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Osimertinib is an irreversible third representative epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI) for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with T790M resistance and classical EGFR mutations. However, the therapeutic effectiveness of osimertinib is limited by acquired drug-resistance, poor water solubility and low tumor accumulation rates. Nanodrug delivery systems can increase the solubility and stability of drugs, prolong the blood circulation time of drugs, improve the uptake rate of cells, promote drug accumulation in tumor tissues, and improve drug resistance. Thus, they are effective in overcoming the limitations of traditional targeted drugs. In this study, we reviewed the mechanism of action of the third-generation EGFR-TKI osimertinib, focused on research advances in osimertinib nanodrug delivery systems against NSCLC, and explored the challenges and future development direction in this field.

To clarify the evolution of thermal maturity and pore structure in continental organic-rich shales, calcareous shales of the Liaohe Basin (China) were pyrolyzed, and examined using Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), nitrogen sorption isotherms, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The increase in Raman G-D band separation and decrease in Raman ID/IG ratio with increasing thermal maturity indicate that these parameters provide superior thermal maturity indicators. This is also confirmed by the good linear correlation of G-D band shifts and ID/IG with vitrinite reflectance (VR) and maximum temperature (Tmax), respectively. The relative detection accuracy (DA), sampling requirements (SR), sample preparation (SP), detection time (DT), and equipment requirement (ER) of VR, G-D band shifts, ID/IG, Tmax, FTIR, and XPS indicate that Raman analysis is a simple, quick, and robust method to evaluate thermal maturity. The moderate SR, complex SP, and long DT suggest that VR and Tmax are less widely applicable for characterizing thermal maturity. The FTIR and XPS techniques provide semi-quantitative maturity indicators with poor DA and high ER. Pores observed within organic matter and minerals under SEM indicate that an increase in thermal maturity not only affects the development of organic pores but is also beneficial for the formation of mineral dissolution pores, such as those formed during the transformation of Na0 95Ca016Al1 16Si2 84O8 to Na0 84Ca0 02Al1 02Si2 98O8, a process confirmed by XRD. The BET and NMR data also indicate that the development of pore structure is closely related to the evolution of thermal maturity in calcareous shale . During the initial stage, primary pores are filled by bitumen generated from kerogen; this leads to a decrease in transition pores, mesopores, and shale porosity, and reduced pore connectivity. Then, secondary nanoscale pores, transition pores, and mesopores increase with increasing thermal maturity. The peak in secondary porosity is consistent with the liquid hydrocarbon production rate peak, a process that increases shale porosity and leads to improved pore connectivity. The dissolution of minerals induced by organic acids may also contribute to this secondary porosity. With a further increase in thermal maturity, secondary porosity at the microscale is further developed, while transition pores and mesopores collapse, resulting in reduced pore connectivity. The poor pore connectivity that occurs at both low and high VR values may be more conducive to the preservation of shale oil and gas. This study is significant for research into the evolution of thermal maturity and pore structure in continental organic-rich shales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyaniline (PANI) has long been explored as a promising organic cathode for Li-ion batteries. However, its poor electrochemical utilization and cycling instability cast doubt on its potential for practical applications. In this work, we revisit the electrochemical performance of PANI in nonaqueous electrolytes, and reveal an unprecedented reversible capacity of 197.2 mAh g−1 (244.8 F g−1) when cycled in a wide potential range of 1.5 to 4.4 V vs. Li+/Li. This ultra-high capacity derives from 70% -NH- transformed to =NH+- during deep charging/discharging process. This material also demonstrates a high average coulombic efficiency of 98%, an excellent rate performance with 73.5 mAh g−1 at 1800 mA g−1, and retains 76% of initial value after 100 cycles, which are among the best reported values for PANI electrodes in battery applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vaccines are one of the most effective means of preventing influenza A, typically containing the hemagglutinin (HA) of the influenza A virus. However, antigenic drift and shift of the influenza A virus can lead to instability in vaccine efficacy. Compared to HA, the antigenic variation rate of neuraminidase (NA) is slower. In traditional inactivated influenza vaccines, although they contain a certain amount of NA, there are significant differences between different batches, which cannot consistently induce NA-based immune responses. Therefore, NA is often overlooked in vaccine development. In this study, we report an mRNA vaccine encoding the NA of two strains of influenza A virus. The experimental results demonstrated that when matched with the viral strain, this mRNA vaccine induced high levels of neutralizing antibodies, providing a protective effect to mice in viral challenge experiments, and this immune response was shown to be biased towards the Th1 type. In summary, this study demonstrates that NA is a promising potential antigen, providing new insights for the development of influenza A virus vaccines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While biochar and manure can provide considerable benefits to soil properties, how these amendments may alter soil microbial activity and decomposition processes remains unknown. In a split‐split‐split‐plot experiment, we amended a sandy loam soil with three rates of manure (whole plot; 0, 3, 9 Mg ha−1) and biochar (split‐plot; 0, 2.5, 10 Mg ha−1), and installed three species of wood stakes (split‐split‐split plot; triploid poplar, Populus tomentosa Carr.; trembling aspen, Populus tremuloides Michx.; and loblolly pine, Pinus taeda L.) on the soil surface and in the mineral soil (split‐split plot) to serve as a substrate for microbial degradation. Wood stakes were sampled 3 years after installation to assess decomposition rates (mass loss), and changes in wood carbon (C) and nitrogen (N). In addition, soil extracellular enzyme activities at the 0–20 cm depth were examined. Biochar alone, especially 10 Mg ha−1, increased wood stake decomposition and moisture content on the soil surface and in the mineral soil. Manure at the rate of 9 Mg ha−1 increased soil N‐acetyl‐β‐D‐glucosaminidase, α‐glucosidase, and aryl sulfatase activities by 91%, 17%, and 48% respectively. Because of the synergistic benefits of biochar and manure, we suggest that, in this climatic regime and soil texture, 10 Mg ha−1 biochar can be used for soil C sequestration and soil quality improvement, and 9 Mg ha−1 manure can be used in combination with biochar to build soil organic matter in plantations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biochar and manure can be used for sustainable land management. However, little is known about how soil amendments might affect surface and belowground microbial processes and subsequent wood decomposition. In a split‐split‐split plot design, we amended soil with two rates of manure (whole plot; 0 and 9 Mg ha−1) and biochar (split plot; 0 and 10 Mg ha−1). Wood stakes of three species (hybrid poplar, triploid Populus tomentosa Carr.; aspen, Populus tremuloides Michx.; and pine, Pinus taeda L.) were placed in two positions (horizontally on the soil surface, and inserted vertically in the mineral soil), which served as a substrate for fungal growth. In 3 years, the decomposition rate (density loss), moisture content, and fungal community (via high‐throughput sequencing methods) of stakes were evaluated. Results indicated that biochar and/or manure increased the wood stake decomposition rates, moisture content, and operational taxonomic unit abundance. However, the richness and diversity of fungi were dependent on wood stake position (surface > mineral), species (pine > the two Populus), and sample dates. This study highlights that soil amendment with biochar and/or manure can alter the fungal community, which in turn can enhance an important soil process (i.e., decomposition). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The flat peach is a high economic value table fruit possessing excellent quality and a unique aroma. This article investigated the quality characteristics and aroma fingerprinting of flat peaches (Qingpan, QP; Ruipan 2, R2; Ruipan 4, R4; Wanpan, WP) from Xinjiang in terms of taste, antioxidant capacity, and volatile aroma compounds using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and HS-SPME-GC-MS. The results showed that the flat peaches had a good taste and high antioxidant capacity, mainly due to the high sugar–low acid property and high levels of phenolic compounds. This study found that sucrose (63.86~73.86%) was the main sugar, and malic acid (5.93~14.96%) and quinic acid (5.25~15.01%) were the main organic acids. Furthermore, chlorogenic acid (main phenolic compound), epicatechin, rutin, catechin, proanthocyanidin B1, and neochlorogenic acid were positively related to the antioxidant activity of flat peaches. All flat peaches had similar aroma characteristics and were rich in aromatic content. Aldehydes (especially benzaldehyde and 2-hexenal) and esters were the main volatile compounds. The aroma fingerprinting of flat peaches consisted of hexanal, 2-hexenal, nonanal, decanal, benzaldehyde, 2,4-decadienal, dihydro-β-ionone, 6-pentylpyran-2-one, 2-hexenyl acetate, ethyl caprylate, γ-decalactone, and theaspirane, with a "peach-like", "fruit", and "coconut-like" aroma. Among them, 2,4-decadienal, 2-hexenyl acetate, and theaspirane were the characteristic aroma compounds of flat peaches. The results provide a theoretical basis for the industrial application of the special aroma of flat peaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trustworthy and explainable structural health monitoring (SHM) of bridges is crucial for ensuring the safe maintenance and operation of deficient structures. Unfortunately, existing SHM methods pose various challenges that interweave cognitive, technical, and decision-making processes. Recent development of emerging sensing devices and technologies enables intelligent acquisition and processing of massive spatiotemporal data. However, such processes always involve human-in-the-loop (HITL), which introduces redundancies and errors that lead to unreliable SHM and service safety diagnosis of bridges. Comprehending human-cyber (HC) reliability issues during SHM processes is necessary for ensuring the reliable SHM of bridges. This study aims at synthesizing studies related to HC reliability for supporting the trustworthy and explainable SHM of bridges. The authors use a bridge inspection case to lead a synthesis of studies that examined techniques relevant to the identified HC reliability issues. This synthesis revealed challenges that impede the industry from monitoring, predicting, and controlling HC reliability in bridges. In conclusion, a research road map was provided for addressing the identified challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally, the red wine market experienced a rapid growth in the last decade, due to the superior colour, taste, and nutritional quality. The red grapes used for vinification have individual characteristics varying within the regional environment. In this study, the quality of seven grape cultivars, including Marselan, Yan 73, Muscat Hamburg, Kadarka, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Crimpose, and their corresponding wines, were investigated based on high-performance liquid chromatography and headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled to gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. These techniques were performed to analyze the chemical compositions and volatile compounds of the tested samples, respectively. The results showed that tartaric acid (29.96% to 73.45%) and rutin (12.53% to 56.54%) were the dominant organic acid and phenolic compounds in grapes, respectively. Higher concentrations of organic acids and phenolic compounds, and the types of volatile compounds, were observed to be highest in the Cabernet Sauvignon grape. The antioxidant activity of wines ranged from 6.74 to 102.68 mmol TE/L, and Yan 73 wine had the highest antioxidant activity. A total of 69 volatile compounds consisting of 17 alcohols, 26 esters, 5 aldehydes, 9 acids, 7 ketones, and 5 other volatile compounds were identified in all tested wines, and 11 important aroma active substances (odor activity value > 1) were selected, consisting of β-ionone, phenethyl acetate, geranyl acetate, ethyl 9-decenoate, ethyl caprate, ethyl pelargonate, decanal, ethyl caprylate, 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one, methyl 2-hexenoate, and ethyl hexanoate, which endow wines with a unique aroma. This work clearly describes the chemical and sensory characteristics of seven red grape cultivars in Xinjiang of China and provides diversity options for cultivars for winemaking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biochar and manure may be used to enhance soil quality and productivity for sustainable agriculture and forestry operations. However, the response of surface and belowground wood decomposition (i.e., soil processes) and nutrient flux to soil amendments is unknown, and more site-specific information about soil property responses is also essential. In a split-plot design, the soil was amended with three rates of manure (whole plot; 0, 3, and 9 Mg ha−1) and three rates of biochar (split-plot; 0, 2.5, and 10 Mg ha−1). Soil physical properties, nutrients, and enzyme activities were evaluated in two years. In addition, wood stakes of three species (poplar, triploid Populus tomentosa Carr.; aspen, Populus tremuloides Michx.; and pine, Pinus taeda L.) were installed both horizontally on the soil surface and vertically in the mineral soil to serve as an index of soil abiotic and biotic changes. Wood stake mass loss, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) flux were tested. The high rate of both manure and biochar increased soil water content by an average of 18%, but the increase in total soil P, K, organic carbon (C) content, and enzyme activities were restricted to single sample dates or soil depths. Wood stakes decomposed faster according to stake location (mineral > surface) and species (two Populus > pine). On average, soil amendments significantly increased the mass loss of surface and mineral stakes by 18% and 5%, respectively, and it also altered wood stake nutrient cycling. Overall, the decomposition of standard wood stakes can be a great indicator of soil quality changes, and 10 Mg ha−1 of biochar alone or combined with 9 Mg ha−1 of manure can be used for long-term carbon sequestration in plantations with similar soil conditions to the present study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Doctors' diagnosis preferences are different, which makes them adopt different assumptions in medical decision making. Taking the diagnosis of thyroid nodules as an example, this study compares three assumptions, namely deletion, imputation based on the distribution (distribution), and benign by default (benign). For deletion, which is the most used assumption, the clinical reports with missing features would be deleted. For distribution, the missing features would be replaced with a distribution of features with respective probabilities. Besides the two assumptions, certain doctors have also stated that they leave benign features unrecorded because they think that such benign features are irrelevant to the final diagnosis. Under the benign assumption, the missing features would be replaced with benign features. The three assumptions are tested comparatively. Moreover, the belief rule base (BRB) is used to construct the diagnostic model under the three assumptions since it is essentially a white-box approach that can provide good interpretability and direct access to doctors and patients. A total of 3766 clinical reports on thyroid nodule diagnosis were collected from ten radiologists over a seven-year period. Case study results validate that the benign by default assumption has produced the optimal results, although different doctors could present varied tendencies towards different assumptions. Guidance and suggestions for doctors' practical work have been made based on the study results to improve work efficiency and diagnostic accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peaches are tasty and juicy, with a unique flavor. The flavors of peaches always vary with cultivars. To investigate the physicochemical and aroma characteristics of peaches, the sugars, organic acids, total flavonoids, phenols, antioxidant activities, and aroma compounds of seven peach cultivars in Xinjiang were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (HS-SPME–GC–MS). The results showed that sucrose (59.83 to 87.34%), malic acid (32.41 to 59.14%), and chlorogenic acid (10.43 to 45.50%) were the dominant sugar, organic acid, and phenolic compound in peaches, respectively. The antioxidant activity varied between 147.81 and 394.55 μmol TEs/100 g. The analysis of the aroma structure of peaches found that the volatile composition of peaches was relatively consistent, though the concentration of total aroma and certain separate compounds were different between cultivars. Meanwhile, the aroma fingerprint of the peaches consisted of hexyl acetate, cis-3-hexenyl acetate, γ-decalactone, n-hexanal, 2-hexenal, nonanal, decanal benzaldehyde and 6-pentylpyran-2-one, providing a clear green, sweet, floral, and fruity odor. These results provide complete information on the physicochemical properties, functional ingredients and aroma of the peaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flat peaches possess characteristic flavors and are rich in nutrients. The fermentation of flat peaches to produce wine through complex biochemical reactions is an effective method to overcome their seasonal defects. Spontaneously fermented flat peach wine has plentiful and strong flavors, but the microbiota of fermentation are still unknown. In this study, the microbial succession and volatile compound dynamics of spontaneous fermentation in Xinjiang flat peach wine were investigated using high-throughput sequencing (HTS) and headspace solid phase microextraction (HS-SPME) coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) technology, respectively, to better understand the microbiota involved. Multivariate data analysis was used to predict the relationship between microorganisms and volatile chemicals. The results showed that Kazachstania , Pichia , Aspergillus , Fructobacillus , Leuconostoc , and Lactobacillus were the dominant genera during the spontaneous fermentation of flat peach wine. Furthermore, ethyl hexanoate, 3-hexen-1-yl acetate, ethyl caprate, ethyl caprylate, phenethyl acetate, ethanol, γ-decalactone, decanal, 1-hexanoic acid, and octanoic acid endued flat peach wine with a strong fruity and fatty aroma. The core functional microbiota (primarily consisting of 11 bacterial and 14 fungal taxa) was strongly associated with the production of 27 volatile compounds in the spontaneously fermented flat peach wine, according to multivariate data analysis. Some alcohols and esters were positively linked with the presence of Kazachstania and Pichia. Meanwhile, the presence of Fructobacillus , Leuconostoc , Lactobacillus , and Weissella was significantly correlated with 2-non-anol, ethanol, 3-methyl-1-butanol, octyl formate, isoamyl lactate, and ethyl lactate. This snapshot of microbial succession and volatile compound dynamics provides insights into the microorganisms involved in flat peach wine fermentation and could guide the production of flat peach wine with desirable characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of CO2-water-rock interactions on the injectivity and safety of CO2 geological storage have drawn wide attention. The geochemical reaction mechanisms in carbonate formations after CO2 injection are still controversial. To better understand the transformation of injected CO2 in carbonates and the involved geochemical reactions, we first conducted autoclave experiments reproducing the in-situ conditions of the Lianglitage Formation, Yingshan Formation, and Qiulitage Formation at the Tazhong Uplift in the Tarim Basin. We then established a batch model using TOUGHREACT-ECO2H, validated with the experimental results, to simulate the long-term CO2-water-rock interactions. It was found that the initial mineral compositions and water chemistry have important effects on the CO2-water-rock interactions in carbonate formations. The experiment results show that the dissolution of calcite and dolomite dominates in the early reaction period. However, we still observed some secondary minerals, such as ankerite, montmorillonite, calcite, and dolomite. The CO2-water-rock reactions can be more dramatic when the contents of calcite and dolomite in carbonates are closer. Moreover, the long-term simulation results show that calcite, magnesite, and hematite are the main formed secondary minerals, whereas dolomite is the major dissolved mineral. This study is helpful for a better understanding of the CO2 mineral trapping mechanism in carbonate formations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing high‐areal‐capacity and dendrite‐free lithium (Li) anodes is of significant importance for the practical applications of the Li‐metal secondary batteries. Herein, an effective strategy to stabilize the high‐areal‐capacity Li electrodeposition by modifying the Li metal with a stretchable ionic conductive elastomer (ICE) is demonstrated. The ICE layer prepared via an instant photocuring process shows a promising Li+‐ion conductivity at room temperature. When being used in Li‐metal batteries, the thin ICE coating (~0.27 μm) acts as both a stretchable constraint to minimize the Li loss and a protective layer to facilitate the uniform flux of Li ions. With this ICE‐modifying strategy, the reversibility and cyclability of the Li anodes under high‐areal‐capacity condition in carbonate electrolyte are significantly improved, leading to a stable Li stripping/plating for 500 h at an ultrahigh areal capacity of 20 mAh cm−2 in commercial carbonate electrolyte. When coupled with industry‐level thick LiFePO4 electrodes (20.0 mg cm−2), the cells with ICE‐Li anodes show significantly enhanced rate and cycling capability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Somatic embryogenesis (SE) is a process of somatic cells that dedifferentiate to totipotent embryonic stem cells and generate embryos in vitro. Despite recent scientific headway in deciphering the difficulties of somatic embryogenesis, the overall picture of key genes, pathways, and co-expression networks regulating SE is still fragmented. Therefore, deciphering the molecular basis of somatic embryogenesis of hybrid sweetgum remains pertinent. In the present study, we analyzed the transcriptome profiles and gene expression regulation changes via RNA sequencing from three distinct developmental stages of hybrid sweetgum: non-embryogenic callus (NEC), embryogenic callus (EC), and redifferentiation. Comparative transcriptome analysis showed that 19,957 genes were differentially expressed in ten pairwise comparisons of SE. Among these, plant hormone signaling-related genes, especially the auxin and cytokinin signaling components, were significantly enriched in NEC and EC early. The K-means method was used to identify multiple transcription factors, including HB-WOX, B3-ARF, AP2/ERF , and GRFs (growth regulating factors). These transcription factors showed distinct stage- or tissue-specific expression patterns mirroring each of the 12 superclusters to which they belonged. For example, the WOX transcription factor family was expressed only at NEC and EC stages, ARF transcription factor was expressed in EC early, and GRFs was expressed in late SE. It was noteworthy that the AP2/ERF transcription factor family was expressed during the whole SE process, but almost not in roots, stems and leaves. A weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was used in conjunction with the gene expression profiles to recognize the genes and modules that may associate with specific tissues and stages. We constructed co-expression networks and revealed 22 gene modules. Four of these modules with properties relating to embryonic potential, early somatic embryogenesis, and somatic embryo development, as well as some hub genes, were identified for further functional studied. Through a combination analysis of WGCNA and K-means, SE-related genes including AUX22, ABI3, ARF3, ARF5, AIL1, AIL5, AGL15, WOX11, WOX9, IAA29, BBM1, MYB36, LEA6, SMR4 and others were obtained, indicating that these genes play an important role in the processes underlying the progression from EC to somatic embryos (SEs) morphogenesis. The transcriptome information provided here will form the foundation for future research on genetic transformation and epigenetic control of plant embryogenesis at a molecular level. In follow-up studies, these data could be used to construct a regulatory network for SE; Key genes obtained from coexpression network analysis at each critical stage of somatic embryo can be considered as potential candidate genes to verify these networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conifers are the world's major source of timber and pulpwood and have great economic and ecological value. Currently, little research on the application of CRISPR/Cas9, the commonly used genome-editing tool in angiosperms, has been reported in coniferous species. An efficient CRISPR/Cas9 system based on somatic embryogenesis (SEis) suitable for conifers could benefit both fundamental and applied research in these species. In this study, the SpCas9 gene was optimized based on codon bias in white spruce, and a spruce U6 promoter was cloned and function-validated for use in a conifer specific CRISPR/Cas9 toolbox, i.e., PgCas9/PaU6. With this toolbox, a genome-editing vector was constructed to target the DXS1 gene of white spruce. By Agrobacterium -mediated transformation, the genome-editing vector was then transferred into embryogenic tissue of white spruce. Three resistant embryogenic tissues were obtained and used for regenerating plants via SEis. Albino somatic embryo (SE) plants with mutations in DXS1 were obtained in all of the three events, and the ratios of the homozygous and biallelic mutants in the 18 albino mutants detected were 22.2% in both cases. Green plants with mutations in DXS1 were also produced, and the ratios of the DXS1 mutants to the total green plants were 7.9, 28, and 13.5%, respectively, among the three events. Since 22.7% of the total 44 mutants were edited at both of the target sites 1 and 2, the CRISPR/Cas9 toolbox in this research could be used for multi-sites genome editing. More than 2,000 SE plants were regenerated in vitro after genome editing, and part of them showed differences in plant development. Both chimerism and mosaicism were found in the SE plants of white spruce after genome editing with the CRISPR/Cas9 toolbox. The conifer-specific CRISPR/Cas9 system developed in this research could be valuable in gene function research and trait improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cryopreservation is one of the key technologies for the mass propagation of conifers via somatic embryogenesis. Cryotolerance and embryogenecity of conifer somatic embryos (SEs) could be affected by different temperature treatments, for which the underlying mechanisms were unknown. In this study, the developing SEs of Picea glauca obtained their cryotolerance with a survival rate of 100% when cultured on maturation medium at either 23°C for 4 weeks or 4°C for 10 weeks. However, only the embryos that underwent 4°C acclimation remained high embryogenicity, i.e., 91.7% based on cryovials or 29.3% on the plant tissue. Analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) revealed that both 23 and 4°C treatments led to drastic changes in the gene expression, i.e., 21,621 and 14,906 genes, respectively, and the general increase in many oligosaccharides and flavonoids, in addition to the content change of proline (1.9- and 2.3-fold at 23 or 4°C) and gallic acid (6,963- and 22,053-fold). There were 249 significantly different metabolites between the samples of 23 and 4°C treatments and the changing trend of the sorbitol, fatty acids, and monosaccharides differed between these samples. During 4°C-acclimation, the metabolites of the arginine biosynthesis pathway increased between 2.4- and 8.1-fold, and the expression of antioxidant genes was up-regulated significantly. At 4°C, the up-regulated genes were for germ-like proteins, instead of seed storage proteins at 23°C. Concentrations of abscisic acid and jasmonic acid increased up to 2- and 1.5-fold, respectively, in the cold-acclimated embryos. After 10 weeks at 4°C, the embryos stayed at pre-cotyledonary stage with 17.1% less DNA methylation and fewer storage substances than those at 23°C for 4 weeks, which developed cotyledons. This research provides new insights into mechanisms underlying the response of SEs to different culture temperatures and benefits method development for germplasm conservation in conifers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flat peach is one of the famous and characteristic table fruits in Xinjiang, China, and has attracted an increasing favorite because of its high nutrition and superior flavor. To evaluate the sensory properties and nutritional value of flat peach, functional components, antioxidant capacity, and aromatic compounds of five flat peach cultivars were measured by using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS). The results indicated that sucrose, malic acid, and chlorogenic acid were the dominant sugars, organic acids, and phenolic compounds in flat peaches, respectively. The antioxidant activity ranged from 62 to 505.46 μmol TEs 100 g−1 FW. In addition, multivariate data analysis was used to discern differences in volatile compounds among different flat peach varieties, and 11 key aroma components were identified in combination with OAV analysis. These key aroma compounds interacted to present distinct green, fruity, floral, milk-like, sweet, and peach-like attributes and could be used as characteristic markers to distinguish the aroma of flat peach from other fruits. These results will provide a comprehensive chemical characterization of the edible quality, nutritional composition, and sensory properties of the five flat peach cultivars. • The functional components and aroma characteristics of flat peaches were comprehensively analyzed firstly. • QY had a higher level of polyphenol content and exhibited better antioxidant capacity than other four flat peach cultivars. • The key aroma compounds of five flat peach cultivars were successfully identified. • All tested flat peach cultivars grown in Xinjiang presented similar characteristic aromas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In conifers, somatic embryogenesis is uniquely initiated from immature embryos in a narrow time window, which is considerably hindered by the difficulty to induce embryogenic tissue (ET) from other tissues, including mature somatic embryos. In this study, the embryogenic ability of newly induced ET and DNA methylation levels was detected, and whole-transcriptome sequencing analyses were carried out. The results showed that ultra-low temperature treatment significantly enhanced ET induction from mature somatic embryos, with the induction rate from 0.4% to 15.5%, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. The newly induced ET showed higher capability in generating mature embryos than the original ET. DNA methylation levels fluctuated during the ET induction process. Here, WGCNA analysis revealed that OPT4, TIP1-1, Chi I, GASA5, GST, LAX3, WRKY7, MYBS3, LRR-RLK, PBL7, and WIN1 genes are involved in stress response and auxin signal transduction. Through co-expression analysis, lncRNAs MSTRG.505746.1, MSTRG.1070680.1, and MSTRG.33602.1 might bind to pre-novel_miR_339 to promote the expression of WRKY7 genes for stress response; LAX3 could be protected by lncRNAs MSTRG.1070680.1 and MSTRG.33602.1 via serving as sponges for novel_miR_495 to initiate auxin signal transduction; lncRNAs MSTRG.505746.1, MSTRG.1070680.1, and MSTRG.33602.1 might serve as sponges for novel_miR_527 to enhance the expression of Chi I for early somatic embryo development. This study provides new insight into the area of stress-enhanced early somatic embryogenesis in conifers, which is also attributable to practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pseudotsuga gaussenii is a forest species under protection in China. Propagation via somatic embryogenesis is efficient and needed for recovering this species. In this research, effects of medium supplements, i.e., methylglyoxal-bis (guanylhydrazone) (MGBG), polyethylene glycol (PEG), and maltose, on somatic embryo (SE) development were studied. More mature SEs developed with the pre-maturation treatment medium supplemented with 50 μM or 100 μM MGBG. During SE maturation, when the medium was supplemented with both PEG and maltose, the over-proliferation of embryogenic tissue was suppressed. When maltose was eliminated from the maturation medium, SEs were slightly smaller but developed better than other treatments due to the supply of lower carbon source, whereas when PEG was taken out from the maturation medium, no mature SE was obtained, only the heavily-proliferated plant tissue. Meanwhile, DNA methylation levels differed in these SE maturation cultures at the late culture stage of SE maturation. The level increased sharply with no maltose treatment (20.28%) while decreasing without PEG supplement (10.35%). DNA methyltransferase genes MET1-1, MET1-2, MET1-3, CMT3, DRM1, and DRM2 were partially cloned in this study to detect their expression level via qPCR. Expression of these genes, except MET1-3, in the culture of no PEG was higher significantly than the cultures of other treatments at weeks 1, 3, and 10. Our results suggested that MGBG and/or PEG play an important role in stimulating SE development and maturation. Furthermore, sugar supplements at a lower level benefited SE maturation in Pseudotsuga gaussenii. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spinel LiNi 0.5 Mn 1.5 O 4 (LNMO) material is considered as a promising cathode in high-voltage lithium-ion batteries due to its advantageous voltage and capacity. Previous results indicate that the electrodes constructed by LNMO with the same compositions while differing in the crystallite geometries always exhibit various electrochemical performances. Here, to probe the relationships between the crystalline geometry of the obtained cathodes and their electrochemical properties, we synthesized different facet-exposed LNMOs with the same compositions using a template method. We demonstrate that the crystallite geometries of the hydroxide precursors can be tuned easily via varying the synthesize parameters, while the tuned precursors can be employed as the templates during the final product preparation. LNMOs enclosed by single {111} facets (LNMO-OH) and both {110} and {100} facets (LNMO-HP) are obtained and employed to elucidate the particle geometry-dependent electrochemical properties. Despite better rate capabilities exhibited for LNMO-HP because of the higher lithium diffusion coefficients along these crystal orientations, inferior cycling performance is released compared with its LNMO-OH counterpart. These insights can provide informative guidance in particle geometry-dependent material construction, thus helpful in realizing high-performance LNMO cathode. • Different facet-exposed LNMOs with the same compositions were synthesized. • The crystallite geometries of the hydroxide precursors can be tuned easily via varying the synthesize parameters. • Facet-exposed LNMOs exhibit various electrochemical properties. • Working mechanism of different LNMOs was investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]