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Centralized Training with Decentralized Execution (CTDE) is a prevalent paradigm in the field of fully cooperative Multi-Agent Reinforcement Learning (MARL). Existing algorithms often encounter two major problems: independent strategies tend to underestimate the potential value of actions, leading to the convergence on sub-optimal Nash Equilibria (NE); some communication paradigms introduce added complexity to the learning process, complicating the focus on the essential elements of the messages. To address these challenges, we propose a novel method called O ptimistic S equential S oft Actor Critic with M otivational C ommunication (OSSMC). The key idea of OSSMC is to utilize a greedy-driven approach to explore the potential value of individual policies, named optimistic Q-values, which serve as an upper bound for the Q-value of the current policy. We then integrate a sequential update mechanism with optimistic Q-value for agents, aiming to ensure monotonic improvement in the joint policy optimization process. Moreover, we establish motivational communication modules for each agent to disseminate motivational messages to promote cooperative behaviors. Finally, we employ a value regularization strategy from the Soft Actor Critic (SAC) method to maximize entropy and improve exploration capabilities. The performance of OSSMC was rigorously evaluated against a series of challenging benchmark sets. Empirical results demonstrate that OSSMC not only surpasses current baseline algorithms but also exhibits a more rapid convergence rate. • We propose an optimistic Q-value to explore the potential value of individual policies. • We introduce specially designed motivational communication modules to enhance teamwork. • We show that OSSMC can achieve a competitive baseline in many challenging benchmarks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liquid-solid triboelectric behaviors often involve varied liquid-solid and gas-liquid interfaces. However, applications submerged in lubricants haven not been extensively studied. This paper studies the triboelectric behaviors of continuous rotary friction pairs in liquid lubrication. Triboelectric signals are observed from friction pairs made of graphite and stainless-steel with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) coatings. The mechanism lies in the generated streaming current, with constant circumferential velocities and variable radial velocities induced by the variation of film thickness. Pulse signals of electric outputs of 0.26 V are observed as the film thickness changes suddenly. Further discussions about electrode configurations and sealing mediums are conducted for potential applications in film thickness monitoring of mechanical seals. This work expands theories and applications of conventional liquid-solid triboelectric performances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A graphite felt (GF) cathode was firstly modified by Fe–Mn binary oxide (FMBO), active carbon (AC), carbon black (CB), and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), which exhibits satisfactory ciprofloxacin (CIP) removal efficiency at neutral pH value in electro-Fenton (EF) system. Morphological data showed that modified cathodes have larger surface area and volume pore as well as more active sites. And electrochemical properties have proved stronger current response after modification. In compassion to the unmodified GF, the FMBO/AC/CB modified GF (FMBO-GF) has wider pH range and higher CIP removal efficiency due to its unique nanoparticles structure. The CIP removal efficiency achieved 95.40% in 30 min, and the removal efficiency of total organic carbon (TOC) achieved 93.77% in 2 h when conditions were optimal (25 mg/L initial CIP concentration, 2 mA/cm2 current density, FMBO/AC: CB: PTFE of 1:1:5, and 7 initial pH value) in this study. The results of great degradation and mineralization of CIP in this study indicate that the FMBO-GF cathode has huge potential on antibiotics removals in neutral environment. [Display omitted] • A novel modified graphite felt of FMBO-GF has been prepared to remove ciprofloxacin. • FMBO/AC loaded amount, initial pH and applied current have been optimized. • FMBO-GF cathode can remove CIP in neutral environment in EF system. • Ciprofloxacin/TOC removal efficiency reached 92.89% and 93.77%, respectively. • More active sites, larger surface area and volume pore after cathode modification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A novel density-tunable LPME system based on HFIP-DESs was proposed. • DES-rich phase can be induced to form in the bottom or in the top of the system. • The system is suitable for directly extracting PAHs from both liquid and solid foods. • The LPME method is simple, rapid and only consumes small amount of organic solvents. A novel density-tunable liquid-phase microextraction (DT-LPME) system was developed with high-density deep eutectic solvents (DESs) as extractant and low-density organic solvents as emulsifier and density regulator. DES-rich phase was induced to form in the bottom or in the top by adjusting the emulsifier amount. This system was used to directly extract polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from liquid and solid foods, and the obtained DES-rich phase was easy to be collected for quantification. The method (LPME with HPLC-fluorescence detector) has linearity (R2 > 0.9974), detection limits of 0.6–4.2 ng L-1 for liquid foods and 0.05–0.35 ng g−1 for solid foods, recoveries of 86.2–114.9%, and intra-day/inter-day RSDs below 6.6%. The method was applied to detect PAHs in real samples, and the PAHs residue was found in honey and five solid foods. The DT-LPME method is simple, fast, green and suitable for direct extraction of analytes from both liquid and solid samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neurokinin B (NKB), a peptide encoded by the tachykinin 3 (TAC3), is critical for reproduction in all studied species. However, its potential roles in birds are less clear. Using the female chicken (c-) as a model, we showed that c TAC3 is composed of five exons with a full-length cDNA of 787 bp, which was predicted to generate the mature NKB peptide containing 10 amino acids. Using cell-based luciferase reporter assays, we demonstrated that cNKB could effectively and specifically activate tachykinin receptor 3 (TACR3) in HEK293 cells, suggesting its physiological function is likely achieved via activating cTACR3 signaling. Notably, cTAC3 and cTACR3 were predominantly and abundantly expressed in the hypothalamus of hens and meanwhile the mRNA expression of cTAC3 was continuously increased during development, suggesting that NKB-TACR3 may emerge as important components of the neuroendocrine reproductive axis. In support, intraperitoneal injection of cNKB could significantly promote hypothalamic cGnRH-Ι , and pituitary cFSHβ and cLHβ expression in female chickens. Surprisingly, cTAC3 and cTACR3 were also expressed in the pituitary gland, and cNKB treatment significantly increased cLHβ and cFSHβ expression in cultured primary pituitary cells, suggesting cNKB can also act directly at the pituitary level to stimulate gonadotropin synthesis. Collectively, our results reveal that cNKB functionally regulate GnRH/gonadotropin synthesis in female chickens. • TAC3 and its receptor (TAC3R) are predominantly expressed in the hypothalamus of hens. • TAC3 physiological function is mainly mediated by TACR3. • NKB promotes hypothalamic GnRH-Ι , and thus pituitary FSHβ and LHβ expression in female chickens. • NKB also acts directly at the pituitary level to stimulate gonadotropin synthesis. • TAC3 provides a functional compensation for the loss of Kiss1 in female chickens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deciphering gene function requires the ability to control gene expression in space and time. Binary systems such as the Gal4/UAS provide a powerful means to modulate gene expression and to induce loss or gain of function. This is best exemplified in Drosophila , where the Gal4/UAS system has been critical to discover conserved mechanisms in development, physiology, neurobiology, and metabolism, to cite a few. Here we describe a transgenic light-inducible Gal4/UAS system (ShineGal4/UAS) based on Magnet photoswitches. We show that it allows efficient, rapid, and robust activation of UAS-driven transgenes in different tissues and at various developmental stages in Drosophila. Furthermore, we illustrate how ShineGal4 enables the generation of gain and loss-of-function phenotypes at animal, organ, and cellular levels. Thanks to the large repertoire of UAS-driven transgenes, ShineGal4 enriches the Drosophila genetic toolkit by allowing in vivo control of gene expression with high temporal and spatial resolutions. [Display omitted] • ShineGal4 is a Drosophila transgenic optogenetic Gal4 system • It allows rapid and robust light activation of UAS reporters in various tissues • It can be actuated in given regions of interest or enhancer-defined patterns • ShineGal4 enables the exploration of gene function with high spatiotemporal resolution di Pietro et al. develop a GAL4/UAS optogenetic system that allows fast and efficient control of gene expression. This enables the investigation of gene function with high spatiotemporal resolution in Drosophila in vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • New hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents (DESs) with high density were developed. • The DESs were synthesized using hexafluoroisopropanol and nonionic surfactants. • A "DES in water in DES" composite emulsion-like aggregate structure was observed. • A vortex-assisted DES-based liquid–liquid microextraction method was proposed. • The method for detecting Sudan dyes in tomato chili sauces shows high efficiency. A new type of high-density hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents (DESs) were synthesized with nonionic surfactants as hydrogen bond acceptors and hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP) as hydrogen bond donor. Brij-35 was selected as the optimal nonionic surfactant for the preparation of Brij-35-HFIP-DES (molar ratio 1:20). A vortex-assisted DES-based liquid–liquid microextraction method was proposed for determination of Sudan dyes in tomato chili sauces. The whole pretreatment process only needs 5 min and 1.1 mL of organic solvent. The method with HPLC-DAD shows high efficiency (enrichment factors 89–176 and extraction rates 61.0–74.6%) and good performance with linearity (R ≥ 0.9997) in 0.04–2 μg g−1 range, detection limits of 0.0045–0.0118 μg g−1, recoveries of 91.6–104.5% and intra-/inter-day precision below 8.0%. A "DES in water in DES" aggregate microstructure was observed in DES-rich phase. The proposed method is simple, quick, eco-friendly, and suits for the efficient extraction and accurate determination of Sudan dyes in tomato chili sauces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) was recently implicated as a novel regulator of fat accumulation. Surgical castration causes high FSH concentrations and increases fat accumulation, whereas immunocastration results in low FSH concentrations and less fat in immunocastrated boars versus barrows. However, detailed information regarding the role of FSH in regulation of fat accumulation in male pigs is unclear. First, expression of FSH receptor was confirmed (real-time quantitative PCR) in subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissues (SAT and VAT, respectively) of boars. Then, surgical castration (high FSH model) was compared to immunocastration (low FSH model) to investigate potential roles of FSH in adipogenesis and fat accumulation. High FSH concentrations after surgical castration activated PPARγ signaling by upregulating expression of CREB (P < 0.05), and then recruited an array of PPARγ target adipogenic genes, including transcription factor (C/EBPα), long-chain fatty acid uptake (LPL), fatty acid de novo synthesis (FASN , ACACA) and lipid droplet formation (PLIN1) in both SAT and VAT, promoting fat accumulation in barrows. In contrast, much lower serum FSH concentrations in immunocastrates attenuated (P < 0.05) expressions of PPARγ and PPARγ target genes in both SAT and VAT, resulting in less fat accumulation in immunocastrated boars versus barrows. We concluded that the substantially elevated FSH concentrations in barrows promoted fat accumulation by activating the PPARγ signaling pathway in adipose tissues, whereas immunocastrates accumulated less fat due to low FSH. • The sharply elevated FSH in boars after surgical castration plays a great role in promoting fat accumulation. • Immunocastrated boars are with low FSH levels thus accumulate less carcass fat than barrows. • FSH promotes fat accumulation in boars through activating PPARγ signaling in adipose tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) has been newly demonstrated to play a great role in promoting fat accumulation, providing a potential to target FSH for controlling fat accumulation and treating obesity. A short, 13-amino acid of FSHβ (FSHβ13AA) was indentified to be the FSH receptor-binding epitope in both humans and mice. By conservation analysis, we found such FSHβ13AA is highly conserved across species. Accordingly, we designed a new FSH antigen by synthesizing a tandem of FSHβ13AA (LVYKDPARPNIQK) and then conjugating it to ovalbumin (FSHβ13AA-T-OVA). Then, we tested its efficacy in suppressing fat accumulation in both ovariectomized and intact mouse models. Vaccination with this novel antigen emulsified in mild adjuvant, Specol, was highly effective in preventing ovariectomy-induced body weight gain and fat accumulation in mice (P < 0.01). Mechanistically, FSH vaccination treatment inhibited lipid biosynthesis by inactivating PPARγ adipogenic signaling pathway and simultaneously enhanced adipocyte themogenesis via upregulating UCP1 expression in both visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissues. Moreover, injection of this novel FSH vaccine also substantially reduced (P < 0.05) fat accumulation in both intact male and female mice. These actions result from the specific binding of the generated antibody to the β-subunit to block its action, rather than lowering the circulating levels of FSH, as evidenced by nearly no alterations in serum FSH levels in mice following FSH vaccination. Overall, we developed a novel FSH antigen and vaccine, and demonstrated it is highly efficacious in suppressing fat accumulation. • A novel FSH vaccine was developed based on the FSH receptor-binding epitope of FSH β-subunit. • Vaccination with this vaccine was highly effective in preventing ovariectomy-induced fat accumulation in mice. • Vaccination with this vaccine was also highly effective in preventing fat accumulation in intact mice fed on normal chow. • FSH vaccination suppresses fat accumulation through inactivating PPARγ and upregulating UCP1 signaling in adipose tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The accumulation of skatole in fat tissue is one of the predominant factors, causing boar taint. The present study was aimed to understand the mechanism whereby active immunization against GnRH (immunocastration) eliminates skatole in boars. Thirty-six boars were assigned within litter into three groups (n = 12): control, surgically castrated, or immunized against GnRH at 10 wk of age (with a booster 8 wk later). Faecal and blood samples (for skatole and skatole-regulatory hormone profiles) were collected at 4-wk intervals until boars were slaughtered (26 weeks). Immunocastration reduced (P < 0.05) serum levels of androstenone, 17β-estradiol and IGF1 especially after the booster immunization, and down-regulated (P < 0.05) mRNA expressions of both IGF1 and IGF1receptor (IGF1R) in mucosa of ileum as well as colon at slaughter. Compared to intact controls, immunocastration substantially decreased (P < 0.05) faecal skatole contents subsequent to the decrease of serum IGF1 levels, which persisted in boars after surgical castration. In parallel with the decreased formation of skatole in the intestine, levels of skatole in serum and then in fat tissue were also decreased (P < 0.05). On the other hand, deprivation of testicular steroids, especially androstenone and 17β-estradiol accelerated skatole degradation metabolism in the liver by increasing (P < 0.05) hepatic CYP2E1, CYP2A, CYP2C49 and CYB5A expressions. Collectively, our results suggested that immunocastration decreased skatole formation in the intestine and meanwhile accelerated skatole degradation metabolism in the liver, resultantly eliminating skatole accumulation in male pigs. Decreased intestinal skatole formation by immunocastration appeared to be associated with the attenuated actions of IGF1 on the turnover of both ileal and colon mucosa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Grassland degradation is concentrated in the central and southern of the Tibetan Plateau. • Grassland degradation accounted for about 12.63% of the grassland area. • Human activities significantly influenced grassland degradation. • Topography indirectly slows down grassland degradation by limiting human activities. The Tibetan Plateau (TP), a vital region for terrestrial ecosystem services and biodiversity, is facing severe grassland degradation influenced by multiple factors. However, it remains unclear how several influential factors interactively influence grassland degradation. Here, we used five land cover products and six vegetation indexes to quantify grassland degradation on the TP. We then applied structural equation modeling (SEM) to quantitatively assess multiple factors and interactions affecting grassland degradation. We found that grassland degradation on the TP was mainly concentrated in the central and southern regions which were under high pressure from human activities, with the area of 325,430 km2, accounting for about 12.63% of the total grassland area on the TP during 2000–2020. The factors such as overgrazing, climate change, and human activities have contributed to the grassland degradation on the TP. Moreover, we found that there is a complex and interrelated relationship between these factors and that addressing one factor alone is unlikely to solve the problem of grassland degradation. Human activities significantly (p < 0.05) influenced grassland degradation on the TP, while climate factors had a greater direct effect (0.384) compared to soil factors (0.298) and human activities (0.263). Soil factors, on the other hand, had a greater total effect (0.388) than human activities (0.263) and climate factors (0.161). The topography of the TP played an indirect role (−0.4) in slowing down the degradation of grasslands by significantly (P < 0.05) affecting human activities and climate. In order to fully understand the truth about grassland degradation and to avoid further grassland degradation, it is necessary to consider multiple influencing factors and their interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Potential applications of the CaL-CLC process were reviewed. • Simulation works of the CaL-CLC process were summarized. • Strategies proposed to improve cyclic CO 2 capture performance were presented. • Potential future research trends were recommended in this work. Calcium looping integrated with chemical looping combustion (CaL-CLC) process is an efficient and cost-effective CO 2 capture technology. In this technique, the heat generated by chemical looping combustion of CuO is used in-situ to calcine CaCO 3 , thus avoiding the implementation of the energy-intensive air separation unit (ASU) in the conventional calcium looping (CaL) process for postcombustion CO 2 capture. Many studies, including simulation works and material development, have been carried out on the CaL-CLC process. It is thus imperative to present the recent progress in the CaL-CLC process whilst providing a research prospects framework and direction for future research. First, fundamental understandings of the CaL-CLC process are discussed, including its concept and potential applications. Then, simulation work is reviewed, emphasizing process design and analysis, as well as modeling of the reactor and main reactions involved in the CaL-CLC process. Due to the fast reactivity decay of bifunctional CaO/CuO composites, various strategies have been developed to overcome this issue, which are summarized in detail. Last, future research directions for the CaL-CLC process are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stress can suppress reproduction capacity in either wild or domestic animals, but the exact mechanism behind it, especially in terms of steroidogenesis, remains under-investigated so far. Considering the important roles of progesterone in avian breeding, we investigated the modulation of corticosterone on progesterone production in cultured granulosa cells of chicken follicles at different developmental stages. Using enzyme immunoassays, our study showed that corticosterone could only inhibit progesterone synthesis in granulosa cells from F5-6, F4, and F3 follicles, but not F2 and F1 follicles. Coincidentally, both quantitative real-time PCR and western blotting revealed that corticosterone could downregulate steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) expression, suggesting the importance of StAR in corticosterone-related actions. Using the dual-luciferase reporter system, we found that corticosterone can potentially enhance, rather than inhibit, the activity of StAR promoter. Of note, combining high-throughput transcriptomic analysis and quantitative real-time PCR, phosphodiesterase 10A ( PDE10A ) , protein kinase cAMP-dependent type II regulatory subunit alpha ( PRKAR2A ) and cAMP responsive element modulator ( CREM ) were identified to exhibit the differential expression patterns consistent with cAMP blocking in granulosa cells from F5-6, F4, and F3, but not F2 and F1 follicles. Afterward, the expression profiles of these genes in granulosa cells of distinct developmental-stage follicles were examined by quantitative real-time PCR, in which all of them expressed correspondingly with progesterone levels of granulosa cells during development. Collectively, these findings indicate that corticosterone can stage-dependently inhibit progesterone production in granulosa cells of chicken preovulatory follicles, through impeding cAMP-induced StAR activity presumptively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In vertebrates, the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal gland (HPA) axis is the main endocrine pathway regulating the stress response, thus also called the stress axis. It has been well-accepted that the stress axis is tightly controlled by both hypothalamic stimulators and inhibitors [e.g. corticotropin (ACTH)-releasing inhibitory factor (CRIF)]. However, the identity of authentic CRIF remains unclear for decades. Recently, neuropeptide W (NPW) was proved to be the physiological CRIF in chickens. Together with its functional receptor (NPBWR2), they play critical roles in attenuating the activity of the chicken stress axis. Because increasing pieces of evidence suggested that sex steroids could regulate the stress axis, using chicken as a model, we investigated whether the newly identified CRIF and its receptor are under the control of sex steroids in this study. Our results showed that: (1) expression of NPW-NPBWR2 in the hypothalamus-pituitary axis was sexually dimorphic and developmental stage-dependent; (2) progesterone (P 4), rather than 17β-estradiol (E 2) and dihydrotestosterone (DHT), could dose- and time-dependently upregulate NPBWR2 expression, which was accompanied with the decrease of ACTH synthesis and secretion, in cultured pituitary cells; (3) intraperitoneal injection of P 4 could elevate the mRNA level of pituitary NPBWR2 ; (4) P 4 -stimulated NPBWR2 expression was relevant to both nPR-mediated genomic action and mPRs-triggered nongenomic route associated with MEK/ERK, PI3K/AKT cascade, and calcium influx. To our knowledge, our results discover a novel route of sex steroids in modulating the stress axis of chickens, which lays a foundation to reveal the complicated interaction network between reproduction and stress axes in chickens. • Expression of NPBWR2 varied with gender and developmental stage in chicken pituitary. • P 4 , rather than E2 and DHT, can upregulate NPBWR2 expression in chicken pituitary. • P 4 can inhibit pituitary ACTH synthesis/release in chickens. • P 4 -triggered action is relevant to both nuclear and membrane-anchored receptors. • The mPRs-related role is mediated via MEK/ERK, PI3K/AKT cascade, and Ca2+ influx. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spexin (SPX) is a conservative tetradecapeptide which has been proven to participate in multiple physiological processes, including anxiety, feed intake, and energy metabolism in fish and mammals. However, whether SPX exists and functions in birds remain largely unknown. Using chicken (c-) as a model, the full-length cDNA encoding cSPX precursor was cloned, and it was predicted to generate a mature peptide with 14 amino acids conserved across vertebrates. The pGL4-SRE-luciferase reporter system-based functional analysis demonstrated that cSPX was effective in activating chicken galanin type Ⅱ receptor (cGALR2), cGALR2-like receptor (cGALR2L) and galanin type Ⅲ receptor (cGALR3), thus to stimulate intracellular MAPK/ERK signaling pathway. Quantitative real-time PCR revealed that SPX was widely expressed in chicken tissues, especially abundant in the central nervous system, pituitary, testes, and pancreas. Interestingly, it was noted that chicken hypothalamic SPX mRNA could be up-regulated by 24-h and 36-h fasting, heralding its latent capacity in appetite regulation. In accordance with this speculation, peripheral injection of cSPX was proved to be functional in reducing feed intake of 3-wk-old chicks. Furthermore, we found that cSPX could reduce the expression of AgRP and MCH , with a concurrent rise in CART1 mRNA level in the hypothalamic of chicks. Collectively, our findings not only provide the evidences that SPX can act as a satiety factor by orchestrating the expression of key feeding regulators in the chicken hypothalamus but also help to facilitate a better understanding of its functional evolution across vertebrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is generally accepted the gut microbiota have a profound effect on the nutrition, health, and production in poultry. To deeply understand the gut microbiota composition with the dietary fiber level in broilers, we evaluated the cecal microbiota profiles feeding on different dietary fiber level with alfalfa as additive in Dahen broilers based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing and gas chromatography. As a result, the gut microbiota diversity was greatly accelerated with the dietary fiber level. The dietary fiber stimulated the growth of many intestinal communities such as Rikenellaceae RC9 gut group, Faecalibacterium, Prevotellaceae UCG 001 and Ruminococcaceae UCG 014, and led to an altered microbial function such as Carbohydrate metabolism and Genetic information processing. Meanwhile, we found the genera Anaerofilum and Dielma were significantly correlated with the production of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs). All these results provide a reference for the broilers gut microbiota changes with different dietary fiber level. The key role of the altered microbiota with the dietary fiber may mediate beneficial effects in broiler production, which also reflect the substantial potential of dietary fiber level in poultry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]