Ga Content Research Articles

Investigation of structural, photo and thermoluminescence properties of YAGG:Ce nanogarnet for medical dosimetry application

Cerium-doped yttrium aluminum gallium garnet (YAGG:Ce3+) nanophosphors were synthesized using the sol-gel method. Mixed garnet of Y2.97Al5-xGaxO12:Ce0.03 was prepared with varying gallium content: x = 0, 1, 2 and 3 Ga. The effect of gallium substitutions on the structural, photo and thermoluminescence properties of the prepared nanophosphors were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), photoluminescence (PL) and thermoluminescence (TL) techniques. XRD results indicated that the single and pure cubic crystal phase was formed for all nanophosphor samples regardless of the Ga content. The PL spectra of all the samples exhibited a green-yellow emission band centered at 522 nm attributed to the 5d → 4f transitions of Ce3+ ions. The TL glow curve spectra recorded after β-particle irradiation showed a strong dependence in terms of position, shape and intensity, of all temperature peaks with the Ga content. The highest TL sensitivity was observed for the sample prepared with x = 2 Ga, with main peak arising at low temperature (85 °C). The sample prepared at x = 1 Ga exhibited also high TL sensitivity with a simple glow curve spectrum showing a main peak at high temperature (∼158 °C). Thus, the linear dose response of this sample has been investigated in the wide dose range from 0.125 to 100 Gy in order to evaluate the potentiality of this material for radiation dosimetry applications.

The Enhanced Performance of Oxide Thin-Film Transistors Fabricated by a Two-Step Deposition Pressure Process.

It is usually difficult to realize high mobility together with a low threshold voltage and good stability for amorphous oxide thin-film transistors (TFTs). In addition, a low fabrication temperature is preferred in terms of enhancing compatibility with the back end of line of the device. In this study, α-IGZO TFTs were prepared by high-power impulse magnetron sputtering (HiPIMS) at room temperature. The channel was prepared under a two-step deposition pressure process to modulate its electrical properties. X-ray photoelectron spectra revealed that the front-channel has a lower Ga content and a higher oxygen vacancy concentration than the back-channel. This process has the advantage of balancing high mobility and a low threshold voltage of the TFT when compared with a conventional homogeneous channel. It also has a simpler fabrication process than that of a dual active layer comprising heterogeneous materials. The HiPIMS process has the advantage of being a low temperature process for oxide TFTs.

Chemical Conversions within the Mo-Ga-C System: Layered Solids with Variable Ga Content.

Layered carbides are fascinating compounds due to their enormous structural and chemical diversity, as well as their potential to possess useful and tunable functional properties. Their preparation, however, is challenging and forces synthesis scientists to develop creative and innovative strategies to access high-quality materials. One unique compound among carbides is Mo2Ga2C. Its structure is related to the large and steadily growing family of 211 MAX phases that crystallize in a hexagonal structure (space group P63/mmc) with alternating layers of edge-sharing M6X octahedra and layers of the A-element. Mo2Ga2C also crystallizes in the same space group, with the difference that the A-element layer is occupied by two A-elements, here Ga, that sit right on top of each other (hence named "221" compound). Here, we propose that the Ga content in this compound is variable between 2:2, 2:1, and 2: ≤1 (and 2:0) Mo/Ga ratios. We demonstrate that one Ga layer can be selectively removed from Mo2Ga2C without jeopardizing the hexagonal P63/mmc structure. This is realized by chemical treatment of the 221 phase Mo2Ga2C with a Lewis acid, leading to the "conventional" 211 MAX phase Mo2GaC. Upon further reaction with CuCl2, more Ga is removed and replaced with Cu (instead of fully exfoliating into the Ga-free Mo2CTx MXene), leading to Mo2Ga1-xCuxC still crystallizing with space group P63/mmc, however, with a significantly larger c-lattice parameter. Furthermore, 211 Mo2GaC can be reacted with Ga to recover the initial 221 Mo2Ga2C. All three reaction pathways have not been reported previously and are supported by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), electron microscopy, X-ray spectroscopy, and density functional theory (DFT) calculations.

Genesis of Danping bauxite (Northern Guizhou, China) and associated lithium: Evidence from LA-ICP-MS analysis of Al-bearing minerals

Lithium (Li), as an essential element of green new energy technology, is a global strategic resource. Sedimentary Li is primarily associated with bauxite, with a local grade of >1000 ppm, and has a huge utilization prospect. However, fine particles limit the study of the occurrence of Li. The Danping bauxite deposit, located in northern Guizhou, China, which accompanying considerable Li resources. In this study, in situ elemental concentration analyses were conducted by laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. The analysis results show that Li is mainly enriched at the bottom and top of the aluminiferous rock series, and the Li content at the top is higher (615.98–3289.98 ppm). Li content is positively correlated with Mg and Fe content, indicating that chlorite is a potential Li-bearing mineral. K content of <10,000 ppm, K content is positively correlated with Li content, indicating that illite may also be a Li-bearing mineral. Kaolinite, transformed from montmorillonite, may also have a high Li content. Ga content is always positively correlated with Al content, indicating that Ga mainly occurs in diaspores. Bauxite has similar Nb/Ta and Zr/Hf ratios to the underlying Hanjiadian Formation shale, as well as the same positive Ce anomalies (negative anomalies in Huanglong Formation), indicating that the ore-forming material of Danping is primarily derived from the underlying Hanjiadian Formation.

The impact of chemical and hormonal treatments to improve seed germination and seedling growth of Juniperus procera Hochst. ex Endi.

Juniper (Juniperus procera) is a common forest tree species in Saudi Arabia. The decline in many populations of J. procera in Saudi Arabia is mainly due to seed dormancy and loss of natural regeneration. This study assessed the effects of chemical and hormonal treatments on seed germination and seedling growth in juniper plants. The seeds were subjected to either chemical scarification with 90% sulfuric acid and 20% acetic acid for 6 min or hormonal treatment by seed soaking in two concentrations (50 and 100 ppm) of three growth regulators, namely, indole acetic acid (IAA), gibberellins (GA3), and kinetin, for 72 h. A control group without any seed treatment was also prepared. The experiments were performed in an incubator maintained at room temperature and under a light and dark period of 12 h for 6 w. The germinated seeds for each treatment were counted and removed from the dishes. The selected germinated seeds from different treatments were planted in a greenhouse and irrigated with tap water for another 6 weeks. The hormone-treated seedlings were sprayed with their corresponding hormone concentrations 1 w after planting. The highest percentage of seed germination was significantly recorded after seed soaking in 50 ppm GA3, whereas treatment with IAA (100 ppm) resulted in the best seedling growth. Seedlings treated with the three phytohormones showed a significant increase in photosynthetic pigments, total soluble sugars, proteins, percentage of oil, IAA, GA3, and kinetin contents of juniper seedlings compared with the control value, whereas abscisic acid content was decreased compared with chemical treatments. The investigated different treatments had an effective role in breaking seed dormancy and improving seedling growth of J. procera, which is facing a notable decline in its population worldwide. Moreover, such an effect was more pronounced in the three phytohormones that succeeded in breaking dormancy and growth of the Juniperus plant than in the other treatments.

Study on Dormant and Germination Characteristics of Chinese Olive (Canarium album) Seeds

This study aimed to determine the dormancy type of Chinese olive seeds and improve their germination rate. The water permeability and germination-inhibiting substances of Chinese olive seeds were assessed. Low-temperature stratification and soaking in a GA3 solution were implemented to measure the time lag, initial time, germination rate, and germination potential of the seeds. The findings revealed that the seed coat exhibited poor water permeability, which negatively influenced the germination rate. Additionally, Chinese olive seeds contained substances that inhibited germination. The duration of low-temperature stratification (at 4 ± 1 °C) gradually diminished the dormancy of Chinese olive seeds, resulting in early and rapid germination. The germination rate significantly increased, with the percentage of seed germination rising from 0% to 42.33% within 60 days of stratification. Furthermore, combining low-temperature stratification with different concentrations of GA3 notably enhanced the germination rate. The optimal concentrations of gibberellins for 40 and 60 days of stratification were determined to be 300 and 100 mg/L, respectively. These results indicate that Chinese olive seeds possess non-deep physiological dormancy.

Modification of polyvinyl alcohol with 2-hydroxypropionic acid and cross-linking with glutaraldehyde for the preparation of biodegradable mulch paper and its properties

Abstract The preparation of biodegradable mulch film with paper-based materials has become a significant focus in mulch film development due to the serious pollution caused by plastic mulch film. This study utilized the esterification cross-linking reaction of LA, PVA, and GA to coat the surface of paper as the substrate. FTIR, TGA, XRD, SEM, tensile testing, and oxygen, water vapor barrier performance tests were performed. The optimal conditions for film preparation were determined to be a 10 % PVA aqueous solution, 5 % GA content, and a PVA/LA/GA ratio of 1:2:1. The resulting film paper exhibited a dry strength of 6.52 kN/m, a wet strength of 0.23 kN/m, a tearing degree of 969.35 mN, a Cobb value of 12.04 g/m2, a water vapor transmission rate of 573.27 g m−2 24 h−1, and an oxygen transmission rate of 7.373 cm3 m−2 24 h−1. After a 6-week landfill degradation test, the film showed a degradation rate of 25.3 %, while still maintaining a tensile strength of 1.89 kN/m. Field application tests in greenhouses confirmed that the film paper facilitated the growth of strawberry, its mechanical and barrier properties suitable for a biodegradable paper mulch.

IGZO thin films deposited by ultrasonic spray pyrolysis: effect of Zn precursor milling and In and Ga concentration

Codoped zinc oxide thin films with indium and gallium (IGZO) were deposited on soda-lime glass substrates by the ultrasonic chemical spray (USP) technique. The influence of the mechanical grinding process of Zn precursor (zinc acetate, AcZn) and the In and Ga concentrations was analyzed. The grinding process was carried out in a planetary ball mill, with a ball:/precursor ratio of 4:1, and a constant rotation speed of 300 RPM. The starting solutions were prepared at a molar concentration of 0.2 and variable In and Ga atomic concentration (1, 1.5, 2, 2.5 and 3 at%). The deposition conditions were kept constant, substrate temperature of 450 °C and deposition time of 7 min. Structural, morphological, optical, and electrical properties were analyzed. From the structural analysis a preferential orientation along the (101) plane for dominant In concentrated IGZO films was observed, whereas for dominant Ga concentrated was the (002) plane. The average optical transmission was in the range of 83–90%, confirming the high transparency of all the deposited films. The bandgap values, Eg, showed slight variations, from 3.43 to 3.53 eV. The best electrical properties were obtained in the IGZO films with an In:Ga ratio of 1.5:1 [IGZO(1.5:1)], evaluated by the figure of merit, 3.50 × 10–3 (Ω/□)−1, calculated for an optical transmission of 86% and a sheet resistance of 63 Ω/□. According to the obtained results, the IGZO thin films deposited by the USP technique, are potentially applicable in the field of optoelectronics, mainly as transparent electrode.

Comparative Study of Planting Time, Growth Regulator and Biofertilizer on Growth, Yield S and Quality of Strawberry Cv Chandler

Climate, growth promoting hormones and soil nutrition are all necessary conditions for the production of any crop. The primary job is also to determine the ideal planting period for optimum crop yield. In order to improve strawberry growth, yield, and quality parameters a field experiment was carried out to evaluate the comparative study of planting time, growth regulator and biofertilizer on growth, yield and quality of strawberry cv Chandler at Horticultural Research Center, Chauras Campus, H.N.B. Garhwal University, Srinagar Garhwal, Uttarakhand, India, during two growing seasons 2018-19 and 2019-20. The present experiment consists of three factors with a total of 08 treatments which was replicated thrice on strawberry cultivar Chandler at different planting time viz., 15th August, 5th September, 25th September and 15th October with the application of various GA3 concentration viz., no GA3 (without application), 50 ppm GA3, 75 ppm GA3, 100 ppm GA3 and with and without treatment with Azotobacter. The treatment under15th October planting time, 75 ppm GA3 concentration with Azotobacter was found most effective for most of the growth, yield and quality traits viz.,plant height (34.57 cm), leaf area (104.66 cm2), number of runners/plant (8.60), days taken to full blooming (202.00), fruit setting % (89.17), days taken to final harvest (214.44), fresh weight of fruit (15.93 g), fruit yield/plant (327.09 g), TSS (9.07 0Brix), vitamin C (67.70 mg/100g), sugar content (7.08%) and juice content (91.06%) whereas the minimum values for most of the characters was observed with 15th August planting time and without application of GA3 and Azotobacter treatment.

Mineral Geochemistry of Apatite in the Jiama Porphyry‐Skarn Deposit, Tibet and its Geological Significance

AbstractThe Jiama deposit, a significant porphyry‐skarn‐type copper polymetallic deposit located within the Gangdese metallogenic belt in Tibet, China, exemplifies a typical porphyry metallogenic system. However, the mineral chemistry of its accessory minerals remains under‐examined, posing challenges for resource assessment and ore prospecting. Utilizing electron microprobe analysis and LA‐ICP‐MS analysis, this study investigated the geochemical characteristics of apatite in ore‐bearing granite and monzogranite porphyries, as well as granodiorite, quartz diorite, and dark diorite porphyries in the deposit. It also delved into the diagenetic and metallogenic information from these geochemical signatures. Key findings include: (1) The SiO2 content, rare earth element (REE) contents, and REE partition coefficients of apatite indicate that the dark diorite porphyry possibly does not share a cogenetic magma source with the other four types of porphyries; (2) the volatile F and Cl contents in apatite, along with their ratio, indicate the Jiama deposit, formed in a collisional setting, demonstrates lower Cl/F ratios in apatite than the same type of deposits formed in a subduction environment; (3) compared to non‐ore‐bearing rock bodies in other deposits formed in a collisional setting, apatite in the Jiama deposit exhibits lower Ce and Ga contents. This might indicate that rock bodies in the Jiama deposit have higher oxygen fugacity. Nevertheless, the marginal variation in oxygen fugacity between ore‐bearing and non‐ore‐bearing rock bodies within the deposit suggests oxygen fugacity may not serve as the decisive factor in the ore‐hosting potential of rock bodies in the Jiama deposit.

Effect of Ga on the microstructure and properties of NiCoV alloy at different annealing temperatures

To obtain a high-entropy alloy characterized by high strength and plasticity, (NiCoV)100-xGax (x ​= ​0, 5, 7) was successfully prepared, cold-rolled, and heat-treated. The microstructure was analyzed to correlate Ga content with the performance of the system. The addition of Ga can produce alloying effects, including solid solution strengthening effect, second phase precipitation strengthening effect, and layer misalignment energy reduction effect. The experimental results show adding Ga elements can enrich Ni, Co, V, and Ga above the grain boundaries, causing the alloy to produce annealed twins inside. The alloy is strengthened mainly by precipitation, and the formation of the precipitation phase effectively enhances the strength of the alloy. The low stacking fault energy promotes the toughening of NiCoV but makes the plasticity of the alloy decrease. Still, the formation of annealed twins effectively increases the plasticity, which makes the alloy harder but does not reduce the plasticity too much. By comparing the experimental properties, (NiCoV)93Ga7 showed the best mechanical properties at the annealing temperature of 900 ​°C, yield strength, tensile strength and elongation of 906 ​MPa, 1321 ​MPa and 21.36 ​%, respectively.

Effect of Gibberellic Acid (GA3) Concentration and Seedling Media Composition on the Germination and Growth of Shallots (Allium ascalonicum L.) from True Shallot Seed

Shallots (Allium ascalonicum L.) is a vegetable commodity that contributes greatly to horticultural production and inflantion levels. The use of superior seeds is expected to produce maximum shallot production. The majority of Indonesian farmers use 30% of the harvested tubers as planting material, with production costs being quite expensive. Many shallot farmers also experience several problems with tuber seeds that are hollow and damaged. True Shallot Seeds can be an efficient and profitable altervative planting material. Implementing TSS shallot cultivation is considered difficult and requires longer time for sowing. Soaking seeds using Gibberelin can have a physiological effect on the germination process. Seedling media factor with a certain composition are needed to produce maximum seeds. The experiment was carried out in factorial manner using Random Design Complete with three replications. The GA3 concentration factor has four treatment levels: G0 = 0 ppm/control, G1 = 2 ppm, G2 = 4 ppm, and G3 = 6 ppm. The seedling media composition factors has four treatment levels: M0 = soil + compost/control (1:1), M1 = cocopeat + compost (1:1), M2 = husk charcoal + compost (1:1), and M3 = sand + compost (1:1). The data analysis used was Analysis of Variance, if there were significant differences between the treatments, a further tes was carried out using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test at the 5% level. The result showed that the interaction between GA3 concentration treatment and seedling media composition and the single factor GA3 concentration had no significant effect on all observed variables. The composition of the seedling media has a significant effect on the speed of seed growth, seed height, root length, and seed wet weight with optimum results for germination and vegetative growth of TSS seeds, namely the compositionof soil+compost/control (M0) seedling media on the variables of seed growth speed (%/etmal), seed height (cm), and seed wet weight (gram).

Trace and rare earth elements in phytoplankton from the Tyrrhenian Sea (Italy).

Plankton plays a very crucial role in bioaccumulation and transfer of metals in the marine food web and represents a suitable bioindicator of the occurrence of trace and rare earth elements in the ecosystem. Trace elements and REEs were analyzed by ICP-MS in phytoplankton samples from the northwestern Mediterranean Sea. Metal concentrations in phytoplankton were found strongly influenced by seasons and depth of collection (- 30m, - 50m). Principal component analysis (PCA) has shown that Al, As, Cr, Cu, Ga, and Sn concentrations were related to summer and autumn in samples collected at 30m depth, while Fe, Mn, Ni, V, and Zn levels related strongly with summer and spring at 50m depth. Fe, Al, and Zn were the most represented elements in all samples (mean values respectively in the ranges 4.2-8.2, 9.6-13, and 1.0-4.4mgkg-1) according to their widespread presence in the environment and in the earth crust. Principal component analysis (PCA) performed on REEs showed that mostly all lanthanides' concentrations strongly correlate with summer and autumn seasons (- 30m depth); the highest ∑REE concentration (75µgkg-1) was found in winter. Phytoplankton REE normalized profile was comparable to those of other marine biota collected in the same area according to the suitability of lanthanides as geological tracers.

S-ABA Enhances Rice Salt Tolerance by Regulating Na+/K+ Balance and Hormone Homeostasis.

In order to explore the regulating role and the physiological and biochemical mechanisms of trans-abscisic acid (hereinafter referred as S-ABA) in the process of rice growth and development under salt stress, we took Chaoyou 1000 and Yuxiangyouzhan as materials and set up three salt concentration treatments, CK0 (Control treatment), N1 (50 mmol L-1 NaCl), and N2 (100 mmol L-1 NaCl), in potted trials; we aimed to study the mechanism of rice's response to salt stress from the perspective of agricultural traits and physiological biochemicals and to improve rice's resistance to salt stress through exogenously applying the regulating technology of S-ABA. The following results were obtained: Under salt stress, the growth of rice was significantly suppressed compared to CK0, exhibiting notable increases in agricultural indicators, photosynthesis efficiency, and the NA+ content of leaves. However, we noted a significant decrease in the K+ content in the leaves, alongside a prominent increase in NA+/K+ and a big increase in MDA (malondialdehyde), H2O2 (hydrogen peroxide), and O2- (superoxide anion). This caused the cytomembrane permeability to deteriorate. By applying S-ABA under salt stress (in comparison with salt treatment), we promoted improvements in agronomic traits, enhanced photosynthesis, reduced the accumulation of NA+ in leaves, increased the K+ content and the activity of antioxidant enzymes, and reduced the active oxygen content, resulting in a sharp decrease in the impact of salt stress on rice's development. The application of S-ABA decreased the endogenous ABA (abscisic acid) content under salt stress treatment but increased the endogenous GA (gibberellin) and IAA (indole acetic acid) contents and maintained the hormonal homeostasis in rice plants. To summarize, salt stress causes damage to rice growth, and the exogenous application of S-ABA can activate the pouring system mechanism of rice, suppress the outbreak of active oxygen, and regulate NA+/K+ balance and hormone homeostasis in the blades, thus relieving the salt stress.

Trace Elements in Pernik Sub-Bituminous Coals and Their Combustion Products Derived from the Republika Thermal Power Station, Bulgaria

The contents of 49 trace elements in sub-bituminous Pernik coals and their waste products from preparation and combustion processes were investigated. The studied coals have trace element contents higher than the respective Clarke values for brown coals and some of them may pose environmental concerns. The elements Li, Rb, Cs, Ba, Sc, Y, La, Ce, Nd, Sm, Eu, Er, Ga, Zr, Sn, V, Nb, Ta, W, F, Cu, Zn, In, Pb, Cr, Co, Ni, and Th in the feed coals have concentrations that exceed twice the Clarke values. Most element contents in bottom ash are enriched compared with those in feed coal. Some of the volatile elements are equal or significantly depleted including Sn, Mo, Sb, F, Bi, Cd, Ge, and Pb. Fly ash has higher contents of Ga, Zr, Hf, Sn, V, Nb, Mo, and F in comparison with bottom ash. Most elements have a significant positive correlation with ash yield, indicating their inorganic association. The mixed wastes (coal slurry, bottom ash, and fly ash) in the disposal pond are slightly depleted of most of the elements studied with the exclusion of Cl, Ba, and Br. The Pernik coals and their waste products are unpromising for the extraction of REY due to their low element contents.

Valorization of treated swine wastewater and generated biomass by microalgae: Their effects and salt tolerance mechanisms on wheat seedling growth

The extensive use of mineral fertilizers has a negative impact on the environment, whereas wastewater and microalgal biomass can provide crops with nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, and have the potential to be used as a source of fertilizers in circular agriculture. In this study, a step-by-step resource utilization study of algae-containing wastewater generated from microalgae treatment of swine wastewater was carried out. When wheat seedlings were cultivated in the effluent after microalgae separation, the root fresh weight, seedling fresh weight, and total seedling length were increased by 3.44%, 14.45%, and 13.64%, respectively, compared with that of the algae-containing wastewater, and there was no significant difference in seedling fresh weight, total seedling length, maximum quantum yields of PSII photochemistry (Fv/Fm), and performance index (PIABS) from that of the Hogland solution group, which has the potential to be an alternative liquid fertilizer. Under salt stress, microalgae extract increased the contents of GA3, IAA, ABA, and SA in wheat seedlings, antioxidant enzymes maintained high activity, and the PIABS value increased. Low-dose microalgae extract (1 mL/L) increased the root fresh weight, seedling fresh weight, longest seedling length, and total seedling length by 30.73%, 31.28%, 16.43%, and 28.85%, respectively. Algae extract can act as a plant biostimulant to regulate phytohormone levels to attenuate the damage of salt stress and promote growth.

Pengaruh Perendaman Zat Pengatur Tumbuh Giberelin (GA3) pada Perkecambahan Benih Kopi Arabika (Coffea arabica L.) Varietas S795

Coffee is one of the plantation commodities that has an important role in the national economy, especially as a source of foreign exchange because it has high economic value. The productivity of arabica coffee (Coffea arabica L.) in Indonesia in the 2019/2020 period decreased by 2.7% with a total production of around 95 million sacks. This study aims to determine the effect of gibberellin (GA3) on the germination of the arabica coffee bean variety S795. The experimental design was a completely randomized design factorial consisting of two factors with four replications for each treatment. The first factor was the plant growth regulator gibberellin concentration which consisted of 100 ppm (K1), 200 ppm (K2), and 300 ppm (K3). The second factor is the soaking time which consists of 12 hours (P1) and 24 hours (P2). The result showed that the interaction between GA3 concentration and soaking time had no significant effect on all observed parameters (germination percentage, germination rate, seedling height) in the germination of arabica coffee bean variety S795. Based on the table of average interactions between GA3 concentration and soaking time, it can be concluded that the K1P1 treatment with 12 hours of soaking time at a concentration of 100 ppm was the best treatment for the parameters of germination percentage, seedling height, and root length. The K2P1 treatment with 12 hours of immersion time at a concentration of 200 ppm was the best treatment for the germination rate parameter, namely 36.34 days.

Plant growth regulators mitigate oxidative damage to rice seedling roots by NaCl stress.

The aim of this experiment was to investigate the effects of exogenous sprays of 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) and 2-Diethylaminoethyl hexanoate (DTA-6) on the growth and salt tolerance of rice (Oryza sativa L.) seedlings. This study was conducted in a solar greenhouse at Guangdong Ocean University, where 'Huanghuazhan' was selected as the test material, and 40 mg/L 5-ALA and 30 mg/L DTA-6 were applied as foliar sprays at the three-leaf-one-heart stage of rice, followed by treatment with 0.3% NaCl (W/W) 24 h later. A total of six treatments were set up as follows: (1) CK: control, (2) A: 40 mg⋅ L-1 5-ALA, (3) D: 30 mg⋅ L-1 DTA-6, (4) S: 0.3% NaCl, (5) AS: 40 mg⋅ L-1 5-ALA + 0.3% NaCl, and (6) DS: 30 mg⋅ L-1 DTA-6+0.3% NaCl. Samples were taken at 1, 4, 7, 10, and 13 d after NaCl treatment to determine the morphology and physiological and biochemical indices of rice roots. The results showed that NaCl stress significantly inhibited rice growth; disrupted the antioxidant system; increased the rates of malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide, and superoxide anion production; and affected the content of related hormones. Malondialdehyde content, hydrogen peroxide content, and superoxide anion production rate significantly increased from 12.57% to 21.82%, 18.12% to 63.10%, and 7.17% to 56.20%, respectively, in the S treatment group compared to the CK group. Under salt stress, foliar sprays of both 5-ALA and DTA-6 increased antioxidant enzyme activities and osmoregulatory substance content; expanded non-enzymatic antioxidant AsA and GSH content; reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation; lowered malondialdehyde content; increased endogenous hormones GA3, JA, IAA, SA, and ZR content; and lowered ABA content in the rice root system. The MDA, H2O2, and O2- contents were reduced from 35.64% to 56.92%, 22.30% to 53.47%, and 7.06% to 20.01%, respectively, in the AS treatment group compared with the S treatment group. In the DS treatment group, the MDA, H2O2, and O2- contents were reduced from 24.60% to 51.09%, 12.14% to 59.05%, and 12.70% to 45.20%. In summary, NaCl stress exerted an inhibitory effect on the rice root system, both foliar sprays of 5-ALA and DTA-6 alleviated damage from NaCl stress on the rice root system, and the effect of 5-ALA was better than that of DTA-6.

Separation and Recovery of Valuable Carbon Components and Li/Ga Metals in Coal Gangue by Using a Flotation Flowsheet.

Coal gangue (CG), an industrial solid waste with high contents of Li and Ga, has attracted the attention of researchers. However, the utilization of CG remains an economic challenge. Pre-enrichment of Li and Ga by flotation was carried out with a view to improving the comprehensive utilization of CG. Mineral composition, time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS), and elemental composition were used to investigate the embeddedness of each mineral and the mode of elemental occurrence in the CG. The results showed that the main mineral compositions of the CG were kaolinite, quartz, and pyrite. Li and Ga were mainly associated with kaolinite and other clay minerals. Li and Ga had a high correlation with Al2O3 and SiO2, while Li and Ga were highly correlated with SiO2/Al2O3, indicating that Li and Ga may be associated with one or more high-alumina minerals. In addition, flotation tests proved that synergistic sorting of ash impurities and valuable components from the CG was a cost-effective method. The ash content of the final product was increased by 3% under the process of prediscarding concentrate-dissociation-secondary flotation, and the contents of Li and Ga in the final product were also slightly enriched, and the recovery rate of the carrier minerals of Li and Ga can reach 66.1%.

OsWRKY78 regulates panicle exsertion via gibberellin signaling pathway in rice.

Panicle exsertion is one of the crucial agronomic traits in rice (Oryza sativa). Shortening of panicle exsertion often leads to panicle enclosure and severely reduces seed production. Gibberellin (GA) plays important roles in regulating panicle exsertion. However, the underlying mechanism and the relative regulatory network remain elusive. Here, we characterized the oswrky78 mutant showing severe panicle enclosure, and found that the defect of oswrky78 is caused by decreased bioactive GA contents. Biochemical analysis demonstrates that OsWRKY78 can directly activate GA biosynthesis and indirectly suppress GA metabolism. Moreover, we found OsWRKY78 can interact with and be phosphorylated by mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) kinase OsMAPK6, and this phosphorylation can enhance OsWRKY78 stability and is necessary for its biological function. Taken together, these results not only reveal the critical function of OsWRKY78, but also reveal its mechanism via mediating crosstalk between MAPK and the GA signaling pathway in regulating panicle exsertion.