Development of Root Phenotyping Platforms for Identification of Root Architecture Mutations in EMS-Induced and Low-Path-Sequenced Sorghum Mutant Population

Sorghum’s natural adaptation to a wide range of abiotic stresses provides diverse genetic reserves for potential improvement in crop stress tolerance. Growing interest in sorghum research has led to the expansion of genetic resources though establishment of the sorghum association panel (SAP), generation of mutagenized populations, and recombinant inbred line (RIL) populations, etc. Despite rapid improvement in biotechnological tools, lack of efficient phenotyping platforms remains one of the major obstacles in utilizing these genetic resources. Scarcity of efforts in root system phenotyping hinders identification and integration of the superior root traits advantageous to stress tolerance. Here, we explored multiple approaches in root phenotyping of an ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS)-mutagenized sorghum population. Paper-based growth pouches (PGP) and hydroponics were employed to analyze root system architecture (RSA) variations induced by mutations and to test root development flexibility in response to phosphorus deficiency in early growing stages. PGP method had improved capabilities compared to hydroponics providing inexpensive, space-saving, and high-throughput phenotyping of sorghum roots. Preliminary observation revealed distinct phenotypic variations which were qualitatively and quantitatively systemized for association analysis. Phenotypes/ideotypes with root architecture variations potentially correlated with Pi acquisition were selected to evaluate their contribution to P-efficiency (PE). Sand mixed with P-loaded activated alumina substrate (SAS) provided closely to natural but still controlled single-variable conditions with regulated Pi availability. Due to higher labor and cost input we propose SAS to be used for evaluating selected sorghum candidates for PE. The ability of rapidly screening root phenotypes holds great potential for discovering genes responsible for relevant root traits and utilizing mutations to improve nutrient efficiency and crop productivity.

Study on the Optimal Composition of Chitosan/Nano-TiO_2 Composite Film and Its Application in the Preservation of Jinqiu Pear

Water permeability can be used as a parameter to evaluate the effects of chitosan / nano-TiO2 composite film on the preservation of fruits and vegetables. In this study, using water permeability as the objective function, an L9 （3）3 orthogonal experiment was conducted with addition amounts of chitosan, nano-TiO2 and glycerin as three factors at three levels. According to the experimental results, when the percentages of chitosan, nano-TiO2 and glycerin in chitosan / nano-TiO2 composite film was 2%, 0.03% and 2.5%, respectively （ i. e. , there were 2.0 g of chitosan, 0.03 g of nano-TiO2 and 2.5 g of glycerin per 1130 g composite film solution）, the water permeability of chitesan / nano-TiO2 composite fdm reached the minimum. Chitosan / nano-TiO2 composite film prepared with the optimal composition was used for preservation of Jinqiu pear. The water loss rate, respiratory intensity and good fruit rate of preserved Jinqiu pear were determined, which indicated that the prepared chitosan / nano-TiO2 composite film exhibited good preservative effects.

Evaluation of Sweet Sorghum as a Feedstock by Multiple Harvests for Sustainable Bioenergy Production

Sweet sorghum has become an important feedstock for bioethanol production. Total sugar yield and multiple harvests can directly affect ethanol production cost. Little is known about stem traits and multiple harvests that contribute to sugar yield in sweet sorghum. Stem traits were evaluated from 25 sweet and grain sorghum accessions. Stems were harvested twice at the soft-dough stage and the stems were pressed with a hydraulic press. Sugars in the stem juice were quantified by high performance liquid chromatography. Sweet sorghum produced five times more fresh stem weight and dry stem mass (830 gand164 g) than grain sorghum (150 gand27g). Sweet sorghum produced a much higher volume of juice and higher yield of sugars (366 ml and42 g) per stem than grain sorghum (70 ml and4 g). Significant variability in fresh stem weight (72 - 1837 g), juice volume (31 - 753 ml), sugar yield (3 - 81 g), dry stem mass (14 - 383 g), and sugar yield/dry stem mass ratio (0.11 - 0.53) per stem was detected among sweet sorghum accessions. Stem sugar yield was significantly correlated with stem fresh weight and juice volume. Sorghum was harvested twice within one growing season resulting in some sweet sorghum accessions producing double amount of sugars. Sweet sorghum produced three times more dry mass weight (bagasse) than fermentable sugar weight. To reduce feedstock cost, methods have to be developed for efficiently utilizing bagasse. Our results showed high fresh stem weight, high ratio of sugar yield to dry stem mass, and double harvests are prime traits to boost sugar yield. Sweet sorghum may be suitable for multiple harvests in certain regions of theU.S.TheU.S.sweet sorghum collection needs to be screened for acces- sions that can be harvested twice with an extended feedstock-production season and used as a feedstock for sustainable and renewable bioenergy production.

Functional magnetic resonance imaging evaluation of brain function reorganization in cerebral stroke patients after constraint-induced movement therapy

In this study, stroke patients received constraint-induced movement therapy for 3 weeks. Before and after constraint-induced movement therapy, the flexibility of their upper limbs on the affected side was assessed using the Wolf motor function test, and daily use of their affected limbs was assessed using the movement activities log, and cerebral functional reorganization was assessed by functional magnetic resonance imaging. The Wolf motor function test score and the movement activities log quantity and quality scores were significantly increased, while action performance time in the Wolf motor function test was significantly decreased after constraint-induced movement therapy. By functional magnetic resonance imaging examination, only scattered activation points were visible on the affected side before therapy. In contrast, the volume of the activated area was increased after therapy. The activation volume in the sensorimotor area was significantly different before and after therapy, and the activation area increased and appeared adjusted. In addition to the activated area around the lesions being decreased, there were also some new activated areas, including the supplementary movement area, premotor area and the ipsilateral sensorimotor area. Our findings indicate that constraint-induced movement therapy significantly improves the movement ability and daily use of the affected upper limbs in stroke patients and promotes cerebral functional reorganization.

Valve Repair Using Autologous Pericardium in Tricuspid Valve Endocarditis

Tricuspid valve endocarditis is a significant cause of valve-related morbidity and mortality. Prosthetic valve reconstruction can be costly and requires life-long anticoagulation. We present our experience with surgical management of an endocarditis damaged tricuspid valve leaflet in an intravenous drug user. We were able to excise the infected tissue and successfully repair the native valve using autologous pericardium, effectively eliminating the need for prostheses and associated complications. Our case report demonstrates that tricuspid valve reconstruction, using autologous pericar-dium, is a suitable option in patients with tricuspid endocarditis.

颗粒湿法分级技术及氢氧化铝精准分级的研究进展

随着电解铝行业的蓬勃发展,现代大型预焙电解槽和干法净化技术均需砂状氧化铝作为生产原料。但国内氧化铝企业生产多为中间状氧化铝或“准砂状”氧化铝,且颗粒粒度呈周期性变化,产品质量与世界先进水平差别较大,主要原因是原料差异及现有氢氧化铝颗粒分级技术不达标所致。因此,亟需研制高精准、高效率的氢氧化铝湿颗粒分级装置,实现大颗粒、较窄粒径的高质量砂状氧化铝(+80μm≥90%,-45μm<8%)生产。本工作首先对国内外常用的、规模化应用的湿法颗粒分级技术进行综述,对水力分级技术、湿法筛分技术及新型耦合分级技术进行分析,随后提出将水力分级与筛网分级相结合、可应用于氢氧化铝颗粒苛刻分级要求的新型“流化-筛分”精准分级方法,最后研制出可实现规模化连续生产的小试分级装置(3.3 m^(3)/h),且该方法通过了生产企业的现场侧线验证。该新型颗粒精准分级技术不仅有望在氧化铝行业实现节能减排、转型升级、降低生产成本并能取得显著经济效益,还可促进选矿、精细粉体行业的迅速发展,具有重要的实用和推广应用价值。

Simultaneous acceleration of sulfur reduction and oxidation on bifunctional electrocatalytic electrodes for quasi-solid-state Zn–S batteries

The incomplete sulfur reduction and high ZnS re-oxidation energy barrier along with severe side reactions during the battery cycling compromise the practical application of Zn–S electrochemistry. Herein, a bifunctional electrocatalytic sulfur matrix that simultaneously accelerates the sulfur reduction and ZnS oxidation is proposed to realize a highly-efficient Zn–S cell. It is revealed that the N-heteroatom hotspots are more favorable for facilitating the conversion of S to ZnS while the CoO nanocrystal substantially lowers the ZnS activation energy barrier thereby suppressing the formation of disproportionation species(e.g.,SO_(4)^(2-)) and accumulation of inactive ZnS. Accordingly, the Co O anchored on the N-doped carbon-supported sulfur cathode delivers a high Zn^(2+)storage capacity of 1,172 m Ahg^(-1)and outstanding cycling stability with a capacity retention of 71.6% after500 cycles with a high average Coulombic efficiency of 97.8%. Simultaneously, the stable cycling of solid-state Zn–S pouch cells with an energy density of 585 Whkg^(-1)sulfuris also demonstrated. Moreover, the postmortem analysis reveals that the degradation of Zn–S cells is mainly attributed to the limited reversibility of Zn anodes rather than the ZnS decomposition and/or accumulation. The approach to the bidirectional catalysis manipulated the sulfur redox provides a new perspective to realize the theoretical potentials of Zn–S cells.

Target delineation and dose prescription of adaptive replanning intensity-modulated radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Dear Editor,Intensity-modulated radiotherapy(IMRT)has a distinct advantage of high conformity and is an appropriate tech-nique for treating nasopharyngeal carcinoma(NPC).Pre-vious studies have demonstrated that anatomical changes in the external contour,shape,and location of the target and critical structures are significant and result in dosi-metric changes[1,2].Patients’quality of life and clini-cal outcomes might be improved by IMRT replanning[3].Therefore,replanning strategies should be consid-ered instead of single-planning strategies throughout the entire course of radiotherapy.However,there are sub-stantial controversies on(1)the appropriate time for tar-get redelineation,(2)how to modify the target volumes,and(3)how to evaluate the modified plans.The present study provides a new perspective in replanning with regard to these three aspects.