Millisecond dynamics of colloidal suspension studied by X-ray photon correlation spectroscopy at the Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility

X-ray photon correlation spectroscopy(XPCS)has emerged as a powerful tool for probing the nanoscale dynamics of soft condensed matter and strongly correlated materials owing to its high spatial resolution and penetration capabilities.This technique requires high brilliance and beam coherence,which are not directly available at modern synchrotron beamlines in China.To facilitate future XPCS experiments,we modified the optical setup of the newly commissioned BL10U1 USAXS beamline at the Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility(SSRF).Subsequently,we performed XPCS measurements on silica suspensions in glycerol,which were opaque owing to their high concentrations.Images were collected using a high frame rate area detector.A comprehensive analysis was performed,yielding correlation functions and several key dynamic parameters.All the results were consistent with the theory of Brownian motion and demonstrated the feasibility of XPCS at SSRF.Finally,by carefully optimizing the setup and analyzing the algorithms,we achieved a time resolution of 2 ms,which enabled the characterization of millisecond dynamics in opaque systems.

Latest developments in EUV photoresist evaluation capability at Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility

Evaluating the comprehensive characteristics of extreme ultraviolet(EUV)photoresists is crucial for their application in EUV lithography,a key process in modern technology.This paper highlights the capabilities of the Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility(SSRF)08U1B beamline in advancing this field.Specifically,it demonstrates how this beamline can create fringe patterns with a 15-nm half-pitch on a resist using synchrotron-based EUV lithography.This achievement is vital for evaluating EUV photoresists at the advanced 5-nm node.We provide a detailed introduction to the methods and experimental setup used at the SSRF 08U1B beamline to assess an EUV photoresist.A significant part of this research involved the fabrication of high-resolution hydrogen silsesquioxane mask gratings.These gratings,with an aspect ratio of approximately 3,were created using electron beam lithography on an innovative mask framework.This framework was crucial in eliminating the impact of zeroth-order light on interference patterns.The proposed framework propose offers a new approach to mask fabrication,particularly beneficial for achromatic Talbot lithography and multicoherent-beam interference applications.

The protein complex crystallography beamline(BL19U1)at the Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility

The protein complex crystallographic beamline BL19U1 at the Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility is one of the five beamlines dedicated to protein sciences operated by National Facility for Protein Science(Shanghai,China).The beamline,which features a small-gap invacuum undulator,has been officially open to users since March 2015.This beamline delivers X-ray in the energy range 7–15 keV.With its high flux,low divergence beam and a large active area detector,BL19U1 is designed for proteins with large molecular weight and large crystallographic unit cell dimensions.Good performance and stable operation of the beamline have allowed the number of Protein Data Bank(PDB)depositions and the number of articles published based on data collected at this beamline to increase steadily.To date,over 300 research groups have collected data at the beamline.More than 600 PDB entries have been deposited at the PDB(www.pdb.org).More than 300 papers have been published that include data collected at the beamline,including 21 research articles published in the top-level journals Cell,Nature,and Science.

Picosecond time-resolved X-ray ferromagnetic resonance measurements at Shanghai synchrotron radiation facility

An experimental picosecond time-resolved X-ray ferromagnetic resonance(TR-XFMR)apparatus with a time resolution of 13 ps(RMS)or 31 ps(FWHM)was constructed and demonstrated in the 07U and 08U1A soft X-ray beamlines at the Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility(SSRF)using pump-probe detection and X-ray magnetic circular dichroism(XMCD)spectroscopy.Element and time-resolved ferromagnetic resonance was excited by continuous microwave phase-locking of the bunch clock within the photon beam during synchrotron radiation and was characterized by detecting the magnetic circular dichroism signals of the elements of interest in the magnetic films.Using this equipment,we measured the amplitude of the element-specific moment precession during ferromagnetic resonance(FMR)at 2 GHz in a single Ni81Fe19layer.

Beam position monitor troubleshooting by using principal component analysis in Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility

Beam position monitors(BPMs)have been widely used in all kinds of measurement systems,feedback systems and other areas in particle accelerator field these days.The malfunction of a single BPM can cause serious consequences such as the failure of the orbit feedback and the transverse feedback.A troubleshooting has been made to prevent the defective BPMs from affecting the accuracy and stability of the storage ring in Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility(SSRF).Different types of malfunctions have been successfully identified by using the idea of principal component analysis(PCA).

Towards the peak: The 10-year journey of the National Research Facility for Phenotypic and Genetic Analysis of Model Animals(Primate Facility) and a call for international collaboration in non-human primate research

Some 10 years ago, in early 2012, we started discussing the establishment of the National Research Facility for Phenotypic and Genetic Analysis of Model Animals(Primate Facility).Even though the Primate Facility is still under construction, the rapid passing of a decade is a good excuse to look back and reflect for a moment.

Voluntary wheel running ameliorated the deleterious effects of high-fat diet on glucose metabolism,gut microbiota and microbial-associated metabolites

Exercise training is critical for the early prevention and treatment of obesity and diabetes mellitus.However,the mechanism with gut microbiota and fecal metabolites underlying the effects of voluntary wheel running on high-fat diet induced abnormal glucose metabolism has not been fully elaborated.C57BL/6 male mice were randomly assigned to 4 groups according to diets(fed with normal chow diet or high-fat diet)and running paradigm(housed in static cage or with voluntary running wheel).An integrative 16S rDNA sequencing and metabolites profiling was synchronously performed to characterize the effects of voluntary wheel running on gut microbiota and metabolites.It showed that voluntary wheel running prevented the detrimental effects of high-fat feeding on glucose metabolism 16S rDNA sequencing showed remarkable changes in Rikenella and Marvinbryantia genera.Metabolic profiling indicated multiple altered metabolites,which were enriched in secondary bile acid biosynthesis signaling.In conclusion,our study indicated that voluntary wheel running significantly improved glucose metabolism and counteracted the deleterious effects of high-fat feeding on body weight and glucose intolerance.We further found that voluntary wheel running could integratively program gut microbiota composition and fecal metabolites changes,and may regulate muricholic acid metabolism and secondary bile acid biosynthesis in high-fat fed mice.

Infrared microspectroscopy beamline BL06B at SSRF

The infrared microspectroscopy beamline(BL06B) is a phase Ⅱ beamline project at the Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility(SSRF). The construction and optical alignment of BL06B were completed by the end of 2020. By 2021, it became accessible to users. The synchrotron radiation infrared(SRIR) source included edge radiation(ER) and bending magnet radiation(BMR). The extracted angles in the horizontal and vertical directions were 40 and 20 mrad, respectively. The photon flux, spectral resolution, and focused spot size were measured at the BL06B endstation, and the experimental results were consistent with theoretical calculations. SRIR light has a small divergence angle, high brightness, and a wide wavelength range. As a source of IR microscopy, it can easily focus on a diffraction-limited spatial resolution with a high signal-to-noise ratio(SNR). The BL06B endstation can be applied in a wide range of research fields, including materials, chemistry, biology, geophysics, and pharmacology.

Physics of porous materials under extreme laser-generated conditions

Porous materials offer unique possibilities for the production of plasmas with controlled density profiles for experiments on laser–matter interaction.They are of growing relevance to many applications,such as inertial confinement fusion,fundamental research,and secondary sources.Understanding the processes of transformation of a porous solid into a plasma is of fundamental interest and is needed for producing materials with desired properties.

Cu/TiO_(2) Photocatalysts for CO_(2) Reduction: Structure and Evolution of the Cocatalyst Active Form

Extensive work on a Cu-modified TiO_(2) photocatalyst for CO_(2) reduction under visible light irradiation was conducted. The structure of the copper cocatalyst was established using UV-vis diff use refl ectance spectroscopy, high-resolution transmis- sion electron microscopy, X-ray absorption spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. It was found that copper exists in different states (Cu 0 , Cu^(+) , and Cu^(2+) ), the content of which depends on the TiO_(2) calcination temperature and copper loading. The optimum composition of the cocatalyst has a photocatalyst based on TiO_(2) calcined at 700℃ and modified with 5 wt% copper, the activity of which is 22 μmol/(h·g cat ) (409 nm). Analysis of the photocatalysts after the photocatalytic reaction disclosed that the copper metal on the surface of the calcined TiO_(2) was gradually converted into Cu_(2) O during the photocatalytic reaction. Meanwhile, the metallic copper on the surface of the noncalcined TiO_(2) did not undergo any trans- formation during the reaction.

Intensity correlation properties of x-ray beams split with Laue diffraction

Beam splitting is one of the main approaches to achieving x-ray ghost imaging, and the intensity correlation between diffraction beam and transmission beam will directly affect the imaging quality. In this paper, we investigate the intensity correlation between the split x-ray beams by Laue diffraction of stress-free crystal. The analysis based on the dynamical theory of x-ray diffraction indicates that the spatial resolution of diffraction image and transmission image are reduced due to the position shift of the exit beam. In the experimental setup, a stress-free crystal with a thickness of hundredmicrometers-level is used for beam splitting. The crystal is in a non-dispersive configuration equipped with a double-crystal monochromator to ensure that the dimension of the diffraction beam and transmission beam are consistent. A correlation coefficient of 0.92 is achieved experimentally and the high signal-to-noise ratio of the x-ray ghost imaging is anticipated.Results of this paper demonstrate that the developed beam splitter of Laue crystal has the potential in the efficient data acquisition of x-ray ghost imaging.

Obituary:Prof.Yun Zhang(1963-2023)-A scientist focused on toxins and their underlying mechanisms to decipher human diseases

Prof.Yun Zhang was born on 9 July 1963 in Kunming,Yunnan,China,during a tumultuous period which he often referenced.Throughout his life,he harbored a steadfast belief in using knowledge to unravel the mysteries of human diseases.His educational journey was marked by frequent changes in schools due to his parents’occupational relocations.However,despite these challenges,he consistently displayed diligence and was admitted to the East China University of Science and Technology,Shanghai,after completing high school in 1980.He remained an active and loyal member of the School of Biotechnology at the university.

The ABA synthesis enzyme allele OsNCED2^(T)promotes dryland adaptation in upland rice

Upland rice shows dryland adaptation in the form of a deeper and denser root system and greater drought resistance than its counterpart,irrigated rice.Our previous study revealed a difference in the frequency of the OsNCED2 gene between upland and irrigated populations.A nonsynonymous mutation(C to T,from irrigated to upland rice)may have led to functional variation fixed by artificial selection,but the exact biological function in dryland adaptation is unclear.In this study,transgenic and association analysis indicated that the domesticated fixed mutation caused functional variation in OsNCED2,increasing ABA levels,root development,and drought tolerance in upland rice under dryland conditions.OsNCED2-overexpressing rice showed increased reactive oxygen species-scavenging abilities and transcription levels of many genes functioning in stress response and development that may regulate root development and drought tolerance.OsNCED2^(T)-NILs showed a denser root system and drought resistance,promoting the yield of rice under dryland conditions.OsNCED2^(T)may confer dryland adaptation in upland rice and may find use in breeding dryland-adapted,water-saving rice.

Genome-wide association study of seedling nitrogen-use efficiency-associated traits in common wheat(Triticum aestivum L.)

Nitrogen(N)fertilizer application is essential for crop-plant growth and development.Identifying genetic loci associated with N-use efficiency(NUE)could increase wheat yields and reduce environmental pollution caused by overfertilization.We subjected a panel of 389 wheat accessions to N and chlorate(a nitrate analog)treatments to identify quantitative trait loci(QTL)controlling NUE-associated traits at the wheat seedling stage.Genotyping the panel with a 660K single-nucleotide polymorphism(SNP)array,we identified 397 SNPs associated with N-sensitivity index and chlorate inhibition rate.These SNPs were merged into 49 QTL,of which eight were multi-environment stable QTL and 27 were located near previously reported QTL.A set of 135 candidate genes near the 49 QTL included TaBOX(F-box family protein)and TaERF(ethylene-responsive transcription factor).A Tabox mutant was more sensitive to low-N stress than the wild-type plant.We developed two functional markers for Hap 1,the favorable allele of TaBOX.

Natural variation of GmFNSII-2 contributes to drought resistance by modulating enzyme activity in soybean

As an essential crop that provides vegetable oil and protein,soybean(Glycine max(L.)Merr.)is widely planted all over the world.However,the scarcity of water resources worldwide has seriously impacted on the quality and yield of soybean.To address this,exploring excellent genes for improving drought resistance in soybean is crucial.In this study,we identified natural variations of GmFNSII-2(flavone synthase II)significantly affect the drought resistance of soybeans.Through sequence analysis of GmFNSII-2 in 632 cultivated and 44 wild soybeans nine haplotypes were identified.The full-length allele GmFNSII-2^(C),but not the truncated allele GmFNSII-2^(A) possessing a nonsense nucleotide variation,increased enzyme activity.Further research found that GmDREB3,known to increase soybean drought resistance,bound to the promoter region of GmFNSII-2^(C).GmDREB3 positively regulated the expression of GmFNSII-2^(C),increased flavone synthase abundance and improved the drought resistance.Furthermore,a singlebase mutation in the GmFNSII-2^(C) promoter generated an additional drought response element(CCCCT),which had stronger interaction strength with GmDREB3 and increased its transcriptional activity under drought conditions.The frequency of drought-resistant soybean varieties with Hap 1(Pro:GmFNSII-2^(C))has increased,suggesting that this haplotype may be selected during soybean breeding.In summary,GmFNSII-2^(C) could be used for molecular breeding of drought-tolerant soybean.

New roles of research data infrastructure in research paradigm evolution

Research data infrastructures form the cornerstone in both cyber and physical spaces,driving the progression of the data-intensive scientific research paradigm.This opinion paper presents an overview of global research data infrastructure,drawing insights from national roadmaps and strategic documents related to research data infrastructure.It emphasizes the pivotal role of research data infrastructures by delineating four new missions aimed at positioning them at the core of the current scientific research and communication ecosystem.The four new missions of research data infrastructures are:(1)as a pioneer,to transcend the disciplinary border and address complex,cutting-edge scientific and social challenges with problem-and data-oriented insights;(2)as an architect,to establish a digital,intelligent,flexible research and knowledge services environment;(3)as a platform,to foster the high-end academic communication;(4)as a coordinator,to balance scientific openness with ethics needs.

Time-resolved ultra-small-angle X-ray scattering beamline(BL10U1)at SSRF

The construction of a new beamline,BL10U1,was completed at the Shanghai synchrotron radiation facility in 2020.This multipurpose beamline was designed to provide X-ray scattering techniques such as ultra-small-angle X-ray scattering(USAXS),small-angle X-ray scattering(SAXS),wide-angle X-ray scattering,and microfocus SAXS(μSAXS)for a broad user community.To realize fast time-resolved USAXS experiments,the beamline adopted an in-vacuum undulator with a total length of 1.6 m as the photon source.An in-house cryogenic-cooled double multilayer monochromator was installed to deliver a photon flux of approximately 10^(13) photons/s at a photon energy of 10 keV.The three-year successful operation of this beamline demonstrated that the monochromator operated smoothly,as expected.BL10U1 has three end stations in succession:USAXS end station,μSAXS end station,and end station for industrial applications.The minimum scattering vector q~0.0042 nm^(-1) at 10 keV can be achieved at the USAXS end station equipped with a 28 m-long and 1.8 m-diameter vacuum flight tube.At theμSAXS end station,a beam spot of less than 10×8μm was achieved for micro-SAXS experiments.In contrast,in situ experimental instruments up to 5 m high and 8 m wide can be mounted at the industrial application end station,which offers industrial scientists the opportunity to use their large industrial equipment.BL10U1 opens up a new capability to investigate phenomena such as non-equilibrium and dynamic processes of materials with a wide length scale from angstroms to micrometers with millisecond time resolution.In this paper,we also report beamline design considerations and commissioning results.

High responsivity photodetectors based on graphene/WSe_(2) heterostructure by photogating effect

Graphene, with its zero-bandgap electronic structure, is a highly promising ultra-broadband light absorbing material.However, the performance of graphene-based photodetectors is limited by weak absorption efficiency and rapid recombination of photoexcited carriers, leading to poor photodetection performance. Here, inspired by the photogating effect, we demonstrated a highly sensitive photodetector based on graphene/WSe_(2) vertical heterostructure where the WSe_(2) layer acts as both the light absorption layer and the localized grating layer. The graphene conductive channel is induced to produce more carriers by capacitive coupling. Due to the strong light absorption and high external quantum efficiency of multilayer WSe_(2), as well as the high carrier mobility of graphene, a high photocurrent is generated in the vertical heterostructure. As a result, the photodetector exhibits ultra-high responsivity of 3.85×10~4A/W and external quantum efficiency of 1.3 × 10~7%.This finding demonstrates that photogating structures can effectively enhance the sensitivity of graphene-based photodetectors and may have great potential applications in future optoelectronic devices.

A telomere-to-telomere genome assembly of Zhonghuang 13,a widely-grown soybean variety from the original center of Glycine max

Soybean(Glycine max)stands as a globally significant agricultural crop,and the comprehensive assembly of its genome is of paramount importance for unraveling its biological characteristics and evolutionary history.Nevertheless,previous soybean genome assemblies have harbored gaps and incompleteness,which have constrained in-depth investigations into soybean.Here,we present Telomere-to-Telomere(T2T)assembly of the Chinese soybean cultivar Zhonghuang 13(ZH13)genome,termed ZH13-T2T,utilizing PacBio Hifi and ONT ultralong reads.We employed a multi-assembler approach,integrating Hifiasm,NextDenovo,and Canu,to minimize biases and enhance assembly accuracy.The assembly spans 1,015,024,879 bp,effectively resolving all 393 gaps that previously plagued the reference genome.Our annotation efforts identified 50,564 high-confidence protein-coding genes,707 of which are novel.ZH13-T2T revealed longer chromosomes,421 not-aligned regions(NARs),112 structure variations(SVs),and a substantial expansion of repetitive element compared to earlier assemblies.Specifically,we identified 25.67 Mb of tandem repeats,an enrichment of 5S and 48S rDNAs,and characterized their genotypic diversity.In summary,we deliver the first complete Chinese soybean cultivar T2T genome.The comprehensive annotation,along with precise centromere and telomere characterization,as well as insights into structural variations,further enhance our understanding of soybean genetics and evolution.