Directional Breeding of An Oval-ecotype Male Sterile Line of Chinese Cabbage(Brassica campestris L. ssp. pekinensis)

[Objective] The study aimed to explore the method for directional breeding of a male-sterile line in oval-ecotype Chinese cabbage. [Method] Based on ＂Multiple Allele Hypothesis of Genic Male Sterile Chinese Cabbage＂, an inbred line ＇06048＇ of oval ecotype was used as the receptor, and male fertile plant of ＇AB12＇ was used as the donor line. Crossing, backcross, selfing, testcross and sibling were ap- plied to transfer the multiple alleles under the directional genetic model. [Result] Segregation ratio of every generation was consistent with theoretical value. A new male sterile line with 100% male sterility and ＇06048＇ horticultural traits was ob- tained successfully, which accomplished the transfer of male sterile multiple allele and horticultural characters of receptor line at the same time. [Conclusion] The re- search verifies that the model of directional transfer is feasible, provides a theoreti- cal basis for the directional transfer of Chinese cabbage with other horticultural traits whose genotype is msms. The model can also be applied to other Brassica crops, to generate genetic male sterile lines with specific botanical traits and high-quality economic traits.

Radiation heat transfer model for complex superalloy turbine blade in directional solidification process based on finite element method

For the sake of a more accurate shell boundary and calculation of radiation heat transfer in the Directional Solidification(DS) process, a radiation heat transfer model based on the Finite Element Method(FEM)is developed in this study. Key technologies, such as distinguishing boundaries automatically, local matrix and lumped heat capacity matrix, are also stated. In order to analyze the effect of withdrawing rate on DS process,the solidification processes of a complex superalloy turbine blade in the High Rate Solidification(HRS) process with different withdrawing rates are simulated; and by comparing the simulation results, it is found that the most suitable withdrawing rate is determined to be 5.0 mm·min^(-1). Finally, the accuracy and reliability of the radiation heat transfer model are verified, because of the accordance of simulation results with practical process.

The embedded CuInS2 into hollow-concave carbon nitride for photocatalytic H2O splitting into H2 with S-scheme principle

It is still a great challenge to effectively optimize the electronic structure of photocatalysts for the sustainable and efficient conversion of solar energy to H2 energy.To resolve this issue,we report on the optimization of the electronic structure of hollow-concave carbon nitride(C3N4)by deviating the sp2-hybridized structure of its tri-s-triazine component from the two-dimensional plane.The embedded CuInS2 into C3N4(CuInS2@C3N4)demonstrates an increased light-capturing capability and the promoted directional transfer of the charge carrier.Research results reveal that the hollow structure with an apparent potential difference between the concave and convex C3N4 drives the directional transfer of the photoinduced electrons from the Cu 2p orbital of CuInS2 to the N 1s orbital of C3N4 with the S-scheme principle.The H2 evolution efficiency over CuInS2@C3N4 is up to 373μmol?h^-1 g^-1 under visible irradiation,which is 1.57 and 1.35 times higher than those over the bulk g-C3N4 with 1 wt%Pt(238μmol?h^-1 g^-1)and g-C3N4 with 3 wt%Pd(276μmol?h^-1 g^-1),respectively.This suggests that the apparent potential difference of the hollow C3N4 results in an efficient reaction between the photogenerated electrons and H2O.This work supplies a new strategy for enhancing the sustainable solar conversion performance of carbon nitride,which can also be suitable for other semiconductors.

Timely reperfusion for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction:Effect of direct transfer to primary angioplasty on time delays and clinical outcomes

Primary percutaneous coronary intervention(PPCI) is the preferred reperfusion therapy for patients presenting with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction(STEMI) when it can be performed expeditiously and by experienced operators. In spite of excellent clinical results this technique is associated with longer delays than thrombolysis and this fact may nullify the benefit of selecting this therapeutic option. Several strategies have been proposed to decrease the temporal delays to deliver PPCI. Among them,prehospital diagnosis and direct transfer to the cath lab,by-passing the emergency department of hospitals,has emerged as anattractive way of diminishing delays. The purpose of this review is to address the effect of direct transfer on time delays and clinical events of patients with STEMI treated by PPCI.

Influences of labor migration on rural household land transfer:A case study of Sichuan Province,China

The influence of labor migration on rural household land transfer has been hotly debated in academic circles, which focuses on whether part-time employment leads to land transfer. Using survey data on rural households in the Sichuan Province, and applying the theoretical framework of new economics of labor migration, this study explores the influences of labor migration on the direction and scale of land transfer from the perspective of rural household structure. The results indicate that: 1) the quantity of laborers has significant influence on the direction and scale of land transfer. The larger the on-farm labor variable(Labor), the lesser the possibility that land will be rented-out and the amount of land rented out will also be smaller. In addition, there is a greater probability that land will be rented-in and the amount of land rented-in will be greater. 2) The greater the ratio of off-farm laborers to rural household laborers(Off-farm) the greater the possibility that land will be rented-out. In addition the higher the ratio of on-farm laborers to the total household laborers(On-farm), the larger the possibility that land will be rented-in. Meanwhile, if the household has individuals at the age of 64 or older(Old) who are engaged in agriculture, there is a smaller possibility that land will be rentedout. 3) the ratio of part-time laborers to rural household laborers(Pluriactivity) have significant inverse U-shaped influences on the rent-in of land as well as the amount of land rented-in. The inflection points are 33.27% and 14.10%, respectively. Such findings confirm the significance of this study in better understanding the influence of labor migration on rural household land transfer.

Combined pretreatment using CaO and liquid fraction of digestate of rice straw: Anaerobic digestion performance and electron transfer

To improve anaerobic digestion(AD)efficiency of rice straw,solid alkaline CaO and the liquid fraction of digestate(LFD)were used as pretreatment agents of rice straw.The results showed that AD performance of rice straw with CaOLFD pretreatment was optimal in different pretreatment methods of the CaO+LFD,CaOLFD,LFD+CaO,CaO,and LFD.The maximum methane yield(314 ml(g VS)^(-1))and the highest VFAs concentration(14851 mg·L^(-1) on day 3)of the CaOLFD pretreatment group were 81%and 118%higher than that of the control group,respectively.Under the action of solid alkaline CaO,the bacteria of Clostridium,Atopostipes,Sphaerochaeta,Tissierella,Thiopseudomonas,Rikenellaceae,and Sedimentibacter could build up co-cultures with the archaeal of Methanosaeta,Methanobacterium,and Methanosarcina performing direct interspecies electron transfer(DIET)and improving AD performance of rice straw.Therefore,the combined pretreatment using CaO and LFD could not only pretreat rice straw but also stimulate co-cultures of microorganism to establish DIET enhancing AD efficiency.

Magnetic Fe_3O_4-Reduced Graphene Oxide Nanocomposites-Based Electrochemical Biosensing

An electrochemical biosensing platform was developed based on glucose oxidase(GOx)/Fe3O4-reduced graphene oxide(Fe3O4-RGO) nanosheets loaded on the magnetic glassy carbon electrode(MGCE).With the advantages of the magnetism, conductivity and biocompatibility of the Fe3O4-RGO nanosheets, the nanocomposites could be facilely adhered to the electrode surface by magnetically controllable assembling and beneficial to achieve the direct redox reactions and electrocatalytic behaviors of GOx immobilized into the nanocomposites. The biosensor exhibited good electrocatalytic activity, high sensitivity and stability. The current response is linear over glucose concentration ranging from 0.05 to 1.5 m M with a low detection limit of0.15 μM. Meanwhile, validation of the applicability of the biosensor was carried out by determining glucose in serum samples. The proposed protocol is simple, inexpensive and convenient, which shows great potential in biosensing application.

Biogeochemistry of methanogenesis with a specific emphasis on the mineral-facilitating effects

The Earth surface contains various oxic and anoxic environments. The later include natural wetlands,river and lake sediments, paddy field soils and landfills. In the last few decades, the biogeochemical cycle of carbon in anoxic environments, which leads to the production and emission of methane, a potent greenhouse gas in the atmosphere, has drawn great attentions from both scientific and public sectors. New organisms and mechanisms involved in methanogenesis and carbon cycling have been uncovered. Interspecies electron transfer is considered as a crucial step in methanogenesis in anoxic environments.Electron-carrying mediators, like H_2 and formate, are known to play the key role in electron transfer. Recently, it has been found that in addition to the conventional electron transfer via chemical mediators, direct interspecies electron transfer(DIET) can occur. In this Review, we describe the ecology and biogeochemistry of methanogenesis and highlight the effect of microbe-mineral interaction on microbial syntrophy. Recent advances in the study of DIET may pave the way towards a mechanistic understanding of methanogenesis and the influence of microbe-mineral interaction on this process.

Overview of Earth-Moon Transfer Trajectory Modeling and Design

TheMoon is the only celestial body that human beings have visited.The design of the Earth-Moon transfer orbits is a critical issue in lunar exploration missions.In the 21st century,new lunar missions including the construction of the lunar space station,the permanent lunar base,and the Earth-Moon transportation network have been proposed,requiring low-cost,expansive launch windows and a fixed arrival epoch for any launch date within the launch window.The low-energy and low-thrust transfers are promising strategies to satisfy the demands.This review provides a detailed landscape of Earth-Moon transfer trajectory design processes,from the traditional patched conic to the state-of-the-art low-energy and low-thrust methods.Essential mechanisms of the various utilized dynamic models and the characteristics of the different design methods are discussed in hopes of helping readers grasp thebasic overviewof the current Earth-Moon transfer orbitdesignmethods anda deep academic background is unnecessary for the context understanding.

Direct Electron Transfer Reactions of Glucose Oxidase and D-Amino Acid Oxidase at a Glassy Carbon Electrode in Organic Media

Cyclic voltammetry is employed to demonstrate feasibility of direct electron transfer of glucose oxidase and D amino acid oxidase at a glassy carbon electrode in organic media. The reversible slight conformational change of glucose oxidase is observed by changing 0.1 mol/L phosphate buffer to acetonitrile containing 10% v/v of water and 0.05 mol/L tetrabutyalammonium perchlorate, and vice versa.

Electrically conductive nanowires controlled one pivotal route in energy harvest and microbial corrosion via direct metal-microbe electron transfer

Extracellular electron transfer(EET)plays a critical role in bioelectrochemical processes,allowing cou-pling between microorganisms and extracellular solid-state electrodes,metals,or other cells in energy metabolism.Previous studies have suggested a role for outer-surface c-type cytochromes in direct metal-to-microbe electron transfer by Geobacter sulfurreducens,a model electroactive bacterium.Here,we ex-amined the possibility of other microbially produced electrical contacts by deleting the gene for PilA,the protein monomer that G.sulfurreducens assembles into electrically conductive protein nanowires(e-pili).Deleting pilA gene inhibited electron extraction from pure iron and 316L stainless steel up to 31%and 81%,respectively more than deleting the gene for the outer-surface cytochrome OmcS.This PilA-deficient phenotype,and the observation that relatively thick biofilms(21.7μm)grew on the metal surfaces at multi-cell distances from the metal surfaces suggest that e-pili contributed significantly to microbial cor-rosion via direct metal-to-microbe electron transfer.These results have implications for the fundamental understanding of electron harvest via e-pili by electroactive microbes,their uses in bioenergy production,as well as in monitoring and mitigation of metal biocorrosion.

A direct electrochemical biosensor for rapid glucose detection based on nitrogen-doped carbon nanocages

Given the increasing number of diabetic patients,rapid and accurate detection of glucose in body fluids is critical.This study developed a direct electrochemical biosensor for glucose based on nitrogen-doped carbon nanocages(NCNCs).NCNCs possess a large specific surface area of 1395 m^(2)·g^(-1),a high N atomic content of 9.37%and good biocompatibility,which is favorable for enzyme loading and electron transfer.The surface average concentration of electroactive glucose oxidase on NCNCs was 2.82×10^(-10)mol·cm^(-2).The NCNC-based direct electrochemical biosensor exhibited a high sensitivity of 13.7μA·(mmol·L^(-1))^(-1)·cm^(-2),rapid response time of 5 s and an impressive electron-transferrate constant(ks)of 1.87 s^(-1).Furthermore,we investigated an NCNC-based direct electron transfer(DET)biosensor for sweat glucose detection,which demonstrated tremendous promise for non-invasive wearable diabetes diagnosis.

Need for operational simplicity and timely disbursal of benefits—a qualitative exploration of the implementation of a direct benefit transfer scheme for persons with tuberculosis in India

Background Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana(NPY)is a direct benefit transfer scheme of the Government of India introduced in 2018 to support the additional nutritional requirements of persons with TB(PwTB).Our recent nationwide evaluation of implementation and utilization of NPY using programmatic data of PwTB from nine randomly selected Indian states,reported a 70%coverage and high median delay in benefit credit.We undertook a qualitative study between January and July 2023,to understand the detailed implementation process of NPY and explore the enablers and barriers to effective implementation and utilization of the NPY scheme.Methods We followed a grounded theory approach to inductively develop theoretical explanations for social phenomena through data generated from multiple sources.We conducted 36 in-depth interviews of national,district and field-level staff of the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme(NTEP)and NPY beneficiaries from 30 districts across nine states of India,selected using theoretical sampling.An analytical framework developed through inductive coding of a set of six interviews,guided the coding of the subsequent interviews.Categories and themes emerged through constant comparison and the data collection continued until theoretical saturation.Results Stakeholders perceived NPY as a beneficial initiative.Strong political commitment from the state administration,mainstreaming of NTEP work with the district public healthcare delivery system,availability of good geographic and internet connectivity and state-specific grievance redressal mechanisms and innovations were identified as enablers of implementation.However,the complex,multi-level benefit approval process,difficulties in accessing banking services,perceived inadequacy of benefits and overworked human resources in the NTEP were identified as barriers to implementation and utilization.Conclusion The optimal utilization of NPY is enabled by strong political commitment and challenged by its lengthy implementation process and delayed disbursal of benefits.We recommend greater operational simplicity in NPY implementation,integrating NTEP activities with the public health system to reduce the burden on the program staff,and revising the benefit amount more equitably.

Utilizing dual-pathway energy transfer in upconversion nanoconjugates for reinforced photodynamic therapy

Enhancing the therapeutic effect of existing treatments or developing new non-invasive treatments are important measures to achieve high-efficiency treatment of malignant tumors.Photodynamic therapy(PDT)is an emerging treatment modality,and the key for achieving high-efficiency PDT is to select light with strong tissue penetration depth and enhance the generation of reactive oxygen species(ROS).Although the upconversion nanoparticles(UCNPs)modified with the photosensitizers could achieve PDT with strong penetration depth under near-infrared light irradiation,the ROS generated by traditional single-pathway PDT is still insufficient.Herein,we developed a novel nanoconjugate(UCNP-Ce6/AIEgen)for dual-pathway reinforced PDT,in which the UCNPs were co-modified with chlorin e6(Ce6)and luminogen with aggregation-induced emission(AIEgen).Due to the presence of AIEgen,UCNP-Ce6/AIEgen could avoid aggregation-caused luminescence quenching in biological water environments and convert upconversion luminescence(UCL)of UCNPs to Ce6-activatable fluorescence.Therefore,under the irradiation of 808 nm laser,UCNP-Ce6/AIEgen can not only undergo direct lanthanide-triplet energy transfer to activate Ce6,but also convert the UCL of UCNPs to the light that can activate Ce6 through Fӧrster resonance energy transfer to generate more ROS,thus promoting tumor cell apoptosis.This work broadens the applications of nanoconjugates of lanthanide-based inorganic materials and organic dyes,and provides a conception for reinforced PDT of tumors.

Myoglobin/Gold Nanoparticles/Carbon Spheres 3-D Architecture for the Fabrication of a Novel Biosensor

A novel biosensor based on a myoglobin/gold nanoparticles/carbon spheres(Mb AuNPs CNs)3-D architecture bioconjunction has been fabricated for the determination of hydrogen peroxide(H2O2).Cyclic voltammetry(CV),Fourier transform infrared(FT-IR)spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy(SEM)were used to characterize the bioconjunction of the AuNPs CNs with Mb.Experimental results demonstrate that the AuNPsCNs hybrid material is more effective in facilitating electron transfer of the immobilized enzyme than CNs alone,which can be attributed to the unique nanostructure and larger surface area of the bioconjunction.The biosensor displayed good performance for the detection of H_(2)O_(2)with a wide linear range from 0.28μmol/L to 116.5μmol/L and a detection limit of 0.12μmol/L.The Michaelis-Menten constant KMapp value was estimated to be 0.3 mmol/L.The resulting biosensor exhibited fast amperometric response,and good stability,reproducibility,and selectivity to H_(2)O_(2).

Direct Electron Transfer between Glucose Oxidase and Multi-walled Carbon Nanotubes

The direct electrochemical behavior between the glucose oxidase (GOD) and the multi walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) has been studied. Two pairs of cyclic voltammetric peaks corresponding to the two different processes, i.e. mass transport and surface reaction of GOD are observed on this MWNTs. The formal potentials with E o′=-0.45 V and E o′=-0.55 V were obtained respectively. The GOD film was observed on the carbon nanotube by the TEM.

Comparative transcriptomic insights into the mechanisms of electron transfer in Geobacter co-cultures with activated carbon and magnetite

Both activated carbon and magnetite have been reported to promote the syntrophic growth of Geobacter metallireducens and Geobacter sulfurreducens co-cultures, the first model to show direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET); however, differential transcriptomics of the promotion on co-cultures with these two conductive materials are unknown. Here, the comparative transcriptomic analysis of G. metallireducens and G. sulfurreducens co-cultures with granular activated carbon (GAC) and magnetite was reported. More than 2.6-fold reduced transcript abundances were determined for the uptake hydrogenase genes of G. sulfurreducens as well as other hydrogenases in those co-cultures to which conductive materials had been added. This is consistent with electron transfer in G. metallireducens-G. sulfurreducens co-cultures as evinced by direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET). Transcript abundance for the structural component of electrically conductive pili (e-pili), PilA, was 2.2-fold higher in G. metallireducens, and, in contrast, was 14.9-fold lower in G. sulfurreducens in co-cultures with GAC than in Geobacters co-cultures without GAC. However, it was 9.3-fold higher in G. sulfurreducens in co-cultures with magnetite than in Geobacters co-cultures. Mutation results showed that GAC can be substituted for the e-pili of both strains but magnetite can only compensate for that of G. sulfurreducens, indicating that the e-pili is a more important electron acceptor for the electron donor strain of G. metallireducens than for G. sulfurreducens. Transcript abundance for G. metallireducens c-type cytochrome gene GMET_RS14535, a homologue to c-type cytochrome gene omcE of G. sulfurreducens was 9.8-fold lower in co-cultures with GAC addition, while that for OmcS of G. sulfurreducens was 25.1-fold higher in co-cultures with magnetite, than in that without magnetite. Gene deletion studies showed that neither GAC nor magnetite can completely substitute the cytochrome (OmcE homologous) of G. metallireducens but compensate for the cytochrome (OmcS) of G. sulfurreducens. Moreover, some genes associated with central metabolism were up-regulated in the presence of both GAC and magnetite; however, tricarboxylic acid cycle gene transcripts in G. sulfurreducens were not highly-expressed in each of these amended co-cultures, suggesting that there was considerable redundancy in the pathways utilised by G. sulfurreducens for electron transfer to reduce fumarate with the amendment of GAC or magnetite. These results support the DIET model of G. metallireducens and G. sulfurreducens and suggest that e-pili and cytochromes of the electron donor strain are more important than that of the electron acceptor strain, indicating that comparative transcriptomics may be a promising route by which to reveal different responses of electron donor and acceptor during DIET in co-cultures.

The role of NiFe_(2)O_(4)nanoparticle in the anaerobic digestion(AD)of waste activated sludge(WAS)

Anaerobic digestion(AD)is a promising technology for the treatment of waste activated sludge(WAS)with energy recovery.However,the low methane yield and slow methanogenesis limit its broad application.In this study,the NiFe_(2)O_(4)nanoparticles(NPs)were fabricated and applied as a conductive material to enhance the AD via promoting the direct interspecies electron transfer(DIET).The crystal structure,specific surface area,morphology and elemental composition of the as-prepared NiFe_(2)O_(4)NPs were characterized by X-ray diffraction(XRD),Brunauer-Emmett-Teller(BET),scanning electron microscopy(SEM)and energy dispersive spectroscopy(EDS).The biochemical methane potential(BMP)test was performed(lasting for 35 days)to evaluate the energy recovery in AD with the addition of the NiFe_(2)O_(4)NPs.The results illustrate that NiFe_(2)O_(4)NPs could accelerate both the hydrolysis,acidogenesis and methanogenesis,i.e.,the cumulative methane production and daily methane yield increased from 96.76±1.70 mL/gVS and 8.24±1.26 mL gVS^(-1)d^(-1)in the absence of NiFe_(2)O_(4)NPs(Group A)to 123.69±3.20 mL/gVS and 9.71±0.77 mL gVS^(-1)d^(-1)in the presence of NiFe_(2)O_(4)NPs(Group B).The model simulation results showed that both the first-order kinetic model and the modified Gompertz model can well simulate the experimental results.The hydrolysis rate constant k increased from 0.04±0.01 d^(-1)in Group A to 0.06±0.01 d^(-1)in Group B.And the maximum methane production potential and activity were both improved after adding NiFe_(2)O_(4).The microbial community analysis revealed that the microorganisms associated with hydrolysis and acidogenesis were more abundant in the presence of NiFe_(2)O_(4).And the methanogenic archaea were enriched to a larger extent,resulted in the higher methanogenesis activities via dosing NiFe_(2)O_(4).

Morphology-controlled porphyrin nanocrystals with enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen production

Molecular self-assembly is a natured-inspired strategy to integrate individual functional molecules into supramolecular nanostructured materials through noncovalent bond interactions for solar to fuel conversion.However,the design and engineering of the morphology,size,and orderly stacking of supramolecular nanostructures remain a great challenge.In this study,regular porphyrin nanocrystals with different orderly stacked structures are synthesized through noncovalent self-assembly of Pt(II)meso-tetra(4-carboxyphenyl)porphine(PtTCPP),using surfactants with different electronegativity.The synergy of noncovalent bond interactions between porphyrin molecules,and between porphyrin molecules and surfactants resulted in different molecular packing patterns.Due to the spatial ordering of PtTCPP molecules,the different nanocrystals exhibit both collective optical properties and morphology-dependent activities in photocatalytic hydrogen production.The measurements of the photodeposition of dual cocatalysts showed that the photogenerated electrons and holes selectively aggregated at different active sites,revealing separation pathways and directional transfer of photogenerated electrons and holes in the assemblies.This study provides a new strategy to exert rational control over porphyrin self-assembly nanocrystals for highly efficient water splitting.

Different outer membrane c‐type cytochromes are involved in direct interspecies electron transfer to Geobacter or Methanosarcina species

Direct interspecies electron transfer(DIET)may be most important in methanogenic environments,but mechanistic studies of DIET to date have primarily focused on cocultures in which fumarate was the terminal electron acceptor.To better understand DIET with methanogens,the transcriptome of Geobacter metallireducens during DIET‐based growth with G.sulfurreducens reducing fumarate was compared with G.metallireducens grown in coculture with diverse Methanosarcina.The transcriptome of G.metallireducens cocultured with G.sulfurreducens was significantly different from those with Methanosarcina.Furthermore,the transcriptome of G.metallireducens grown with Methanosarcina barkeri,which lacks outer‐surface c‐type cytochromes,differed from those of G.metallireducens cocultured with M.acetivorans or M.subterranea,which have an outer‐surface c‐type cytochrome that serves as an electrical connect for DIET.Differences in G.metallireducens expression patterns for genes involved in extracellular electron transfer were particularly notable.Cocultures with c‐type cytochrome deletion mutant strains,ΔGmet_0930,ΔGmet_0557 andΔGmet_2896,never became established with G.sulfurreducens but adapted to grow with all three Methanosarcina.Two porin–cytochrome complexes,PccF and PccG,were important for DIET;however,PccG was more important for growth with Methanosarcina.Unlike cocultures with G.sulfurreducens and M.acetivorans,electrically conductive pili were not needed for growth with M.barkeri.Shewanella oneidensis,another electroactive microbe with abundant outer‐surface c‐type cytochromes,did not grow via DIET.The results demonstrate that the presence of outer‐surface c‐type cytochromes does not necessarily confer the capacity for DIET and emphasize the impact of the electron‐accepting partner on the physiology of the electron‐donating DIET partner.