bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of Candidate Genes for English Grain Aphid Resistance from QTLs Using a RIL Population in Wheat
Authors: Zhang Mingxia , Chen Zhenzhen , Wu Haimeng , Kong Fanmei , Guo Baojin , Wang Yijun , Zhao Qi , Xu Huiyan , Wang Hui , Huang Ping , Guo Ying , An Yanrong , Li Sishen , Xu Yongyu
Published: March 2024

The English grain aphid (EGA) (Sitobion avenae F.) is one of the most destructive species of aphids in wheat- (Triticum aestivum L.) planting areas worldwide. Large quantities of insecticides are usually used to control aphid damage. The identification of new EGA-resistant genes is necessary for sustainable wheat production. The objective of this study was to identify candidate genes for EGA resistance from stable quantitative trait loci (QTLs). We previously constructed a genetic map of unigenes (UG-Map) with 31,445 polymorphic sub-unigenes via the RNA sequencing of ‘TN18 × LM6’ recombinant inbred lines (TL-RILs). The relative aphid index (RAI) for the TL-RILs was investigated for two growing seasons, with three measured times (MTs) in each season. Using the UG-Map, 43 candidate genes were identified from 22 stable QTLs, with an average of 1.95 candidate genes per QTL. Among the 34 candidate genes annotated in the reference genome Chinese Spring (CS) RefSeq v1.1, the homologous genes of seven candidate genes, TraesCS1A02G-319900, TraesCS1B02G397300, TraesCS2D02G460800, TraesCS4A02G015600LC, TraesCS5B02G329200, TraesCS-6A02G000600 and TraesCS6A02G418600LC have been previously reported to play roles in aphid resistance. This suggests that these genes are strongly associated with EGA resistance in wheat. The candidate genes in this study should facilitate the cloning of EGA-resistant genes and genetic improvement in wheat breeding programs.
Impact of Tea Tree Cultivation on Soil Microbiota, Soil Organic Matter, and Nitrogen Cycling in Mountainous Plantations
Authors: Shao Shuaibo , Li Yuanping , Li Zhongwei , Ma Xiaoxiao , Zhu Yanqi , Luo Yuqing , Cai Pumo , Jia Xiaoli , Rensing Christopher , Li Qisong
Published: March 2024

This study focused on examining the early stages of tea cultivation (1, 3, and 5 years) in mountainous tea plantations. It specifically aimed to investigate the changes in soil micro-ecology at different locations (inter-row, terrace surfaces, and terrace walls). It was revealed that as tea tree cultivation progressed over the years, bacterial diversity and co-occurrence networks annually decreased in different locations. The results of soil physicochemical index analysis showed that the soil’s available nutrients and the activities of cellulase and protease increased. Furthermore, the amplitude of variation of these indexes in the inter-row soil was significantly higher than that on the terrace surfaces and the terrace walls (p < 0.05). Alterations occurred in the soil microbial community structure, with an enrichment of bacterial genera such as Sinomonas, Granulicella, and Sphingomonas, as well as fungal genera such as Trichoderma, Penicillium, and Talaromyces; an increase in the proportion of plant pathogenic fungi (Cladosporium, Fusarium, and Curvularia) was observed in the inter-row soil. The results of soil microbial function prediction showed that nitrification and nitrogen fixation decreased, but denitrification increased (p < 0.05). In conclusion, cultivating tea trees in mountainous terraced plantations significantly impacted the soil microbial community, accelerated the metabolism of soil organic matter, disrupted soil nitrogen cycling functions, and increased the presence of plant pathogenic fungal pathogens. Moreover, the changes in the structure and functions of the soil microbial community demonstrate a spatial distance effect across different terrace locations.
The Use of Magnesium Fertilizer Can Improve the Nutrient Uptake, Yield, and Quality of Rice in Liaoning Province
Authors: He Zubing , Wang Zhi , Hao Jianxun , Wu Yifan , Liu Houjun
Published: March 2024

In this study, the effects of the soil application and foliar spraying with magnesium fertilizers on rice yield and quality in Liaoning Province were investigated. Field experiments were conducted at Kaiyuan, Xinmin, and Dawa in 2022 and 2023. Magnesium fertilizers were used in the soil as magnesium sulfate monohydrate and silicon–magnesium fertilizer and on leaves was magnesium sulfate heptahydrate. The results showed that the application of 12 kg magnesium hm−2 in the soil at the Kaiyuan site can significantly increase rice yield by 14.8% compared with sites without magnesium fertilizer. The use of silicon–magnesium fertilizer showed a more obvious yield increase of 22.2%. The application of 3 kg magnesium hm−2 or 6 kg magnesium hm−2 on the leaf surface increased the rice yield at Kaiyuan by 19.4% and 21.6% and at Xinmin by 17.8% and 5.4%, respectively. The yield increase was more significant under the optimal fertilization treatment compared with the conventional fertilization treatment. The application of magnesium fertilizer increased the magnesium, nitrogen, and phosphorus contents in rice shoots and the potassium and crude protein contents in rice grains. The effect of foliar spraying with magnesium fertilizers was more obvious than soil application. Therefore, the magnesium fertilizer used on the leaf surface plays an important role in improving rice yield and quality in rice-growing areas with relatively rich soil magnesium content. Magnesium fertilizer can compensate for the yield decrease caused by the reduced use of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers by promoting nitrogen and phosphorus absorption in rice. Conclusively, the application of magnesium fertilizer is a promising measure to improve rice production in Liaoning province under a reduced nitrogen and phosphate fertilizer background.
Single Image Super Resolution Using Deep Residual Learning
Authors: Hassan Moiz , Illanko Kandasamy , Fernando Xavier N.
Published: March 2024

Single Image Super Resolution (SSIR) is an intriguing research topic in computer vision where the goal is to create high-resolution images from low-resolution ones using innovative techniques. SSIR has numerous applications in fields such as medical/satellite imaging, remote target identification and autonomous vehicles. Compared to interpolation based traditional approaches, deep learning techniques have recently gained attention in SISR due to their superior performance and computational efficiency. This article proposes an Autoencoder based Deep Learning Model for SSIR. The down-sampling part of the Autoencoder mainly uses 3 by 3 convolution and has no subsampling layers. The up-sampling part uses transpose convolution and residual connections from the down sampling part. The model is trained using a subset of the VILRC ImageNet database as well as the RealSR database. Quantitative metrics such as PSNR and SSIM are found to be as high as 76.06 and 0.93 in our testing. We also used qualitative measures such as perceptual quality.
Correction: Zhang et al. Mass Balance Studies of Robenidine Hydrochloride in the Body of Channel Catfish (Ictalurus punctatus). Animals 2023, 13, 3745
Authors: Zhang Lei , Du Xiangxuan , Ai Xiaohui , Liu Yongtao
Published: March 2024

There were errors in the original publication [...]
Molecular Characterization and Phylogenetic Analysis of Flightin Gene in Vespa basalis (Hymenoptera, Vespidae)
Authors: Ullah Hasin , Huang Xiaojuan , Zhou Tong , Tang Yan , Zhu Danyang , Xu Hongli , Tan Jiangli
Published: March 2024

Flight is a complex physiological process requiring precise coordination of muscular contraction. A key protein in insect flight is flightin, which plays an integral role in the flight muscles. This research sought to evaluate the flight competence of the social wasp V. basalis by characterizing the molecular components involved. Our study focused on Vespa basalis, one of the most dangerous hornet species, utilizing PCR to obtain a partial cDNA sequence of the flightin protein. We then employed phylogenetic and sequence analysis to gain insights into this protein in flight-related adaptations. The cDNA has an 1189-base pair sequence including an open reading frame (453 bp) encoding 150 amino acids. Analyzing the deduced amino acid sequence using an online tool revealed a molecular weight of 18.05 kDa, an isoelectric point of 5.84, four functional site patterns, and no transmembrane topology. We constructed a phylogenetic tree of flightin based on 38 species. Our analysis indicated that V. basalis is most closely related to V. mandarinia; this alignment is consistent with their similar aggressive behavior, but their evolutionary relationship, based on mitochondrial sequences, presents a contrast. These initial findings on the flightin gene in V. basalis lay the groundwork for future functional studies to elucidate its specific role in flight adaptations and explore its potential as a target for pest management strategies.
Dietary Zn Deficiency Inhibits Cell Proliferation via the GPR39-Mediated Suppression of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR Signaling Pathway in the Jejunum of Broilers
Authors: Hu Yangyang , Yang Ke , Zhang Weiyun , Xue Mengxiao , Li Tingting , Wang Shengchen , Cui Xiaoyan , Zhang Liyang , Hu Yun , Luo Xugang
Published: March 2024

A prior investigation revealed that a lack of Zinc (Zn) could hinder intestinal cell proliferation in broiler chickens; however, the mechanisms responsible for this effect remain unclear. We aimed to investigate the possible mechanisms of dietary Zn deficiency in inhibiting the jejunal cell proliferation of broilers. For this study, a total of 112 chickens (21 days old) were randomly divided into two treatments (seven replicate cages per treatment, eight chickens per replicate cage): the control group (CON) and the Zn deficiency group. The duration of feeding was 21 d. Chickens in the control group were provided with a basal diet containing an extra addition of 40 mg Zn/kg in the form of Zn sulfate, whereas chickens in the Zn deficiency group were given the basal diet with no Zn supplementation. The results indicated that, in comparison to the CON, Zn deficiency increased (p < 0.05) the duodenal and jejunal crypt depth (CD) of broilers on d 28 and jejunal and ileal CD on d 35, and decreased (p < 0.05) the duodenal, jejunal, and ileal villus height/crypt depth (VH/CD) on d 28 and the jejunal VH, jejunal and ileal villus surface area, and VH/CD on d 35. Furthermore, Zn deficiency decreased (p < 0.0001) the number of proliferating cell nuclear antigen-positive cells and downregulated (p < 0.01) the mRNA or protein expression levels of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), phosphorylated PI3K, phosphorylated serine–threonine kinase (AKT), phosphorylated mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR), G protein-coupled receptor 39 (GPR39), and extracellular-regulated protein kinase, but upregulated (p < 0.05) the mRNA or protein expression levels of P38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, c-jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) 1 and JNK2, and phosphorylated protein kinase C in the jejunum of the broilers on d 42. It was concluded that dietary Zn deficiency inhibited cell proliferation possibly via the GPR39-mediated suppression of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in the jejunum of broilers.
Dietary Antioxidants May Support Cosmetic Treatment in Patients with Rosacea
Authors: Zujko-Kowalska Kinga , Masłowska Joanna , Knaś-Dawidziuk Małgorzata , Hamulka Jadwiga , Zujko Małgorzata Elżbieta
Published: March 2024

Rosacea is a chronic skin disease that significantly reduces the quality of life (QoL) of patients. The aim of this study was to assess whether dietary antioxidants can support the effect of cosmetic treatment in improving the QoL of patients with rosacea. Basic data about participants (N = 160) were collected using a self-reported survey. QoL was assessed using the standardized Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) questionnaire. An interventional cosmetic treatment was performed using cavitation peeling and sonophoresis with a commercial capillary repair serum. The study was registered as a clinical trial (NCT06271135). To assess antioxidant diet quality, for the first time, a new dietary antioxidant quality index (DAQI) was developed, which consisted of 12 items: dietary total antioxidant capacity, dietary polyphenols, phytosterols, lignans, vitamin C, vitamin E, β-carotene, zinc, iron, copper, manganese and selenium. It was found that the highest tertiles of DAQI diminished the odds about 40–45% of the moderate, large and extremely large effect of rosacea on QoL and about 8–11% of the occurrence of rosacea symptoms compared with the lowest tertile. This study showed that rosacea has a negative impact on QoL, but a comprehensive approach to treatment, including antioxidant cosmetic treatment and dietary antioxidants, can improve the QoL of patients with rosacea.
Determination of Laser Parameters in Thermomechanical Treatment of Skin Based on Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Nazha Hasan Mhd , Darwich Mhd Ayham , Ammar Basem , Dakkak Hala , Juhre Daniel
Published: March 2024

An investigation was conducted to examine the photothermal and thermomechanical effects of short-pulse laser irradiation on normal tissues. This study analyzed the impact of short-pulse laser radiation on the heat-affected region within tissues, taking into consideration a set of laser variables, namely wavelength, intensity, beam size, and exposure time. The beam size ranged between 0.5 and 3 mm, and the intensity of the laser radiation ranged from 1 to 5 W/mm2 at wavelengths of 532 and 800 nm. A three-layered, three-dimensional model was implemented and studied in a polar coordinate system (r = 10 mm, z = 12 mm) in COMSOL Multiphysics (version 5.4, COMSOL Inc., Stockholm, Sweden) to perform numerical simulations. The Pennes bioheat transfer model, Beer-Lambert, and Hooke’s law are integrated to simulate the coupled biophysics problem. Temperature and stress distributions resulting from laser radiation were produced and analyzed. The accuracy of the developed model was qualitatively verified by comparing temperature and mechanical variations following the variations of laser parameters with relevant studies. The results of Box-Behnken analysis showed that beam size (S) had no significant impact on the response variables, with p-values exceeding 0.05. Temperature (Tmax) demonstrates sensitivity to both beam intensity (I) and exposure time (T), jointly contributing to 89.6% of the observed variation. Conversely, while beam size (S) has no significant effect on stress value (Smax), wavelength (W), beam intensity (I), and exposure time (T) collectively account for 71.6% of the observed variation in Smax. It is recommended to use this model to obtain the optimal values of the laser treatment corresponding to tissue with specified dimensions and properties.
What Factors Influence the Injuries of Canoeists and Kayakers over the Years?
Authors: Garcia-Soidan Jose Luis , Leiros-Rodriguez Raquel , Isorna-Folgar Manuel , Romo-Perez Vicente
Published: March 2024

(1) Background: The purpose of this study was to analyze the number of injuries in the canoe and kayak disciplines. (2) Methods: A cross-sectional and retrospective epidemiological study was conducted on a convenience sample of elite canoeists and kayakers during the Spanish Championships of each canoeing and kayaking modality. Retrospective data were collected on the number, body area, type, and severity of injuries sustained in previous seasons, as well as other affiliation data. Four separate multiple linear regression models were used to investigate the impact of the sports mode of canoeing, age, and sex on the occurrence of injuries. (3) Results: The findings indicate a distinction in injury frequency between canoeing and kayaking modalities, with injuries being more common in canoeing. The occurrence of mild injuries decreases with age among canoeists, while remaining consistent in kayaking. As athletes age, confidence intervals increase. Canoeists have a higher injury probability, and across all injury types, men have a lower injury risk. (4) Conclusions: The frequency of injuries is higher in the canoe modality across all age groups. Coaches and athletes should be well-informed about the insights provided in this study to implement targeted injury prevention strategies, especially in women canoeists.
The Effect of Lysozyme on the Aggregation and Charging of Oxidized Carbon Nanohorn (CNHox) in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Tian Zhengjian , Li Maolin , Sugimoto Takuya , Kobayashi Motoyoshi
Published: March 2024

To clarify the effect of proteins on the charging and aggregation–dispersion characteristics of oxidized carbon nanohorn (CNHox), we measured the electrophoretic mobility and stability ratios as a function of concentrations of a model protein, lysozyme (LSZ), and KCl. The zeta potential from the electrophoretic mobility of CNHox was neutralized and reversed by the addition of oppositely charged LSZ. Electrical and hydrophobic interactions between CNHox and LSZ can be attributed to the adsorption and charge reversal of CNHox. The stability ratio of CNHox in the presence or absence of LSZ showed Derjaguin–Landau and Verwey–Overbeek (DLVO) theory-like behavior. That is, the slow aggregation regime, fast aggregation regime, and critical coagulation concentration (CCC) were identified. At the isoelectric point, only the fast aggregation regime was shown. The existence of patch-charge attraction due to the charge heterogeneity on the surface was inferred to have happened due to the enhanced aggregation of CNHox at high LSZ dosage and low electrolyte concentration. The relationship between critical coagulation ionic strength and surface charge density at low LSZ dosage showed that the aggregation of CNHox is in line with the DLVO theory. An obvious decrement in the Hamaker constant at high LSZ dosage can probably be found due to an increased interaction of LSZ-covered parts.
Bakery Product Enrichment with Phenolic Compounds as an Unexplored Strategy for the Control of the Maillard Reaction
Authors: Melini Valentina , Vescovo Domizia , Melini Francesca , Raffo Antonio
Published: March 2024

The Maillard reaction (MR) is one of the main reactions that occurs during the thermal processing of food. It contributes positively to the flavor, aroma, and color of food but also produces harmful by-products, including acrylamide and advanced glycation end products (AGEs). Bakery products are major staples consumed daily by people from all walks of life and of all ages; the identification of strategies to hamper acrylamide formation in bread and bread-like products is thus crucial for public health. Several strategies have been proposed to inhibit the MR in food processing, including biochemical approaches such as the use of enzymes; innovative technologies such as ohmic heating, pulsed electric field, high pressure processing, or encapsulation of metal ions; and the chemical modification of reactants, intermediates, or products of MR. Recently, phenolic compounds have been reported to have an inhibitory effect on the formation of harmful by-products resulting from the MR. The aim of this paper is, therefore, to provide a state-of-the-art overview of the use of phenolic compounds in the formulation of bakery products to inhibit the MR. A systematic review of the most up-to-date scientific literature was thus performed. It emerged that the inhibitory action was mainly investigated in bread. Phenolic extracts and powders obtained from plant-based foods have been included in the formulation of bakery products. The effect of pure phenolic standards was also considered.
Do Humans and Convolutional Neural Networks Attend to Similar Areas during Scene Classification: Effects of Task and Image Type
Authors: Müller Romy , Dürschmidt Marcel , Ullrich Julian , Knoll Carsten , Weber Sascha , Seitz Steffen
Published: March 2024

Deep neural networks are powerful image classifiers but do they attend to similar image areas as humans? While previous studies have investigated how this similarity is shaped by technological factors, little is known about the role of factors that affect human attention. Therefore, we investigated the interactive effects of task and image characteristics. We varied the intentionality of the tasks used to elicit human attention maps (i.e., spontaneous gaze, gaze-pointing, manual area selection). Moreover, we varied the type of image to be categorized (i.e., singular objects, indoor scenes consisting of object arrangements, landscapes without distinct objects). The human attention maps generated in this way were compared to the attention maps of a convolutional neural network (CNN) as revealed by a method of explainable artificial intelligence (Grad-CAM). The influence of human tasks strongly depended on image type: for objects, human manual selection produced attention maps that were most similar to CNN, while the specific eye movement task had little impact. For indoor scenes, spontaneous gaze produced the least similarity, while for landscapes, similarity was equally low across all human tasks. Our results highlight the importance of taking human factors into account when comparing the attention of humans and CNN.
The Impact of High-Intensity Interval Exercise Including Acceleration/Deceleration Patterns on Redox Status of Healthy Male Adults
Authors: Chalari Eleanna , Jones Huw S. , Hadjicharalambous Marios , Fogarty Mark C.
Published: March 2024

High-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) is a type of structured physical training characterized by repeated bouts of high-intensity exercise interspersed with recovery periods. Although HIIE was found to improve physical performance in a relatively short period of time, there is emerging evidence suggesting that acute HIIE may induce oxidative stress. The purpose, therefore, of the present study was to examine the effect of intermittency and/or acceleration during HIIE on oxidative stress in male participants. Nine healthy males [(age: 21.0 ± 3.0 years; height: 180.0 ± 4.0 cm; body mass: 79.4 ± 7.9 kg; maximal oxygen uptake (V˙O2max) 52.0 ± 6.0 mL·kg−1·min−1)] were recruited to perform six distinct exercise protocols of various intermittency (high, medium, and low) and acceleration (high, medium, and low) while a control session was also included. Blood samples were obtained to determine oxidative stress indices (lipid hydroperoxides, superoxide dismutase, and total glutathione) at rest, 1 h, 2 h, and 24 h following exercise on a non-motorized treadmill. The intra-individual variability of participants was observed in lipid hydroperoxides at baseline, ranging from 1.80 to 20.69 μmol·L−1. No significant differences among the six different exercise protocols in any of the oxidative stress indices evaluated were observed (p > 0.05). These results suggest that the influence of various intermittency levels and acceleration patterns upon exercise-induced oxidative stress is negligible.
Enhancing Heat Transfer Efficiency in Permanent Magnet Machines through Innovative Thermal Design of Stator Windings
Authors: Shen Xiang , Deng Xu , Mecrow Barrie , Wrobel Rafal , Whalley Richard
Published: March 2024

This paper investigates innovative methods for enhancing heat transfer efficiency in high-power permanent magnet electrical machines. The objectives are to quantify the effects of increasing the air speed, increasing the turbulence intensity, and introducing the spacing between windings on cooling performance. The cooling of stator windings is studied through experimental wind tunnel testing and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modelling. The CFD model is validated against wind tunnel measurements to within 4 Kelvin (K). The results demonstrate that each enhancement method significantly improves the cooling capability. Increasing the air speed from 10 m/s to 40 m/s reduces the winding hotspot temperature by 34%. Introducing a high turbulence intensity of 40% leads to a 21% lower hotspot temperature compared to 0.5% turbulence intensity. Creating a 1.5 mm spacing between coils also substantially improves convection and conduction heat transfer. Overall, combining these optimised design parameters yields over a 40% reduction in hotspot temperature compared to the original design. This research provides practical guidance for maximising heat transfer efficiency in high-power permanent magnet machines, without increasing complexity. The findings will lead to higher machine efficiency, reliability, and longevity for aerospace and other applications.
Energy Management Strategy for DC Micro-Grid System with the Important Penetration of Renewable Energy
Authors: Ndeke Christian Bipongo , Adonis Marco , Almaktoof Ali
Published: March 2024

This paper presents an energy management strategy using a Stateflow controller related to DC microgrids with the important penetration of renewable energy. The increase in world electricity demand is one of the principal drivers of the exhaustion of fossil fuels and increased greenhouse gas emissions. To solve these problems, several countries have adopted actions for widespread renewable energy deployment, which includes wind energy, solar power, biomass power, tidal, and hydropower. These sources are considered as significant in delivering clean energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions for sustainable improvement. As these sources play an increasingly vital role in the global energy landscape, the efficient management of these intermittent sources is essential for grid stability and sustainability. This paper aimed to develop an energy management strategy for DC microgrids to supply power to a DC microgrid system. The main objective of this paper was to implement an energy management system to ensure the proper operation of DC microgrid systems utilizing Simulink blocks available in MATLAB/Simulink 2020b software. The simulation results demonstrated that the developed energy management algorithm was unconditionally reliable, ensuring the proper operation of the microgrid systems. Additionally, the results demonstrated that the energy management strategy exhibited robust performance across different scenarios, effectively balancing energy generation and consumption while ensuring the reliable operation of the microgrid system. Moreover, the developed algorithm model presents another advantage, as it enables users to access and to change any control parameters within the DC microgrid. By comparing these results with the literature, the developed energy management algorithm provides safety and the automatic control of the microgrid.
Rethinking Conceptual Parameters of Choreography (in Social Spaces)—Actualization of Intensities in Discursive Fields
Authors: Monni Kirsi
Published: March 2024

This article aims to take part in the ongoing discussion on the social and political potentialities as well as the conceptual premises of choreography and to contribute to the discussion about world relations in the choreographed movement. The much-used definition of Western choreography is “organized movement in space and time”. Although this definition always applies, it does not specify the world relations and worldmaking capacities of the choreographed movement. The main focus of this article is an ontological rethinking of the basic concepts of choreography: movement, space, time and organization, with the addition of kinaesthetic fields, kinaesthetic and spatial intelligence, virtual and actual realms, striated and smooth spaces (Deleuze and Guattari) and different conceptions of time. By analyzing these concepts, the aim is to provide a view of ontologically elementary units in choreography (such as a change in space, the difference over time and space, and passage to shared actuality), with a wider understanding of the inherent social relationality in choreographed movement. After discussing these topics, a few social choreography events and protests are described to represent different choreographic aims and organizational modes arising from each specific situation. The article concludes by proposing that choreography could be seen as organizing movement in space and time but also as a choreographic actualization of intensities in different discursive fields.
Freeness of Signed Graphic Arrangements
Authors: Ju Zhaoting , Jiang Guangfeng , Guo Weili
Published: March 2024

Freeness occupies an important position in the study of hyperplane arrangements. In this paper, we conclude the freeness of three special classes of signed graphic arrangements based on the addition–deletion theorem and Abe’s free path theory.
The Role of Cerebellar Intrinsic Neuronal Excitability, Synaptic Plasticity, and Perineuronal Nets in Eyeblink Conditioning
Authors: Schreurs Bernard G. , O’Dell Deidre E. , Wang Desheng
Published: March 2024

Evidence is strong that, in addition to fine motor control, there is an important role for the cerebellum in cognition and emotion. The deep nuclei of the mammalian cerebellum also contain the highest density of perineural nets—mesh-like structures that surround neurons—in the brain, and it appears there may be a connection between these nets and cognitive processes, particularly learning and memory. Here, we review how the cerebellum is involved in eyeblink conditioning—a particularly well-understood form of learning and memory—and focus on the role of perineuronal nets in intrinsic membrane excitability and synaptic plasticity that underlie eyeblink conditioning. We explore the development and role of perineuronal nets and the in vivo and in vitro evidence that manipulations of the perineuronal net in the deep cerebellar nuclei affect eyeblink conditioning. Together, these findings provide evidence of an important role for perineuronal net in learning and memory.
Putting Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders within the Spectrum of Inflammatory Disorders Can Improve Classification and Diagnostics of These Disorders
Authors: Šojat Dunja , Volarić Mile , Keškić Tanja , Volarić Nikola , Cerovečki Venija , Trtica Majnarić Ljiljana
Published: March 2024

The spectrum, intensity, and overlap of symptoms between functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) and other gastrointestinal disorders characterize patients with FGIDs, who are incredibly different in their backgrounds. An additional challenge with regard to the diagnosis of FGID and the applicability of a given treatment is the ongoing expansion of the risk factors believed to be connected to these disorders. Many cytokines and inflammatory cells have been found to cause the continuous existence of a low level of inflammation, which is thought to be a basic pathophysiological process. The idea of the gut–brain axis has been created to offer a basic framework for the complex interactions that occur between the nervous system and the intestinal functions, including the involvement of gut bacteria. In this review paper, we intend to promote the hypothesis that FGIDs should be seen through the perspective of the network of the neuroendocrine, immunological, metabolic, and microbiome pathways. This hypothesis arises from an increased understanding of chronic inflammation as a systemic disorder, that is omnipresent in chronic health conditions. A better understanding of inflammation’s role in the pathogenesis of FGIDs can be achieved by clustering markers of inflammation with data indicating symptoms, comorbidities, and psycho-social factors. Finding subclasses among related entities of FGIDs may reduce patient heterogeneity and help clarify the pathophysiology of this disease to allow for better treatment.
Action Speaks Louder: The Role of Proactive Behavior between Creative Leadership and Employees’ Creativity
Authors: Zhou Xiaozhou , Zhong Jie , Zhang Li
Published: March 2024

Drawing on social learning theory, this study presents a moderated mediation model to examine the role of proactive behavior and conformity value in the positive relationship between creative leadership and employees’ creativity. Two-wave data are collected from 230 employees and their leaders in an automobile manufacturing enterprise in China, in which employees are encouraged to be creative because they need to implement novel designs and proposals to attract consumers. Statistical analysis reveals that proactive behavior partially mediates the influence of creative leadership on employees’ creativity. Conformity value moderates not only the relationship between creative leadership and proactive behavior but also the indirect effect of creative leadership on employees’ creativity via proactive behavior. The relationship and the mediating mechanism are stronger in the presence of employees’ higher conformity value. We discuss the theoretical and practical implications as well as future research directions of the findings.
Behavior of Concrete-Filled Steel Tube Columns with Multiple Chambers and Round-Ended Cross-Sections under Axial Loading
Authors: Liu Jing , Zhang Tao , Pan Zhicheng , Ma Fanjun
Published: March 2024

Concrete-filled round-ended steel tubes (CFRTs) are a unique type of composite stub columns, which have the advantage of aesthetics and a well-distributed major–minor axis. Thus, the structure has been widely employed as piers and columns in bridges. To improve the mechanical performance of CFRTs with a large length–width ratio and to enhance the restraint effect of steel tubes on concrete, this study investigates the compressive property of multi-chamber, concrete-filled, round-ended steel tubular (M-CFRT) stub columns using a combination of experimental and numerical analyses. A detailed compression test on eight specimens is conducted to examine the compressive property of M-CFRT stub columns. The study focuses on understanding the influence of some key parameters on ultimate bearing capacity, failure stage, damage modes, and ductility. Additionally, the accuracy of the finite element modeling method in simulating the ultimate bearing capacity of the structure is verified. Finally, the calculating formula for the ultimate bearing capacity of M-CFRT stub columns is proposed on the basis of the experimental and numerical findings. Results of the formula calculation are consistent with the experimental data. These research findings serve as a valuable reference for designing similar structures in engineering practice.
Experimental Study of a New Self-Centering BRB and Its Application in Seismic Resistance of Frame Structure
Authors: Lin Yourong , Zhou Zhi , Shen Maoyu , Liu Jili , Huang Wei
Published: March 2024

In order to enhance the self-centering capacity of steel frame structures after earthquakes and reduce the tubes of traditional double-tube or triple-tube SC-BRB, an innovative single-tube self-centering buckling restrained brace (ST-SC-BRB) is proposed in this paper. Firstly, the structural configuration of the ST-SC-BRB component was described. Then, cyclic tests were conducted on one small-scaled BRB and one ST-SC-BRB with the same core steel plate. The test results indicate that the ST-SC-BRB specimen exhibits an excellent self-centering ability compared to the conventional BRB. However, their energy-dissipation capacities are still determined by the core steel plate. In addition, time–history analyses were conducted to evaluate the seismic performance of steel frame structures with BRBs and ST-SC-BRBs. The results suggest that the ST-SC-BRBs can effectively reduce the residual deformation of steel frame structures after earthquakes and contribute to the self-centering capacity of the steel frame structures. Finally, the influence of design parameters of ST-SC-BRB components on the seismic performance of steel frame structures was discussed. It is confirmed that the initial stiffness of the ST-SC-BRB component significantly influences the seismic response of the structure, while the self-centering ratio of the ST-SC-BRB component is a crucial factor in determining the residual deformations of the structure.
Novel Instance-Based Transfer Learning for Asphalt Pavement Performance Prediction
Authors: Li Jiale , Guo Jiayin , Li Bo , Meng Lingxin
Published: March 2024

The deep learning method has been widely used in the engineering field. The availability of the training dataset is one of the most important limitations of the deep learning method. Accurate prediction of pavement performance plays a vital role in road preventive maintenance (PM) and decision-making. Pavement performance prediction based on deep learning has been widely used around the world for its accuracy, robustness, and automation. However, most of the countries in the world have not built their pavement performance historical database, which prevents preventive maintenance using the deep learning method. This study presents an innovative particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm-enhanced two-stage TrAdaBoost.R2 transfer learning algorithm, which could significantly increase the pavement performance prediction database. The Long-Term Pavement Performance (LTPP) database is used as the source domain data, and one of the highways in China is chosen as the target domain to predict pavement performance. The results show that the proposed PSO-Two-stage TrAdaBoost.R2 model has the highest accuracy compared with AdaBoost.R2 model and traditional regression decision tree model. The validation case study shows significant consistency between the predicted International Roughness Index (IRI) and the whole-year measurement data with an R2 of 0.7. This study demonstrates the great potential of the innovative instance-based transfer learning method in pavement performance prediction of a region’s lack of data. This study also contributes to other engineering fields that could greatly increase the universality of deep learning.
Nickel(BiPhePhos)-Catalyzed Hydrocyanation of Styrene—Highly Increased Catalytic Activity by Optimized Operational Procedures
Authors: Köhler Till , Rienhoff Bernd , Vogt Dieter
Published: March 2024

Nitriles are versatile and highly desired chemical intermediates for a range of products. Their economic large-scale production requires highly efficient and selective synthesis. The nickel-catalyzed hydrocyanation of C=C double bonds provides such selective and 100% atom-economical access to nitriles, but the catalysts hitherto lack activity and longevity. Yet, the literature focusing on increased catalytic activity or optimized operational procedures is scarce, at the least. Here, we present a thorough investigation and optimization of operational procedures using a commercially available diphosphite ligand and styrene as a model substrate. This led us to achieve a TOF20 of more than 300,000 h−1.
Platinum on High-Entropy Aluminate Spinels as Thermally Stable CO Oxidation Catalysts
Authors: Riley Christopher , De La Riva Andrew , Valdez Nichole , Alcala Ryan , Lu Ping , Grant Richard , Benavidez Angelica , Rodriguez Mark , Datye Abhaya , Chou Stanley S.
Published: March 2024

Thermal degradation is a leading cause of automotive catalyst deactivation. Because high-entropy oxides are uniquely stabilized at high temperatures via an increase in configurational entropy, these materials may offer new mechanisms for preventing the thermal deactivation of precious metal catalysts. In this work, we evaluated platinum loaded on simple and high-entropy aluminate spinels (MAl2O4, where M = Co, Cu, Mg, Ni, or mixtures thereof) in carbon monoxide oxidation before and after aging at 800 °C. Pt supported on all simple spinels showed significant deactivation after thermal aging compared to the fresh samples, with T90 increasing by at least 60 °C. However, Pt on high-entropy spinels had nearly the same or better activity after aging, with T90 increasing by only 6 °C at most. During aging and reduction, copper exsolved from the spinel supports and alloyed with platinum. This interaction promoted low temperature oxidation activity, presumably through weakened CO binding, but did not prevent deactivation. On the other hand, Co, Mg, and Ni constituents promoted stronger CO bonding, as evidenced by apparent negative order kinetics and poor activity at low temperatures. High-entropy spinels, containing a variety of active metals, displayed synergetic reactant adsorption capacity and cooperative effects with supported platinum particles, which collectively prevented thermal deactivation.
Research Progress in Fuel Oil Production by Catalytic Pyrolysis Technologies of Waste Plastics
Authors: An Liu , Kou Zonglan , Li Renjie , Zhao Zhen
Published: March 2024

Improper disposal of waste plastic has caused serious ecological and environmental pollution problems. Transforming plastics into high value-added chemicals can not only achieve efficient recycling of waste plastics, but is also an effective way to control white pollution. The catalyst selectively breaks the C–C bond of polyolefin plastic under heat treatment and converts it into liquid fuel, thus realizing sustainable recycling of plastics and has a good development prospect. This review provides a detailed overview of the current development of catalytic pyrolysis, catalytic hydrolysis, solvent decomposition, and supercritical hydrothermal liquefaction for cracking plastics to make fuel oil. The reaction mechanism, influencing factors, and promoting effects of catalysts in various degradation technologies are analyzed and summarized, and the latest proposed tandem reaction for degrading plastics is briefly introduced. Finally, some optimization paths of waste plastic pyrolysis to fuel oil technology are proposed: synergies between mixed raw materials, in-depth exploration of catalysts, design and manufacture of reactors that match the pyrolysis technology. All these are important research directions for promoting the industrialization of plastic pyrolysis to fuel oil.
Non-Symmetrically Fused Bis(arylimino)pyridines with para-Phenyl Substitution: Exploring Their Use as N′,N,N″-Supports in Iron Ethylene Polymerization Catalysis
Authors: Wang Yizhou , Wang Zheng , Zhang Qiuyue , Ma Yanping , Solan Gregory A. , Sun Yang , Sun Wen-Hua
Published: March 2024

Through the implementation of a one-pot strategy, five examples of non-symmetrical [N,N-diaryl-11-phenyl-1,2,3,7,8,9,10-heptahydrocyclohepta[b]quinoline-4,6-diimine]iron(II) chloride complexes (aryl = 2,6-Me2Ph Fe1, 2,6-Et2Ph Fe2, 2,6-i-Pr2Ph Fe3, 2,4,6-Me3Ph Fe4, and 2,6-Et2-4-MePh Fe5), incorporating fused six- and seven-membered carbocyclic rings and appended with a remote para-phenyl group, were readily prepared. The molecular structures of Fe2 and Fe3 emphasize the variation in fused ring size and the skewed disposition of the para-phenyl group present in the N′,N,N″-ligand support. Upon activation with MAO or MMAO, Fe1–Fe5 all showed high catalytic activity for ethylene polymerization, with an exceptional level of 35.92 × 106 g (PE) mol−1 (Fe) h−1 seen for mesityl-substituted Fe4/MMAO operating at 60 °C. All catalysts generated highly linear polyethylene with good control of the polymer molecular weight achievable via straightforward manipulation of run temperature. Typically, low molecular weight polymers with narrow dispersity (Mw/Mn = 1.5) were produced at 80 °C (MMAO: 3.7 kg mol−1 and MAO: 4.9 kg mol−1), while at temperatures between 40 °C and 50 °C, moderate molecular weight polymers were obtained (MMAO: 35.6–51.6 kg mol−1 and MAO: 72.4–95.5 kg mol−1). Moreover, analysis of these polyethylenes by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy highlighted the role played by both β-H elimination and chain transfer to aluminum during chain termination, with the highest rate of β-H elimination seen at 60 °C for the MMAO-activated system and 70 °C for the MAO system.
Extended Hydrogen-Bonded Molybdenum Arrays Derived from Carboxylic Acids and Dianilines: ROP Capability of the Complexes and Parent Acids and Dianilines
Authors: Clegg William , Elsegood Mark R. J. , Redshaw Carl
Published: March 2024

From reactions involving sodium molybdate and dianilines [2,2′-(NH2)C6H4]2(CH2)n (n = 0, 1, 2) and amino-functionalized carboxylic acids 1,2-(NH2)(CO2H)C6H4 or 2-H2NC6H3-1,4-(CO2H)2, in the presence of Et3N and Me3SiCl, products adopting H-bonded networks have been characterized. In particular, the reaction of 2,2′-diaminobiphenyl, [2,2′-NH2(C6H4)]2, and 2-aminoterephthalic acid, H2NC6H3-1,4-(CO2H)2, led to the isolation of [(MoCl3[2,2′-N(C6H4)]2}{HNC6H3-1-(CO2),4-(CO2H)]·2[2,2′-NH2(C6H4)]2·3.5MeCN (1·3.5MeCN), which contains intra-molecular N–H∙∙∙Cl H-bonds and slipped π∙∙∙π interactions. Similar use of 2,2′-methylenedianiline, [2,2′-(NH2)C6H4]2CH2, in combination with 2-aminoterephthalic acid led to the isolation of [MoCl2(O2CC6H3NHCO2SiMe3)(NC6H4CH2C6H4NH2)]·3MeCN (2·3MeCN). Complex 2 contains extensive H-bonds between pairs of centrosymmetrically-related molecules. In the case of 2,2′ethylenedianiline, [2,2′-(NH2)C6H4]2CH2CH2, and anthranilic acid, 1,2-(NH2)(CO2H)C6H4, reaction with Na2MoO4 in the presence of Et3N and Me3SiCl in refluxing 1,2-dimethoxyethane afforded the complex [MoCl3{1,2-(NH)(CO2)C6H4}{NC6H4CH2CH2C6H4NH3}]·MeCN (3·MeCN). In 3, there are intra-molecular bifurcated H-bonds between NH3 H atoms and chlorides, whilst pairs of molecules H-bond further via the NH3 groups to the non-coordinated carboxylate oxygen, resulting in H-bonded chains. Complexes 1 to 3 have been screened for the ring opening polymerization (ROP) of both ε-caprolactone (ε-CL) and δ-valerolactone (δ-VL) using solvent-free conditions under N2 and air. The products were of moderate to high molecular weight, with wide Ð values, and comprised several types of polymer families, including OH-terminated, OBn-terminated (for PCL only), and cyclic polymers. The results of metal-free ROP using the dianilines [2,2′-(NH2)C6H4]2(CH2)n (n = 0, 1, 2) and the amino-functionalized carboxylic acids 1,2-(NH2)(CO2H)C6H4 or 2-H2NC6H3-1,4-(CO2H)2 under similar conditions (no BnOH) are also reported. The dianilines were found to be capable of the ROP of δ-VL (but not ε-CL), whilst anthranilic acid outperformed 2-aminoterephthalic acid for both ε-Cl and δ-VL.
The Origin and Regulation of Neuromesodermal Progenitors (NMPs) in Embryos
Authors: Kondoh Hisato , Takemoto Tatsuya
Published: March 2024

Neuromesodermal progenitors (NMPs), serving as the common origin of neural and paraxial mesodermal development in a large part of the trunk, have recently gained significant attention because of their critical importance in the understanding of embryonic organogenesis and the design of in vitro models of organogenesis. However, the nature of NMPs at many essential points remains only vaguely understood or even incorrectly assumed. Here, we discuss the nature of NMPs, focusing on their dynamic migratory behavior during embryogenesis and the mechanisms underlying their neural vs. mesodermal fate choice. The discussion points include the following: (1) How the sinus rhomboidals is organized; the tissue where the neural or mesodermal fate choice of NMPs occurs. (2) NMPs originating from the broad posterior epiblast are associated with Sox2 N1 enhancer activity. (3) Tbx6-dependent Sox2 repression occurs during NMP-derived paraxial mesoderm development. (4) The nephric mesenchyme, a component of the intermediate mesoderm, was newly identified as an NMP derivative. (5) The transition of embryonic tissue development from tissue-specific progenitors in the anterior part to that from NMPs occurs at the forelimb bud axial level. (6) The coexpression of Sox2 and Bra in NMPs is conditional and is not a hallmark of NMPs. (7) The ability of the NMP pool to sustain axial embryo growth depends on Wnt3a signaling in the NMP population. Current in vitro models of NMPs are also critically reviewed.