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In this work, a novel bamboo-like carbon nanotubes@Sn4P3@carbon (BLCNTs@Sn4P3@C) coaxial nanotubes are designed and prepared using a newly developed hydrothermal method followed by a phophidation process. The prepared Sn4P3 nanoparticles are uniformly coated and wrapped on the one-dimensional (1D) bamboo-like CNTs, which is covered by a uniform carbon layer to form a sandwich-like structure with Sn4P3 in between. The inner CNT and outer carbon can effectively maintain the structural stability and serve as the good electron conductors. Additionally, the outer carbon coating layer can effectively keep BLCNTs@Sn4P3@C nanotubes separate each other, preventing aggregation of Sn4P3 during charge/discharge when this material is used as anode for sodium ion batteries. The anode of BLCNTs@Sn4P3@C shows excellent reversible capacity and a long cycling of over 2000 cycles. The unique design of coaxial nanotubes is greatly beneficial to the electrochemical performance of Sn4P3 for sodium ion storage.

Uniaxial tensile tests were carried out at room temperature (RT) and 250 °C, respectively, to investigate the effect of short-range ordering (SRO) on the mechanical properties and deformation micromechanism of fine-grained (FG) Cu–Mn alloys with high stacking fault energy. The results show that at RT, with the increase in SRO degree, the strength of FG Cu–Mn alloys is improved without a loss of ductility, and corresponding deformation micromechanism is mainly manifested by a decrease in the size of dislocation cells. In contrast, at a high temperature of 250 °C, the SRO degree becomes violently enhanced with increasing Mn content, and the deformation microstructures thus transform from dislocation cells to planar slip bands and even to deformation twins, significantly enhancing the work hardening capacity of the alloys and thus achieving a better strength-ductility synergy of FG Cu–Mn alloys.

Recent studies have shown that global metabolic reprogramming is a common event in plant innate immunity; however, the relevant molecular mechanisms remain largely unknown. Here, we identified a pathogen-induced glycosyltransferase, UGT73C7, that plays a critical role in Arabidopsis disease resistance through mediating redirection of the phenylpropanoid pathway. Loss of UGT73C7 function resulted in significantly decreased resistance to Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000, whereas constitutive overexpression of UGT73C7 led to an enhanced defense response. UGT73C7-activated immunity was demonstrated to be dependent on the upregulated expression of SNC1, a Toll/interleukin 1 receptor-type NLR gene. Furthermore, in vitro and in vivo assays indicated that UGT73C7 could glycosylate p-coumaric acid and ferulic acid, the upstream metabolites in the phenylpropanoid pathway. Mutations that lead to the loss of UGT73C7 enzyme activities resulted in the failure to induce SNC1 expression. Moreover, glycosylation activity of UGT73C7 resulted in the redirection of phenylpropanoid metabolic flux to biosynthesis of hydroxycinnamic acids and coumarins. The disruption of the phenylpropanoid pathway suppressed UGT73C7-promoted SNC1 expression and the immune response. This study not only identified UGT73C7 as an important regulator that adjusts phenylpropanoid metabolism upon pathogen challenge, but also provided a link between phenylpropanoid metabolism and an NLR gene.

The Archean mantle lithosphere beneath the North China Craton (NCC) was transformed in the Mesozoic, leading to the craton destruction. Despite the significant breakthroughs in the craton studies, lithospheric transformation mechanisms are yet to be fully understood. Compositional variations of mantle-derived rocks and xenoliths provide insights into the nature of the mantle lithosphere before and after the craton destruction. The Paleozoic lithosphere of the NCC is ∼200 km thick. It has a refractory mantle with an evolved isotopic signature. The Mesozoic mantle lithosphere was relatively fertile and highly heterogeneous. In the Cenozoic, the lithosphere in the eastern NCC is about 60–80 km thick. It has an oceanic-type mantle that is fertile in composition and depleted in the Sr-Nd isotopic signature. The Central Zone lithosphere is >100 km thick and has a double-layer mantle with an old upper layer and a new lower layer. The Western Block has a lithosphere of ∼200 km thick. The lithospheric mantle beneath the southern and northern margins and eastern part of the NCC has been transformed significantly by peridotite-melt reactions due to the multiple subductions of adjacent plates since the Paleozoic. Paleo-Pacific subduction and the associated dynamic processes significantly alter the lithosphere based on the distribution of craton destruction. The involved mechanisms include mechanical intrusion of subduction plates, melt fluid erosion, and local delamination. The lithospheric thinning of ∼120 km is relevant to the continental extension caused by subduction plate rollback and trench retreat.

The aim of this study was to identify members of potato GATA gene (StGATA) family and to provide information for further study on the regulatory role of StGATA transcription factors in potato growth and development and biotic and abiotic stresses. Based on the whole potato genome data, the members of potato GATA transcription factor family were identified and systematically analyzed by bioinformatics online analysis website and software. In total, forty-nine GATA proteins from Solanum tuberosum were identified. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that these GATA proteins could be divided into 5 subfamilies. The gene structure and conserved motif analysis revealed that many genes have more than one intron. Forty-nine StGATA genes were distributed on 12 chromosomes randomly. A cis-element analysis inferred that StGATAs contain abiotic stress-related elements. A heatmap showed that many StGATAs are generally expressed in tissues at different developmental stages. A representative member StGATA9 was selected for screening its expression characteristics to identify whether it was induced by Ralstonia solanacearum, abscisic acid (ABA) and methyl jasmonate (MJ) treatment. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) assays indicated that StGATA9 was induced by R. solanacearum. And StGATA9 was up-regulated by different concentrations of ABA and MJ. Tissue localization showed that StGATA9 was mainly expressed in phloem of leaf vascular bundles and stem vascular system. These results provide a theoretical basis for further experimental cloning and functional verification of the gene, while provides a theoretical basis for the study of molecular mechanism of resistance to bacterial wilt in potato.

Aphids are infected by a series of bacteria that can help them survive on specific host plants. However, the associations between aphids and these bacteria are not clear, and the bacterial communities in many aphid species are poorly characterized. Here, we investigated the bacterial communities of cotton aphids (Aphis gossypii) on 2 representative winter host plants and transferred to 3 summer host plants by 16S rDNA sequencing using the Illumina MiSeq platform. Our results revealed that the bacterial communities varied among cotton aphids on hibiscus, cotton aphids on pomegranate, cotton aphids on cotton transferred from hibiscus, cotton aphids on muskmelon transferred from hibiscus, cotton aphids on cucumber transferred from hibiscus,. The diversity and richness of the bacterial communities were significantly higher in aphids on muskmelon and aphids on cucumber than in the other treatments. There were two main factors influencing the distribution of internal bacterial OTUs revealed by principal component analysis, including the differences among Punicaceae, Malvaceae and Cucurbitaceae. There were 28 bacterial communities with significant differences between two arbitrary treatments, which could be grouped into 6 main clusters depending on relative abundance. Moreover, our results indicated that in addition to the obligate endosymbiont Buchnera, with a dominant position (> 52%), A. gossypii also harbored 3 facultative endosymbiotic bacteria (Serratia, Arsenophonus, and Wolbachia) and 3 possibly symbiotic bacteria (Acinetobacter, Pantoea, and Flavobacterium). There were several correspondences between the symbiotic bacteria in cotton aphids and the specific host plants of the aphids. This study provides a better understanding of the interactions among symbiotic bacteria, aphids and host plants, suggesting that the selection pressure on aphid bacterial communities is likely to be exerted by the species of host plants.

The rational design and synthesis of frame-like hollow structures with unique three-dimensional open architectures for their diverse applications is still challenging. We herein propose a facile anisotropic surface modification and etching strategy for the synthesis of hollow structured ZIF-67 nanoframes. Our strategy relies on the structural and compositional distinctions between each crystallographic facet of truncated rhombic dodecahedrons ZIF-67 (tZIF-67 RDs) and the moderate coordinating and etching effects of cyanuric acid (CA). Thereby, the CA can anisotropically modify and protect the {110} facets from etching, causing the six {100} facets be selectively etched via an inside-out manner, and finally forming the hollow nanoframes. Interestingly, the surface modified hollow tZIF-67 RDs can further be facet-selectively etched by metal salts via an outside-in manner to give metal-doped tZIF-67 nanoframes. After calcination in reducing atmosphere, the metal-tZIF-67 hydrids are converted into metal-Co alloy/C composite catalysts with hollow nanoframed structures. Among them, the PtCo/C catalyst with only 5.9 wt.% Pt exhibits high catalytic activities and stabilities in the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in acidic solutions, outperforming the commercial 20 wt.% Pt/C catalyst. Our results offer insight into the development of metal-organic frameworks with compositional and structural multiplicity, which in turn could encourages more practical catalytic applications.

The yield and quality of the medicinal plant Achyranthes bidentata can be increased when it is replanted into a field cultivated previously with the same crop, however, fundamental aspects of its biology (so-called “replanting benefit”) still remain to be elucidated. miRNAs are sRNA molecules involved in the post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression in plant biological processes. Here, 267 conserved and 36 novel miRNAs were identified in A. bidentata roots. We compared the miRNA content of the roots (R1) from first-year planting with that of the roots (R2) of second-year replanting, and screened 21 differentially expressed (DE) miRNAs. Based on in silico functional analysis, integrated miRNA-mRNA datasets allowed the identification of 10 miRNA-target family modules, which might participate in the benefit. The expression profiles of the miRNA-target modules were potentially correlated with the presence of the replanting benefit. The indication was that the miRNA-responsive continuous monoculture could reprogram miRNA-mRNA expression patterns, which possibly promote the root growth and development, enhance its transport activity and strengthen its tolerance to various stresses, thereby improving A. bidentata productivity as observed in the replanting benefit. Our study provides basic data for further research on the molecular mechanisms of the benefit in A. bidentata.

Two isomeric zeolite-like metal–organic frameworks with the formula of [(CH3)2NH2][Cd(TPO)]·xsolvent were successfully prepared and characterized. Both frameworks are constructed from tetrahedral TPO3− nodes and tetrahedrally connected Cd2+ nodes, representing rare examples of zeolite-like MOFs with an isomeric characteristic. Moreover, one of the frameworks shows mechanically responsive luminescence emission after the crystals are ground for different times. Additionally, it has permanent porosity, and can selectively adsorb CO2 over N2.

Conventional assays for identifying polymorphism of aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) gene (rs671) are based on electrophoresis, fluorescence-labeled probes or sequencing, which are laborious and expensive. Herein, we proposed a visualized detection of ALDH2 genotype by PCR-based serial invasive reaction coupled with gold nanoparticle probe (GNP) assembling, in which target DNAs were firstly amplified by PCR, and then the alleles on the amplicons were identified by serial invasive reaction, and finally the genotyping results could be read out with naked eyes by observing the color changes caused by GNP assembling. If the allele-specific invasive probe matched the target sequence, the hairpin probe could be cleaved into two parts by Flap endonuclease 1 (FEN1). As a result, the GNPs could not be aggregated by the hairpin probe, keeping the solution red. Otherwise, the intact hairpin probe caused the aggregation of GNPs, leading to the color change from red to purple or clear. Therefore, the genotyping result could be read out with naked eyes by observing the color changes of the reaction. As low as 80 pg of genomic DNA could be accurately genotyped, and the genotyping results of 207 clinical samples were consistent with that of pyrosequencing, indicating that the proposed method has great potential in genotyping of personalized medicine-related single nucleotide polymorphism.

In order to study the flow characteristics in water bodies with rigid aquatic vegetation, series of laboratory experiments are carried out in an open channel, in which glass rods are used as plants with diameters of 6mm, 8mm and 10mm, respectively. For each diameter of glass rods, four typical cases are considered with various densities and arrangements of glass rods. The flow velocities in the four cases are measured by the 3-D laser Doppler velocimeter (LDV). The water surface slope, the flow velocity, the water head loss, the vegetation drag force and the hydraulic slope are calculated, analyzed and discussed. The horizontal, vertical and total vegetation densities in the vegetation area are defined and the relationship between these physical parameters and the water surface slope are studied. The head loss and the hydraulic slope in the vegetation area are also calculated, compared and analyzed. It is indicated that the water surface slope and velocity, the head loss and the hydraulic slope in the vegetation area have a close relationship with the arrangement, the density, and the plant diameter of the vegetation.

C26H21Fe2O6PS2, monoclinic, P21/c (no. 14), a = 9.0892(6) Å, b = 27.6631(18) Å, c = 11.3409(8) Å, β = 106.409(2)°, V = 2735.4(3) Å3, Z = 4, R gt (F) = 0.0670, wR ref (F 2) = 0.1620, T = 296(2) K.

The current control of the breech pulsed power cables and the stability of the total current are important factors which have an influence on the performance of the electromagnetic railgun system. In order to achieve these two targets, a two-objective optimization model through the genetic algorithms and weighted combination method is established. An optimization example of 20-mm railgun with 1-MJ fixed energy storage is given. The results show that the methods can be satisfied to the optimization design under the following premises. The reference value for the mean square error of the pulsed power cable peak current which represents the degree of the current control is selected between 1.5 and 4 kA, and the reference value of the compression ratio which represents the stability of the total current depends on the average compression ratio of the initial population. The mean square deviation of the best individual can be reduced to 600–750 A, and the compression ratio can be increased to 0.64–0.68 when the peak value of the total current is limited between 500 and 560 kA.

Seven new lactam ent-kaurane diterpenoids, cafemides A-G (1-7), were isolated from roasted beans of Coffea arabica. Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analysis including 1D, 2D NMR (heteronuclear single quantum correlation (HSQC), heteronuclear multiple bond correlation (HMBC), 1H-1H correlation spectroscopy (COSY), and rotating frame Overhauser effect spectroscopy (ROESY)), high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HRESIMS), and IR spectra. They were divided into subtype I-III according to the structure. Further, with the aid of liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) based molecular network, seven (8-14) subtype II diterpenoids were successfully identified. In addition, a variety of other subtypes of N-containing diterpenoids have been proven in roasted coffee. Compounds 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7 showed a moderate inhibitory effect on α-glucosidase with an IC50 value of 8.28 ± 0.62 μM, 38.23 ± 8.87 μM, 28.94 ± 1.42 μM, 12.44 ± 1.37 μM, and 22.2 ± 5.34 μM, respectively. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that N-containing diterpenoids have been reported in coffee.

Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) have been developed as light sources for indoor algae cultivation. In this study, we determined the effects of blue and red light ratios on weight gain, pigment content, antioxidant activity, and phytoene desaturase (PDS) gene expression in Caulerpa lentillifera. Caulerpa lentillifera was grown under six LED light treatments: white (W), red (R, 660 nm, 100%), blue (B, 447 nm, 100%), 1B1R (50% blue + 50% red), 1B2R (33.3% blue + 66.7% red), and 1B5R (16.7% blue + 83.3% red). Our results showed that red light improved the weight gain percentage of C. lentillifera, whereas red light with a low proportion of blue light (1B5R, 16.7%; blue + 83.3% red) led to a significantly higher weight gain percentage and photosynthetic pigment (Chl a + Chl b) content than the other LED light treatments. Increasing the proportion of blue light negatively affected weight gain and the photosynthetic pigment contents. However, blue LED light induced significantly higher transcription of the PDS gene, which coincided with increased β-carotene accumulation and antioxidant activity in C. lentillifera. These results indicated that the ratio of blue to red light is important for the indoor cultivation of C. lentillifera, and 100 μmol photons m−2 s−1 of 1B5R LED light with a 12/12 h light-dark photoperiod resulted in good growth and development.

Sulfide Cu isotope systematic has been used as a metallogenic tracer in various deposits; however, only rarely in magmatic Ni-Cu sulfide deposits. Here we present chalcopyrite δ34S and δ65Cu data for the Kalatongke and Baishiquan Ni-Cu sulfide deposits in the Central Asian Orogenic Belt. The Kalatongke deposit yields δ34S of −3.99‰ to 3.30‰ and δ65Cu of −1.32‰ to 0.07‰, whereas chalcopyrite from the Baishiquan deposit has δ34S values ranging from 1.70‰ to 4.98‰ and δ65Cu from −0.40‰ to 0.59‰. These isotopic ratios show no correlation with intrusion/orebody shape, location of sample in the orebody, lithofacies or type of mineralization. Based on Kalatongke and Baishiquan δ34S data, our multicomponent modeling suggests that, with an increase in the relative crustal component contribution, the measured δ34S values in sulfide ores approach the value of the contaminant. Mass ratios (R′) of silicate magma/(xenomelt + sulfide xenomelt + resitite + crystalline olivine) of 250–800 in the Kalatongke and 10–1000 in the Baishiquan deposit, yield δ34S values of −1.78‰ to 1.74‰ and 1.70‰ to 4.98‰ in these deposits. Contamination by host tuff and shale material with δ34S values of −7.2‰ to 3.3‰ reasonably explains the negative δ34S in the Kalatongke ores. A lack of correlation between the Kalatongke and Baishiquan chalcopyrite δ65Cu values and Cu or S contents (or Cu/Ni ratios) indicates that Cu isotopic fractionation was not controlled by sulfide fractional crystallization, but instead by contamination and the mantle source. Multicomponent modeling shows that an R′ factor between 10 and 1000 can reproduce most δ65Cu signatures in sulfide ores from the Kalatongke and Baishiquan deposits, with the exception of a few negative δ65Cu values. Undetected contamination and heterogeneous mantle resulting from different degrees of partial melting and metasomatism in the mantle source may explain these negative values and the wide range of δ65Cu noted in magmatic sulfide deposits worldwide. The Cu and S isotopes in sulfide from the magmatic Ni-Cu sulfide deposits can be utilized as indicators of crustal contamination and the nature of the mantle source.

The purpose of this paper is to show that for one-sided symbolic systems, there exists an uncountable distributionally scrambled set contained in the set of proper positive upper Banach density recurrent points.

MnO is a promising anode material for LIBs due to its low cost and high theoretical capacity, but large volume changes and low conductivity limit its application. To improve its conductivity and electron transport rate, we fabricated mesoporous MnO/C hollow microtube through a hydrodynamic force-induced rapid assembly in T-type microchannel reactor followed with a sintering process. The as-synthesized mesoporous MnO/C hollow microtube is consist of MnO nanograins with abundant porous reaction sites embedding uniformly on carbon layers to form a hollow tubular-like structure. When used this mesoporous MnO/C hollow microtube as an anode material of LIBs, it can deliver a high reversible capacity of 845 mAh·g−1 after 100 cycles at 1.5 A g−1 and a capacity of 699 mAh·g−1 at 3.75 A g−1, exhibiting good rate capability and cycle stability. The temperature-dependence electrochemical impedance spectra showed that the mesoporous hollow microtube structure can decrease the barrier energy for jumping through the SEI film, the intercalation reaction and the diffusion of Li+ in the bulk of the solid. The improved performances can be attributed to the unique mesoporous hollow-tubular structure, which enhances the structural stability, improves the electrical conductivity and fasten electrode reaction kinetics.

Background In cereal crop rice, auxin is known as an important class of plant hormone that regulates a plethora of plant growth and development. Glycosylation of auxin is known to be one of the important mechanisms mediating auxin homeostasis. However, the relevant auxin glucosyltransferase (GT) in rice still remains largely unknown. Results In this study, using known auxin glucosyltransferases from other species as queries, twelve putative auxin UDP-glycosyltransferase (UGT) genes were cloned from rice and the one showing highest sequence similarity, named as OsIAGT1, was expressed as recombinant protein. In vitro enzymatic analysis showed that recombinant OsIAGT1 was capable of catalyzing glucosylation of IAA, IBA and other auxin analogs, and that OsIAGT1 is quite tolerant to a broad range of reaction conditions with peak activity at 30 °С and pH 8.0. OsIAGT1 showed favorite activity towards native auxins over artificially synthesized ones. Further study indicated that expression of OsIAGT1 can be upregulated by auxin in rice, and with OsIAGT1 overexpressing lines we confirmed that OsIAGT1 is indeed able to glucosylate IAA in vivo. Consistently, ectopic expression of OsIAGT1 leads to declined endogenous IAA content, as well as upregulated auxin synthesis genes and reduced expression of auxin-responsive genes, which likely leads to the reduced plant stature and root length in OsIAGT1 overexpression lines. Conclusion Our result indicated that OsIAGT1 plays an important role in mediating auxin homeostasis by catalyzing auxin glucosylation, and by which OsIAGT1 regulates growth and development in rice.

Two types of tonoplast proton pumps, H+ -pyrophosphatase (V-PPase) and the H+ -ATPase (V-ATPase), establish the proton gradient that powers molecular traffic across the tonoplast thereby facilitating turgor regulation and nutrient homeostasis. However, how proton pumps regulate development remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the function of two types of proton pumps in Arabidopsis embryo development and pattern formation. While disruption of either V-PPase or V-ATPase had no obvious effect on plant embryo development, knocking out both resulted in severe defects in embryo pattern formation from the early stage. While the first division in wild-type zygote was asymmetrical, a nearly symmetrical division occurred in the mutant, followed by abnormal pattern formation at all stages of embryo development. The embryonic defects were accompanied by dramatic differences in vacuole morphology and distribution, as well as disturbed localisation of PIN1. The development of mutant cotyledons and root, and the auxin response of mutant seedlings supported the hypothesis that mutants lacking tonoplast proton pumps were defective in auxin transport and distribution. Taking together, we proposed that two tonoplast proton pumps are required for vacuole morphology and PIN1 localisation, thereby controlling vacuole and auxin-related developmental processes in Arabidopsis embryos and seedlings.

A three-dimensional supramolecular reticular Cd(II) complex [Cd (PCPA) 2 (4,4′-bipy)]n was synthesized by hydrothermal method using PCPA and 4,4′-bipy as ligands. The structure of compound 1 was characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction, elemental analysis, infrared spectroscopy, two-dimensional infrared correlation spectroscopy under thermal perturbation, thermogravimetric analysis and fluorescence spectroscopy. The results of single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis show that compound 1 belongs to monoclinic system and C2/c space group. Compound 1 forms a two-dimensional lamellar structure by bridging PCPA and 4,4 ′-bipy, and a three-dimensional supramolecular structure by π … π and C–H … π action. Two-dimensional infrared data of thermal perturbation show that the response peaks of flexible group νas (–CH2–) and unsaturated ν (Ar–H) to thermal perturbation are at 2936 cm−1, 3081 cm−1 and 3068 cm−1, but the response peaks of νas (–CH2–) are stronger than that ofν (=C–H) and more sensitive to temperature changes. The strong peak near 1590 cm−1 isν(benzene ring breathing) response to thermal perturbation, and the peak intensity is the largest. It is worth noting that the aromatic rings in compound 1 have C–H … π and π … π stacking, and these weak effects are sensitive to temperature changes, thus conducting the response to temperature changes to the aromatic rings, making the aromatic rings also sensitive to thermal perturbation. At the same time, the fluorescence properties of compound 1 were tested. Under 296 nm light excitation, the ligand PCPA has a strong emission peak at 313 nm and a weak acromion at 371 nm, which may be caused by the π*→π and weak π*→n transitions in the ligand, respectively. Under 369 nm light excitation, ligand 4,4′-bipy has a strong emission peak at 496 nm and a strong acromion at 459 nm.

Vegetable cultivation may cause groundwater pollution. This study investigated the characteristics of shallow groundwater pollution from agricultural activities in North China and the geochemical behavior of major pollutants. The results showed that the groundwater was in a highly saline reductive environment, and the concentration of nitrate was higher than that of ammonium. The humification degree of dissolved organic matter (DOM) varied at different sampling points. Sources of DOM in the groundwater were similar, and manure components leaching into groundwater enhanced microbial metabolism activities. DOM mainly comprised small molecules and easily degradable proteins as well as humic substances that were bound to proteinaceous substances. Concentrations of eight heavy metals detected did not exceed China’s drinking water standards. Correlation results showed that the characteristics of fluorescent organic matter could better reflect the status of groundwater pollution. Cr, Ni, Zn, and Mo were associated with DOM, mainly complexed with small molecular fluorescent organic matter. Organic carbon, nutrients and inorganic salts would influence the fate and transport of perfluorinated compounds in the groundwater. In the process of vegetable planting, organic manure should be applied through best practices, and supervision of the planting area is crucial for avoiding groundwater pollution.

The HZSM-5 molecular sieves are a kind of special photocatalyst with photocatalytic activity, while their relationship between structure and function has been a matter of debate. Here, we report that for HZSM-5, the distinguished transformation of coordination environment derived from the removal of tetrahedral framework aluminium by thermal treatment will result in a considerable change in photocatalytic behaviours. The established NMR analysis combined with the theoretical calculations demonstrates the formation of extra-framework aluminium (EFAL) upon calcinations. This leads to a changed reaction path of photocatalytic oxidation of isopropyl alcohol in gas-phase over calcined HZSM-5 catalysts. DFT calculation results show the formed of EFAL species can increase the interaction energy between reactant molecules and zeolites which affords an outstanding photocatalytic reactivity and a controllable photocatalytic selectivity in the oxidation of isopropyl alcohol. This clearly indicates that the framework aluminium (FAL) species are responsible for acetone formation, while the EFAL species are apt to promote the deep mineralization of isopropyl alcohol to inorganic CO2. This study provides new understanding in the issue of photocatalysis for zeolite molecular sieves.

Fomitopsis pinicola (Sw. Ex Fr.) Krast has been commonly used as a health food source and antitumor agent. To uncover bioactive key composition of F. pinicola, in our study, we investigated the chemical constituents of a methanol extract of F. pinicola and thirty-five lanostane-type tritetpenoids; 13 new compounds (1-13) and twenty-two known analogues (14-35) were isolated. Among them, compounds 1-9 were C30 lanostane triterpenoids and triterpene sugar esters, while compounds 10-13 were C31 triterpenoids and triterpene sugar esters. Their structures and absolute configurations were elucidated by extensive 1D, 2D NMR, MS, and IR spectra. Furthermore, cytotoxic activities of all isolates against five human tumor cell lines (HL-60, A549, SMMC-7721, MCF-7, and SW480) were evaluated. The results showed that compounds 12, 14, 17, 18, 22, and 23 displayed cytotoxic effects against five human tumor cell lines with IC50 values ranging from 3.92-28.51 μM. Meanwhile, compounds 9 and 35 exhibited selected inhibitory activities against HL-60, SMMC-7721, and MCF-7 with IC50 values in the range of 13.57-36.01 μM. Furthermore, the flow cytometry analysis revealed that compounds 17, 22, and 35 induced apoptosis in HL-60 cell lines. Their structure-activity relationships were preliminarily reported. These findings indicate the vital role of triterpenoids and their glycosides in explaining antitumor effects of F. pinicola and provide important evidence for further development and utilization of this fungus.

The cold-rolled 5% medium Mn steel was butt-welded using a fiber laser. The microstructure, distribution of microhardness, and tensile properties of the base metal (BM) and welded joint were investigated. The results showed that the fusion zone of the welded joint had the highest microhardness due to the formation of 100% martensite. A finely mixed microstructure of martensite, ferrite, and austenite was formed in the heat-affected zone, and there was no softened zone in this area. The tensile test results indicated that the ultimate tensile strength and yield strength were higher for the joint than for BM. The joint efficiency was approximately 100%. All samples of the welded joint failed at the location of BM during tensile deformation. The fracture surfaces of the BM and welded joint were mainly ductile fractures. The BM and welded joint exhibited strain rate independence of the tensile strength and yield strength at strain rates of 0.01–1 s−1, while the yield strength of the BM and welded joint increased rapidly when the strain rate reached 5 s−1 due to changes in the dislocation movement mechanisms. The uniform elongation of the BM and welded joint decreased with increasing strain rate.

Endotoxin in water affects water quality and human health. Detecting endotoxin in water required sensitive, accurate and stable methods due to the large amounts of interferences and highly varied endotoxin levels in different water. For the first time, a novel nanobiocomposite sandwich immunosensor was fabricated for accurate and convenient endotoxin determination by using molecularly imprinted nano-membrane (MIM) and nature antibody selective to different epitopes of endotoxin as affinity molecules simultaneously. Endotoxin-imprinted MIM was prepared on the surface of microplate by dopamine self-polymerization method. MIM enriched endotoxin by binding polysaccharides selectively. Then primary antibody specific to lipid A of endotoxin quantified the endotoxin captured by MIM. Using the high stability of MIM to harsh conditions and the high accuracy of nature antibody as affinity molecules simultaneously, selective sample pre-treatment was designed into immunosensor effectively. The achieved immunosensor detected endotoxin in different diluted or un-diluted water sensitively and accurately. The LOD, LOQ and linearity of the immunosensor were 4 × 10−6 μg/L, 1.3 × 10-5 μg/L and 10-5-105 μg/L respectively. While only proper diluted water samples could be accurately detected by limulus amebocyte lysate assays (LAL). The immunosensor also had much higher sensitivity and accuracy than indirect competitive ELISA which used the same primary antibody. By combing sample pre-treatment with immunosensor, the nanobiocomposite sandwich immunosensor provides a solution to detect endotoxin in water accurately and conveniently.

The electromagnetic railgun is a new concept weapon with the hypersonic launch capability. During the railgun launch process, the armature is accelerated along the rails. A complex and high-speed flow field occurs in the muzzle area when the armature leaves the barrel. Meanwhile, the muzzle temperature will be very high because of the secondary arc and friction. In this paper, an analysis of the railgun muzzle fluid flow field after the armature left the barrel is presented, and a three-dimension numerical model for arc plasma is obtained based on the electromagnetic and hydrodynamic equations. The aerodynamic simulation method with moving boundary is adopted to deduce the boundary conditions of the arc model, where the coupling model and the dynamic meshing method are applied. In addition, the backflow phenomenon is considered in the arc model. The distributions of the temperature and the velocity near the muzzle are computed, especially for the dynamic distribution of the arc plasmas. As we can see from the results, the plasma near the muzzle expands outward when the armature leaves the barrel, and most of the plasma will flow back to the bore in a short time. The existence of muzzle plasma may aggravate the erosion and aluminum deposition, which will lead to negative effects on the launcher’s lifetime.

Plant systemic acquired resistance (SAR) provides an efficient broad-spectrum immune response to pathogens. SAR involves mobile signal molecules that are generated by infected tissues and transported to systemic tissues. Methyl salicylate (MeSA), a molecule that can be converted to salicylic acid (SA), is an essential signal for establishing SAR, particularly under a short period of exposure to light after pathogen infection. Thus, the control of MeSA homeostasis is important for an optimal SAR response. Here, we characterized a uridine diphosphate-glycosyltransferase, UGT71C3, in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), which was induced mainly in leaf tissue by pathogens including Pst DC3000/avrRpt2 (Pseudomonas syringae pv tomato strain DC3000 expressing avrRpt2). Biochemical analysis indicated that UGT71C3 exhibited strong enzymatic activity toward MeSA to form MeSA glucosides in vitro and in vivo. After primary pathogen infection by Pst DC3000/avrRpt2, ugt71c3 knockout mutants exhibited more powerful systemic resistance to secondary pathogen infection than that of wild-type plants, whereas systemic resistance in UGT71C3 overexpression lines was compromised. In agreement, after primary infection of local leaves, ugt71c3 knockout mutants accumulated significantly more systemic MeSA and SA than that in wild-type plants. whereas UGT71C3 overexpression lines accumulated less. Our results suggest that MeSA glucosylation by UGT71C3 facilitates negative regulation of the SAR response by modulating homeostasis of MeSA and SA. This study unveils further SAR regulation mechanisms and highlights the role of glucosylation of MeSA and potentially other systemic signals in negatively modulating plant systemic defense.

Lead-free dielectric ceramics with both a high recoverable energy storage density (Wrec) and excellent mechanical performance are highly desirable for practical applications in next-generation advanced pulsed power capacitors (APPCs). However, lead-free dielectric ceramics exhibit low Wrec owing to small breakdown strength (Eb) and poor mechanical properties because of their large pore size and low relative density, which restrict devices miniaturization and operation in severe environments. Here, we propose a new strategy, namely, grain size engineering, to develop K0.5Na0.5NbO3 (KNN)-based ceramics with both an extremely high Wrec and large mechanical properties. Interestingly, a large Wrec of 2 J cm−3 was achieved in 0.9K0.5Na0.5NbO3-0.1BiFeO3 (0.9KNN-0.1BF) ceramics at 206 kV cm−1, which is superior to other lead-free dielectric ceramics under moderate electric fields (

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) have adverse effects on the marine ecological environment, public health, and marine economy. Thus, methods for the accurate and rapid identification of harmful algal species are urgently needed for the effective monitoring of the occurrence of HABS. A method for the parallel detection of harmful algal species must be established because various HAB-forming algal species coexist in the marine environment. This work developed a multiplex PCR (mPCR) method that can simultaneously detect six common HAB-forming microalgal species distributed along the coast of China: Karlodinium veneficum (Kv), Chattonella marina (Cm), Skeletonema spp., Scrippsiella trochoidea (St), Karenia mikimotoi (Km), and Prorocentrum donghaiense (Pd). Specific mPCR primers were designed from the internal transcribed spacer rDNA or large subunit rDNA gene of the target algal species. The mPCR conditions were optimized. Each mPCR primer was subjected to a cross-reactivity test with other microalgae to confirm the specificity of the developed mPCR system. The results of the system stability test indicated that the background concentration of DNA tested did not affect the performance of the established mPCR system. The results of the sensitivity test showed that the detection limit of the proposed mPCR system for Kv, Cm, Km, and Pd was 0.6 ng μL-1 and that for Skeletonema spp. and St was 0.06 ng μL-1. Additional mPCR analysis with spiked field samples revealed that the detection limit of the mPCR system for Km, Pd, and Kv was 60 cells, whereas that for Cm, Skeletonema spp., and St was 6 cells. The convenience and accuracy of the established mPCR assay were further validated through tests with field samples. The proposed mPCR assay is characterized by parallel analysis, strong specificity, and stability and can be used to supplement morphology-based detection methods for algal species.

In pyrite-bearing shaly sandstones, the distortion in the resistivity logging response of formations in high-frequency resistivity logging because of dispersion hinders the calculation of reservoir saturation. To eliminate the effect of resistivity dispersion of pyrite and shale, and to avoid factors, such as mineral composition, content, and distribution in natural cores, we synthesized twelve samples with dispersed pyrite and shale grains at high temperature and pressure (60 MPa and 120 °C). We performed experiments at different water salinities and oil saturations, and different frequency to assess the effect of frequency on the conductivity of pyrite-bearing shaly sandstones. Both the dispersed pyrite and shale grains show dispersion, and the real part of the complex resistivity decreases with increasing frequency. Based on symmetrical effective medium conductivity theory and the experimental data, the effective medium dispersion model for the real part of the complex resistivity for pyrite-bearing shaly sandstones is established considering the effect of pyrite and shale content on resistivity dispersion. Simulations suggest that the predicted resistivity dispersion by the model in pyrite-bearing shaly sandstones for variable frequency, and pyrite and shale content agrees with the experimental results. The proposed model can successfully predict the dispersion of pyrite-bearing shaly sandstones. Finally, the resistivity dispersion correction plot for the conductivity of pyrite and shale grains of 0.062 S/m and 0.031 S/m, respectively, is established based on the frequency applied to various electric logs, and the correction method for the high-frequency resistivity log response is given to obtain the real formation resistivity.

Phenolics are a class of plant secondary metabolites that play important roles in plant growth and environmental adaptation. Glucosylation of phenolics is one of the molecular mechanisms controlling phenolics homeostasis. However, the relevant glucosyltransferases are largely unknown. In this study, a putative family 1 glucosyltransferase gene OsSGT1 was cloned from rice due to its close homology with the previously reported phenolics-related glucosyltransferases UGT84A1-A4, and the phylogenetic relationship of OsSGT1 with homologs from other species was investigated. Recombinant OsSGT1 protein showed strong activity towards phenolics to form their glucose conjugates. This is the first identified natural phenolics-related glucosyltransferase in rice. In addition, the expression patterns of OsSGT1 in different tissues of rice indicated that OsSGT1 was predominantly expressed in the old leaves and dough grains, suggesting that OsSGT1 might be involved in the maturation process of rice by regulating phenolic metabolism, and thus deepened our understanding on the roles of phenolics in rice growth and environmental adaptation.

Design of tough hydrogels has made great progress in the past two decades. However, the synthetic tough gels are usually much softer than some biotissues (e.g., skins with modulus up to 100 MPa). Here we report a new class of ultrastiff and tough supramolecular hydrogels facilely prepared by copolymerization of methacrylic acid and methacrylamide. The gels with water content of approximately 50–70 wt % possessed remarkable mechanical properties, with Young’s modulus of 2.3–217.3 MPa, tensile breaking stress of 1.2–8.3 MPa, breaking strain of 200–620%, and tearing fracture energy of 2.9–23.5 kJ/m2, superior to most existing hydrogels, especially in terms of modulus. Typical yielding and crazing were observed in the gel under tensile loading, indicating the forced elastic deformation of these hydrogels in a glassy state, as confirmed by dynamic mechanical analysis. The ultrahigh stiffness was attributed to the dense cross-linking and reduced segmental mobility caused by the robust intra- and interchain hydr...

A high-quality X-ray crystal structure reveals the mechanism of compound 1a inhibiting SIRT2 deacetylase and decanoylase. Structure–activity relationship (SAR) analysis of the synthesized derivatives of 1a reveals the high requirements needed for selective inhibitors to bind with the induced hydrophobic pocket and potently inhibit sirtuin 2 deacetylase.

Aggregation-induced emission luminogens (AIEgens) with a definite structure–activity relationship play important roles in site-specific bio-imaging and applications. However, the lack of a clear structure–activity relationship for the excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) molecules, which are a series of powerful AIEgens, restricts their biological applications. Herein, the cell-penetrating capability of 4-N,N-dimethylaminoaniline salicylaldehyde Schiff-bases (DSS) with different substituents was investigated. The diethylamino functionalized ESIPT Schiff base (DSS-4-DEA) displayed high cell-penetrating capacity, making this simple AIEgen turn into a more powerful fluorescent functional material in biosystems. The DSS-4-DEA was successfully used for a fluorescence assay of the intracellular Cu2+. Besides, the DSS-4-DEA could also be used as an efficient transmembrane carrier to drastically enhance the internalization of DSS-5-Cl to achieve two-color imaging. In addition, the DSS-4-DEA could be used to improve the transportation of anticancer drug curcumin (Cur) into HeLa cells, leading to increased apoptosis. The complete exploration of the structure–activity relationship of ESIPT molecules might supply lots of new applications of AIE materials in biological systems.

This article considers fractional coupled networks with discrete and distributed delays, an algebraic criterion on global synchronization is derived by using fractional Razumikhin approach and matrix inequalities. Furthermore, two types of special fractional delayed networks are also investigated and several simple sufficient conditions on global synchronization are presented, respectively. Finally, two numerical examples are provided to demonstrate the validity of our theoretical results.

Two novel heterometallic organic frameworks built from trinuclear indium and cuprous halide clusters, [(In3O)2(Cu2I2)3(ina)12(H2O)6](NO3)2·7DMA·10H2O (1) and [NH2(CH3)2][In3(OH)2(H2O)2(ina)8(Cu4I4)2]·5DMA·8H2O (2), where Hina = isonicotinic acid, have been successfully constructed with the orientation of the ina ligand. 1 shows a fascinating highly porous honeycomb-like 3D cationic framework with a trigonal-bipyramid-type cage based on a planar [In3O(CO2)6]+ trimer and a rhombohedral Cu2I2 cluster. Comparably, 2 displays a 3D negative network with irregular hexagonal channels constructed from a [In3(OH)2(CO2)8]- trimer and a cubane-like Cu4I4 cluster. Especially, 1 displays a reversible I2 adsorption/release performance with high adsorption capacity, whose mechanism has been disclosed by theoretical simulation. Also, the green/red emission of 2 stems from iodocuprate centers with quenched indium-centered emission.

Plastic film mulch and phosphorus (P) fertilization usually increase alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) forage yield in semi-arid regions by improving soil moisture and P availability. However, this does not always occur. The present study explored the P level for highest forage yield under film mulch and the mechanism underlying yield decrease at high P levels. A six-year study was conducted with randomized blocks of split-plot design with and without plastic film mulch as main plots: M0, no film mulch with flat planting; and M1, film mulching with ridge-furrow field regimes. Four P rates were applied in sub-plots: P0, P1, P2 and P3 with 0, 9.73, 19.3 and 28.9 kg P ha–1, respectively. Film mulch greatly increased forage yield, resulting in 14% higher yield in M1P0 than in M0P3. Forage yield under mulching decreased for 19.3 and 28.9 kg P ha−1. The P rate for maximum yield was 16.1 kg P ha−1. Soil total nitrogen (N) and inorganic-N decreased at 19.3 and 28.9 kg P ha−1 with mulching compared with 9.73 kg P ha−1, and the latter was about 90% lower than that of alfalfa lands in semi-humid region. Soil microbial biomass carbon (C) and C/N ratio in microbial biomass in mulched P2 and P3 subplots were significantly lower than for P1. With mulching, soil organic C mineralization was significantly less for P3 than for P1 and P2. Shoot N/P ratio decreased with increasing P with mulching. Thus shoot N uptake for P2 and P3 mulched plots was associated with low soil N availability. It is concluded that the highest forage yield was obtained with mulching, P-saving and low risk of N loss on the semiarid Loess Plateau.

The transgenic rice line T1C-19 provides high resistance to lepidopteran pests because of the synthesis of the Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) insecticidal protein Cry1C. It thus shows good prospect for commercial planting in China. Species of Cladocera, an order of aquatic arthropods commonly found in aquatic ecosystems such as rice paddies, might be exposed to the insecticidal protein released from Bt-transgenic rice-straw residues. For the study reported herein, we used Daphnia magna (water flea) as a representative of Cladocera to evaluate whether aquatic arthropods are adversely affected when exposed to Bt rice-straw leachates. We exposed D. magna to M4 medium containing various volume percentages of medium that had been incubated with T1C-19 rice straw or rice straw from its non-transformed near-isoline Minghui 63 (MH63) for 21 days. Compared with pure M4 medium (control), the fitness and developmental and reproduction parameters of D. magna decreased significantly when exposed to rice-straw leachates; conversely, no significant differences between the T1C-19 and MH63 rice-straw leachate treatments were observed, indicating that the Bt rice straw leachate did not adversely affect this non-target species.

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) has been extensively applied due to the capabilities of real-time, multi- phase and multi-element analysis. With the advantages, portable LIBS is in rapid development with great potential of field measurements. In this work, a portable LIBS was developed by a 50 μJ level laser for excitation and an objective lens for focusing or imaging. Element detection was successfully achieved by this setup, and also the microscopic observation could be obtained with the magnification of 350×. A preliminary investigation was carried out for mineral recognition by the developed portable LIBS. The obtained results indicate that the element detection combined with micro observation was an effective way for recognizing minerals, especially for similar mineral identification or discrimination. It is suggested that the micro-joule laser could be alternative for the commercial portable LIBS, and the on-site mineral or rock recognition is a promising field for the application.

The assemblies of a p-conjugated organic luminophore ligand (p-tr2Ph) and d10 transition metal cations produce two metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), [Zn(μ4-p-tr2Ph)(μ2-NO3)]·NO3 (1), and {[Cd2(μ4-1,4-BDC)2(μ4-p-tr2Ph)(μ2-DMF)(H2O)2]}·2H2O (2) (p-tr2Ph = 1,4-phenylene-4,4′-bis(1,2,4-triazole), DMF = N,N′-dimethylformamide, 1,4-H2BDC = 1,4-dicarboxybenzene). Compound 1 is a new three-dimensional (3D) cationic framework with left-handed helical channels constructed from a right-handed helical chain [Zn(μ2-tr)2(μ2-NO3)]n. Compound 2 possesses a 3D 3-fold interpenetrated neutral framework with one-dimensional distorted hexagonal channels in each MIL-88 type single-net. The compounds 1 and 2 both exhibit blue fluorescence. Notably, the intensity-based luminescent thermometer measurements reveal that compound 2 is extremely more linear with temperature, has finer reversibility within three cycles, and a wider temperature range than those of compound 1, indicating that compound 2 is a more desirable low-temperatur...

Hydrogels are usually recognized as soft and weak materials, the poor mechanical properties of which greatly limit their applications as structural elements. Designing of hydrogels with high strength and high modulus has both fundamental and practical significances. Herein we report a series of tough, stiff, and transparent hydrogels facilely prepared by copolymerization of 1-vinylimidazole and methacrylic acid in dimethyl sulfoxide followed by solvent exchange to water. The equilibrated hydrogels with water content of 50–60 wt % possessed excellent mechanical properties, with tensile breaking stress, breaking strain, Young’s modulus, and tearing fracture energy of 1.3–5.4 MPa, 40–330%, 20–170 MPa, and 600–4500 J/m2, respectively. These tough hydrogels were also stable over a wide pH range (2 ≤ pH ≤ 10), resulting from the formation of dense and robust hydrogen bonds between imidazole and carboxylic acid groups. Moreover, the water content and mechanical properties of one gel can be adjusted over a wide r...

This study covers the application of surfactant-modified clinoptilolite (SMC) in peat substrate on the growth of Orthosiphon stamineus. SMC added in peat substrate may increase nutrient availabilit...

Caseinate was crosslinked by horseradish peroxidase (HRP) or microbial transglutaminase (TGase) and mixed with kaempferol and quercetin at 293–313 K (i.e. 20–40 °C), respectively. Generally, these two polyphenols dose-dependently induced fluorescent quenching in caseinate or its crosslinked products via a static mechanism, while enzymatic crosslinking endowed caseinate with higher affinity for the polyphenols with increased apparent binding constants [(9.94–168.77) × 105 versus (4.92–6.53) × 105 L/mol], unchanged binding site number and slightly shortened binding distance. To form protein–polyphenol complexes, hydrophobic force was the main driving force for the HRP-crosslinked caseinate and unreacted caseinate, while hydrogen-bonds and van der Waals force were the main driving forces for the TGase-crosslinked caseinate. Overall, quercetin was more potent than kaempferol to bind to the proteins, while TGase-mediated caseinate crosslinking induced the highest affinity to the polyphenols with the largest ΔG decrease. Thus, two types of crosslinking impacted the driving forces, apparent binding constant and thermodynamic indices of caseinate-polyphenol interaction.

BackgroundSexual dimorphism is widespread in insects. The certain specialized structures may be used as weapons in male–male combats or as ornaments to enhance mating opportunities.ResultsWe report striking swollen first tarsal segments in two families, four genera and six species of scorpionflies from the Middle Jurassic Yanliao Biota of Northeastern China. Swollen tarsal segments are restricted to male specimens and to hind leg tarsi. The geometric morphometric analyses reveal that the degree of swelling within the orthophlebiid species possessing swollen first metatarsal segments is species-specific, which can be used as a diagnostic character for taxonomic and phylogenetic studies.ConclusionsThe new findings indicate that swollen first metatarsal segments are relatively common in the family Orthophlebiidae during the Middle Jurassic. The tarsal swellings are considered to be sexually dimorphic, potentially associated with sexually display by males and/or camouflage of a “nuptial gift” in the mating process.

Concentrations of 29 elements were analyzed in the marginal area and central area of the shell nacreous layer of the winged pearl oyster Pteria penguin using a laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer. Color of the two shell areas was determined using the color parameter values of lightness, greenness/redness, and blueness/yellowness. It is shown that the concentrations of the elements and the nacreous color are different in the marginal area and central area. The concentrations of Mg, P, B, Li, Cu, and Mo are significantly correlated with lightness and differently distributed in the two shell areas (P < 0.05). The concentration of Na and Mg is significantly related to greenness/redness and differently distributed in the two shell areas (P < 0.05). The concentration of Na, Mg, P, B, Li, and Mo is significantly related to blueness/yellowness and differently distributed in the two shell areas (P < 0.05). The concentration of Mg significantly related to lightness, greenness/redness, and blueness/ yellowness and differently distributed in the two shell areas (P < 0.05). This study provides a new perspective to illustrate the mechanism of color change between the marginal and central areas.

Multiprotein bridging factor 1 (MBF1) is a transcription coactivator that has a general defense response to pathogens. However, the regulatory mechanisms of MBF1 resistance bacterial wilt remain largely unknown. Here, the role of StMBF1c in potato resistance to Ralstonia solanacearum infection was characterized. qRT-PCR assays indicated that StMBF1c could was elicited by SA, MJ and ABA and the time-course expression pattern of the StMBF1c gene induced by R. solanacearum was found to be twice significant upregulated expression during the early and middle stages of bacterial wilt. Combined with the co-expression analysis of disease-resistant marker genes, gain-of-function and loss-of-function assays demonstrated that StMBF1c was associated with defence priming. Overexpression or silencing the MBF1c could enhance plants resistance or sensitivity to R. solanacearum through inducing or reducing NPR and PR genes related to SA signal pathway. Yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) and bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) experiment results confirmed the interaction of StMBF1c with StTPS5 which played a key role in ABA signal pathway in potato. It is speculated that by combining StTPS5 and resistance marker genes, StMBF1c is activated twice to participate in potato bacterial wilt resistance, in which EPI, PTI involved.

Dracocephalum tanguticum and Dracocephalum moldavica are important herbs from Lamiaceae and have great medicinal value. We used the Illumina sequencing technology to sequence the complete chloroplast genome of D. tanguticum and D. moldavica and then conducted de novo assembly. The two chloroplast genomes have a typical quadripartite structure, with the gene’s lengths of 82,221 bp and 81,450 bp, large single-copy region’s (LSC) lengths of 82,221 bp and 81,450 bp, and small single-copy region’s (SSC) lengths of 17,363 bp and 17,066 bp, inverted repeat region’s (IR) lengths of 51,370 bp and 51,352 bp, respectively. The GC content of the two chloroplast genomes was 37.80% and 37.83%, respectively. The chloroplast genomes of the two plants encode 133 and 132 genes, respectively, among which there are 88 and 87 protein-coding genes, respectively, as well as 37 tRNA genes and 8 rRNA genes. Among them, the rps2 gene is unique to D. tanguticum, which is not found in D. moldavica. Through SSR analysis, we also found 6 mutation hotspot regions, which can be used as molecular markers for taxonomic studies. Phylogenetic analysis showed that Dracocephalum was more closely related to Mentha.