Effects of Rice Straw Combined with Inorganic Fertilizer on Grain Filling and Yield of Common Buckwheat

This study aims to clarify the effect of rice straw combined with inorganic fertilizer on the grain-filling characteristics and yield formation of common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) and provide a scientific basis for straw fertilizer utilization and the scientific fertilization of common buckwheat in Guizhou Province.Common buckwheat ‘Fengtian1’ was field-grown and treated with no straw and no fertilization (CK), no straw with normal fertilizer (SF), full straw with 20% reduction in conventional fertilization (SH), full straw with 40% reduction in conventional fertilization (SM), full straw with 80% reduction inconventional fertilization (SL), and full straw with no fertilization (HT). The results showed that the initial growth power (R0), maximum and average grain-filling rate, and starch synthase activity of the superior grains were higher than those of the inferior grains. Compared with CK, the treatments with straw and inorganic fertilizers remarkably increased the contents of available nitrogen, available potassium, available phosphorus, and organic matter in the rhizosphere of common buckwheat. SH and SF treatments remarkablyimproved the fertilizer contribution rate and fertilizer agronomic utilization rate, promoted root growth, and enhanced the starch branching enzyme and soluble starch synthase activities of superior and inferior grains. Compared with CK, SH treatment considerably increased the number of grains per plant, grain weight per plant, 100-grain weight, and final yield. Thus, straw combined with inorganic fertilizers, particularlythe SH treatment, should be recommended as an agronomic method for promoting grain filling and increasing the yield of common buckwheat

GARLM: Greedy Autocorrelation Retrieval Levenberg–Marquardt Algorithm for Improving Sparse Phase Retrieval

The goal of phase retrieval is to recover an unknown signal from the random measurements consisting of the magnitude of its Fourier transform. Due to the loss of the phase information, phase retrieval is considered as an ill-posed problem. Conventional greedy algorithms, e.g., greedy spare phase retrieval (GESPAR), were developed to solve this problem by using prior knowledge of the unknown signal. However, due to the defect of the Gauss–Newton method in the local convergence problem, especially when the residual is large, it is very difficult to use this method in GESPAR to efficiently solve the non-convex optimization problem. In order to improve the performance of the greedy algorithm, we propose an improved phase retrieval algorithm, which is called the greedy autocorrelation retrieval Levenberg–Marquardt (GARLM) algorithm. Specifically, the proposed GARLM algorithm is a local search iterative algorithm to recover the sparse signal from its Fourier transform magnitude. The proposed algorithm is preferred to existing greedy methods of phase retrieval, since at each iteration the problem of minimizing the objective function over a given support is solved by using the improved Levenberg–Marquardt (ILM) method and matrix transform. A local search procedure such as the 2-opt method is then invoked to get the optimal estimation. Simulation results are given to show that the proposed algorithm performs better than the conventional GESPAR algorithm

Hybrid Chalcopyrite–Polymer Magnetoconducting Materials

The search for emerging materials combining magnetic and semiconducting properties has attracted widespread interest in contemporary materials science. Chalcopyrite (CuFeS₂), as an earth abundant and nontoxic chalcogenide compound in the I–III–VI₂ family, is a promising class of such materials that exhibit unusual electrical, optical, and magnetic properties. However, its successful implementation largely depends on our ability to understand, control and manipulate their structural, transport and spin behavior. Here we show that solution processing monodispersed CuFeS₂ quantum dots exhibit a strong coupling among optical, electronic, and magnetic degrees of freedom. The photoresponse and magnetoconductance of CuFeS₂ quantum dots are realized under external stimuli. We further exploit a fast and efficient way to achieve an exceptionally large performance in a magneto-optoelectronic hybrid system consisting of magnetic semiconducting CuFeS₂ and conducting polymer matrix. The results demonstrate a promising potential of magnetic semiconductor CuFeS₂ in the field of spin electronics

Development and Prospects of Halide Perovskite Single Crystal Films

Halide perovskite single crystal (HPSC) films have demonstrated extraordinary performance in solar cells, photodetectors, and lighting applications, owing to the high carrier mobility, long carrier diffusion length, tunable bandgap, and large light absorption coefficients of these materials. Here, the recent development of the major HPSC thin films is reviewed systematically, including MAPbI3, α-FAPbI3, MAPbBr3, CsPbBr3, with special emphasis on different classes of fabrication methods and thin-film characteristics. Finally, the conclusion and prospects in this field are discussed in detail. It is anticipated that the HPSC thin films will lead to a compelling future for the rising electronic applications

The effect of choice on memory: The role of theta oscillations

People value the opportunity to exercise control over the environment or make their own choices. Recent studies have revealed that simply having the opportunity to make choices can facilitate memory performance, suggesting an interaction between reward (due to choice making) and memory systems. However, little is known about the electrophysiological basis of choice-related memory. In the current study, we used scalp electroencephalography combined with a choice encoding task to examine the role of theta oscillations (which have been widely connected to reward and memory processing) in choice-related memory formation. The encoding task had two conditions. In the choice condition, participants were asked to choose between two occluded memoranda by themselves, whereas in the fixed condition, the decision was made by the computer. Behavioral results showed the choice effect, with better performance in the choice condition than the fixed condition on the recognition test given after a 24-h delay. Increases in theta power during an early latency of encoding period predicted successful memory formation in the choice condition, but not in the fixed condition. Furthermore, decreases in theta power during a late latency predicted successful memory formation in both the fixed and the choice conditions. Finally, we observed increased theta power in the choice condition compared to the fixed condition during an early latency of encoding period and decreased theta power in the choice condition compared to the fixed condition during a late latency. Our results suggest that theta oscillations play a significant role in choice-related memory formation

The effect of choice on intentional and incidental memory

Recent studies have revealed that memory performance is better when participants have the opportunity to make a choice regarding the experimental task (choice condition) than when they do not have such a choice (fixed condition). These studies, however, used intentional memory tasks, leaving open the question whether the choice effect also applies to incidental memory. In the current study, we first repeated the choice effect on the 24-h delayed intentional memory performance (experiment 1). Next, using an incidental paradigm in which participants were asked to judge the category of the items instead of intentionally memorizing them, we observed the choice effect on judgment during encoding and memory performance in a 24-h delayed surprise test (experiment 2). Participants judged more accurately and quickly and had better recognition memory for items in the choice condition than for items in the fixed condition. These results are discussed in terms of the role of choice in both intentional and incidental memory

Polygalaxanthone III, an Active Ingredient in Polygala japonica Houtt., Repaired Malassezia-Stimulated Skin Injury via STAT3 Phosphorylated Activation

Malassezia is a genus of commensal and lipid-dependent yeasts in human skin which also have a pathogenic lifestyle associated with several common skin disorders such as atopic dermatitis and eczema. Symptoms include red, itchy, and inflamed skin. We studied the growth characteristics and biochemical analyses of M. furfur which showed that the protein contents were greater in extracts taken at 24 h. These were then used to infect C57BL/6 mice, resulting in skin rupture. Polygalaxanthone III (POL), a more effective anti-inflammatory ingredient in Polygala japonica Houtt., was applied externally to the ulceration and successfully healed the wounds quickly. POL could not inhibit Malassezia activity as tested by the inhibition zone test, but affected the formation of lipid droplets in HaCaT cells. The wound-healing molecular mechanisms may be involved in the STAT3 pathway according to the Western blot results of skin tissues. Malassezia’s role in skin health is far from certain, and there is no clear solution, so understanding the development of Malassezia-associated skin diseases in general and seeking solutions are very important

The interactive effect of external rewards and self-determined choice on memory.

Both external motivational incentives (e.g., monetary reward) and internal motivational incentives (e.g., self-determined choice) have been found to promote memory, but much less is known about how these two types of incentives interact with each other to affect memory. The current study (N = 108) examined how performance-dependent monetary rewards affected the role of self-determined choice in memory performance, also known as the choice effect. Using a modified and better controlled version of the choice paradigm and manipulating levels of reward, we demonstrated an interactive effect between monetary reward and self-determined choice on 1-day delayed memory performance. Specifically, the choice effect on memory decreased when we introduced the performance-dependent external rewards. These results are discussed in terms of understanding how external and internal motivators interact to impact learning and memory

The effect of choice on intentional and incidental memory

Recent studies have revealed that memory performance is better when participants have the opportunity to make a choice regarding the experimental task (choice condition) than when they do not have such a choice (fixed condition). These studies, however, used intentional memory tasks, leaving open the question whether the choice effect also applies to incidental memory. In the current study, we first repeated the choice effect on the 24-h delayed intentional memory performance (experiment 1). Next, using an incidental paradigm in which participants were asked to judge the category of the items instead of intentionally memorizing them, we observed the choice effect on judgment during encoding and memory performance in a 24-h delayed surprise test (experiment 2). Participants judged more accurately and quickly and had better recognition memory for items in the choice condition than for items in the fixed condition. These results are discussed in terms of the role of choice in both intentional and incidental memory.</p