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Oil and protein content and fatty acid composition are quality traits in peanut. Elucidating the genetic mechanisms underlying these traits may help researchers to obtain improved cultivars by molecular breeding. Whole-genome resequencing of a recombinant inbred population of 318 lines was performed to construct a high-density linkage map and identify QTL for peanut quality. The map, containing 4561 bin markers, covered 2032 cM with a mean marker density of 0.45 cM. A total of 110 QTL for oil and protein content, and fatty acid composition were mapped on the 18 peanut chromosomes. The QTL qA05.1 was detected in four environments and showed a major phenotypic effect on the contents of oil, protein, and six fatty acids. The genomic region spanned by qA05.1, corresponding to a physical interval of approximately 1.5 Mb, contains two SNPs polymorphic between the parents that could cause missense mutations. The two SNP sites were employed as KASP markers and validated using lines with extremely high and low oil contents. These sites may be useful in the marker-assisted breeding of peanut cultivars with high oil contents.

Vanadium dioxide (VO2) is known as a typical 3d-orbital transition metal oxide exhibiting the metal-to-insulator-transition (MIT) property near room temperature. However, their electronic applications have been challenged by the quality and uniformity of VO2 thin films. In this work, we demonstrate the high sensitivity in the valence charge of vanadium and the MIT properties of the VO2 thin films to the deposition temperature. This observation indicates the necessity to eliminate the inhomogeneity in the temperature distribution of substrate during the vacuum-deposition process of VO2. In addition, a high thermoelectric power factor (PF, e.g., exceeding 1 μWcm−1K−2) was achieved in the metallic phase of the VO2 thin films and this value is comparable to typical organic or oxide thermoelectric materials. We believe this high PF enriches the potential functionality in thermoelectric energy conversions beyond the existing electronic applications of the current vacuum-grown VO2 thin films.

Pasty rocket engines have broad application prospects in the aerospace field. To study the internal ballistic characteristics of the pasty propellant rocket engine, the burning surface change model of pasty propellant was built. The calculation program was developed to calculate the pressure evolution in the combustion chamber, and the experiment was carried out based on a pasty propellant rocket test system. The data calculated by the program are in good agreement with the experiment, the error of the initial pressure peak is only 4.02%, and the internal ballistic characteristics of the rocket engine at each stage were analyzed detailly. The effects of ignition delay time, transport pipeline structure, free volume of the combustion chamber, mass flow rate, and flow velocity of the pasty propellant on internal ballistic characteristics of the pasty propellant rocket engine are investigated. The results indicate that when the ignition delay time increases, the pressure rises faster and the initial pressure peak increases obviously. The transport pipe diameter changes from 11.3 mm to 7.4 mm, and the initial combustion time and residual propellant combustion time decreased by 41.3% and 36.0%. The reduction of the free volume of the combustion chamber can reduce the initial pressure peak and the time to reach the equilibrium pressure. The initial pressure spike and equilibrium pressure rise with the increase of the pasty propellant flow velocity. While the ignition transient decreased with the increase of the pasty propellant flow velocity. The internal ballistic properties can be improved by reducing the ignition delay time, the diameter of the transport pipeline, and the free volume of the combustion chamber, or by increasing the mass flow rate of the pasty propellant rocket engine.

Harsh environments, which are complex, mutable, and hard to model, prevent high-accuracy positioning and navigation. In this article, a novel magnetic-based positioning system (MBPS) based on a low-frequency time-varying magnetic field (MF) is reported. Related investigations have shown that low-frequency MF signals have better propagation characteristics in harsh environments and achieve good penetration into obstacles. Unlike the intensity decay method, our proposed method is not affected by the uncertainty of the intensity decay model caused by the complex magnetic medium. The novelty of our proposed approach lies in the large effective coverage, outstanding penetrability, and rapid results offered by it compared with those of the traditional method, achieved using a constant magnetic feature vector as the observation. Furthermore, considering the installation error of the magnetic beacon (MB), which is hard to avoid and measure, we proposed an improved Rao–Blackwellized particle filter (RBPF) algorithm to estimate the receiver position and installing error on the position and angle. For the proposed MBPS, the best accuracy of 0.06 m can be reached under conditions at which the installing position error is 0.5 m and the angle error is 10°–15° with daily electromagnetic interference. The MB and its model verification were also investigated. In summary, the effectiveness of the proposed MBPS and the algorithm was verified sufficiently in this study.

Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is one of the important oil crops worldwide. Revealing the molecular basis of seed oil synthesis and analyzing key candidate genes may have important implications for enhancing peanut production. In this study, we investigated the dynamic changes in the oil accumulation rate and gene expression levels in developing peanut seeds. A Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis revealed that the up-regulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) among three varieties at 25–35 days after flowering (DAF) were involved in fatty acid synthesis, carbon metabolism, and pyruvate metabolism. Between 25 and 35 DAF, the up-regulated DEGs in the high-oil varieties, but not in the low-oil variety, were related to acetyl-CoA synthesis. We examined the differences in the varieties at the same stages. We analyzed the lipid metabolism-related genes by protein–protein interaction (PPI), and finally identified 57 DEGs that may influence the peanut oil content. These candidate genes included three genes encoding acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACCase), one gene encoding ketoacyl-ACP synthase III (KASIII), one gene encoding hydroxyacyl-ACP dehydrase (HAD), and one gene encoding enoyl-ACP reductase (EAR), which form the Type II fatty acid synthase complex. Additionally, we also found that 11 transcription factors may affect oil content. These identified candidate genes may help to further clarify the molecular basis of the oil accumulation in peanut seeds.

The energy management of a plug-in FCEV (Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle) strictly depends on the control of SOC (State of Charge) over a given trip distance. The SOC may be varied with the trip distance by updating an EF (Equivalent Factor), which is derived from ECMS (Equivalent Consumption Minimization Strategy). However, the EF is too complicated to estimate accurately in real-time with traditional method. A real-time optimization strategy by using SQP (Sequence Quadratic Programming) with MNLR (Multivariate Nonlinear Regression) is proposed for a plug-in FCEV. First, the real-time hydrogen consumption optimization problem for SOC trip distance adaptive is formulated by using ECMS. The EF is adjusted according to the trip distances and predefined SOC. Then, in order to improve the accuracy of EF, SQP method is utilized to optimize the fuel cell and battery efficiency. Thus, the MNLR is applied to construct the fuel cell and battery efficiency response surface models for real-time optimization application. Finally, numerical verification and hardware in loop experiments are conducted to validate the proposed strategy. The results indicate that the combination of SQP with MNLR made it possible to develop the proposed strategy capable of significantly improving the hydrogen economic performance of this FCEV.

Background Chromosomal variants play important roles in crop breeding and genetic research. The development of single-stranded oligonucleotide (oligo) probes simplifies the process of fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and facilitates chromosomal identification in many species. Genome sequencing provides rich resources for the development of oligo probes. However, little progress has been made in peanut due to the lack of efficient chromosomal markers. Until now, the identification of chromosomal variants in peanut has remained a challenge. Results A total of 114 new oligo probes were developed based on the genome-wide tandem repeats (TRs) identified from the reference sequences of the peanut variety Tifrunner (AABB, 2n = 4x = 40) and the diploid species Arachis ipaensis (BB, 2n = 2x = 20). These oligo probes were classified into 28 types based on their positions and overlapping signals in chromosomes. For each type, a representative oligo was selected and modified with green fluorescein 6-carboxyfluorescein (FAM) or red fluorescein 6-carboxytetramethylrhodamine (TAMRA). Two cocktails, Multiplex #3 and Multiplex #4, were developed by pooling the fluorophore conjugated probes. Multiplex #3 included FAM-modified oligo TIF-439, oligo TIF-185-1, oligo TIF-134-3 and oligo TIF-165. Multiplex #4 included TAMRA-modified oligo Ipa-1162, oligo Ipa-1137, oligo DP-1 and oligo DP-5. Each cocktail enabled the establishment of a genome map-based karyotype after sequential FISH/genomic in situ hybridization (GISH) and in silico mapping. Furthermore, we identified 14 chromosomal variants of the peanut induced by radiation exposure. A total of 28 representative probes were further chromosomally mapped onto the new karyotype. Among the probes, eight were mapped in the secondary constrictions, intercalary and terminal regions; four were B genome-specific; one was chromosome-specific; and the remaining 15 were extensively mapped in the pericentric regions of the chromosomes. Conclusions The development of new oligo probes provides an effective set of tools which can be used to distinguish the various chromosomes of the peanut. Physical mapping by FISH reveals the genomic organization of repetitive oligos in peanut chromosomes. A genome map-based karyotype was established and used for the identification of chromosome variations in peanut following comparisons with their reference sequence positions.

In wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), breeding efforts have focused intensively on improving grain yield and quality. For quality, the content and composition of seed storage proteins (SSPs) determine the elasticity of wheat dough and flour processing quality. Moreover, starch levels in seeds are associated with yield. However, little is known about the mechanisms that coordinate SSP and starch accumulation in wheat. In this study, we explored the role of the endosperm-specific NAC transcription factor TaNAC019 in coordinating SSP and starch accumulation. TaNAC019 binds to the promoters of TaGlu-1 loci, encoding high molecular weight glutenin (HMW-GS), and of starch metabolism genes. Triple knock-out mutants of all three TaNAC019 homoeologs exhibited reduced transcript levels for all SSP types and genes involved in starch metabolism, leading to lower gluten and starch contents, and in flour processing quality parameters. TaNAC019 directly activated the expression of HMW-GS genes by binding to a specific motif in their promoters and interacting with the TaGlu-1 regulator TaGAMyb. TaNAC019 also indirectly regulated the expression of TaSPA, an ortholog of maize Opaque2 that activates SSP accumulation. Therefore, TaNAC019 regulation of starch- and SSP-related genes has key roles in wheat grain quality. Finally, we identified an elite allele (TaNAC019-BI) associated with flour processing quality, providing a candidate gene for breeding wheat with improved quality.

C4 crops of agricultural importance all belong to the NADP-malic enzyme (ME) subtype, and this subtype has been the template for C4 introductions into C3 crops, like rice, to improve their productivity. However, the ATP cost for the C4 cycle in both NADP-ME and NAD-ME subtypes accounts for > 40% of the total ATP requirement for CO2 assimilation. These high ATP costs, and the associated need for intense cyclic electron transport and low intrinsic quantum yield Φ CO 2 , are major constraints in realizing strong improvements of canopy photosynthesis and crop productivity. Based on mathematical modelling, we propose a C4 ideotype that utilizes low chloroplastic ATP requirements present in the nondomesticated phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEP-CK) subtype. The ideotype is a mixed form of NAD(P)-ME and PEP-CK types, requires no cyclic electron transport under low irradiances, and its theoretical Φ CO 2 is c. 25% higher than that of a C4 crop type. Its cell-type-specific ATP and NADPH requirements can be fulfilled by local energy production. The ideotype is projected to have c. 10% yield advantage over NADP-ME-type crops and > 50% advantage over C3 counterparts. The ideotype provides a unique (theoretical) case where Φ CO 2 could be improved, thereby paving a new avenue for improving photosynthesis in both C3 and C4 crops.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is the major type of inflammatory ailment with elevated prevalence worldwide. Dieckol (DEK) is a phlorotannin that is extensively found in marine algae and has been found to have different pharmacological properties. Nevertheless, the impact of DEK in UC has not been investigated earlier. Therefore, we appraised DEK's function in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced UC in the mouse. An overall of 30 mice was randomized into 5 equal groups. Control mice treated with a standard diet (group I), colitis mice challenged with 3% of DSS through drinking water for 7 consecutive days (group II), DEK was supplemented via oral gavage from day 1 to 10 at the dosages of 5, 10, and 15 mg/kg b.wt, respectively. All animals were sacrificed on the 11th day. The body weight (bwt), colon length, disease activity index, malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and histological features were observed using suitable techniques, and COX-2 expression was investigated by immunohistochemistry. Moreover, TNF-α, IL-1β, p65, IκBα, HO-1, and Nrf2 expressions were measured using ELISA and RT-PCR techniques, respectively. DEK treatment to the colitis mice considerably lessened, DSS-challenged alterations in body weight, DAI, colonic length shortening and histological changes. DEK exhibited potent antioxidant effects due to the reduced MDA and MPO, and Nrf2 expression markers while the HO-1 marker was augmented. Additionally, DEK also suppressed the expression s of TNF-α, IL-1β, and the p-p65, p-IκBα, and p65 and augmented the expression of IκBα, which eventually proved the anti-inflammatory potential of DEK against the DSS-challenge. Based on these results, DEK has been found effective in mitigating colitis, conceivably alleviating colon inflammation through the NF-κB inhibition and triggering of Nrf2/HO-1 signaling cascade.

All-solid-state lithium metal batteries with inorganic solid electrolytes are capable to deliver a high theoretical energy density and work safely in a common battery operating condition. However, one critical issue facing all-solid-state lithium metal batteries is the “short” and “unstable” cycling performance. Cell failures might origin from various roots, including “unstable” interphase formation, “uncontrolled” penetration of lithium dendrites, “bad” interfacial compatibility and “irreversible” volume change of electrode/electrolyte materials. In this effort, we focus on comprehensively discussing the lithium dendrite formation that leads to cell failures of all-solid-state lithium metal batteries with inorganic solid electrolytes. We summarize possible roots for the lithium dendrite formation through the inorganic solid electrolytes, and provide strategies to suppress the growth and propagation of lithium dendrites to alleviate cell failures of all-solid-state lithium metal batteries with inorganic solid electrolytes. We believe this focused review will help to better understand the formation mechanisms of lithium dendrites, and their roles in cell failures of all-solid-state lithium metal batteries with inorganic solid electrolytes.

ZnO nanorods/graphitic carbon nitride nanocomposites were prepared using a two-step seed method. Characterizations including scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller analysis confirmed that a well-designed 1D ZnO on 2D g-C3N4 nanostructure was achieved. Gas sensing test of the synthesized ZnO/g-C3N4 nanocomposites concluded that g-C3N4 essentially increased the sensitivity. The ZnO/g-C3N4 nanocomposite tend to perform better to ethanol than other volatile organic compounds. The detection mechanism of the ZnO nanorods on g-C3N4 has been discussed in detail.

Hydrated excess protons under hydrophobic confinement are a critical component of charge transport behavior and reactivity in nanoporous materials and biomolecular systems. Herein, excess proton confinement effects are computationally investigated for sub-2 nm hydrophobic nanopores by varying the diameters (d = 0.81, 0.95, 1.09, 1.22, 1.36, 1.63, and 1.90 nm), lengths (l ∼3 and ∼5 nm), curvature, and chirality of cylindrical carbon nanotube (CNT) nanopores. CNTs with a combination of different diameter segments are also explored. The spatial distribution of water molecules under confinement is diameter-dependent; however, proton solvation and transport are consistently found to occur in the water layer adjacent to the pore wall, showing an “amphiphilic” character of the hydrated excess proton hydronium-like structure. The proton transport free energy barrier also decreases significantly as the nanopore diameter increases and proton transport becomes almost barrierless in the d > 1 nm nanopores. Among the nanopores studied, the Zundel cation (H5O2+) is populated only in the d = 0.95 nm CNT (7,7) nanopore. The presence of the hydrated excess proton and K+ inside the CNT (7,7) nanopore induces a water density increase by 40 and 20%, respectively. The K+ transport through CNT nanopores is also consistently higher in the free energy barrier than proton transport. Interestingly, the evolution of excess protonic charge defect distribution reveals a “frozen” single water wire configuration in the d = 0.81 nm CNT (6,6) nanopore (or segment), through which hydrated excess protons can only shuttle via the Grotthuss mechanism. Vehicular diffusion becomes relevant to proton transport in the “flat” free energy regions and in the wider nanopores, where protons do not primarily shuttle in the axial direction.

Nanostructures have received great attention to improve the performance of lithium-ion batteries, due to their advantages in dealing with critical issues associated with large volume change, low electrical conductivity, and slow rate of Li+ diffusion. To realize large lithium storage capacity and excellent rate capability of iron oxide electrode. Carbon-modified three-dimensional porous iron oxide was prepared by chemical reaction with in situ formation of templating agent followed by the calcination is reported herein. Benefit from the regulation of the number of pores in the precursor, part of Fe is oxidized to Fe3O4 and part of Fe is peroxidized to Fe2O3, thus forming Fe2O3/Fe3O4 heterostructure during oxidation process. Attributed to its unique structural feature, the 3D Fe2O3/Fe3O4-C heterostructure electrode for the anode of lithium-ion batteries exhibits outstanding rate capability, i.e., 911.4, 797.9, 736.3, 597.8, and 402.6 mAh g−1 at 0.3, 1.0, 2.0, 5.0, and 10.0 A g−1, respectively, and high reversible capacity, i.e., 929.1 mAh g−1 at a low current density of 300 mA g−1.

Farmland transfer is one of the essential approaches for achieving large-scale farming and its management affects productive efficiency, environment pollution and food sustainable security supply. Present study was carried out investigation based representative agricultural development area Guanzhong Plain of Shaanxi, aimed at explore the role of biotechnology and laborers in integration of farmland toward to improve sustainable agriculture in rural China by employed the profit and Tobit models evaluation. The conclusion demonstrated that labor’s and agricultural management model as main stay, intensive farming has positive effect-based economic and environmental benefits than fragmentation management, female laborers have weaker effect on farmland renting-out behavior among smallholders while male laborers were superior promoters in increasing the area of rented-in farmland and farm scale. Finally, bioengineering development and agricultural intensification management as a rational choice that has great potential value for large-scale cultivation that contributing a promising future for achieving cleaner production, environment and human health further providing huge economic and social and environmental benefits in sustainability agriculture. Additionally, government policies require intensive intervention to accelerate large-scale management and biotechnology implementation. Abbreviation: Aaflf: Average age of female labor force; Incom(log): Log of annual household income; Noflf: Number of women in the labor force; Nooaf: Number of old adults in family; NTFs: non-transfer families; OLS: ordinary least square; Palff: Proportion of agricultural laborers in the female labor force; Palmf: Proportion of agricultural laborers in the male labor force; RIFs: rented-in families; ROFs: rented-out families; Whhf: Whether the household head is female, Graphical Abstract

Key message Groundnut has entered now in post-genome era enriched with optimum genomic and genetic resources to facilitate faster trait dissection, gene discovery and accelerated genetic improvement for developing climate-smart varieties. Abstract Cultivated groundnut or peanut (Arachis hypogaea), an allopolyploid oilseed crop with a large and complex genome, is one of the most nutritious food. This crop is grown in more than 100 countries, and the low productivity has remained the biggest challenge in the semiarid tropics. Recently, the groundnut research community has witnessed fast progress and achieved several key milestones in genomics research including genome sequence assemblies of wild diploid progenitors, wild tetraploid and both the subspecies of cultivated tetraploids, resequencing of diverse germplasm lines, genome-wide transcriptome atlas and cost-effective high and low-density genotyping assays. These genomic resources have enabled high-resolution trait mapping by using germplasm diversity panels and multi-parent genetic populations leading to precise gene discovery and diagnostic marker development. Furthermore, development and deployment of diagnostic markers have facilitated screening early generation populations as well as marker-assisted backcrossing breeding leading to development and commercialization of some molecular breeding products in groundnut. Several new genomics applications/technologies such as genomic selection, speed breeding, mid-density genotyping assay and genome editing are in pipeline. The integration of these new technologies hold great promise for developing climate-smart, high yielding and more nutritious groundnut varieties in the post-genome era.

Predicting the consequences of manipulating genotype (G) and agronomic management (M) on agricultural ecosystem performances under future environmental (E) conditions remains a challenge. Crop modelling has the potential to enable society to assess the efficacy of G × M technologies to mitigate and adapt crop production systems to climate change. Despite recent achievements, dedicated research to develop and improve modelling capabilities from gene to global scales is needed to provide guidance on designing G × M adaptation strategies with full consideration of their impacts on both crop productivity and ecosystem sustainability under varying climatic conditions. Opportunities to advance the multiscale crop modelling framework include representing crop genetic traits, interfacing crop models with large-scale models, improving the representation of physiological responses to climate change and management practices, closing data gaps and harnessing multisource data to improve model predictability and enable identification of emergent relationships. A fundamental challenge in multiscale prediction is the balance between process details required to assess the intervention and predictability of the system at the scales feasible to measure the impact. An advanced multiscale crop modelling framework will enable a gene-to-farm design of resilient and sustainable crop production systems under a changing climate at regional-to-global scales.

A charge depleting range dynamic strategy considering the fuel-cell degradation is proposed for the plug-in fuel cell hybrid electric vehicles in this paper, to seek the excellent economy performance with various driving ranges. The proposed strategy is developed by means of incorporating an adaptive equivalent factor into equivalent consumption minimization strategy with power feedback control. Firstly, the mathematical modeling of the proposed strategy is formulated to adjust the equivalent factor corresponding to the battery state of charge, which may vary with the forthcoming trip distance to dominate the expected energy consumption. The fuel cell voltage decay rate is applied to the feedback control of the restricted fuel-cell power, which is designed as the degradation model of fuel cell and integrated with the strategy. Secondly, the realization process of the charge depleting range dynamic strategy with restricted power feedback control model is a new attempt to design the real-time control method. Finally, the proposed strategy is validated by a numerical model developed by using the MATLAB/Simulink software and its effectiveness was evaluated by comparing it with the equivalent consumption minimization strategy. A sensitivity analysis is also conducted to study the effects of different trip distances. The effectiveness of power feedback control in fuel cell durability is validated through a hardware-in-the-loop experiment. The verified results demonstrate the influence of the equivalent factor on the control process, which makes the proposed strategy possible to provide significant improvement in the economy performance and fuel-cell durability.

All-solid-state lithium ion batteries are being actively considered as promising candidates for next-generation energy storage applications. Compared with conventional lithium ion batteries using organic liquid electrolytes, all-solid-state lithium ion batteries using inorganic solid electrolytes demonstrate various distinct advantages, such as better safety without flammable explosion, more eco-friendliness without volatilization, higher stability without liquid leakage, wider cell voltage window and higher energy density. Extensive efforts have been focused on material, chemistry and electrochemistry of new solid electrolytes to enhance the capacity and long-term stability of all-solid-state lithium ion batteries. However, mechanical properties of solid electrolytes and multi-scale modeling of all-solid-state lithium ion batteries are less discussed. As a matter of fact, mechanical properties of solid electrolytes play a significant role in suppressing the growth of lithium dendrites, reducing electrode-electrolyte interfacial resistances and avoiding the propagation of fractures or cracks. In this review effort, we will discuss the mechanical properties, i.e. bulk, Young’s and shear modulus, hardness, fracture toughness and elastic anisotropy of solid electrolytes, density functional theory modeling of elasticity, engineering discussions on interfacial resistances between solid electrolytes and electrodes, and electrochemical-mechanical modeling of all-solid-state lithium ion batteries. It is hoped that this review will contribute to the rational mechanical design of solid electrolytes and further the development of advanced all-solid-state lithium ion batteries for energy storage.

Although the correlated rare-earth nickelate perovskites (such as SmNiO3) exhibit remarkable metal to insulator transitions (MIT) beyond conventional semiconductors, their respective variations in mechanical properties during MIT remain yet unknown. Exploring the intrinsic mechanical properties of SmNiO3 is largely prohibited since it is theoretically impossible to grow the single crystalline samples in a large size as required for conventional characterizations. For the first time, we performed nano-indentation tests of preferentially oriented SmNiO3 films with thickness approaching micrometer scale epitaxy on single crystalline LaAlO3 substrates, and the corresponding temperature-dependent mechanical properties are characterized. As-grown SmNiO3 thick films experience sharp transitions in electrical resistivity across MIT, while their insulating phases exhibit thermistor transportation behaviors with the negative temperature dependence of resistance within a broad range of temperature. Nano-indentation tests at room and elevated temperature regions (25–200 °C) are performed for harvesting the Vickers hardness and elastic modulus at different temperatures. In addition, it is also interesting to note that these mechanical properties remain relatively stable during MIT, despite the structural twisting in their NiO6 octahedron during the MIT as previously known for SmNiO3. The SmNiO3 is shown to be relatively soft among the family of perovskite oxides, while its mechanical properties are insensitive to increase temperature across its metal to insulator transitions. It paves the way for further applying rare-earth nickelates in the field of correlation electronics.

Quasi-classical direct dynamics simulations, performed with the B3LYP-D3/cc-pVDZ electronic structure theory, are reported for vibrational relaxation of the three NH stretches of the -NH3+ group of protonated tryptophan (TrpH+), excited to the n = 1 local mode states. The intramolecular vibrational energy relaxation (IVR) rates determined for these states, from the simulations, are in good agreement with the experiment. In accordance with the experiment, IVR for the free NH stretch is slowest, with faster IVR for the remaining two NH stretches which have intermolecular couplings with an O atom and a benzenoid ring. For the free NH and the NH coupled to the benzenoid ring, there are beats (i.e., recurrences) in their relaxations versus time. For the free NH stretch, 50% of the population remained in n = 1 when the trajectories were terminated at 0.4 ps. IVR for the free NH stretch is substantially slower than for the CH stretch in benzene. The agreement found in this study between quasi-classical direct dynamics simulations and experiments indicates the possible applicability of this simulation method to larger biological molecules. Because IVR can drive or inhibit reactions, calculations of IVR time scales are of interest, for example, in unimolecular reactions, mode-specific chemistry, and many photochemical processes.

The long-term trend and seasonal variability of sea surface temperature (SST) over tropical Indo-Pacific region under the global warming projection simulated by FIO-ESM model are analyzed. At seasonal time scale, significant warming trend over Indo-Pacific area is well captured by FIO-ESM model over the warm pool region under RCP8.5 scenario. The La Nina-like warming pattern is dominant in the tropical Pacific and the negative Indian Ocean Dipole warming pattern takes place in the Indian Ocean in global warming projection separately. The strength of SST warming trend is found to be seasonal dependent over Indo-Pacific region. The spatial distribution of calendar month where fastest/slowest SST warming trend take place in tropical Indo-Pacific has been assessed in FIO-ESM simulation, which is corresponded with the distribution of SST climatology closely in Pacific but not in Indian Ocean.

While electron correlations were previously recognized to result in direct current (DC) transportation properties beyond-conventional (e.g., metal-to-insulator transitions, bad metal, thermistors), their respective influences on the alternating current (AC) transport are largely overlooked. Herein, active regulation of the electronic functionalities of d-band correlated rare-earth nickelate (ReNiO3) thin films, by simply utilizing their electronic responses to AC-frequencies (fAC) is demonstrated. Assisted by temperature dependent near edge X-ray absorption fine structure analysis, positive temperature dependences in the Coulomb viscosity of ReNiO3 were discovered, which moderate their AC impedance (R′ + iR′′). Distinguished crosslinking among R′–fAC measured in nearby temperatures is observed that differs to conventional oxides. This enables active adjustability in correlated transports of ReNiO3, among NTCR-, TDelta- and PTCR-thermistors, via fAC from the electronic perspective without varying materials or device structures. Furthermore the TDelta–fAC relationship can be widely adjusted via the Re composition and interfacial strains. The AC-frequency sensitivity discovered in ReNiO3 leads the way to a new freedom in regulating and switching the device working states beyond the present semiconductor technologies. It opens up a new model for enriching novel electronic applications in automatic transmission, artificial intelligence in sensing temperatures or thermal perturbations.

Underground, indoor, and harsh environments, which are complex, mutable, and hard to model, prevent high accuracy positioning and navigation. In this paper, a novel positioning system suitable to such environments is proposed. This system is based on a magnetic feature vector integrated with a miniature inertial measurement unit (MIMU). Compared with traditional magnetic-based positioning systems (MBPS), the proposed system exhibits better robustness, and applicability, which is proved by experimental results. Its non-accumulated error characteristics and outstanding penetrability enable the system to provide long-time accurate position and attitude service in underground, indoor, and harsh environments. The experiments indicate that the expected precision of the system can reach 0.055 and 0.062 m and an angle error of 2.1° and 2.8° in line of sight (LOS) and non-line of sight (NLOS) environments, respectively, in the static experiment and 0.051 m in the moving target tracking experiment.

Crops show considerable capacity to adjust their photosynthetic characteristics to seasonal changes in temperature. However, how photosynthesis acclimates to changes in seasonal temperature under future climate conditions has not been revealed. We measured leaf photosynthesis (An ) of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and rice (Oryza sativa L.) grown under four combinations of two levels of CO2 (ambient and enriched up to 500 µmol/mol) and two levels of canopy temperature (ambient and increased by 1.5-2.0°C) in temperature by free-air CO2 enrichment (T-FACE) systems. Parameters of a biochemical C3 -photosynthesis model and of a stomatal conductance (gs ) model were estimated for the four conditions and for several crop stages. Some biochemical parameters related to electron transport and most gs parameters showed acclimation to seasonal growth temperature in both crops. The acclimation response did not differ much between wheat and rice, nor among the four treatments of the T-FACE systems, when the difference in the seasonal growth temperature was accounted for. The relationships between biochemical parameters and leaf nitrogen content were consistent across leaf ranks, developmental stages, and treatment conditions. The acclimation had a strong impact on gs model parameters: when parameter values of a particular stage were used, the model failed to correctly estimate gs values of other stages. Further analysis using the coupled gs -biochemical photosynthesis model showed that ignoring the acclimation effect did not result in critical errors in estimating leaf photosynthesis under future climate, as long as parameter values were measured or derived from data obtained before flowering.

Global dimming, a decadal decrease in incident global radiation, is often accompanied with an increase in the diffuse radiation fraction, and, therefore, the impact of global dimming on crop production is hard to predict. A popular approach to quantify this impact is the statistical analysis of historical climate and crop data, or use of dynamic crop simulation modelling approach. Here, we show that statistical analysis of historical data did not provide plausible values for the effect of diffuse radiation versus direct radiation on rice or wheat yield. In contrast, our field experimental study of 3 years demonstrated a fertilization effect of increased diffuse radiation fraction, which partly offset yield losses caused by decreased global radiation, in both crops. The fertilization effect was not attributed to any improved canopy light interception but mainly to the increased radiation use efficiency (RUE). The increased RUE was explained not only by the saturating shape of photosynthetic light response curves but also by plant acclimation to dimming that gradually increased leaf nitrogen concentration. Crop harvest index slightly decreased under dimming, thereby discounting the fertilization effect on crop yields. These results challenge existing modelling paradigms, which assume that the fertilization effect on crop yields is mainly attributed to an improved light interception. Further studies on the physiological mechanism of plant acclimation are required to better quantify the global dimming impact on agroecosystem productivity under future climate change.

Atmospheric CO2 concentration [CO2] has increased from 260 to 280 μmol mol−1 (level during crop domestication up to the industrial revolution) to currently 400 and will reach 550 μmol mol−1 by 2050. C3 crops are expected to benefit from elevated [CO2] (e-CO2) thanks to photosynthesis responsiveness to [CO2] but this may require greater sink capacity. We review recent literature on crop e-CO2 responses, related source-sink interactions, how abiotic stresses potentially interact, and prospects to improve e-CO2 response via breeding or genetic engineering. Several lines of evidence suggest that e-CO2 responsiveness is related either to sink intrinsic capacity or adaptive plasticity, for example, involving enhanced branching. Wild relatives and old cultivars mostly showed lower photosynthetic rates, less downward acclimation of photosynthesis to e-CO2 and responded strongly to e-CO2 due to greater phenotypic plasticity. While reverting to such archaic traits would be an inappropriate strategy for breeding, we argue that substantial enhancement of vegetative sink vigor, inflorescence size and/or number and root sinks will be necessary to fully benefit from e-CO2. Potential ideotype features based on enhanced sinks are discussed. The generic 'feast-famine' sugar signaling pathway may be suited to engineer sink strength tissue-specifically and stage-specifically and help validate ideotype concepts. Finally, we argue that models better accounting for acclimation to e-CO2 are needed to predict which trait combinations should be targeted by breeders for a CO2-rich world.

The electrical energy of a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) is provided by the internal combustion engine and grid power. The fuel consumption of a PHEV can be minimised through optimising the operation at all-electric range (AER). The AER may vary with the state of charge (SOC), the expected route characteristic, traffic and the electrical energy available dominated by the forthcoming charge opportunity. This research proposes an AER adaptive energy management strategy based on the equivalent consumption minimisation strategy (ECMS) and the forthcoming energy consumption prediction. The model of the equivalent factor (EF) is developed based on the required energy per unit distance (REPD). The corresponding correction factor of EF is optimised with the particle swarm optimisation and developed as a function of REPD, SOC and the AER. The artificial neural network is used to predict REPD which is applied to update the EF estimated model online. The proposed strategy is validated by the numerical simulation and hardware-in-loop experiment (HIL). The simulation and HIL experiment results demonstrate that the proposed strategy can further improve the fuel economy of PHEVs when compared with the traditional ECMS under different driving cycles.

Ionic liquids have been intensively explored as precursors for doped carbons used as the anode materials in lithium ion batteries. Thanks to the vast number of potential ionic liquids, the types and contents of heteroatoms in the derived carbons can be tailored by appropriately choosing the ionic liquid precursors. In this work, nitrogen-doped carbons are synthesized through facile pyrolysis of ionic liquids with different nitrogen contents. Three types of nitrogen-doped carbons with a nitrogen content of 13.99 at.%, 11.79 at.% and 10.75 at.% were derived from [EMIm]N(CN)2, [BMIm]N(CN)2 and [HMIm]N(CN)2 ionic liquids, respectively. It was found that increase of nitrogen content leads to decrease of charge transfer resistance and increase of capacity. The improved cell performance is related to the change of nitrogen-bonding configuration, microstructure, defect density and surface area of the derived carbons induced by the increased nitrogen content. Eventually, an appropriate selection of ionic liquids can achieve to tailor the nitrogen content of doped carbons and optimize the performance of lithium ion batteries.

Forest plantation can sequestrate atmospheric CO2 and slow down global warming effectively. However, its carbon sequestration capacity and rate vary significantly across different climate regions and tree species. Haloxylon ammodendron sand-fixing plantation, a unique ecological shelter forest in desert areas of Asia, has not only the ecological functions of reducing wind speed and controlling soil erosion, but also those of improving soil quality and increasing the carbon storage of the desert ecosystem. To reveal the effect of H.ammodendron plantation on carbon sequestration of the desert ecosystem, 3, 10, 25 and 35 a H.ammodendron plantations were selected in the lower reaches of Shiyang River Basin by using a space-for-time method, and their characteristics, rates, and potential of carbon sequestration in the vegetation succession were studied. The results showed that the biomass and ecosystem carbon storage of the H.ammodendron plantations increased first and then decreased with the afforestation years. The average carbon fixation rates of vegetation and its ecosystem in 10 a were 0.274 and 0.434 kg C/m2·a, respectively, which were significantly higher than those of other three successional stages in desert areas. With the increase in plantation ages of H.ammodendron, the soil organic carbon (SOC) density in topsoil continued to increase. SOC density in 3, 10, 25 and 35 a were 1.03, 1.60, 2.27 and 2.48 kg C/m2, accounting for 71.0%, 36.9%, 71.4% and 76.8% of the carbon density in vegetation-soil ecosystem, respectively. Soil carbon pool was the main part of the carbon pool in ecosystem. The results of carbon benefits project (CBP) estimation show that the total carbon storage of H.ammodendron sand-fixing plantations in Shiyang River Basin is 0.18 Tg C, and the maximum carbon sequestration potential is 0.84 Tg C, and the maximum carbon emission potential is 1.95 Tg C on 0–100 a time scale. On the time scale of 0–100 a, the carbon efficiency of H.ammodendron sand-fixing plantations in Shiyang River Basin showed a rapid growth (0–20 a) - slow decline (25–40 a) - rapid decline (50–100 a). In order to increase the organic carbon storage and maintain the stability of the desert ecosystem, the H.ammodendron sand-fixing plantations should be constructed largely and conserved scientifically in Shiyang River Basin.

Gold leaf samples of different purities were corroded in a SO2 atmosphere at three different relative humidities (30%, 60%, 90%) at ambient temperature, and the effects on color, gloss, and morphology were studied. Results showed that a corrosion rate of 0.0898 g/cm2 could be attained after 6 weeks at high humidity. Color changes also occurred during the gold leaf corrosion process, and many thin pits formed on the surfaces, as shown by SEM. EDX results showed that these pits contained C, O, and S compounds. By comparing the results of different gold purity samples and different relative humidity conditions, it could be concluded that both gold content and humidity play an important role in SO2 atmosphere corrosion. These conclusions are helpful for the conservation of gold leaf decorative cultural relics.

Cadmium doped topological insulator crystals with the formula CdxBi2-xSe3 were grown using a modified Bridgman technique and their electrical and magnetic transport properties were studied. All samples showed weakly metallic resistivity and the resistivity increased monotonously as the Cd concentration increased. The resistivity data could be fitted by different formulas below and above 30 K in all samples result from different mechanism, which could be explained by the freezing of bulk carriers around 30K. For highly doped samples x = 0.07, simultaneous crossovers in the curves of temperature dependent of resistivity (ρ-T) and temperature dependent of magnetoresistance (MR-T) at low temperature were observed. And SdH oscillations were found at 5 and 10 K. These results indicating that the contribution of the surface state was significantly improved. First-principles calculations showed that Cd Bi (substitute one Bi atom by Cd atom) is realistic.

Reduced graphene oxide (rGO) has attracted wide attention as anode materials of lithium ion batteries, however, restacking of rGO sheets limits its capacity and rate performance. To address this issue, a sandwich-like composite of N-doped carbon (NDC) and rGO (rGO@NDC) was fabricated via a process of absorbing [EMIm]N(CN)2 ionic liquid on the surface of graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets and subsequent heat-treating of the composite. The rGO@NDC composite exhibits a high specific capacity of 409.4 mAh g−1 with a Coulombic efficiency of 100% after 50 cycles at a charge-discharge rate of 0.5 C, and a specific capacity of 222.8 mAh g−1 with no capacity fade after 1200 cycles at charge-discharge rate of 10 C. Compositing the rGO with NDC particles can decrease the superficial oxygen-containing functional groups of the rGO, and therefore decrease side reactions during battery cycling. And embedding of NDC particles on the surface of rGO sheets avoids the restacking of rGO sheets and enlarges the interlayer space of the rGO to facilitate Li+ transport within the rGO@NDC. Finally, the NDC particles provide more accessible sites for Li+, and rGO sheets as conductivity networks improves electron transport.

Yttrium (Y2O3) nanopowders were synthesized via the precipitation method using ammonium hydrogen carbonate (AHC) as the precipitant. The influences of calcination temperature on the composition and morphology of the powders were investigated. Fine Y2O3 powders with low-agglomeration were obtained by calcining the precursor at 1100 °C for 4 h. The primary crystallites were calculated to be ∼47 nm in size and weakly agglomerated to particles with size of ∼79 nm. Using the synthesized powders as the starting materials, Y2O3 ceramics were fabricated by vacuum sintering at different temperatures combined with HIP post-treatment. The densification and micro-structure evolution of the Y2O3 ceramics were systematically investigated. The ceramic sample vacuum sintered at 1500 °C for 2 h and post-HIPed at 1550 °C for 3 h exhibited a uniform and fine microstructure with the average grain of about 1.0 μm. The in-line transmittance of the ceramic sample reached 80.1% at 1100 nm.

LiFePO4 (LFP) is widely considered as a practical cathode material for lithium ion batteries, however its applications are still plagued by the low ionic and electronic conductivities. To address this challenge, F-doped LFP coated with N, B, F ternary doped carbon layer (F-LFP@NBFC) was synthesized by hydrothermal method using ionic liquid [BMIM]BF4 as the sole source for C, N, B and F. The F-LFP@NBFC exhibits superior electrochemical performance compared with the pristine LFP. F-LFP@NBFC demonstrates a discharge capacity of 162.2 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C, which is close to its theoretical capacity, and maintains a 100% of discharge capacity after 40 cycles at 0.1 C. F-LFP@NBFC also shows an excellent rate capability and delivers a discharge capacity of 71.3 mAh g−1 at 15 C. The excellent performance is ascribed to the surface coating of LFP and heteroatom doping into the carbon and LFP. On one hand, the N, B, F ternary doped carbon film acts as conductive network for LFP particles, improves the electronic conductivity of electrode particle and consequently enhances the Li+/Li0 reduced/oxidized kinetics. On the other hand, the crystal lattice of LFP is enlarged by the F doping, which facilitates the Li+ intercalation/deintercalation. This study provides a convenient approach to prepare a high performance cathode material for lithium ion batteries.

In a previous direct dynamics simulation of the Cl- + CH3I → ClCH3 + I- SN2 reaction, predominantly indirect and direct reaction was found at collision energies Erel of 0.20 and 0.39 eV, respectively. For the work presented here, these simulations were extended by studying the reaction dynamics from Erel of 0.15 to 0.40 eV in 0.05 eV intervals. A transition from a predominantly indirect to direct reaction is found for Erel of 0.27-0.28 eV, a finding consistent with experiment. The simulation results corroborate the understanding that in experiments indirect reaction is characterized by small product translational energies and isotropic scattering, while direct reaction has higher translational energies and anisotropic scattering. The traditional statistical theoretical model for the Cl- + CH3I SN2 reaction assumes the Cl--CH3I pre-reaction complex (A) is formed, followed by barrier crossing, and then formation of the ClCH3-I- post-reaction complex (B). This mechanism is seen in the dynamics, but the complete atomistic dynamics are much more complex. Atomistic SN2 mechanisms contain A and B, but other dynamical events consisting of barrier recrossing (br) and the roundabout (Ra), in which the CH3-moiety rotates around the heavy I-atom, are also observed. The two most important mechanisms are only formation of A and Ra + A. The simulation results are compared with simulations and experiments for Cl- + CH3Cl, Cl- + CH3Br, F- + CH3I, and OH- + CH3I.

Effective synthesis of meta-stable materials challenging the thermodynamic limits will play a significant role in broadening the horizon in material designs and further explorations of their functionalities. Although d-band correlated rare-earth nickelate perovskites (ReNiO3) have achieved promising applications, e.g., metal-to-insulator transition, artificial intelligence, and memory/logical devices, the thermodynamic instability and high vacuum-dependence in material synthesis have largely caused bottlenecks in these applications. Herein we demonstrate a vacuum-free and low cost chemical route to effectively synthesize single-crystalline ReNiO3 thin films that further promote their device applications. It achieves high flexibility and convenience by adjusting the A-site compositions within the perovskites via single (i.e. Nd, Sm, Eu, and Gd), binary (i.e., Sm1−xNdx and Sm1−xEux) and triple (i.e. Sm1−x−yNdxEuy and Sm1−x−yNdxGdy) rare-earth elements. The respective regulations in electronic structures, as probed via near edge X-ray absorption fine structure analysis, result in sharper metal-to-insulator transitions within a broad temperature range of 400 K, compared with their reported performances. Furthermore, we discover an overlooked thermistor transport behavior of ReNiO3 within the binary A-site elements, which exhibits large temperature coefficients of resistance (>2%) across a broad range of temperatures (5–470 K). By overcoming the bottlenecks in material synthesis of ReNiO3, the present work profoundly paves the way for device fabrication.

Bulk MnAl-C magnets were prepared via high-pressure compaction of melt-spun ribbons. The e → τ phase transformation (PT) in the melt-spun MnAl and MnAlC ribbons occurs mainly via the massive mode, whereas the displacive mode is not prominent. The massive PT temperatures of the melt–spun MnAl and MnAlC ribbons were measured to be in the range 660–739 K and 700–758 K, respectively. The PT temperatures of the melt-spun MnAlC ribbons are lower than those of water–quenched MnAlC. The annealing process for producing τ-phase from e-phase was optimized based on the measured PT temperature range. As a result, no decomposition of the metastable e/τ-phase MnAl and MnAlC were observed during the optimized high temperature annealing. High-purity τ-phase MnAlC ribbons with high magnetization (122 Am2/kg at 8 T) and low coercivity (0.13 T) were obtained. The coercivity of the bulk MnAlC obtained by high-pressure compaction was significantly enhanced and reached 0.38 T partially due to the grain refinement of the sample during high-pressure deformation.

The low temperature phase Mn55Bi45-xGax (x = 0, 1, 3, 5, and 10) alloys were prepared by induction melting process with subsequent low temperature annealing. The effects of Ga-doping on the crystal structure and magnetic properties of the alloys were systematically studied. The room temperature coercivities of Mn55Bi45-xGax after ball milling increased from 1.43 T for x = 0 to 1.66 T for x = 5, while the saturation magnetization decreased from 60.7 Am2/kg (x = 0) to 45.1 Am2/kg (x = 5). The maximum energy product (BH)max of Mn55Bi44Ga powders reached 7.87 MGOe. The Curie temperature of the Mn55Bi45-xGax alloys increased from 633 K to 658 K with increasing Ga concentration in the range of 0 ≤ x ≤ 5.

T cells play crucial roles in our immunity against hematological tumors by inducing sustained immune responses. Flow cytometry-based detection of a limited number of specific protein markers has been routinely applied for basic research and clinical investigation in this area. In this study, we combined flow cytometry with the simple integrated spintip-based proteomics technology (SISPROT) to characterize the proteome of primary T cell subtypes in the peripheral blood (PB) from single multiple myeloma (MM) patients. Taking advantage of the integrated high pH reversed-phase fractionation in the SISPROT device, the global proteomes of CD3+, CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were firstly profiled with a depth of >7 000 protein groups for each cell type. The sensitivity of single-shot proteomic analysis was dramatically improved by optimizing the SISPROT and data-dependent acquisition parameters for nanogram-level samples. Eight subtypes of T cells were sorted from about 4 mL PB of single MM patients, and the individual subtype-specific proteomes with coverage among 1 702 and 3 699 protein groups were obtained from as low as 70 ng and up to 500 ng of cell lysates. In addition, we developed a two-step machine learning-based subtyping strategy for proof-of-concept classifying eight T cell subtypes, independent of their cell numbers and individual differences. Our strategy demonstrates an easy-to-use proteomic analysis on immune cells with the potential to discover novel subtype-specific protein biomarkers from limited clinical samples in future large scale clinical studies.

Among yield contributing traits, the contribution of canopy activity related traits has been less studied. In this study, quantitative trait loci (QTL) for the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) at the seedling (NDVI-S) and grain filling (NDVI-10) stages and the chlorophyll (Chl) content at the grain filling stage (Chl-10) were mapped using three recombinant inbred line (RIL) populations of wheat derived from the following crosses: Doumai × Shi 4185 (D × S), Gaocheng 8901 × Zhoumai 16 (G × Z) and Linmai 2 × Zhong 892 (L × Z). In the three RIL populations, 6, 16 and 14 QTL were identified for NDVI-S, NDVI-10 and Chl-10, respectively. Furthermore, 6, 10 and 10 of the QTL were newly detected. Three QTL QNDVI-10.caas-4BS, QNDVI-10.caas-4DS and QChl-10.caas-4BS, were commonly detected in two populations. Twelve QTL clusters for both canopy activity related traits in the present study and grain yield (GY) related traits in our previous study were identified. NDVI-S is phenotypically and genetically correlated with thousand-kernel weight (TKW), which can be used to select lines with a high TKW. The QTL clusters harbouring QTL for canopy activity related traits and GY related traits are valuable in marker-assisted selection (MAS) of loci with pleiotropic effects. In addition, the stable QTL QNDVI-S.caas-1AL and QNDVI-10.caas-3B can be used to identify high NDVI lines at the seedling and grain filling stages, respectively. Our study provided new insight into the genetic architecture of the GY based on canopy activity related traits.

On the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the publication of the landmark model by Farquhar, von Caemmerer & Berry on steady‐state C3 photosynthesis (known as the “FvCB model”), we review three major further developments of the model. These include: (1) limitation by triose phosphate utilization, (2) alternative electron transport pathways, and (3) photorespiration‐associated nitrogen and C1 metabolisms. We discussed the relation of the third extension with the two other extensions, and some equivalent extensions to model C4 photosynthesis. In addition, the FvCB model has been coupled with CO2‐diffusion models. We review how these extensions and integration have broadened the use of the FvCB model in understanding photosynthesis, especially with regard to bioenergetic stoichiometries associated with photosynthetic quantum yields. Based on the new insights, we present caveats in applying the FvCB model. Further research needs are highlighted., The year 2020 marks the 40th anniversary of the publication of the landmark model by Farquhar, von Caemmerer & Berry on photosynthesis. Here, we take a historical view on the original model, go into details of how this model has been extended since then, and review how these extensions have broadened the use of the model.

Global dimming reduces incident global radiation but increases the fraction of diffuse radiation, and thus affects crop yields; however, the underlying mechanisms of such an effect have not been revealed. We hypothesized that crop source–sink imbalance of either carbon (C) or nitrogen (N) during grain filling is a key factor underlying the effect of global dimming on yields. We presented a practical framework to assess both C and N source–sink relationships, using data of biomass and N accumulation from periodical sampling conducted in field experiments for wheat and rice from 2013 to 2016. We found a fertilization effect of the increased diffuse radiation fraction under global dimming, which alleviated the negative impact of decreased global radiation on source supply and sink growth, but the source supply and sink growth were still decreased by dimming, for both C and N. In wheat, the C source supply decreased more than the C sink demand, and as a result, crops remobilized more pre-heading C reserves, in response to dimming. However, these responses were converse in rice, which presumably stemmed from the more increment in radiation use efficiency and the more limited sink size in rice than wheat. The global dimming affected source supply and sink growth of C more significantly than that of N. Therefore, yields in both crops were dependent more on the source–sink imbalance of C than that of N during grain filling. Our revealed source–sink relationships, and their differences and similarities between wheat and rice, provide a basis for designing strategies to alleviate the impact of global dimming on crop productivity.

The role of bundle sheath conductance (gbs) in sustaining sugarcane photosynthesis under nitrogen deficiency was investigated. Sugarcane was grown under different levels of nitrogen supply and gbs was estimated using simultaneous measurements of leaf gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence at 21% or 2% [O2] and varying air [CO2] and light intensity. Maximum rates of PEPC carboxylation, Rubisco carboxylation, and ATP production increased with an increase in leaf nitrogen concentration (LNC) from 1 to 3 g m−2. Low nitrogen supply reduced Rubisco and PEPC abundancies, the quantum efficiency of CO2 assimilation and gbs. Because of reduced gbs, low photosynthetic rates were not associated with increased leakiness under nitrogen deficiency. In fact, low nitrogen supply increased bundle sheath cell wall thickness, probably accounting for low gbs and increased estimates of [CO2] at Rubisco sites. Effects of nitrogen on expression of ShPIP2;1 and ShPIP1;2 aquaporins did not explain changes in gbs. Our data revealed that reduced Rubisco carboxylation was the main factor causing low sugarcane photosynthesis at low nitrogen supply, in contrast to the previous report on the importance of an impaired CO2 concentration mechanism under N deficiency. Our findings suggest higher investment of nitrogen into Rubisco protein would favour photosynthesis and plant performance under low nitrogen availability.

The recent discovery of a nonsaturating linear magnetoresistance in several correlated electron systems near a quantum critical point has revealed an interesting interplay between the linear magnetoresistance and the zero-field linear-in-temperature resistivity. These studies suggest a possible role of quantum criticality on the observed linear magnetoresistance. Here we report our discovery of a nonsaturating, linear magnetoresistance in ${\mathrm{Mo}}_{8}{\mathrm{Ga}}_{41}$, a nearly isotropic strong electron-phonon coupling superconductor with a linear-in-temperature resistivity from the transition temperature to $\ensuremath{\sim}55$ K. The growth of the resistivity in field is comparable to that in temperature, provided that both quantities are measured in the energy unit. Our data sets are remarkably similar to magnetoresistance data of the optimally doped ${\mathrm{La}}_{2\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{Sr}}_{x}{\mathrm{CuO}}_{4}$, despite the clearly different crystal and electronic structures, and the apparent absence of quantum critical physics in ${\mathrm{Mo}}_{8}{\mathrm{Ga}}_{41}$. A new empirical scaling formula is developed, which is able to capture the key features of the low-temperature magnetoresistance data of ${\mathrm{Mo}}_{8}{\mathrm{Ga}}_{41}$, as well as the data of ${\mathrm{La}}_{2\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{Sr}}_{x}{\mathrm{CuO}}_{4}$.

Our study on six wheat genotypes has revealed strong interaction between gluten and starch to affect dough stability. To establish gluten-starch interaction and its roles in dough stability, we randomly selected 16 wheat genotypes and investigated the physicochemical properties of gluten and starch. The manner in which the starch granules occupied available space in gluten network was quantitatively analyzed using gluten lacunarity and proportion of different sized A-type and B-type starch granules. Positive correlations were found between the morphological attributes (B/A/Lacunarity, B/Lacunarity) and dough stability. The correlation coefficient between B/A/Lacunarity and dough stability was highest, followed by the percentage of unextractable polymeric protein (UPP%), B/Lacunarity and dough stability. Dough mixing properties were strongly affected by gluten-starch interactions, as indicated by novel parameters. Whereas the effect of gluten on its own did not provide any evidence to suggest its concrete role in dough mixing properties because of the various genetic backgrounds.

Drought significantly decreases crop productivity, especially in high water consuming crops like rice. Grain filling is one of the important critical growth phases in rice and drought during this phase leads to significant reduction in yield. In this study, a comparison was made between IR64 (drought susceptible) and Apo (drought tolerant) rice genotypes to capture the response to water limitation (50% field capacity (FC)) compared with the control (100%FC) during grain filling. Plants were grown in a high-throughput phenomics facility for precise imposition of moisture stress during grain filling. Apo performed better in water limited conditions with lower reduction of photosynthetic rate and maintenance of lower leaf temperature than IR64. Days from sowing to maturity, spikelet fertility and seed weight were more impeded by water limitation in IR64 than in Apo. Unlike Apo, IR64 did not show any decrease in transpiration rate at 50%FC compared with 100%FC. Metabolomic profiling of spikelets at grain filling showed distinct effects of water limitation on accumulation of metabolites, especially in Apo. Secondary metabolism, mainly the phenylpropanoid pathway involved in scavenging mechanisms, was upregulated in Apo. Accumulation of most amino acids was significantly higher in IR64 than in Apo. Due to higher rates of photosynthesis under stress, most carbohydrates accumulated more in Apo than in IR64 at 50%FC. Sucrose transporters were significantly upregulated in water limited conditions especially in Apo. Overall, thanks to higher source capacity, more source to sink transport and better scavenging, Apo showed a lower reduction in yield than IR64.

Dimensional stability proves to be an important factor affecting the quality of wooden products. As a sort of crude and thermoplastic resin, shellac excreted by lac insects demonstrates water-repellent and environmental-friendly features. The research impregnated shellac with wood at room temperature and with a vacuum-pressure procedure. Efforts were made to examine how shellac treatment affected the dimensional stability, moisture absorption, chemical structure, thermostability, as well as morphological characteristics of wood. Results indicated that shellac treatment was a type of efficient solution useful in the enhancement of the dimensional stability of wood. Shellac solution had good permeability in the wood, and the weight percentage gain reached 13.01% after impregnation. The swelling coefficients of treated wood in the tangential and radial directions decreased by 20.13% and 24.12%, respectively, indicating that impregnation could improve wood dimensional stability. The moisture absorption of shellac-treated wood was reduced by 38.15% under 20 &deg, C and 65% relative humidity. Moreover, shellac treatment significantly modified wood structure, although there were no drastic changes in the spectra. Specimens for shellac treatment ran across two decomposition peaks at 350 and 390 &deg, C, and specimens in the control group saw one more common derivative thermogravimetric curve when the sharp peak approached 355 &deg, C. After impregnation of shellac into wood, the shellac blocked pits and hardened on the intrinsic layer of the wood for fear of hygroscopicity. The practice was applicable to a variety of wood products, such as buildings, furniture, and landscape architecture.

Microplastic (MP) contamination in water has garnered significantly global concerns. The MP removal particularly challenges when the particle size decreases to several microns and other contaminants co-exist. This study used the coagulative colloidal gas aphrons (CCGAs) to simultaneously remove the micron-scale MP particles (~5 µm in diameter) and dissolved organic matter (DOM). Carboxyl-modified poly-(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and unsurface-coated polystyrene (PS) were chosen as target MPs. Over 94% of PS particles and almost 100% of color were simultaneously removed with lower CCGA consumption than the scenarios with either contaminant in water. The PMMA removal was not as high as the PS removal since the HA polyanions could compete with the negatively-charged PMMA for CCGAs. High salinity reduced the removal of HA by changing its interfacial behaviors without impacting the MP separation. In river water or influent of wastewater treatment plant, the MP particles were almost completely eliminated whereas the DOM (tyrosine-like or tryptophan-like) was partially removed. The fluorescence quenching titration revealed that CCGAs preferably captured the free DOM and the DOM-coated MP particles through complexation interaction. The study denoted that the CCGA system could be a robust tool for efficiently and synergistically removing micron-scale MPs and DOM from different water matrixes.

A facile synthesis of a group of novel thiazole-pyrazolone hybrids and their investigation for angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition are reported in this study. These compounds were synthesized using a well-known approach, based on the condensation of ethyl acetoacetate with thiazolylhydrazines, and characterized by various spectroscopic and analytical techniques. The entire set of compounds displayed a moderate-to-excellent inhibitory activity against ACE. In particular, compound 4i was found to be the most potent ACE inhibitor and was further studied for cardioprotective effects against isoproterenol (ISO)-induced myocardial infarction (MI) in rats. Compound 4i improved the cardiac function and prevented cardiac injury induced by ISO in Sprague Dawley rats. The levels of oxidative stress and proinflammatory cytokines were also restored to near normal by 4i as compared with the ISO group. In the Western blot analysis, compound 4i prevented mitochondrial apoptosis after MI by downregulating the expression of cleaved caspase-3 and Bax, with the upregulation of Bcl-2, as compared with the ISO group.