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  1. Abstract

    Maize ear size and kernel number differ among lines, however, little is known about the molecular basis of ear length and its impact on kernel number. Here, we characterize a quantitative trait locus,qEL7, to identify a maize gene controlling ear length, flower number and fertility.qEL7encodes 1-aminocyclopropane-1- carboxylate oxidase2 (ACO2), a gene that functions in the final step of ethylene biosynthesis and is expressed in specific domains in developing inflorescences. Confirmation ofqEL7by gene editing ofZmACO2leads to a reduction in ethylene production in developing ears, and promotes meristem and flower development, resulting in a ~13.4% increase in grain yield per ear in hybrids lines. Our findings suggest that ethylene serves as a key signal in inflorescence development, affecting spikelet number, floral fertility, ear length and kernel number, and also provide a tool to improve grain productivity by optimizing ethylene levels in maize or in other cereals.

     
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  2. Abstract

    While much of the current research on glassy solid electrolytes (GSEs) has focused on the binary Li2S+P2S5system, compositions with Si are of interest because Si promotes stronger glass formation and allows low‐cost melt‐quenching (MQ) synthesis under ambient pressure. Another advantage is that they can be formed in homogeneous and continuous glass forms, as a result they are free of grain boundaries. In this work, we have examined the structures and electrochemical properties of bulk glass pieces of sulfide and oxy‐sulfide GSE compositions and have also expanded the study by using LiPON glass as a dopant to produce an entirely new class of nitrogen doped mixed oxy‐sulfide nitride (MOSN) GSEs. Upon doping with oxygen and nitrogen, the solid electrolyte interface (SEI) is stabilized and the doped MOSN GSE exhibits a critical current density (CCD) of 1.8 mA cm−2at 100 °C. We also report on improving the glass quality, the SEI engineering and its limitations, and future plans of improving the electrochemical performance of these homogeneous MQ MOSN GSEs. These fundamental results can help to understand the structures and doping effects of the bulk GSEs, and as such can provide a guide to design improved homogeneous grain‐boundary‐free GSEs.

     
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