Non-Targeted Metabolomics Reveals the Metabolic Alterations in Response to Artificial Selective Breeding in the Fast-Growing Strains of Pacific Oyster

Pacific oyster(Crassostrea gigas)is one of the most important mollusks cultured all around the world.Selective breeding programs of Pacific oysters in China is initiated since 2006 and developed the genetically improved strain with fast-growing trait.However,little is known about the metabolic signatures of the fast-growing trait.In the present study,the non-targeted metabolomics was performed to analyze the metabolic signatures of adductor muscle tissue in one-year old Pacific oysters from fast-growing strain and the wild population.A total of 7767 and 10174 valid peaks were extracted and quantified in ESI^(+)and ESI^(−)modes,resulting in 399 and 381 annotated metabolites,respectively.PCA and OPLS-DA revealed that considerable separation among samples from fastgrowing strain and wild population,suggesting the differences in metabolic signatures.Meanwhile,81 significantly different metabolites(SDMs)were identified in the comparisons between fast-growing strain and wild population,based on the strict thresholds.It was found that there were highly correlation and conserved coordination among these SDMs.KEGG enrichment analysis indicated that the SDMs were tightly related to pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis,steroid hormone biosynthesis,riboflavin metabolism,and arginine and proline metabolism.Of them,the CoA biosynthesis and metabolism,affected by pantetheine and pantothenic acid,might be important for the growth of Pacific oysters under artificial selective breeding.The study provides the comprehensive views of metabolic signatures in response to artificially selective breeding,and is helpful to better understand the molecular mechanism of fastgrowing traits in Pacific oysters.

Characteristics of fast-growing wood impregnated with nanoparticles

Falcataria moluccana or sengon is one of the fast-growing wood species widely grown in Indonesia.However,its wood is low quality with low density,and poor strength,durability,and dimensional stability.This study determined the effects of impregnation with monoethylene glycol(MEG)and nano-SiO2 on the characteristics of sengon wood,including its dimensional stability and density.Impregnation with MEG and nano-SiO2 had a significant effects on dimensional stability in terms of the weight percent gain,anti-swelling efficiency,water uptake,bulking effect,and density.The impregnated wood was examined by scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction.The results show that MEG and nano-SiO2 were distributed homogeneously into cell walls of wood treated with 0.5%MEGSiO2.

Importance of oxygen-containing functionalities and pore structures of biochar in catalyzing pyrolysis of homologous poplar

Biochar and bio-oil are produced simultaneously in one pyrolysis process,and they inevitably contact and may interact,influencing the composition of bio-oil and modifying the structure of biochar.In this sense,biochar is an inherent catalyst for pyrolysis.In this study,in order to investigate the influence of functionalities and pore structures of biochar on its capability for catalyzing the conversion of homologous volatiles in bio-oil,three char catalysts(600C,800C,and 800AC)produced via pyrolysis of poplar wood at 600 or 800℃or activated at 800℃,were used for catalyzing pyrolysis of homologous poplar wood at 600℃,respectively.The results indicated that the 600C catalyst was more active than 800C and 800AC for catalyzing cracking of volatiles to form more gas(yield increase by 40.2%)and aromatization of volatiles to form more light or heavy phenolics,due to its abundant oxygen-containing functionalities acting as active sites.The developed pores of the 800AC showed no such catalytic effect but could trap some volatiles and allow their further conversion via sufficient aromatization.Nevertheless,the interaction with the volatiles consumed oxygen on 600C(decrease by 50%),enhancing the aromatic degree and increasing thermal stability.The dominance of deposition of carbonaceous material of a very aromatic nature over 800C and 800AC resulted in net weight gain and blocked micropores but formed additional macropores.The in situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy characterization of the catalytic pyrolysis indicated superior activity of 600C for removal of -OH,while conversion of the intermediates bearing C=O was enhanced over all the char catalysts.

Comparison of the morphometric dynamics of fast-growing and slow-growing strains of turbot Scophthalmus maximus

The dynamics of changes in body shape of fast-growing and slow-growing strains of turbot Scophthalmus maximus, and of the differences in body shape between the two strains, were evaluated from 3 to 27 months of age. The ratios of total length/body length, body width/body length and total length/body width were used as morphometric indices. The two strains exhibited different temporal trends in total length/body length but similar trends in body width/body length and total length/body width. Generally, body width/body length of the two strains increased with time and total length/body width decreased. Thus, the bodies of both fast-growing and slow-growing strains of turbot changed from a narrow to a more rounded shape. However, the ratio total length/body length was generally lower, body width/body length was mostly higher and total length/body width was consistently lower in the fast-growing strain than in the slowgrowing strain. Correlation analysis of the three shape ratios with body weight showed that total length/body length and total length/body width were unsuitable, and that width/body length was suitable, for use as a phenotypic marker for selective breeding of turbot for growth in weight.

Study on Microwave Pretreatment Technology to Improve the Effect of Shellac Impregnation of Fast-Growing Chinese Fir

To improve the mechanical properties of fast-growing Chinese fir(Cunnighamia lanceolate),expand its range of application,increase its value,and avoid the environmental pollution caused by impregnation with synthetic resin,Chinese fir was impregnated with a shellac solution.Since the shellac solution was difficult to penetrate into fast-growing Chinese fir,so microwave pretreatment was used to irradiate the wood to improve the permeability.This study investigated the effects of four factors,including the content of moisture in the wood before it was microwaved,the chamber pressure of microwave,the time of microwaving and the vacuum impregnation on the mechanical properties of Chinese fir wood.When the moisture content of wood before microwave was approximately 50%–60%,after microwaving and impregnation,the ultimate strength in static bending(modulus of rupture[MOR])and strength in compression perpendicular to the grain(SCPG)of the wood increased significantly.A microwave time of 100 seconds was more effective at improving the MOR and SCPG of the wood.If the wood was microwaved for too short or long period of time,the microwave pretreatment was not effective.When the samples were immersed in shellac for a longer period,the MOR and SCPG of Chinese fir gradually increased,but when the wood was impregnated for more than 12 hours,the increases were not significant.After the shellac penetrated the Chinese fir wood,it spread on the inner wall surface of tracheid to form a shellac film and easily formed plug-like deposits in microcapillaries.The use of Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy,scanning electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersion x-ray indicated that the microwave pretreatment can destroy the pit membranes on tracheids and facilitate the ability of shellac to penetrate the channel.

Determinants of foreign direct investment in fast-growing economies: evidence from the BRICS and MINT countries

The flow of foreign direct investment(FDI)into a country can benefit both the investing entity and host government.This study employed panel analysis to examine the factors that determine the direction of FDI to the fast-growing BRICS(Brazil,Russia,India,China,and South Africa)and MINT(Mexico,Indonesia,Nigeria,and Turkey)countries.First,we used a pooled time-series cross sectional analysis of data from 2001 to 2011 to estimate and model the determinants of FDI for three samples:BRICS only,MINT only,and BRICS and MINT combined.Then,a fixed effects approach was employed to provide the model for BRICS and MINT combined.The results demonstrate that market size,infrastructure availability,and trade openness play the most significant roles in attracting FDI to BRICS and MINT,while the roles of availability of natural resources and institutional quality are insignificant.To sustain and promote FDI inflow,the governments of BRICS and MINT must ensure that their countries remain attractive for investment by offering a level playing field for investors and political stability.BRICS and MINT governments also need to invest more in their human capital to ensure that their economies can absorb substantial skills and technology spillovers from FDI and promote sustainable long-term economic growth.This study is significant because it contributes to the literature on determinants of FDI by extending the scope of previous studies that often focused on BRICS only.

International Practice of Fast-Growing Innovative Companies

The purpose of the article is to compare the conditions of development and support of fast-growing companies in European countries, Asian countries, and Russia. The comparative analysis performed is of interest as certain countries, including Russia, face the problem of economic slowdown. However, the fast-growing companies are powerful catalysts for the growth of the gross domestic product and the employment of the population. The conclusion of the study is that there are common patterns in ongoing support programs for fast-growing companies： long term, state support, innovative company orientation, and concessional financing. At the same time, there are fundamental differences in approaches to the state support for innovative companies. The first approach relates to the natural development of the fast-growing innovation companies and their support programs （Germany, Denmark）; the second approach is aimed at artificially stimulating the growth of such companies （South Korea）. In Russia there are institutional features of supporting fast-growing companies： small businesses are the most vulnerable part of the economic system and they require state support in crisis situations. Therefore, the experience of European and Asian countries in terms of supporting innovative and fast-growing companies can have a positive impact on the development of innovative companies in Russia. And definitely it is important to try to understand the nature of Russian innovative fast-growing companies： do we see them as entrepreneurial business as we do in the Western companies？

The glutamate receptor gene GLR3.3:A bridge of calciummediated root development in poplar

Poplar is one of the fastest-growing temperate trees in the world and is widely used in ornamental horticulture for shade.The root is essential for tree growth and development and its utilization potential is huge.Calcium(Ca),as a signaling molecule,is involved in the regulation of plant root development.However,the detailed underlying regulatory mechanism is elusive.In this study,we analyzed the morphological and transcriptomic variations of 84K poplar(Populus alba×P.glandulosa)in response to different calcium concentrations and found that low Ca^(2+)(1 mmol·L^(-1))promoted lateral root development,while deficiency(0.1 mmol·L^(-1)Ca^(2+))inhibited lateral root development.Co-expression analysis showed that Ca^(2+)channel glutamate receptors(GLRs)were present in various modules with significance for root development.Two GLR paralogous genes,PagGLR3.3a and Pag GLR3.3b,were mainly expressed in roots and up-regulated under Ca^(2+)deficiency.The CRISPR/Cas9-mediated signal gene(crispr-PagGLR3.3a,PagGLR3.3b)and double gene(crispr-PagGLR3.3ab)mutants presented more and longer lateral roots.Anatomical analysis showed that crispr-PagGLR3.3ab plants had more xylem cells and promoted the development of secondary vascular tissues.Further transcriptomic analysis suggested that knockout of PagGLR3.3a and PagGLR3.3b led to the up-regulation of several genes related to protein phosphorylation,auxin efflux,lignin and hemicellulose biosynthesis as well as transcriptional regulation,which might contribute to lateral root growth.This study not only provides novel insight into how the Ca^(2+)channels mediated root growth and development in trees,but also provides a directive breeding of new poplar species for biofuel and bioenergy production.

Biobased Furfurylated Poplar Wood for Flame-Retardant Modification with Boric Acid and Ammonium Dihydrogen Phosphate

Furfurylated wood exhibits excellent dimensional stability and corrosion resistance,making it a promising material for constructing buildings,but it is highly flammable.Herein,flame-retardant furfurylated poplar wood was produced via a two-step process utilizing boric acid(BA)and ammonium dihydrogen phosphate(ADP)as flame-retardant components,and biomass-derived furfuryl alcohol(FA)as a modifier.The acidity of BA and ADP allowed them to catalyze the polymerization of FA,which formed a cross-linked network that immobilized BA and ADP inside the wood.The addition of BA/ADP substantially delayed the time to ignition from 10 to 385 s and reduced the total heat release and total smoke release by 58.75%and 77.31%,respectively.Analysis of the pyrolysis process showed that the decomposition products of BA and ADP protected the underlying furfurylated wood and diluted combustible gases.This method significantly improved the fire retardancy and smokeless properties of furfurylated wood,providing promising prospects for its application as an engineering material.

Studies of Transgenic Hybrid Poplar 741 Carrying Two Insect-resistant Genes

Partially modified Bt Cry1Ac gene and the arrowhead proteinase inhibitor (API) gene were used to construct a plant transformation vector pBtiA and this construct was transferred into the genome of the hybrid poplar 741 [ Populus alba L.×( P. davidiana Dode+ P. simonii Carr.)× P. tomentosa Carr.] by Agrobacterium _ mediated transformation. Ten kanamycin resistant plants have been regenerated. Upon insect bioassay using Clostera anachoreta (Fabricius), three of the examined plants were demonstrated to be highly resistant to the testing insects. The mortality of insect larvae on one plant was higher than 90% in 6 days after infestation and the growth of the survival larvae were seriously inhibited. Results of PCR and Southern blot analysis indicated that both Bt Cry1Ac gene and API gene were integrated as a single copy into the genomes of these three plants when Cry1Ac gene fragment was used as the probe. Protein dot blot immunoassay and ELISA analysis revealed that at least the Cry1Ac protein was produced in these three transgenic plants and the expression levels were estimated to be approximately 0.015% of the leaf total soluble protein. This is the first report on insect resistant transgenic hybrid poplar 741 that expresses two insecticidal protein genes.

Analysis of Codon Usage Between Different Poplar Species

Codon usage is the selective and nonrandom use of synonymous codons to encode amino acids in genes for proteins. The analysis of codon usage may improve the understanding of cocion preferences between different species and allow to rebuild the codons of exogenous genes to increase the expression efficiency of exogenous genes, Here, codon DNA sequence （CDS） of four poplar species, including Populus tremuloides Michx., P. tomentosa Carr., P. deltoides Marsh., and P. trichocarpa Torr. ＆ Gray., is used to analyze the relative frequency of synonymous codon （RFSC）. High-frequency codons are selected by high-frequency （HF） codon analysis. The results indicate that the codon usage is common for all four poplar species and the codon preference is quite similar among the four poplar species. However, CCT encoding for Pro, and ACT coding for Thr are the preferred codons in P. tremuloides and P. tomentosa, whereas CCA coding for Pro, and ACA coding for Thr are preferred in P. deltoides and P. trichocarpa The codons such as TGC coding for Cys, TTC coding for Phe, and AAG coding for Lys, are preferred in the poplar species except P trichocarpa. GAG coding for Glu is preferred only in P deltoides, while the other three poplar species prefer to use GAA. The commonness of preferred codon allows exogenous gene designed by the preferred cocion of one of the different poplar species to be used in other poplar species.

Cloning of cDNA Encoding COMT from Chinese White Poplar ( Populus tomentosa ), Sequence Analysis and Specific Expression

The cDNA fragment encoding caffeic acid 3_O_methyltransferase (COMT) in Chinese white poplar ( Populus tomentosa Carr.) was isolated and cloned by RT_PCR technique. The size of the cDNA fragment is 1 080 bp, which almost covers the whole cDNA_encoding region. Authors’ cDNA fragment in P. tomentosa shares 98.7% homology with the reported corresponding cDNA in the P. tremuloids at nucleotide level, 99.4% homology at amino acid level, respectively. The analysis of Northern dot hybridization showed that COMT is expressed specifically in the developing secondary xylem of stem during the season of xylem differentiation, which means the linkage between the gene expression for a monolignol biosynthetic enzyme and seasonal regulation of xylem development in woody plant.

Variation of microfibril angle and its correlation to wood properties in poplars

The microfibril angle of seven poplar clones was determined by using X-ray diffraction technique. Microfibril angle, wood basic density, fiber length, fiber width and cellulose content were assessed for every growth ring at breast height for all sample trees. Significant variation in microfibril angle was observed among growth rings. Mean microfibril angle (MFA) at breast height varied from 7.8?to 28?between growth rings with cambial age and showed a consistent pith-to-bark trend of decline an-gles. Analysis of variance also indicated that there were significant differences in wood basic density, fiber length, fiber width and cellulose content between the growth rings, which had an increasing tendency from pith to bark. Correlations between MFA and examined wood properties were predominantly large and significant negative (?0.01), and the coefficients were -0.660 for cellulose content, -0.586 for fiber length, -0.516 for fiber width and -0.450 for wood basic density, respectively. Regression analysis with linear and curve estimation indicated that a quadratic function showed the largest R2 and the least standard error for describing the relationships between microfibril angle and measured wood properties, and the correlation coefficients were over -0.45 (n=125). The results from this study suggested that microfibril angle would be a good characteristic for improvement in the future breeding program of poplars.

Effects of two kinds of transgenic poplar on protective enzymes system in the midgut of larvae of American white moth

The leaves of Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) transgenic poplar (Populus nigra L.) and CpTI (Cowpea trypsin inhibitor) transgenic poplar ((P. tomentosa×P. bolleana)×P. Tomentosa) were taken to feed the 4th-5th-instar larvae of American white moth (Hyphantria cunea (Drury)) for determination of the activities of the protective enzyme system inside larvae’s body. The physiological and biochemical effects of the transgenic poplars on the larvae were studied. The results showed that the two kinds of transgenic poplars had similar effects on the protective enzyme system in the midgut of larvae. The activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and peroxidase in midgut of the larvae increased gradually, reached the highest value at a certain time, and then decreased suddenly. For the larvae that were fed with the leaves of Bt transgenic poplar, the peak value of superoxide dismutase and catalase presented at the time of 24-h feeding, while the peak of peroxidase took place at the time of 12-h feeding. The activities of these protective enzymes for the larvae that were fed with leaves of CpTI transgenic poplar peaked 12 h later than that of those fed with leaves of Bt transgenic poplar. The comparison of activities of the protective enzymes was also carried out between the larvae with different levels of intoxication. It was found that the activities of protective enzyme of the seriously intoxicant larvae were higher than that of the lightly intoxicant larvae. This difference was more obvious in the group treated with CpTI transgenic poplar.

Status and Advances of Molecular Genetic Improvement of Poplar Species in China

Poplars are among the most important deciduous tree species in China. China is replete with natural resources of poplars. Poplars have a number of good characteristics, including fast growth rate, high yield, many uses, easiness of tissue culture and small gene group that make them well suited as a model system for the application of genetic engineering in forest trees. In the last decade, much progress has been made in genetic improvement of poplar species in China. Modern biotechnology is an important tool for genetic improvement in forest trees, and its applications to genetic improvement in poplars, which covers genetic transformation, gene expression, construction of genetic linkage map, QTLs (quantitative trait loci) identification and molecular assisted selection are reviewed in this paper. At the same time, the existing problems and outlook about the application of modern biotechnology to genetic improvement in forest trees are also discussed.

Evaluation of soil nutrient status in poplar forest soil by soil nutrient systematic approach

A study was conducted to evaluate the soil nutrient status of poplar plantation by Soil Nutrient Systematic Approach (SNSA) in Jianghan Plain, Hubei Province, China. Soil physiochemical properties were analyzed in laboratory through collection soil samples of study site. Ten treatments of application different fertilizers were designed such as CK, optimum treatment (N, P, K, Zn), N(P, K, Zn), P(N, K, Zn), K(N, P, Zn), +Mg(N, P, K, Zn, Mg), Zn (N,P,K), +2P(N, 2P, K, Zn), +2K(N, P, 2K, Zn), and 2N+2P+2K(2N, 2P, 2K, Zn) for field experiment to test the effect on tree height, diameter (DBH) growth, and dry weight of poplar. The results showed that there was no significant difference in tree heights between treatments with different fertilizers, diameter growth of poplar trees in treatments of lack of N and Zn was significantly slower than that of trees in optimum treatment, and dry weight of poplar dropped significantly for treatment of CK as well as treatments without application N and Zn. It is concluded that N and Zn were main limiting factor for poplar growth. Results from laboratory analysis and field experiment were uniform per-fectly, which proved that SNSA was reliable in evaluating soil nutrient status of poplar plantation.

Effect of Continuous Cropping on Leaf Nutrient and Growth of Different Species of Poplar Plantation

[Objective]The paper was to study the effect of continuous cropping on leaf nutrient and growth of different species of poplar plantation.[Method] The tree height,diameter at breast height（DBH）,volume of different generations and species of poplar plantation in poplar production area in northern Jiangsu Province,as well as TN,TP and TK content in their leaves were determined through field investigation and indoor experiment.[Result] With the increasing generation,the changes of TN,TP and TK content in the leaves of different ages of two varieties of forest stand were also different.However,with the increasing tree ages,TN,TP and TK contents in leaves showed decrease trend.With the increasing generation,the changes of tree height of I-69 and I-72 poplar showed the similar trend.The effect of increasing generation on tree height of 7-year-old and 10-year-old poplar was relatively stable,showing decrease trend from generation to generation.The tree height of 4-year-old poplar first increased and then decreased with the increasing generation.The changes of DBH along with different generations were basically consistent with the changes of tree height.With the increasing cultivation generations,the volume of 7-year-old and 10-year-old poplar decreased with significant difference.[Conclusion ] The result provided basis for rational fertilization and management of poplar plantation,improvement of productivity of poplar plantation,and achievement of sustainable management of plantation.

Regional epidemic laws of poplar Ice Nucleation Active bacterial canker

Through the methods of correlation analysis and main factor analysis, the relationship between the poplar INA bacte-rial canker and circumstances was analyzed and 9 main factors for affecting the disease were selected. Based on the compre-hensive analysis of main factors and induced factors, the standard for risk grades of this disease was promoted and northeast region of China was divided into 4 districts with different risk grades: seriously occurring district, commonly occurring district, occasionally occurring district, and un-occurring district. Nonlinear regression analysis for six model curves showed that the Richard growth model was suitable for describing the temporal dynamics of poplar INA bacterial canker. By stepwise variable selection method, the multi-variable linear regression forecasting equation was set up to predict the next year抯 disease index, and the GM (1,1) model was also set up by grey method to submit middle or long period forecast.

Studies on adaptability of Populus bolleana and other Poplar trees in northwest Shanxi Province

Through five years (1996-2000) experiment, the growth characteristics and resistance to insect and cold of the seven poplar varieties including P. po pularis, P. opera, P. pseudo-simonii, P. beijinensis, P. bolleana, P. ( eurameri cana and P. simonii, which were planted in loess hilly land in northwest Shanxi Province, were tested under different planting densities and site conditions. A randomized block design and three times repetition were adopted in the test. Bas ed on the test results in arid and cold area of the northwest Shanxi, the hybrid poplar trees taking Populus cathaysna as their female parent could be selected for afforestation, such as P. popularis and P. opera, and the growing space of s ingle plant should be larger than 20 m2. P. bolleana as an introduced tree speci es grows well in this area, but its growth is likely affected by ground water co ndition. On the site with relatively abundant soil water, P. bolleana usually su ffer from frost crack at its trunk base. As a result, P. bolleara is suited to p lanting in the site where is short of soil water. P. x euramericana is not suita ble for large-scale afforestation, especially in arid slopes and ridges of loess hilly land .

Relationship between trophic component of different poplar strains and occurrence of Saperda poplnea

An experimental area of poplar was established in Songyuan of Jilin Province in 1999 for testing the resistance of different poplar stains to Saperda poplnea. Incidence of S. poplnea on ten poplar strains were investigated, and the main trophic component of branches of these poplar trees were measured and analyzed in April 2001. The results showed that there existed significant difference in population size of S. poplnea on different poplar strains, and the branches of these poplar strains have significant difference in nutrient component and content of amino acids. The population size of this pest had a significantly positive correlation with dissolvable total sugar and water content but had no significant correlation with content of total nitrogen and protein nitrogen.