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In this work, the "host-guest" combination has been conducted upon the utilization of dual industrial solid wastes, namely, spent FCC catalyst and red mud. The host of cancrinite zeolite was successfully synthesized under the optimum conditions of pre-treatment temperature of 500 °C for 4 h, spent FCC catalyst to NaOH of 0.8 (mass ratio), nitric acid to red mud of 5 (volume/mass), 140 °C for 12 h. The as-synthesized cancrinite sample had the maximum specific surface area of 251 m2/g, resulting in the relative leachability for Ni2+ (0.03%) and V2+ (0.38%) much better than that of spent FCC catalyst. The "host-guest" rule was discussed to reveal the mechanism for heavy metal ions stabilized into cancrinite zeolite. The feasibility (sources, synthesis methods, energy consumption and performance) of the present study was evaluated on a medium level by comparison with other literatures. Finally, the cost assessment of cancrinite zeolite was checked and the production cost was about 8 $/kg, decreasing the production price by at least 95% compared to commercial zeolites. Thus, the present study showed the feasibility and potential of solid wastes for stabilizing heavy metal ions, particularly in an advantage of the cost-effectiveness. [Display omitted] • Host-guest combination for cancrinite zeolite was achieved from dual solid wastes. • Stabilization efficiency directly related to cancrinite structural features. • Host-guest rule in cancrinite for heavy metal stabilization was suggested. • Feasibility and cost-effectivity of synthesized cancrinite zeolite were discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coupling of microbial dissimilatory manganese (Mn) reduction and nitrogen transformation in anaerobic environment affects the fate of many elemental geochemical cycles. A strain of dissimilatory manganese reducing bacteria (DMRB) named Pantoea sp. MFG10 was isolated for simultaneous reduction of Mn(IV) oxides and NO 3 --N to explore the differential reduction mechanism. The post-reaction precipitates were investigated for researching potential persistent products. The strain MFG10 could achieve 99.86% NO 3 --N removal (1.176 mg L−1 h−1) and 20.97 mg L−1 (0.583 mg L−1 h−1) free Mn(II) yield within 12 and 36 h, respectively. The transient intermediate Mn(III) formed after the reduction of strain MFG10 was utilized in the denitrification process. The restricted Mn reduction behavior in the NO 3 --N and manganese oxide co-reduction system led to the formation of large amounts of Mn(III) by single electron transfer of Mn(IV). Mn(III) acts as electron donor and re-oxidized to constitute a dynamic manganese cycle pathway. Thus, the addition of manganese oxide significantly improved the denitrification efficiency and the fast electron flow formed an abundant Mn(III) secondary minerals on the surface of the manganese oxide. This work will help to understand the more subtle environmental and process-based manganese cycle and inspire new strategies to develop efficient manganese recycling processes for groundwater pollution control. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a single-frequency Faraday laser utilizing a 5-Torr-Ar-mixed 85Rb atomic filter as a frequency-selecting element, and lock it to 87Rb D 2 line via modulation transfer spectroscopy (MTS). The wavelength of the free-running Faraday laser fluctuated between 780.2457 and 780.2470 nm, which was limited within the ultra-narrow transmission bandwidth (700 MHz) of the atomic filter. When the Faraday laser was stabilized to 87Rb 52S 1/2 F = 2 → 52P 3/2 F′ = 3 hyperfine transition line, the output wavelength of the laser was approximately 780.24602 nm, and the fractional frequency Allan deviation measured by residual error signal arrived at 2.87 × 10−14 at 1 s, then reached 1.25 × 10−14 at 100 s. The laser system is easy to be locked to 87Rb D 2 line within the current range of laser diode (LD) from 75 to 140 mA, which has the potential to achieve a "turnkey" systems and is suitable for laser-pumped rubidium atomic clocks and laser-cooling experiments. • A single frequency Faraday laser locked to 87Rb 87Rb 52S 1/2 F = 2. → 52P 3/2 F′ = 3 hyperfine transition line is reported, for the best to our knowledge. • A85Rb atomic filter mixed with 5-Torr buffer gas Ar is investigated experimentally for the first time. • The wavelength of the free-running Faraday laser is corresponded to the 87Rb Doppler resonance absorption line. • The fractional frequency Allan deviation of frequency stability in frequency-locking operation is at 2.87 × 10−14 at 1 s by estimation of residual error signal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hierarchical porous carbonized egg white (EW) is synthesized and used as oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalyst. The typical EW that is carbonized at 650 °C (EW-650) possesses ultrahigh specific surface area of 1904 m2 g−1, large average pore diameter of 9.8 nm, high contents of doped heteroatoms (N, O and S), fairly high graphitization degree and dense defects, corresponding to dense active sites and excellent transportation of both mass and electrons. Therefore, the EW-650 shows higher activity than commercial Pt/C for ORR in both alkaline and acidic media even at higher mass loadings, with excellent cyclic stability. The effects of reaction temperature and electrolyte concentration on ORR activity are also studied. It is found that appropriate temperature and electrolyte concentration speed up ORR kinetics, ensure higher oxygen solubility and favor mass transportation. • Boiling, carbonization and activation of egg white form egg white carbon (EW). • The EW has hierarchical pores and high contents of heteroatoms and defects. • Higher ORR activities than Pt/C are got in both alkaline and acidic media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract CO 2 photoreduction to hydrocarbons is an important process for solar energy. Herein, the reaction rate is massively pushed up by large Fresnel lens (diameter = 1 m) concentrating solar light technology. The maximum CH 4 yield rate reached 3157.2 μmol·g−1·h−1, C 2 H 4 rate to 511.6 μmol·g−1·h−1, C 2 H 6 to 1346.0 μmol·g−1·h−1, and the CO 2 conversion reached 3.94%. The total solar to chemical energy conversion efficiency got 0.15%. The results are considered from the intensification of reaction conditions such as light intensity, reaction temperature, and pressure of H 2 O and CO 2. The findings will be beneficial for the further discussion of CO 2 photoreduction basing upon the existed catalysts system, and decrease the research threshold in CO 2 photoreduction. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • CO 2 photoreduction is studied in a large concentrating light reactor. • It heightens hydrocarbons yield rate to thousands of μmol·g−1·h−1. • It enriches types of hydrocarbons to CH 4 , C 2 H 2 , C 2 H 4 and C 2 H 6. • The effect is considered to be from intensification of reaction condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Single longitudinal mode laser in a wedge Nd:YVO 4 crystal with short absorption depth is reported. The influence of the wedge Nd:YVO 4 crystal on single longitudinal mode operation is analyzed. Two types of Nd:YVO 4 crystal with a wedge angle of 7 ° and 10 ° are utilized in a compact plane–concave resonator, respectively. By optimizing the cavity length, 518 mW and 343 mW of single-frequency output power at 1064 nm are obtained by pumping of 808 nm laser diode with an slope efficiency of 38.7% and 32.4% for 10 ° and 7 ° Nd:YVO 4 crystal, respectively. For 2 at. % Nd:YVO 4 laser, the experimental and theoretical multimode threshold with a wedge crystal are higher than the theoretical multimode threshold with traditional cube crystal. It has been demonstrated successfully larger wedge angle Nd:YVO 4 can enhance the performance of the single mode laser. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dehydration-responsive element binding protein (DREB) family of transcription factors is associated with abiotic stress responses during plant growth and development. This study focussed on the subfamily member DREB1B, which was initially described as highly and specifically responsive to low temperature. However, here it is shown that DREB1B is not only involved in cold tolerance but also other abiotic stress tolerances, such as that of drought. To further understand the genetic improvement effects of the drought tolerance provided by RdreB1BI in transgenic strawberry, drought stress responses of transgenic plants were evaluated at the morphological, physiological, and transcriptional levels. Transactivation assays revealed that RdreB1BI could activate the FvPIP2;1 like 1 promoter. RdreB1BI transgenic plants showed enhanced drought tolerance on the basis of lower rates of electrolyte leakage (EL), higher relative water content (RWC), and less stomatal aperture as well as increased peroxidase (POD) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities and less malondialdehyde (MDA) accumulation. The transgenic plants also accumulated higher levels of drought-related regulatory genes and functional gene transcripts, including those of PIP , NAC , RD22 , ABI , and NCED . Together, these results demonstrate that RdreB1BI plays an essential role in the regulation of the drought stress response. DREB1B transcription constitutes a useful strategy to exploit in transgenic plants for coping with abiotic stresses, at least cold and drought stresses. The approach may be helpful for genetic engineering horticultural plants to have increased environmental adaptations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The Mn redox cycle removed 94.67 % of E2 within 12 h (0.079 mg L−1h−1). • Interaction of reactive oxygen species and Mn(III) accelerated E2 removal. • Bioreactor showed 89.63% of NO 3 −-N and 97.57% of 17β-estradiol removal efficiency. • Community assembly enhanced the metabolic and physiological activity of bioreactor. • Different elemental cycles in the community were coupled with contaminant removal. The application of bio-manganese (Mn) redox cycling for continuous removal of contaminants provides promise for addressing coexisting contaminants in groundwater, however, the feasibility of constructing Mn redox cycling system (MCS) through community assembly remains to be elucidated. In this study, Mn-reducing strain MFG10 and Mn-oxidizing strain MFQ7 synergistically removed 94.67 % of 17β-estradiol (E2) within 12 h. Analysis of potential variations in Mn oxides suggested that MCS accelerated the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and Mn(III), which interacted to promote E2 removal. After continuous operation of the Mn ore-based immobilized bioreactor for 270 days, the experimental group (EG) achieved average removal efficiencies of 89.63 % and 97.57 % for NO 3 −-N and E2, respectively. High-throughput sequencing results revealed complex symbiotic relationships in EG. Community assembly significantly enhanced the metabolic and physiological activity of the bioreactor, which promoting the expression of core functions including nitrogen metabolism, Mn cycling and organic matter resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Immobilized carrier served prerequisites for cellulose degradation and Mn cycling. • Bioreactor achieved 96.34 and 95.37% removal efficiencies of NO 3 −-N and Cr(VI). • Symbiotic relationships among microorganisms were enhanced at C/N ratio of 1.0. • Community assembly structure relied on the balance of metabolism and carbon supply. • Different elemental cycles in the community were coupled with contaminant removal. When bioremediation is applied to Cr(VI) and NO 3 −-N contaminated groundwater, the lack of carbon sources and weak physiological activity dramatically affect the treatment efficacy. Hence, a bioreactor consisting of cellulose degradation-manganese (Mn) cycling bilayer carrier and two core strains was established. After 270 operating days, the experimental group (EG) achieved 96.34 and 95.37% of NO 3 −-N and Cr(VI) removal efficiency, respectively. When the C/N ratio was reduced to 1.0, cellulose-degrading strain CDZ9 produced significantly hydrolyzed cellulose from the corn cob substrate. Meanwhile, the balance between microbial metabolic activity and carbon supply was manipulated by the dissimilatory Mn-reducing strain MFG10. Dissolved organic matter response in EG provided evidence for enhanced carbon utilization and electron transfer processes. The syntrophic relationship between EG core strains significantly enhanced bioreactor metabolism and bioactivity. It drove the coupling of different elemental cycles with contaminant removal including carbon metabolism, nitrogen metabolism, Mn cycle and Cr(VI) reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objectives of this study were to examine the effects of mouthful quantities and mechanical properties of gels on natural mastication behaviors using electromyography (EMG). Two types of hydrocolloid gels ( A and K ) with similar fracture loads but different moduli and fracture strains were served to eleven normal women in 3-, 6-, 12-, and 24-g masses in a randomized order. EMG activities from both masseter muscles were recorded during natural mastication. Because of the similar fracture loads, the numbers of chews, total muscle activities, and entire oral processing times were similar for similar masses of both gel types. Prior to the first swallow, the more elastic K gel with a higher fracture strain required higher muscle activities than the brittle A gel, which had higher modulus. Majority of subjects had preferred sides of chewing, but all subjects with or without preferred sides used both masseters during the consumption of gels. Similar effects of masses and types of gels were observed in EMG activities of both sides of masseters. Contributions of the dominant side of chewing were diminished with increasing masses of gels, and the mass dependency on ratio of the dominant side was more pronounced with K gel. More repetitions of smaller masses required greater muscle activities and longer periods for the consumption of 24-g gel portions. Reduction in the masses with an increased number of repetitions necessitated slower eating and more mastication to consume the gel portions. These observations suggest that chewing using both sides is more effective and unconsciously reduces mastication times during the consumption of gels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Strain MFG10 exhibits excellent denitrification and manganese reduction abilities. • MnO 2 promoted the metabolism and induced extracellular secretion by MFG10. • SMP composition changed to improve degradability and redox activity. • The EET process was enhanced by the trapping-solubilizing MnO 2 mechanism of EPS. • Tryptophan-like proteins and PS become potential electron donor precursors. In this study, the manganese (Mn) reduction-coupled denitrification strategy of dissimilatory Mn reducing bacteria was insightfully investigated. Different parameters (MnO 2 level, pH, and temperature) were optimized by kinetic fitting to improve denitrification and Mn reduction effects. The 300 mg L−1 MnO 2 addition achieved 98.72% NO 3 –-N removal in 12 h, which was 54.62% higher than blank group without MnO 2. Scale-up studies showed that the metabolic activity of the bacteria was effectively enhanced by the addition of MnO 2. Besides the deepening of humification in the system, tryptophan-like protein and polysaccharide as potential electron donor precursors revealed remarkable contributions to the extracellular secretion-dependent denitrification process of DMRB. The effect of EPS on Mn reduction depends mainly on the capture of MnO 2 by the LB-EPS layer versus its dissolution in the TB-EPS layer. Ultimately, the EPS possess a dual effect of accelerated denitrification and Mn reduction efficiency due to the enhanced EET process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Low-temperature stress is one of the major abiotic stresses in plants worldwide, and the dehydration responsive element binding protein (DREB) transcription factor induces expression of genes involved in environmental stress tolerance in plants. A proteomic approach based on two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) and subsequent mass spectrometric identification was used to study the changes in the leaf proteome profiles of rd29A:RdreB1BI transgenic and non-transgenic strawberries exposed to low-temperature conditions. By comparing the proteomic profiles, we located 21 protein spots that were reproducibly up- or down-regulated by more than twofold between transgenic and non-transgenic strawberries. Eight identified proteins function in energy and metabolism, four in biosynthetic processes, four were stress and defense related, three spots were identified as cold-stress related expressed sequence tags (ESTs), and two were unknown proteins. The change patterns of low-temperature tolerance proteins, including photosynthetic proteins (RuBisCO large subunit and RuBisCO activase), cytoplasmic Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn-SOD), late embryogenesis abundant protein 14-A (Lea14-A), eukaryotic translation initiation factor 5A (eIF5A), and cold-stress related ESTs, were differentially regulated between non-transgenic and rd29A:RdreB1BI transgenic strawberries. They are likely important gene products in the regulatory network of the RdreB1BI gene. Consequently, this study provides the first characterization of the transgenic strawberry proteome and the predicted target proteins of the RdreB1BI gene by using proteomic approaches. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Information on S-genotypes is essential for designing orchards of Japanese apricot (Prunus mume Sieb. et Zucc.) and for hybridization. However, this information is lacking for most cultivars grown in China. Thus, in this work, the S-genotypes of 24 Japanese apricot cultivars native to China were identified by sequencing the PCR products obtained from allele-specific polymerase chain reaction (AS-PCR). Seventeen S-RNase alleles were amplified, ten of them for the first time. The new S-RNase alleles were submitted to GenBank and denoted them as S 17, S 18, S 19, S 20, S 21, S 22, S 23, S 24, S 25 and S 26. Furthermore, the S-genotypes of four Japanese apricot cultivars were confirmed by field-testing cross-pollination. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The film cooling effectiveness on the surface of a high pressure turbine blade is measured using the pressure sensitive paint (PSP) technique. Four rows of axial laid-back, fan-shaped cooling holes are distributed on the pressure side while two such rows are provided on the suction side. The coolant is only injected to either the pressure side or suction side of the blade at five average blowing ratios ranging from 0.4 to 1.5. The presence of wakes due to upstream vanes is simulated by placing a periodic set of rods upstream of the test blade. Effect of the upstream wakes is recorded at four different phase locations with equal intervals along the pitch-wise direction. The freestream Mach numbers at cascade inlet and exit are 0.27 and 0.44, respectively. Results reveal that the tip leakage vortices and endwall vortices sweep the coolant film on the suction side to the midspan region. The film cooling effectiveness on the suction side is usually higher than that on the pressure side except the regions affected by the secondary vortices. The presence of upstream wakes results in lower film cooling effectiveness on the blade surface. The moderate blowing ratios (M =0.6 or M =0.9) give higher film cooling effectiveness immediately downstream of the film cooling holes. Further downstream of the holes, higher blowing ratios cover wider surface area. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Hierarchical porous nitrogen-doped graphite from tissue paper (N-ATG) is synthesized and used as symmetric supercapacitor electrode material. Electrochemical characterizations show that the N-ATG has an ultrahigh capacitance of 696 F g−1 (473 F cm−3) at 0.5 A g−1 and mass loading of 1 mg cm−2, in 6 mol L−1 KOH solution. The capacitance retention rate is 49.6% at 80 A g−1 from mass loading of 1 mg cm−2 to 20 mg cm−2. The energy densities of the N-ATG are 24.2 and 9.8 Wh kg−1 (i.e. 16.5 and 6.7 Wh L−1) at power densities of 320 and 39831 W kg−1 (i.e. 218 and 27085 W L−1), respectively, which rank the highest performances especially at high power densities among heteroatom-doped carbon electrodes. The N-ATG possesses ultrahigh specific surface area of 2327 m2 g−1, large average pore diameter of 10.3 nm, high contents of doped N (6.5 at.%), graphitized structure with 1–5 graphene layers and widened lattice distance, dense defects, and high packing density (0.68 g cm−3), which account for the excellent gravimetric and volumetric capacitances as well as the high rate capacity. • N-doped hierarchical porous graphite from tissue paper is obtained. • Pyrolysis, KOH activation and N doping of tissue paper lead to 1-5-layer graphene. • Ultrahigh surface area, dense defects and high packing density are obtained. • Ultrahigh gravimetric and volumetric capacitances and energy densities are got. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iron- and nitrogen-doped mesoporous hollow hemispherical graphite (NFe-HG) with average pore size of 12.3 nm, specific surface area of 1487 m2g-1 and 5.3% of N content is synthesized. The uneven carbon oxidation during microwave heating results in mesopores. The NFe-HG displays superior oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity with half wave potential (E 1/2) of 0.885 V in alkaline solution and comparable ORR activity (E 1/2 = 0.838 V) to commercial Pt/C in H 2 SO 4 solution. Due to the graphitization structure and trace residual iron, the NFe-HG performs high electrochemical stability. By comparing with spherical materials, the hemispherical structure of the NFe-HG shows the advantage of smaller volume with similar high specific surface. Image 1 • N doped hollow mesoporous hemispherical graphite with trace Fe is prepared. • Uneven microwave heating leads to mesopores in carbon. • The doping N contributes greatly to ORR performances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chilling requirement, together with heat requirement, which has an impact on the climatic distribution of the genotypes of tree species, determines the flowering date. It also played an important role in the protected cultivation of fruit trees. In our study, we estimated chilling requirements for breaking of dormancy and heat requirements for flowering for 2 successive years in 69 Japanese apricot cultivars of Nanjing (China). The chilling requirements of those Japanese apricot cultivars ranged from 24 to 82 chill portions according to the dynamic model, and the heat requirements of those cultivars fluctuated between 691.9 and 2634.7 growing degree hours. The Japanese apricot cultivars were classified into three groups according to their chilling requirements: the low chilling requirement cultivars with less than 50 chill portions, the medium chilling requirement cultivar ranging from 50 to 70 chill portions, and the high chilling requirement cultivars with more than 70 chill portions. In our study, cultivars originated in Guangdong of China generally have a low chilling requirements, and originated in Zhejiang and Jiangsu of China have a high chilling requirements. Cultivars with lower or higher chilling requirement are not suitable for introduction of Nanjing due to their abnormal phenotype. We also observed that the heat requirement of Japanese apricot had no obvious relationship with their origins. The determination of chilling requirements of 69 Japanese apricot cultivars provided some basis for their rationalized introduction and distribution, and was also important in a breeding program. Those results also expanded our understanding of the temperature responses of flower bud in Japanese apricot during the dormancy progress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objectives of this study are to identify mechanical properties that dictate natural oral processing of soft solid foods and to quantify the effects of mouthful sizes. Two types of hydrocolloid gels with similar fracture loads but different elastic moduli and fracture strains were prepared using agar ( A ) or a mixture of konjac mannan, κ -carrageenan, and locust bean gum ( K ). Subsequently, 3, 6, 12, and 24 g mouthfuls of A and K gels were randomly served to subjects and the effects of mechanical properties and mouthful sizes were quantitatively analyzed within an individual. Electromyographic (EMG) activities of both masseter muscles and the suprahyoid muscle were recorded as jaw-closing and jaw-opening muscles, respectively. Total 33 EMG variables relating mastication and swallowing difficulties were classified into six groups by influences of gel types and mouthful sizes. Despite similar fracture loads, K gels with greater fracture strain and work required more mastication effort and less swallowing effort than A gels, which had higher elastic modulus. Doubling of mouthful sizes between 3 g and 24 g increased oral processing times and the numbers of chewing actions and swallows by 1.4 fold. These variables were approximately proportional to 0.7 of the power of the mouthful mass, and they can be predicted using this relation. Mastication effort exhibited lower dependence on sample mass than the three variables and durations and muscle activities per masseter muscle action did not vary significantly with mouthful sizes and gel types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Machine learning assisted screening method succeed to identify suitable MOFs for Pb2+ removal in aqueous solution. • Ten top-performing MOFs were identified considering solvent environmental effects. • PLD and WEPA were key descriptors for Pb2+ loading by univariate analysis and machine learning. • Two strategies were proposed to design high-performing MOFs for Pb2+ loading in aqueous solution. Developing heavy metal adsorbents with high efficiency is imperative for advanced wastewater treatment. So far, the design of adsorbents has primarily relied on the experimental and molecular simulation methods, which is inefficient and time-consuming due to the vast number of potential materials. This study introduces a machine learning-assisted high-throughput screening strategy to identify optimal metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for Pb2+ removal in aqueous solution, aiming to guide the design of high-performance MOFs. First, we extracted the structural and chemical properties of MOFs from a database containing 146,205 MOFs and developed a machine learning-guided evaluation method for MOFs. This process led to the selection of 50 high performance MOFs. Considering the effects of water, we further refined our selection to 26 water-stable MOFs by literature data and computational results. Subsequently, top-10 high-performance MOFs were identified, which exhibited high Pb2+ adsorption capacity in aqueous phase. Experimental results using screened MOFs indicated the sequence of Pb2+ adsorption as follows: HKUST-1 (top1) > ZIF-8 (ranked 156) > MOF-808 (ranked 379) > MIL-101(Fe) (ranked 582) > UiO-66 (ranked 862), further validating the effectiveness of our screening strategy. Finally, based on the shared features of the top 10 MOFs, we found that regulation of topology and the coordination of free-standing carboxyl groups in MOFs can strengthen the adsorption for Pb2+. These data-driven findings can offer more rational guidance than experimental approach for the design of novel adsorbents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Japanese apricot (Prunus mume Sieb. et Zucc.), a deciduous tree within the Rosaceae family, is esteemed for its medicinal and ornamental attributes. In Chinese tradition, the 'Lve' group of the Japanese apricot, including varieties like 'Lve' and 'Xiaolve', is commonly employed for medicinal purposes and tea production. This study endeavors to delineate the chemical distinctions among four Japanese apricot varieties. Quantitative analysis, utilizing ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC), was conducted on 'Lve', 'Xiaolve', 'Qingfeng', and 'Touguhong'. The research explores the chemical components of different floral organs and stages within the 'Xiaolve' cultivar, correlating them with hydroxyl radical (·OH) and 2,2′-Azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) free radical scavenging rates. Results indicate significant variation in flower composition among the varieties. Notably, chlorogenic acid varies markedly, ranking highest in 'Xiaolve', followed by 'Touguhong', 'Lve' and 'Qingfeng', 'Qingfeng' exhibits elevated levels of hyperoside and quercetin. In the 'Xiaolve', stamens show heightened chlorogenic acid levels, while petals display increased flavonoids and catechins. Additionally, chemical components decrease with flowering stages. Correlations between chemical components in 'Xiaolve' and scavenging rates of OH and ABTS free radicals were observed. Molecular docking analysis reveals that chlorogenic acid binds to multiple antioxidant proteins, suggesting its dual role in scavenging free radicals and internal antioxidant activity. These findings form a theoretical foundation for exploring the medicinal potential of the 'Xiaolve', determining optimal harvest times, and unraveling underlying mechanisms. • Explored the differences in the chemical composition of different varieties of Japanese apricot. • The chemical composition of 'Xiaolve' blossom with it's antioxidant activity has strong correlation. • The best time to harvest Japanese apricot is the small bud stage. • The flavonoids contents of 'Xiaolve' cultivar are concentrated in the petals, pistils and stamens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dehydration-responsive element-binding (DREB) transcription factors play critical roles in plant stress responses and signal transduction. To further understand how DREB regulates genes expression to promote cold-hardiness, Illumina/Solexa sequencing technology was used to compare the transcriptomes of non-transgenic and rd29A : RdreB1BI transgenic strawberry plants exposed to low temperatures. Approximately 3.5 million sequence tags were obtained from non-transgenic (NT) and transgenic (T) strawberry untreated (C) or low-temperature treated (LT) leaf samples. Over 1000 genes were differentially expressed between the NT-C and T-C plants, and also the NT-C and NT-LT, as well as the T-C and T-LT plants. Analysis of the genes up-regulated following low-temperature treatment revealed that the majority are linked to metabolism, biosynthesis, transcription and signal transduction. Uniquely up-regulated transcription factors as well as anthocyanin biosynthetic pathway genes are discussed. Accumulation of anthocyanin in the stolon and the base of the petiole differed between non-treated NT and T plants, and this correlated with gene expression patterns. The differentially expressed genes that encode transcription factors and anthocyanin enzymes may contribute to the cold hardiness of RdreB1BI transgenic strawberry. The transcriptome data provide a valuable resource for further studies of strawberry growth and development and DREB-mediated gene regulation under low-temperature stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The co-existence of heavy metals and nitrate (NO 3 −-N) pollutants in wastewater has been a persistent global concern for a long time. A strain LYF26, which can remove NO 3 −-N, calcium (Ca(II)), and cadmium (Cd(II)) simultaneously, was isolated to explore the properties and mechanisms of synergistic contaminants removal. Different conditions (Cd(II) and Ca(II) concentrations and pH) were optimized by Zero -, Half -, and First - order kinetic analyses to explore the environmental parameters for the optimal effect of strain LYF26. Results of the kinetic analyses revealed that the optimal culture conditions for strain LYF26 were pH of 6.5, Cd(II) and Ca(II) concentrations of 3.00 and 180.00 mg L−1, accompanied by Ca(II), Cd(II), and NO 3 −-N efficiencies of 53.10%, 90.03%, and 91.45%, respectively. The removal mechanisms of Cd(II) using strain LYF26 as a nucleation template were identified as biomineralization, lattice substitution, and co-precipitation. The differences and changes of dissolved organic matter during metabolism were analyzed and the results demonstrated that besides the involvement of extracellular polymeric substances in the precipitation of Cd(II) and Ca(II), the high content of humic acid-like species revealed a remarkable contribution to the denitrification process. This study is hopeful to contribute a theory for further developing microbially induced calcium precipitation used to treat complex polluted wastewater. [Display omitted] • A novel strain LYF26 was isolated for efficient removal of NO 3 −-N, Ca(II) and Cd(II). • Growth conditions of strain LYF26 were optimized by Zero -, Half -, and First -models. • Cd(II) in the form of CdCO 3 and Cd 3 (PO 4) 2 was removed via the MICP process. • Valuable application of MICP process in denitrification and heavy metal removal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Heat transfer and pressure loss characteristics of a high aspect ratio duct are measured under both, jet impingement and channel flow conditions, respectively. For both cases, roughness elements in consideration are staggered and inline axial ribs. The spacing (P) to height (e) ratios studied are P/e =2 and P/e =4; the rib height (e) to channel height (H) ratio is 0.125. Also studied is an aluminum foam roughness with a porosity of 92% and a height to channel height ratio of 0.15. Reynolds numbers considered for the channel flow case (based on the hydraulic diameter) range from 10,000 to 40,000. Reynolds numbers for the jet impingement case (based on the hole diameter) range from 5,000 to 20,000. Tests are performed using the copper plate regional average method. Results show a 50–90% increase in heat transfer due to the use of axial ribs in both, impingement and channel flow cases. The porous foam shows a more significant increase in heat transfer coefficient for both channel flow and impingement cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Overexpression of PmGRF7 in tomato altered leaf morphogenesis and pollen development. • This study reveals a novel function of PmGRF7 in regulating seed sterility through hormone pathway. • Our research can serve as a reference for future molecular breeding of fruit crops. The role of GRF (Growth-regulating Factor) in regulating plant growth and development has been studied, but its potential role in regulating seed fertility remains unclear. PmGRF7 overexpression in tomatoes altered leaf morphology and pollen activity. Most importantly, genetically modified tomato plants had no offspring. PmGRF7 overexpression resulted in abnormal leaf morphology, and transgenic plants that produced seedless fruit or seeds only showed signs of abortion. Pollination of genetically modified tomatoes with wild-type tomato pollen still produced sterile seeds. Further research using bioinformatics tools and physiological index measurement showed that PmGRF7 induced a hormone pathway leading to seed sterility, and at the same time, it caused differential genes to be induced in the plant hormone signal transduction pathway, ribosome pathway, sphingolipid metabolism and other related pathways, leading to morphogenesis in plant leaves. Collectively, our research findings reveal a potential new mechanism by which PmGRF7 regulates seed fertility and leaf growth, and these findings are of potential application in molecular plant breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Dwarfing rootstocks are a valuable genetic resource for managing high-density plantations because it decreases the vegetative growth of scion and minimizes labor expenditures. • This study was undertaken to explore the dwarfing mechanism in Japanese apricot using RNA- sequencing. • Approximately, 1827 DEGs were found, and a comparison analysis between dwarfing and vigorous graft combinations was performed. • Alterations in the activity of hormones including IAA, ZR, GA 3 , ABA and BR contribute significantly to scion dwarfing. • Our research provides a foundation for the molecular mechanism of size reduction, as well as a reference for future studies related to size control of fruit crops. Dwarfing rootstocks are a valuable genetic resource for managing high-density plantations because it decreases the vegetative growth of scion and minimizes labor expenditures. The scion architecture of grafted Japanese apricot (Prunus mume) is affected by various characteristics of the rootstocks. A leaf and root RNA-Sequencing of the two scion/rootstock combinations (LY/PM and LY/PP) was conducted to explore molecular mechanisms underlying the effect of rootstock on scion vigor and dwarfing related genes. The phenotypic observations showed that size reduction in p. mume (PM) rootstock is due to lower node number, reduced internode length, and decreased trunk diameter of the scion, while trees grafted with P. persica (PP) rootstock increased all the values of morphological index. After cutoff and pairwise comparison analysis, we retrieved 1827 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in LY/PM and LY/PP graft combinations. The KEGG pathway analysis revealed that the most DEGs were found predominantly enriched in complex plant hormone transduction networks involving the auxin (IAA), cytokinin (CK), abscisic acid (ABA), jasmonic acid (JA), brassinosteroid (BR) and gibberellic acid (GA) pathways. Several transcription factor families, such as WRKY, NAC, LBD and bZIP , might be involved in the complicated growth induction process. These findings provide a framework for exploring the molecular mechanisms underlying differential scion growth mediated by rootstock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrogen doped lotus-stem carbon and that being promoted by sulfur or iron (N-LC, NS-LC, NFe-LG and NSFe-LG) are synthesized. The interrelations between pore size, graphitization degree, N content, Fe–N content, S doping, and their effects on oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity and stability in alkaline media are studied. The NSFe-LG shows the most excellent performances for ORR. The Fe-free NS-LC shows close ORR activity and comparable stability to the NSFe-LG, which may make metal-free catalyst attractive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Chinese bayberry (Myrica rubra Sieb. et Zucc.) is a typical fruit tree grown in the hilly region of Southern China. The fruit is sensitive to storage and transportation conditions and presents a major problem in its commercialization. The present study was conducted to investigate the regulation of gene expression involved in plant hormone signaling pathway in the Chinese bayberry with different treatments of heat and 1-methylcyclopene (1-MCP) during postharvest storage. In one treatment group (HM group), we exposed Chinese bayberry fruit to 48 °C for 10 min and then sealed them in a desiccator with 5 μl·L-1 of 1-MCP for 24 h at 20 °C, followed by storage at 10 °C. Another group (CK group) was directly stored at 10 °C without any prior treatment. Samples of fruit were collected every three days, at 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 d (CK3, CK6, CK9, CK12 and CK15; and HM3, HM6, HM9, HM12, and HM15, respectively). The decay index of fruits in the CK group increased after six days of storage but did not increase until nine days of storage in the HM group. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in the CK group was shown a downtrend during storage, and almost no fluctuation from six days. In the HM group, SOD activity increased after three days, but decreased sharply after six days storage. Besides, peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT) activities were shown the similar trend during the storage, both of them first increased and then decreased form the six days of storage. These physiological data indicated that the sixth day is a crucial time during the storage of Chinese bayberry treated with heat and 1-MCP. Therefore, the transcriptome libraries were constructed from CK0, CK6, HM6 group, respectively. The analysis of top 20 KEGG pathways showed that most differentially expressed genes were involved in the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, particularly flavonoids and flavanols biosynthesis, in CK0 vs. CK6 and CK0 vs. HM6. However, the top three KEGG pathways in CK6 vs. HM6 were the ribosome, RNA transport and endocytosis during the storage. Expression of six ethylene receptor (ETR) genes and four ethylene-responsive transcription factor (ERF) genes were activated at transcriptional level during the postharvest stage and were decreased by heat and 1-MCP treatment, and serine/threonine-protein kinase 1 (CTR1) was also repressed by treatment. Abscisic acid (ABA) -responsive element binding factor (ABF) gene, auxin-responsive GH3 gene and transcription factor MYC2 gene also showed similar expression pattern with ethylene pathway genes. These results might improve our understanding of the mechanisms of heat and 1-MCP inhibition of fruit postharvest physiology and prolongation of fruit shelf life. Highlights • ETR, ERF and CTR1 were repressed by heat and 1-MCP treatment. • ABF, GH3 and MYC2 were shown the similar expression pattern with ethylene pathway genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The expression levels of many genes and the related proteins change and regulate physiological and metabolic processes that help the plant survive harsh environmental conditions under cold stress. Damage due to cold and freezing conditions often causes dynamic loss of loquat fruits in cultivated parts of northern China. To illustrate the mechanism of cold tolerance in the loquat, we combined the transcriptomic analysis with isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) and RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) data from loquat leaves under 4 °C treatment. The results showed 122,081 genes and 1210 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), while only 4582 proteins and 300 differential proteins (DEPs) were identified. Functional annotation and Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis indicated that metabolic pathways and biosynthesis of secondary metabolites were the two most common pathways in transcriptional and translational processes in this study. Comparison analysis of the transcriptomic and proteomic profiles, only 27 of 3620 genes were found to be shared both in DEGs and DEPs. Further validation with Real-Time Quantitative RT-PCR analysis showed that the genes expression of NADP-dependent D-sorbitol-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, anthocyanin synthase and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase were consistent with the pattern of transcriptome profile, which suggested that these three genes might play vital roles in cold tolerance in loquat. Highlights • Low correlation between transcriptomic and proteomic data sets. • Metabolic pathways and biosynthesis of secondary metabolites were two top common pathways. • S6PDH, ANS and PAL are the key candidate genes that might play vital roles in cold tolerance in loquat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A bibliometric analysis of Mn redox cycling coupled with nitrogen removal was conducted. • Mechanisms and influencing factors of Mn redox coupled nitrogen removal were discussed. • Application of Mn redox-driven nitrogen removal in sewage treatment was summarized. • Research gaps, challenges, and directions for future development were proposed. Nitrogen (N) pollution has emerged as one of the major threat to global sustainable development and has received increasing attention. Manganese (Mn) is the third most abundant transition metal on earth and microbially mediated Mn redox cycling coupled with N removal (MMnRCCNR) is a promising alternative that is not only economical and efficient but also has a low environmental impact. This review discusses the key influencing factors, theoretical basis, and mechanisms of Mn species as key mediators driving the biogeochemical cycle. In addition, the application and development trend of Mn redox cycling in the treatment of polluted water are summarized and presented, especially the combination of simultaneous N and micropollutant removal. The research hotspots and trends of Mn redox cycling mediated biological N removal are analyzed by bibliometric methods and the current research gaps, challenges, and future directions are identified. Overall, this review is expected to provide guide for further development and optimization of Mn redox-mediated microbial N removal processes, which will help to develop cost-effective N removal processes in the future to treat contaminated water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three offspring (LsDb-11-01, LsDb-11-02, and LsDb-11-03) obtained from the interspecific hybridization of two diploid strawberry species ( F. viridis 42 × F. mandshurica 43) were analyzed using morphological characteristics observation, chromosome counting, karyotype analysis and sequence-related amplified polymorphism (SRAP) identification. The results identified that the three hybrids had several confirmed features of both parents. Despite the poor growth vigor, including crumpled and unevenly colored leaves, smaller inflorescences, almost sterile flowers and thinner stolons, three progenies also showed erect inflorescences, more flowers per inflorescence and stronger stolon reproduction capability compared to parents. The self-pollination of all progenies failed, except for an abnormal fruit obtained from progeny LsDb-11-01 under open pollination conditions. The chromosome doubling of LsDb-11-01 was performed with colchicine and oryzalin and resulted in the successful creation of 18 allotetraploid and 31 mixoploid accessions. The best tetraploids inducing treatment was applying 0.1% (w/v) colchicine to shoot tips for 48 h. LsDb-11-01 and all allotetraploids experienced a convalescent period during which crimpled and unevenly colored leaves became normal. The allotetraploids presented stronger vigor with thicker stems, larger and greener leavers compared to those of the stock parents. This study provides several materials (three hybrids, 18 allotetraploids and 31 mixoploids) for further breeding of new strawberry germplasms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Allopolyploidization occurs frequently in plant evolution and has created many crops with high yield. The consequences of allopolyploidization events are not always the same between different plant systems. In this study, we investigated the epigenetic and transcriptomic changes caused by interspecific hybridization and genome doubling in the strawberry. Changes were found both in DNA methylation and gene expression during allopolyploidization. Changes in DNA methylation were mainly attributable to hybridization which caused the methylation states of 31.92% of all the loci studied to change and were maintained by genome doubling. Hybridization and genome doubling all together influenced 13.05% of gene expression. Most of the changes in interspecific hybridization and genome doubling events were reproducible, but a small number of them were stochastic between different pentaploid and decaploid lines. Sequence analysis of the fragments that underwent changes in DNA methylation or gene expression indicated that these changes were associated with various biological pathways. Our results suggest that alterations in DNA methylation caused by hybridization and polyploidization may induce changes in gene expression and lead to new agronomic traits in polyploids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A powerful microbial immobilized biomaterial, PVA/SA@biochar gel beads were prepared. • Immobilized bioreactor removed nitrate, Mn(II), and phenol efficiently. • Manganese oxidation combined with adsorption to remove phenol. • Phenol stress reduced the diversity and abundance of microbial communities. • High-throughput showed that Zoogloea sp. played a vital role in the bioreactor. Water pollutants, such as nitrate, heavy metals, and organics have attracted attention due to their harms to environmental and biological health. A novel polyvinyl alcohol/sodium alginate with biochar (PVA/SA@biochar) gel beads immobilized bioreactor was established to remove nitrate, manganese, and phenol. The optimum conditions for preparing gel beads were studied by response surface methodology (RSM). Notably, the removal efficiencies of nitrate, Mn(II), and phenol were 94.64, 72.74, and 93.97% at C/N of 2.0; the concentrations of Mn(II) and phenol were 20 and 1 mg L−1, respectively. Moreover, addition of different concentrations of phenol significantly affected the components of dissolved organic matter, bacterial activity, and bioreactor performance. The biological manganese oxide (BMO) with three-dimensional petal-type structure produced during Mn(II) oxidation showed excellent adsorption capacity. The removal of phenol relied on a combination of biological action and adsorption processes. High-throughput analysis showed that Zoogloea sp. was the predominant bacterial group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] This is the first report on reference genes of miRNA RT-qPCR in peach. [•] Gene expression stability of 17 reference genes was evaluated. [•] The combination of miR5059 and miR5072 was identified as the best reference genes. [•] The miR396 and miR5072 pair was suitable for different tissues sets in peach. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

[Display omitted] • Diniconazole can be effectively degraded in α-MnO 2 activated PMS system. • DIN degradation could be fitted by pseudo-first-order kinetic equation. • 10Cl, 11Cl, 17C and 4C are highly reactive sites in DIN molecule. • The possible pathways of the DIN degradation are proposed. As one of the high-efficiency triazole fungicides, diniconazole (DIN) has been used on a large scale in agricultural production. Due to its high stability and toxicity, DIN is usually persisted in soil and water and has been demonstrated to be a potential threat to environment and humans. In this study, the degradation kinetics, mechanisms, and degradation products of DIN by peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activated with α-MnO 2 were systematically studied. The results showed that DIN was rapidly degraded in α-MnO 2 activated PMS system, and the degradation kinetics of DIN in this reaction system could be described by the pseudo-first-order kinetic model. The degradation of DIN was affected by environmental conditions. Acidic condition was beneficial to the degradation of DIN, whereas co-existing anions (HPO 4 2-, Cl- and HCO 3 –) and humic acid inhibited the degradation of DIN in MnO 2 activated PMS system. SO 4 - and HO generating from PMS activated by α-MnO 2 were confirmed as the major active species in degradation of DIN. The potential sites attacked in the DIN structure might be 11Cl, 10Cl, 14C and 17C based on the DFT calculation. Moreover, the degradation pathways of DIN were proposed, including hydroxylation, hydroxyl addition, cleavage of 14C-15N and intramolecular cyclization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Modified loofah with rough porous structure exhibited great immobilization effect. • Maximum NO 3 –-N, Mn (II) and TC removal efficiency were 91.97, 71.25, and 57.39%. • Adsorption, oxidation and co-metabolism were responsible for TC removal. • Zoogloea sp. was regarded as dominant contributor in the operation of bioreactor. • Metagenome revealed the potential of reactor for NO 3 –-N, Mn(II), and TC removal. The remediation of multiple pollutants in water, for instance, nitrate, heavy metals, and antibiotics is urgent and necessary for the global water resources protection. Herein, a modified loofah bioreactor was designed for simultaneous denitrification, manganese (Mn) oxidation, and tetracycline (TC) removal. The maximum removal efficiencies of NO 3 –-N (91.97%), Mn(II) (71.25%), and TC (57.39%) were achieved at a hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 9 h, Mn(II) concentration of 20 mg L-1, and TC concentration of 1 mg L-1. SEM and XRD were carried out to characterize the bioprecipitation in the operation of bioreactor. TC addition affected the gaseous denitrification products, dissolved organic matter, as well as reduced the OTU in the bioreactor. The Zoogloea were regarded as the dominant species in the microbial community and played an essential role in the operation of bioreactor. Metagenomic analysis proved the great potential for denitrification, manganese oxidation, and antibiotic removal of loofah bioreactor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Zoogloea sp. MFQ7 is a denitrification, Mn(II) oxidation, and tetracycline (TC) removal bacterium. • TC adsorption depends on bioprecipitation concentration, pH, temperature, and time. • FTIR showed the changes in chemical bonds before and after the adsorption of TC. • XRD and XPS revealed that the main component of bio-precipitates was MnO 2. • Pseudo-second-order and Langmuir models fitted for kinetics and thermodynamics. A Mn(II) oxidizing-denitrifying and tetracycline (TC) removal bacterium Zoogloea sp. MFQ7 was isolated in this study. Nitrogen removal was 83.49% by nitrogen balance experiment. The maximum removal efficiencies of nitrate, Mn(II), and TC by strain MFQ7 within 96 h was 100.00, 74.56, and 63.59% at C/N of 2.0, pH of 7.0, Mn(II) of 20 mg L−1, temperature of 30.0 °C, and TC of 0.2 mg L−1. SEM illustrated that biogenic manganese oxides (BMO) was petal-like, XRD and XPS analyses confirmed that MnO 2 was the main component of BMO. Besides, the maximum adsorption capacity of BMO for TC was 52.21 mg g−1. FTIR detected the changes in TC adsorption by BMO. Pseudo-second-order model (R2 = 0.994) explained the adsorption kinetics of TC on BMO and Langmuir isotherm model (R2 = 0.983) suggested that it was homogeneous adsorption, thermodynamics data (ΔG < 0, ΔH = 18.31 kJ mol−1, ΔS = 72.8 J (mol*K)−1) confirmed that adsorption was endothermic and spontaneous. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The phenomenon of pistil abortion widely occurs in Japanese apricot and has seriously affected the yield in production. We used a combination of two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight/time of flight (MALDI-TOF/TOF) approaches to identify the differentially expressed proteome between perfect and imperfect flower buds in Japanese apricot. More than 400 highly reproducible protein spots (P <0.05) were detected and 27 protein spots showed a greater than two-fold difference in their expression values. The proteins identified were classified into eight functional classifications and ten process categories, according to the Gene Ontology (GO). Acetyl-CoA produced by ATP citrate lyase (ACL) as a structural substance during formation of the cell wall could regulate pistil abortion in Japanese apricot. S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), xyloglucan endotransglucosylase/hydrolases (XTHs) and caffeoyl-CoA-O-methyl transferase (CCoAOMT) could promote cell wall formation in perfect flower buds of Japanese apricot, greatly contributing to pistil development. Spermidine hydroxycinnamoyl transferase (SHT) may be involved in the O-methylation of spermidine conjugates and could contribute to abnormal floral development. The identification of such differentially expressed proteins provides new targets for future studies that will assess their physiological roles and significance in pistil abortion. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• The chloroplast genome of Prunus zhengheensis was reported for the first time. • The chloroplast genomes of P. zhengheensis was compared with other Prunus plants. • We analysis phylogenetic relationships between P. zhengheensis and other Prunus species. • The results provided important information for the genetic evolution of P. zhengheensis. Prunus zhengheensis is a novel species originated in Fujian province, China. However, there is no further information available on its classification and molecular biology study. In this study, we first report the complete chloroplast (cp) genome sequence of P. zhengheensis. The cp genome of P. zhengheensis is 158,106 bp and GC content is 36.73%, is a circular structure composed of LSC (large single copy), SSC (small single copy), and IR (inverted repeat) regions, with the size of the three regions being 86,321 bp, 18,999 bp and 26,393 bp, respectively. The cp genome of P. zhengheensis contains 130 genes, and 242 SSRs are identified in the cp genome. The comparative analysis of cp genomes in eight Prunus plants demonstrates the subtle divergences occur in the protein-coding gene rps18 , rps12 , psbF , rpl33 , matK , and rbcL , and that the K A /K S nucleotide substitution ratio of the ndhF of P. zhengheensis and P. armeniaca is 1.79636. The phylogenetic results indicate that the P. zhengheensis is closely related to P. mume , compared to other species of Prunus. Our research results provide the important genomic information for molecular phylogeny of P. zhengheensis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A new microbial immobilized carrier, PVA/SA@sponge cube was synthesized. • Immobilized bioreactor has the ability to simultaneously remove NO 3 −-N, Mn(II) and TC. • As an electron donor, Mn(II) was transformed into MnO 2 and MnCO 3 by microorganism. • Zoogloea was proved as the dominant contributor in reactor operation. The co-existence of nitrate, manganese (Mn), and antibiotics are of a wide concern. In this study, a denitrifying and manganese-oxidizing Zoogloea Q7 bacterium was immobilized using polyvinyl alcohol/sodium alginate with sponge cube (PVA/SA@sponge cube) in the reactor. The optimal operation parameters of the bioreactor were explored. Maximum nitrate, Mn(II), and tetracycline (TC) removal efficiencies of 93.00, 72.34, and 57.32% were achieved with HRT of 10 h, pH of 6.5, Mn(II) concentration of 20 mg L−1, and TC of 1 mg L−1, respectively. Fluorescence excitation-emission matrix (EEM) proved that the microorganism in the bioreactor was greatly active. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images demonstrated that Zoogloea Q7 was commendably immobilized on the novel material. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis suggested that the bioprecipitate was mainly composed of MnO 2 and MnCO 3. Through high-throughput analysis, Zoogloea sp. Q7 was considered to be the dominant bacteria present in the bioreactor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Artificial neural network (ANN) architecture of 9:12:1 can accurately predict soluble solids content (SSC) (R2 = 0.9597). • ANN architecture of 9:11:1 can accurately predict titratable acids content (TAC) (R2 = 0.9580). • ANN architecture of 9:11:1 can accurately predict the ratio of soluble solids to titratable acid content (R2 = 0.9658). • The N, P, K, Mg content in fruits contribute relatively largely to the SSC, TAC and SSC/TAC of loquat. Mineral nutrient elements have an important impact on fruit quality, especially on soluble solids (SSC), titratable acid content (TAC) and the ratio of soluble solids to titratable acid (SSC/TAC) in fruits, which are the most important factors determining the taste and flavor of fruits. In this study, multiple linear regression (MLR) and artificial neural networks (ANN) were used to assess the predictive ability of models to predict SSC, TAC, and SSC/TAC in fruits based on mineral elements in fruits. The results showed that compared with the MLR model (R2 = 0.6772, R2 = 0.5520 and R2 = 0.6025, respectively), the ANNs predicted SSC, TAC, SSC/TAC with higher accuracy and effectiveness (R2 = 0.9597, R2 = 0.9580 and R2 = 0.9658, respectively). These results indicated the ANN is an effective tool with good performance in predicting SSC, TAC, and SSC/TAC of loquat. Meanwhile, we also conducted sensitivity analysis to analyze the relative contribution of mineral nutrients in the fruit to SSC, TAC and SSC/TAC. In terms of relative contribution, the N, P, K, Mg contents in fruits contributed relatively largely to SSC, TAC, and SSC/TAC of loquat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Significant variations were observed during sugar accumulation at different stages in apricot. • The genes related to sugar metabolism and transport in apricot were extensively studied. • ParSuSy5 , ParSuSy6 , ParSuSy7 and ParFK1 genes were highly expressed during sugar accumulation. Sugars are considered as an essential signaling molecule for fruit growth and development, which plays a key role in fruit quality. Up to now, the mechanism controlling sugar metabolism and transport in apricot is unclear. Therefore, in the present study, we measured sugar contents at six different stages of fruit development and ripening, and significant variations were observed throughout these stages. The concentration of glucose and fructose first decreased then increased, sucrose concentration first increased then decreased, while the concentration of sorbitol gradually decreased from growth to maturity. Furthermore, thirty sugar transporter genes related to sucrose synthesis and transport were identified and categorized into different subfamilies based on the phylogenetic analysis. The result of cis -regulatory components showed that under different plant hormones, biotic and abiotic stresses, few elements could be regulated. The correlation analysis showed a higher relationship between ParSuSy5, ParSuSy6, ParSuSy7, and ParFK1 genes and sugar contents, indicating that these genes might have a key role in sugar accumulation and fruit quality. In general, these findings will provide a deep understanding of genomic information and expression profiles of sugar transporter genes, which will contribute toward improvement in fruit quality of apricot. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peach is an important fruit and ornamental plant around the globe. Variegation in flowers often captures consumers' attention, and variegated plants are of high ornamental value. To determine the relationship between DNA methylation and phenotype, we obtained the first single-nucleotide resolution DNA methylation of variegation cultivars in peach through bisulfite sequencing. In this study, a similar methylation rate of 12.90 % in variegated flower buds (VF) and 11.96 % in red flower buds (RF) was determined. The methyl-CG (mCG) was the main context in both samples. We identified 503 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) in all chromosomes. These DMRs were focused on 96 genes and 156 promoters. Associated with the transcriptional and proteome analysis, 106 differently expressed genes and 52 different proteins had varying degrees of methylation. Silent genes exhibited higher methylation levels than expressed genes. The methylation state of the leucoanthocyanidin dioxygenase (LDOX) promoter in VF was higher than RF at flower stages 2 (FS2) based on bisulfite sequencing PCR (BSP) results. Moreover, further experiments showed LDOX gene expression and enzyme activity in RF was higher than VF. The DNA methylation trend consisted of the gene expression and flower colour phenotype. Several cis -acting regulatory elements on BSP sequences were involved in phytohormones, transcription factors, and light responsiveness, which could affect gene expression. The higher level of LDOX gene expression promoted synthesis of colourful anthocyanidins, which caused red spots on the petal. Together, this study identified the context and level of methylation at each site with bisulfite sequencing (BS). These results are helpful in uncovering the mechanism of variegated flower petal formation in peach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ZSM-5 zeolite with different morphologies from compact large single crystals, to loose polycrystalline aggregates, and to monodispersed nanocrystals were finely tailored without adding any secondary templates by only changing the TPAOH/SiO 2 ratio in the gel precursors. The factors affecting the morphologies of the crystals in the synthesized samples were investigated in details. The as-synthesized samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), N 2 adsorption-desorption isotherm, thermogravimetric (TG) analysis, in situ infrared (IR) spectrometry of pyridine, and temperature-programmed desorption of ammonia (NH 3 -TPD). The effect of affluent mesopore structure resulted from loosely aggregating primary nanosized crystals on the as-prepared catalysts was investigated during catalytic cracking of 1,3,5-triisopropylbenzene (TIPB), and the result shows that the catalysts have excellent catalytic performances with enhanced conversions as compared with a commercial ZSM-5 catalyst. The remarkable increased catalytic activity is mainly ascribed to the increased external surface area, which contributes to offering highly effective and accessible acid sites for the bulky molecules reactants. Image 1 • Hierarchical ZSM-5 were synthesized without a secondary template. • Different morphologies from dense to loose structure were tailored by changing TPAOH/Si ratios. • Increased external surfaces offer more effective acid sites for cracking bulky reactants. • Hierarchically cracking contributes to solving challenge for larger and larger heavy oil molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of novel ZnO/CuO n-n heterojunction photocatalysts were synthesized with a microwave assisted method. The structures, morphologies, optical properties, and chemical states of these prepared photocatalysts were systematically characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results indicated that the crystalline structures and morphologies of ZnO and ZnO/CuO are both quasi-sphere shape wurtzite structures. The photocatalytic activities of ZnO/CuO heterojunction were evaluated by the degradation of Acid Orange 7 under simulated solar light irradiation. The results indicated that the ZnO/CuO n-n heterojunctions all have higher photocatalytic activities than the pure ZnO and the ZnO/CuO(2) sample with 2% of CuO exhibits the highest performance for degradation of Acid Orange 7. These could be due to the effective enhancement of electron-hole separation and weaken charge transfer resistance in ZnO/CuO n-n heterojunction, as indicated by their photoluminescences, the electrochemical impedance spectra, and photocurrent responses. Finally, Z-scheme electron transfer mechanism was proposed as the major photocatalytic mechanism of ZnO/CuO materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]