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Weeping is a specific plant architecture with high ornamental value. Despite the considerable importance of the weeping habit to landscaping applications and knowledge of plant architecture biology, little is known regarding the underlying molecular mechanisms. In this study, growth and phytohormone content were analyzed among the progeny of different branch types in an F1 mapping population of Prunus mume with varying plant architecture. Bulked segregant RNA sequencing was conducted to compare differences among progeny at a transcriptional level. The weeping habit appears to be a complex process regulated by a series of metabolic pathways, with photosynthesis and flavonoid biosynthesis highly enriched in differentially expressed genes between weeping and upright progeny. Based on functional annotation and homologous analyses, we identified 30 candidate genes related to weeping that merit further analysis, including 10 genes related to IAA and GA3 biosynthesis, together with 6 genes related to secondary branch growth. The results of this study will facilitate further studies of the molecular mechanisms underlying the weeping habit in P. mume. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highway toll station workers' occupational exposure levels and health effects of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) have been analyzed through personal particulate sampling and urinary biomonitoring during March-May, 2014 in Tianjin, China. Personal particulate samples were collected during highway toll station workers' day shift working time (from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.). Pre-shift and post-shift spot urine samples were collected on each participant. In personal particulate samples, 16 priority PAHs suggested by USEPA were measured, and in the urine samples oxidative stress biomarker (8-OHdG) was analyzed. The measured mean occupational exposed concentration of PM2.5 was 230.73 μg m−3, and the mean p-PAHs exposed concentration was 319.90 ng m−3 for the selected workers. Urinary concentrations of 8-OHdG increased by two times following an 8-h work shift in participants. Significant positive associations were found between post-work shift urinary 8-OHdG and p-PAH concentrations. Our finding indicated that personal air exposures to PAHs originating from traffic emissions are important in increasing oxidative burdens in human body. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]