Vaults are nanoscale, ribonucleoprotein capsules (41 nm × 41 nm × 72.5 nm [1]) comprised primarily of 96 self-assembled copies of one 96 kDa protein, termed MVP (major vault protein). When deposited on polylysine-coated mica and imaged using cryoelectron microscopy, vaults appear to “open” into flower-like structures with eight rectangular ‘petals’ [2]. Upon closer examination, each ‘flower’ co...

Flower development, pollination, and fertilization are important stages in the sexual reproduction process of plants; they are also critical steps in the control of seed formation and development. During alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) seed production, some distinct phenomena such as a low seed setting ratio, serious flower falling, and seed abortion commonly occur. However, the causes of these ph...

Birnessite flower-like and α-type tubular MnO(2) nanostructures were selectively synthesized through simple decomposition of KMnO(4) under hydrochloric acid condition by controlling reaction temperature using a microwave-assisted hydrothermal method. The as-prepared samples were characterized in detail by various techniques including X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscop...

An AP1/AGL9 group of MADS box gene, OMADS1, with extensive homology to the Arabidopsis AGAMOUS-like 6 gene (AGL6) was characterized from orchid (Oncidium Gower Ramsey). OMADS1 mRNA was detected in apical meristem and in the lip and carpel of flower. Yeast two-hybrid analysis indicated that OMADS1 is able to strongly interact with OMADS3, a TM6-like protein that was involved in flower formation ...

Tungsten powder mixed with an appropriate amount of nickel and iron powders is used as raw material to fabricate large-scale tungsten whisker-like structure. The morphology, microstructure and composition of the whisker-like tungsten are observed and tested by scanning electron microscope and FESEM, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction, respectively. The m...

• Hybrid sputtering/gas agglomeration system produces flower-like Zn-Fe NPs. Fast, simple and reliable method to produce bimetallic nanoparticles. Molecular dynamics shows the growth mechanisms of particles. Galvanic couple between Zn –Fe protects Fe from oxidation. Bimetallic nanoparticles have gained attention in last decade due their unusual characteristics compared monometallic counterparts...

Flower-like MoS2 nanoparticles (NPs) consist of ultra-thin MoS2 nanosheets are synthesized via a facile one-pot hydrothermal method. The MoS2/ZnO p-n heterostructure is formed by coating n-type ZnO on the surface of flower-like MoS2 NPs through the seed-mediate route and post-annealing treatment. The effects for the dye removal and photocatalytic performances after ZnO coating are systematicall...