qRT-PCR validation of differential transcription identified by RNA-Seq.

<p>Each column represents an average of three replicates, and bars indicate SEs.</p

Comparative Transcriptome Profiling of the Maize Primary, Crown and Seminal Root in Response to Salinity Stress

<div><p>Soil salinity is a major constraint to crop growth and yield. The primary and lateral roots of <i>Arabidopsis thaliana</i> are known to respond differentially to a number of environmental stresses, including salinity. Although the maize root system as a whole is known to be sensitive to salinity, whether or not different structural root systems show differential growth responses to salinity stress has not yet been investigated. The maize primary root (PR) was more tolerant of salinity stress than either the crown root (CR) or the seminal root (SR). To understand the molecular mechanism of these differential growth responses, RNA-Seq analysis was conducted on cDNA prepared from the PR, CR and SR of plants either non-stressed or exposed to 100 mM NaCl for 24 h. A set of 444 genes were shown to be regulated by salinity stress, and the transcription pattern of a number of genes associated with the plant salinity stress response differed markedly between the various types of root. The pattern of transcription of the salinity-regulated genes was shown to be very diverse in the various root types. The differential transcription of these genes such as transcription factors, and the accumulation of compatible solutes such as soluble sugars probably underlie the differential growth responses to salinity stress of the three types of roots in maize.</p></div

Functional classification (GO) of salinity-regulated genes in the maize PR, CR and SR.

<p>Functional classification (GO) of salinity-regulated genes in the maize PR, CR and SR.</p

Transcription patterns of stress-regulated genes in the maize PR, CR and SR.

<p>(A) The total number of genes regulated by salinity stress in the three types of root. (B) Cluster analysis of salinity-regulated genes. Red indicates that the gene has a higher expression level in the salt-treated samples; green indicates that the gene has a lower expression in the salt-treated samples, and gray indicates that the gene has no expression in at least one sample. (C) The number of genes responding to salinity stress in each root type.</p

Understanding the Stability of LiNi_0.5Mn_0.5O₂ as a Co-Free Positive Electrode

To understand the stability of Co-free positive electrode materials, LiNi0.5Mn0.5O2 was synthesized with different amounts of lithium added during calcination. The valence states of the Ni and Mn transition metals of the prepared samples were determined through accurate stoichiometry analyses (via inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry), magnetic moment measurements (via superconducting quantum interference device magnetometry), and element valence analyses (via X-ray spectroscopy in combination with Ar ion etching for depth profiling). Unexpectedly, the Ni and Mn transition metals in the interior and on the surface of the LiNi0.5Mn0.5O2 particles show different electrochemical properties. This clarifies the open questions on the Li deintercalation mechanism in LiNi0.5Mn0.5O2

Categories of salinity-regulated genes in the maize PR, CR and SR.

<p>Genes encoding (A) oxidoreductases, (B) glycosyl hydrolases, (C) phytohormone synthesis and (D) transcription factors. Red indicates that the gene has a higher expression level in the salt-treated samples; green indicates that the gene has a lower expression in the salt-treated samples, and gray indicates that the gene has no expression in at least one sample.</p

Immunohistochemistry analysis.

<p>Immunohistochemistry assay for DSPP protein on the samples for group B (A), group C (B), and group D (C) at 12 week time point. The samples of human bone (D) and tooth (E) tissues were treated as control groups. (×400).</p

SEM analysis.

<p>SEM evaluation of porous CPC showing an average pore diameter of 300–500 µm (A, B). After cultured for 1 day, untransfected (C) and AdShh-transfected hDPCs (D) were attached and spread well on the surface of two scaffolds. At day 4, untransfected (E) and AdShh-transfected (F) hDPCs grew well and reached approximately confluence. (A, ×50; B, ×100; C–D, ×5000; E–F, ×2000).</p

Histological findings at 8 weeks.

<p>The mineralized tissue was found in group B, (untransfected hDPCs/CPC complexes) (B1–B3), group C (AdEGFP-transfectd hDPCs/CPC complexes) (C1–C3), and group D (AdShh-transfected hDPCs/CPC complexes) (D1–D3), while there was no mineralize tissue formation in group A. (CPC alone) (A1–A3). (A1–D1, ×40; A2–D2, ×100; A3–D3, ×400).</p