Composite Mapping Research Articles

New linkage maps for the Cupressaceae species Chamaecyparis obtusa and Thujopsis dolabrata var. hondae and comparison with the linkage map of Cryptomeria japonica

ABSTRACT Comparative mapping studies, which can determine whether the genome structure differs among genera, have yet to be conducted in Cupressaceae. This study analyzed three important forestry species in Japan: Cryptomeria japonica, Chamaecyparis obtusa, and Thujopsis dolabrata var. hondae. To date, linkage maps have only been constructed for C. japonica. We constructed the first linkage maps for C. obtusa and T. dolabrata var. hondae using double digest restriction-site associated DNA sequencing (ddRAD-Seq) data, expressed sequence tag-derived simple sequence repeat (EST-SSR) markers, and single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers designed from homologous unigenes obtained from RNA-seq data. The lengths of the linkage maps were 1,835 cM (1,981 markers) for C. obtusa and 1,833 cM (1,295 markers) for T. dolabrata var. hondae. A total of 11 distinct linkage groups were identified in these maps, corresponding to the haploid number of Cupressaceae. Using four published linkage maps for C. japonica, we then constructed a composite linkage map with 7,784 markers. Finally, the three linkage maps were compared using 207 SNP markers designed from homologous unigenes. Although most markers were mapped to the same LG despite representing different species, indicating strong synteny. The high level of interspecific and intergeneric synteny and macro-collinearity detected in Cupressaceae were similar to those of other trees. We also detected three major chromosomal rearrangements between but not within subfamilies, which may have been caused by the taxonomic distance. This is the first example of comparative mapping for Cupressaceae species.

Physicochemical Characteristics of Feldspar Deposits in Zango Daji, Kogi State Using Geological Methods

Six rock samples were randomly collected and photographs, locational coordinates and elevation points were taken with appropriate tools and devices. Portions of samples were prepared into thin sections and observed under hand lenses, microscope, tested for hardness and other diagnostic properties. Specific density was also determined. The remaining samples were subjected to geochemical and mineralogical analysis. An average percentage composition of 17.1958 mass % of K2O was obtained which is far greater than its Calcium and Sodium contents, indicating it is a K-feldspar. Geochemical result showed averages of Si2O, Al2O3, K2O, Na2O, CaO, and Fe2O3, contents of 59.54 mass %, 17.83 mass %, 17.19 mass %, 2.33 mass %, 0.08 mass % and 1.60 mass % respectively while mineralogical results revealed it is orthoclase in view of its high alumina content of 17.83 percent. The results showed that the sample specification meets the British International Standard specification. Furthermore, electrical resistivity tomography survey was conducted by setting up Schlumberger Electrode Array to determine the significant resistivity contrast between the feldspar and the compact bedrock in the profile. The resistivity data of eight points were processed into Resists curves after conversion and subjecting the data by inversion with WinResist software to obtain 1 - D and 2 – D maps. Together with results of chemical analyses and vertical electrical sounding, the location map of mineralogical composition of the Oxides were determined. Field and petrographic evidence showed a potential source of gemstones and niobium. The study also revealed the occurrence of feldspar deposit are hosted by granitic and pegmatitic intrusive. The quantum and reserve estimates of both overburden layer and target mineral thickness were determined to be 44.3 ± 2.18 million metric tons and 741,933 ± 132,205 m³ respectively.

Linkage map construction and QTL identification for yield related traits of rice (Oryza sativa L.)

The study was undertaken to construct a linkage map and to identify the QTLs for heading date, plant height, and culm strength using a F2 population derived from Ayeyarmin/IR 64, two varieties distinctly different in heading date and plant height. A total of 233 F2 individuals were genotyped using 70 SSR primers, and phenotypic data were collected for heading date, plant height and culm strength traits. Fifty-four out of 70 marker loci were mapped across twelve rice chromosomes spanning a total map length of 1592.30 cM with an average distance of 29.49 cM between adjacent marker loci using MAPMAKER/EXP 3. Composite interval mapping for QTL analysis was conducted with 1000 permutation time at 0.05 probability level using WinQTL Cartographer version 2.5. One major QTL for heading date was mapped between marker RM204 and RM50 on chromosome 6. One major QTL for culm strength was mapped between marker RM1003-RM5931, and two major QTLs for plant height were mapped between RM84-RM1003 and RM1003-RM5931 on chromosome 1. The molecular markers linked to the major QTLs could be potentially used in marker-assisted selection for the rainfed rice improvement breeding program.

From the Fibonacci Icosagrid to E8 (Part II): The Composite Mapping of the Cores

This paper is part of a series that describes the Fibonacci icosagrid quasicrystal (FIG) and its relation to the E8 root lattice. The FIG was originally constructed to represent the intersection points of an icosahedrally symmetric collection of planar grids in three dimensions, with the grid spacing of each following a Fibonacci chain. It was found to be closely related to a five-fold compound of 3D sections taken from the 4D Elser–Sloane quasicrystal (ESQC), which is derived via a cut-and-project process from E8. More recently, a direct cut-and-project from E8 has been found which yields the FIG (presented in another paper of this series). The present paper focuses not on the full quasicrystal, but on the relationship between the root polytope of E8 (Gosset’s 421 polytope) and the core polyhedron generated in the FIG, a compound of 20 tetrahedra referred to simply as a 20-Group. In particular, the H3 symmetry of the FIG can be seen as a five-fold or “golden” composition of tetrahedral symmetry (referring to the characteristic appearance of the golden ratio). This is shown to mirror a connection between tetrahedral and five-fold symmetries present in the 421. Indeed, the rotations that connect tetrahedra contained within the 421 are shown to induce, in a certain natural way, the tetrahedron orientations in the 20-Group.

Dissection of the E8 locus in two early maturing Canadian soybean populations.

Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] is a short-day crop for which breeders want to expand the cultivation range to more northern agro-environments by introgressing alleles involved in early reproductive traits. To do so, we investigated quantitative trait loci (QTL) and expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) regions comprised within the E8 locus, a large undeciphered region (~7.0 Mbp to 44.5 Mbp) associated with early maturity located on chromosome GM04. We used a combination of two mapping algorithms, (i) inclusive composite interval mapping (ICIM) and (ii) genome-wide composite interval mapping (GCIM), to identify major and minor regions in two soybean populations (QS15524F2:F3 and QS15544RIL) having fixed E1, E2, E3, and E4 alleles. Using this approach, we identified three main QTL regions with high logarithm of the odds (LODs), phenotypic variation explained (PVE), and additive effects for maturity and pod-filling within the E8 region: GM04:16,974,874-17,152,230 (E8-r1); GM04:35,168,111-37,664,017 (E8-r2); and GM04:41,808,599-42,376,237 (E8-r3). Using a five-step variant analysis pipeline, we identified Protein far-red elongated hypocotyl 3 (Glyma.04G124300; E8-r1), E1-like-a (Glyma.04G156400; E8-r2), Light-harvesting chlorophyll-protein complex I subunit A4 (Glyma.04G167900; E8-r3), and Cycling dof factor 3 (Glyma.04G168300; E8-r3) as the most promising candidate genes for these regions. A combinatorial eQTL mapping approach identified significant regulatory interactions for 13 expression traits (e-traits), including Glyma.04G050200 (Early flowering 3/E6 locus), with the E8-r3 region. Four other important QTL regions close to or encompassing major flowering genes were also detected on chromosomes GM07, GM08, and GM16. In GM07:5,256,305-5,404,971, a missense polymorphism was detected in the candidate gene Glyma.07G058200 (Protein suppressor of PHYA-105). These findings demonstrate that the locus known as E8 is regulated by at least three distinct genomic regions, all of which comprise major flowering genes.

Geomorphology, Mineralogy, and Chronology of Mare Basalts in the Oceanus Procellarum Region

Mare basalts on the lunar surface are tangible expressions of the complex thermal evolution and geological processes that have occurred within the lunar interior. These basaltic manifestations are highly important because they provide invaluable insights into lunar geological evolution. Notably, the Oceanus Procellarum region, which is renowned for its extensive and long-lasting basaltic volcanism, is a premier location to investigate late-stage lunar thermal evolution. The primary aim of this research is to elucidate the geomorphological, compositional, and temporal attributes that define the mare basalts within the Oceanus Procellarum region. To achieve this aim, we comprehensively analyzed the geomorphological features present within the region, leveraging Kaguya/SELENE TC images and digital elevation models. Specifically, these geomorphological features encompass impact craters, wrinkle ridges, sinuous rilles, and volcanic domes. Subsequently, we thoroughly examined the mineralogical attributes of basalts in the Oceanus Procellarum region, leveraging Kaguya/SELENE MI data and compositional map products. To more accurately reflect the actual ages of the mare basalts in the Oceanus Procellarum region, we carefully delineated the geological units within the area and employed the latest crater size-frequency distribution (CSFD) technique to precisely determine their ages. This refined approach allowed for a more comprehensive and accurate understanding of the basaltic rocks in the study area. Overall, our comprehensive study included an in-depth analysis of the volcanic activity and evolution of the Oceanus Procellarum region, along with an examination of the correlation between the mineralogical composition and ages of mare basalts. The findings from this exhaustive investigation reveal a definitive age range for basalt units within the Oceanus Procellarum region from approximately 3.69 Ga to 1.17 Ga. Moreover, the latest mare basalts that formed were pinpointed north of the Aristarchus crater. Significantly, the region has experienced at least five distinct volcanic events, occurring approximately 3.40 Ga, 2.92 Ga, 2.39 Ga, 2.07 Ga, and 1.43 Ga, leading to the formation of multiple basalt units characterized by their unique mineral compositions and elemental abundances. Through the application of remote sensing mineralogical analysis, three primary basalt types were identified: low-titanium, very-low-titanium, and intermediate-titanium basalt. Notably, the younger basalt units exhibit an elevated titanium proportion, indicative of progressive olivine enrichment. Consequently, these younger basalt units exhibit more intricate and complex mineral compositions, offering valuable insights into the dynamic geological processes shaping the lunar surface.

Ecoregion-wise fractional mapping of tree functional composition in temperate mixed forests with sentinel data: Integrating time-series spectral and radar data

Temperate mixed forest ecosystems are composed of various tree functional types (TFTs) that differ in canopy structure, phenology, and physiological response to climate change. An accurate characterization of the composition of these TFTs is important for quantifying land surface carbon, energy, and water cycling, as well as process-based simulation of forest dynamics. However, because the pixel size of satellite imagery is usually larger than temperate tree crowns, it is challenging to untangle the significant pixel-wise signal mixture of TFT across mixed forest regions. Spectral Mixture Analysis (SMA) has been widely used to derive the sub-pixel fractional composition of TFT from satellite imagery, but accounting for the broad spectral variability within TFTs across space and time remains a challenge. Synthetic aperture radar (SAR) can indicate biomass mixture information, but it has not been fully exploited for deriving subpixel TFT composition. To improve TFT composition mapping in mixed forest regions, we developed a Fisher-transformation-based Spectral and Radar Time-series Mixture Analysis (F-SRTMA) framework on Google Earth Engine. The F-SRTMA framework aims to address the space-time TFT variability of satellite signatures based on two modified modules: (1) the use of spectral and radar data with spatial and temporal information, and (2) feature optimization based on Fisher Discriminant Analysis (FDA). We tested the F-SRTMA at three representative temperate mixed landscapes located in the northeastern United States, where time-series Sentinel-1 and -2 data were used to calibrate our F-SRTMA approach. Airborne hyperspectral and LiDAR-derived canopy height data were used to generate ground reference TFT fraction maps for validation. The results demonstrate that (1) compared to the spectral time-series model, the synergy of spectral and radar time-series features yielded higher accuracy at the local sites (r2 = 0.649 vs. 0.680); (2) optimized feature based on FDA significantly minimized the within-TFT variability while maximizing the between-TFT variability, which further improved model generalizability across different landscapes, yielding the highest accuracy with cross-site r2 increasing from 0.634 to 0.715 and RMSE decreasing from 0.207 to 0.164. Collectively, these results suggest that F-SRTMA can be an accurate and generalizable approach for sub-pixel fraction mapping across temperate mixed landscapes, with the potential to be applied to other mixed forest ecosystems.

Composition and Element Distribution Mapping of γ' and γ″ Phases of Inconel 718 by High-Resolution Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy and X-ray Energy-Dispersive Spectrometry.

The main strengthening mechanism for Inconel 718 (IN718), a Ni-based superalloy, is precipitation hardening by γ' and γ″ particles. It is thus essential, for good alloy performance, that precipitates with the desired chemical composition have adequate size and dispersion. The distribution of the γ' and γ″ phases and their chemical composition were investigated in the nickel-based Inconel 718 superalloy by taking advantage of the new capabilities of scanning transmission electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry using a windowless multiple detector, a high-brightness Schottky electron gun, and a spherical aberration corrector in the illumination probe optics. A small routine was developed to deconvolute the respective compositions of γ' and γ″ nanoprecipitates embedded in the γ matrix. Keeping the electron probe current low enough-a few hundred pA-prevented excessive irradiation damage during the acquisition of element maps and brought their spatial resolution down to the atomic column level to track their element compositions. The present results agree with and complement atomic probe tomography observations and Thermo-Calc predictions from the literature. The presence of an Al enrichment at the γ'/γ″ interface-which may control the γ″ phase coarsening-is observed in the last row of Al-Nb-Ti columns along this interface. In addition, a few columns with similar composition changes are found randomly distributed in the γ' phase.

Quantitative Trait Loci Mapping for Adult-Plant Stripe Rust Resistance in Chinese Wheat Cultivar Weimai 8

Wheat stripe rust, triggered by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici, is among the most widespread and damaging wheat (Triticum L.) diseases. The development of cultivars harboring adult plant resistance (APR) to stripe rust is a better approach to control the disease. The current study aimed to map APR to stripe rust via the QTL mapping of 165 F2–6 recombinant inbred lines (RILs), derivatives of Weimai 8/Zhengzhou 5389. The collection of phenotypic data for the stripe-rust resistance of both parents and all 165 RILs were conducted at Baoding, Hebei Province, during the 2016–2017 cropping seasons, and at Mianyang, Sichuan Province, during the 2017–2018 and 2018–2019 sowing seasons. The RIL populations and parents were also genotyped with 860 pairs of simple-sequence-repeat (SSR) primers to map APR QTLs to stripe-rust resistant. Moreover, a 55K SNP chip was used for small group bulk segregant analysis conducted to locate the genetic map location and concentration of the SNP markers on the wheat genome. Inclusive composite interval mapping (IciMapping 3.2) software identified four QTLs of stripe-rust resistance on chromosomes 1B, 2AS, 2BS, and 7DS, named QYr.wmy-1B, QYr.wmy-2AS, QYr.wmy-2BS, and QYr.wmy-7DS, which significantly explained 11.56–16.64%, 9.35–12.70%, 7.27–9.95%, and 11.49–15.07% of the phenotypic variation, respectively. All these QTLs were found from the resistant parent, Weimai 8. Meanwhile, the QTLs located on chromosomes 1B and 2AS were found close to Yr18 and Yr9, respectively. Furthermore, the results indicated that QYr.wmy-1B is possibly Yr9 and QYr.wmy-2AS is similar to Yr18 or might be a new QTL, whilst QYr.wmy-2BS and QYr.wmy-7DS were found to be different from previously reported stripe-rust-resistance QTLs and are possibly new QTLs. Overall, the QTLs and their closely associated molecular markers detected in this study could be a great source of input for marker-assisted selection to adult plant stripe-rust resistance in wheat-breeding programs.

Identifying umbrella and indicator species to support multispecies population connectivity in a Himalayan biodiversity hotspot

Successful conservation hinges on the reliable prediction and prioritisation of population core habitats and dispersal corridors. However, reliance on single-species connectivity has produced mixed results and, in most cases, failed to protect other species under the appealing but often unfulfilled guise of umbrella protection. The main objectives of this study were: (1) to identify core habitats and dispersal corridors for population connectivity of 15 terrestrial mammal species across Bhutan, (2) to identify indicator species of wildlife connectivity, (3) to prioritise core areas and dispersal corridors for the focal umbrella and indicator species, (4) to develop composite multispecies connectivity maps and evaluate the effectiveness of the existing protected area network. We used kernel density (KD) to identify core habitat areas and factorial least-cost path (LCP) to map dispersal corridors. We used correlation and cluster analyses to identify umbrella and indicator species, and quantitative ranking to prioritise core areas and corridors for these focal species. Finally, we produced maps of multispecies core areas and corridors, and identified gaps in the existing protected area network (PAN). We found that ungulates were generally more effective than carnivores in serving as umbrella species for core habitat protection, with Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) emerging as the most effective umbrella for core habitats and muntjac (Muntiacus muntjac) for dispersal corridors. We identified six focal connectivity indicator species in Bhutan: tiger (Panthera tigris), dhole (Cuon alpinus), clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa), Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus), Asian elephant, and sambar deer (Rusa unicolor). Most indicator species’ core areas and dispersal corridors outside the PAN were in southern Bhutan, indicating opportunities for increased multispecies connectivity through expanding protected area network in this region. A total of 40% of multispecies core areas and 24% of dispersal corridors were under PAN, with large parts of Bhutan offering suitable core areas and corridors for multispecies conservation. Core areas and corridors of the 15 considered species only partially overlapped, stressing the importance of multi-species consideration in designating wildlife corridors.

Heat Stress-Tolerant Quantitative Trait Loci Identified Using Backcrossed Recombinant Inbred Lines Derived from Intra-Specifically Diverse Aegilops tauschii Accessions

In the face of climate change, bringing more useful alleles and genes from wild relatives of wheat is crucial to develop climate-resilient varieties. We used two populations of backcrossed recombinant inbred lines (BIL1 and BIL2), developed by crossing and backcrossing two intra-specifically diverse Aegilops tauschii accessions from lineage 1 and lineage 2, respectively, with the common wheat cultivar ‘Norin 61′. This study aimed to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with heat stress (HS) tolerance. The two BILs were evaluated under heat stress environments in Sudan for phenology, plant height (PH), grain yield (GY), biomass (BIO), harvest index (HI), and thousand-kernel weight (TKW). Grain yield was significantly correlated with BIO and TKW under HS; therefore, the stress tolerance index (STI) was calculated for these traits as well as for GY. A total of 16 heat-tolerant lines were identified based on GY and STI-GY. The QTL analysis performed using inclusive composite interval mapping identified a total of 40 QTLs in BIL1 and 153 QTLs in BIL2 across all environments. We detected 39 QTLs associated with GY-STI, BIO-STI, and TKW-STI in both populations (14 in BIL1 and 25 in BIL2). The QTLs associated with STI were detected on chromosomes 1A, 3A, 5A, 2B, 4B, and all the D-subgenomes. We found that QTLs were detected only under HS for GY on chromosome 5A, TKW on 3B and 5B, PH on 3B and 4B, and grain filling duration on 2B. The higher number of QTLs identified in BIL2 for heat stress tolerance suggests the importance of assessing the effects of intraspecific variation of Ae. tauschii in wheat breeding as it could modulate the heat stress responses/adaptation. Our study provides useful genetic resources for uncovering heat-tolerant QTLs for wheat improvement for heat stress environments.

Study of PM2.5 particles in the Gucheng, North China Plain: Morphology, mixing state, and source apportionment

The PM2.5 samples were collected at regular intervals from April to October 2017 at a meteorological station in Gucheng (GC) (39.08。 N, 115.44。E), Hebei Province, China. An important site in the North China Plains (NCP). The internal composition, mixing state, and elemental mapping were determined by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Transmission electron microscope in scanning mode (STEM). Several core-shell (C–S) structures had sulfate and nitrate shells with mineral and sea salt cores, indicating particle aging and distant transport. The major water-soluble ions (WSIs) found were NH4+, Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Br−, Cl−, NO2−, NO3−, PO43− and SO42−. The three most dominant ions were NH4+, NO3−, and SO42−, with an average concentration of 16.02, 14.90, and 11.03 μg/m3, respectively, accounting for more than 80% of the total WSIs in PM2.5. Ion balance measurements showed that the PM2.5 were slightly acidic. [NO3−/SO42−] ratio of 1.11 shows a slightly high contribution from the mobile sources. The sea salt contribution was investigated by the molar ratio Cl−/Na+, which was slightly higher (1.9) than that for seawater (1.7), indicating an additional source, other than sea salt, for Cl− and Na+. The SOR was higher at all temperatures than NOR; SOR was strongly correlated with temperature, indicating gas-phase oxidation of SO2 to SO42− by OH radicle. The SO42− being positively correlated with NH4+ suggests NH4HSO4 and (NH4)2SO4 to be the dominant forms of SO42− present. Based on the internal structure, principal component analysis (PCA), and positive matrix factorization (PMF) analysis, the major sources of sulfate were industrial emissions from the surrounding cities, also confirmed by the Hysplit backward trajectory analysis. Nitrates arise mainly from local vehicular and industrial emissions and ammonia from fertilizers and animal manure. The local emissions and the regional transport from Shanxi, Shaanxi, Tianjin, Beijing, and Inner Mongolia were the main contributors to PM2.5 particles.

Exfoliation of an extruded Mg-4Li-1Ca alloy in presence of glucose and bovine serum albumin

Exfoliation corrosion (EFC) on extruded Mg-4Li-1Ca alloys as bone implant materials has not been reported. This study aimed to elucidate the degradation mechanism of a corrosion type-exfoliation occurred on an extruded Mg-4Li-1Ca alloy under the interaction of glucose (Glu) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) in Hank’s solution. The alloy microstructure, chemical composition, texture, stress distribution and Volta potential maps were characterized using metallographic microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and electron backscattered diffraction, and scanning Kelvin Probe. The alloy corrosion behavior was investigated via electrochemical testing and hydrogen evolution rate methods. X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, X-ray photoelectron spectrometer, and fluorescence microscopy were used to analyze the corrosion products and the adsorption of the organic molecules. The experimental results indicated that the anodic second phase (Mg2Ca) were distributed in lamellar and rod-like patterns along the extrusion direction of the alloy, a lower Volta potential for Mg2Ca, texture and residual stresses also promote EFC. An increase in Glu concentration exacerbated the EFC, whereas BSA inhibited the EFC of the alloy. Higher Glu concentrations in BSA in turn inhibited EFC since Glu can complex with amino acids in proteins to form Glu-amino acid amides, which promoted protein adsorption and thereby forming a dense protective film on the alloy surface. The preferential dissolution of the Mg2Ca phase particles led to the complexation and adsorption of Glu and protein. This study enriches the understanding of the corrosion types in biomedical Mg-4Li-1Ca alloy and paving the way for enhancing the EFC resistance of the alloy.

High density linkage mapping and QTL analysis of salt tolerance-related traits using ddRAD sequencing in Indian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern & Coss

KeyMessage: We identified QTLs for salinity tolerance in Indian mustard, paving the way for salt-tolerant mustard genotypes, enhancing crop resilience in saline environments.Soil salinity is a major abiotic stress that reduced the growth and productivity of numerous crops, including Indian mustard. Natural genetic variations in salt tolerance (ST) were observed but no QTL mapping has been done for ST related traits in Indian mustard. In this study, to identify QTLs for ST traits, 250 stabilized F7:8 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) mapping population of Indian mustard was developed from a cross CS 614–1-1–100-13 × CS 56 and evaluated them under control, and irrigated water salinity of ECiw 12 dSm−1 for two Rabi seasons 2020–21, and 2021–22 for 18 traits. Most of traits were shown normal distribution curve, indicating population suitable for QTLs identification. Genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) using ddRAD sequencing of the population was performed and total 2506 SNPs sorted from total 2594,666 variants after discarding markers as no progeny polymorphism and not passing chi square test which cover 1127.85 cM distance on linkage map. A total of 47 QTLs associated with ST traits were identified using composite interval mapping (CIM). Out of 47 QTLs, 12 QTLs were major QTL such as: for days to 50% flowering (qDFsB07.1), days to maturity (qDMsB08.1), number of primary branches per plant (qPBRcA05.1, and qPBRsA07.1), main shoot length (qMSLsB05.1, and qMSLcB05.1), seeds per siliqua (qSPScA09.1), yield per plant (qYPPsB06.1), transpiration rate (qEsA01.1), Na+ concentration of stem (qSNasA01.1), K+ concentration of stem (qSKsB03.1), and K+ concentration of root (qRKsB01.1) was identified with SNPs. This novel research findings will facilitate QTLs/genes mapping that can be used to identify candidate gene and transfer this with marker assistant selection (MAS).

High‐Throughput Exploration of Phase Evolution in (Pb1−XBaX)ZrO3 Thin Films

AbstractAntiferroelectric thin films hold significant potential for bringing novel physics phenomena and fascinating properties. Their applications are often intertwined with the antiferroelectric‐ferroelectric phase transition, which is contingent on the chemical compositions of the constituent material. Nevertheless, the prevailing trial‐and‐error‐based research methodology is ill‐suited for the exploration of the relationship between chemical compositions and the antiferroelectric‐ferroelectric phase transition. To address this challenge, a high‐throughput synthesis strategy for antiferroelectric thin films is presented, which is enabled by an advanced high‐throughput pulsed laser deposition technology. The effectiveness of this synthesis strategy using (Pb1−XBaX)ZrO3 and achieving precise control over the parameter X is showcased. This approach allows for the deposition of (Pb1−XBaX)ZrO3 thin films encompassing nine chemical compositions ranging from X = 0 to X = 0.08. Based on this high‐throughput method, the composition that corresponds to the phase transition of (Pb1−XBaX)ZrO3, falling within the range of X = 0.04 to X = 0.06 is pinpointed. Furthermore, a temperature‐dependent correlation between the phase transition and chemical composition is established. This work not only presents a practical routine for establishing a comprehensive map of material chemical composition in relation to the properties of antiferroelectric thin films but also offers a method for the high‐throughput exploration of complex oxide thin films.

Inhibiting recombination to improve the performance of plasma-based CO2 conversion

Warm plasma offers a promising route for CO2 splitting into valuable CO, yet recombination reactions of CO with oxygen, forming again CO2, have recently emerged as critical limitation. This study combines experiments and fluid dynamics + chemical kinetics modelling to comprehensively analyse the recombination reactions upon CO2 splitting in an atmospheric plasmatron. We introduce an innovative in-situ gas sampling technique, enabling 2D spatial mapping of gas product compositions and temperatures, experimentally confirming for the first time the substantial limiting effect of CO recombination reactions in the afterglow region. Our results show that the CO mole fraction at a 5 L/min flow rate drops significantly from 11.9 % at a vertical distance of z = 20 mm in the afterglow region to 8.6 % at z = 40 mm. We constructed a comprehensive 2D model that allows for spatial reaction rates analysis incorporating crucial reactions, and we validated it to kinetically elucidate this phenomenon. CO2+M⇌O+CO+M and CO2+O⇌CO+O2 are the dominant reactions, with the forward reactions prevailing in the plasma region and the backward reactions becoming prominent in the afterglow region. These results allow us to propose an afterglow quenching strategy for performance enhancement, which is further demonstrated through a meticulously developed plasmatron reactor with two-stage cooling. Our approach substantially increases the CO2 conversion (e.g., from 6.6 % to 19.5 % at 3 L/min flow rate) and energy efficiency (from 13.5 % to 28.5 %, again at 3 L/min) and significantly shortens the startup time (from ∼ 150 s to 25 s). Our study underscores the critical role of inhibiting recombination reactions in plasma-based CO2 conversion and offers new avenues for performance enhancement.

Cryo-EM structure and B-factor refinement with ensemble representation

Cryo-EM experiments produce images of macromolecular assemblies that are combined to produce three-dimensional density maps. Typically, atomic models of the constituent molecules are fitted into these maps, followed by a density-guided refinement. We introduce TEMPy-ReFF, a method for atomic structure refinement in cryo-EM density maps. Our method represents atomic positions as components of a Gaussian mixture model, utilising their variances as B-factors, which are used to derive an ensemble description. Extensively tested on a substantial dataset of 229 cryo-EM maps from EMDB ranging in resolution from 2.1-4.9 Å with corresponding PDB and CERES atomic models, our results demonstrate that TEMPy-ReFF ensembles provide a superior representation of cryo-EM maps. On a single-model basis, it performs similarly to the CERES re-refinement protocol, although there are cases where it provides a better fit to the map. Furthermore, our method enables the creation of composite maps free of boundary artefacts. TEMPy-ReFF is useful for better interpretation of flexible structures, such as those involving RNA, DNA or ligands.

Wear-resistant nickel-matrix composite coatings incorporating hard chromium carbide particles

This work evaluates the influence of plating variables on the morphology, composition homogeneity, and abrasive wear resistance of metal matrix composite coatings. A set of Ni/Cr3C2 coatings were brush plated onto steel coupons modifying two key variables: particle size and brush material. Compositional maps of unprecedented detail have been produced and analysed statistically to enhance understanding of composition distribution. The use of Abbott-Firestone curves to analyse surface morphology enabled the evaluation of valley and peak features. The coating differences highlighted by previous analyses have been compared with their behaviour in abrasive environments, simulated using Taber testing. Moreover, coupling Taber testing with partial compositional maps at different wear stages enabled monitoring of coating wear evolution. This methodology has revealed the importance of particle sedimentation during plating, which increased particle incorporation in the composite coating but also increased composition heterogeneity. The smaller 1.7 μm carbides and abrasive brushes produced coatings with more homogeneous morphologies, higher particle content, and increased resistance against abrasive wear, with a 60% reduction in material loss in comparison to the standard nickel coatings.

Finding stable and closely linked QTLs against spot blotch in different planting dates during the adult stage in barley

The common resistance to Spot Blotch (SB) and drought stress in barley was studied using a RILs population caused Kavir × Badia cross. These lines were inoculated with Cochliobolus sativus Gonbad isolate during the adult stage and were evaluated for three crop seasons in different planting dates. The different osmotic potentials during the flowering were regulated by changing the planting dates. In total, 43 lines had resistant to SB and drought. The high-density linkage map covered 1045 cM of barley genome. A total of five stable and closely linked QTLs to SB resistance were mapped on chromosomes 2H, 3H, 4H and 7H using genome-wide composite interval mapping. Moreover, four stable and closely linked QTLs to SB susceptibility were located on chromosomes 3H, 4H, 5H and 7H. Additionally, the ISJ19-A, SCoT7-C, ISJ17-B, Bmac0144k, iPBS2415-1, Bmac0282b and EBmatc0016 markers can be used for positive screening of resistant cultivars. However, ISJ3-C, UMB310, ISJ9-B, UMB706, D03-D and iPBS2257-A markers can be used for negative screening of susceptible cultivars in marker-assisted selection. The bioinformatics studies showed that QRCsa-2H (ISJ19-A region), QRCsa-2H (SCoT7-C-ISJ17-B region), QRCsa-3H (Bmac0144k region), QRCsa-4H (iPBS2415-1 region) and QRCsa-7H (Bmac0282b-EBmatc0016 region) are involved in the carboxypeptidase, Glycosyltransferase, transcription factors, kinase and AP2/ERF, respectively.

Mineral exploration and regional surface geochemical datasets: An anomaly detection and k-means clustering exercise applied on laterite in Western Australia

A comprehensive geochemical survey was conducted in the western Yilgarn Craton, Western Australia, in 2007, collecting 3142 surface samples of regolith. Our study used this data to target potential sites for undiscovered buried or concealed Cu-Zn-Pb, and NiCu deposits. The core approach used the singularity mapping technique for detecting anomalies at the local scale. This work proposes a procedure to create a composite multi-element singularity map by linearly combining individual element singularity maps, using element-to-element correlation coefficients as weights for the linear combination process. Furthermore, the k-means clustering algorithm was applied to combinations of sub-sets of data and singularity values. Expert validation indicated that the k-means clustering approach yielded the best results when using 4 or 5 clusters, separating the distinct sites of the MINEDEX database. In either case, the incorporation of the singularity values provided the most accurate outcomes, with a dominant cluster correctly classifying up to 60 to 80 % of identified Cu and Ni deposits and mines, respectively.Based on these results and on the range of computed singularity values, simple rules were established to identify sampled data points satisfying the following criteria: (i) meeting the defined threshold singularity value and belonging to the k-means cluster that include the mines and (ii) not being in the neighbourhood of any known mineralization site from the MINEDEX database. These locations thus represent potential mineralization sites that warrant further investigation and exploration follow-up. The outcomes of this study strongly support the efficiency of anomaly detection and k-means clustering method applied on a regional surface geochemical dataset for mineral exploration to detect and target mineral systems.