Search

Background: Alfalfa has small seeds and is intolerant to deep-sowing. We investigated seed emergence of alfalfa variety “Longmu 801” from deep-sowing and its quality improvement through different bio-fertilizer treatments. Methods: Seven fertilization treatments were tested: CK: no fertilization (control), A: amino acid fertilizer, B: amino acid fertilizer + selenium-rich yeast fertilizer diluent, C: amino acid fertilizer + selenium-rich yeast fertilizer dilution + microbial agent, D: amino acid fertilizer + algae extract, E: amino acid fertilizer + microbial agent and F: amino acid fertilizer + selenium-rich yeast fertilizer diluent + microbial agent + algae extract. Result: The bio-fertilizer treatments improved the alfalfa seedling emergence, growth and quality. Treatment E increased the emergence rate, plant height and yield by 10.6%, 41.0% and 68.9%, respectively; decreased the stem-leaf ratio, neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber by 41.7%, 3.7% and 3.17%, respectively and increased crude protein, crude fat and relative feeding value by 2.5%, 0.5% and 8.6%, respectively; compared with that of the control. Soaking alfalfa seeds in 0.2% amino acid fertilizer and applying 13.5 g microbial agent was suggested as the most efficient fertilization technique to promote alfalfa emergence, growth and quality and provide profits to farmers due to its low cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were synthesized using a facile solvothermal method with alginate sodium as both reductant and stabilizer. Formation of AuNPs was confirmed by UV-vis spectroscopic analysis. The synthesized AuNPs showed a localized surface plasmon resonance at approximately 520–560 nm. The AuNPs were characterized using transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and dynamic light scattering. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that the AuNPs were mostly nanometer-sized spherical particles. Powder X-ray diffraction analysis proved the formation of face-centered cubic structure of Au. Catalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol was monitored via spectrophotometry using AuNPs as catalyst, and further a non-enzymatic sensor was fabricated. The results demonstrated that AuNPs presented excellent catalytic activity and provided a sensitive response to H2O2 detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a reversed field pinch device, the conductive shell is placed as close as possible to the plasma so as to balance the plasma during discharge. Plasma instabilities such as the resistive wall mode and certain tearing modes, which restrain the plasma high parameter operation, respond closely with conditions in the wall, in essence the eddy current present. Also, the effect of eddy currents induced by the external coils cannot be ignored when active control is applied to control instabilities. One diagnostic tool, an eddy current probe array, detects the eddy current in the composite shell. Magnetic probes measuring differences between the inner and outer magnetic fields enable estimates of the amplitude and angle of these eddy currents. Along with measurements of currents through the copper bolts connecting the poloidal shield copper shells, we can obtain the eddy currents over the entire shell. Magnetic field and eddy current resolutions approach 2 G and 6 A, respectively. Additionally, the vortex electric field can be obtained by eddy current probes. As the conductivity of the composite shell is high, the eddy current probe array is very sensitive to the electric field and has a resolution of 0.2 mV/cm. In a bench test experiment using a 1/4 vacuum vessel, measurements of the induced eddy currents are compared with simulation results based on a 3D electromagnetic model. The preliminary data of the eddy currents have been detected during discharges in a Keda Torus eXperiment device. The typical value of toroidal and poloidal eddy currents across the magnetic probe coverage rectangular area could reach 3.0 kA and 1.3 kA, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four porous carbon samples denoted as LSC-1, LSC-2, LCS-3, and LSC-4 were prepared by carbonization of loofah sponge pretreated by ZnCl2 activation, immersion in N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF), DMF-assisted solvothermal and melamine-assisted hydrothermal processes, and the specific surface areas were 1007, 799, 773, and 538 m2.g-1 with mainly micropores, respectively. Electrocapacitive properties of four porous carbon-based electrodes were investigated with cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge-discharge, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy in symmetric supercapacitors. All the cyclic voltammetries of four types of supercapacitors showed a rectangular shape, even under a high scan rate of 500 mV.s-1. The capacitances of LSC-1, LSC-2, LSC-3, and LSC-4 were 107.4, 92.5, 60.3, and 82.3 F.g-1 at the current density of 0.1 A.g-1, respectively, and LSC-1 displayed the excellent capacitance retention of about 81.3% with a current density up to 5 A.g-1. All supercapacitors showed excellent electrochemical stability, and the LSC-1-based supercapacitor showed a cycle stability with 92.6% capacitance retention after 5000 cycles at 1 A.g-1. The structure-property relationship of LSC samples is discussed and analyzed on the basis of the experimental data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice is a major crop susceptible to chilling stress. The identification of quantitative trait loci and genes for cold tolerance is crucial for the rice breeding. Of 30 quantitative-trait loci affecting seedling cold tolerance identified in a genome-wide association study of 540 rice accessions, OsbZIP72 was assigned as the causative gene for one, qCTS9.1. A single-nucleotide polymorphism in its promoter accounted for variation in expression between indica and japonica subspecies. The favorable haplotype of OsbZIP72 originated in wild rice and contributed to the expansion of japonica rice to colder habitats. OsbZIP72 positively regulates genes coding reactive oxygen species (ROS)-scavenging proteins and maintains intracellular ROS homeostasis. These findings not only enhanced our understanding of environmental adaptation but also provide novel genetic resources and potential targets for molecular design breeding for cold tolerance in rice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetic relaxation behavior in reversed-field pinch (RFP) experiments on the Madison Symmetric Torus device is modified by oscillating poloidal current drive (OPCD). We observe that OPCD modulates the nonlinear magnetic fluctuation dynamics of the RFP as it modulates the equilibrium and its linear stability properties. In particular, OPCD can entrain the RFP’s nonlinear magnetic relaxation cycle and can therefore modify the frequency of the discrete relaxation events called sawtooth crashes. These crashes, which are intermittent or quasiperiodic in standard RFP plasmas without oscillating voltages, can be entrained by OPCD to become nearly periodic. The entrainment of the RFP sawtooth cycle is investigated by varying OPCD amplitude and frequency, as well as plasma equilibrium magnetic field reversal. Impurity ion (C+4) heating induced and modulated by OPCD is measured by ion Doppler spectrometry and is ascribed to the modulation of magnetic reconnection activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asystem for electromagnetic measurementswas designed and installed on theKeda Torus eXperiment (KTX) reversed field pinch device last year. Although the unique double-C structure of the KTX, which allows the machine to be opened easily without disassembling the poloidal field windings, makes the convenient replacement and modification of the internal inductive coils possible, it can present difficulties in the design of flux coils and magnetic probes at the two vertical gaps. Moreover, the KTX has a composite shell consisting of a 6 mm stainless steel vacuum chamber and a 1.5 mm copper shell, which results in limited space for the installation of saddle sensors. Therefore, the double- C structure and composite shell should be considered, especially during the design and installation of the electromagnetic diagnostic system (EDS). The inner surface of the vacuum vessel includes two types of probes. One type is for the measurement of the global plasma parameters, and the other type is for studying the local behavior of the plasma and operating the new saddle coils. In addition, the probes on the outer surface of the composite shell are used for measurements of eddy currents. Finally, saddle sensors for radial field measurements for feedback control were installed between the conducting shell and the vacuum vessel. The entire system includes approximately 1100 magnetic probes, 14 flux coils, 4 × 26 × 2 saddle sensors, and 16 Rogowski coils. Considering the large number of probes and limited space available in the vacuum vessel, the miniaturization of the probes and optimization of the probe distribution are necessary. In addition, accurate calibration and careful mounting of the probes are also required. The frequency response of the designed magnetic probes is up to 200 kHz, and the resolution is 1 G. The EDS, being spherical and of high precision, is one of the most basic and effective diagnostic tools of the KTX and meets the demands imposed by requirements on basic machine operating information and future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paeonia rockii has been a traditional medicinal material from time immemorial. It is an important plant resource of ethnic medicine and chinese herbal medicine. It has unique effects on heat and cool blood, promoting blood circulation and dispersing blood stasis, analgesia and promoting menstruational flow. It is also a first-class protected plant. With the increasing demand for the bark and roots of P. rockii in China's medicinal market, the continuous high-intensity and disorderly excavation has led to a sharp decline in wild resources. P. rockii is in imminent danger and needs to be saved and protected urgently. In this study, the distribution records of P. rockii in China, combined with environmental factors, are used to simulate the current potential distribution area of P. rockii through MaxEnt model. The environmental factors affecting the distribution of P. rockii are obtained by using the contribution rate of environmental factors and a jackknife test analysis, and the appropriate value of environmental factors is determined by using the response curve. The results show that the AUC value of test set data is 0.985 and that of training set data is 0.987. The prediction accuracy of the Maxent model is extremely high and the simulation effect is very good. At present, the high suitable areas of P. rockii are mainly distributed in the shape of cake in Southern Ningxia, southern Gansu and southern Shanxi, accounting for 15.58% of the total suitable areas. The most important environmental factor affecting the geographical distribution of P. rockii is the altitude; Under the future climate change scenario, the total suitable area of P. rockii shows a decreasing trend, among which the area of high suitable area shows an obvious decreasing trend, the mass center of high suitable area of P. rockii generally tends to migrate to the northwest, and the migration range is large under the scenario of high concentration emission. The research results can provide scientific data support for P. rockii to to cope with the changes in suitable areas caused by climate change and the establishment of effective protection, clarify the change and heterogeneity of P. rockii in different regions of China in the future, and clarify its ecological needs, which has certain practical significance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypertension affects 30% of adults and is the leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Kidney sodium reabsorption plays a vital role in the initial stage and development of essential hypertension. It has been extensively reported that the variants of kidney ion handling genes are associated to blood pressure, and clinical features of hypertension. However, the underlyingmechanisms by which these variants alter protein function are rarely summarized. In addition, the variation of one single gene is often limited to induce a significant effect on blood pressure. In the past few decades, the influence by genes × genes (G × G) and/or genotype × environment (G × E) interactions on a given trait, for example, blood pressure, have been widely considered, especially in studies on polygenic genetic traits. In the present review, we discuss the progress in genetics studies on kidney ion handling genes, encoding Na+ channels (Na+-Cl- cotransporter [NCC], Na-K-2Cl cotransporter [NKCC2], epithelial Na+ channels [ENaCs]), K+ channel (renal outer medullary potassium channel [ROMK]), and Cl- channels (Pendrin, chloride voltage-gated channel Kb [CLC-Kb]), respectively, and their upstream kinases, WNKs and SGK1. We seek to clarify how these genes are involved in kidney sodium absorption and influence blood pressure, especially emphasizing the underlying mechanisms by which genetic variants alter protein functions and interaction in blood pressure regulation. The present review aims to enhance our understanding of the important role of kidney ion handling genes/channels in blood pressure control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poly(glycidylmethacrylate-divinylbenzene) monoliths [poly(GMA-DVB)] were prepared in the presence of a porogen using a high internal phase emulsion (HIPE) template. Tripolyglycerol monostearate was used as a surfactant to effectively inhibit Ostwald ripening and coalescence, and stable HIPE containing GMA was obtained. Epoxy groups of poly(GMA-DVB) were verified by FT-IR and solid-state 13C NMR spectroscopy. The effects of surfactant amount, cross-linking degree, water fraction, and porogen amount on the surface area, average void diameter, range of void diameter, average interconnection diameter, and average pore diameter of poly(GMA-DVB) were investigated. The morphology of poly(GMA-DVB) may be tailored by tuning each of the factors described above according to the requirements of specific applications. Finally, poly(GMA-DVB) were further functionalized by diethylamine via the ring-opening reaction of epoxy groups. The results showed that most epoxy groups of poly(GMA-DVB) could react with diethylamine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice straw is a major kind of biomass that can be utilized as lignocellulosic materials and renewable energy. Rapid prediction of the lignocellulose (cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin) and organic elements (carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, and sulfur) of rice straw would help to decipher its growth mechanisms and thereby improve its sustainable usages. In this study, 364 rice straw samples featuring different rice subspecies (japonica and indica), growing seasons (early-, middle-, and late-season), and growing environments (irrigated and rainfed) were collected, the differences among which were examined by multivariate analysis of variance. Statistic results showed that the cellulose content exhibited significant differences among different growing seasons at a significant level (p <0.01), and the contents of cellulose and nitrogen had significant differences between different growing environments (p<0.01). Near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) models for predicting the lignocellulosic and organic elements were developed based on two algorithms including partial least squares (PLS) and competitive adaptive reweighted sampling-partial least squares (CARS-PLS). Modeling results showed that most CARS-PLS models are of higher accuracy than the PLS models, possibly because the CARS-PLS models selected optimal combinations of wavenumbers, which might have enhanced the signal of chemical bonds and thereby improved the predictive efficiency. As a major contributor to the applications of rice straw, the nitrogen content was predicted precisely by the CARS-PLS model. Generally, the CARS-PLS models efficiently quantified the lignocellulose and organic elements of a wide variety of rice straw. The acceptable accuracy of the models allowed their practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improving the performance of rice (Oryza sativa) under drought stress has the potential to significantly affect rice productivity. Here, we report that the ERF family transcription factor OsLG3 positively regulates drought tolerance in rice. In our previous work, we found that OsLG3 has a positive effect on rice grain length without affecting grain quality. In this study, we found that OsLG3 was more strongly expressed in upland rice than in lowland rice under drought stress conditions. By performing candidate gene association analysis, we found that natural variation in the promoter of OsLG3 is associated with tolerance to osmotic stress in germinating rice seeds. Overexpression of OsLG3 significantly improved the tolerance of rice plants to simulated drought, whereas suppression of OsLG3 resulted in greater susceptibility. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the tolerant allele of OsLG3 may improve drought tolerance in cultivated japonica rice. Introgression lines and complementation transgenic lines containing the elite allele of OsLG3IRAT109 showed increased drought tolerance, demonstrating that natural variation in OsLG3 contributes to drought tolerance in rice. Further investigation suggested that OsLG3 plays a positive role in drought stress tolerance in rice by inducing reactive oxygen species scavenging. Collectively, our findings reveal that natural variation in OsLG3 contributes to rice drought tolerance and that the elite allele of OsLG3 is a promising genetic resource for the development of drought-tolerant rice varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Floral organs in rice (Oryza sativa) can be purple, brown, or red in color due to the accumulation of flavonoids, but the molecular mechanism underlying specific organ pigmentation is not clear. Here, we propose a C-S-A gene model for rice hull pigmentation and characterize it through genetic, molecular, and metabolomic approaches. Furthermore, we conducted phylogenetic studies to reveal the evolution of rice color. In this gene system, C1 encodes a R2R3- MYB transcription factor and acts as a color-producing gene, and S1 encodes a bHLH protein that functions in a tissue-specific manner. C1 interacts with S1 and activates expression of A1, which encodes a dihydroflavonol reductase. As a consequence, the hull is purple where functional A1 participation leads to high accumulation of cyanidin 3-O-glucoside. Loss of function of A1 leads to a brown hull color due to accumulation of flavonoids such as hesperetin 5-O-glucoside, rutin, and delphinidin 3-O-rutinoside. This shows a different evolutionary pathway of rice color in japonica and indica, supporting independent origin of cultivars in each subspecies. Our findings provide a complete perspective on the gene regulation network of rice color formation and supply the theoretical basis for extended application of this beneficial trait. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The measurement of plasma displacement is one of the most basic diagnostic tools in the study of plasma equilibrium and control in a toroidal magnetic confinement configuration. During pulse discharge, the eddy current induced in the vacuum vessel and shell will produce an additional magnetic field at the plasma boundary, which will have a significant impact on the measurement of plasma displacement using magnetic probes. In the newly built Keda Torus eXperiment (KTX) reversed field pinch device, the eddy current in the composite shell can be obtained at a high spatial resolution. This device offers a new way to determine the plasma displacement for KTX through the multipole moment expansion of the eddy current, which can be obtained by unique probe arrays installed on the inner and outer surfaces of the composite shell. In an ideal conductor shell approximation, the method of multipole moment expansion of the poloidal eddy current for measuring the plasma displacement in toroidal coordinates, is more accurate than the previous method based on symmetrical magnetic probes, which yielded results in cylindrical coordinates. Through an analytical analysis of many current filaments and numerical simulations of the current distribution in toroidal coordinates, the scaling relation between the first moment of the eddy current and the center of gravity of the plasma current is obtained. In addition, the origin of the multipole moment expansion of the eddy current in KTX is retrieved simultaneously. Preliminary data on the plasma displacement have been collected using these two methods during short pulse discharges in the KTX device, and the results of the two methods are in reasonable agreement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Most agronomic traits in rice are complex and polygenic. The identification of quantitative trait loci (QTL) for grain length is an important objective of rice genetic research and breeding programs. Results: Herein, we identified 99 QTL for grain length by GWAS based on approximately 10 million single nucleotide polymorphisms from 504 cultivated rice accessions (Oryza sativa L.), 13 of which were validated by four linkage populations and 92 were new loci for grain length. We scanned the Ho (observed heterozygosity per locus) index of coupled-parents of crosses mapping the same QTL, based on linkage and association mapping, and identified two new genes for grain length. We named this approach as Ho-LAMap. A simulation study of six known genes showed that Ho-LAMap could mine genes rapidly across a wide range of experimental variables using deep-sequencing data. We used Ho-LAMap to clone a new gene, OsLG3, as a positive regulator of grain length, which could improve rice yield without influencing grain quality. Sequencing of the promoter region in 283 rice accessions from a wide geographic range identified four haplotypes that seem to be associated with grain length. Further analysis showed that OsLG3 alleles in the indica and japonica evolved independently from distinct ancestors and low nucleotide diversity of OsLG3 in indica indicated artificial selection. Phylogenetic analysis showed that OsLG3 might have much potential value for improvement of grain length in japonica breeding. Conclusions: The results demonstrated that Ho-LAMap is a potential approach for gene discovery and OsLG3 is a promising gene to be utilized in genomic assisted breeding for rice cultivar improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: 2b-RAD (type IIB endonucleases restriction-site associated DNA) approach was invented by Wang in 2012 and proven as a simple and flexible method for genome-wide genotyping. However, there is still plenty of room for improvement for the existent 2b-RAD approach. Firstly, it doesn’t include the samples pooling in library preparation as other reduced representation libraries. Secondly, the information of 2b-RAD tags, such as tags numbers and distributions, in most of species are unknown. The purposes of the research are to improve a new 2b-RAD approach which possesses samples pooling, moreover to figure out the characteristic and application potentiality of 2b-RAD tags by bioinformatics analysis. Results: Twelve adapter1 and an adapter2 were designed. A library approach comprising digestion, ligation, pooling, PCR and size selection were established. For saving costs, we used non-phosphorylated adapters and indexed PCR primers. A F2 population of rice (Oryza sativa .L) was genotyped to validate the new approach. On average, 2000332 high quality reads of each sample were obtained with high evenness. Totally 3598 markers containing 3804 SNPs were discovered and the missing rate was 18.9%. A genetic linkage map of 1385 markers was constructed and 92% of the markers’ orders in the genetic map were in accordance with the orders in chromosomes. Meanwhile, the bioinformatics simulation in 20 species showed that the BsaXI had the most widespread recognition sites, indicating that 2b-RAD tags had a powerful application potentiality for high density genetic map. Using modified adapters with a fix base in 3′end, 2b-RAD was also fit for QTL studies with low costs. Conclusions: An improved 2b-RAD genotyping approach was established in this research and named as I2b-RAD. The method was a simple, fast, cost-effective and multiplex sequencing library approach. It could be adjusted by selecting different enzymes and adapters to fit for alternative uses including chromosomes assembly, QTL fine mapping and even natural population analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To exploit the genetic mechanism of cold tolerance in rice, cold tolerant near-isogenic lines (NILs) were developed by backcrossing Kunmingxiaobaigu (KMXBG), reported to be the most cold-tolerant variety at the booting stage, as donor, with the cold sensitive Japanese commercial japónica variety, Towada. Comparisons of cold tolerance-related traits between five BC6F5 NILs and recurrent parent Towada under cold treatment and normal temperatures at the booting stage showed that the differences between the NILs and Towada were significant only for spikelet fertility-related traits. Analyses of cold tolerance in the NILs at the budding (germination), seedling and booting stages indicated both correlated effects and differences. Lines 1913-4 and 1916-1 showed strong and stable tolerance at all three stages. Whole genome marker screening showed that the proportion of genetic background recovery was more than 98%. Seventeen markers from KMXBG were introgressed in two or more NILs, and cold tolerance genes were possibly present in these marker regions. The NILs should be excellent materials for both rice improvement and map-based cloning of cold tolerance QTLs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China is one of the largest centers of genetic diversity of Oryza sativa L. in the world. Using a genetically representative primary core collection of 3,024 rice landraces in China, we analyzed the genetic structure and intraspecific differentiation of O. sativa, and the directional evolution of SSR. The genetic structure was investigated by model-based structure analysis and construction of neighbor-joining phylogenetic tree. Comparison between genetic structure and predefined populations according to Ting’s taxonomic system revealed a hierarchical genetic structure: two distinct subspecies, each with three ecotypes and different numbers of geo-ecogroups within each ecotype. Two subspecies evidently resulted from adaptation to different environments. The different cropping systems imposed on the subspecies led to further differentiation, but the variation within each subspecies resulted from different causes. Indica, under tropical-like or lowland-like environments, exhibited clear differentiation among seasonal ecotypes, but not among soil-watery ecotypes; and japonica showed clear differences between soil water regime ecotypes, but not among seasonal ecotypes. Chinese cultivated rice took on evident directional evolution in microsatellite allele size at several aspects, such as subspecies and geographical populations. Japonica has smaller allele sizes than indica, and this may partly be the result of their different domestication times. Allele size was also negatively correlated with latitude and altitude, and this may be interpreted by different mutation rates, selection pressures, and population size effects under different environments and cropping systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Root traits are key components of plant adaptation to drought environment. By using a 120 recombined inbred lines (RILs) rice population derived from a cross between IRAT109, a japonica upland rice cultivar and Yuefu, a japonica lowland rice cultivar, a complete genetic linkage map with 201 molecular markers covering 1,833.8 cM was constructed and quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with basal root thickness (BRT) were identified. A major QTL, conferring thicker BRT, located on chromosome 4, designated brt4, explained phenotypic variance of 20.6%, was selected as target QTL to study the effects of marker-assisted selection (MAS) using two early segregating populations derived from crosses between IRAT109 and two lowland rice cultivars. The results showed that the flanking markers of brt4 were genetically stable in populations with different genetic backgrounds. In the two populations under upland conditions, the difference between the means of BRT of plants carrying positive and negative favorable alleles at brt4 flanking markers loci was significant. Phenotypic effects of BRT QTL brt4 were 5.05–8.16%. When selected plants for two generations were planted at Beijing and Hainan locations under upland conditions, MAS effects for BRT QTL brt4 were 4.56–18.56% and 15.46–26.52% respectively. The means of BRT for the homozygous plants were greater than that of heterozygous plants. This major QTL might be useful for rice drought tolerance breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To elucidate the differences in the regulation of water stress tolerance between two genotypes of rice, upland-rice (UR, resistant to water stress) and lowland-rice (LR, susceptible to water stress), we constructed subtracted cDNA libraries from polyethyleneglycol (PEG)-treated and non-treated rice seedlings (IRAT109, an upland-rice variety) by suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH), from which about 2,000 recombinant colonies were picked and amplified. Then, a cDNA microarray containing these expressed sequence tags (ESTs) was used to analyze the gene expression profiles in UR and LR in response to PEG treatment. Microarray data revealed that the majority of genes expressed in UR and LR are almost identical and Student’s t test showed that 13% of all the ESTs detected in leaves and 7% of that in roots expressed differentially in transcripts abundance between the two genotypes. After sequencing, it was found that 64 and 79 unique ESTs expressed at higher levels in UR and LR, respectively. Many of the ESTs that showed higher expression in UR upon PEG treatment represented genes for transcription factors, genes playing roles in detoxification or protection against oxidative stress, and genes that help in maintaining cell turgor. In contrast, some ESTs that showed higher expression in LR were genes functioning in the degradation of cellular components. Based on data from this study and previous reports, we suggest that overexpression of some genes that expressed at higher level in UR may improve water stress tolerance in LR and other plant species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Yunnan Province is one of the largest centers of genetic diversity of Oryza sativa L. in China, and in the world. Using a genetically representative core collection of 692 rice landraces from Yunnan, the genetic structure, differentiation, and geographic diversity of this rice germplasm were analyzed. The accessions were classified into different populations, according to the model-based structure analysis. Model-based populations were characterized through the reconstruction of a neighbor-joining tree, principal coordinate analysis, and the estimation of morphologic and SSR variations. Finally, the distribution of genetic diversity and differentiation among districts were studied. Seven model-based populations were identified on the basis of the structure analysis. This classification was partly consistent with Ting’s 5-level taxonomic system. Differentiation between 2 rice subspecies is the most apparent, with a clearer differentiation between soil-watery ecotypes in japonica than in indica; however, differentiation among seasonal ecotypes in indica is clearer than in japonica. Cropping system and man-made restricted-growth environments could be considered to be the main forces driving the intraspecific differentiation of cultivated rice. It has been suggested that, because it possesses the highest genetic diversity and all the necessary conditions as a center of genetic diversity, the southwest region of Yunnan, encompassing Simao, Lincang, and Xishuangbanna districts, is the center of genetic diversity of Yunnan rice landraces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Keda Torus eXperiment (KTX) is still operated in the commissioning phase, and preparation for the operation capability of the KTX phase II upgrade is underway. The diagnostics in the KTX have been greatly developed: (1) the terahertz interferometer has been upgraded to seven chords for electron density profile inversion; (2) a Thomson scattering system with a 5 Joule laser has been installed and commissioning is in progress; (3) a 3D movable probe system has been developed for the electromagnetic turbulence measurement; (4) double-foil soft x-ray imaging diagnostics have been set up and a bench test has been completed; (5) an edge capacitive probe has been installed for the radial electrical field measurement; (6) a multi-channel spectrograph system has been built for detecting impurities of carbon and oxygen. In addition, the design of a new compact torus injection system has been completed for feeding and momentum driving. Pilot research, such as the 3D reversed field pinch physics and electromagnetic turbulence, etc, have been conducted in the discharge status of the KTX. The 3D spectra characters of electromagnetic turbulence are firstly measured using a classical two-point technique by Langmuir probe arrays set on the 3D movable probe system and edge magnetic sensors. The forward scattering is collected by the interferometer system, which shows the potential for turbulence research. The electromagnetic turbulence is tentatively investigated in the KTX. The formation of a quasi-single-helicity state in the KTX regime is also preliminarily explored in simulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]