Sensitivity analysis and point mutations in BcSDHB confer cyclobutrifluram resistance in Botrytis cinerea from China.

Botrytis cinerea is one of the most destructive pathogens worldwide. It can damage over 200 crops, resulting in significant yield and quality losses. Cyclobutrifluram, a new generation of succinate dehydrogenase inhibitors, exhibits excellent inhibitory activity against B. cinerea. However, the baseline sensitivity and resistance of B. cinerea to cyclobutrifluram remains poorly understood. This study was designed to monitor the sensitivity frequency distribution, assess the resistance risk, and clarify the resistance mechanism of B. cinerea to cyclobutrifluram. The baseline sensitivity of B. cinerea isolates to cyclobutrifluram was 0.89 µg/mL. Cyclobutrifluram-resistant B. cinerea populations are present in the field. Six resistant B. cinerea isolates investigated in this study possessed enhanced compound fitness index compared to the sensitive isolates according to mycelial growth, mycelial dry weight, conidiation, conidial germination rate, and pathogenicity. Cyclobutrifluram exhibited no cross-resistance with tebuconazole, fludioxonil, cyprodinil, or iprodione. Sequence alignment revealed that BcSDHB from cyclobutrifluram-resistant B. cinerea isolates had three single substitutions (P225F, N230I, or H272R). Molecular docking verified that these mutations in BcSDHB conferred cyclobutrifluram resistance in B. cinerea. In conclusion, the resistance risk of B. cinerea to cyclobutrifluram is high, and the point mutations in BcSDHB (P225F, N230I, or H272R) confer cyclobutrifluram resistance in B. cinerea. This study provided important insights into cyclobutrifluram resistance in B. cinerea and offered valuable information for monitoring and managing cyclobutrifluram resistance in the future.

Exploring information dissemination effect on social media: an empirical investigation.

Operators make profits by publishing information. If they can know the influencing factors in the process of information dissemination, they can provide new insights for practical operations and formulate corresponding operation strategies for different types of accounts. The purpose of this article is to discuss the information dissemination process of WeChat public accounts and what factors will affect the reading rate and sharing rate of the article. In this paper, the "feedback-sympathize-identify participant-share" (FSIPS) two-stage model is used to analyze the characteristics of information dissemination, and the negative binomial regression model is used to analyze which factors have a significant impact on the two stages of the dissemination model. Our data is obtained from a company that specializes in operating WeChat Official Accounts, and the data is authentic and more valuable. We collectively consider the roles of users, message content, interactions between content and individuals, and the context of social media in information dissemination behaviors (i.e., reading and sharing). In this process, some new variables, such as environment-related variables, are involved and incorporated into the two stages of information dissemination for analysis. The results show that the like rate, which is one of the feedback dimensions, has the greatest impact on the reading rate, while the favorite rate has the greatest impact on the sharing rate. Article type also plays a crucial role in the dissemination of information. In addition, the content relevance between the title and the content also largely affects the share rates of the three types.

Simplified twin-single-sideband direct detection system separating left and right sideband signals using a digital signal processing algorithm instead of optical bandpass filters.

Twin-single-sideband (twin-SSB) signals can be generated based on an in-phase- quadrature (I/Q) modulator, and two independent left sideband (LSB) and right sideband (RSB) signals carry individual data to effectively harvest the advantage of twin-SSB modulation, which achieves higher spectral efficiency. However, the conventional twin-SSB scheme employs two optical bandpass filters (OBPFs) and two photodetectors (PDs) for complete separation and detection at the receiver side. To mitigate the crosstalk between RSB and LSB signals and reduce the complexity and cost of the twin-SSB system, we propose a new scheme to realize twin-SSB without OBPFs separating LSB and RSB signals by a single-ended PD to improve system performance. According to the beating characteristics of the LSB and RSB, we can separate two independent sideband signals using a digital signal processing (DSP) algorithm added to the receiver end. Our simulation results demonstrate that our proposed scheme can obtain good bit error ratio (BER) performance of LSB and RSB signals. We designed a twin-SSB system with different modulation formats in the two sidebands, adopting geometric shaping 3PSK (GS-3PSK) modulation for the LSB and quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK) modulation for the RSB. The BER of the LSB GS-3PSK and RSB QPSK signal can reach hard-decision forward error correction (HD-FEC) when the received optical power (ROP) was > -17.5 and > -16 dBm, respectively, at different baud rates of 1-, 2-, and 4-Gbaud with a carrier frequency of 12-GHz over 10-km standard single-mode fiber (SSMF) transmission. For an 8-Gbaud baud rate with a carrier frequency of 12-GHz over 5-km SSMF transmission, the BER of the two sideband signals can still be below the HD-FEC threshold of 3.8 × 10-3 when the ROP was > -17 and > -16 dBm, respectively.

Simulation of winter wheat response to variable sowing dates and densities in a high-yielding environment.

Crop multi-model ensembles (MME) have proven to be effective in increasing the accuracy of simulations in modelling experiments. However, the ability of MME to capture crop responses to changes in sowing dates and densities has not yet been investigated. These management interventions are some of the main levers for adapting cropping systems to climate change. Here, we explore the performance of a MME of 29 wheat crop models to predict the effect of changing sowing dates and rates on yield and yield components, on two sites located in a high-yielding environment in New Zealand. The experiment was conducted for 6 years and provided 50 combinations of sowing date, sowing density and growing season. We show that the MME simulates seasonal growth of wheat well under standard sowing conditions, but fails under early sowing and high sowing rates. The comparison between observed and simulated in-season fraction of intercepted photosynthetically active radiation (FIPAR) for early sown wheat shows that the MME does not capture the decrease of crop above ground biomass during winter months due to senescence. Models need to better account for tiller competition for light, nutrients, and water during vegetative growth, and early tiller senescence and tiller mortality, which are exacerbated by early sowing, high sowing densities, and warmer winter temperatures.

Generation of (3, 1) vector signals based on optical carrier suppression without pre-coding.

We experimentally and numerically demonstrated the generation of a (3, 1) vector signal by a single Mach-Zehnder modulator (MZM) without pre-coding. The MZM is driven by the (3, 1) modulated signal after photoelectric conversion by the "square law" of a photodetector. Although the phase changes, the corresponding constellation distribution is consistent with that of the regular signal. Our proposed scheme effectively avoids the pre-coding process with a simple architecture. The bit-error-ratio (BER) results indicate that the (3, 1) signal has a better BER performance than the pre-coded quadrature phase shift keying vector signal, and both are below ${3.8}\times {{10}^{ - 3}}$3.8×10-3 after 25 km optical fiber transmission.

Temperature increase reduces global yields of major crops in four independent estimates.

Wheat, rice, maize, and soybean provide two-thirds of human caloric intake. Assessing the impact of global temperature increase on production of these crops is therefore critical to maintaining global food supply, but different studies have yielded different results. Here, we investigated the impacts of temperature on yields of the four crops by compiling extensive published results from four analytical methods: global grid-based and local point-based models, statistical regressions, and field-warming experiments. Results from the different methods consistently showed negative temperature impacts on crop yield at the global scale, generally underpinned by similar impacts at country and site scales. Without CO2 fertilization, effective adaptation, and genetic improvement, each degree-Celsius increase in global mean temperature would, on average, reduce global yields of wheat by 6.0%, rice by 3.2%, maize by 7.4%, and soybean by 3.1%. Results are highly heterogeneous across crops and geographical areas, with some positive impact estimates. Multimethod analyses improved the confidence in assessments of future climate impacts on global major crops and suggest crop- and region-specific adaptation strategies to ensure food security for an increasing world population.

Clickable coupling of carboxylic acids and amines at room temperature mediated by SO2F2: a significant breakthrough for the construction of amides and peptide linkages.

The construction of amide bonds and peptide linkages is one of the most fundamental transformations in all life processes and organic synthesis. The synthesis of structurally ubiquitous amide motifs is essential in the assembly of numerous important molecules such as peptides, proteins, alkaloids, pharmaceutical agents, polymers, ligands and agrochemicals. A method of SO2F2-mediated direct clickable coupling of carboxylic acids with amines was developed for the synthesis of a broad scope of amides in a simple, mild, highly efficient, robust and practical manner (>110 examples, >90% yields in most cases). The direct click reactions of acids and amines on a gram scale are also demonstrated using an extremely easy work-up and purification process of washing with 1 M aqueous HCl to provide the desired amides in greater than 99% purity and excellent yields.

Isolated Decompression for Transverse Sacral Fractures with Cauda Equina Syndrome.

BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of isolated decompression for patients with transverse sacral fractures and cauda equina syndrome, which have been rarely reported before. MATERIAL AND METHODS Twelve neurological impaired patients with transverse sacral fracture from January 2010 to March 2017 treated in our institution were evaluated. All patients went through isolated decompression and were followed for a minimum of 12 months. Fracture causes, classifications, associated injury, radiologic results, clinical outcomes using the Majeed index, and neurological outcomes using the Gibbons criteria were evaluated. RESULTS Motor vehicle accidents and falling injuries were the major causes of trauma. The average time from trauma to surgery was 89.8 days. Eleven patients underwent laminectomy with no more than 3 segments resected and 1 patient had S1-S4 excised. Three patients with fracture involving the lumbopelvic joint had L5 laminectomy. All patients achieved bony union, with 7 patients (63.6%) showing satisfactory pelvic outcome. Average Gibbons scores improved from 2.8 to 1.9 at 18-month average follow-up, but most patients were left with residual pain. No surgical-related complications were seen in any patients. CONCLUSIONS Isolated decompression can be considered for patients who present a stable sacrum with non-displaced fracture or an old fracture that shows fracture healing. Favorable pelvic outcomes and neurological recovery, along with acceptable stability, can be acquired.

Preparation of Cellulose/Graphene Oxide Composite Membranes and Their Application in Removing Organic Contaminants in Wastewater.

Cellulose/graphene oxide composite membranes (CGCMs) were prepared using a vacuum-filtration method. The CGCMs were then used as filters to remove organic pollutants from wastewater. It was found that the CGCM filters could efficiently and simultaneously achieve wastewater treatment and adsorbent separation. Their adsorption of Rhodamine B (RhB, an organic dye) varied with varying cellulose/graphene oxide mass ratios. The CGCM obtained at a cellulose/graphene oxide mass ratio of 8:1 exhibited the maximum removal efficiency for RhB. The maximum adsorption capacity of the CGCMs for RhB was found to be 86.4 mg/g. In addition, the CGCMs were easily regenerated and the regenerated CGCMs retained good abilities to remove contaminants, which could be significant for their application in wastewater treatment.

Evaluation of safety attitudes of hospitals and the effects of demographic factors on safety attitudes: a psychometric validation of the safety attitudes and safety climate questionnaire.

BACKGROUND: The objectives of this study are to test the psychometric properties of the safety attitudes and safety climate questionnaire Chinese simplified version (SAQ-CS), to test the safety attitudes of health professionals in tertiary hospitals in the Liaoning province and to explore the effects of demographic factors on safety attitudes. METHODS: The SAQ-CS was used to conduct a cross-sectional survey in nine tertiary hospitals in Liaoning province. RESULTS: Cronbach's alpha of each subscale of SAQ-CS were > 0.7, the values of GFI, TLI, and CFI were > 0.8, and RMSEA values ranged from 0.048-0.199. The mean of the safety attitudes of 2157 health professionals was 4.00, indicating a good safety attitude, with a positive response rate (% of items that scored ≥4) of 51.1%. The stress recognition subscale had the lowest score, with a mean of 2.73 and a positive response rate of 17.8%. A multiple linear regression equation revealed that demographic factors like gender, age, and training participation significantly affected the scores (ßgender > 0.06, ßage < - 0.08, ßtraining < - 0.07, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The psychometric properties of SAQ-CS are good and stable. Health professionals rate teamwork climate, safety climate, perception of management, and work conditions in Liaoning province are perceived as good; however, the stress of the health professionals is poor. To improve safety attitudes, it is necessary to not only reduce the stress of health professionals, but also to pay more attention to men, older health professionals, and health professionals who have not participated in safety training.

Refining Inaccurate Transmitter and Receiver Positions Using Calibration Targets for Target Localization in Multi-Static Passive Radar.

Transmitter and receiver position errors have been known to significantly deteriorate target localization accuracy in a multi-static passive radar (MPR) system. This paper explores the use of calibration targets, whose positions are known to the MPR system, to counter the loss in target localization accuracy arising from transmitter/receiver position errors. This paper firstly evaluates the Cramér-Rao lower bound (CRLB) for bistatic range (BR)-based target localization with calibration targets, which analytically indicates the potential of calibration targets in enhancing localization accuracy. After that, this paper proposes a novel closed-form solution, which includes two steps: calibration step and localization step. Firstly, the calibration step is devoted to refine the inaccurate transmitter and receiver locations using the BR measurements from the calibration targets, and then in the calibration step, the target localization can be accurately achieved by using the refined transmitter/receiver positions and the BR measurements from the unknown target. Theoretical analysis and simulation results indicate that the proposed method can attain the CRLB at moderate measurement noise level, and exhibits the superiority of localization accuracy over existing algorithms.

Investigation on 1.3 µm laser performance with Nd:Gd0.69Y0.3TaO4 and Nd:Gd0.68Y0.3NbO4 mixed crystals.

Laser performances around 1.3 µm are investigated in 879 nm laser diode (LD) end pumped Nd3+ doped mixed crystals with Nd:Gd0.69Y0.3TaO4 and Nd:Gd0.68Y0.3NbO4 crystals for the first time to our best knowledge. The maximum average power in LD end pumped Nd:Gd0.69Y0.3TaO4 1328 nm laser reaches 435 mW at 50 Hz with an optical-to-optical efficiency of 5.0% and a slope efficiency of 6.9%. In comparison, the highest average power of LD end pumped Nd:Gd0.68Y0.3NbO4 laser at 1337 nm is 190 mW at 50 Hz, corresponding to an optical-to-optical efficiency of 3.5% and a slope efficiency of 4.2%.

p-n junction induced electron injection type transparent photosensitive film of Cu2O/carbon quantum dots/ZnO.

An electron injection type transparent photosensitive Cu2O/carbon quantum dot (C QD)/ZnO p-n junction film was prepared by a simple route in which, successively, the ZnO film was prepared by a sputtering process, the C QDs and Cu2O were prepared by hydrothermal synthetic and chemical methods, then the C QDs and Cu2O were introduced onto the surface of the ZnO film. The results indicated that the C QDs and Cu2O were well combined with the ZnO film. The transparency and photosensitivity of this film were investigated, and exhibited an obvious photosensitive enhancement compared with those of the unmodified film. Through analysis, this enhancement of the photoconductivity could be attributed to the remarkable Cu2O/ZnO p-n junction and C QDs with unique up-converted photoluminescence.

Cobra neurotoxin produces central analgesic and hyperalgesic actions via adenosine A1 and A2A receptors.

Cobra neurotoxin, a short-chain peptide isolated from snake venom of Naja naja atra, showed both a central analgesic effect and a hyperalgesic effect in mice tests. In order to explore mechanisms, a hypothesis is put forward that cobra neurotoxin takes effect through adenosine receptor pathway. The central effects of cobra neurotoxin were evaluated using the hot plate test (a model of acute pain) and the spinal cord injury (a model of central pain) in mice and using A1 receptor antagonist (DPCPX) and A2A receptor antagonist (ZM241385); behaviors were scored and signal molecules such as reactive oxygen species and adenosine triphosphate levels and mitogen-activated protein kinases/extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase expression were measured. Low dose of cobra neurotoxin (25 µg/kg) had analgesic effects which were inhibited by DPCPX, while high dose of cobra neurotoxin (100 µg/kg) had hyperalgesic effects which were blocked by ZM241385. Cobra neurotoxin reduced reactive oxygen species and increased adenosine triphosphate in brain tissues, and extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase expression was markedly inhibited by cobra neurotoxin. Cobra neurotoxin may take effect through mitogen-activated protein kinases/extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase pathway inhibition by activating adenosine A1Rs and cause changes of reactive oxygen species and adenosine triphosphate through feedback mechanisms. Overdose cobra neurotoxin further activates the adenosine A2ARs to generate pain sensitization. This research proposes a new central analgesic mechanism of cobra neurotoxin and discloses dual regulation of pain.

Characterization of the RhI /dppe-Catalyzed Ring Expansion of 2-Alkyl-Benzocyclobutenones by DFT Calculations.

The [(dppe)RhCl]-catalysed ring expansion of 2-methylbenzocyclobutenone has been proposed to occur by C-C oxidative addition to rhodaindanone, ß-hydride elimination, hydrorhodation and C-C reductive elimination. DFT calculations [IEFPCM(1,4-dioxane, 383.15 K)/PBE0/DGDZVP level of theory] here confirm this mechanism. As proposed, oxidative addition into CHMe-CO bond is preferred over the alternative CHMe-aryl insertion. The barriers of oxidative addition, ß-hydride elimination hydrorhodation, and reductive elimination are 23.6 (rate-determining), 8.9, 10.4, and 13.1 kcal mol-1 , respectively. Therefore, the ß-hydride elimination/hydrorhodation steps to/from an octahedral RhIII -hydride serve as a fast equilibrating hydrogen shuffle flanking the two slower C-C bond breaking/making steps. This is consistent with the weak kinetic isotope effect observed experimentally when 2-CH3 and 2-CD3 benzocyclobutenone react competitively in a 1:1 ratio. The reaction barriers calculated with more modern, dispersion interaction-corrected methods (SMD/M06 and IEFPCM/ωB97xD) follow identical trends.

The Effect of Uniaxial Mechanical Stretch on Wnt/ß-Catenin Pathway in Bone Mesenchymal Stem Cells.

Wnt/ß-catenin signal is required in bone formation and remodling, but little is known about whether Wnt/ß-catenin signal could promote osteogenic differentiation of rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) after uniaxial mechanical stretch. In this study, rat BMSCs were identified by flow cytometry and used for mechanical stretch. A custom-made uniaxial dynamic stretch apparatus was applied for rat BMSCs stretch. There were 2 groups in the study: the mechanical stretch group and the nonstretch control group. Cell morphology, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, mRNA levels (Wnt3a, Lrp5, ß-catenin, as well as Runx2 were evaluated using quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction) and protein levels (ß-catenin and Runx2 were examined using western blot) were observed in both groups. The authors finally found that not only the cell proliferation, ALP activity, but also mRNA expression of Wnt3a, Lrp5, ß-catenin, and Runx2 in BMSCs were markedly elevated by mechanical stretch than the controls. Protein levels of ß-catenin and Runx2 were significantly higher than that of control as well. Activation of mechanical stretch was partially reversed by DKK-1, a classical inhibitor of Wnt/ß-catenin signal. These results demonstrate that uniaxial mechanical stretch could stimulate osteogenic differentiation and proliferation of BMSCs by activating the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling.

Synthesis and neuroprotective effects of the complex nanoparticles of iron and sapogenin isolated from the defatted seeds of Camellia oleifera.

CONTEXT: The defatted seeds of Camellia oleifera var. monosperma Hung T. Chang (Theaceae) are currently discarded without effective utilization. However, sapogenin has been isolated and shows antioxidative, anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities suggestive of its neuroprotective function. OBJECTIVE: In order to improve the activities of sapogenin, the nanoparticles of iron-sapogenin have been synthesized, and the neuroprotective effects are evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Structural characters of the nanoparticles were analyzed, and the antioxidant effect was assessed by DPPH method, and the neuroprotective effect was evaluated by rotenone-induced neurodegeneration in Kunming mice injected subcutaneously into the back of neck with rotenone (50 mg/kg/day) for 6 weeks and then treated by tail intravenous injection with the iron-sapogenin at the dose of 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg for 7 days. Mice behaviour and neurotransmitters were tested. RESULTS: The product had an average size of 162 nm with spherical shape, and scavenged more than 90% DPPH radicals at 0.8 mg/mL concentration. It decreased behavioural disorder and malondialdehyde content in mice brain, and increased superoxide dismutase activity, tyrosine hydroxylase expression, dopamine and acetylcholine levels in brain in dose dependence, and their maximum changes were respectively up to 60.83%, 25.17%, 22.13%, 105.26%, 42.17% and 22.89% as compared to vehicle group. Iron-sapogenin nanoparticle shows significantly better effects than the sapogenin. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Iron-sapogenin alleviates neurodegeneration of mice injured by neurotoxicity of rotenone, it is a superior candidate of drugs for neuroprotection.

Computed tomography scan is superior to x-ray plain film in the diagnosis of gastrointestinal tract perforation.

Gastrointestinal (GI) tract perforation is one of the most severe acute abdomens. In clinical practice, abdominal x-ray plain film remains the first-line diagnostic modality for this entity. A proportion of the perforated patients, however, do not exhibit a classic x ray sign: free air at the subphrenic area. This insufficiency can bring difficulties to the diagnosis, delay appropriate treatments, and even cause lethal consequences. We describe herein a case of GI tract perforation, which was not detected by the abdominal x-ray plain film initially. Strikingly, the abdominal computed tomographic (CT)scan established the diagnosis and predicted the site and cause of the perforation, which were consistent with the intraoperative findings and pathological examination. In addition, CT scan was useful in monitoring the progression of the disease. Given the high performance of CT scan in the present case, we recommend it as a preferred diagnostic modality for patients who are suspected of GI perforation,especially when the abdominal x-ray plain film is inconclusive.

Identifying spatial variability of water chemical characteristics and groundwater discharge in Hulun Lake integrated remote sensing data and chemical components.

The frozen period interaction of groundwater and lakes is crucial for hydrological properties and aquatic ecology in cold and arid regions. In this study, we investigate the spatial hydrochemical characteristics, influencing factors in the Hulun Lake basin. The hydrochemical type of lake water exhibits Na-HCO3-SO4-Cl, while river shows a primary classification of Na-Ca-HCO3. Groundwater in the eastern and western regions is characterized by Na-SO4-Cl and Na-HCO3, respectively. Silicic acid and ion exchange predominantly influence groundwater chemistry in the western region, whereas evaporation and concentration play a major role in the eastern region. Total dissolved solids, Cl-, and F- emerge as the primary influencing factors of hydrochemical components in the Hulun Lake basin. Ion content decreased from the southern to the northern region, with the lowest value occurring near the Urson River. The high-temperature water body is primarily distributed in the central and southern regions of the lake. Based on characteristic ions and partial characteristics of ice surface temperature, the potential groundwater discharge areas near the inlet of the Xinkai River, the central and southern region are determined. This study reveals the hydrochemical characteristics, vertical ice distribution, and provides a scientific foundation for water resource management in cold and arid regions.

Climate-adaptive crop distribution can feed food demand, improve water scarcity, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Optimizing crop distribution stands as a pivotal approach to climate change adaption, enhancing crop production sustainability, and has been recognized for its immense potential in ensuring food security while minimizing environmental impacts. Here, we developed a climate-adaptive framework to optimize the distribution of staple crops (i.e., wheat, maize, and rice) to meet the multi-dimensional needs of crop production in China. The framework considers the feasibility of the multiple cropping systems (harvesting more than once on a cropland a year) and adopts a multi-dimensional approach, incorporating goals related to crop production, water consumption, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. By optimizing, the total irrigated area of three crops would decrease by 7.7 % accompanied by a substantial 69.8 % increase in rain-fed areas compared to the baseline in 2010. This optimized strategy resulted in a notable 10.0 % reduction in total GHG emissions and a 13.1 % decrease in irrigation water consumption while maintaining consistent crop production levels. In 2030, maintaining the existing crop distribution and relying solely on yield growth would lead to a significant maize production shortfall of 27.0 %, highlighting a looming challenge. To address this concern, strategic adjustments were made by reducing irrigated areas for wheat, rice, and maize by 2.3 %, 12.8 %, and 6.1 %, respectively, while simultaneously augmenting rain-fed areas for wheat and maize by 120.2 % and 55.9 %, respectively. These modifications ensure that production demands for all three crops are met, while yielding a 6.9 % reduction in GHG emissions and a 15.1 % reduction in irrigation water consumption. This optimization strategy offers a promising solution to alleviate severe water scarcity issues and secure a sustainable agricultural future, effectively adapting to evolving crop production demands in China.