well absorption properties in visible spectrum range and performed strong actuation upon the irradiation from quasi-daylight source, thus indicating that the presence of visible absorber dyes effectively sensitized the LCE materials to light irradiation since the light energy was absorbed by the dyes and then converted into heat to trigger the phase change of LCE matrix. The photo-actuation properties of dye-doped LCE materials with different visible absorber dyes, varied dye contents, and irradiation intensities were investigated. It was shown that the visible absorber dyes with different absorption bands created different photo-actuation performances of LCE materials, the one whose absorption band is near the intensity peak position of quasi-daylight spectrum created the optimum photo-actuation performance. The result disclosed a valuable light utilization way for photo-controlled LCE materials since it revealed that a light-absorbing dye, whose absorption band is in the high intensity region of light spectrum, is capable of effectively utilizing light energy to drive the actuation of LCE materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scientists are a core element of regional technological innovation and economic growth. Academicians of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE) are outstanding representatives of Chinese scientists. The purpose of this paper is to reveal the characteristics of Chinese scientists' space migration, depict the structural topology of their flow network and to analyze the driving mechanisms behind the characteristics of their space migration. We mainly used spatial statistics, complex network analysis, and a modified location quotient. Our main conclusions are as follows: (1) The spatial distribution of Chinese scientists at different development stages tends to converge. The Chinese scientists' birthplaces are highly concentrated in the eastern coastal areas and the Yangtze River basin. Education locations are highly consistent, with clusters of global high-level educational resources at home and abroad, and their workplaces are mainly distributed in economically developed cities. (2) In terms of network characteristics, the spatial heterogeneity of the growth of Chinese scientists is obvious. Only a few cities, such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Nanjing, have higher degrees of node centrality, strength centrality, and betweenness centrality, so their networks' hierarchical structures are pyramid-shaped and their core-periphery structures are prominent. By identifying the roles of the cities as network nodes, we found that only Beijing plays accomplished and stable roles, whereas other cities play a single role. (3) Regarding driving mechanisms, Chinese scientists' spatial migration has been influenced by national policy, regional economic level, education level, and individual traits at national, regional, and personal scales. Therefore, the combined effects of various forces have driven the evolution of the flow network of Chinese scientists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crosslinked liquid crystalline polymers (CLCPs) containing azobenzene (AZO-CLCPs) are a type of promising material due to their significance in the design of light-driven smart actuators. Developing AZO-CLCP composites by incorporating AZO-CLCPs with other materials is an effective way of enhancing their practicability. Herein, we report an AZO-CLCP/CNT nanocomposite prepared by the in situ polymerization of diacrylates containing azobenzene chromophores on carbon nanotube (CNT) sheets. The liquid crystal phase structure of CLCP matrix was evidenced by the two-dimensional X-ray scattering. The prepared pure AZO-CLCP films and AZO-CLCP/CNT nanocomposite films demonstrated strong reversible photo-triggered deformation under the irradiation of UV light at 366 nm of wavelength, as a result of photo-induced isomerization of azobenzene moieties in the polymer network. But compared to pure AZO-CLCP films, the AZO-CLCP/CNT nanocomposite films could much more rapidly return to their initial shapes after the UV light irradiation was removed due to the elasticity effect of CNT sheets. The deformation behavior of AZO-CLCP/CNT nanocomposite films under the light irradiation was also different from that of the pure AZO-CLCP films due to the interfacial interaction between a polymer network and CNT sheet. Furthermore, incorporation of a CNT sheet remarkably increased the mechanical strength and robustness of the material. We also used this AZO-CLCP/CNT nanocomposite as a microvalve membrane actuator, which can be controlled by light, for a conceptual device of a microfluidic system. The results showed that this AZO-CLCP/CNT nanocomposite may have great potential in smart actuator applications for biological engineering, medical treatment, environment detection and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A high recoverable energy storage density polymer composite film has been designed in which the ferroelectric-paraelectric 0.85 (K0.5Na0.5NbO3)-0.15SrTiO3 (abbreviated as KNN-ST) solid solution particles were introduced into polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) polymer as functional fillers. The effects of the polarization properties of K0.5Na0.5NbO3 (KNN) and KNN-ST particles on the energy storage performances of KNN-ST/PVDF film were systemically studied. And the introduction of SrTiO3 (ST) was effective in reducing the remnant polarization of the particles, improving the dielectric properties and recoverable energy storage density of the KNN-ST/PVDF films. Compared to KNN/PVDF films, the dielectric permittivity of composite films was enhanced from 17 to 38 upon the introduction of ST. A recoverable energy storage density of 1.34 J/cm3 was achieved, which is 202.60% larger than that of the KNN/PVDF composite films. The interface between the particles and the polymer matrix was considered to the enhanced dielectric permittivity of the films. And the reduced remnant polarization of the composites was regarded as the improving high recoverable energy storage density. The results demonstrated that combing ferroelectric- paraelectric particles with polymers might be a key method for composites with excellent dielectric permittivity, high energy storage density, and energy efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nano-Sb2O3 has excellent synergistic flame-retardant effects. It can effectively improve the comprehensive physical and mechanical properties of composites, reduce the use of flame retardants, save resources, and protect the environment. In this work, nanocomposites specimens were prepared by the melt-blending method. The thermal stability, mechanical properties, and flame retardancy of a nano-Sb2O3–brominated epoxy resin (BEO)–poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT) composite were analyzed, using TGA and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), coupled with EDX analysis, tensile testing, cone calorimeter tests, as well as scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and flammability tests (limiting oxygen index (LOI), UL94). SEM observations showed that the nano-Sb2O3 particles were homogeneously distributed within the PBT matrix, and the thermal stability of PBT was improved. Moreover, the degree of crystallinity and the tensile strength were improved, as a result of the superior dispersion and interfacial interactions between nano-Sb2O3 and PBT. At the same time, the limiting oxygen index and flame-retardant grade were increased as the nano-Sb2O3 content increased. The results from the cone calorimeter test showed that the peak heat release rate (PHRR), total heat release rate (THR), peak carbon dioxide production (PCO2P), and peak carbon monoxide production (PCOP) of the nanocomposites were obviously reduced, compared to those of the neat PBT matrix. Meanwhile, the SEM–energy dispersive spectrometry (EDX) analysis of the residues indicated that a higher amount of C element was left, thus the charring layer of the nanocomposites was compact. This showed that nano-Sb2O3 could promote the degradation and charring of the PBT matrix, improving thermal stability and flame retardation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Actinomycetes play a vital role as one of the most important natural resources for both pharmaceutical and agricultural applications. The actinomycete strain SPRI-371, isolated from soil collected in Jiangsu province, China, was classified as Streptomyces aureus based on its morphological, physiological, biochemical and molecular biological characteristics. Its bacterial activity metabolites were identified as aureonuclemycin (ANM), belonging to adenosine derivatives with the molecular formula C16H19N5O9 for ANM A and C10H13N5O3 for ANM B. Simultaneously, the industrial fermentation process of a mutated S. aureus strain SPRI-371 was optimized in a 20 m3 fermentation tank, featuring a rotation speed of 170 rpm, a pressure of 0.05 MPa, an inoculum age of 36−40 h and a dissolved oxygen level maintained at 1−30% within 40−80 h and at >60% in the later period, resulting in an ANM yield of >3700 mg/L. In the industrial separation of fermentation broth, the sulfuric acid solution was selected to adjust pH and 4# resin was used for adsorption. Then, it was resolved with 20% ethanol solution and concentrated in a vacuum (60−65 °C), with excellent results. Antibacterial experiments showed that ANM was less active or inactive against Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae, Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri and Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzicola and most bacteria, yeast and fungi in vitro. However, in vivo experiments showed that ANM exhibited extremely significant protective and therapeutic activity against diseases caused by X. oryzae pv. oryzae and X. oryzae pv. oryzicola in rice and X. citri in oranges and lemons. In field trials, ANM A 150 gai/ha + ANM B 75 gai/ha exhibited excellent therapeutic activity against rice bacterial leaf blight, citrus canker and rice bacterial leaf streak. Furthermore, as the dosage and production cost of ANM are lower than those of commercial drugs, it has good application prospects.