Phase Change Heterostructure Memory with Oxygen-Doped Sb2Te3 Layers for Improved Durability and Reliability through Nano crystalline Island Formation

Phase-change random access memory represents a notable advancement in nonvolatile memory technology; however, it faces challenges in terms of thermal stability and reliability, hindering its broader application. To mitigate these issues, doping and structural modification techniques such as phase-change heterostructures (PCH) are widely studied. Although doping typically enhances thermal stability, it can adversely affect the switching speed. Structural modifications such as PCH have struggled to sustain stable performance under high atmospheric conditions. In this study, these challenges are addressed by synergizing oxygen-doped Sb2Te3 (OST) with PCH technology. This study presents a novel approach in which OST significantly improves the crystallization temperature, power efficiency, and cyclability. Subsequently, the integration of the PCH technology bolsters the switching speed and further amplifies the device's reliability and endurance by refining the grain size (≈7 nm). The resultant OST-PCH devices exhibit exceptional performance metrics, including a drift coefficient of 0.003 in the RESET state, endurance of ≈4 × 108 cycles, an switching speed of 300 ns, and 67.6 pJ of RESET energy. These findings suggest that the OST-PCH devices show promise for integration into embedded systems, such as those found in automotive applications and Internet of Things devices.

The Influence of Precipitated Particles on the Grain Size in Cold-Rolled Al-Mn Alloy Foils upon Annealing at 100-550 °C

The Al-Mn alloy heat exchanger fin production process includes a brazing treatment at s high temperature of 600 °C, in which coarse grains are preferred for their high resistance to deformation at elevated temperatures by decreasing the grain boundary sliding. In this study, Al-1.57Mn-1.57Zn-0.58Si-0.17Fe alloy foils cold rolled by 81.7% (1.1 mm in thickness) and 96.5% (0.21 mm in thickness) were annealed at 100-550 °C for 1 h to investigate their recrystallization behavior, grain sizes, and precipitates by increasing the annealing temperature, using micro-hardness measurement, electron back-scattered diffraction (EBSD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques. The micro-hardness results showed that the recrystallization finishing temperatures for the two samples were almost the same, 323 ± 2 °C. The EBSD results showed that when the annealing temperature decreased from 550 to 400 °C, the recrystallized grain sizes of the two samples were nearly identical-both increased slightly. Further decreasing the annealing temperature from 400 to 330 °C caused the grain sizes to increase more, with the thinner foil sample having a more significant increase. The SEM and TEM observations showed that the micron-sized primary-phase remained unchanged during the annealing process. The nano-sized secondary phase precipitates formed during the hot-rolling process experienced a coarsening and dissolving process upon annealing. The particle size of the secondary phase increased from 32 nm to 44 nm and the area fraction decreased from 4.2% to 3.8%. The nucleation analysis confirmed that the large primary-phase could act as a nucleation site through particle stimulated nucleation (PSN) mode. The relatively dense secondary phase precipitates with small sizes at lower temperatures could provide higher Zener drag to the grain boundaries, leading to fewer nuclei and thereafter coarser grains. The coarsening of the recrystallized grains in the foils could be implemented through thickness reduction and/or precipitation processes to form densely distributed nano-sized precipitates.

Noninvasive evaluation of the skin barrier in reconstructed human epidermis using speckle analysis: Correlation with Raman microspectroscopy

BACKGROUND

Reconstructed epidermis models, obtained from 3D keratinocytes culture, have gained significant prominence as prototypes for safety and efficacy testing in skin research. To effectively evaluate these models, it is essential to perform molecular and functional characterization. The skin's barrier function is one of the essential aspects of the epidermis that needs to be assessed. A noninvasive method is thus required for the evaluation of the skin barrier in these models. With this perspective, the aim of this feasibility study is to apply the speckle technique for the assessment of the skin barrier in the Reconstructed Human Epidermis (RHE).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Speckle analysis as well as Raman microspectroscopy were performed on RHE samples at two maturation days, D17 and D20.

RESULTS

Between D17 and D20, our study showed an increase in various Raman parameters, including stratum corneum percentage, lateral lipid packing, lipid-to-protein ratio, and protein secondary structure. Furthermore, the degree of light polarization and the speckle grain size also increased over this period.

CONCLUSION

The speckle technique proved to be effective for evaluating the skin barrier in Reconstructed Human Epidermis (RHE) models. Comparison with Raman validates this approach and provides comprehensive molecular and functional characterization of reconstructive skin models.

The GW5-WRKY53-SGW5 module regulates grain size variation in rice

Grain size is a crucial agronomic trait that affects stable yield, appearance, milling quality, and domestication in rice. However, the molecular and genetic relationships among QTL genes (QTGs) underlying natural variation for grain size remain elusive. Here, we identified a novel QTG SGW5 (suppressor of gw5) by map-based cloning using an F2 segregation population by fixing same genotype of the master QTG GW5. SGW5 positively regulates grain width by influencing cell division and cell size in spikelet hulls. Two nearly isogenic lines exhibited a significant differential expression of SGW5 and a 12.2% increase in grain yield. Introducing the higher expression allele into the genetic background containing the lower expression allele resulted in increased grain width, while its knockout resulted in shorter grain hulls and dwarf plants. Moreover, a cis-element variation in the SGW5 promoter influenced its differential binding affinity for the WRKY53 transcription factor, causing the differential SGW5 expression, which ultimately leads to grain size variation. GW5 physically and genetically interacts with WRKY53 to suppress the expression of SGW5. These findings elucidated a new pathway for grain size regulation by the GW5-WRKY53-SGW5 module and provided a novel case for generally uncovering QTG interactions underlying the genetic diversity of an important trait in crops.

An RRM domain protein SOE suppresses transgene silencing in rice

Gene expression is regulated at multiple levels, including RNA processing and DNA methylation/demethylation. How these regulations are controlled remains unclear. Here, through analysis of a suppressor for the OsEIN2 over-expressor, we identified an RNA recognition motif protein SUPPRESSOR OF EIN2 (SOE). SOE is localized in nuclear speckles and interacts with several components of the spliceosome. We find SOE associates with hundreds of targets and directly binds to a DNA glycosylase gene DNG701 pre-mRNA for efficient splicing and stabilization, allowing for subsequent DNG701-mediated DNA demethylation of the transgene promoter for proper gene expression. The V81M substitution in the suppressor mutant protein mSOE impaired its protein stability and binding activity to DNG701 pre-mRNA, leading to transgene silencing. SOE mutation enhances grain size and yield. Haplotype analysis in c. 3000 rice accessions reveals that the haplotype 1 (Hap 1) promoter is associated with high 1000-grain weight, and most of the japonica accessions, but not indica ones, have the Hap 1 elite allele. Our study discovers a novel mechanism for the regulation of gene expression and provides an elite allele for the promotion of yield potentials in rice.

A higher-yield hybrid rice is achieved by assimilating a dominant heterotic gene in inbred parental lines

The exploitation of heterosis to integrate parental advantages is one of the fastest and most efficient ways of rice breeding. The genomic architecture of heterosis suggests that the grain yield is strongly correlated with the accumulation of numerous rare superior alleles with positive dominance. However, the improvements in yield of hybrid rice have shown a slowdown or even plateaued due to the limited availability of complementary superior alleles. In this study, we achieved a considerable increase in grain yield of restorer lines by inducing an alternative splicing event in a heterosis gene OsMADS1 through CRISPR-Cas9, which accounted for approximately 34.1%-47.5% of yield advantage over their corresponding inbred rice cultivars. To achieve a higher yield in hybrid rice, we crossed the gene-edited restorer parents harbouring OsMADS1GW3p6 with the sterile lines to develop new rice hybrids. In two-line hybrid rice Guang-liang-you 676 (GLY676), the yield of modified hybrids carrying the homozygous heterosis gene OsMADS1GW3p6 significantly exceeded that of the original hybrids with heterozygous OsMADS1. Similarly, the gene-modified F1 hybrids with heterozygous OsMADS1GW3p6 increased grain yield by over 3.4% compared to the three-line hybrid rice Quan-you-si-miao (QYSM) with the homozygous genotype of OsMADS1. Our study highlighted the great potential in increasing the grain yield of hybrid rice by pyramiding a single heterosis gene via CRISPR-Cas9. Furthermore, these results demonstrated that the incomplete dominance of heterosis genes played a major role in yield-related heterosis and provided a promising strategy for breeding higher-yielding rice varieties above what is currently achievable.

Optimizing rice grain size by attenuating phosphorylation-triggered functional impairment of a chromatin modifier ternary complex

Histone acetylation affects numerous cellular processes, such as gene transcription, in both plants and animals. However, the posttranslational modification-participated regulatory networks for crop-yield-related traits are largely unexplored. Here, we characterize a regulatory axis for controlling rice grain size and yield, centered on a potent histone acetyltransferase (chromatin modifier) known as HHC4. HHC4 interacts with and forms a ternary complex with adaptor protein ADA2 and transcription factor bZIP23, wherein bZIP23 recruits HHC4 to specific promoters, and ADA2 and HHC4 additively enhance bZIP23 transactivation on target genes. Meanwhile, HHC4 interacts with and is phosphorylated by GSK3-like kinase TGW3. The resultant phosphorylation triggers several functional impairments of the HHC4 ternary complex. In addition, we identify two major phosphorylation sites of HHC4 by TGW3-sites which play an important role in controlling rice grain size. Overall, our findings thus have critical implications for understanding epigenetic basis of grain size control and manipulating the knowledge for higher crop productivity.

Research on the Hot Deformation Process of A100 Steel Based on High-Temperature Rheological Behavior and Microstructure

To obtain the optimal hot deformation process, the rheological and dynamic recrystallization behaviors of A100 steel were researched through isothermal compression tests. Firstly, a Hensel-Spittel constitutive model was established based on the stress-strain curves. Secondly, dynamic recrystallization percentage and grain size models were established to identify the necessary conditions for complete dynamic recrystallization. Finally, microstructural analysis was employed to validate the accuracy of the recrystallization model. The results indicate that the flow stress is highly sensitive to both the strain rate and the temperature, and the HS model demonstrates a high predictive accuracy, with a correlation coefficient of 0.9914. There exists a contradictory relationship between decreasing the average grain size and increasing the recrystallization percentage. The higher the percentage of dynamic recrystallization, the larger the average grain size tends to be. This situation should be avoided when devising the actual processing procedures. The optimal hot working processes for achieving complete dynamic recrystallization and a smaller average grain size are as follows: a strain equal to or greater than 0.6, a temperature between 1193 and 1353 K, and a strain rate between 0.1 and 1 s-1.

DGW1, encoding an hnRNP-like RNA binding protein, positively regulates grain size and weight by interacting with GW6 mRNA

Grain size and weight determine rice yield. Although numerous genes and pathways involved in regulating grain size have been identified, our knowledge of post-transcriptional control of grain size remains elusive. In this study, we characterize a rice mutant, decreased grain width and weight 1 (dgw1), which produces small grains. We show that DGW1 encodes a member of the heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein (hnRNP) family protein and preferentially expresses in developing panicles, positively regulating grain size by promoting cell expansion in spikelet hulls. Overexpression of DGW1 increases grain weight and grain numbers, leading to a significant rise in rice grain yield. We further demonstrate that DGW1 functions in grain size regulation by directly binding to the mRNA of Grain Width 6 (GW6), a critical grain size regulator in rice. Overexpression of GW6 restored the grain size phenotype of DGW1-knockout plants. DGW1 interacts with two oligouridylate binding proteins (OsUBP1a and OsUBP1b), which also bind the GW6 mRNA. In addition, the second RRM domain of DGW1 is indispensable for its mediated protein-RNA and protein-protein interactions. In summary, our findings identify a new regulatory module of DGW1-GW6 that regulates rice grain size and weight, providing important insights into the function of hnRNP-like proteins in the regulation of grain size.

Structural Phenomena Introduced by Rotary Swaging: A Review

Rotary swaging is an industrially applicable intensive plastic deformation method. Due to its versatility, it is popular, especially in the automotive industry. Similar to the well-known methods of severe plastic deformation (SPD), rotary swaging imparts high shear strain into the swaged materials and thus introduces grain refinement down to a very fine, even ultra-fine, level. However, contrary to SPD methods, one of the primary characteristics of which is that they retain the shapes and dimensions of the processed sample, rotary swaging enables the imparting of required shapes and dimensions of workpieces (besides introducing structure refinement and the consequent enhancement of properties and performance). Therefore, under optimized conditions, swaging can be used to process workpieces of virtually any metallic material with theoretically any required dimensions. The main aim of this review is to present the principle of the rotary swaging method and its undeniable advantages. The focus is primarily on assessing its pros and cons by evaluating the imparted microstructures.

Grain-size adjustment in Hf0.5Zr0.5O2ferroelectric film to improve the switching time in Hf0.5Zr0.5O2-based ferroelectric capacitor

By adjusting the rising time in annealing ferroelectric HfO2-based films, the grain size of the film can be controlled. In this study, we found that increasing the rising time from 10 to 30 s at an annealing temperature of 700 °C in N2atmosphere resulted in improved ferroelectric switching speed. This is because the larger grain size reduces the internal resistance components, such as the grain bulk resistance and grain boundary resistance, of the HZO film. This in turn lowers the overall equivalent resistance. By minimizing the RC time constants, increasing the grain size plays a key role in improving the polarization switching speed of ferroelectric films.

GR5 acts in the G protein pathway to regulate grain size in rice

Grain size is an important determinant of grain yield in rice. Although dozens of grain size genes have been reported, the molecular mechanisms that control grain size remain to be fully clarified. Here, we report the cloning and characterization of GR5 (GRAIN ROUND 5), which is allelic to SMOS1/SHB/RLA1/NGR5 and encodes an AP2 transcription factor. GR5 acts as a transcriptional activator and determines grain size by influencing cell proliferation and expansion. We demonstrated that GR5 physically interacts with five Gγ subunit proteins (RGG1, RGG2, DEP1, GS3, and GGC2) and acts downstream of the G protein complex. Four downstream target genes of GR5 in grain development (DEP2, DEP3, DRW1, and CyCD5;2) were revealed and their core T/CGCAC motif identified by yeast one-hybrid, EMSA, and ChIP-PCR experiments. Our results revealed that GR5 interacts with Gγ subunits and cooperatively determines grain size by regulating the expression of downstream target genes. These findings provide new insight into the genetic regulatory network of the G protein signaling pathway in the control of grain size and provide a potential target for high-yield rice breeding.

Type I MADS-box transcription factor TaMADS-GS regulates grain size by stabilizing cytokinin signalling during endosperm cellularization in wheat

Grain size is one of the important traits in wheat breeding programs aimed at improving yield, and cytokinins, mainly involved in cell division, have a positive impact on grain size. Here, we identified a novel wheat gene TaMADS-GS encoding type I MADS-box transcription factor, which regulates the cytokinins signalling pathway during early stages of grain development to modulate grain size and weight in wheat. TaMADS-GS is exclusively expressed in grains at early stage of seed development and its knockout leads to delayed endosperm cellularization, smaller grain size and lower grain weight. TaMADS-GS protein interacts with the Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2) and leads to repression of genes encoding cytokinin oxidase/dehydrogenases (CKXs) stimulating cytokinins inactivation by mediating accumulation of the histone H3 trimethylation at lysine 27 (H3K27me3). Through the screening of a large wheat germplasm collection, an elite allele of the TaMADS-GS exhibits higher ability to repress expression of genes inactivating cytokinins and a positive correlation with grain size and weight, thus representing a novel marker for breeding programs in wheat. Overall, these findings support the relevance of TaMADS-GS as a key regulator of wheat grain size and weight.

Influence of leaf morphological characteristics on the dynamic changes of particulate matter retention and grain size distributions

ABSTRACTPlant leaves can retain atmospheric particulate matter (PM) and thus alleviate air pollution. Herein, four plant species (Cerasus. serrulata, H. syriacus, H. tuberosus, and E. japonicus) from the central part of Shanxi Province, China, were investigated to analyse the dynamic changes in their PM retention capacity and grain size over five periods. The relationship between leaf morphological characteristics (leaf size and leaf surface microstructure) and dynamic changes were discussed in PM retention, revealing the influence of leaf morphological characteristics on the amount of PM retention and its composition. The results showed that amount and grain sizes of the retained PM differed significantly among the various studied species; however, the trends in PM retention of different species in the time series were the same. The grain size distributions of PM from the four species displayed a bimodal distribution, in which the main peak distribution range was 5-60 μm and the secondary peak distribution range was 0.4-1 μm. Leaves of smaller sizes and those with rough surfaces had a high PM retention capacity. Leaves with deep grooves are conductive to retaining PM2.5 and PM2.5-10, while leaves with hair are conductive to retaining PM>10. Therefore, the morphological characteristics of leaves should be considered when selecting the use of plant species to alleviate air pollution.Highlights Dynamics of PM retention capacity and grain size distributions of four plant species were analysed.Grain size distributions of PM retained on leaves had a bimodal distribution.Small leaves with grooves or hair are conductive to PM retention.Grooves are conductive to fine PM retention while hairs are conductive to coarse PM retention.

Identification of Superior Haplotypes and Haplotype Combinations for Grain Size- and Weight-Related Genes for Breeding Applications in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

The identification of superior haplotypes and haplotype combinations is essential for haplotype-based breeding (HBB), which provides selection targets for genomics-assisted breeding. In this study, genotypes of 42 functional genes in rice were analyzed by targeted capture sequencing in a panel of 180 Indica rice accessions. In total, 69 SNPs/Indels in seven genes were detected to be associated with grain length (GL), grain width (GW), ratio of grain length-width (L/W) and thousand-grain weight (TGW) using candidate gene-based association analysis, including BG1 and GS3 for GL, GW5 for GW, BG1 and GW5 for L/W, and AET1, SNAC1, qTGW3, DHD1 and GW5 for TGW. Furthermore, two haplotypes were identified for each of the seven genes according to these associated SNPs/Indels, and the amount of genetic variation explained by different haplotypes ranged from 3.24% to 27.66%. Additionally, three, three and eight haplotype combinations for GL, L/W and TGW explained 25.38%, 5.5% and 22.49% of the total genetic variation for each trait, respectively. Further analysis showed that Minghui63 had the superior haplotype combination Haplotype Combination 4 (HC4) for TGW. The most interesting finding was that some widely used restorer lines derived from Minghui63 also have the superior haplotype combination HC4, and our breeding varieties and lines using the haplotype-specific marker panel also confirmed that the TGW of the lines was much higher than that of their sister lines without HC4, suggesting that TGW-HC4 is the superior haplotype combination for TGW and can be utilized in rice breeding.

Impact of Aggregate Grain Size on ASR-Induced Expansion

Alkali-silica reaction (ASR) is a sequence of complex chemical processes, resulting in the formation of alkali silica gels with high swelling ability. ASR leads to the expansion of concrete and the degradation of its microstructure. The susceptibility of aggregates to alkali reaction depends, among other factors, on the type and origin of the aggregate, the presence of reactive forms of silica, the mineral composition, and the geometric properties of the aggregate, such as shape and grain size. This study aimed to investigate the impact of the grain size of polymineral post-glacial gravel aggregate, originating from the northern regions of Poland, on its susceptibility to ASR. The expansion of mortars made from polymineral aggregate and the cracking of grains and cement matrix due to the occurring reactions were analyzed. Based on the conducted research, it was observed that the expansion of mortars depends on the grain size of the aggregate. It was demonstrated that the fraction of reactive aggregate generating the most significant elongation of mortars is in the range of 1.0-2.0 mm. The reaction of silica with alkalis continued until the depletion of reactive components in the aggregate. The relationship between the progress of corrosive processes and the grain size of the aggregate was evident in the form of different linear elongation increments of mortars over time. The expansion of mortars was caused by the swelling ASR gel, inducing stress in the grain and the surrounding cementitious paste.

Identification of natural allelic variation in TTL1 controlling thermotolerance and grain size by a rice super pan-genome

Continuously increasing global temperatures present great challenges to food security. Grain size, one of the critical components determining grain yield in rice (Oryza sativa L.), is a prime target for genetic breeding. Thus, there is an immediate need for genetic improvement in rice to maintain grain yield under heat stress. However, quantitative trait loci (QTLs) endowing heat stress tolerance and grain size in rice are extremely rare. Here, we identified a novel negative regulator with pleiotropic effects, Thermo-Tolerance and grain Length 1 (TTL1), from the super pan-genomic and transcriptomic data. Loss-of-function mutations in TTL1 enhanced heat tolerance, and caused an increase in grain size by coordinating cell expansion and proliferation. TTL1 was shown to function as a transcriptional regulator and localized to the nucleus and cell membrane. Furthermore, haplotype analysis showed that hapL and hapS of TTL1 were obviously correlated with variations of thermotolerance and grain size in a core collection of cultivars. Genome evolution analysis of available rice germplasms suggested that TTL1 was selected during domestication of the indica and japonica rice subspecies, but still had much breeding potential for increasing grain length and thermotolerance. These findings provide insights into TTL1 as a novel potential target for the development of high-yield and thermotolerant rice varieties.

DWARF AND LOW-TILLERING 2 functions in brassinosteroid signaling and controls plant architecture and grain size in rice

Brassinosteroids (BRs) are a class of steroid phytohormones that control various aspects of plant growth and development. Several transcriptional factors (TFs) have been suggested to play roles in BR signaling. However, their possible relationship remains largely unknown. Here, we identified a rice mutant dwarf and low-tillering 2 (dlt2) with altered plant architecture, increased grain width, and reduced BR sensitivity. DLT2 encodes a GIBBERELLIN INSENSITIVE (GAI)-REPRESSOR OF GAI (RGA)-SCARECROW (GRAS) TF that is mainly localized in the nucleus and has weak transcriptional activity. Our further genetic and biochemical analyses indicate that DLT2 interacts with two BR-signaling-related TFs, DLT and BRASSINAZOLE-RESISTANT 1, and probably modulates their transcriptional activity. These findings imply that DLT2 is implicated in a potentially transcriptional complex that mediates BR signaling and rice development and suggests that DLT2 could be a potential target for improving rice architecture and grain morphology. This work also sheds light on the role of rice GRAS members in regulating numerous developmental processes.

Dynamic monitoring of TGW6 by selective autophagy during grain development in rice

Crop yield must increase to achieve food security in the face of a growing population and environmental deterioration. Grain size is a prime breeding target for improving grain yield and quality in crop. Here, we report that autophagy emerges as an important regulatory pathway contributing to grain size and quality in rice. Mutations of rice Autophagy-related 9b (OsATG9b) or OsATG13a causes smaller grains and increase of chalkiness, whereas overexpression of either promotes grain size and quality. We also demonstrate that THOUSAND-GRAIN WEIGHT 6 (TGW6), a superior allele that regulates grain size and quality in the rice variety Kasalath, interacts with OsATG8 via the canonical Atg8-interacting motif (AIM), and then is recruited to the autophagosome for selective degradation. In consistent, alteration of either OsATG9b or OsATG13a expression results in reciprocal modulation of TGW6 abundance during grain growth. Genetic analyses confirmed that knockout of TGW6 in either osatg9b or osatg13a mutants can partially rescue their grain size defects, indicating that TGW6 is one of the substrates for autophagy to regulate grain development. We therefore propose a potential framework for autophagy in contributing to grain size and quality in crops.

Genomic regions involved in the control of 1,000-kernel weight in wild relative-derived populations of durum wheat

Terminal drought is one of the most common and devastating climatic stress factors affecting durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) production worldwide. The wild relatives of this crop are deemed a vast potential source of useful alleles to adapt to this stress. A nested association mapping (NAM) panel was generated using as a recurrent parent the Moroccan variety 'Nachit' derived from Triticum dicoccoides and known for its large grain size. This was recombined to three top-performing lines derived from T. dicoccoides, T. araraticum, and Aegilops speltoides, for a total of 426 inbred progenies. This NAM was evaluated across eight environments (Syria, Lebanon, and Morocco) experiencing different degrees of terminal moisture stress over two crop seasons. Our results showed that drought stress caused on average 41% loss in yield and that 1,000-kernel weight (TKW) was the most important trait for adaptation to it. Genotyping with the 25K TraitGenetics array resulted in a consensus map of 1,678 polymorphic SNPs, spanning 1,723 cM aligned to the reference 'Svevo' genome assembly. Kinship distinguished the progenies in three clades matching the parent of origin. A total of 18 stable quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were identified as controlling various traits but independent from flowering time. The most significant genomic regions were named Q.ICD.NAM-04, Q.ICD.NAM-14, and Q.ICD.NAM-16. Allelic investigation in a second germplasm panel confirmed that carrying the positive allele at all three loci produced an average TKW advantage of 25.6% when field-tested under drought conditions. The underlying SNPs were converted to Kompetitive Allele-Specific PCR (KASP) markers and successfully validated in a third germplasm set, where they explained up to 19% of phenotypic variation for TKW under moisture stress. These findings confirm the identification of critical loci for drought adaptation derived from wild relatives that can now be readily exploited via molecular breeding.

Genetic Basis of Grain Size and Weight in Rice, Wheat, and Barley

Grain size is a key component of grain yield in cereals. It is a complex quantitative trait controlled by multiple genes. Grain size is determined via several factors in different plant development stages, beginning with early tillering, spikelet formation, and assimilates accumulation during the pre-anthesis phase, up to grain filling and maturation. Understanding the genetic and molecular mechanisms that control grain size is a prerequisite for improving grain yield potential. The last decade has brought significant progress in genomic studies of grain size control. Several genes underlying grain size and weight were identified and characterized in rice, which is a model plant for cereal crops. A molecular function analysis revealed most genes are involved in different cell signaling pathways, including phytohormone signaling, transcriptional regulation, ubiquitin-proteasome pathway, and other physiological processes. Compared to rice, the genetic background of grain size in other important cereal crops, such as wheat and barley, remains largely unexplored. However, the high level of conservation of genomic structure and sequences between closely related cereal crops should facilitate the identification of functional orthologs in other species. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the genetic and molecular bases of grain size and weight in wheat, barley, and rice, focusing on the latest discoveries in the field. We also present possibly the most updated list of experimentally validated genes that have a strong effect on grain size and discuss their molecular function.

A transcriptional atlas identifies key regulators and networks for the development of spike tissues in barley

Grain number and size determine grain yield in crops and are closely associated with spikelet fertility and grain filling in barley (Hordeum vulgare). Abortion of spikelet primordia within individual barley spikes causes a 30%-50% loss in the potential number of grains during development from the awn primordium stage to the tipping stage, after that grain filling is the primary factor regulating grain size. To identify transcriptional signatures associated with spike development, we use a six-rowed barley cultivar (Morex) to develop a spatiotemporal transcriptome atlas containing 255 samples covering 17 stages and 5 positions along the spike. We identify several fundamental regulatory networks, in addition to key regulators of spike development and morphology. Specifically, we show HvGELP96, encoding a GDSL domain-containing protein, as a regulator of spikelet fertility and grain number. Our transcriptional atlas offers a powerful resource to answer fundamental questions in spikelet development and degeneration in barley.

Influence of Grain Size on Dielectric Behavior in Lead-Free 0.5 Ba(Zr0.2Ti0.8)O3-0.5 (Ba0.7Ca0.3)TiO3 Ceramics

Fine-tuning of grain sizes can significantly influence the interaction between different dielectric phenomena, allowing the development of materials with tailored dielectric resistivity. By virtue of various synthesis mechanisms, a pathway to manipulate grain sizes and, consequently, tune the material's dielectric response is revealed. Understanding these intricate relationships between granulation and dielectric properties can pave the way for designing and optimizing materials for specific applications where tailored dielectric responses are sought. The experimental part involved the fabrication of dense BCT-BZT ceramics with different grain sizes by varying the synthesis (conventional solid-state reaction route and sol-gel) and consolidation methods. Both consolidation methods produced well-crystallized specimens, with Ba0.85Ca0.15O3Ti0.9Zr0.1 (BCTZ) perovskite as the major phase. Conventional sintering resulted in microstructured and submicron-structured BCT-BZT ceramics, with average grain sizes of 2.35 μm for the solid-state sample and 0.91 μm for the sol-gel synthesized ceramic. However, spark plasma sintering produced a nanocrystalline specimen with an average grain size of 67.5 nm. As the grain size decreases, there is a noticeable decrease in the maximum permittivity, a significant reduction in dielectric losses, and a shifting of the Curie temperature towards lower values.

Influence of the Phase Composition of Titanium Alloys on Cell Adhesion and Surface Colonization

The pivotal role of metal implants within the host's body following reconstructive surgery hinges primarily on the initial phase of the process: the adhesion of host cells to the implant's surface and the subsequent colonization by these cells. Notably, titanium alloys represent a significant class of materials used for crafting metal implants. This study, however, marks the first investigation into how the phase composition of titanium alloys, encompassing the volume fractions of the α, β, and ω phases, influences cell adhesion to the implant's surface. Moreover, the research delves into the examination of induced hemolysis and cytotoxicity. To manipulate the phase composition of titanium alloys, various parameters were altered, including the chemical composition of titanium alloys with iron and niobium, annealing temperature, and high-pressure torsion parameters. By systematically adjusting these experimental parameters, we were able to discern the distinct impact of phase composition. As a result, the study unveiled that the colonization of the surfaces of the examined Ti-Nb and Ti-Fe alloys by human multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells exhibits an upward trend with the increasing proportion of the ω phase, concurrently accompanied by a decrease in the α and β phases. These findings signify a new avenue for advancing Ti-based alloys for both permanent implants and temporary fixtures, capitalizing on the ability to regulate the volume fractions of the α, β, and ω phases. Furthermore, the promising characteristics of the ω phase suggest the potential emergence of a third generation of biocompatible Ti alloys, the ω-based materials, following the first-generation α-Ti alloys and second-generation β alloys.

A point mutation in the rice alpha-tubulin gene OsTUBA3 causes grain notching

Grain notching is a common deformation that decreases rice (Oryza sativa) quality; however, the underlying molecular basis causing grain notching remains unclear. We report mechanisms underlying grain notching in Small and notched grain (Sng) mutants, which contained an arginine to histidine substitution at amino acid position 422 (R422H) of the α-tubulin protein OsTUBA3. The R422H mutation decreased cell length and increased cell width/height of glumes and caryopses, but led to elongated caryopses compressed within shortened glumes, thus giving rise to notched and small grains. Glume and caryopsis cells had different dimensional orientations relative to the directions of organ elongation. Thus, the abnormal cell expansion induced in glumes and caryopses by the R422H mutation had different effects on elongation of these organs. The R422H mutation in OsTUBA3 compromised β-tubulin binding and led to formation of defective heterodimers. This in turn affected tubulin incorporation and microtubule (MT) nucleation and regrowth, consequently leading to MT instability and reducing the transverse orientation. The defective MT dynamics affected cell expansion and shape, causing different alterations in glume and caryopsis dimensions and resulting in grain notching. These data indicate that Arg422 in OsTUBA3 is crucial for MT dynamics and that substitution with His causes grain notching, reducing grain quality and yield. These findings offer valuable insights into the molecular regulation underlying grain development in rice.

Improving Fracture Resistance of 5Y-PSZ-based Three-unit Bridge Prosthesis

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

5Y-PSZ-based zirconia dental restorations exhibit high translucency and good esthetics but have a higher fracture risk compared to 3Y-TZP.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the effect of BruxZir SteelTM treatment on the fracture resistance of zirconia three-unit bridges prepared using 5Y-PSZ-based zirconia blanks.

METHODS

Three-unit zirconia bridges were milled using CAD/CAM from homogeneous bisque zirconia blanks (5Y-PSZ-based) supplied by various manufacturers and sintered. Their fracture resistance was analyzed by dynamic loading. For each zirconia blank, the fracture resistance of the sintered test restoration (cementation surface treated with BruxZir SteelTM) was compared with the sintered control restoration (untreated cementation surface). Finite Element Analysis (FEA) was used to analyze the stress distribution on the three-unit bridge under an axial load.

RESULTS

The fracture resistance of the test restorations was significantly higher than that of the control restorations for all the manufacturers considered in this study (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the restoration made of BruxZirⓇ Esthetic treated with BruxZir SteelTM had the highest fracture resistance compared to the other restorations. In addition, the three-unit bridge restorations prepared from 5Y-PSZ-based zirconia blocks exhibited differences in grain size and fracture toughness depending on the presence or absence of BruxZir SteelTM treatment. The locations of high stresses under FEA correlated well with the fracture locations in the corresponding experimental test. FEA also demonstrated the improved performance of BruxZir Steel-treated sample compared to the control.

SIGNIFICANCE

The fracture resistance of 5Y-PSZ-based BruxZir SteelTM-treated three-unit bridges was significantly higher (min. 30%, max. 198%) than control.

Mechanisms of Gravitational Influence on Weld Pool Behavior and Weld Bead Performance in Variable Polarity Plasma Arc Welding across Different Welding Position

This article comprehensively explores the cross-scale effects of gravity on macroscopic flow formation and weld bead formation in variable polarity plasma arc welding. Gravity-induced changes in welding direction were achieved through welding at different spatial positions. The properties of the weld bead were investigated at various spatial locations. Additionally, an elemental tracing technique was employed to study the internal flow behavior of molten metal. In the flat welding position, there is an observable trend of increasing grain size in the welded bead, accompanied by a significant expansion of the coarse grain zone. Consequently, the properties of the weld bead in the flat position are inferior to those achieved in the vertical welding position. This phenomenon can be attributed to the accumulation of molten metal at the exit side of the keyhole, resulting in temperature accumulation. Research indicates that the internal flow within the weld pool plays a critical role in causing this phenomenon. The study's findings reveal the presence of two distinct vortex flow patterns within the weld pool: one aligned with the welding direction and the other directed towards the interior of the weld pool. Particularly noteworthy is the substantial expansion of the flow channel area in the flat welding position, which significantly amplifies the impact of internal flow. This enhanced flow intensity inevitably leads to the increased buildup of molten metal at the keyhole exit side. These studies lay the groundwork for achieving high-quality and controllable spatial-position welding.

Effect of sub-micron grains and defect-dipole interactions on dielectric properties of iron, cobalt, and copper doped barium titanate ceramics

Introduction: Dilutely doped ferroelectric materials are of interest, as engineering these materials by introducing point defects via doping often leads to unique behavior not otherwise achievable in the undoped material. For example, B-site doping with transition metals in barium titanate (BaTiO3, or BTO) creates defect dipoles via oxygen vacancies leading enhanced polarization, strain, and the ability to tune dielectric properties. Though defect dipoles should lead to dielectric property enhancements, the effect of grain size in polycrystalline ferroelectrics such as BTO plays a significant role in those properties as well. Methods: Herein, doped BTO with 1.0% copper (Cu), iron (Fe), or cobalt (Co) was synthesized using traditional solid-state processing to observe the contribution of both defect-dipole formation and grain size on the ferroelectric and dielectric properties. Results and discussion: 1.0% Cu doped BTO showed the highest polarization and strain (9.3 μC/cm2 and 0.1%, respectively) of the three doped BTO samples. While some results, such as the aforementioned electrical properties of the 1.0% Cu doped BTO can be explained by the strong chemical driving force of the Cu atoms to form defect dipoles with oxygen vacancies and copper's consistent +2 valency leading to stable defect-dipole formation (versus the readily mixed valency states of Fe and Co at +2/+3), other properties cannot. For instance, all three Tc values should fall below that of undoped BTO (typically 120°C-135°C), but the Tc of 1.0% Cu BTO actually exceeds that range (139.4°C). Data presented on the average grain size and distribution of grain sizes provides insight allowing us to decouple the effect of defect dipoles and the effect of grain size on properties such as Tc, where the 1.0% Cu BTO was shown to possess the largest overall grains, leading to its increase in Tc. Conclusion/future work: Overall, the 1% Cu BTO possessed the highest polarization, strain, and Tc and is a promising dopant for engineering the performance of the material. This work emphasizes the challenge of extricating one effect (such as defect-dipole formation) from another (grain size modification) inherent to doping polycrystalline BTO.

Editing of rice (Oryza sativa L.) OsMKK3 gene using CRISPR/Cas9 decreases grain length by modulating the expression of photosystem components

Grain size is one of the most important agronomic traits for grain yield determination in rice. To better understand the proteins that are regulated by the grain size regulatory gene OsMKK3, this gene was knocked out using the CRISPR/Cas9 system, and tandem mass tag (TMT) labeling combined with liquid chromatograph-tandem mass spectrometry analysis was performed to study the regulation of proteins in the panicle. Quantitative proteomic screening revealed a total of 106 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) via comparison of the OsMKK3 mutant line to the wild-type YexiangB, including 15 and 91 up-regulated and down-regulated DEPs, respectively. Pathway analysis revealed that DEPs were enriched in metabolic pathways, biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, and photosynthesis. Strong interactions were detected among seven down-regulated proteins related to photosystem components in the protein-protein interaction network, and photosynthetic rate was decreased in mutant plants. The results of the liquid chromatography-parallel reaction monitoring/mass spectromery analysis and western blot analysis were consistent with the results of the proteomic analysis, and the results of the quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed that the expression levels of most candidate genes were consistent with protein levels. Overall, OsMKK3 controls grain size by regulating the protein content in cells. Our findings provide new candidate genes that will aid the study of grain size regulatory mechanisms associated with the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway.

Analytical Models for Grain Size Determination of Metallic Coatings and Machined Surface Layers Using the Four-Point Probe Method

The grain size of a metallic coating or the surface layer after the machining of metallic parts strongly impacts corrosion and wear properties along with fatigue behavior. By measuring the combined electrical resistance of this layer and the substrate using the four-point probe method, the grain size of the layer can be determined. For different grain shapes, models are derived based on an analytical approach. The parameters in the models can be determined by appropriate calibration measurements. As a result, the grain sizes can be determined quickly with a non-destructive method, which can be applied to ensure consistent coating or machining results as part of quality control routines in industrial processes.

Genetic Effects Analysis of QTLs for Rice Grain Size Based on CSSL-Z403 and Its Dissected Single and Dual-Segment Substitution Lines

Rice chromosomal segment substitution lines (CSSLs) are ideal materials for studying quantitative traits such as grain size. Here, a rice large-grain CSSL-Z403 was identified among progeny of the recipient Xihui18 and the donor Jinhui35 based on molecular marker-assisted selection. Z403 carried 10 substitution segments with average length of 3.01 Mb. Then, a secondary F2 population derived from a cross between Xihui18 and Z403 was used to map quantitative trait loci (QTL) for grain size. Six QTLs distributed on chromosomes 5, 6, 7, 9 and 12 were detected. Finally four single-segment substitution lines (SSSLs) and two dual-segment substitution lines (DSSLs) carrying these target QTLs were constructed, and 10 novel QTLs were identified by four SSSLs. The large grain of Z403 was controlled at least by qGWT5, qGWT7, qGWT9 and qGWT12, and its grain weight was influenced through grain length QTL such as qGL5, qGL6, qGL9 and qGL12, as well as grain width QTL such as qGW5, qGW7, qGW9 and qGW12. Among 16 QTLs, four QTLs including qGL6, etc., might be novel compared with the reported documents. Again, positive or less negative epistatic effects between two non-allelic QTLs (additive effect > 0) may assist screening the genotype with larger grain size in further selection.

Investigation of the Micromechanical Behavior of a Ti68Nb7Ta3Zr4Mo18 (at.%) High-Entropy Alloy

Intense research efforts are focused on the development of advanced high-entropy alloys intended for premium aerospace components and other applications, where high strength and good formability are crucial. The mechanical properties of these alloys are closely related to the phase transformation, dislocation evolution, and grain size, and these factors are affected by the deformation temperature. The response of the retained austenite to strain-induced martensitic transformation at various temperatures was studied in an advanced Ti₆₈Nb₇Ta₃Zr₄Mo₁₈ (at.%) high-entropy alloy via molecular dynamics simulation. It was found that the Ti₆₈Nb₇Ta₃Zr₄Mo₁₈ alloy changes from a single crystal to a polycrystal during the tensile process, and the transition of the Ti₆₈Nb₇Ta₃Zr₄Mo₁₈ (at.%) high-entropy alloy from the BCC phase to the FCC phase occurs. At high temperatures and low strain rates, grain boundary slip is the main deformation mechanism, and at low temperatures and high strain rates, dislocation slip replaces grain boundary slip as the dominant deformation mechanism, which improves the strength of the alloy. Moreover, when the grain size is too small, the strength of the alloy decreases, which does not satisfy the fine grain strengthening theory and shows an inverse Hall-Petch relationship. This study offers a new compositional window for the additive manufactured lightweight high-strength material categories for various applications including the aerospace industry.

Rapid Identification by Resequencing-Based QTL Mapping of a Novel Allele RGA1-FH Decreasing Grain Length in a Rice Restorer Line 'Fuhui212'

Grain size is one of the most frequently selected traits during domestication and modern breeding. The continued discovery and characterization of new genes and alleles in controlling grain size are important in safeguarding the food supply for the world's growing population. Previously, a small grain size was observed in a rice restorer line 'Fuhui212', while the underlying genetic factors controlling this trait were unknown. In this study, by combining QTL mapping, variant effect prediction, and complementation experiments, we recovered a novel allele RGA1-FH that explains most of the phenotypic changes. The RGA1-FH allele contains an A-to-T splicing site variant that disrupts the normal function of RGA1. While population analysis suggests extremely strong artificial selection in maintaining a functional allele of RGA1, our study is the first, to the best of our knowledge, to prove that a dysfunctional RGA1 allele can also be beneficial in real agricultural production. Future breeding programs would benefit from paying more attention to the rational utilization of those overlooked 'unfavored' alleles.

Ectopic Expression of a Maize Gene ZmDUF1645 in Rice Increases Grain Length and Yield, but Reduces Drought Stress Tolerance

As the human population grows rapidly, food shortages will become an even greater problem; therefore, increasing crop yield has become a focus of rice breeding programs. The maize gene, ZmDUF1645, encoding a putative member of the DUF1645 protein family with an unknown function, was transformed into rice. Phenotypic analysis showed that enhanced ZmDUF1645 expression significantly altered various traits in transgenic rice plants, including increased grain length, width, weight, and number per panicle, resulting in a significant increase in yield, but a decrease in rice tolerance to drought stress. qRT-PCR results showed that the expression of the related genes regulating meristem activity, such as MPKA, CDKA, a novel crop grain filling gene (GIF1), and GS3, was significantly changed in the ZmDUF1645-overexpression lines. Subcellular colocalization showed that ZmDUF1645 was primarily localized on cell membrane systems. Based on these findings, we speculate that ZmDUF1645, like the OsSGL gene in the same protein family, may regulate grain size and affect yield through the cytokinin signaling pathway. This research provides further knowledge and understanding of the unknown functions of the DUF1645 protein family and may serve as a reference for biological breeding engineering to increase maize crop yield.

The extreme 2016 wheat yield failure in France

France suffered, in 2016, the most extreme wheat yield decline in recent history, with some districts losing 55% yield. To attribute causes, we combined the largest coherent detailed wheat field experimental dataset with statistical and crop model techniques, climate information, and yield physiology. The 2016 yield was composed of up to 40% fewer grains that were up to 30% lighter than expected across eight research stations in France. The flowering stage was affected by prolonged cloud cover and heavy rainfall when 31% of the loss in grain yield was incurred from reduced solar radiation and 19% from floret damage. Grain filling was also affected as 26% of grain yield loss was caused by soil anoxia, 11% by fungal foliar diseases, and 10% by ear blight. Compounding climate effects caused the extreme yield decline. The likelihood of these compound factors recurring under future climate change is estimated to change with a higher frequency of extremely low wheat yields.

Thermoelectric Performance of Surface-Engineered Cu1.5-xTe-Cu2Se Nanocomposites

Cu_2-xS and Cu_2-xSe have recently been reported as promising thermoelectric (TE) materials for medium-temperature applications. In contrast, Cu_2-xTe, another member of the copper chalcogenide family, typically exhibits low Seebeck coefficients that limit its potential to achieve a superior thermoelectric figure of merit, zT, particularly in the low-temperature range where this material could be effective. To address this, we investigated the TE performance of Cu_1.5-xTe-Cu₂Se nanocomposites by consolidating surface-engineered Cu_1.5Te nanocrystals. This surface engineering strategy allows for precise adjustment of Cu/Te ratios and results in a reversible phase transition at around 600 K in Cu_1.5-xTe-Cu₂Se nanocomposites, as systematically confirmed by in situ high-temperature X-ray diffraction combined with differential scanning calorimetry analysis. The phase transition leads to a conversion from metallic-like to semiconducting-like TE properties. Additionally, a layer of Cu₂Se generated around Cu_1.5-xTe nanoparticles effectively inhibits Cu_1.5-xTe grain growth, minimizing thermal conductivity and decreasing hole concentration. These properties indicate that copper telluride based compounds have a promising thermoelectric potential, translated into a high dimensionless zT of 1.3 at 560 K.

Microstructure Evolution and Mechanical Response of a Direct Quenched and Partitioned Steel at Different Finishing Rolling Temperatures

The effects of finishing rolling temperature on the microstructure and mechanical properties of a direct quenched and partitioned (DQ&P) steel were investigated by a thermal simulation machine, a field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), electron backscattering diffraction (EBSD), and a transmission electron microscope (TEM). The results show that the original austenite grain size was refined by 31% as the finishing rolling temperature decreased from 920 °C to 840 °C, leading to the formation of the finest martensite lath at 840 °C. At the same time, the lower finishing rolling temperature resulted in a higher dislocation density, and consequently improved the stability of the retained austenite. Moreover, compared to the conventional Q&P process, the comprehensive mechanical properties of a steel with similar chemical composition can be enhanced by DQ&P processing. With the decrease of finishing rolling temperature from 920 °C to 840 °C, the strength and total elongation increases. The yield strength, tensile strength, and total elongation reach the maximum values of 1121 MPa, 1134 MPa, and 11.7%, respectively, at 840 °C.

Simulation of Work Hardening in Machining Inconel 718 with Multiscale Grain Size

Machining nickel-based alloys always exhibits significant work-hardening behavior, which may help to improve the part quality by building a hardened layer on the surface, while also causing severe tool wear during machining. Hence, modeling the work-hardening phenomenon plays a critical role in the evaluation of tool wear and part quality. This paper aims to propose a numerical model to estimate the work-hardening layer for a deeper understanding of this behavior, employing both recrystallization-based and dislocation-based models to cover workpieces with multiscale grain sizes. Different user routines are implemented in the finite element method to simulate the increase in hardness in the deformed area due to recrystallization or changes in the dislocation density. The validation of the proposed model is performed with both literature and experimental data for Inconel 718 with small or large grain sizes. It is found that the recrystallization-based model is more suitable for predicting the work-hardening behavior of small-grain-size Inconel 718 and the dislocation-based model is better for that of large-grain-size Inconel 718. Further, as an important type of cutting tool in machining Inconel 718, the chamfered tools with different edge geometries are employed in the simulations of machining-induced work hardening. The results illustrate that the uncut chip thickness and chamfer angle have a significant influence on the work-hardening behavior.

Superior Energy Storage Properties and Optical Transparency in K0.5 Na0.5 NbO3 -Based Dielectric Ceramics via Multiple Synergistic Strategies

Eco-friendly transparent dielectric ceramics with superior energy storage properties are highly desirable in various transparent energy-storage electronic devices, ranging from advanced transparent pulse capacitors to electro-optical multifunctional devices. However, the collaborative improvement of energy storage properties and optical transparency in KNN-based ceramics still remains challenging. To address this issue, multiple synergistic strategies are proposed, such as refining the grain size, introducing polar nanoregions, and inducing a high-symmetry phase structure. Accordingly, outstanding energy storage density (W_total  ≈7.5 J cm^-3 , W_rec  ≈5.3 J cm^-3 ) and optical transmittance (≈76% at 1600 nm, ≈62% at 780 nm) are simultaneously realized in the 0.94(K_0.5 Na_0.5 )NbO₃ -0.06Sr_0.7 La_0.2 ZrO₃ ceramic, together with satisfactory charge-discharge performances (discharge energy density: ≈2.7 J cm^-3 , power density: ≈243 MW cm^-3 , discharge rate: ≈76 ns), surpassing previously reported KNN-based transparent ceramics. Piezoresponse force microscopy and transmission electron microscopy revealed that this excellent performance can be attributed to the nanoscale domain and submicron-scale grain size. The significant improvement in the optical transparency and energy storage properties of the materials resulted in the widening of the application prospects of the materials.

Identification of Potential QTLs Related to Grain Size in Rice

Rice is a major crop, providing calories and food for most of the world's population. Currently, the global population is rapidly increasing, and securing a yield of rice that can satisfy everyone is an ongoing challenge. The yield of rice can be increased by controlling 1000-grain weight as one of the important determining factors. Grain length, grain width, grain thickness, and 1000-grain weight, which determine grain size, are controlled by QTLs. To identify QTLs related to grain size, we screened and then mapped 88 RIL individuals derived from a cross between JJ625LG, which has a long grain size, long spindle-shaped grains, and low 1000-grain weight, and Namchan, which has short grains with round shape and heavy 1000-grain weight. In 2021 and 2022, 511 SNP markers were used to map QTLs related to grain size to a physical map. The QTLs found to be related to grain size are evenly distributed on chromosomes 2, 3, 5, 10, and 11. The mapping results also show that the QTLs qGl3-2, qRlw3, and qRlw3-2 of chromosome 3, and qGt5 and qRlw5 of chromosome 5 are, respectively, associated with GS3 and qSW5, which are the major genes previously cloned and found to be related to grain size. In addition, qGw10 and qGw10-1, which were additionally detected in this study, were found to be associated with Os10g0525200 (OsCPq10), a potential candidate gene involved in controlling grain size. This gene codes for a cytochrome P450 family protein and is reported to have a positive effect on grain size by interacting with proteins related to mechanisms determining grain size. In particular, OsCPq10 was screened in the same identified QTL region for 2 consecutive years, which is expected to have a positive effect on grain size. These results will be helpful for breeding elite rice cultivars with high yields through additional fine mapping related to grain size.

A Comparative Study of Deterministic and Stochastic Models of Microstructure Evolution during Multi-Step Hot Deformation of Steels

Modern construction materials, including steels, have to combine strength with good formability. In metallic materials, these features are obtained for heterogeneous multiphase microstructures. Design of such microstructures requires advanced numerical models. It has been shown in our earlier works that models based on stochastic internal variables meet this requirement. The focus of the present paper is on deterministic and stochastic approaches to modelling hot deformation of multiphase steels. The main aim was to survey recent advances in describing the evolution of dislocations and grain size accounting for the stochastic character of the recrystallization. To present a path leading to this objective, we reviewed several papers dedicated to the application of internal variables and statistical approaches to modelling recrystallization. Following this, the idea of the model with dislocation density and grain size being the stochastic internal variables is described. Experiments composed of hot compression of cylindrical samples are also included for better presentation of the utility of this approach. Firstly, an empirical data describing the loads as a function of time during compression and data needed to create histograms of the austenite grain size after the tests were collected. Using the measured data, identification and validation of the models were performed. To present possible applications of the model, it was used to produce a simulation imitating industrial hot-forming processes. Finally, calculations of the dislocation density and the grain size distribution were utilized as inputs in simulations of phase transformations during cooling. Distributions of the ferrite volume fraction and the ferrite grain size after cooling recapitulate the paper. This should give readers good overview on the application of collected equations in practice.

A leaf-emanated signal orchestrates grain size and number in response to maternal resources

In plants, variations in seed size and number are outcomes of different reproductive strategies. Both traits are often environmentally influenced, suggesting that a mechanism exists to coordinate these phenotypes in response to available maternal resources. Yet, how maternal resources are sensed and influence seed size and number is largely unknown. Here, we report a mechanism that senses maternal resources and coordinates grain size and number in the wild rice Oryza rufipogon, a wild progenitor of Asian cultivated rice. We showed that FT-like 9 (FTL9) regulates both grain size and number and that maternal photosynthetic assimilates induce FTL9 expression in leaves to act as a long-range signal that increases grain number and reduces size. Our findings highlight a strategy that benefits wild plants to survive in a fluctuating environment. In this strategy, when maternal resources are sufficient, wild plants increase their offspring number while preventing an increase in offspring size by the action of FTL9, which helps expand their habitats. In addition, we found that a loss-of-function allele (ftl9) is prevalent among wild and cultivated populations, offering a new scenario in the history of rice domestication.

Understanding the Effect of Top Electrode on Ferroelectricity in Atomic Layer Deposited Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 Thin Films

It is commonly believed that the impact of the top electrodes on the ferroelectricity of hafnium-based thin films is due to strain engineering. However, several anomalies have occurred that put existing theories in doubt. This work carries out a detailed study of this issue using both theoretical and experimental approaches. The 10 nm Hf_0.5Zr_0.5O₂ (HZO) films are prepared by atomic layer deposition, and three different top capping electrodes (W/MO/ITO) are deposited by physical vapor deposition. The electrical testing finds that the strain does not completely control the ferroelectricity of the devices. The results of further piezoelectric force microscopy characterization exclude the potential interference of the top capping electrodes and interface for electrical testing. In addition, through atomic force microscopy characterization and statistical analysis, a strong correlation between the grain size of the top electrode and the grain size of the HZO film has been found, suggesting that the grain size of the top electrode can induce the formation of the grain size in HZO thin films. Finally, the first-principles calculation is carried out to understand the impact of the strain and grain size on the ferroelectric properties of HZO films. The results show that the strain is the dominant factor for ferroelectricity when the grain size is large (>10 nm). However, when the grain size becomes thinner (<10 nm), the regulation effect of grain sizes increases significantly, which could bring a series of benefits for device scaling, such as device-to-device variations, film uniformity, and domain switch consistency. This work not only completes the understanding of ferroelectricity through top electrode modulation but also provides strong support for the precise regulation of ferroelectricity of nanoscale devices and ultrathin HZO ferroelectric films.

Composition of Particulate Matter and Bacterial Community in Gut Contents and Surrounding Sediments of Three Sipunculan Species (Siphonosoma australe, Phascolosoma arcuatum, and Sipunculus nudus)

Siphonosoma australe, Phascolosoma arcuatum, and Sipunculus nudus are three important sipunculan species in tropical intertidal zones. In this study, the particle size, organic matter content, and bacterial community composition in the gut contents of three different sipunculans and their surrounding sediments were analyzed. The grain size fractions of sipunculans' guts were significantly different from those of their surrounding sediments; particle size fractions < 500 μm were favored by the sipunculans. As for the total organic matter (TOM), higher contents of organic matter were observed in the guts than in the surrounding sediments in all three sipunculan species. The bacterial community composition of all the samples was investigated by 16S rRNA gene sequencing, in which a total of 8974 OTUs were obtained from 24 samples based on a 97% threshold. The predominant phylum identified from the gut contents of three sipunculans was Planctomycetota, while the predominant phylum in their surrounding sediments was Proteobacteria. At the genus level, the most abundant genus was Sulfurovum (average 4.36%) in the surrounding sediments, while the most abundant genus was Gplla (average 12.76%) in the gut contents. The UPGMA tree showed that the samples from the guts of three different sipunculans and their surrounding sediments were clustered separately into two groups, which showed that these three sipunculans had a different bacterial community composition with their surrounding sediments. The grain size and total organic matter (TOM) had the greatest impacts on the bacterial community composition at both the phylum and genus levels. In conclusion, the differences in particle size fractions, organic matter content, and bacterial community composition between the gut contents and surrounding sediments in these three sipunculan species might be caused by their selective ingestion.

Effect of Solution Treatment Time on Microstructure Evolution and Properties of Mg-3Y-4Nd-2Al Alloy

In order to explore the microstructure evolution of an Mg-RE alloy refined by Al during solution treatment, an Mg-3Y-4Nd-2Al alloy was treated at 545 °C for different time periods. Phase evolution of the alloy was investigated. After solution treatment, the Mg-RE eutectic phase in the Mg-3Y-4Nd-2Al alloy dissolves, the granular Al₂RE phase does not change, the acicular Al₁₁RE₃ phase breaks into the short rod-like Al₂RE phase, and the lamellar Al₂RE phase precipitates in the grains. With the extension of solution time, the precipitated phase of the lamellar Al₂RE increased at first and then decreased, and its orientation relationship with the matrix is <112>Al2RE//<21¯1¯0>Mg and {111}Al2RE//{0002}Mg. The undissolved granular Al₂RE phase can improve the thermal stability of the alloy grain by pinning the grain boundary, and the grain size did not change after solution treatment. Solution treatment significantly improved the plasticity of the alloy. After 48 h of solution treatment, the elongation increased to 17.5% from 8.5% in the as-cast state.

Application Research on Nb Microalloying of High-Carbon Pearlite Bridge Cable Wire Rods

The application of Nb microalloying to high-carbon pearlite bridge cable wire rod steel has always been controversial, especially in the actual production process, which will be affected by the cooling rate, holding temperature and final bonding temperature. In this paper, the experimental characterization, finite element simulation and phase diagram calculation of the test steel were carried out, then the microstructure and properties of different parts of Nb microalloying of bridge cable wire rods were compared and analyzed. The phase transition interval of pearlite during the water-cooling process of bridge cable wire rods is increased due to the refinement of austenite grains, and the significant increase in the end temperature of the phase transition makes the average interlamellar spacing of pearlite increase. The cooling rate of different parts of bridge cable wire rods simulated by Abaqus has little difference. At the same time, Nb microalloying effectively increases the proportion of low-angle grain boundaries, so that the overall average misorientation representing the surface defects is reduced. This helps to reduce the surface energy and increase the stability of the microstructure. Combined with the mechanical properties of microtensile rods, it is found that the grain refinement effect of Nb is greater than that of coarsening interlamellar spacing during hot rolling deformation in actual production, which makes the tensile strength at the 1/4 section increase significantly. The overall tensile strength and area shrinkage of the steel wire have also been effectively improved.

Evaluating metabolic and genomic data for predicting grain traits under high night temperature stress in rice

The asymmetric increase in average nighttime temperatures relative to increase in average daytime temperatures due to climate change is decreasing grain yield and quality in rice. Therefore, a better genome-level understanding of the impact of higher night temperature stress on the weight of individual grains is essential for future development of more resilient rice. We investigated the utility of metabolites obtained from grains to classify high night temperature conditions of genotypes, and metabolites and single nucleotide polymorphisms to predict grain length, width, and perimeter phenotypes using a rice diversity panel. We found that the metabolic profiles of rice genotypes alone could be used to classify control and high night temperature conditions with high accuracy using random forest or extreme gradient boosting. Best linear unbiased prediction and BayesC showed greater metabolic prediction performance than machine learning models for grain-size phenotypes. Metabolic prediction was most effective for grain width, resulting in the highest prediction performance. Genomic prediction performed better than metabolic prediction. Integrating metabolites and genomics simultaneously in a prediction model slightly improved prediction performance. We did not observe a difference in prediction between the control and high night temperature conditions. Several metabolites were identified as auxiliary phenotypes that could be used to enhance the multi-trait genomic prediction of grain-size phenotypes. Our results showed that, in addition to single nucleotide polymorphisms, metabolites collected from grains offer rich information to perform predictive analyses, including classification modeling of high night temperature responses and regression modeling of grain size-related phenotypes in rice.

Control of grain size in rice by TGW3 phosphorylation of OsIAA10 through potentiation of OsIAA10-OsARF4-mediated auxin signaling

Grain size is a key component of grain yield and quality in crops. Several core players of auxin signaling have been revealed to modulate grain size; however, to date, few genetically defined pathways have been reported, and whether phosphorylation could boost degradation of Aux/IAA proteins is uncertain. Here, we show that TGW3 (also called OsGSK5) interacts with and phosphorylates OsIAA10. Phosphorylation of OsIAA10 facilitates its interaction with OsTIR1 and subsequent destabilization, but this modification hinders its interaction with OsARF4. Our genetic and molecular evidence identifies an OsTIR1-OsIAA10-OsARF4 axis as key for grain size control. In addition, physiological and molecular studies suggest that TGW3 mediates the brassinosteroid response, the effect of which can be relayed through the regulatory axis. Collectively, these findings define a auxin signaling pathway to regulate grain size, in which phosphorylation of OsIAA10 enhances its proteolysis and potentiates OsIAA10-OsARF4-mediated auxin signaling.

Genetic Localization and Homologous Genes Mining for Barley Grain Size

Grain size is an important agronomic trait determining barley yield and quality. An increasing number of QTLs (quantitative trait loci) for grain size have been reported due to the improvement in genome sequencing and mapping. Elucidating the molecular mechanisms underpinning barley grain size is vital for producing elite cultivars and accelerating breeding processes. In this review, we summarize the achievements in the molecular mapping of barley grain size over the past two decades, highlighting the results of QTL linkage analysis and genome-wide association studies. We discuss the QTL hotspots and predict candidate genes in detail. Moreover, reported homologs that determine the seed size clustered into several signaling pathways in model plants are also listed, providing the theoretical basis for mining genetic resources and regulatory networks of barley grain size.

Research on Automatic Identification and Rating of Ferrite-Pearlite Grain Boundaries Based on Deep Learning

Grain size has a significant effect on the mechanical properties of metals. It is very important to accurately rate the grain size number of steels. This paper presents a model for automatic detection and quantitative analysis of the grain size of ferrite-pearlite two-phase microstructure to segment ferrite grain boundaries. In view of the challenging problem of hidden grain boundaries in pearlite microstructure, the number of hidden grain boundaries is inferred by detecting them with the confidence of average grain size. The grain size number is then rated using the three-circle intercept procedure. The results show that grain boundaries can be accurately segmented by using this procedure. According to the rating results of grain size number of four types of ferrite-pearlite two-phase microstructure samples, the accuracy of this procedure is greater than 90%. The grain size rating results deviate from those calculated by experts using the manual intercept procedure by less than Grade 0.5-the allowable detection error specified in the standard. In addition, the detection time is shortened from 30 min of the manual intercept procedure to 2 s. The procedure presented in this paper allows automatic rating of grain size number of ferrite-pearlite microstructure, thereby effectively improving the detection efficiency and reducing the labor intensity.