Highly sensitive ratiometric fluorescent fiber matrices for oxygen sensing with micrometer spatial resolution

Oxygen(O_(2))-sensing matrices are promising tools for the live monitoring of extracellular O_(2) consumption levels in long-term cell cultures.In this study,ratiometric O_(2)-sensing membranes were prepared by electrospinning,an easy,low-cost,scalable,and robust method for fabricating nanofibers.Poly(ε-caprolactone)and poly(dimethyl)siloxane polymers were blended with tris(4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline)ruthenium(II)dichloride,which was used as the O_(2)-sensing probe,and rhodamine B isothiocyanate,which was used as the reference dye.The functionalized scaffolds were morphologically characterized by scanning electron microscopy,and their physicochemical profiles were obtained by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy,thermogravimetric analysis,and water contact angle measurement.The sensing capabilities were investigated by confocal laser scanning microscopy,performing photobleaching,reversibility,and calibration curve studies toward different dissolved O_(2)(DO)concentrations.Electrospun sensing nanofibers showed a high response to changes in DO concentrations in the physiological-pathological range from 0.5%to 20%and good stability under ratiometric imaging.In addition,the sensing systems were highly biocompatible for cell growth promoting adhesiveness and growth of three cancer cell lines,namely metastatic melanoma cell line SK-MEL2,breast cancer cell line MCF-7,and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cell line Panc-1,thus recreating a suitable biological environment in vitro.These O_(2)-sensing biomaterials can potentially measure alterations in cell metabolism caused by changes in ambient O_(2)content during drug testing/validation and tissue regeneration processes.

Characterization of a 4.1 Mb inversion harboring the stripe rust resistance gene YR86 on wheat chromosome 2AL

Wheat cultivar Zhongmai 895 was earlier found to carry YR86 in an 11.6 Mb recombination-suppressed region on chromosome 2AL when crossed with Yangmai 16.To fine-map the YR86 locus,we developed two large F2 populations from crosses Emai 580/Zhongmai 895 and Avocet S/Zhongmai 895.Remarkably,both populations exhibited suppressed recombination in the same 2AL region.Collinearity analysis across Chinese Spring,Aikang 58,and 10+wheat genomes revealed a 4.1 Mb chromosomal inversion spanning 708.5-712.6 Mb in the Chinese Spring reference genome.Molecular markers were developed in the breakpoint and were used to assess a wheat cultivar panel,revealing that Chinese Spring,Zhongmai 895,and Jimai 22 shared a common sequence named InvCS,whereas Aikang 58,Yangmai 16,Emai 580,and Avocet S shared the sequence named InvAK58.The inverted configuration explained the suppressed recombination observed in all three bi-parental populations.Normal recombination was observed in a Jimai 22/Zhongmai 895 F2 population,facilitating mapping of YR86 to a genetic interval of 0.15 cM corresponding to 710.27-712.56 Mb falling within the inverted region.Thirty-three high-confidence genes were annotated in the interval using the Chinese Spring reference genome,with six identified as potential candidates for YR86 based on genome and transcriptome analyses.These results will accelerate map-based cloning of YR86 and its deployment in wheat breeding.

The wheat sucrose synthase gene TaSus1 is a determinant of grain number per spike

Some haplotypes of the sucrose synthase gene TaSus1 are associated with thousand-grain weight(TGW)in wheat(Triticum aestivum L.).However,no mutations have been identified within the gene to test this association.The effects of TaSus1 on grain number per spike(GNS)also are largely unknown.Our previous genome-wide association study identified TaSus-A1 as a candidate gene controlling fertile spikelet number per spike(FSN).In the present study,we generated two independent mutants for the three TaSus1 homoeologs by CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing.The triple mutants displayed lower FSN,GNS,grain number per spikelet(GNST),and TGW than wild-type plants.In 306 hexaploid wheat accessions,two single-nucleotide polymorphisms in TaSus-A1 contributed differently to GNS.Introgression of the two alleles into a wheat genetic background confirmed their effects.The alleles differed in geographical distribution among the accessions.

A glycine-rich nuclear effector VdCE51 of Verticillium dahliae suppresses plant immune responses by inhibiting the accumulation of GhTRXH2

Verticillium dahliae is an important soil-borne fungal pathogen that causes great yield losses in many cash crops.Effectors of this fungus are known to regulate plant immunity but the mechanism much remains unclear.A glycine-rich nuclear effector,VdCE51,was able to suppress immune responses in tobacco against Botrytis cinerea and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum.This effector was a required factor for full virulence of V.dahliae,and its nuclear localization was a requisite for suppressing plant immunity.The thioredoxin GhTRXH2,identified as a positive regulator of plant immunity,was a host target of VdCE51.Our findings show a virulence regulating mechanism whereby the secreted nuclear effector VdCE51 interferes with the transcription of PR genes,and the SA signaling pathway by inhibiting the accumulation of GhTRXH2,thus suppressing plant immunity.

‘Prediabetes’ as a practical distinctive window for workable fruitful wonders: Prevention and progression alert as advanced professionalism

Diabetes is a devastating public health problem.Prediabetes is an intermediate stage in the disease processes leading to diabetes,including types 1 and 2 diabetes.In the article“Prediabetes in children and adolescents:An updated review,”the authors presented current evidence.We simplify and systematically clearly present the evidence and rationale for a conceptual framework we term the‘3ASs’:(1)Awareness Sensible;(2)Algorithm Simple;and(3)Appealing Strategies.Policy makers and the public need to be alerted.The prevalence of prediabetes should send alarm bells ringing for parents,individuals,clinicians,and policy makers.Prediabetes is defined by the following criteria:impaired fasting glucose(100-125 mg/dL);impaired glucose tolerance(2 h postprandial glucose 140-199 mg/dL);or hemoglobin A1c values of 5.7%–6.4%.Any of the above positive test alerts for intervention.Clinical guidelines do not recommend prioritizing one test over the others for evaluation.Decisions should be made on the strengths and shortfalls of each test.Patient preferences and test accessibility should be taken into consideration.An algorithm based on age,physiological stage,health status,and risk factors is provided.Primordial prevention targeting populations aims to eliminate risk factors through public education and encouraging practices through environmental modifications.Access to healthy foods is provided.Primary prevention is for individuals with a prediabetes diagnosis and involves a structured program to reduce body weight and increase physical activity along with a healthy diet.An overall methodical move to a healthy lifestyle for lifelong health is urgently needed.Early energetic prediabetes action is necessary.

Characteristics of Extreme Rainfall Events over Uganda during September to November Rainfall Season

Understanding the characteristics of extreme rainfall is crucial for effective flood management planning, as it enables the incorporation of insights from past extreme rainfall patterns and their spatiotemporal distribution. This work investigated the changes in the frequency and pattern of extreme rainfall over Uganda, using daily datasets sourced from Climate Hazard Group InfraRed Precipitation with Station (CHIRPS-v2) for the period 1981 to 2022. The study utilized the extreme weather Indices provided by the Expert Team on Climate Change Detection and Indices (ETCCDI). Attention was directed towards September to November (SON) rainfall season with precise analysis of four indices (Rx1day, Rx5day, R95p, and R99p). The Sequential Mann-Kendall (SQMK) non-parametric test was applied to identify abrupt changes in SON extreme rainfall trends. Results showed that October consistently recorded the highest count of extreme rainfall days across all four indices. The long-term analysis revealed fluctuations in extreme rainfall events across years, with certain periods exhibiting heightened intensity. The analysis portrayed a shift in the decadal variations and region-specific distribution of extreme rainfall, with Eastern Uganda and areas around Lake Victoria standing out compared to other regions. The findings further revealed an increase in extreme rainfall for all indices in the recent decade (2011-2022) with 2019/2020 standing out as the extreme years of SON for the study period. While trendlines suggested a slight increase in intense daily rainfall events, the SQMK tests revealed statistical significance in the trend of prolonged periods of intense daily rainfall. This study contributes to the understanding of the spatiotemporal variability and trends of extreme rainfall events over Uganda during the SON season, which is crucial for the assessment of climate change impacts and adaptation strategies. It provides valuable information for seasonal extreme rainfall forecasting, development of early warning systems, flood risk management, and disaster preparedness plans.

Overview of priorities,threats,and challenges to biodiversity conservation in the southern Philippines

Human activities have severely impacted on many species and ecosystems.Thus,understanding the local biodiversity situation is crucial for implementing effective biodiversity conservation interventions.Mindanao in the southern Philippines is home to various unique species,particularly in its pristine ecosystems.However,the available biodiversity data for many terrestrial vertebrates and key areas remain incomplete.To address this issue,we synthesized published literature related to biodiversity from 2000 to 2022 in Mindanao.Moreover,this analysis used four key terrestrial vertebrates(amphibians,reptiles,birds,and mammals)in Mindanao as research objects.According to our findings,there was a significant and positive correlation between the number of biodiversity studies and species recorded.In terms of species richness,birds were the most recorded group(n=334 spp.),followed by reptiles(n=108 spp.),mammals(n=70 spp.),and amphibians(n=52 spp.).We also found that the number of endemic and threatened species varies geographically and across taxonomic groups.Yet,we discovered a significant disparity in the information available on biodiversity in different provinces of Mindanao.For example,the western provinces of Mindanao have had no record of biodiversity for more than two decades.Furthermore,we found that the changes in tree cover loss were consistent with biodiversity records,but this correlation is only significant for birds.Finally,we highlighted some critical threats and challenges to biodiversity,including deforestation,agricultural expansion,mining,and their impact on biodiversity conservation in Mindanao.Our findings suggested that biodiversity conservation should focus not only on areas with high levels of biodiversity but also on areas lacking biodiversity information.To do this,we call for strengthening collaboration among various institutions and digitizing and centralizing of information related to biodiversity.By gaining a deeper understanding of biodiversity in Mindanao,we can better and sustainably protect critical ecosystems in this region from the increasing threats posed by human activities.

QTL mapping for pre-harvest sprouting in a recombinant inbred line population of elite wheat varieties Zhongmai 578 and Jimai 22

Pre-harvest sprouting(PHS)is one of the serious global issues in wheat production.Identification of quantitative trait loci(QTL)and closely-linked markers is greatly helpful for wheat improvement.In the present study,a recombinant inbred line(RIL)population derived from the cross of Zhongmai 578(ZM578)/Jimai 22(JM22)and parents were phenotyped in five environments and genotyped by the wheat 50 K single-nucleotide polymorphism(SNP)array.Two QTL of germination index(GI),QGI.caas-3A and QGI.caas-5A,were detected,explaining 4.33%–5.58%and 4.43%–8.02%of the phenotypic variances,respectively.The resistant effect of QGI.caas-3A was contributed by JM22,whereas that of QGI.caas.5A was from ZM578.The two QTL did not correspond to any previously identified genes or genetic loci for PHSrelated traits according to their locations in the Chinese Spring reference genome,indicating that they are likely to be new loci for PHS resistance.Four kompetitive allele-specific PCR(KASP)markers K_AX-109605367and K_AX-179559687 flanking QGI.caas-3A,and K_AX-111258240 and K_AX-109402944flanking QGI.caas-5A,were developed and validated in a natural population of 100 wheat cultivars.The distribution frequency of resistance alleles at Qphs.caas-3A and Qphs.caas-5A loci were 82.7%and57.1%,respectively,in the natural population.These findings provide new QTL and tightly linked KASP markers for improvement of PHS resistance in wheat.

Identification of genetic loci for grain yield-related traits in the wheat population Zhongmai 578/Jimai 22

The identification of stable quantitative trait locus(QTL)for yield-related traits and tightly linked molecular markers is important for improving wheat grain yield.In the present study,six yield-related traits in a recombinant inbred line(RIL)population derived from the Zhongmai 578/Jimai 22 cross were phenotyped in five environments.The parents and 262 RILs were genotyped using the wheat 50K single nucleotide polymorphism(SNP)array.A high-density genetic map was constructed with 1501 non-redundant bin markers,spanning 2384.95 cM.Fifty-three QTLs for six yield-related traits were mapped on chromosomes 1D(2),2A(9),2B(6),2D,3A(2),3B(2),4A(5),4D,5B(8),5D(2),7A(7),7B(3)and 7D(5),which explained 2.7-25.5%of the phenotypic variances.Among the 53 QTLs,23 were detected in at least three environments,including seven for thousand-kernel weight(TKW),four for kernel length(KL),four for kernel width(KW),three for average grain filling rate(GFR),one for kernel number per spike(KNS)and four for plant height(PH).The stable QTLs QKl.caas-2A.1,QKl.caas-7D,QKw.caas-7D,QGfr.caas-2B.1,QGfr.caas-4A,QGfr.caas-7A and QPh.caas-2A.1 are likely to be new loci.Six QTL-rich regions on 2A,2B,4A,5B,7A and 7D,showed pleiotropic effects on various yield traits.TaSus2-2B and WAPO-A1 are potential candidate genes for the pleiotropic regions on 2B and 7A,respectively.The pleiotropic QTL on 7D for TKW,KL,KW and PH was verified in a natural population.The results of this study enrich our knowledge of the genetic basis underlying yield-related traits and provide molecular markers for high-yield wheat breeding.

Yield, Growth and Vegetative Development Parameters Response of Dry Beans to Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers and Biofertilizer

As part of the promotion of common bean cultivation, fertilization methods will have to be proposed to growers. The aim of this study is therefore to develop a technical itinerary for dry bean fertilization. To this end, different types of chemical and organic fertilizers were evaluated on three dry bean varieties (HARI25/GHA19, HARI35/GHA19 and HARI36/GUI21). Seven (7) doses of chemical and organic fertilizers were used, including two controls (D0 with no fertilizer and D1, the reference dose using NPK base and cover fertilizers in the form of urea). The fertilization trial was set up as a Split-Plot design, with variety as the primary factor and dose as the secondary factor. The experiment was repeated three (3) times. The results showed that vegetative development parameters and fruit set rate varied according to the variety studied. For yield and its components, the treatments had a significant effect. Indeed, the response of varieties to fertilizers was specific. For each variety used, the optimum yield was obtained with a different treatment, thus highlighting the genotype effect of the dry bean varieties studied. Among the treatments tested, D4 (5 t organic fertilizer/ha) performed best in all three varieties, generating yield increases of 20%, 46% and 91% respectively.

Isolation and Authentication of Local Rhizobia Nodulating Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in Different Agro-Ecological Zones of Côte d’Ivoire

Legumes such as common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) have been introduced into cropping systems for sustainable soil management. Consequently, the loss of fertility of the latter remains a major constraint to bean production because this legume is rarely fertilized, yet it is considered to be a poor nitrogen fixer in the absence of inoculation. To overcome this, this study was undertaken with the objective of seeking efficient local rhizobia in order to propose a bean inoculum formulation. To do this, soil samples taken from twelve localities in the Centre, North and West areas of C?te d’Ivoire were used to trap bean nodulating rhizobia. The ROBA1 bean accession used was sown in pots containing the sampled soils. Seedlings were uprooted at the start of flowering and nodulation was assessed. The isolates obtained were purified and then characterized phenotypically. The infectivity and symbiotic efficacy of these isolates were determined in vitro by the authentication test in which the purified isolates were reinoculated to their original host plant. A total of 24 rhizobium isolates were obtained from the soils of six localities. During morphological characterization, the isolates showed typical characteristics of Rhizobium. With the exception of RPC501, RPC505 and RPC522, all isolates were authenticated and able to nodulate the host plant in controlled culture. Isolates RPC502, RPC507, and RPC508 were effective and significantly increased (P < 0.05) nodule number and weight, height, and plant biomass. This study has, therefore, revealed the presence of effective local rhizobia in Ivorian soils and capable of nodulating common beans. A genetic characterization of efficient rhizobia identified after experimentation in different environmental conditions should be considered before being recommended as bean rhizobia inoculant.

TRICON的防喘振控制系统在合成气压缩机中的应用

离心压缩机是工业生产中的关键设备,喘振是其本身的一个特点,防喘振控制是保护离心压缩机的重要措施。本文介绍了TRICON控制系统在大唐呼伦贝尔化肥有限公司合成气压缩机中的防喘振应用,对控制原理和防喘振控制的方案进行了说明。

Sonographic markers for early diagnosis of fetal malformations

Fetal malformations are very frequent in industrialized countries.Although advanced maternal age may affect pregnancy outcome adversely,80%-90%of fetal malformations occur in the absence of a specific risk factor for parents.The only effective approach for prenatal screening is currently represented by an ultrasound scan.However,ultrasound methods present two important limitations:the substantial absence of quantitative parameters and the dependence on the sonographer experience.In recent years,together with the improvement in transducer technology,quantitative and objective sonographic markers highly predictive of fetal malformations have been developed.These markers can be detected at early gestation(11-14 wk)and generally are not pathological in themselves but have an increased incidence in abnormal fetuses.Thus,prenatal ultrasonography during the second trimester of gestation provides a"genetic sonogram",including,for instance,nuchal translucency,short humeral length,echogenic bowel,echogenic intracardiac focus and choroid plexus cyst,that is used to identify morphological features of fetal Down’s syndrome with a potential sensitivity of more than 90%.Other specific and sensitive markers can be seen in the case of cardiac defects and skeletal anomalies.In the future,sonographic markers could limit even more the use of invasive and dangerous techniques of prenatal diagnosis(amniocentesis,etc.).

Breeding wheat for resistance to Fusarium head blight in the Global North: China, USA, and Canada

The objective of this paper is to review progress made in wheat breeding for Fusarium head blight(FHB) resistance in China, the United States of America(USA), and Canada. In China,numerous Chinese landraces possessing high levels of FHB resistance were grown before the 1950 s. Later, pyramiding multiple sources of FHB resistance from introduced germplasm such as Mentana and Funo and locally adapted cultivars played a key role in combining satisfactory FHB resistance and high yield potential in commercial cultivars.Sumai 3, a Chinese spring wheat cultivar, became a major source of FHB resistance in the USA and Canada, and contributed to the release of more than 20 modern cultivars used for wheat production, including the leading hard spring wheat cultivars Alsen, Glenn, Barlow and SY Ingmar from North Dakota, Faller and Prosper from Minnesota, and AAC Brandon from Canada. Brazilian wheat cultivar Frontana, T. dicoccoides and other local germplasm provided additional sources of resistance. The FHB resistant cultivars mostly relied on stepwise accumulation of favorable alleles of both genes for FHB resistance and high yield,with marker-assisted selection being a valuable complement to phenotypic selection. With the Chinese Spring reference genome decoded and resistance gene Fhb1 now cloned, new genomic tools such as genomic selection and gene editing will be available to breeders, thus opening new possibilities for development of FHB resistant cultivars.

基于ROBCAD的涂装生产线的仿真与研究

涂装是汽车生产中的主要环节,汽车涂装生产线的主要工作就是利用喷涂机器人的协调配合完成对白车身的喷涂工作。文中首先根据某一工业现场的实际生产情况计算出其工作节拍,后借助ROBCAD这一仿真软件搭建出符合一般工业现场的仿真模型,利用SOP这一功能对搭建的模型进行可视化仿真得到工作节拍,得出机器人喷涂节奏能满足涂装生产线实际生产要求,由此验证了这一方案的可行性,有效地节约了实际生产时间和成本。

Sex steroids and glucose metabolism

Testosterone levels are lower in men with metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes mellitus （T2DM） and also predict the onset of these adverse metabolic states. Body composition （body mass index, waist circumference） is an important mediator of this relationship. Sex hormone binding globulin is also inversely associated with insulin resistance and T2DM but the data regarding estrogen are inconsistent. Clinical models of androgen deficiency including Klinefelter＇s syndrome and androgen deprivation therapy in the treatment of advanced prostate cancer confirm the association between androgens and glucose status. Experimental manipulation of the insulin/ glucose milieu and suppression of endogenous testicular function suggests the relationship between androgens and insulin sensitivity is bidirectional. Androgen therapy in men without diabetes is not able to differentiate the effect on insulin resistance from that on fat mass, in particular visceral adiposity. Similarly, several small clinical studies have examined the efficacy of exogenous testosterone in men with T2DM, however, the role of androgens, independent of body composition, in modifying insulin resistance is uncertain.

Advanced Anode Materials of Potassium Ion Batteries:from Zero Dimension to Three Dimensions

Potassium ion batteries(PIBs)with the prominent advantages of sufficient reserves and economical cost are attractive candidates of new rechargeable batteries for large-grid electrochemical energy storage systems(EESs).However,there are still some obstacles like large size of K+to commercial PIBs applications.Therefore,rational structural design based on appropriate materials is essential to obtain practical PIBs anode with K+accommodated and fast diffused.Nanostructural design has been considered as one of the effective strategies to solve these issues owing to unique physicochemical properties.Accordingly,quite a few recent anode materials with different dimensions in PIBs have been reported,mainly involving in carbon materials,metal-based chalcogenides(MCs),metal-based oxides(MOs),and alloying materials.Among these anodes,nanostructural carbon materials with shorter ionic transfer path are beneficial for decreasing the resistances of transportation.Besides,MCs,MOs,and alloying materials with nanostructures can effectively alleviate their stress changes.Herein,these materials are classified into 0D,1D,2D,and 3D.Particularly,the relationship between different dimensional structures and the corresponding electrochemical performances has been outlined.Meanwhile,some strategies are proposed to deal with the current disadvantages.Hope that the readers are enlightened from this review to carry out further experiments better.

Diagnostic techniques for photonic materials based on Raman and Brillouin spectroscopies

The elastic and vibrational properties of a material, bulk or planar waveguide, are studied by BriUouin and Raman spectroscopy to follow the process of nanocrystals growth in glass-ceramics. The nanoparticles cause the appearance, in the low frequency Raman spectrum, of characteristic peaks, whose position depends on the size of the crystals. At the same time, sharp crystal peaks, due to optical phonons, appear in the Raman spectra, allowing the determination of the nucleated phase, and a frequency shift of the BriUouin peaks is observed.

Development of Magnesium-Dominant Soils Under Irrigated Agriculture in Southern Kazakhstan

Irrational irrigation practices in the Arys Turkestan Canal command area in the southern part of Kazakhstan have led to the formation of soils with poor physical and chemical properties. To study whether irrigation and leaching practices and/or groundwater rise have contributed to the accumulation of Mg2+ on the cation exchange complex of these soils, historical changes in soil and groundwater quality were used as source data and the Visual MINTEQ model was applied to analyze the chemical composition of water and soils in the study area. The imposed irrigation regime and the leaching of light sierosem soils led to the dissolution and subsequent leaching of inherent gypsum and organic matter from the soil profile. Further, the domination of bicarbonate in the irrigation water promoted weathering of the carbonate minerals present as calcite. The higher concentrations of Mg2+ in comparison to Ca2+ in the irrigation water resulted in the replacement of Na+ by Mg2+ on the cation exchange complex. In the lower part of the command area, shallow groundwater has contributed to the accumulation of Na+ and to a large extent of Mg2+ on the cation exchange sites.

Genome-wide association mapping of vitamins B1 and B2 in common wheat

Vitamin B is essential for maintaining normal life activities in humans and animals who have to intake the microelement from the outside, especially from cereal products. In the present study 166 Chinese and foreign wheat cultivars planted in two environments were characterized for variation in vitamin B1 and B2 contents. A genome-wide association study(GWAS) using the wheat 90 K SNP assay identified 17 loci for vitamin B1 and 7 for vitamin B2 contents. Linear regression analysis showed a significantly positive correlation of the number of favorable alleles with vitamin B1 and B2 contents. Marker-trait associations(MTAs) at IWB43809(6AS, 0cM) and IWB69903(6AS, 13cM) were new and stable, and significantly associated with vitamin B1 content across two environments. The loci identified in this study and associated SNP markers could be used for improvement of vitamin B1 and B2 contents to obtain superior quality along with grain yield in wheat.