Effects of different precursors on the structure of lignin-based biochar and its ability to adsorb benzopyrene from sesame oil.

Agricultural by-products of sesame are promising bioresources in food processing. This study extracted lignin from the by-products of sesame oil production, namely, the capsules and straw of black and white sesame. Using acid, alkali, and ethanol methods, 12 distinct lignins were obtained to prepare biochar, aiming to investigate both the structural characteristics of lignin-based biochar (LBB) and its ability to remove benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) from sesame oil. The results showed that white sesame straw was the most suitable raw material for preparing biochar. In terms of the preparation method, acid-extracted lignin biochar was more effective in removing BaP than alkaline or ethanol methods. Notably, WS-1LB (white sesame straw acid-extracted lignin biochar) exhibited the highest BaP adsorption efficiency (91.44 %) and the maximum specific surface area (1065.8187 m2/g), characterized by porous structures. The pseudo 2nd and Freundlich models were found to be the best fit for the adsorption kinetics and isotherms of BaP on LBB, respectively, suggesting that a multilayer adsorption process was dominant. The high adsorption of LBB mainly resulted from pore filling. This study provides an economical and highly efficient biochar adsorbent for the removal of BaP in oil.

Mirror Symmetry Broken of Sound Vortex Transmission in a Single Passive Metasurface via Phase Coupling.

Asymmetric transmission in a passive vortex system is highly desirable, as it enables the development of compact vortex-based devices. However, breaking the mirror symmetry of transmission via a single metasurface poses challenges due to the inherent symmetric transmission properties in reciprocity. Here, we theoretically propose and experimentally demonstrate a novel transmission-reflection phase coupling mechanism to achieve the broken mirror symmetry of sound vortex transmission. This mechanism establishes a special coupling link between transmission and reflection waves, superimposing asymmetric reflection phases on the transmission phases. By utilizing a single passive phase gradient metasurface with asymmetric reflection phase twists, distinct transmission phase twists for mirror-symmetric incident vortices can be achieved within a cylindrical waveguide. This is typically difficult to imple-ment in a reciprocal system. Numerical and experimental results both demonstrate the broken mirror symmetry of vortex transmission and reflection. Our findings offer a new strategy for controlling vortex wave propagation, which may inspire new directional applications and extend to the field of photonics.

Jeotgalibacillus haloalkalitolerans sp. nov., a novel alkalitolerant and halotolerant bacterium, isolated from the confluence of the Fenhe River and the Yellow River.

A Gram-stain positive, aerobic, alkalitolerant and halotolerant bacterium, designated HH7-29 T, was isolated from the confluence of the Fenhe River and the Yellow River in Shanxi Province, PR China. Growth occurred at pH 6.0-12.0 (optimum, pH 8.0-8.5) and 15-40℃ (optimum, 32℃) with 0.5-24% NaCl (optimum, 2-9%). The predominant fatty acids (> 10.0%) were iso-C15:0 and anteiso-C15:0. The major menaquinones were MK-7 and MK-8. The polar lipids were phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol and two unidentified phospholipids. Phylogenetic analyses based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence revealed that strain HH7-29 T was a member of the genus Jeotgalibacillus, exhibiting high sequence similarity to the 16S rRNA gene sequences of Jeotgalibacillus alkaliphilus JC303T (98.4%), Jeotgalibacillus salarius ASL-1 T (98.1%) and Jeotgalibacillus alimentarius YKJ-13 T (98.1%). The genomic DNA G + C content was 43.0%. Gene annotation showed that strain HH7-29 T had lower protein isoelectric points (pIs) and possessed genes related to ion transport and organic osmoprotectant uptake, implying its potential tolerance to salt and alkali. The average nucleotide identity, digital DNA-DNA hybridization values, amino acid identity values, and percentage of conserved proteins values between strain HH7-29 T and its related species were 71.1-83.8%, 19.5-27.4%, 66.5-88.4% and 59.8-76.6%, respectively. Based on the analyses of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic, phylogenetic and genomic features, strain HH7-29 T represents a novel species of the genus Jeotgalibacillus, for which the name Jeotgalibacillus haloalkalitolerans sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is HH7-29 T (= KCTC 43417 T = MCCC 1K07541T).

Dynamic changes in body composition during XELOX/SOX chemotherapy in patients with gastric cancer.

Objectives: In this study, we compared the dynamic changes in body composition during XELOX/SOX chemotherapy in patients with gastric cancer. Furthermore, we investigated the potential impact of these changes on the occurrence of toxic side effects. Methods: Patients with gastric cancer who received adjuvant or first-line XELOX/SOX chemotherapy between January 2020 and June 2023 were enrolled. The Brief Conghua Scale was used to assess energy intake, and nutritional management was carried out with reference to the Chinese Guidelines for Nutritional Therapy of Cancer 2020. The NRS 2002 Nutritional Risk Screening Scale, PG-SGA scale, bioelectrical impedance analysis, and dynamic changes in lumbar 3 vertebral skeletal muscle index were compared between baseline and post-chemotherapy in the study. The neutropenia was evaluated using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events V.5.0, developed by the National Institutes of Health. Results: Dynamic follow-up was completed in 39 cases, with a mean follow-up time of 117.62 ± 43.38 days. The incidence of sarcopenia increased significantly after chemotherapy, escalating from 46.2% to 51.3%. After chemotherapy, the mean L3SMI decreased from 36.00 cm2/m2 to 34.99 cm2/m2. Furthermore, when compared to pre-chemotherapy values, the body composition indexes body mass index (BMI), SL3, fat mass free index (FFMI), lean body mass (LBM), and body surface area (BSA) were significantly reduced after chemotherapy. Regardless of baseline or post-chemotherapy status, the incidence of grade ≥ 3 neutropenia was significantly higher in the sarcopenia group than in the non-sarcopenia group. Furthermore, when the skeletal muscle index decreased during chemotherapy, the incidence of grade ≥ 3 neutropenia was significantly higher in both the sarcopenia and non-sarcopenia groups compared to baseline. When the incidence of grade ≥ 3 neutropenia in the post-chemotherapy sarcopenia group was compared to baseline status, the increase was significantly higher in the sarcopenia group than in the maintenance/increase group. Conclusions: Skeletal muscle mass decreased progressively during XELOX/SOX chemotherapy in gastric cancer patients, followed by a higher incidence of grade ≥ 3 neutropenia.

Characteristics and immune functions of the endogenous CRISPR-Cas systems in myxobacteria.

The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats and their associated proteins (CRISPR-Cas) system widely occurs in prokaryotic organisms to recognize and destruct genetic invaders. Systematic collation and characterization of endogenous CRISPR-Cas systems are conducive to our understanding and potential utilization of this natural genetic machinery. In this study, we screened 39 complete and 692 incomplete genomes of myxobacteria using a combined strategy to dispose of the abridged genome information and revealed at least 19 CRISPR-Cas subtypes, which were distributed with a taxonomic difference and often lost stochastically in intraspecies strains. The cas genes in each subtype were evolutionarily clustered but deeply separated, while most of the CRISPRs were divided into four types based on the motif characteristics of repeat sequences. The spacers recorded in myxobacterial CRISPRs were in high G+C content, matching lots of phages, tiny amounts of plasmids, and, surprisingly, massive organismic genomes. We experimentally demonstrated the immune and self-target immune activities of three endogenous systems in Myxococcus xanthus DK1622 against artificial genetic invaders and revealed the microhomology-mediated end-joining mechanism for the immunity-induced DNA repair but not homology-directed repair. The panoramic view and immune activities imply potential omnipotent immune functions and applications of the endogenous CRISPR-Cas machinery. IMPORTANCE: Serving as an adaptive immune system, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats and their associated proteins (CRISPR-Cas) empower prokaryotes to fend off the intrusion of external genetic materials. Myxobacteria are a collective of swarming Gram-stain-negative predatory bacteria distinguished by intricate multicellular social behavior. An in-depth analysis of their intrinsic CRISPR-Cas systems is beneficial for our understanding of the survival strategies employed by host cells within their environmental niches. Moreover, the experimental findings presented in this study not only suggest the robust immune functions of CRISPR-Cas in myxobacteria but also their potential applications.

Establishment of RNAi-Mediated Pest Control Method for Red Imported Fire Ant, Solenopsis invicta.

RNAi plays a crucial role in insect gene function research and pest control field. Nonetheless, the variable efficiency of RNAi across diverse insects and off-target effects also limited its further application. In this study, we cloned six essential housekeeping genes from Solenopsis invicta and conducted RNAi experiments by orally administering dsRNA. Then, we found that mixing with liposomes significantly enhanced the RNAi efficiency by targeting for SiV-ATPaseE. Additionally, we observed a certain lethal effect of this dsRNA on queens by our established RNAi system. Furthermore, no strict sequence-related off-target effects were detected. Finally, the RNAi effect of large-scale bacteria expressing dsRNA was successfully confirmed for controlling S. invicta. In summary, this study established an RNAi system for S. invicta and provided a research template for the future development of nucleic acid drugs based on RNAi.

Development and validation of Chinese compensatory health beliefs scale.

Compensatory Health Beliefs (CHBs), the notion that healthy behaviors can offset the negative effects of unhealthy actions, have been widely explored in Western contexts. Yet, their relevance within the Chinese cultural milieu remains underexplored. The primary objective of this research was to develop and validate a Chinese version of the CHBs scale (CHBs-C), addressing the gap in the literature regarding the applicability of CHBs within the Chinese cultural context. A multi-stage translation (from English to Chinese) was first completed, and exploratory factor analysis was conducted (n = 476), yielding the 14-item scale (CHBs-C scale). Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to assess the validity, and the 2-week test-retest reliability, internal consistency and convergent validity of the scale were also assessed (n = 308). Predict validity was verified through testing the relationships between CHBs and health behaviors and habits (n = 274). Factor analysis showed a different factor structure in Chinese context, with only one factor identical to the original version. The fitness index of the new factor structure was good. However, while the scale exhibited acceptable internal consistency and high test-retest reliability, its convergent validity and predictive validity was found to be limited on a general level. Despite this, significant correlations at the subscale level were identified, highlighting nuanced interactions between CHBs and specific health behaviors within the Chinese population. This study not only establishes the CHBs-C scale as a valid and reliable instrument for assessing compensatory health beliefs in China but also lays the groundwork for further exploration of its applications and the potential cultural adaptability of CHBs.

Functional analysis of the mating type genes in Verticillium dahliae.

BACKGROUND: Populations of the plant pathogenic fungus Verticillium dahliae display a complex and rich genetic diversity, yet the existence of sexual reproduction in the fungus remains contested. As pivotal genes, MAT genes play a crucial role in regulating cell differentiation, morphological development, and mating of compatible cells. However, the functions of the two mating type genes in V. dahliae, VdMAT1-1-1, and VdMAT1-2-1, remain poorly understood. RESULTS: In this study, we confirmed that the MAT loci in V. dahliae are highly conserved, including both VdMAT1-1-1 and VdMAT1-2-1 which share high collinearity. The conserved core transcription factor encoded by the two MAT loci may facilitate the regulation of pheromone precursor and pheromone receptor genes by directly binding to their promoter regions. Additionally, peptide activity assays demonstrated that the signal peptide of the pheromone VdPpg1 possessed secretory activity, while VdPpg2, lacked a predicted signal peptide. Chemotactic growth assays revealed that V. dahliae senses and grows towards the pheromones FO-a and FO-α of Fusarium oxysporum, as well as towards VdPpg2 of V. dahliae, but not in response to VdPpg1. The findings herein also revealed that VdMAT1-1-1 and VdMAT1-2-1 regulate vegetative growth, carbon source utilization, and resistance to stressors in V. dahliae, while negatively regulating virulence. CONCLUSIONS: These findings underscore the potential roles of VdMAT1-1-1 and VdMAT1-2-1 in sexual reproduction and confirm their involvement in various asexual processes of V. dahliae, offering novel insights into the functions of mating type genes in this species.

In-situ measurement of urea concentration with an in-fiber SPR-MZI sensor.

A fiber-optic urea sensor based on surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and Mach-Zehnder interference (MZI) combined principle was designed and implemented. By plating gold film on the single-mode-no-core-thin-core-single-mode fiber structure, we successfully excited both SPR and MZI, and constructed two parallel detection channels for simultaneously measurement of urea concentration and temperature. Urease was immobilized on the gold film by metal-organic zeolite skeleton (ZIF-8), which can not only fix a large number of urease to improve measurement sensitivity of urea, but also protect urease activity to ensure the sensor stability. Experimental results indicate that the designed urea sensor with temperature compensation function can detect urea solution with concentration of 1-9 mM, and the sensitivity is 1.4 nm/mM. The proposed measurement method provides a new choice for monitoring urea concentration in the field of medical diagnosis and human health monitoring.

Transcriptomic and neuroimaging data integration enhances machine learning classification of schizophrenia.

Background: Schizophrenia is a polygenic disorder associated with changes in brain structure and function. Integrating macroscale brain features with microscale genetic data may provide a more complete overview of the disease etiology and may serve as potential diagnostic markers for schizophrenia. Objective: We aim to systematically evaluate the impact of multi-scale neuroimaging and transcriptomic data fusion in schizophrenia classification models. Methods: We collected brain imaging data and blood RNA sequencing data from 43 patients with schizophrenia and 60 age- and gender-matched healthy controls, and we extracted multi-omics features of macroscale brain morphology, brain structural and functional connectivity, and gene transcription of schizophrenia risk genes. Multi-scale data fusion was performed using a machine learning integration framework, together with several conventional machine learning methods and neural networks for patient classification. Results: We found that multi-omics data fusion in conventional machine learning models achieved the highest accuracy (AUC ~0.76-0.92) in contrast to the single-modality models, with AUC improvements of 8.88 to 22.64%. Similar findings were observed for the neural network, showing an increase of 16.57% for the multimodal classification model (accuracy 71.43%) compared to the single-modal average. In addition, we identified several brain regions in the left posterior cingulate and right frontal pole that made a major contribution to disease classification. Conclusion: We provide empirical evidence for the increased accuracy achieved by imaging genetic data integration in schizophrenia classification. Multi-scale data fusion holds promise for enhancing diagnostic precision, facilitating early detection and personalizing treatment regimens in schizophrenia.

Mental health problems of front-line medical staff in the early stage of public health emergencies.

In the face of the unprecedented public health crisis caused by the novel coronavirus pneumonia epidemic, front-line health workers are under enormous mental pressure. This paper aims to explore the mental health challenges faced by front-line health workers in the early stages of a public health emergency, such as stress, anxiety, and depression. At the same time, the factors that increase their mental stress are analyzed, and practical measures are put forward to prevent and manage mental health problems, aiming at improving the quality of medical treatment during public health emergencies. This paper has some reference value for people engaged in mental health prevention.

HIF-1α facilitates glioma proliferation and invasion by activating pyroptosis signaling axis.

BACKGROUND: HIF-1α is thought to be a novel regulator which contributes to carcinogenesis. However, the mechanism underlying the effect of HIF-1α in gliomas remains largely unknown. METHODS: In the research, we demonstrate that HIF-lα mRNA and protein levels are elevated in glioma cells. The colony formation assays, transwell assays, and wound-healing assays showed that overexpression of HIF-1α promoted proliferation and invasion of glioma cells. RESULTS: Overexpression of HIF-lα also increased the expression of inflammatory factors related to pyrolysis (TNF-α, IL-10, and IL-1ß) and protein related to pyrolysis signal pathway (NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, GSDMD, and GSDME). CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, we speculate that HIF-1α promotes the proliferation and invasion of glial cells by regulating pyrolysis pathway. These results might provide a novel strategy and target for treatment of glioma.

Application of machine learning in the management of lymphoma: Current practice and future prospects.

In the past decade, digitization of medical records and multiomics data analysis in lymphoma has led to the accessibility of high-dimensional records. The digitization of medical records, the visualization of extensive volume data extracted from medical images, and the integration of multiomics methods into clinical decision-making have produced many datasets. As a promising auxiliary tool, machine learning (ML) intends to extract homologous features in large-scale data sets and encode them into various patterns to complete complicated tasks. At present, artificial intelligence and digital mining have shown promising prospects in the field of lymphoma pathological image analysis. The paradigm shift from qualitative analysis to quantitative analysis makes the pathological diagnosis more intelligent and the results more accurate and objective. ML can promote accurate lymphoma diagnosis and provide patients with prognostic information and more individualized treatment options. Based on the above, this comprehensive review of the general workflow of ML highlights recent advances in ML techniques in the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of lymphoma, and clarifies the boundedness and future orientation of the ML technique in the clinical practice of lymphoma.

[Essential oil of Cinnamomum camphora mitigates depression-like behavior in mice by regulating Nrf2/HO-1 pathway and inhibiting inflammatory cytokines].

This study aims to investigate the essential oil(EOL) of Cinnamomum camphora regarding its anti-depression effect and mechanism in regulating inflammatory cytokines and the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1(HO-1) pathway. A mouse model of depression was established by intraperitoneal injection of lipopolysaccharide(LPS). Open field, elevated plus maze, and forced swimming tests were carried out to examine mouse behaviors. Western blot and qRT-PCR were employed to determine the expression of proteins and genes in the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway in the hippocampus. The levels of tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α, interleukin(IL)-6, and IL-1ß in the serum were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). The changes of apoptosis in mouse brain were detected by Tunel staining. Compared with the blank control group, the model group showed shortened distance travelled and time spent in the central zone and reduced number of entries in the central zone in the open field test. In the elevated plus maze test, the model group showed reduced open arm time(OT%) and open arm entries(OE%). In the force swimming test, the model group showed extended duration of immobility compared with the blank control group. Compared with the model group, the treatment with EOL significantly increased the distance travelled and time spent in the central zone and increased the number of entries in the central zone in the open field test. In addition, EOL significantly increased the OT% and OE% in the elevated plus maze and shor-tened the immobility duration in the forced swimming test. The model group showed lower expression levels of Nrf2 and HO-1 and hig-her levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1ß than the blank control group. Compared with the model group, the treatment with EOL up-regulated the expression levels of Nrf2 and HO-1 and lowered the levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1ß. The Tunel staining results showed that the apoptosis rate in the brain tissue of mice decreased significantly after the treatment with EOL. To sum up, EOL can mitigate the depression-like behaviors of mice by up-regulating the expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 and preventing hippocampal inflammatory damage. The findings provide empirical support for the application of EOL and aromatherapy in the treatment of depression.

Real-world experience quantifying access to JAK inhibitor care for alopecia areata patients: a patient-centered survey study.

Background: Janus kinase inhibitor (JAKi) therapy has revolutionized the treatment landscape for alopecia areata (AA); however, access may be limited by a lack of insurance coverage and high out-of-pocket costs. Objective: We aimed to evaluate real-world patient experiences regarding access to JAKi therapy. Methods: We conducted an online patient-centered survey using the National Alopecia Areata Foundation listserv. Results: In total 784 individuals initiated our survey, and 600 completed it in full (76.5%). While more non-White patients considered obtaining JAKi therapy, more White patients reported the use of this medication class. In total, 74.2% lacked insurance coverage or had partial coverage for JAKi, and 52% expressed dissatisfaction with available coverage. However, 52.9% reported delays in starting medication due to insurance approval processes, contributing to worsened AA and related stress. In total, 35% of patients did not try to obtain JAKi therapy due to concerns about costs, and 18.2% discontinued therapy due to financial barriers. Also, 19.8% of patients reported utilizing financial savings to pay for medication, and 55.2% reported using a copay assistance card. Further, 12.2% reported forgoing other necessities to pay for AA expenses. Limitations: Our results are limited by the subjective nature of survey studies. The recency of FDA approval for JAKi therapy may also influence patients' perceptions of access to care. Conclusion: Patients with AA face significant barriers when trying to obtain JAKi therapy, and existing racial inequities may be exacerbated by these barriers. Further advocacy work is needed to improve access to care.

Identification of marker genes associated with N6-methyladenosine and autophagy in ulcerative colitis.

BACKGROUND: Both N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation and autophagy are considered relevant to the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis (UC). However, a systematic exploration of the role of the com-bination of m6A methylation and autophagy in UC remains to be performed. AIM: To elucidate the autophagy-related genes of m6A with a diagnostic value for UC. METHODS: The correlation between m6A-related genes and autophagy-related genes (ARGs) was analyzed. Finally, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was performed on the characteristic genes. Additionally, the expression levels of four characteristic genes were verified in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice. RESULTS: GSEA indicated that BAG3, P4HB and TP53INP2 were involved in the inflammatory response and TNF-α signalling via nuclear factor kappa-B. Furthermore, polymerase chain reaction results showed significantly higher mRNA levels of BAG3 and P4HB and lower mRNA levels of FMR1 and TP53INP2 in the DSS group compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: This study identified four m6A-ARGs that predict the occurrence of UC, thus providing a scientific reference for further studies on the pathogenesis of UC.

An Improved Bio-Orientation Method Based on Direct Sunlight Compensation for Imaging Polarization Sensor.

Direct sunlight in complex environmental conditions severely interferes with the light intensity response for imaging Polarization Sensor (PS), leading to a reduction in polarization orientation accuracy. Addressing this issue, this article analyzes the impact mechanism of direct sunlight on polarization sensor detection in a complex environment. The direct sunlight interference factor is introduced into the intensity response model of imaging polarization detection, enhancing the accuracy of the polarization detection model. Furthermore, a polarization state information analytical solution model based on direct sunlight compensation is constructed to improve the accuracy and real-time performance of the polarization state information solution. On this basis, an improved bio-orientation method based on direct sunlight compensation for imaging polarization sensor is proposed. The outdoor dynamic reorientation experiment platform is established to validate the effectiveness of the proposed method. Compared with the traditional methods, the experimental results demonstrate a 23% to 47% improvement in the polarization orientation accuracy under various solar zenith angles.

Solvent-Induced In(III)-MOFs with Controllable Interpenetration Degree Performing High-Efficiency Separation of CO2/N2 and CO2/CH4.

Herein, three In(III)-based metal-organic frameworks (In-MOFs) with different degrees of interpenetration (DOI), namely In-MOF-1, In-MOF-2, and In-MOF-3, constructed by In3+ and Y-shaped ligands 4,4',4″-s-triazine-2,4,6-triyltribenzoate (H3TATB), are successfully synthesized through the ionothermal/solvothermal method. Subsequently, three novel In-MOFs, including noninterpenetration polycatenation, 2-fold interpenetrated, and 4-fold interpenetrated structure, are employed as the platform for systematically investigating the separation efficiency of CO2/N2, CO2/CH4, and CO2/CH4/N2 mixture gas system. Among them, In-MOF-2 shows the highest CO2 uptake capacities at 298 K and simultaneously possesses the low adsorption enthalpy of CO2 (26.4 kJ/mol at low coverage), a feature desirable for low-energy-cost adsorbent regeneration. The CO2/N2 (v: v = 15/85) selectivity of In-MOF-2 reaches 37.6 (at 298 K and 1 bar), also revealing outstanding selective separation ability from flue gases and purifying natural gas, affording a unique robust separation material as it has moderate DOI and pore size. In-MOF-2 shows exceptional stability and feasibility to achieve reproducibility. Aperture adjustment makes In-MOF-2 a versatile platform for selectively capturing CO2 from flue gases or purifying natural gas.

Substance P in the medial amygdala regulates aggressive behaviors in male mice.

Behavioral and clinical studies have revealed a critical role of substance P (SP) in aggression; however, the neural circuit mechanisms underlying SP and aggression remain elusive. Here, we show that tachykinin-expressing neurons in the medial amygdala (MeATac1 neurons) are activated during aggressive behaviors in male mice. We identified MeATac1 neurons as a key mediator of aggression and found that MeATac1→ventrolateral part of the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus (VMHvl) projections are critical to the regulation of aggression. Moreover, SP/neurokinin-1 receptor (NK-1R) signaling in the VMHvl modulates aggressive behaviors in male mice. SP/NK-1R signaling regulates aggression by influencing glutamate transmission in neurons in the VMHvl. In summary, these findings place SP as a key node in aggression circuits.