Deciphering the fiber quality of Gossypium barbadense L.var.brasiliensis in La Convención,Cusco,Perú

Background The quality of cotton fiber determines its value in the textile market,influencing agricultural profitability and the efficiency of textile processing.The selection of genotypes with superior fibers is a key factor for genetic improvement programs seeking adaptability and sustainability in the face of climate change.This demonstrates the strategic importance of this plant for sustainable agriculture and the global textile industry.The objective of this research was to decipher the fiber quality of Gossypium barbadense var.brasiliensis in the native Amazonian communities of La Convención,Cusco-Perú,and to evaluate other critical aspects of native cotton that have not yet been identified.The methodology included non-probability sampling for accessibility,qualitative and quantitative analyses,and multivariate analyses.The fiber length(mm),micronaire index(maturity/fineness),fiber strength(gf/tex),length uniformity index(%),fiber elongation(%),maturation index(%),and short fiber index(%)were the fiber characteristics evaluated using the HVI method in cotton genotypes.Results Cotton accessions collected from Koribeni(Gossypium spp.)and Shivankoreni(Gossypium barbadense var.brasiliensis)stood out for their fiber quality properties,especially length,strength,and uniformity,which highlights their relevance for advanced textile applications and potential for use in plant genetic improvement programs.Conclusion These findings reinforce the need to conserve and study these native cotton accessions from the Peruvian Amazon region,which can offer promising perspectives for the textile industry and agricultural biodiversity.

Combining ability of Egyptian cotton(Gossypium barbadense L.)reveals genetic potential for improved yield and fiber quality

Background As the most widely cultivated fiber crop,cotton production depends on hybridization to unlock the yield potential of current varieties.A deep understanding of genetic dissection is crucial for the cultivation of enhanced hybrid plants with desired traits,such as high yield and fine fiber quality.In this study,the general combining ability(GCA)and specific combining ability(SCA)of yield and fiber quality of nine cotton parents(six lines and three testers)and eighteen F1 crosses produced using a line×tester mating design were analyzed.Results The results revealed significant effects of genotypes,parents,crosses,and interactions between parents and crosses for most of the studied traits.Moreover,the effects of both additive and non-additive gene actions played a notably significant role in the inheritance of most of the yield and fiber quality attributes.The F1 hybrids of(Giza 90×Aust)×Giza 86,Uzbekistan 1×Giza 97,and Giza 96×Giza 97 demonstrated superior performance due to their favorable integration of high yield attributes and premium fiber quality characteristics.Path analysis revealed that lint yield has the highest positive direct effect on seed cotton yield,while lint percentage showed the highest negative direct effect on seed cotton yield.Principal component analysis identified specific parents and hybrids associated with higher cotton yield,fiber quality,and other agronomic traits.Conclusion This study provides insights into identifying potential single-and three-way cross hybrids with superior cotton yield and fiber quality characteristics,laying a foundation for future research on improving fiber quality in cotton.

Giving Food a Fiber Boost: Adding High Beta-Glucan Ingredient from Barley to Everyday Foods

Lack of dietary fiber contributes to many health issues, particularly chronic vascular diseases. Mixed linkage β-1.3 - 1.4 beta-glucan (beta-glucan, in this paper) is a confirmed beneficial ingredient for the human diet through reduction of cholesterol and the glycemic index. Barley contains the highest beta-glucan content of all the grains, and in this study, a percentage of flour from two high beta glucan lines was, each, added to an array of wheat-based food products to measure how it impacted total dietary fiber. Results showed that beta-glucan content was higher in all the products containing the added high beta-glucan flour, along with increased total dietary fiber content. Protein content in the food products is also increased with the higher protein in the barley flours added. Beta-glucan content in the barley-added products increased to 1.2% - 4.0% versus 0.2% - 0.5% in the pure wheat products, while the dietary fibers increased to 3.5% - 24.4% versus 2.1% - 9.1% in pure wheat product controls. This research provided experimental evidence that using a high beta-glucan barley ingredient in food can increase dietary fiber to benefit health.

“Zero‑Strain” NiNb_(2)O_(6) Fibers for All‑Climate Lithium Storage

Niobates are promising all-climate Li^(+)-storage anode material due to their fast charge transport,large specific capacities,and resistance to electrolyte reaction.However,their moderate unit-cellvolume expansion(generally 5%–10%)during Li^(+)storage causes unsatisfactory long-term cyclability.Here,“zero-strain”NiNb_(2)O_(6) fibers are explored as a new anode material with comprehensively good electrochemical properties.During Li^(+)storage,the expansion of electrochemical inactive NiO_(6) octahedra almost fully offsets the shrinkage of active NbO_(6) octahedra through reversible O movement.Such superior volume-accommodation capability of the NiO_(6) layers guarantees the“zero-strain”behavior of NiNb_(2)O_(6) in a broad temperature range(0.53%//0.51%//0.74%at 25//−10//60℃),leading to the excellent cyclability of the NiNb_(2)O_(6) fibers(92.8%//99.2%//91.1%capacity retention after 1000//2000//1000 cycles at 10C and 25//−10//60℃).This NiNb_(2)O_(6) material further exhibits a large reversible capacity(300//184//318 mAh g−1 at 0.1C and 25//−10//60℃)and outstanding rate performance(10 to 0.5C capacity percentage of 64.3%//50.0%//65.4%at 25//−10//60℃).Therefore,the NiNb_(2)O_(6) fibers are especially suitable for large-capacity,fast-charging,long-life,and all-climate lithium-ion batteries.

Fiber Coupling of Laser Diode Bar to M ultimode Fiber Array

A piece of multimode optical fiber with a low num er ical aperture (NA) is used as an inexpensive microlens to collimate the output r adiation of a laser diode bar in the high numerical aperture (NA) direction.The emissions of the laser diode bar are coupled into multimode fiber array.The radi ation from individual ones of emitter regions is optically coupled into individu al ones of fiber array.Total coupling efficiency and fiber output power are 75% and 15W,respectively.

Effect of dietary fiber and threonine content on intestinal barrier function in pigs challenged with either systemic E.coli lipopolysaccharide or enteric Salmonella Typhimurium

Background:The independent and interactive effects of dietary fiber(DF)and threonine(Thr)were investigated in growing pigs challenged with either systemic E.coli lipopolysaccharide(LPS)or enteric Salmonella Typhimurium(ST)to characterise their effect on intestinal barrier function.Results:In experiment 1,intestinal barrier function was assessed via oral lactulose and mannitol(L:M)gavage and fecal mucin analysis in pigs challenged with E.coli LPS and fed low fiber(LF)or high fiber(HF)diets with graded dietary Thr.Urinary lactulose recovery and L:M ratio increased(P<0.05)during the LPS inoculation period in LF fed pigs but not in HF fed pigs.Fecal mucin output was increased(P<0.05)in pigs fed HF compared to LF fed pigs.In experiment 2,RT-qPCR,ileal morphology,digesta volatile fatty acid(VFA)content,and fecal mucin output were measured in Salmonella Typhimurium challenged pigs,fed LF or HF diets with standard or supplemented dietary Thr.Salmonella inoculation increased(P<0.05)fecal mucin output compared to the unchallenged period.Supplemental Thr increased fecal mucin output in the HF-fed pigs(Fib×Thr;P<0.05).Feeding HF increased(P<0.05)VFA concentration in cecum and colon.No effect of either Thr or fiber on expression of gene markers was observed except a tendency(P=0.06)for increased MUC2 expression with the HF diet.Feeding HF increased goblet cell numbers(P<0.05).Conclusion:Dietary fiber appears to improve barrier function through increased mucin production capacity(i.e.,goblet cell numbers,MUC2 gene expression)and secretion(i.e.,fecal mucin output).The lack of effect of dietary Thr in Salmonella-challenged pigs provides further evidence that mucin secretion in the gut is conserved and,therefore,Thr may be limiting for growth under conditions of increased mucin production.

Bond Behavior between BFRP Bars and Hybrid Fiber Recycled Aggregate Concrete after High Temperature

The aim of this study is to improve the bond performance of basalt fiber reinforced polymer(BFRP)bars and recycled aggregate concrete(RAC)after being exposed to high temperatures.The bond behavior(failure modes,bond strength,bond stress-slip curves)between BFRP bars and hybrid fiber recycled aggregate concrete(HFRAC)after being exposed to temperatures ranging from 20℃up to 500℃was studied by using pull-out tests.The effect of high temperatures on mechanical properties of concrete(compressive strength,splitting tensile strength)and tensile strength of BFRP bars was also investigated.The bond strength decreased as the temperature increased and the drop of bond strength between RAC and BFRP bar was larger than that between HFRAC and BFRP bar.As the temperature rises,the key factor affecting the bond strength was gradually transformed from concrete strength to BFRP bar strength.The relationship between bond stress and slip in the dimensionless bond stress-slip ascending section was established,which was in good agreement with the experimental results.

Preparation and Characterization of M-Type Barium Ferrite Fibers via Aqueous Sol-Gel Process

BaFe12O19 fibers was prepared via an aqueous sol-gel process using Fe（OH）（HCOO）2 synthesized in laboratory and Ba（CH3COO）2 as the original materials and citrate as the chelate. The rheological behaviour of spinnable sol was characterized on rheometer, and the development of gel fibers to barium ferrite fibers was studied by IR, TG and XRD. Morphology observation of the fibers was given on SEM, and the diameter of the obtained fibers was between 5 and 10 um corresponding to different additives. The additives affected the surface tension of the precursor sol which had close relation to the microstructure of fibers. Sucrose and hydroxyethylic cellulose could improve the surface tension while diethanolamine and hexadecylamine reduce that of the decylamine as an additive, well-structured BaFe12O19 precursor sol. And using diethanolamine or hexafibers could be obtained.

Surface Modification of Polyethylene Terephthalate(PET) Fiber by Roll-to-Roll Treatment in Atmospheric Ar/O_2 Dielectric Barrier Discharge(DBD) Plasma

In this work,polyethylene terephthalate(PET) fibers were continuously treated by atmospheric dielectric barrier discharge(DBD) in Ar mixed O2 plasma,and the discharge was characterized by electrical function and optical diagnostics.It is found that the interfacial adhesion strength between treated PET fiber and resorcinol formaldehyde latex(RFL)(little)-rubber was improved(about 50%) by the measurement of interfacial shear strength(IFSS) and peel test.The wettability was improved rapidly in the initial treatment time.It is considered that oxidation chemical reaction as the major role of PET fiber surface modification is ahead of the physical etching effect.The high density of atomic oxygen in the plasma by optical emission spectroscopy supports the purpose.According to the scanning electron micrograph(SEM) image in the work,the longer treatment time obviously caused physical etching effect,which shall be less responsible for the improvement of the wettability.

Characteristics of Coaxial Dielectric Barrier Discharge at an Atmospheric Pressure with a Swirling Gas Argon/Oxygen Mixture for the Surface Modification of Polyester Fiber Cord

Abstract A newly developed coaxial dielectric barrier discharge reactor with a length of 1000 mm at an atmospheric pressure was used for plasma treatment of polyester fiber cord in a roll-to-roll manner. In this reactor, swirling mixture gases of oxygen of about 1% and argon with a flow rate of 1.5 L/rain to 2.7 L/min ensured the gas usage sparing, discharge uniformity and efficient fiber surface modification. The water contact angle and surface morphology of the treated fiber were measured. The results show that the surface oxygenation is mainly responsible for the wettability improvement of the fiber cord when passing through the plasma zone at a linear speed of 3 m/min to 8 m/rain. The specimens of modified-polyester fiber reinforced rubber composite were also prepared for the interracial shear strength tests. Furthermore, the effect of adding oxygen into argon discharge on the fiber surface oxidation was correlated with optical emission spectroscopy. Finally, the effect of adding oxygen into argon discharge on the kinetic processes of the active species generation were also analyzed.

Atmospheric air dielectric barrier discharge excited by nanosecond pulse and AC used for improving the hydrophilicity of aramid fibers

In this paper, a long line-shape dielectric barrier discharge excited by a nanosecond pulse and AC is generated in atmospheric air for the purpose of discussing the uniformity, stability and ability of aramid fiber treatment. The discharge images, waveforms of current and voltage,optical emission spectra, and gas temperatures of both discharges are compared. It is found that nanosecond pulsed discharge has a more uniform discharge morphology, higher energy efficiency and lower gas temperature, which indicates that nanosecond pulsed discharge is more suitable for surface modification. To reduce the water contact angle from 96° to about 60°, the energy cost is only about 1/7 compared with AC discharge. Scanning electron microscopy,Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy are employed to understand the mechanisms of hydrophilicity improvement.

Thermo-hydro-poro-mechanical responses of a reservoir-induced landslide tracked by high-resolution fiber optic sensing nerves

Thermo-poro-mechanical responses along sliding zone/surface have been extensively studied.However,it has not been recognized that the potential contribution of other crucial engineering geological interfaces beyond the slip surface to progressive failure.Here,we aim to investigate the subsurface multiphysics of reservoir landslides under two extreme hydrologic conditions(i.e.wet and dry),particularly within sliding masses.Based on ultra-weak fiber Bragg grating(UWFBG)technology,we employ specialpurpose fiber optic sensing cables that can be implanted into boreholes as“nerves of the Earth”to collect data on soil temperature,water content,pore water pressure,and strain.The Xinpu landslide in the middle reach of the Three Gorges Reservoir Area in China was selected as a case study to establish a paradigm for in situ thermo-hydro-poro-mechanical monitoring.These UWFBG-based sensing cables were vertically buried in a 31 m-deep borehole at the foot of the landslide,with a resolution of 1 m except for the pressure sensor.We reported field measurements covering the period 2021 and 2022 and produced the spatiotemporal profiles throughout the borehole.Results show that wet years are more likely to motivate landslide motions than dry years.The annual thermally active layer of the landslide has a critical depth of roughly 9 m and might move downward in warmer years.The dynamic groundwater table is located at depths of 9e15 m,where the peaked strain undergoes a periodical response of leap and withdrawal to annual hydrometeorological cycles.These interface behaviors may support the interpretation of the contribution of reservoir regulation to slope stability,allowing us to correlate them to local damage events and potential global destabilization.This paper also offers a natural framework for interpreting thermo-hydro-poro-mechanical signatures from creeping reservoir bank slopes,which may form the basis for a landslide monitoring and early warning system.

Strigolactones modulate cotton fiber elongation and secondary cell wall thickening

Cotton is one of the most important economic crops in the world,and it is a major source of fiber in the textile industry.Strigolactones(SLs)are a class of carotenoid-derived plant hormones involved in many processes of plant growth and development,although the functions of SL in fiber development remain largely unknown.Here,we found that the endogenous SLs were significantly higher in fibers at 20 days post-anthesis(DPA).Exogenous SLs significantly increased fiber length and cell wall thickness.Furthermore,we cloned three key SL biosynthetic genes,namely GhD27,GhMAX3,and GhMAX4,which were highly expressed in fibers,and subcellular localization analyses revealed that GhD27,GhMAX3,and GhMAX4 were localized in the chloroplast.The exogenous expression of GhD27,GhMAX3,and GhMAX4 complemented the physiological phenotypes of d27,max3,and max4 mutations in Arabidopsis,respectively.Knockdown of GhD27,GhMAX3,and GhMAX4 in cotton resulted in increased numbers of axillary buds and leaves,reduced fiber length,and significantly reduced fiber thickness.These findings revealed that SLs participate in plant growth,fiber elongation,and secondary cell wall formation in cotton.These results provide new and effective genetic resources for improving cotton fiber yield and plant architecture.

A Review of Multifunctional Nanocomposite Fibers:Design,Preparation and Applications

Nanocomposite fibers are fibrous materials with specific properties and functionalities,which are prepared by introducing nanomaterials or nanostructures in the fibers.Polymeric nanocomposite fibers exhibit multiple functionalities,showing great application potential in healthcare,aerospace,mechanical engineering,and energy storage.Here,six functionalities of polymer nanocomposite fibers are reviewed:mechanical reinforcement,resistance to electromagnetic interference and flame,thermal and electrical conduction,generation of far-infrared ray,negative ion and electricity,energy storage,and sensing.For each functionality,the fiber component selection and preparation methods are summarized.The commonly used polymers comprise natural and synthetic polymers,and typical nanomaterials include carbon-based,polymer-based,metal-based,and metal oxide-based ones.Various compounding strategies and spinning approaches,such as wet-spinning,melt-spinning,and electrospinning,are introduced.Moreover,the functional properties of fibers fabricated from different constituents and by different strategies are compared,providing a reference for performance optimization.Finally,the prospective directions of research and application are discussed,and possible approaches are suggested to facilitate the development of advanced nanocomposite fibers.

High‑Performing Semiconductor Fibers Set a New Stage for Ambient Intelligence

An advance in the integration of high-performing semiconductors into fibers enables innovative fiber devices and fabric systems that sense,communicate and interact,paving the way for unprecedented applications in wearable technology,fabric computation,and ambient intelligence.

Hyphae-mediated bioassembly of carbon fibers derivatives for advanced battery energy storage

Ingenious design and fabrication of advanced carbon-based sulfur cathodes are extremely important to the development of high-energy lithium-sulfur batteries,which hold promise as the next-generation power source.Herein,for the first time,we report a novel versatile hyphae-mediated biological assembly technology to achieve scale production of hyphae carbon fibers(HCFs)derivatives,in which different components including carbon,metal compounds,and semiconductors can be homogeneously assembled with HCFs to form composite networks.The mechanism of biological adsorption assembly is also proposed.As a representative,reduced graphene oxides(rGOs)decorated with hollow carbon spheres(HCSs)successfully co-assemble with HCFs to form HCSs@rGOs/HCFs hosts for sulfur cathodes.In this unique architecture,not only large accommodation space for sulfur but also restrained volume expansion and fast charge transport paths are realized.Meanwhile,multiscale physical barriers plus chemisorption sites are simultaneously established to anchor soluble lithium polysulfides.Accordingly,the designed HCSs@rGOs/HCFs-S cathodes deliver a high capacity(1189 mA h g^(-1)at 0.1 C)and good high-rate capability(686 mA h g^(-1)at 5 C).Our work provides a new approach for the preparation of high-performance carbon-based electrodes for energy storage devices.

Hyperbranched polymer hollow-fiber-composite membranes for pervaporation separation of aromatic/aliphatic hydrocarbon mixtures

The separation of aromatic/aliphatic hydrocarbon mixtures is crucial in the petrochemical industry.Pervaporation is regarded as a promising approach for the separation of aromatic compounds from alkanes. Developing membrane materials with efficient separation performance is still the main task since the membrane should provide chemical stability, high permeation flux, and selectivity. In this study, the hyperbranched polymer(HBP) was deposited on the outer surface of a polyvinylidene fluoride(PVDF)hollow-fiber ultrafiltration membrane by a facile dip-coating method. The dip-coating rate, HBP concentration, and thermal cross-linking temperature were regulated to optimize the membrane structure.The obtained HBP/PVDF hollow-fiber-composite membrane had a good separation performance for aromatic/aliphatic hydrocarbon mixtures. For the 50%/50%(mass) toluene/n-heptane mixture, the permeation flux of optimized composite membranes could reach 1766 g·m^(-2)·h^(-1), with a separation factor of 4.1 at 60℃. Therefore, the HBP/PVDF hollow-fiber-composite membrane has great application prospects in the pervaporation separation of aromatic/aliphatic hydrocarbon mixtures.

Non‑Enzyme,Temperature Calibrating,and Bioactive Fiber‑based Flexible Sensors for Dopamine and Lactic Acid Detection

Flexible electrochemical biosensors enable the in-situ monitoring and quantification of human biochemical constituents in molecular scale,spearheading and thriving the field toward precision medicine.However,specific biorecognition elements for multiplexed biomarkers detection,temperature stability and versatility need to be improved for higher adaption.Here,we propose a bioactive sensor patch comprising a non-enzyme Co_(3)O_(4)/carbon fiber-based biorecognition element and a temperature calibration unit.The optimized serpentine configuration renders the sensor intimate and seamless attachment with skin,operating robustly even subjected to 40%tensile strain.The fiber-based sensor could selectively monitor dopa-mine and lactic acid contents based on cyclic voltammetry and amperometry,respectively.The bioanalytical results at room temperature indicate that the electrochemical biosensor has a wide detection range(0.001–1.100 mM for dopamine and 2–35 mM for lactic acid),excellent selectivity and reproducibility(maximum error 3.2%for dopamine and 5.6%for lactic acid).In addition,temperature calibration contour maps of these two biomarkers are established in an ambient temperature range from 25 to 45℃.The continuously collected data could be aggregated and wirelessly transmitted to portable devices using an electrochemical signal transducer and an acquisition module,promising personalized and preventative health care in various scenarios.

Genetic dissection and origin of pleiotropic loci underlying multilevel fiber quality traits in upland cotton(Gossypium hirsutum L.)

Cotton fiber quality is a persistent concern that determines planting benefits and the quality of finished textile products.However,the limitations of measurement instruments have hindered the accurate evaluation of some important fiber characteristics such as fiber maturity,fineness,and neps,which in turn has impeded the genetic improvement and industrial utilization of cotton fiber.Here,12 single fiber quality traits were measured using Advanced Fiber Information System(AFIS)equipment among 383 accessions of upland cotton(Gossypium hirsutum L.).In addition,eight conventional fiber quality traits were assessed by the High Volume Instrument(HVI)System.Genome-wide association study(GWAS),linkage disequilibrium(LD)block genotyping and functional identification were conducted sequentially to uncover the associated elite loci and candidate genes of fiber quality traits.As a result,the previously reported pleiotropic locus FL_D11 regulating fiber length-related traits was identified in this study.More importantly,three novel pleiotropic loci(FM_A03,FF_A05,and FN_A07)regulating fiber maturity,fineness and neps,respectively,were detected based on AFIS traits.Numerous highly promising candidate genes were screened out by integrating RNA-seq and qRT-PCR analyses,including the reported GhKRP6 for fiber length,the newly identified GhMAP8 for maturity and GhDFR for fineness.The origin and evolutionary analysis of pleiotropic loci indicated that the selection pressure on FL_D11,FM_A03 and FF_A05 increased as the breeding period approached the present and the origins of FM_A03 and FF_A05 were traced back to cotton landraces.These findings reveal the genetic basis underlying fiber quality and provide insight into the genetic improvement and textile utilization of fiber in G.hirsutum.

Genome-wide identification of the pectate lyase(PEL)gene family members in Malvaceae,and their contribution to cotton fiber quality

Pectin is a major constituent of the plant cell wall.Pectate lyase(PEL,EC 4.2.2.2)uses anti-β-elimination chemistry to cleave theα-1,4 glycosidic linkage in the homogalacturonan region of pectin.However,limited information is available on the comprehensive and evolutionary analysis of PELs in the Malvaceae.In this study,we identified 597PEL genes from 10 Malvaceae species.Phylogenetic and motif analyses revealed that these PELs are classified into six subfamilies:Clades I,II,III,IV,Va,and Vb.The two largest subfamilies,Clades I and II,contained 237 and222 PEL members,respectively.The members of Clades Va and Vb only contained four or five motifs,far fewer than the other subfamilies.Gene duplication analysis showed that segmental duplication played a crucial role in the expansion of the PEL gene family in Gossypium species.The PELs from Clades I,IV,Va,and Vb were expressed during the fiber elongation stage,but nearly all PEL genes from Clades II and III showed no expression in any of the investigated fiber developmental stages.We further performed single-gene haplotype association analysis in 2,001G.hirsutum accessions and 229 G.barbadense accessions.Interestingly,14 PELs were significantly associated with fiber length and strength traits in G.barbadense with superior fiber quality,while only eight GhPEL genes were found to be significantly associated with fiber quality traits in G.hirsutum.Our findings provide important information for further evolutionary and functional research on the PEL gene family members and their potential use for fiber quality improvement in cotton.