A Golden2-like transcription factor, BnGLK1a, improves chloroplast development, photosynthesis, and seed weight in rapeseed

Enhancing photosynthetic efficiency is a major goal for improving crop yields under agricultural field conditions and is associated with chloroplast biosynthesis and development.In this study,we demonstrate that Golden2-like 1a(BnGLK1a)plays an important role in regulating chloroplast development and photosynthetic efficiency.Overexpressing BnGLK1a resulted in significant increases in chlorophyll content,the number of thylakoid membrane layers and photosynthetic efficiency in Brassica napus,while knocking down BnGLK1a transcript levels through RNA interference(RNAi)had the opposite effects.A yeast two-hybrid screen revealed that BnGLK1a interacts with the abscisic acid receptor PYRABACTIN RESISTANCE 1-LIKE 1-2(BnPYL1-2)and CONSTITUTIVE PHOTOMORPHOGENIC 9 SIGNALOSOME 5A subunit(BnCSN5A),which play essential roles in regulating chloroplast development and photosynthesis.Consistent with this,BnGLK1a-RNAi lines of B.napus display hypersensitivity to the abscisic acid(ABA)response.Importantly,overexpression of BnGLK1a resulted in a 10%increase in thousand-seed weight,whereas seeds from BnGLK1a-RNAi lines were 16%lighter than wild type.We propose that BnGLK1a could be a potential target in breeding for improving rapeseed productivity.Our results not only provide insights into the mechanisms of BnGLK1a function,but also offer a potential approach for improving the productivity of Brassica species.

Combined QTL mapping,GWAS and transcriptomic analysis revealed a candidate gene associated with the timing of spring bud flush in tea plant(Camellia sinensis)

Dear Editor,The timing of the spring bud f lush(TBF)is a crucial agro-nomic trait for the tea plant,as it strongly influences the yield and economic value of harvested fresh tea leaves.The TBF of tea plant is generally defined as the date when>30%of the growing tender shoots have reached the stage of one bud with one to three leaves,referred as to the stage of one and a bud,two and a bud,and three and a bud,respectively.

Analysis of echo signal modulation characteristic parameters on aerial and space targets

Based on the scattering characteristic,the comparison of RCS(radar cross-section)at different positions of a target in the same direction of incidence can be obtained first by extruding or deleting part of the entity.A simulation method of aerial&space targets echo characteristics(A&STEC)is proposed that is universal to aerial and space targets.We utilize a fixed-wing UAV(unmanned aerial vehicle)and typical missiles in simulation.The echo signal modulation characteristic parameters are calculated theoretically by the atmospheric attenuation model,the finite element method and a MUMPS solver.The verification simulations show that this method can analyze the influence of the target shape,incident direction,detection position and detection frequency on echo waveform,intensity and energy distribution.The results show that the profile of echo waveform can invert the general shape of the target.The relationship between time and intensity can determine whether the target is moving towards or away from the detector in addition.These conclusions can provide a reference for the ballistic missile target tracking and the defense against UVA intrusion in theory.

BnbHLH92a negatively regulates anthocyanin and proanthocyanidin biosynthesis in Brassica napus

Yellow seed trait is a desirable characteristic with potential for increasing seed quality and commercial value in rapeseed,and anthocyanin and proanthocyanidins(PAs)are major seed-coat pigments.Few transcription factors involved in the regulation of anthocyanin and PAs biosynthesis have been characterized in rapeseed.In this study,we identified a transcription factor gene BnbHLH92a(BnaA06T0441000ZS)in rapeseed.Overexpressing BnbHLH92a both in Arabidopsis and in rapeseed reduced levels of anthocyanin and PAs.Correspondingly,the expression profiles of anthocyanin and PA biosynthesis genes(TT3,BAN,TT8,TT18,and TTG1)were shown by quantitative real-time PCR to be inhibited in BnbHLH92a-overexpressing Arabidopsis seeds,indicating that BnbHLH92a represses the anthocyanin and PA biosynthesis pathway in Arabidopsis.BnbHLH92a physically interacts with the BnTTG1 protein and represses the biosynthesis of anthocyanins and PAs in rapeseed.BnbHLH92a also binds directly to the BnTT18 promoter and represses its expression.These results suggest that BnbHLH92a is a novel upstream regulator of flavonoid biosynthesis in B.napus.

Tensile Properties and Prediction Model of Recombinant Bamboo at Different Temperatures

The destruction of recombinant bamboo depends on many factors,and the complex ambient temperature is an important factor affecting its basic mechanical properties.To investigate the failure mechanism and stress–strain relationship of recombinant bamboo at different temperatures,eighteen tensile specimens of recombinant bamboo were tested.The results showed that with increasing ambient temperature,the typical failure modes of recombinant bamboo were flush fracture,toothed failure,and serrated failure.The ultimate tensile strength,ultimate strain and elastic modulus of recombinant bamboo decreased with increasing temperature,and the ultimate tensile stress decreased from 154.07 to 96.55 MPa,a decrease of 37.33%,and the ultimate strain decreased from 0.011 to 0.008,a decrease of 26.57%.Based on the Ramberg-Osgood model and the pseudo‒elastic design method,a predictive model was established for the tensile stress–strain relationship of recombinant bamboo considering the temperature level.The model can accurately evaluate the tensile stress–strain relationship of recombinant bamboo under different temperature conditions.

Per1/Per2 double knockout transcriptome analysis reveals circadian regulation of hepatic lipid metabolism

Scope: Circadian disorder and high-fat diet(HFD)can disturb lipid metabolism homeostasis and may promote the development of various metabolic diseases. The relationship between them is of great concern. This study aimed to explore the effects of Per1/Per2 double knockout(DKO)on hepatic lipid metabolism in mice under HFD and HFD with docosahexaenoic acid(DHA)substitution. Methods and results: Both wild type(WT)and DKO male C57BL/6 mice were fed with normal chow diet(CON), HFD, or HFD with DHA substitution(AO)for 15 weeks. At the end of the experiment, mice were sacrificed at zeitgeber time(ZT)0(7:00 am)or ZT12(7:00 pm). Pathological indicators were determined using histological and biochemical methods. Hepatic transcriptome sequencing analysis showed that DKO mice exhibited multiple dysfunctions in diurnal rhythm, drug metabolism, cell cycle, cancer pathways, and lipid metabolism. HFD had greater effects on fatty acid oxidation and cholesterol synthesis and metabolism in Per1-/-Per2-/-mice, which was improved by DHA substitution. Conclusions: Per1/Per2 played an important role in the circadian regulation of hepatic lipid metabolism, and DKO mice were more sensitive to HFD. DHA can improve circadian-related lipid metabolism disruption induced by HFD in mice.

Ginsenoside F1 administration promotes UCP1-dependent fat browning and ameliorates obesity-associated insulin resistance

Obesity-induced type 2 diabetes is mainly due to excessive free fatty acids leading to insulin resistance.Increasing thermogenesis is regarded as an effective strategy for hypolipidemia and hypoglycemia.Ginsenoside is a natural active component in Panax ginseng C.A.Meyer,and some of them enhance thermogenesis.However,there are few studies on the mechanism and target of ginsenosides enhancing thermogenesis.Using thermogenic protein uncoupling protein 1(UCP1)-luciferase reporter assay,we identifi ed ginsenoside F1 as a novel UCP1 activator in the ginsenosides library.Using pull down assay and inhibitor interference,we found F1 binds toβ3-adrenergic receptors(β3-AR)to enhance UCP1 expression via cAMP/PKA/CREB pathway.We also investigated the ability of F1 on energy metabolism in obesity-induced diabetic mice,including body weight,body composition and energy expenditure.The results of proteomics showed that F1 signifi cantly up-regulated thermogenesis proteins and lipolytic proteins,but down-regulated fatty acid synthesis proteins.Ginsenoside F1 increased thermogenesis and ameliorated insulin resistance specifi cally by promoting the browning of white adipose tissue in obese mice.Additionally,ginsenoside F1 improves norepinephrine-induced insulin resistance in adipocytes and hepatocytes,and shows a stronger mitochondria respiration ability than norepinephrine.These fi ndings suggest that ginsenoside F1 is a promising lead compound in the improvement of insulin resistance.

Quality influencing factors of dispersion curves from short period dense arrays based on a convolutional neural network across the north section of the Xiaojiang fault area

The number of dispersion curves increases significantly when the scale of a short-period dense array increases.Owing to a substantial increase in data volume,it is important to quickly evaluate dispersion curve quality as well as select the available dispersion curve.Accordingly,this study quantitatively evaluated dispersion curve quality by training a convolutional neural network model for ambient noise tomography using a short-period dense array.The model can select high-quality dispersion curves that exhibit a≤10%difference between the results of manual screening and the proposed model.In addition,this study established a dispersion curve loss function by analyzing the quality of the dispersion curve and the corresponding influencing factors,thereby estimating the number of available dispersion curves for the existing observation systems.Furthermore,a Monte Carlo simulation experiment is used to illustrates the station-pair interval distance probability density function,which is independent of station number in the observational system with randomly deployed stations.The results suggested that the straight-line length should exceed 15 km to ensure that loss rate of dispersion curves remains<0.5,while maintaining the threshold ambient noise tomography accuracy within the study area.

Mannogalactoglucan from mushrooms protects pancreatic islets via restoring UPR and promotes insulin secretion in TIDM mice

Type 1 diabetes mellitus(T1DM) lacks insulin secretion due to autoimmune deficiency of pancreaticβ-cells.Protecting pancreatic islets and enhancing insulin secretion has been therapeutic approaches.Mannogalactoglucan is the main type of polysaccharide from natural mushroom,which has potential medicinal prospects.Nevertheless,the antidiabetic property of mannogalactoglucan in T1DM has not been fully elucidated.In this study,we obtained the neutral fraction of alkali-soluble Armillaria mellea polysaccharide(AAMP-N) with the structure of mannogalactoglucan from the fruiting body of A.mellea and investigated the potential therapeutic value of AAMP-N in T1DM.We demonstrated that AAMP-N lowered blood glucose and improved diabetes symptoms in T1DM mice.AAMP-N activated unfolded protein response(UPR) signaling pathway to maintain ER protein folding homeostasis and promote insulin secretion in vivo.Besides that,AAMP-N promoted insulin synthesis via upregulating the expression of transcription factors,increased Ca^(2+) signals to stimulate intracellular insulin secretory vesicle transport via activating calcium/calmodulin-dependent kinase Ⅱ(CamkⅡ) and cAMP/PKA signals,and enhanced insulin secretory vesicle fusion with the plasma membrane via vesicle-associated membrane protein 2(VAMP2).Collectively,these studies demonstrated that the therapeutic potential of AAMP-N on pancreatic islets function,indicating that mannogalactoglucan could be natural nutraceutical used for the treatment of T1DM.

Neomicrocoleus gen.nov.(Microcoleaceae,Oscillatoriales),a novel cyanobacterial genus from benthic mats in a water channel

A new filamentous cyanobacterial strain(CHAB 4127)was successfully isolated from the algal mat during the field investigation of the open channel from Luanhe River to Tianjin,China.The polyphasic approach combining morphological,ultrastructural,ecological,and molecular features was used to characterize this studied strain.The strain is morphologically similar to the Microcoleus-like cyanobacterial taxa under light microscopy,and the radial arrangement of thylakoids is also consistent with that of Microcoleus-like groups.The phylogenetic position of CHAB 4127 based on 16S rRNA gene sequences,is shown to be clearly clustered into an independent clade with the newly established genus Microcoleusiopsis.The maximum similarity of 16S r RNA gene of the studied strain with other existing related cyanobacterial taxa is 93.97%,and the ITS secondary structures is also obviously different from other members of Microcoleaceae.Based on all the above evidence,we proposed the establishment of this novel cyanobacterial genus as Neomicrocoleus,with its type species,Neomicrocoleus tianjinensis.

Development of a high-repetition-rate lumped-inductance kicker magnet prototype for the beam switchyard of SHINE

The Shanghai high-repetition-rate X-ray free-electron laser and extreme light facility(SHINE)operates at a maximum repetition rate of 1 MHz.Kicker magnets are key components that distribute electron bunches into three different undulator lines in a bunch-by-bunch mode.The kicker field width must be less than the time interval between bunches.A lumpedinductance kicker prototype was developed using a vacuum chamber with a single-turn coil.The full magnetic field strength was 0.005 T.This paper presents the requirements,design considerations,design parameters,magnetic field calculations,and measurements of the kicker magnets.The relevant experimental results are also presented.The pulse width of the magnetic field was approximately 600 ns,and the maximum operation repetition rate was 1 MHz.The developed kicker satisfies the requirements for the SHINE project.Finally,numerous recommendations for the future optimization of kicker magnets are provided.

Development of RPA-Cas12a-fluorescence assay for rapid and reliable detection of human bocavirus 1

Human bocavirus(HBoV)1 is considered an important pathogen that mainly affects infants aged 6–24 months,but preventing viral transmission in resource-limited regions through rapid and affordable on-site diagnosis of individuals with early infection of HBoV1 remains somewhat challenging.Herein,we present a novel faster,lower cost,reliable method for the detection of HBoV1,which integrates a recombinase polymerase amplification(RPA)assay with the CRISPR/Cas12a system,designated the RPA-Cas12a-fluorescence assay.The RPA-Cas12a-fluorescence system can specifically detect target gene levels as low as 0.5 copies of HBoV1 plasmid DNA per microliter within 40 min at 37℃without the need for sophisticated instruments.The method also demonstrates excellent specificity without cross-reactivity to non-target pathogens.Furthermore,the method was appraised using 28 clinical samples,and displayed high accuracy with positive and negative predictive agreement of 90.9%and 100%,respectively.Therefore,our proposed rapid and sensitive HBoV1 detection method,the RPA-Cas12a-fluorescence assay,shows promising potential for early on-site diagnosis of HBoV1 infection in the fields of public health and health care.The established RPA-Cas12a-fluorescence assay is rapid and reliable method for human bocavirus 1 detection.The RPA-Cas12a-fluorescence assay can be completed within 40 min with robust specificity and sensitivity of 0.5 copies/μl.

Extreme value theory applied to the auroral electrojet indices

The study of extreme weather and space events has gained paramount importance in modern society owing to rapid advances in high technology.Understanding and describing exceptional occurrences plays a crucial role in making decisive assessments of their potential impact on technical,economic,and social aspects in various fields.This research focuses on analyzing the hourly values of the auroral electrojet(AE)geomagnetic index from 1957 to 2019 by using the peak over threshold method in extreme value theory.By fitting the generalized Pareto distribution to extreme AE values,shape parameter indices were derived,revealing negative values that establish an upper bound for this time series.Consequently,it became evident that the AE values had reached a plateau,suggesting that extreme events exceeding the established upper limit are rare.As a result,although the need for diligent precautions to mitigate the consequences of such extreme events persists,surpassing the upper limit of AE values becomes increasingly challenging.It is also possible to observe an aurora in the middle-and low-latitude regions during the maximum period of the AE index.

Deblurring,artifact-free optical coherence tomography with deconvolution-random phase modulation

Deconvolution is a commonly employed technique for enhancing image quality in optical imaging methods.Unfortu-nately,its application in optical coherence tomography(OCT)is often hindered by sensitivity to noise,which leads to ad-ditive ringing artifacts.These artifacts considerably degrade the quality of deconvolved images,thereby limiting its effect-iveness in OCT imaging.In this study,we propose a framework that integrates numerical random phase masks into the deconvolution process,effectively eliminating these artifacts and enhancing image clarity.The optimized joint operation of an iterative Richardson-Lucy deconvolution and numerical synthesis of random phase masks(RPM),termed as De-conv-RPM,enables a 2.5-fold reduction in full width at half-maximum(FWHM).We demonstrate that the Deconv-RPM method significantly enhances image clarity,allowing for the discernment of previously unresolved cellular-level details in nonkeratinized epithelial cells ex vivo and moving blood cells in vivo.

Role of TGF-βl Signaling in Heart Valve Calcification Induced by Abnormal Mechanical Stimulation in a Tissue Engineering Model

A tissue engineering model of heart valve calcification induced in a bio-reactor was established to evaluate the calcification induced by abnormal mechanical stimulation and explore the underlying molecular mechanisms.Polyethylene glycol (PEG)-modified decellularized porcine aortic leaflets seeded with human valve interstitial cells (huVICs)were mounted on a Ti-Ni alloy frame to fabricate two-leaflet and three-leaflet tissue engineered valves.The two-leaflet model valves were exposed to abnormal pulsatile flow stimulation with null (group A),low (1000mL/min,group B),medium (2000mL/min,group C),and high velocity (3000mL/min,group D)for 14 days. Morphology and calcification were assessed by yon Kossa staining,alkaline phosphatase (ALP)content,and Runx2 immunostaining.Leaflet calcification and mRNA and protein expression of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1,bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2),Smadl,and MSX2 were measured at different time points.ALP content was examined in two-leaflet valves seeded with BMP2 shRNA plasmid-infected huVICs and exposed to the same stimulation conditions.The results showed that during 14 days of flow stimulation,huVICs on the leaflet surface proliferated to generate normal monolayer coverage in groups A,B,and C.Under mechanical stimulation,huVICs showed a parallel growth pattern in the direction of the fluid flow,but huVICs exhibited disordered growth in the high-velocity flow environment,yon Kossa staining,ALP measurement,and immunohistochemical staining for Runx2 confirmed the lack of obvious calcification in group A and significant calcification in group D.Expression levels of TGF-β1,BMP2, and MSX2 mRNA and protein were increased under fluid stimulation.ALP production by BMP2 shRNA plasmid-infected huVICs on model leaflets was significantly reduced.In conclusion,abnormal mechanical stimulation in a bioreactor induced calcification in the tissue engineering valve model.The extent of calcification correlated positively with the flow velocity,as did the mRNA and protein levels of TGF-β1,BMP2,and MSX2.These findings indicate that TGF-β1/BMP2 signaling is involved in valve calcification induced bv abnormal mechanical stimulation.

Future Precipitation Extremes in China under Climate Change and Their Physical Quantification Based on a Regional Climate Model and CMIP5 Model Simulations

The atmospheric water holding capacity will increase with temperature according to Clausius-Clapeyron scaling and affects precipitation.The rates of change in future precipitation extremes are quantified with changes in surface air temperature.Precipitation extremes in China are determined for the 21st century in six simulations using a regional climate model,RegCM4,and 17 global climate models that participated in CMIP5.First,we assess the performance of the CMIP5 models and RCM runs in their simulation of extreme precipitation for the current period(RF:1982-2001).The CMIP5 models and RCM results can capture the spatial variations of precipitation extremes,as well as those based on observations:OBS and XPP.Precipitation extremes over four subregions in China are predicted to increase in the mid-future(MF:2039-58)and far-future(FF:2079-98)relative to those for the RF period based on both the CMIP5 ensemble mean and RCM ensemble mean.The secular trends in the extremes of the CMIP5 models are predicted to increase from 2008 to 2058,and the RCM results show higher interannual variability relative to that of the CMIP5 models.Then,we quantify the increasing rates of change in precipitation extremes in the MF and FF periods in the subregions of China with the changes in surface air temperature.Finally,based on the water vapor equation,changes in precipitation extremes in China for the MF and FF periods are found to correlate positively with changes in the atmospheric vertical wind multiplied by changes in surface specific humidity(significant at the p<0.1 level).

Dye-sensitized Solar Cells with Higher J_(sc) by Using Polyvinylidene Fluoride Membrane Counter Electrodes

A flexible counter electrode(CE) for dye-sensitized solar cells(DSCs) has been fabricated using a micro-porous polyvinylidene fluoride membrane as support media and sputtered Pt as the catalytic material.Non-conventional structure DSCs have been developed by the fabricated CEs. The Pt metal was sputtered onto one surface of the membrane as the catalytic material. DSCs were assembled by attaching the Ti O2 electrode to the membrane surface without Pt coating. The membrane was with cylindrical pore geometry. It served not only as a substrate for the CE but also as a spacer for the DSC. The fabricated DSC with the flexible membrane CE showed higher photocurrent density than the conventional sandwich devices based on chemically deposited Pt/FTO glass, achieving a photovoltaic conversion efficiency of 4.43%. The results provides useful information in investigation and development of stable, low-cost, simple-design, flexible and lightweight DSCs.

Characterization and diversity of magnetotactic bacteria from sediments of Caroline Seamount in the Western Pacific Ocean

Magnetotactic bacteria(MTB)are a group of microorganisms capable of orientating and swimming along magnetic fields because they contain intracellular biomineralized magnetosomes composed of magnetite(Fe 3 O 4)or/and greigite(Fe_(3)S_(4)).They are ubiquitous in freshwater,brackish,and marine habitats,and are cosmopolitan in distribution.However,knowledge of their occurrence and distribution in seamount ecosystems is limited.We investigated the diversity and distribution of MTB in the Caroline Seamount(CM4).The abundance of living MTB in 12 stations in depth varying from 90 to 1545 m was 1.1×10^(3)-43.7×10^(3) inds./dm 3.Despite diverse shapes of MTB observed,magnetotactic cocci were the dominant morphotype and could be categorized into two types:1)typical cocci that appeared to have peritrichous fl agella;and 2)those characterized by having a drop-shaped form and one bundle of fl agella located at the thin/narrow end of the cell.Transmission electron microscopy(TEM)analysis revealed that the magnetosomes formed by those magnetotactic cocci are magnetite(Fe 3 O 4)with octahedral crystal habit.A total of 41 operational taxonomic units(OTUs)of putative MTB(2702 reads)were acquired from nine stations,based on high-throughput sequencing.Of these,40 OTUs belonged to the Proteobacteria phylum and one belonged to the Nitrospirae phylum.We found apparent connectivity between the MTB populations on the Caroline and Kexue(Science in Chinese)seamounts,although the diversity of MTB on Caroline was much richer than on the Kexue Seamount.Our results imply that the unique topography of seamounts and other as-yet unclear environmental factors could lead to evolution of different fl agella arrangements in magnetotactic cocci,and the occurrence of octahedral magnetite magnetosomes.

Anti-EpCAM functionalized graphene oxide vector for tumor targeted siRNA delivery and cancer therapy

Graphene oxide(GO) has emerged as a potential drug delivery vector. For siRNA delivery, GO should be modified to endow it with gene delivery ability and targeting effect. However, the cationic materials used previously usually had greater toxicity. In this study, GO was modified with a non-toxicity cationic material(chitosan) and a tumor specific monoclonal antibody(anti-EpCAM) for the delivery of survivin-siRNA(GCE/siRNA). And the vector(GCE) prepared was proved with excellent biosafety and tumor targeting effect. The GCE exhibited superior performance in loading si RNA, maintained stability in different solutions and showed excellent protection effect for survivin-siRNA in vitro. The gene silencing results in vitro showed that the m RNA level and protein level were down-regulated by 48.24% ± 2.50% and 44.12% ± 3.03%, respectively, which was equal with positive control( P > 0.05). It was also demonstrated that GCE/siRNA had a strong antitumor effect in vitro, which was attributed to the efficient antiproliferation, and migration and invasion inhibition effect of GCE/siRNA. The results in vivo indicated that GCE could accumulate siRNA in tumor tissues. The tumor inhibition rate of GCE/siRNA 54.74% ± 5.51% was significantly higher than control 4.87% ±8.49%. Moreover, GCE/siRNA showed no toxicity for blood and main organs, suggesting that it is a biosafety carrier for gene delivery. Taken together, this study provides a novel design strategy for gene delivery system and siRNA formulation.

Degradation Dynamics and Residue Analysis of Flubendiamide in Cabbage and Soil by Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry with Dispersive Solid Phase Extraction

To formulate a scientific basis for a reasonable spray dose and safe interval period of 20% flubendiamide water dispersible granule (WDG) on controlling vegetable pests, degradation dynamics of flubendiamide in cabbage and soil was analyzed in this study. Dissipation and residue of flubendiamide in 20% flubendiamide WDG in cabbage and soil under field conditions were investigated by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry with dispersive solid phase extraction. Results showed that the degradation dynamic equations of flubendiamide in cabbage and soil were based on the first-order reaction dynamic equations. The half-lives of the degradation of flubendiamide were 3.51 d to 3.96 d and 3.43 d to 3.87 d in the cabbage of Yangzhou and Jingzhou, respectively, and 4.42 d to 5.13 d and 4.37 d to 4.99 d in the soil of Yangzhou and Jingzhou, respectively. The terminal residues of flubendiamide in the cabbage of Yangzhou and Jingzhou were 0.0247 mg·kg-1 to 0.0393 mg·kg-1 and 0.0225 mg·kg-1 to 0.0273 mg·kg-1, respectively, when 20% flubendiamide WDG was applied at a dose of0.050g·m-2. Flubendiamide is safe to be applied in cabbage fields at the recommended dose.