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Contemporary developments in material duplication promise product alternatives that are physically and sensorially indistinguishable from incumbent offerings. When fully realized, such duplicate offerings should obsolete the incumbents as a consequence of wider availability and lower monetary and social costs. Disruption will be impeded, however, if consumers favor incumbent products on the basis of non-material qualities. The authors show that the influence of such qualities depends on both the product category and characteristics of the consumer. In particular, when a creator is central to the product and when the consumer is inclined toward extraordinary beliefs, the influence of origin looms especially large. By contrasting origin and substance, the present research exposes dualistic thinking in consumers' product evaluations, enriches prior research on authenticity and extraordinary beliefs, and contributes to the stubborn problem of technology adoption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In contrast to extensive research examining intrinsic motivation in educational and professional settings, the present research investigates the origin, and the development, of the intrinsic motivation to participate in a novel leisure activity. One survey and three experiments show that the enjoyment of a novel leisure activity, and the desire to reengage in the activity, are a function of the alignment between the goal associated with participation and a person's implicit theory about the skills needed to participate. A mastery goal promotes the development of intrinsic motivation when two conditions are met: (1) people believe their skills are malleable, and (2) first-time participation in the activity results in perceptions of improved mastery. A performance goal promotes the development of intrinsic motivation when two conditions are met: (1) people believe their skills are fixed, and (2) first-time participation in the activity results in perceptions of successful performance. The motivational benefits aligning participation goals and implicit theories are reversed when the execution of a first-time leisure activity is exceedingly difficult. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deep learning is a new learning concept and a highly effective way of learning, which is still being explored in the field of nursing education. This paper analyses the effectiveness of interventions in perioperative gynaecological care using humanised care in the operating theatre and the impact of this model of care on patients' psychological well-being and sleep quality. A deep learning-based vision robot was designed to provide higher quality of care for our human care and simplify our approach to gynaecological surgery. The anxiety and depression scores of the two groups were significantly improved after and before care, and the scores of the observation group were lower than those of the control group, with a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05). The humanised care for gynaecological surgery patients in the perioperative period is more conducive to the improvement of their negative emotions and at the same time can improve the sleep quality of patients, so it can be further promoted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This is a retrospective comparative study. We aimed to analyze the results of karyotype and chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) of amniotic fluid across different gestational weeks and evaluate the clinical value in prenatal diagnosis, particularly in the late pregnancies.Samples from 580 pregnant women of 18–23 weeks of gestation (mid-gestation group) and 196 pregnant women of 24–32 weeks of gestation (late group) were performed both standard G-band karyotype analysis and CMA.Among the 580 pregnant women in the routine group, the most common indications were positive Down’s screening (213/580, 36.7%), followed by advanced maternal age (196/580, 33.8%); while fetal structural anomalies on ultrasonography were the top reason for amniocentesis in the late group (56/196, 28.6%). In the routine group, the total detection rate was 12.1% (70/580), of which 4.1% (24/580) were identified by karyotype analysis and 11.2% (65/580) by CMA. The total detection rate was 15.3% (30/196) in the late group, of which 5.1% (10/196) were detected by karyotype analysis, and 14.3% (28/196) by CMA.Karyotype analysis and CMA are complementary in detecting chromosomal abnormalities. Amniotic cavity puncture in the karyotype analysis in 18–23 weeks of gestation and 24–32 weeks of gestation is safe and effective, more obvious effect on the latter.Methods: This is a retrospective comparative study. We aimed to analyze the results of karyotype and chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) of amniotic fluid across different gestational weeks and evaluate the clinical value in prenatal diagnosis, particularly in the late pregnancies.Samples from 580 pregnant women of 18–23 weeks of gestation (mid-gestation group) and 196 pregnant women of 24–32 weeks of gestation (late group) were performed both standard G-band karyotype analysis and CMA.Among the 580 pregnant women in the routine group, the most common indications were positive Down’s screening (213/580, 36.7%), followed by advanced maternal age (196/580, 33.8%); while fetal structural anomalies on ultrasonography were the top reason for amniocentesis in the late group (56/196, 28.6%). In the routine group, the total detection rate was 12.1% (70/580), of which 4.1% (24/580) were identified by karyotype analysis and 11.2% (65/580) by CMA. The total detection rate was 15.3% (30/196) in the late group, of which 5.1% (10/196) were detected by karyotype analysis, and 14.3% (28/196) by CMA.Karyotype analysis and CMA are complementary in detecting chromosomal abnormalities. Amniotic cavity puncture in the karyotype analysis in 18–23 weeks of gestation and 24–32 weeks of gestation is safe and effective, more obvious effect on the latter.Results: This is a retrospective comparative study. We aimed to analyze the results of karyotype and chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) of amniotic fluid across different gestational weeks and evaluate the clinical value in prenatal diagnosis, particularly in the late pregnancies.Samples from 580 pregnant women of 18–23 weeks of gestation (mid-gestation group) and 196 pregnant women of 24–32 weeks of gestation (late group) were performed both standard G-band karyotype analysis and CMA.Among the 580 pregnant women in the routine group, the most common indications were positive Down’s screening (213/580, 36.7%), followed by advanced maternal age (196/580, 33.8%); while fetal structural anomalies on ultrasonography were the top reason for amniocentesis in the late group (56/196, 28.6%). In the routine group, the total detection rate was 12.1% (70/580), of which 4.1% (24/580) were identified by karyotype analysis and 11.2% (65/580) by CMA. The total detection rate was 15.3% (30/196) in the late group, of which 5.1% (10/196) were detected by karyotype analysis, and 14.3% (28/196) by CMA.Karyotype analysis and CMA are complementary in detecting chromosomal abnormalities. Amniotic cavity puncture in the karyotype analysis in 18–23 weeks of gestation and 24–32 weeks of gestation is safe and effective, more obvious effect on the latter.Conclusion: This is a retrospective comparative study. We aimed to analyze the results of karyotype and chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) of amniotic fluid across different gestational weeks and evaluate the clinical value in prenatal diagnosis, particularly in the late pregnancies.Samples from 580 pregnant women of 18–23 weeks of gestation (mid-gestation group) and 196 pregnant women of 24–32 weeks of gestation (late group) were performed both standard G-band karyotype analysis and CMA.Among the 580 pregnant women in the routine group, the most common indications were positive Down’s screening (213/580, 36.7%), followed by advanced maternal age (196/580, 33.8%); while fetal structural anomalies on ultrasonography were the top reason for amniocentesis in the late group (56/196, 28.6%). In the routine group, the total detection rate was 12.1% (70/580), of which 4.1% (24/580) were identified by karyotype analysis and 11.2% (65/580) by CMA. The total detection rate was 15.3% (30/196) in the late group, of which 5.1% (10/196) were detected by karyotype analysis, and 14.3% (28/196) by CMA.Karyotype analysis and CMA are complementary in detecting chromosomal abnormalities. Amniotic cavity puncture in the karyotype analysis in 18–23 weeks of gestation and 24–32 weeks of gestation is safe and effective, more obvious effect on the latter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are three views of cognitive representation: the amodal, strong-embodiment, and weak-embodiment views of cognition. The present research provides support for the weak-embodiment view by demonstrating that two representational systems, one conceptual and one perceptual, underlie the cognitive processing of sensory experiences. We find that an initial sensory experience can exert two independent influences on judgments about a subsequent sensory experience. Specifically, we show that the conceptual representation of an initial sensory experience creates an expectation that biases judgments of the subsequent experience toward the initial experience (i.e., an assimilation bias), while the perceptual representation of an initial sensory experience creates a comparison standard that biases judgments of the subsequent experience away from the initial experience (i.e., a contrast bias). Documenting concurrent assimilation and contrast biases supports the claim of a dual representational system espoused by the weak-embodiment view. In so doing, we update the classic literature on context effects and contribute to the debate on representational systems in cognition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nitrogen vacancy graphitic carbon nitride sphere (NVCNS) synthesized by H 2 plasma treatment has showed remarkable enhancement in photocatalytic H 2 O 2 production. The enhancement is attributed to the introduction of N defect state, which is beneficial to adsorption O 2 due to the accumulation of electrons on nitrogen vacancies (NV). The NV creates abundant unsaturated sites and induces strong interlayer interactions, leading to effective electronic excitation and promotion of charge transport. [Display omitted] Graphitic carbon nitride (CN) is a promising photocatalyst for sustainable energy conversion. Meanwhile, N vacancies are useful for H 2 O 2 generation; however, they are hard to control. In this study, the N vacancy CN sphere (NVCNS) is synthesized by H 2 plasma treatment to tune the NV. The as-synthesized NVCNS exhibits an efficient and stable photocatalytic H 2 O 2 yield of 4413.1 μmol g cat −1h−1, which is 2.5 and 4.6 times higher than that of CNS (1766.4 μmol g cat −1h−1) and bulk CN (956.6 μmol g cat −1h−1), respectively, using a Xe lamp with an intensity of 100 mWcm−2. In particular, the charges recombination rate is remarkably reduced by introducing N defect state, promoting electron accumulation and O 2 adsorption, through theoretical calculation and experiments. Furthermore, the NV creates abundant unsaturated sites and induces strong interlayer interactions, leading to effective electronic excitation and the promotion of charge transport. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lesion mimic mutants resembling the hypersensitive response without pathogen attack are an ideal material to understand programmed cell death, the defence response, and the cross‐talk between defence response and development in plants. In this study, mic, a lesion mimic mutant from cultivar Yunyin treated with ethyl methanesulphonate (EMS), was screened. By map‐based cloning, a short‐chain alcohol dehydrogenase/reductase with an atypical active site HxxxK was isolated and designated as SDR7‐6. It functions as a homomultimer in rice and is localized at the endoplasmic reticulum. The lesion mimic phenotype of the mutant is light‐dependent. The mutant displayed an increased resistance response to bacterial blight, but reduced resistance to rice blast disease. The mutant and knockout lines showed increased reactive oxygen species, jasmonic acid content, antioxidant enzyme activity, and expression of pathogenicity‐related genes, while chlorophyll content was significantly reduced. The knockout lines showed significant reduction in grain size, seed setting rate, 1000‐grain weight, grain weight per plant, panicle length, and plant height. SDR7‐6 is a new lesion mimic gene that encodes a short‐chain alcohol dehydrogenase with atypical catalytic site. Disruption of SDR7‐6 led to cell death and had adverse effects on multiple agricultural characters. SDR7‐6 may act at the interface of the two defence pathways of bacterial blight and rice blast disease in rice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synergistic effect of sodium and oxygen expands π-conjugated aromatic rings and distortion of the heptazine skeleton, enhancing the intrinsic π→π* electron transition and the effective n→π* electron transition. [Display omitted] • A sodium and oxygen co-doped g-C 3 N 4 (NaOCN) is prepared by facile microwave synthesis, in which Na as a charge transport channel promotes the separation efficiency of photogenerated carriers. • The as-prepared NaOCN exhibits the NIR absorption extended to 1400 nm and the apparent quantum yield (AQY) can keep 26.9% at 420 nm and still maintain 7.2 % at 600 nm, which shows strong NIR response range. • The intrinsic π → π* electron transition and active the n → π* electron transition generated by the synergistic effect of Na and O atoms are the main factor to promote the NIR response of NaOCN. Efficient utilization of near-infrared light (NIR) is critical to optimize the performance of photocatalysts. Herein, an ultrafast process is employed to co-condensation of melamine and NaCl by microwave-assist heating. The fabricated sodium and oxygen co-doped g-C 3 N 4 (NaOCN) shows extended π-conjugated aromatic rings and distortion of the heptazine skeleton, which can enhance the intrinsic π → π* electron transition and active the n → π* electron transition. The robust n → π* excitation of NaOCN leads to a narrowed bandgap of 2.73 eV with the NIR absorption extending to 1400 nm. The apparent quantum yield (AQY) for NaOCN can still keep 7.2 % at 600 nm. This work provides a promising way for the application of NIR-based carbon nitride in photocatalytic H 2 O 2 production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amorphous carbon nitride (ACN) is a promising semiconductor photocatalyst for photocatalytic H 2 O 2 production. However, its actual activity is hindered by a high recombination rate of photoexcited charge carriers. Herein we report a K-doped ACN (K-ACN) photocatalyst synthesized via Ar plasma treatment to the modified melamine and KCl powder mixture at a moderate temperature. The as-synthesized K-ACN exhibits significantly enhanced photocatalytic properties for H 2 O 2 production with a yield of 6.21 mM h−1, which is 6 times higher than that of bulk CN. Moreover, the H 2 O 2 yield can be further increased to 13.95 mM h−1 by adjusting the pH value. The significantly enhanced photocatalytic property is mainly attributed to the introduction of K+, which is conducive to tuning the electronic structure, extending π conjugated system, passivating trap states and enhancing photocatalytic activity. The result has provided a facile and effective strategy for the modification of ACN to significantly boost its photocatalytic activity. [Display omitted] • K-ACN photocatalyst was synthesized via Ar plasma treatment to the modified melamine and KCl powder mixture. • The as-synthesized K-ACN exhibits 6-fold photocatalytic H 2 O 2 production relative to pristine carbon nitride. • The passivated trap states were observed in K-ACN and result in faster transport of light-induced active electrons. • K doping is conducive to tuning the electronic structure and enhanceing photocatalytic activity of ACN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peroxiredoxins (Prxs) which are thiol-based peroxidases have been implicated in the toxic reduction and intracellular concentration regulation of hydrogen peroxide. In Arabidopsis thaliana At2-CysPrxB (At5g06290) has been demonstrated to be essential in maintaining the water-water cycle for proper H 2 O 2 scavenging. Although the mechanisms of 2-Cys Prxs have been extensively studied in Arabidopsis thaliana , the function of 2-Cys Prxs in rice is unclear. In this study, a rice homologue gene of At2-CysPrxB , OsPRX2 was investigated aiming to characterize the effect of 2-Cys Prxs on the K + -deficiency tolerance in rice. We found that OsPRX2 was localized in the chloroplast. Overexpressed OsPRX2 causes the stomatal closing and K + -deficiency tolerance increasing, while knockout of OsPRX2 lead to serious defects in leaves phenotype and the stomatal opening under the K + -deficiency tolerance. Detection of K + accumulation, antioxidant activity of transgenic plants under the starvation of potassium, further confirmed that OsPRX2 is a potential target for engineering plants with improved potassium deficiency tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The practical application of graphitic carbon nitride (g-C 3 N 4 , CN) is restricted by its low photocatalytic activity and difficult recycling. Herein, we report a CN/Mn 2 O 3 p-n heterojunction grown by a plasma-assisted liquid-based method using a special precursor complex of melamine-cyanuric acid supramolecular on fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) substrate. The as-grown CN/Mn 2 O 3 /FTO p-n heterojunction exhibits a significantly enhanced photoelectrochemical performance with a photocurrent density of 25 μA/cm2 compared with its powder form (0.9 μA/cm2) formed by common drop coating method，and a tunable valence band (VB) with excellent mechanical strength which is benefit for photocatalytic oxidation reaction and recovery. The formation of CN/Mn 2 O 3 /FTO p-n heterojunction can promote the transfer of photoelectrons due to an internal electric field at the interface of p-n junction, leading to the accumulation of electrons and holes in the VB of CN and conduction band (CB) of Mn 2 O 3. The results have shed a light on promoting the practical application of CN, and the developed plasma-assisted liquid-based growth method can be extended to the preparation of other type of functional heterojunctions. [Display omitted] • ACN/Mn 2 O 3 p-n heterojunction was grown by a plasma-assisted liquid-based method using melamine-cyanuric acid supramolecular as precursor. • The as-grown CN/Mn 2 O 3 /FTO p-n heterojunction exhibits a significantly enhanced PEC performance and a tunable VB. • The internal electric field at the interface of p-n heterojunction can promote the transfer of photoelectrons and lead to the accumulation of electrons and holes in the VB of CN and CB of Mn 2 O 3. • The developed plasma-assisted liquid-based growth method can be extended to the preparation of other type of functional heterojunctions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electronic, optical, magnetic, and catalytic properties of noble metal nanoparticles (NPs) strongly depend on their size. The size control of the noble metal NPs is one of the significant issues in the field of nanotechnology. We demonstrate both theoretically and experimentally that gold NPs can be separated by density gradient centrifugation (DGC) according to their size. By analyzing the force balance in a centrifuge with a horizontal rotor, a model was developed that relates the sedimentation shift to the centrifugation time and can be used to predict the effect of separation by the shift of particles within a specific period of time. The influences of centrifugation time and centrifugal force on the separation effect of DGC were evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a uniform complex dual micelle bearing a gadolinium-substituted polyoxometalate core, a hydrophobic middle, and a biocompatible organic shell, which exhibits a uniform size and definite molecular weight and chemical composition, is constructed through a simple two-step process for use as a fluorescence and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent. A paramagnetic polyoxometalate cluster, K13[Gd(β2-SiW11O39)2], is first encapsulated with a cationic 3-generation dendron ( D-3) bearing triethylene glycol monomethyl ether terminal groups through ionic substitution. The formed electrostatic complex, ( D-3)13[Gd(β2-SiW11O39)2] ( D-GdSiW), which displays an ambivalent micellar structure, is then demonstrated to act as a suitable carrier for the uptake of cationic fluorescent dyes, forming a loaded complex. The dye-loaded complex D-GdSiW-D is thus proven to display high relaxivity as a contrast agent, maintaining its structural stability under physiological conditions with low cell cytotoxicity. Confocal laser scanning microscopic observation also demonstrates the fluorescence imaging property of the prepared complex upon consumption by MCF-7 cells. Both in vivo fluorescence imaging and MRI further confirm that the complex micelle with dual micellar structure may be a suitable liver-specific contrast agent for clinical diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To make advances in rice molecular design breeding, it is important to understand the genetic background and phenotypes of the parental lines, to known superior allele of the breeding material. In this study, 34 pairs of insertion-deletion (InDel) markers were used to analyze the differentiation of indica- japonica properties in 277 primal parental lines of hybrid rice that are used in China and abroad. The genetic diversity and population structure were assessed with simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. We also evaluated the association between SSR markers and seven yield traits and four grain-quality traits of 256 indica rice lines. The main results are as follows. (1) Within the 277 lines there were two subgroups: indica and japonica. The 256 lines of the indica-subgroup were further divided into four sub-sub-groups: landrace, maintainer, restorer, and rice lines from the International Rice Research Institute. (2) We identified 29 loci associated with 11 agronomic traits, including one for plant height, two for tiller number, one for panicle length, three for grain length, eight for grain width, eight for grain length/width ratio, one for thousand grain weight, one for amylose content, two for gel consistency, one for gelatinization temperature and one for total protein content. (3) Among those loci, 16 markers were closely linked to previously identified genes. Superior allele carrier lines and allele effects were also analyzed. Our results provided the population structure and indica- japonica properties for parent matching, and the marker-trait association will also be useful for molecular design breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon nitride (CN) with nitrogen vacancy is a robust photocatalyst with proven enhancing H 2 O 2 production ability. However, nitrogen vacancy control is extremely challenging with the majority of reports representing it as a few vacancies. Herein, for the first time, the amorphous CN (ACN) with two N 2 C -site vacancies in one CN unit is prepared by a one-step H 2 plasma approach. First-principles calculations and experimental results provide consistent evidence that two N 2 C vacancies are located in one CN unit structure after amorphous transformation. Plasma-induced ACN is stable with a hierarchical continuous nanosheet network structure and exhibits an ultrahigh specific surface area of ~405.76 m2g−1, which is 83 times higher than that of pristine CN (4.89 m2g−1) and significantly enhanced photocatalytic H 2 O 2 production, yielding 1874 μmolg−1h−1. Besides, the existence potential drop of 2.61 eV for the electrostatic potential in ACN is key to charge carrier separation. Moreover, the amorphous transformation leads to a new strong band tail, which remarkably enhances the absorbance edge of ACN up to 593 nm, resulting in a wider range of visible-light absorption to enhance H 2 O 2 production. The results have provided an effective approach for promoting the practical application of ACN in photocatalytic H 2 O 2 production. Upon the H 2 plasma treatment, the high energetic particles bombarded the N lattice sites of graphitic carbon nitride (GCN) to form an amorphous carbon nitride (ACN) with two N 2 C -site vacancies in one CN unit. The ACN with hierarchical nanostructure exhibits ultra-high specific surface area and photocatalytic activity. [Display omitted] • We developed a one-step H 2 plasma treatment to induce hierarchical ACN nanostructure with two N 2 C -site vacancies in one unit of CN structure without element doping. • The plasma-induced ACN is stable with hierarchical continuous nanosheet network structure and exhibits ultrahigh specific surface area and significantly enhanced photocatalytic H 2 O 2 production yielding. • The two N 2 C vacancies in ACN nanostructure are determined by the first-principles calculations and the consistent electronic character of experimental results. • The amorphous transformation of CN leads to a new strong band tail, which remarkably enhances the absorbance edge of ACN up to 593 nm, resulting in a wider range of visible-light absorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A mixture of nanospheres and nanoplates was synthesized through bioreduction of HAuCl 4 with Cacumen Platycladi leaf extract. In this work, shape separation of the nanospheres and nanoplates was achieved via agarose gel electrophoresis (AGE). Furthermore, the separation mechanism and the effects of parameters, including the agarose gel concentration, electrophoresis voltage and TBE buffer concentration, on the separation performance were investigated. The optimum conditions were found to be 1.2% gel concentration, 100 V voltage, and 1 × TBE buffer solution. Gold nanoparticles (NPs) prepared via a biological method were compared with those synthesized using a chemical method in the electrophoresis process with different characteristics. The results showed that the particles prepared via the biological method had good stability in a buffered solution without further modification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The g-C 3 N 4 (CN) microrods with superficial C, N dual vacancies were synthesized by facial thermal polymerization of melamine--cyanuric acid supramolecular (MCS) precursors under H 2 flow. Compared with bulk g-C 3 N 4 (BCN), the as-synthesized defective CN microrods with an increased specific surface area exhibit an enhanced photocatalytic performance with a kinetic constant (K) of ~0.19 min−1 for RhB degradation and an ~718.36 µmol g−1h−1 for H 2 O 2 production rate, which are about~17-fold and ~3-fold higher than that of BCN, respectively. The C, N dual vacancies are very effective in reducing the bandgap and inhibiting carrier recombination. The pivotal active species in RhB degradation is determined to be·O 2 -, and the pathway of H 2 O 2 production is confirmed as a sequential two-step single-electron reduction. The results have provided a great potential way to promote the practical application of CN for photocatalytic organic pollutant removal and H 2 O 2 production. The as-prepared g-C 3 N 4 microrods with superficial C, N dual vacancies exhibits enlarged specific surface area, improved photogenerated carriers separation efficiency, and enhanced photocatalytic performance for RhB degradation and H 2 O 2 production. [Display omitted] • The CN microrods with superficial C, N dual vacancies were synthesized by a facile thermal polymerization of MCS precursors under H 2 flowing. • Compared with BCN, the defective CN microrods exhibit significantly enhanced photocatalytic performance and high H 2 O 2 production rate. • The pathway of H 2 O 2 production is confirmed as a sequential two-step single-electron reduction. • The significantly enhanced photocatalytic performance is attributed to the synergistic effect of superficial C, N dual vacancies and morphology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For a Tychonoff space X , let ↓ C F ( X ) denote the collection of the hypographs of all continuous maps from X to [ 0 , 1 ] with the Fell topology. We show that for a Tychonoff k -space X , ↓ C F ( X ) is homeomorphic to c 0 if and only if ↓ C F ( X ) is metrizable and not Baire if and only if X is a weakly locally compact and hemicompact ℵ 0 -space without dense set of isolated points, where Q = [ − 1 , 1 ] ω is the Hilbert cube, Σ = { ( x n ) ∈ Q : sup ⁡ | x n | < 1 } and c 0 = { ( x n ) ∈ Σ : lim ⁡ x n = 0 } are the subspaces of it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The sterile lemma is a unique organ of the rice (Oryza sativa L.) spikelet. However, the characteristics and origin of the rice sterile lemma have not been determined unequivocally, so it is important to elucidate the molecular mechanism of the development of the sterile lemma. Results: In the paper, we outline the regulatory mechanism of sterile lemma development by LONG STERILE LEMMA1 (G1), which has been identified as the gene controlling sterile lemma development. Based on the comprehensive analyses of transcriptome dynamics during sterile lemma development with G1 alleles between wild-type (WT) and mutant (MT) in rice, we obtained co-expression data and regulatory networks related to sterile lemma development. Co-transfection assays of rice protoplasts confirmed that G1 affects the expression of various phytohormone-related genes by regulating a number of critical transcription factors, such as OsLBD37 and OSH1. The hormone levels in sterile lemmas from WT and MT of rice supports the hypotheses that lower auxin, lower gibberellin, and higher cytokinin concentrations are required to maintain a normal phenotype of sterile lemmas. Conclusion: The regulatory networks have considerable reference value, and some of the regulatory relationships exhibiting strong correlations are worthy of further study. Taken together, these work provided a detailed guide for further studies into the molecular mechanism of sterile lemma development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Uterine rupture is an uncommon complication following termination of pregnancy and is usually accompanied by severe lower abdominal pain and shock caused by intra-abdominal hemorrhage. Laparotomy should be carried out promptly in order to repair the uterus or even to resect the uterus. Here we present a case of uterine rupture of a scarred uterus, which occurred during a second-trimester induced abortion. The patient was successfully treated by laparoscopy with the help of laparoscopic ultrasound. This case suggests an alternative, effective approach to the diagnosis and treatment of uterine rupture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A morphology-controllable 0D/1D g-C 3 N 4 (CN) homojunction using the melamine-cyanuric acid supramolecular (MCS) and urea as co-precursor was constructed by a facile in-situ thermal polymerization process. [Display omitted] • A morphology-controllable 0D/1D g-C 3 N 4 homojunction (MUCN) was constructed by a facile in-situ thermal polymerization process. • The as-prepare MUCN is stable with controllable and uniform morphology and exhibits significantly enhanced photocatalytic activities for RhB degradation and H 2 O 2 production. • The significantly enhanced photocatalytic performance of MUCN is attributed to the synergetic effect of energy band controlling and structural coupling in MUCN. • The results have provided a new effective way for promoting the practical photocatalytic application of CN. A morphology-controllable 0D/1D graphitic carbon nitride (g-C 3 N 4 , CN) homojunction (MUCN) was constructed by a facile in-situ thermal polymerization process using the melamine-cyanuric acid supramolecular (MCS) and urea as co-precursor. The as-prepare MUCN is stable with controllable and uniform morphology and exhibits significantly enhanced photocatalytic activities for RhB degradation and H 2 O 2 production. The RhB degradation rate and the H 2 O 2 production are ~37 times and 17 times higher than that of pure CN, respectively. The significantly enhanced photocatalytic performance is attributed to the synergetic effect of energy band controlling and structural coupling in MUCN, which can form the internal driving force to improve the separation efficiency of charge carriers. The results have provided a new effective way for promoting the practical photocatalytic application of CN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Development of high-efficiency, low-cost and environmentally friend catalyst for degradation of organic pollutant in water is still a challenge issue. In this research, we prepared a novel Mn-doped Fe 3 O 4 magnetic hollow microsphere/reduced oxide graphene (RGO) hybrid (Mn-Fe 3 O 4 /RGO) by a facile solvothermal process followed by a reduction of GO via NaBH 4. The as-prepared Mn-Fe 3 O 4 /RGO is used as a heterogeneous Photo-Fenton catalyst for degrading Rhodamine B (RhB) and exhibits high efficiency degradation about 96.4% with the low dosage concentration of catalyst 0.2 g L−1 in the presence of H 2 O 2 at the natural pH (~6.5) within 80 min under UV–vis illumination, while the removal efficiency is 91% and 85% at pH 2 and 11, respectively. Furthermore, this novel magnetic Photo-Fenton catalyst remains high degradation efficiency of about 90% after ten cycles and can be easily separated from the solution via an external magnetic field, showing an excellent recyclability, a long-term chemical stability and a great potential for practical wastewater treatment application. • A novel hollow Mn-doped Fe 3 O 4 /RGO hybrid was prepared by a facile solvothermal. • 96.4% of RhB can be degraded by the catalyst 0.2 g L−1 in the presence of H 2 O 2 at the natural pH (~6.5). • The catalyst remains high degradation efficiency of about 90% after ten cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A dendritic hybrid complex bearing a polyoxometalate core that performs dual micellar structure was used as a carrier to uptake cationic fluorescent dye, forming a luminescent complex. The uniform size (5−6 nm), definite molecular weight, and precise chemical composition make the dye ‐ loaded complex a bimodal probe for in vivo imaging. Moreover, both in vivo fluorescence and magnetic resonance measurement further confirmed that the complex acts as a liver ‐ specific contrast agent for clinical diagnosis. More information can be found in the Full Paper by B. Li et al. on page 2802 ff. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Controllable delivery of persulfate (PS) and the enhancement of oxidative availability of pollutants in in-situ oxidative remediation of low-permeability polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) contaminated soil are crucial. To tackle the above challenges, the coupling of Tween 80 solubilization enhanced oxidation of phenanthrene (PHE) in low-permeability soil under electrokinetic remediation (EKR) was proposed. Firstly, batch degradation experiments showed that the addition of Tween 80 significantly inhibited the degradation of PHE in soil under thermally activated PS, as the dosage of Tween 80 increased from 0 % to 1 % with the corresponding removal rate declining from 99.19 % to 40.90 %. Accordingly, in-situ electrokinetic delivery of Tween 80 and PS was regulated in further EKR, intending to reduce unproductive consumption. PS was more uniformly delivered to the whole remediation regions from the cathode chamber by electromigration, while Tween 80 was transported into the soil from the anode chamber by electroosmosis, which made Tween 80 solubilization and PS oxidation achieve synergistic effect. And the total removal rate of PHE reached 64.90 % under this strategy, which had increased by 415.90 % and 8.76 %− 130.14 % compared with only EKR or EKR coupling single enhanced technology, respectively. After further thermal activation of transported PS at 50 ℃ by electrical resistance heating, the total removal rate of PHE increased to 71.58 %. EPR spectrum indicated that SO 4 . - and OH. were responsible for the degradation of PHE. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ion doping is an effective method to improve the photocatalytic activity of graphitic carbon nitride (g-C 3 N 4) by providing a photocarriers transfer channel. But limited by the bonds in heptazine rings, photoelectrons are still trapped in the structure. Therefore, both potassium ions and nitrogen defects were successfully introduced into g-C 3 N 4 by high temperature calcination to accelerate the charges transfer between both interlayers and intralayer of g-C 3 N 4. The results showed that the hydrogen production rate of g-C 3 N 4 modified simultaneously by nitrogen defects and potassium ions reaches 1722.4 μmol·g−1·h−1, which is 8 times that of pristine g-C 3 N 4. Based on various characterization techniques and DFT calculations, we attributed the enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen evolution to the improved light adsorption, more delocalized HOMO-LUMO, and stronger interlayer interactions. This work will provide a promising way to enhance photocatalytic hydrogen evolution of g-C 3 N 4 and a possible mechanism was proposed. Synopsis. This work developed a valid and efficient strategy to modify graphitic carbon nitride and significantly enhance photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. [Display omitted] • K@C 3 N 4-x was successfully synthesized by a simple polymerization and nitric acid treatment. • Hydrogen evolution rate of K@C 3 N 4-x is approximately 8 times higher than that of pristine carbon nitride. • Horizontal and vertical charge transfer channels were constructed to improve the photocatalytic performance of g-C 3 N 4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For a Tychonoff space X , let ↓ C F ( X ) denote the collection of the hypographs of all continuous maps from X to [ 0 , 1 ] with the Fell topology. We show that, for a Tychonoff non-discrete k-space X , the function space ↓ C F ( X ) is homeomorphic to c 0 ∪ ( Q ∖ Σ ) if ↓ C F ( X ) is metrizable and the set of isolated points of X is dense in X , where Q = [ − 1 , 1 ] N is the Hilbert cube, Σ = { ( x n ) ∈ Q : sup ⁡ | x n | < 1 } and c 0 = { ( x n ) ∈ Σ : lim ⁡ x n = 0 } are its subspaces. Combining results in the previous papers of the series, we give the topological classification for all metrizable function spaces ↓ C F ( X ) of k-spaces X . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants usually keep resistance (R) proteins in a static state under normal conditions to avoid autoimmunity and save energy for growth, but R proteins can be rapidly activated upon perceiving pathogen invasion. Pib , the first cloned blast disease R gene in rice, encoding a nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat (NLR) protein, mediates resistance to the blast fungal (Magnaporthe oryzae) isolates carrying the avirulence gene AvrPib. However, the molecular mechanisms about how Pib recognizes AvrPib and how it is inactivated and activated remain largely unclear. In this study, through map-based cloning and CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing, we proved that Pib contributes to the blast disease resistance of rice cultivar Yunyin (YY). Furthermore, an SH3 domain-containing protein, SH3P2, was found to associate with Pib mainly at clathrin-coated vesicles in rice cells, via direct binding with the coiled-coil (CC) domain of Pib. Interestingly, overexpression of SH3P2 in YY compromised Pib -mediated resistance to M. oryzae isolates carrying AvrPib and Pib-AvrPib recognition-induced cell death. SH3P2 competitively inhibits the self-association of the Pib CC domain in vitro , suggesting that binding of SH3P2 with Pib undermines its homodimerization. Moreover, SH3P2 can also interact with AvrPib and displays higher affinity to AvrPib than to Pib, which leads to dissociation of SH3P2 from Pib in the presence of AvrPib. Taken together, our results suggest that SH3P2 functions as a "protector" to keep Pib in a static state by direct interaction during normal growth but could be triggered off by the invasion of AvrPib -carrying M. oryzae isolates. Our study reveals a new mechanism about how an NLR protein is inactivated under normal conditions but is activated upon pathogen infection. Plants usually keep resistance (R) proteins in a static state under normal conditions to avoid autoimmunity and save energy for growth, but R proteins can be rapidly activated upon perceiving pathogen invasion. In this study, the authors find that SH3P2, an SH3 domain-containing protein that interacts with both Pib and AvrPib, suppresses effector-triggered, Pib-mediated immunity in rice, revealing a new mechanism in which an NLR protein is inactivated under normal conditions but is activated upon pathogen infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For a Tychonoff space X , denote ↓ C F ( X ) to be the set of hypographs of all continuous functions from X to [ 0 , 1 ] equipped with the Fell topology. We prove Main Theorem Let X be a Tychonoff space satisfying the following conditions: (i) ↓ C F ( X ) is metrizable; (ii) X is a non-discrete k-space; (iii) X has a dense set of isolated points; (iv) the set of non-isolated points of X is not compact. Then ↓ C F ( X ) is homeomorphic to the subspace c 0 ∪ ( Q ∖ Σ ) of Q, where Q = [ − 1 , 1 ] N is the Hilbert cube, Σ = { ( x n ) ∈ Q : sup n ∈ N ⁡ | x n | < 1 } and c 0 = { ( x n ) ∈ Σ : lim n → ∞ ⁡ x n = 0 } . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low‐light enhancement is a crucial task in computer vision because of the limited dynamic range of digital imaging devices in poor lighting conditions. Images taken under low‐light conditions often suffer from insufficient brightness and severe noise. At present, many models based on convolutional neural networks have been proposed to enhance low‐light images. However, most models treat the features on different channels equally, which is not conducive to models learning hierarchical features. Consequently, the method proposed a channel splitting attention network (CSAN) that divides the shallow features into two branches, the residual and dense branches, transmitting different information. Residual branching facilitates feature reuse, while dense branching promotes the exploration of new features. In addition, CSAN uses merge‐and‐run mappings to assist information integration between different branches and distinguishes the information contained in different branch features through an attention module designed in this paper. Multiple experiment results show that the method proposed is superior to state‐of‐the‐art methods in qualitative and quantitative evaluation. Furthermore, CSAN can better suppress chromaticity aberration while enhancing low‐light images. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The induction of embryogenic calli plays a vital role in the genetic transformation and regeneration of rice (Oryza sativa L.). Despite progress in rice tissue culture, the molecular mechanisms of embryogenic callus induction remain unknown. In this study, gene expression profiles associated with calli were comprehensively analyzed during callus induction of japonica rice 'Yunyin'. We first confirmed that NMB medium with 24 h of light and 0 h of dark (NMB-L) was the optimal condition for 'Yunyin' callus induction, while J3 medium with 0 h of light and 24 h of dark (J3-D) was the worst condition. After transcriptome analysis, 33,597 unigenes were assembled, among which we identified 6,063 DEGs (Differentially Expressed Genes) related to media and seven DEGs related to photoperiod. Phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, plant hormone signal, and starch and sucrose metabolism were the top three pathways affected by media, while the circadian rhythm-plant pathway was associated with photoperiod. Furthermore, we identified two candidate genes, Os01g0965900 and Os12g0555200, affected by both medium and photoperiod. Statistical analysis of RNA-seq libraries showed that the expression levels of these two genes in J3-D calli were over 2.5 times higher than those in NMB-L calli, which was further proved by RT-qPCR analysis. Based on FPKM (Fragments Per Kilobase of transcript Per Million mapped reads), unigenes belonging to the NMB-L group were mainly assigned to ribosome, carbon metabolism, biosynthesis of amino acids, protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum, and plant hormone signal transduction pathways. We transformed Os12g0555200Nip and Os12g05552009311 into 'Nipponbare' calli and observed their effects on the growth and development process of rice calli using TEM (Transmission Electron Microscopy) and SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy). Observations showed that Os12g05552009311 was more disadvantageous to rice callus growth than Os12g0555200Nip. Our results reveal that the Os12g0555200, identified from transcriptomic profiles, has a negative influence during 'Yunyin' callus induction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C 3 N 4) faces limitations in photocatalytic application due to its limited light response and high recombination rate of photo-generated charge carriers. Herein, we synthesized a K, P co-doped g-C 3 N 4 (KPCN) with cyano defects via microwave-assisted heating of the mixture of KH 2 PO 4 and melamine in just 7 min. The KPCN exhibits a reduced bandgap of 2.37 eV and introduces a mid-gap of 1.77 eV, which broadens light absorption to the visible-near-infrared (vis-NIR) spectrum with light absorption to 867 nm. Impressively, the co-doped K and P adjust the interlayer and in-plane electron distribution of g-C 3 N 4 , enhancing charge separation and transfer. The KPCN exhibits a remarkable improvement in H 2 O 2 yield of 7.74 mM g−1 h−1, demonstrating superior catalytic activity compared to microwave pure g-C 3 N 4 (MCN, 5.1 times) and bulk g-C 3 N 4 (BCN, 19.2 times). The results indicate that the K, P co-doped g-C 3 N 4 synthesized rapidly and efficiently by microwave method has relatively stable and considerable photocatalytic activity, which has great potential application in the industrial production of H 2 O 2. • K, P co-doped g-C 3 N 4 (KPCN) was prepared by rapid microwave synthesis in just 7 min. • K, P co-doping optimizes the in-plane electron distribution and interlayer electron migration of g-C 3 N 4. • KPCN exhibits a reduced bandgap from 2.75 eV to 2.37 eV and introduces a mid-gap at 1.77 eV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aims to observe the mechanical weak point and histological features of tendon-bone interface after anterior cruciate ligament reconstructive surgery and to explore the tendon-bone healing effects of the platelet-rich gel (PRG) + deproteinized bone (DPB) compound. Methods: A total of 48 New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into normal group, model (without embedding), experimental (embedded with the PRG + DPB compound), and control (embedded with DPB) groups. The rabbits were executed at 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks after the operation. Then, micro-computed tomography scan and uniaxial tensile test were conducted. The fractured specimens were subjected to histological observation. Results: At 4, 8, and 12 weeks after the operation, the bone density of the tendon-bone bound section of the experimental group was higher than that of the other groups ( P < 0.05). At 4 and 8 weeks, the maximum tensile load of the experimental group was obviously higher than that of the control and model groups ( P < 0.05). Histological observation indicated that the tendon-bone interface in the experimental group had more cartilage and bone tissue growing toward the internal tendon, but the fracture layer mainly occurred in the non-ankylosed part. Conclusion: The mechanical weak point of the early tendon-bone interface was in the immature fibrous tissue. The PRG + DPB compound can effectively trigger tendon-bone healing by promoting the maturation and ossification of the tendon-bone tissue. This compound improved the tensile strength of the healing interface and reduced bone tunnel enlargement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC) plays an important role in the primary metabolism of higher plants. Several studies have revealed the critical importance of PEPC in the interaction of carbon and nitrogen metabolism. However, the function mechanism of PEPC in nitrogen metabolism is unclear and needs further investigation. Results: This study indicates that transgenic rice expressing the sugarcane C4-PEPC gene displayed shorter primary roots and fewer crown roots at the seedling stage. However, total nitrogen content was significantly higher in transgenic rice than in wild type (WT) plants. Proteomic analysis revealed that there were more differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) responding to nitrogen changes in transgenic rice. In particular, the most enriched pathway "glutathione (GSH) metabolism", which mainly contains GSH S-transferase (GST), was identified in transgenic rice. The expression of endogenous PEPC, GST and several genes involved in the TCA cycle, glycolysis and nitrogen assimilation changed in transgenic rice. Correspondingly, the activity of enzymes including GST, citrate synthase, 6-phosphofructokinase, pyruvate kinase and ferredoxin-dependent glutamate synthase significantly changed. In addition, the levels of organic acids in the TCA cycle and carbohydrates including sucrose, starch and soluble sugar altered in transgenic rice under different nitrogen source concentrations. GSH that the substrate of GST and its components including glutamic acid, cysteine and glycine accumulated in transgenic rice. Moreover, the levels of phytohormones including indoleacetic acid (IAA), zeatin (ZT) and isopentenyladenosine (2ip) were lower in the roots of transgenic rice under total nutrients. Taken together, the phenotype, physiological and biochemical characteristics of transgenic rice expressing C4-PEPC were different from WT under different nitrogen levels. Conclusions: Our results revealed the possibility that PEPC affects nitrogen metabolism through regulating GST, which provide a new direction and concepts for the further study of the PEPC functional mechanism in nitrogen metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Studied the distribution characteristics of six heavy metals in four anaerobic digestion system. • Effects of substrate types on the transformation of heavy metal speciation was investigated. • The mechanism leading to the transformation of heavy metal speciation was hypothesized. Chemical speciation can fundamentally affect the potential toxicity and bioavailability of heavy metals. The transformation of heavy metal speciation and change of bioavailability were investigated in an anaerobic digestion (AD) system using four different substrates (pig manure (PM), cattle manure (CAM), chicken manure (CHM) and rice straw (RS)). The results obtained indicated that the total contents of heavy metals in PM, CHM and CAM were higher than in RS and decreased in the order Zn > Cu > Ni > Pb > As > Cd in all substrates. Moreover, the speciation with the largest proportion for each heavy metal was the same both in the different substrates and the biogas residues. Among them, Zn, Ni, Cd and As were mainly in the reducible fraction (F2), while Cu was mainly in the oxidizable fraction (F3) and Pb occurred predominantly in the residual fraction (F4). Our results further indicated that the AD process had a greater effect on the speciation of heavy metals in CHM and PM, but less on CAM and RS. The rates of change in bioavailability followed the order PM > CHM > CAM > RS. Changes in organic matter, humic acid or local metal ion environment as a result of AD were inferred as likely mechanisms leading to the transformation of heavy metal speciation. These results enhanced our understanding of the behavior of heavy metals in AD and provided a new perspective for the treatment and disposal of the substrates. Image, graphical abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as vital regulators of many biological processes in animals and plants. However, to our knowledge no investigations on plant lncRNAs which respond to arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi have been reported thus far. In this study, maize roots colonized with AM fungus were analyzed by strand-specific RNA-Seq to identify AM fungi-responsive lncRNAs and construct an associated regulatory network. A total of 1837 differentially expressed protein coding genes (DEGs) were identified from maize roots with Rhizophagus irregularis inoculation. Many AM fungi-responsive genes were homologs to MtPt4, STR, STR2, MtFatM, and enriched pathways such as fatty acid biosynthesis, response to phosphate starvation, and nitrogen metabolism are consistent with previous studies. In total, 5941 lncRNAs were identified, of which more than 3000 were new. Of those, 63 lncRNAs were differentially expressed. The putative target genes of differentially expressed lncRNAs (DELs) were mainly related to phosphate ion transmembrane transport, cellular response to potassium ion starvation, and lipid catabolic processes. Regulatory network analysis showed that DELs might be involved in the regulation of bidirectional nutrient exchange between plant and AM fungi as mimicry of microRNA targets. The results of this study can broaden our knowledge on the interaction between plant and AM fungi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A mathematical model is developed in this study to simulate the performance and fates of carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) in wet and high-total solid (TS) anaerobic digestion (AD) processes. The "Anaerobic Digestion Model No. 1" (ADM1) is improved by adding inorganic components and integrating the inhibition of high-TS and liquid-solid processes. The model's outputs are validated with experimental results obtained from a semi-continuous reactor, with pig manure as a single substrate at wet and high-TS operation stages. The predicted C (methane production and volatile fatty acid concentrations), N (ammonia nitrogen concentrations) and P (phosphorus concentrations) fates are reasonable and exhibit good accuracy. The model is subsequently applied to simulate CH 4 production under different hydraulic retention times and organic loading rates. The simulation analysis demonstrates that pret-reatments, such as promoting the hydrolysis and biodegradility of substrate and immobilising strains, are necessary in the high-TS AD process for pig manure to enhance performance. This study provides guidance for the future optimisation of process and nutrient recycling in AD. Image 1 • The fates of C, N and P in the semi-continuous reactor were simulated. • The improved ADM1 was successfully applied in wet and high-TS AD process. • The CH 4 production for different HRT and OLR was predicted. • Strategies to promote the CH 4 production for pig manure were developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seed longevity is a very important characteristic controlling seed quality. However, the mechanism underlying this characteristic is poorly understood. In this study, 'FH7185', a storable rice variety, the germination rate of which was 66.63%, much higher than the control after artificial ageing under relative humidity 88% and 42°C for 21 days. Different methods were applied to reveal the involvement of proteins during ageing of rice seeds. In total, 35 differential proteins were identified from 2D‐PAGE, and 3,719 proteins from iTRAQ analysis. A comparison of these two methods showed that not all protein types could be detected on the 2D‐PAGE gels, and the dynamic range was somewhat limited. So the comprehensive proteome map from the iTRAQ analysis was used to identify the quantitatively regulated proteins that played roles in seed longevity, and found that the most marked change was the increased abundance of many metabolic enzymes, especially the ones involved in α‐linolenic acid metabolism in the embryos during ageing. OsLOX2 and OsLOX3 had a negative effect on seed longevity, which were lower in FH7185 than the control. The dehydrogenase (LOC_Os07g44430) which played a major catalytic role in lipid peroxidation, also changed significantly during ageing. Therefore, OsLOX2, OsLOX3 and Loc_OS 07G44430 may be involved in the regulation of seed longevity with a synergistic effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improving the photo-electrochemical water oxidation performance (PEWOP) of pristine TiO 2 has been seriously hampered by its poor carrier transport efficiency and sluggish surface water oxidation kinetics. In this work, we prepared a novel IV period transition metal modified carbon layer-coated TiO 2 (M-C@TiO 2) nanoflower via a facile hydrothermal process followed by annealing at 800 °C. The as-prepared M-C@TiO 2 nanoflower is uniform and stable with the size < 600 nm. The PEWOP of different IV period transition metal Zn, Cu, Ni, Co, Fe, Mn and Cr modified M-C@TiO 2 nanoflowers are systematically investigated. Among them, the Cu, Ni, and Mn metals show high sensitivity to the current response in the modified nanoflowers. The current density of as-prepared Cu 0.1 -C@TiO 2 , Ni 0.5 -C@TiO 2 , and Mn 1.0 -C@TiO 2 nanoflowers are increased to 4.6, 6.7 and 6.2 times higher than that of pristine TiO 2 , respectively, implying a significant enhancement to the PEWOP of pristine TiO 2. This work provides an effective way to significantly enhance the PEWOP of pristine TiO 2. Furthermore, it may arouse new interest and insight for the designing and preparing of M-C@TiO 2 nanostructures for large-scale and practical water oxidation applications. Unlabelled Image • A novel Ⅳ period transition metal modified carbon layer-coated TiO 2 nanoflower prepared via a facile hydrothermal reaction followed by an annealing at 800℃. • The Cu, Ni and Mn metals modified C@TiO 2 samples exhibit the high sensitive response to photocurrent. • This work provides a new way to significantly enhance the catalytic activity of pristine TiO 2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) based on persulfate (PS) is an attractive approach for repairing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) contaminated soils, limited oxidizability of PAHs and efficient in-situ activation of PS hinder its practical applications. In this study, we comprehensively examined the contributions of five representative surfactants on the oxidative remediation of PAHs-contaminated soil in terms of degradation kinetics of the pollutants, and further proposed an innovative coupling strategy of surfactant-enhanced thermally activated PS remediating PAHs-contaminated soil. The results showed that the degradation process of PAHs in soil was significantly facilitated only via adding sodium dodecyl benzenesulfonate (SDBS) and fitted the pseudo-first-order kinetic pattern. The removal of phenanthrene (PHE) reached 98.56% at 50 mM PS, 50 °C, 5 g L−1 SDBS and 48 h reaction time, accompanying an increase of 25% in reaction rate constant from 0.0572 h−1 (without SDBS) to 0.0715 h−1. More importantly, SDBS-enhanced thermally activated PS degrading PAHs with higher benzene rings were more effective as the reaction rate constants of pyrene (PYR) and benzo(a)anthracene (BaA) were significantly increased by 49.40% and 56.86%. Additionally, only appropriate dosages (5–10 g L−1) of SDBS facilitated the oxidative degradation of PHE, as well as the aging time of contaminant-soil contact slowed down the enhancement of oxidative degradation of PHE by SDBS. Scavenger experiments demonstrated that SO 4 ·- and 1O 2 were the dominant reactive oxygen species. Finally, a possible oxidative degradation pathway of PHE was proposed, and the toxicity of derived intermediates got alleviation by the assessment using the Toxicity Estimation Software Tool. This investigation was promising for in situ scale-up remediation of PAHs-contaminated soil. [Display omitted] • Surfactant enhanced thermally activated PS remediating PAHs-contaminated soil was proposed. • SDBS exhibited remarkable performance accelerating degradation of PAHs in soil. • SO 4 .-and 1O 2 were the dominant reactive oxygen species. • The balance between surfactant-enhanced desorption and its unproductive consumption for persulfate was essential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultraflexible, wearable, transparent, and conductive films have recently attracted increasing interest due to their applicability in various electronic devices. In this work, we report a facile, green, and inexpensive approach to preparing flexible hybrid films from graphene nanowalls (GNWs) and ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer based on plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD). PECVD at low temperature (~700 °C) on electrochemically polished Cu foil was found to be an effective method of preparing highly conductive and highly transparent GNWs. The resulting GNWs/EVA hybrid films can be randomly folded, bent, and tailored; they also have a low sheet resistance of ~2.09 kΩ sq−1, a high optical transparency of 67.58% in the UV region, and high wear resistance and ductility, all of which imply that these are highly promising films for use in flexible electronic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The g-C3N4-Pt photocatalyst was successfully prepared by the combination of a biosynthesis method and sol deposition, which were used for hydrogen evolution from water splitting. The layers of g-C3N4 are thinned and the Pt nanoparticles simultaneously become tightly bound to g-C3N4 by secondary calcination in the process of synthesizing the g-C3N4-Pt photocatalyst. Analysis of the morphological structure and instrumental characterization of the optical performance revealed that the Pt nanoparticles were successfully loaded and well dispersed on the surface of g-C3N4. Furthermore, the absorption wavelength range of the g-C3N4-Pt photocatalyst in visible light was widened and the absorption increased. The activity and photostability of the g-C3N4-Pt photocatalyst for hydrogen evolution under visible light irradiation (λ≥420 nm) were excellent. The rate of H2 evolution reached 582.4 μmol h−1 g−1, and the quantum efficiency (QE) reached 2.70% at 420 nm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glycosylinositol phosphorylceramides (GIPCs) are the major sphingolipids in the plant plasma membrane. In Arabidopsis , mutations of genes involved in the synthesis of GIPCs affect many physiological aspects of plants, including growth, pollen fertility, defense, and stress signaling. Loss of function of the GIPC MANNOSYL-TRANSFERASE1 (AtGMT1) results in GIPC misglycosylation and induces plant immune responses accompanied by a severely dwarfed phenotype, thus indicating that GIPCs play important roles in plant immunity. Here, we investigated the enzymatic activity and phenotypes of transgenic lines of OsGMT1 , the ortholog of AtGMT1. Sphingolipidomic analysis indicated that OsGMT1 retained the enzymatic activity of GIPC hexose (Hex) glycosylation, but the knockout lines did not accumulate H 2 O 2. In contrast, the OsGMT1 overexpression lines showed significant down-regulation of several defense-associated or cell wall synthesis-associated genes, and enhanced sensitivity to rice blast. Furthermore, we first demonstrated the sensitivity of rice cells to MoNLP1 protein through calcein AM release assays using rice protoplasts, thus legitimizing the presence of MoNLPs in rice blast fungus. In addition, yeast two-hybrid screens using OsGMT1 as bait revealed that OsGMT1 may regulate heading time through the OsHAP5C signaling pathway. Together, our findings suggested clear physiological functional differentiation of GMT1 orthologs between rice and Arabidopsis. • Loss of function of OsGMT1 , the ortholog of AtGMT1 , did not result in accumulation of peroxidase and H 2 O 2 in homozygous knockout transgenic rice plants, thus indicating functional differentiation of GMT1 orthologs between rice and Arabidopsis. • Sphingolipidomic analysis of OsGMT1 overexpression lines indicated that OsGMT1 retained GIPC Hex glycosylation enzymatic activity. • The sensitivity of monocot rice cells to MoNLP1 toxin secreted by Magnaporthe grisea was demonstrated through calcein AM release assays using rice protoplasts. • OsGMT1 may regulate heading time through the OsHAP5C signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, an efficient Bi 6 O 6 (OH) 3 (NO 3 ) 3 ·1.5H 2 O/BiOCl heterojunction was prepared by a facile hydrothermal method, Bi 6 O 6 (OH) 3 (NO) 3 ·1.5H 2 O nanoparticles with an average size of approximately 10 nm were grown uniformly in situ on the plates of BiOCl. The modification of Bi 6 O 6 (OH) 3 (NO 3 ) 3 ·1.5H 2 O effectively improves the photocatalytic activity of BiOCl for the degradation of rhodamine B (RhB). The enhancement of the photocatalytic activity could be attributed to the increased light harvesting ability, decreased charge resistance, and suppressed recombination of photoinduced electron–hole pairs in Bi 6 O 6 (OH) 3 (NO 3 ) 3 ·1.5H 2 O/BiOCl heterojunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wood-based artificial panels are still widely used even though they release harmful formaldehyde. In order to protect humans from exposure to formaldehyde, we successfully produced particleboards via surface treatment of wood fibers and using unsaturated polyester resin (UP) as formaldehyde-free adhesive. A phenolic formaldehyde (PF) aqueous solution was utilized to treat the wood particles to make them more compatible. The mechanical properties were investigated to see if the particleboards comply with national standards and M-1 grade (ANSI A208.1-1999). A water absorption test determined the dimensional stability of the FF particleboards. The PF-treated FF particleboards performed several times better than the untreated FF particleboard. Furthermore, the effect of the PF treatment on the interfacial adhesion of wood particles and UP was investigated using SEM, DMTA, and contact angle measurements. The results confirm that PF treatment improves the interfacial adhesion of UP and wood particles. Formaldehyde emission tests found no formaldehyde in the new particleboards. Our proposed low-cost fiber-treatment and efficient board production method may be suited for the commercial production of artificial panels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New kinetic model is proposed to predict the thermal enhanced interphase mass transfer from a non-aqueous phase liquid to a gas in unsaturated zone. [Display omitted] • New correlations on NAPL-gas interfacial mass transfer coefficient estimation are developed. • A correlation is exploited to predict the duration of steady-state mass transfer. • The competition mechanism between NAPL volatilization and spreading in the porous medium is considered. An in-depth understanding of interphase mass transfer from a non-aqueous phase liquid (NAPL) to a gas is crucial and indispensable for properly designing and optimizing remediation schemes in NAPL-contaminated sites involving thermal treatment. A series of polluted soil column venting experiments were conducted to thoroughly evaluate this nonequilibrium behavior at both the initial steady-state stage and transient stage of mass transfer. Two new correlations are proposed to predict the mass transfer efficiency and duration of the steady-state stage. Additionally, it is proposed the disparity of behavior in the transient stage is caused by different modes of interfacial area reduction, which are controlled by two competing phenomena: NAPL film spreading, and evaporation at the NAPL–gas interface. These processes are described by specific mathematical expressions. These findings provide deep insight into thermally enhanced NAPL–gas interfacial mass transfer and have the potential to be applied to modeling studies and field applications of multiphase extraction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, five microalgae strains were cultured for their ability to survive in biogas slurry, remove nitrogen resources and accumulate carbohydrates. It was proved that five microalgae strains adapted in biogas slurry well without ammonia inhibition. Among them, Chlorella vulgaris ESP-6 showed the best performance on carbohydrate accumulation, giving the highest carbohydrate content of 61.5% in biogas slurry and the highest ammonia removal efficiency and rate of 96.3% and 91.7 mg/L/d respectively in biogas slurry with phosphorus and magnesium added. Additionally, the absence of phosphorus and magnesium that can be adverse for biomass accumulation resulted in earlier timing of carbohydrate accumulation and magnesium was firstly recognized and proved as the influence factor for carbohydrate accumulation. Microalgae that cultured in biogas slurry accumulated more carbohydrate in cell, making biogas slurry more suitable medium for the improvement of carbohydrate content, thus can be regarded as a new strategy to accumulate carbohydrate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Three groups of glycosyltransferase 64 (GT64) family are widely conserved in Angiospermae. • Four rice GT64 genes all localize to the Golgi apparatus and show distinct tissue-specific expression patterns. • Genomic variation analysis of OsGT64s revealed that the indica – japonica or latitudinal differentiation exists in their coding sequences. • Promoter element and expression analysis of OsGT64s suggested that they may play a role in different stress responses and hormone signaling pathways. The glycosyltransferase 64 (GT64) family is widely conserved in many species, including animals and plants. The functions of GT64 family genes in animals have been well characterized in the biosynthesis of extracellular heparan sulfate, whereas two GT64 members in Arabidopsis thaliana are involved in the glycosylation of plasma membrane glycosylinositol phosphorylceramides (GIPCs). GIPCs are the main components of plant sphingolipids and serve as important signal molecules in various developmental processes and stress responses. Rice (Oryza sativa), a model monocot plant, contains four GT64 members in its genome. Using phylogenetic analysis, 73 GT64s from 19 plant species were divided into three main groups. Each group can be represented by the three members in Arabidopsis and show a trend of monocot-eudicot divergence. A promoter and genomic variation analysis of GT64s in rice showed that various stress-related regulatory elements exist in their promoters, and many sequence variations were found between the two main rice subspecies, japonica and indica. Additionally, transmembrane domain and subcellular localization analyses revealed that these genes all encode membrane-bound glycosyltransferases and are localized to the Golgi apparatus. Finally, expression analysis of the four GT64 genes in rice, as assessed by quantitative real-time PCR, showed that they have distinct tissue-specific expression patterns and respond to different hormone treatments or abiotic stresses. Our results indicated that this family of genes may play a role in different stress responses and hormone signaling pathways in rice, which will provide fundamental information for further investigation of their functions in future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electrode material has played an essential role in the performance of supercapacitors. In this paper, we report a mesoporous polymorphic CoSe 2 @N-doped carbon (CoSe 2 @N–C) material synthesized by a facile and efficient in-situ microwave process derived from cobalt organic framework (Co-MOF). The as-synthesized CoSe 2 @N–C electrode shows polymorphism with a stable mesoporous morphology and exhibits enhanced electrochemical performance which is mainly attributed to the synergistic effects of N-doped carbon material, mesoporous structure and polymorphism resulting from selenization. Furthermore, the as-constructed asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC): CoSe 2 @N–C//graphene aerogel (GA) displays a maximum energy density of 42.2 Wh kg−1 at the power density of 791.6 W kg−1 and long-term cycling life with capacitance retention of 94.4% after 5000 charge-discharge cycles. The results have shown a great potential for the CoSe 2 @N–C electrode in SC applications. • The mesoporous polymorphic CoSe 2 @N–C was synthesized by an in-situ microwave process derived from Co-MOF. • The CoSe 2 @N–C shows polymorphism with a stable morphology and exhibits enhanced electrochemical performance. • The as-constructed ASC: CoSe 2 @N–C//GA displays both high energy density and high power density. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biochars prepared from biogas residue using different chemical activators were investigated for their As(III) adsorption properties. The results indicated that the original biochars did not exhibit significant As(III) adsorption. However, ZnCl 2 -activated biochar, which possessed the largest specific surface area, 516.67 cm 2 /g, and exhibited a perfectly porous texture, showed excellent performance in a 500 μgL −1 solution of As(III). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were utilized to identify the mechanism of As(III) adsorption by ZnCl 2 -activated biochar. Adsorption was found to occur mainly through ligand exchange of the hydroxyl in Zn-OH to form Zn-O-As(III), as well as through porous adsorption. As a low-cost adsorbent, the adsorption process was well fitted using a pseudo-second-order model, with an R 2 > 0.993. The adsorption process was fast, requiring nearly 90 min to reach adsorption equilibrium. Batch adsorption experimental results indicated that ZnCl 2 -activated biochar has a maximum adsorption capacity of 27.67 mg/g at pH 7.0, and the adsorption process followed the Freundlich isotherm model well, with an R 2 > 0.994. In addition, the current work demonstrated the efficiency of using ZnCl 2 -activated biochar adsorbent to treat As(III)-contaminated water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the effects and mechanism of pretreating digestates with cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and coal fly ash (CFA) were investigated. The water content (WC) and specific resistance of filtration (SRF) of the digestates were measured to evaluate the digestate dewaterability. The protein (PN) content, polysaccharide (PS) content, zeta potential and particle size of the digestates were measured to probe the mechanism of pretreatment. The results indicated that the digestate dewatering performance was effectively improved by joint conditioning with CTAB and CFA. For straw digestate (St-digestate), pig manure digestate (PM-digestate), cow dung digestate (CD-digestate) and kitchen waste digestate (KW-digestate), the optimum dosage of CTAB was 50%, 30%, 20% and 50% dry solid (DS) of digestate, respectively, and the optimum dosage of CFA was 100% DS of digestate. Co-conditioning with CTAB and CFA resulted in clear advantages compared to CTAB or CFA conditioning alone for decreasing the WC of digestates. The proposed mechanism is the synergistic effect of CTAB and CFA. CTAB releases extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) and neutralizes charge, and CFA acts as a skeleton builder in the dewatering process to enhance dewaterability. Finally, a green degree method for the environmental assessment of chemical processes was adopted to evaluate digestate dewatering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]