Differences in Light Response Curve and CO_2 Response Curve of Korla Fragrant Pear Trees in Different Training Systems

[Objective] This study was conducted to evaluate three training systems for Korla fragrant pear trees by comparing the characteristic parameters of light response curve and CO2 response curve, and to provide some theoretical basis for improving the pruning techniques of Korla fragrant pear trees. [Method] The light response curve and CO2 response curve of the trees trained to three systems were measured by LI-6400 portable photosynthesis system. The SPAD value was measured using SPAD-502 chlorophyll meter, and specific leaf weight was calculated, to evaluate the effects of the three training systems. [Result] The CO2 response curves of the three training systems were basically in agreement with their light response curves, but there were some differences in their characteristic parameters. Among the three training systems, the maximum net photosynthetic rate, apparent quantum yield and light compensation point of espalier trained trees were the highest, while their light saturation point was the lowest. The CO2 saturation point of delayed-open central leader trained trees and open center trained trees were 1 752 and 1 665 μmol/mol, both of which were much higher than that of espalier trained trees. In addition, the carboxylation efficiency and photorespiration rate of espalier trained trees were both higher than those of delayed-open central leader trained trees and open center trained trees, while the CO2 compensation point of espalier trained trees was the lowest. The leaf SPAD value of espalier trained trees was the largest, followed by that of open center trained trees, and the leaf SPAD value of delayed-open central leader trained trees was the smallest. In addition, the leaf area and specific leaf weight of espalier trained trees were both the highest, followed by those of open center trained trees. [Conclusion] Among the training systems for Korla fragrant pear trees, the espalier training system had better ability to capture light, higher photosynthetic productivity and strongest adaptability to light environment, and open center training system takes the second place. On the contrary, delayed-open central leader training system has the weakest adaptability to light environment, but it can adapt to a higher CO2 concentration. In summary, for the training of Korla fragrant pear trees, espalier training system, which has the highest theoretical yield, is the best among the three training systems, and delayed-open central leader training system is the worst.

Efect of light response on the photocatalytic activity of BiOClxBr1-x in the removal of Rhodamine B from water

BiOClxBr1-x catalysts were synthesized through an alcoholysis method and characterized by X-ray diffraction （XRD）, transmission electron microscopy （TEM）, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy （HRTEM）, and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy （DRS）. The as-prepared photocatalysts were found to be tetragonal crystal structure and lamellar plate morphology. Their band gaps were between 3.44 and 2.83 eV. The effect of light response on the photocatalytic activity of BiOClxBrl-x was investigated by degradation of Rhodamine B （RhB）. Complete removal of RhB from water was realized under simulated sunlight irradiation for 50 min with BiOC10.5Br0.5. Mechanism studies showed that photo- generated holes and superoxide anion radicals played important roles in RhB photodegradation. The results of chemical oxygen demand （COD） confirmed RhB mineralization. The effect of light response on the activity of BiOClxBr1-x was further investigated under monochromatic light irradiation, and BiOCl0.5Br0.5 catalyst exhibited the highest activity. Furthermore, BiOC10.5Br0.5 exhibited high stability, suggesting its practical application for the removal of RhB pollutant from water.

One-pot topotactic synthesis of Ti^(3+) self-doped 3D TiO_2 hollow nanoboxes with enhanced visible light response

Ti^（3＋） self-doped anatase three-dimensional（3D） TiO_2 hollow nanoboxes were synthesized via a topological transformation process involving template participation by a facile one-pot hydrothermal treatment with an ethanol solution of zinc powder and TiOF_2. It is worth noting that the 3D TiO_2 hollow nanoboxes are assembled from six single-crystal nanosheets and have dominant exposure of the {001} facets. It is found from EPR spectra that adding zinc powder is an environment-friendly and effective strategy to introduce Ti^（3＋） and oxygen vacancy（Ov） into the bulk of 3D hollow nanoboxes rather than the surface, which is responsible for their enhanced visible photocatalytic properties.The photocatalytic activity was evaluated by measuring the formation rate of hydroxide free radicals using 7-hydroxycoumarin as a probe. The sample prepared with zinc/TiOF_2 mass ratio of0.25 exhibited the highest RhB photodegradation activity under visible-light irradiation with a degradation rate of 96%, which is 4.0-times higher than that of pure TiO_2. The results suggest a novel approach to construct in-situ 3D hierarchical TiO_2 hollow nanoboxes doped with Ti^（3＋） and Ov without introducing any impurity elements for superior visible-light photocatalytic activity.

Measuring Carbon Dioxide Sink of Betung Bamboo （Dendrocallamus asper （Schult f.） Backer ex Heyne） by Sinusoidal Curves Fitting on Its Daily Photosynthesis Light Response

Planting plant such as Betung bamboo （Dendrocalamus asper （Schult f.） Backer ex Heyne） is one of the best ways for reducing global warming effect. Betung bamboo is giant grass （Poaceae） which has been traditionally used by Indonesian people for construction material since a long time ago. Poaceae family commonly has better carbon sink ability than trees because of its Ca photosynthesis mechanisms, but bamboo sub-family （Bambusoideae） lacks the Ca photosynthetic pathway and anatomy. In the absence of this feature the maximum possible productivity of bamboos is unlikely to greatly exceed that of other bioenergy crops with C3 photosynthesis such as fast growing tree species. This research proposed a sinusoidal equation as a basic equation for plant＇s daily photosynthesis light response curve fitting. The sinusoidal equation was success for Betung bamboo＇s daily photosynthesis light response curve fitting （R2 〉 60%）. It had similar result in estimating carbon sink （82.35 kg/clump/year） compared to those which calculated by annual increment （69.01-107.82 kg/clump/year）. It is better to choose sinusoidal equation than quadratic or cubic Betung bamboo is a good choice to be planted in order to resist the global warming effect because it has superior carbon sink capability （82.35 kg/clump/year） than slow growing tree, and equal to fast growing tree species, besides many other advantages.

Occurrence and light response of residual plastid genes in a Euglena gracilis bleached mutant strain OflB2

Euglena gracilis is a unicellular green eukaryotic microalga that features characteristics of both plants and animals.The photosynthetic function of its chloroplast is easily lost under stress resulting in bleached mutants,while the physiological role of their residual plastid DNAs remains unclear.In this study,we obtained five bleached mutants by ofloxacin(Ofl)treatment,identified 12 residual plastid genes in five bleached mutants,and determined the mRNA levels in the wild type E.gracilis(WT)and one bleached mutant(OflB2)under dark and light stimulation conditions by quantitative reverse transcribed PCR(qRTPCR).Results show that the expression of all selected plastid genes in both WT and OflB2 mutant did not change significantly in darkness,while their responses to light stimulation were different.Under the light stimulation conditions,half of the genes did not change significantly,while most of the other genes were down-regulated in OflB2 mutant and up-regulated in WT.Therefore,the bleached mutant retains part of the plastid genome and the plastid relic is responsive to light.Our research will help to understand the functions of residual plastid DNA and evolution of chloroplasts.

Comparative Gas Exchange of Ulmus crassifolia (Cedar Elm, Ulmaceae) and Ungnadia speciosa (Mexican Buckey, Sapindaceae) at Ambient and Elevated Levels of Light, CO2 and Temperature

Ulmus crassifolia Nutt. (Cedar elm, Ulmaceae) is a tree found in central and east Texas, northern Mexico, east to Florida, and north to southern Missouri and Oklahoma. Ungnadia speciosa Endl. (Mexican-buckeye, Sapindaceae) is a shrub or small tree found in woodlands and savannas of central and western Texas, southern New Mexico and northern Mexico. In central Texas, both species are found in Juniperus ashei/Quercus virginiana woodlands or savannas or also at low density in inter-canopy grassland gaps or patches. Environmental conditions in this area are stressful because of shallow soils, high summer temperatures, and inconsistent low rainfall. Currently, both species have a low density in these areas, and Ulmus crassifolia is usually a tree, while Ungnadia speciosa is a woody understory shrub. This study suggests U. crassifolia and U. speciosa are tolerant or intermediate species, with juveniles starting in shade. Maximum photosynthetic rate (Amax), dark respiration (Rd), intercellular CO2, light saturation (Lsp) and water use efficiency significantly increased when light levels and CO2 concentrations were elevated for both species, but not when temperatures were elevated. Stomatal conductance decreased when the CO2 concentration doubled, but there were few effects from elevated temperature. These findings suggest that U. speciosa and U. crassifolia should be more common and imply that they will have a higher density in a future high CO2 environment.

Study on the Photosynthetic Characteristics of Six Varieties(Strains)in Chinese Chestnut

[Objectives]This study was conducted to investigate the differences of photosynthetic physiological characteristics of different varieties(strains),which will provide a theoretical basis for high photosynthesis efficiency breeding and application in Chinese chestnut.[Methods]Six Chinese chestnut varieties of Castanea mollissima‘Yanbao’,C.mollissima‘Yanqiu’,C.mollissima‘Yanchang’,C.mollissima‘Yanjia’,C.mollissima‘Qianxi 37’,and C.mollissima‘Hybrid 22’were used as the materials.Using the portable photosynthesis system Li-6400,we measured the photosynthetic characteristics and diurnal variation of leaf samples of six different chestnut varieties or strains.We fitted the light response curves and photosynthetic parameters using the leaf floating model.Additionally,we determined the chlorophyll content in the leaves using a UV-visible spectrophotometer.[Results]Among the six chestnut varieties or strains,‘Yanqiu’exhibited a significantly higher photosynthetic light saturation point(P LSP)compared to other five varieties,and‘Hybrid 22’ranked second,indicating that these two varieties had the strongest adaptation to high light intensity.The photosynthetic light compensation point(P LCP)of‘Yanchang’was significantly higher than other five varieties,and"Qianxi 37"ranked second,indicating that these two varieties had the strongest adaptation to low light intensity.Additionally,they exhibited higher chlorophyll content and maintained good photosynthetic characteristics even in shaded environments with weak light stress.Varieties‘Yanbao’and‘Yanjia’showed higher P LSP and lower P LCP,indicating that these two varieties have a wider range of adaptation to light intensity.They were capable of efficiently utilizing light across a broader spectrum of intensities.‘Yanqiu’had the highest maximum net photosynthetic rate(P n,max)and the lowest dark respiration rate(R d),along with the highest chlorophyll content.It indicated that‘Yanqiu’has strong photosynthetic capacity and organic matter accumulation ability.It also had the highest P LSP,enabling it to fully utilize the high light environment of the Yanshan Mountains and possessed high light efficiency characteristics.The P n,max of‘Yanqiu’was significantly higher than other varieties.‘Hybrid 22’and‘Yanbao’also exhibited significantly higher P n,max compared with‘Yanjia’and‘Qianxi 37’.‘Yanchang’had the lowest P n,max.The order of P n,max among the six chestnut varieties or strains was as follows:‘Yanqiu’>‘Hybrid 22’>‘Yanbao’>‘Yanjia’>‘Qianxi 37’>‘Yanchang’.[Conclusions]

Preparation and Photostriction Properties of BiFeO_(3)-BaTiO_(3)Ceramics

Under illumination by 405,520 and 655 nm monochromatic visible light(light intensity of 30 kW/m^(2)),large photostriction(ΔL/L)of 0.19%,0.13%and 0.26%for 67BiFeO_(3)-33BaTiO_(3)(67BF-33BT)lead-free ferroelectric ceramics are obtained,respectively.By studying the ferroelectric and photoelectric properties in conjunction with in situ Raman spectroscopy,it is found that the photostrictive effect of 67BF-33BT is not caused by the electrical strain induced by abnormal photovoltaic voltage,but related to the optical induced oxygen octahedral distortion.The 67BF-33BT lead-free ferroelectric material with excellent photostrictive response in the visible light region is expected to play an important role in the field of optical drive electromechanical devices.

State Transition, Is It a Photochemical or Non-photochemical Processin Leaf in Response to Irradiance?

The response of steady-state fluorescence (Fs) to irradiance in apple (Malus pumila Mill. cv. Tengmu No.1/Malus hupehensis Rehd.) leaf increased and decreased at light levels below and above 400 mumol(.)m(-2.)s(-1) photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD), respectively, while the light-adapted maximal fluorescence (Fm') and minimal fluorescence (Fo') decreased constantly with the increasing PPFD, and the closure of photosystem 11 reaction center (PS 11 RC) increased continuously, reflected by the chlorophyll fluorescence parameter of (Fs-Fo')/(Fm'-Fo'). These facts indicated that decrease of Fs above 400 mumol(.)m(-2.)s(-1) PPFD was not caused by closure of PS 11 RC, but was mainly resulted from the process of light transfer from light-harvesting complex II (LHC II) to PS II RC. In the presence of N- ethylmaleimide (NEM), an inhibitor of photosynthetic state transition, Fs kept on increasing in apple leaf at light levels from 400 to 700 mumol(.)m(-1.)s(-1), which was the photosynthetic saturation irradiance of apple leaves. In addition, Fs still increased at light levels over 700 mumol(.)m(-2.)s(-1) in apple leaf pre-treated with dithiothreitol (DTT), an inhibitor of xanthophyll cycle. These changes showed that state transition and xanthophyll cycle caused a decrease of Fs in apple leaf at light levels below and above the photosynthetic saturation irradiance, respectively. When apple leaf was pre-treated with NEM, the PS II apparent rate of photochemical reaction (P-rate) and photochemical quenching (qP) decreased significantly in the light range of 600-800 mumol(.)m(-2.)s(-1), but the non-photochemical quenching (qN) existed a small increase at 600-800 mumol(.)m(-2.)s(-1) and a decrease above 800 mumol(.)m(-2.)s(-1). These phenomena suggested that state transition was mainly a photochemical and a non-photochemical process in apple leaf responding to light lower and higher than photosynthetic saturation irradiance, respectively.

Photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride with visible light-responsive bismuth tungstate/conjugated microporous polymer

Conjugated microporous polymer(CMP)is an emerging organic semiconductor withπ-conjugated skeletons,and the bandgap of CMP can be flexibly modulated to harvest visible light.Based on the diversity and adjustability of monomers in CMP,we designed and synthesized donor-accepter(D-A)type BTNCMP through Sonogashira-Hagihara cross-coupling polymerization,further in-situ constructing series of inorganic/organic Z-scheme BW/BTN-n composite in the presence of Bi_(2)WO_(6).After optimization,the tetracycline hydrochloride(C0=10 mg·L^(-1))degradation efficiency reached 84%with BW/BTN-2 as catalyst in 90 min under visible light irradiation,the apparent rate constant k1 is 0.017 min^(-1),which is 1.7 and 5.7 times higher than bare Bi_(2)WO_(6) and BTN-CMP.X-ray photoelectron spectra and UV-Vis diffuse spectra showed that the enhanced photocatalytic activity originated from the tight heterojunction between Bi_(2)WO_(6) and BTN-CMP,which can extend the light absorption range and facilitate the separation and transport of photogenerated charges in the interface of heterojunction.The active species trapping experiments and electron spin resonance technique revealed that h+was the dominant active species during the photodegradation process of tetracycline hydrochloride(TCH).The present study demonstrated the feasibility to construct inorganic/organic composite for the photocatalytic degradation of environmental pollutants.

Effects of Light-Emitting Diode (LED) Red and Blue Light on the Growth and Photosynthetic Characteristics of <i>Momordica charantia</i>L.

With andromonoecious Momordica charantia L. (bitter gourd) as material, three light qualities (50 μmol·m-2·s-1) including white LED light (WL), blue monochromatic light (B, 465 nm), and red monochromatic light (R, 650 nm) were carried out to investigate their effects on seed germination, physiological and biochemical parameters, sex differentiation and photosynthetic characteristics of bitter gourd. The results showed that compared to the WL treatment, the R treatment significantly promoted seed germination, seedling height elongation and soluble sugar content, the B treatment significantly increased seedling stem diameter, reducing sugar content and soluble protein content, the R and B treatments both significantly reduced sucrose content, but their POD activity showed no significant difference. Compared with the R treatment, the B treatment significantly increased the total female flower number and female flower nod ratio in 30 nods of main stems. The study of photosynthetic characteristics found that the R and B treatments could effectively increase the stomatal conductance (GS) of leaves, significantly improved the net photosynthetic rate (Pn) compared to the WL treatment, and the effect of the B treatment was better. Compared to the R and WL treatments, the B treatment increased the maximum photosynthetic rate (Pmax), apparent quantum efficiency (AQE) and light saturation point (LSP), and reduced the dark respiration rate (Rd) and light compensation point (LCP) of the leaves. Fit light response curves showed that the adaptability and utilization of weak light in bitter gourd were middle or below, but it showed higher adaptability and utilization of strong light. Thus, it suggests that Momordica charantia is a typical sun plan with lower Rd. In summary, it is concluded that blue light has a positive effect on the seed germination, seedling growth, sex differentiation and improving the photosynthetic performance, and this will lay the foundation for artificially regulating optimum photosynthesis using specific LEDs wavelength, and help to elucidate the relationship how light quality influences the sex differentiation of plant.

Construction of 2D-2D TiO_2 nanosheet/layered WS_2 heterojunctions with enhanced visible-light-responsive photocatalytic activity

Constructing nanocomposites that combine the advantages of composite materials,nanomaterials,and interfaces has been regarded as an important strategy to improve the photocatalytic activity of TiO2.In this study,2D‐2D TiO2 nanosheet/layered WS2(TNS/WS2)heterojunctions were prepared via a hydrothermal method.The structure and morphology of the photocatalysts were systematically characterized.Layered WS2(~4 layers)was wrapped on the surface of TiO2 nanosheets with a plate‐to‐plate stacked structure and connected with each other by W=O bonds.The as‐prepared TNS/WS2 heterojunctions showed higher photocatalytic activity for the degradation of RhB under visible‐light irradiation,than pristine TiO2 nanosheets and layered WS2.The improvement of photocatalytic activity was primarily attributed to enhanced charge separation efficiency,which originated from the perfect 2D‐2D nanointerfaces and intimate interfacial contacts between TiO2 nanosheets and layered WS2.Based on experimental results,a double‐transfer photocatalytic mechanism for the TNS/WS2 heterojunctions was proposed and discussed.This work provides new insights for synthesizing highly efficient and environmentally stable photocatalysts by engineering the surface heterojunctions.

Light-responsive adsorbentswithtunableadsorbent-adsorbate interactions forselective CO_(2) capture

Amines in porous materials have been employed as active species for the selective CO_(2) adsorption from natural gas because of their target-specific interactions.Nevertheless,it is difficult to modulate such strong interactions to reach a high efficiency in the adsorption processes.Herein,we fabricated lightresponsive adsorbents with tunable adsorbent–adsorbate interactions for CO_(2) capture.The adsorbents were synthesized by introducing primary and secondary amines into a mesoporous silica that had been grafted with azobenzene groups on the surfaces.The target-specific amine sites render the adsorbents significantly selective in the uptake of CO_(2) over CH_(4),and the azobenzene groups were used as lightresponsive switches to influence the adsorbent–adsorbate interactions.The adsorbents can freely adsorb CO_(2) when the azobenzene groups are in the trans state.Ultraviolet-light irradiation makes the azobenzene groups transform to the cis configuration,which greatly hinders amines in the uptake of CO_(2).The caused difference of adsorption capacity can reach 34.9%.The alternative irradiation by ultravioletand visible-light can lead to a recyclable regulation on adsorption performance.The changes of the electrostatic potentials of amines are responsible for the light-induced regulation on adsorption.

The bZIP transcription factor ATF1 regulates blue light and oxidative stress responses in Trichoderma guizhouense

In several filamentous fungi,incident light and environmental stress signaling share the mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK)HOG(SAK)pathway.It has been revealed that short-term illumination with blue light triggers the activation of the HOG pathway in Trichoderma spp.In this study,we demonstrate the crucial role of the basic leucine zipper transcription factor ATF1 in blue light responses and signaling downstream of the MAPK HOG1 in Trichoderma guizhouense.The lack of ATF1 severely impaired photoconidiation and delayed vegetative growth and conidial germination.Upon blue light or H2O2 stimuli,HOG1 interacted with ATF1 in the nucleus.Genome-wide transcriptome analyses revealed that 61.8%(509 out of 824)and 85.2%(702 out of 824)of blue light-regulated genes depended on ATF1 and HOG1,respectively,of which 58.4%(481 out of 824)were regulated by both of them.Our results also show that blue light promoted conidial germination and HOG1 and ATF1 played opposite roles in controlling conidial germination in the dark.Additionally,the lack of ATF1 led to reduced oxidative stress resistance,probably because of the downregulation of catalase-encoding genes.Overall,our results demonstrate that ATF1 is the downstream component of HOG1 and is responsible for blue light responses,conidial germination,vegetative growth,and oxidative stress resistance in T.guizhouense.

The effects of radio frequency atmospheric pressure plasma and thermal treatment on the hydrogenation of TiO_(2) thin film

The effects of radio frequency(RF)atmospheric pressure(AP)He/H_(2)plasma and thermal treatment on the hydrogenation of TiO_(2)thin films were investigated and compared in this work.The color of the original TiO_(2)film changes from white to black after being hydrogenated in He/H_(2)plasma at160 W(gas temperature~381℃)within 5 min,while the color of the thermally treated TiO_(2)film did not change significantly even in pure H_(2)or He/H_(2)atmosphere with higher temperature(470℃)and longer time(30 min).This indicated that a more effective hydrogenation reaction happened through RF AP He/H_(2)plasma treatment than through pure H_(2)or He/H_(2)thermal treatment.The color change of TiO_(2)film was measured based on the Commission Internationale d’Eclairage L*a*b*color space system.Hydrogenated TiO_(2)film displayed improved visible light absorption with increased plasma power.The morphology of the cauliflower-like nanoparticles of the TiO_(2)film surface remained unchanged after plasma processing.X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results showed that the contents of Ti3+species and Ti-OH bonds in the plasma-hydrogenated black TiO_(2)increased compared with those in the thermally treated TiO_(2).X-ray diffraction(XRD)patterns and Raman spectra indicated that plasma would destroy the crystal structure of the TiO_(2)surface layer,while thermal annealing would increase the overall crystallinity.The different trends of XRD and Raman spectra results suggested that plasma modification on the TiO_(2)surface layer is more drastic than on its inner layer,which was also consistent with transmission electron microscopy results.Optical emission spectra results suggest that numerous active species were generated during RF AP He/H_(2)plasma processing,while there were no peaks detected from thermal processing.A possible mechanism for the TiO_(2)hydrogenation process by plasma has been proposed.Numerous active species were generated in the bulk plasma region,accelerated in the sheath region,and bumped toward the TiO_(2)film,which will react with the TiO_(2)surface to form OVs and disordered layers.This leads to the tailoring of the band gap of black TiO_(2)and causes its light absorption to extend into the visible region.

A shape-reconfigurable,light and magnetic dual-responsive shape-memory micropillar array chip for droplet manipulation

Droplet manipulation on an open surface has great potential in chemical analysis and biomedicine engineering.However,most of the reported platforms designed for the manipulation of water droplets cannot thoroughly solve the problem of droplet evaporation.Herein,we report a shape-reconfigurable micropillar array chip for the manipulation of water droplets,oil droplets and water-in-oil droplets.Water-in-oil droplets provide an enclosed space for water droplets,preventing the evaporation in an open environment.Perfluoropolyether coated on the surface of the chip effectively reduces the droplet movement resistance.The micropillar array chip has light and magnetic dual-response due to the Fe3O4 nanoparticles and the reduced iron powder mixed in the shape-memory polymer.The micropillars irradiated by a near-infrared laser bend under the magnetic force,while the unirradiated micropillars still keep their original shape.In the absence of a magnetic field,when the micropillars in a temporary shape are irradiated by the near-infrared laser to the transition temperature,the micropillars return to their initial shape.In this process,the surface morphology gradient caused by the deformation of the micropillars and the surface tension gradient caused by the temperature change jointly produce the driving force of droplet movement.

pH- and near-infrared light-responsive,biomimetic hydrogels from aqueous dispersions of carbon nanotubes

Owing to their low flexibility,poor processability and a lack of responsiveness,inorganic materials are usually non-ideal for constructing a living organism.Hence,to date,lifelike materials with structural hierarchies and adaptive properties usually rely on light and soft organic molecules,although few exceptions have been acquired using two-dimensional(2D)inorganic nanosheets.Herein,with a systematic study on the gelation behavior of carbon-based 0D quantum dots,1D nanotubes,and 3D fullerenes,we find that acidified 1D carbon nanotubes(CNTs)can serve as an alternative building block for fabricating purely inorganic biomimetic soft materials.The as-prepared CNT gels exhibit not only a pH-or photothermal-triggered mechanical and tribological adaptivity,which allows them to simulate the behavior of sea cucumbers,peacock mantis shrimps,and mammalian muscles or cortical bones,but also a unique damping property that is similar to spider’s cuticular pad.Their high elasticity,effective lubrication,excellent biocompatibility,and controllable friction and wear also allow them to function as a new type of smart lubricants,whose tribological properties can be regulated either by its internal pH changes or spatiotemporally by near-infrared(NIR)light irradiations,free of any toxic and flammable base oils or additives.

Comparison among Growth, Photosynthesis and Yield in Nanjing 9108 and Its Parents during the Late Development Stage

A good quality, high yield, slow mature and middle season Japonica rice variety, Nanjing 9108 and its parents Guandong 194 and Wuxiangjing 14,were taken as the materials for the study. The growth and photosynthetic characteristics of the rice plants at the post-flowering stage were compared and the rice yield components were examined at harvest. The results showed that as compared with Wuxiangjing 14, the per plant yield of Nanjing 9108 was 7.70% higher, and much higher than that of Guandong194. The large total grain per plant and heavy grain weigh of Nanjing 9108 were the important structure basis for its yield. Further analysis o the growth indicators showed that Nanjing 9108 had a large leaf area of upper three green leaves area and a smaller leaf base angle in the third leaf from the bottom blades, which helped get a higher photosynthetic capacity in groups. On the14 thday after flowering, Nanjing 9108 had similar value of net photosynthetic rate（Pn） to that of Wuxianjing 14, but lower than that of Guandong 194. Viewing from the parameters obtained from light response of photosynthesis on the modified model of rectangular hyperbola, Pn of Nanjing 9108 was more aptated to be saturated by light intensity and sensitive to photoinhibition. On the whole, Nanjing 9108 with high yield mainly resulted from its good plant type, grain structure and higher photosynthetic capacity in groups. Further improving its photosynthetic capacity o single leaf in Nanjing 9108 would be an important way for its super high yield po tential in the future.

Comparison of Photosynthetic Characteristics among Different Prunus domestica × armeniaca Cultivars

[Objective] This study aimed to investigate the photosynthetic characteristics of different Prunus domestica × armeniaca cultivars, thereby providing some theoretical basis for high-yield and high-quality cultivation of P. domestica × armeniaca. [Method] Total three cultivars（Konglongdan, Fengwei Huanghou and Weiwang）of P. domestica × armeniaca were selected as the test materials, and their leafphotosynthetic parameters were measured with Li-6400 portable photosynthesis system.The light response curve and CO_2 response curve were drawn. [Result] There were significant differences in photosynthetic rate among the three cultivars of P. domestica × armeniaca（P〈0.01）. The photosynthetic rate of Konglongdan [14.76 μmol/（m^2·s）]was highest. When the light intensity reached 1 800 μmol/（m^2·s）, the maximum net photosynthetic rate of Konglongdan was up to 27.27 μmol/（m^2·s）, and its apparent quantum yield reached the peak. Konglongdan showed lower light compensation point [43.069 μmol/（m^2·s）] and higher light saturation point [697.684 μmol/（m^2·s）].Weiwang showed the lowest CO2 compensation point（68.264 μmol/mol） and the highest carboxylic efficiency [0.072 μmol/（m^2·s）]. [Conclusion] Konglongdan showed the highest light utilization efficiency and photosynthetic potential, and it had the strongest utilization ability for weak light. The utilization ability of Weiwang for lowconcentration CO2 was strongest, followed by those of Fengwei Huanghou and Konglongdan.

Growth and ecophysiology of seedlings of Podocarpus falcatus in plantations of exotic species and in a natural montane forest in Ethiopia

The potential role of exotic tree plantations in facilitating successional processes on degraded areas was evaluated in southern Ethiopia by comparing seedling characteristics, transpiration and photosynthetic performance of Podocarpus falcatus seedlings in Eucalyptus plantation, Pinus plantation, adjacent natural forest and clear-felled plantation site. P. falcatus seedlings exhibited differences in architecture between Eucalyptus and Pinus plantations. They had higher leaf area, shorter internode length and greater number of lateral branches in Eucalyptus plantation. At similar vapor pressure deficit （VPD）, P. falcatus transpired much less than E. saligna, especially at higher VPDs. Analysis of fluorescence parameters in the leaves showed no significant differences in the level of dark-adapted and light-adapted fluorescence yield （Fv/Fm and ΔF/Fm′, respectively）, electron transport rate （ETR） and nonphotochemical quenching （NPQ） among seedlings grown inside plantations and adjacent natural forest, indicating similar photosynthetic performance. Nevertheless, there was evidence of photoinhibition in P. falcatus in the clear-felled site which had low fluorescence yield but high values of NPQ as protection from photoamage. The light response curves of ETR, NPQ and ΔF/Fm′ showed similar light saturation behavior among the seedlings grown inside plantations and natural forest and suggested a sequence of light-adapted to shade-adapted behavior in Natural forest 〉 Eucalyptus plantation 〉 Pinus plantation. The results show the structural flexibility, better water-use and adaptability of P. falcatus in its use of the understory environment of plantation species.