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Neurons communicate primarily through synapses. A neuron is usually affected by multiple synapses, which could be chemical/electrical or excitatory/inhibitory ones at the same time. Here, we make the realistic assumption that a excitatory and inhibitory balanced modular small-world network is established and focuses on the effects of hybrid chemical and electrical synapses, noise and time delay on coherence resonance of the constructed network. It is found that when the ratio f of chemical synapses to electrical synapses approaches odd ratios, coherence resonance is better than those f close to even ratios for appropriate noise intensities. Furthermore, with f increasing, it is observed that effects of chemical and electrical synapses on coherence resonance are nearly opposite. It indicates that electrical synapses are more efficient than chemical ones. Meanwhile, multiple coherence resonances are observed when time delay is introduced into the network, and it is independent of f. Finally, we demonstrate that coherence resonance decreases as the number of subnetworks increases, and when the number of subnetworks is larger, the resonance behaviour weakens or vanishes with increasing f. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Immigrant adolescents' masculinity negotiation is underexamined in language education research. Drawing on intersectionality and critical race theory, this article examines three immigrant boys' negotiation of racialized masculinities and its impact on their language learning in one U.S. English as a Second Language (ESL) classroom. Through analyzing data from an ethnographic case study, we illustrate that their masculinity was connected to negotiation of hyphenated selves in transnational and transcultural spaces where gender identities were intersectionally shaped by racism, linguicism, and heteronormativity. While racism and racialization were the central forces impacting their masculinity negotiation, they each experienced different configurations of systems of oppression. Their masculinity negotiation was based on an indivisible combination of intersecting identity inscriptions which constituted a new marginal social location. This study contributes to language education research by shedding light on the complexity and intersectionality of immigrant youth's masculinity negotiation. It underscores the importance of addressing racism, homophobia and linguicism in their precarious lives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although gibberellin (GA) has been reported to control branching, little is known about how GA mediates signals regulating the outgrowth of axillary buds (ABs). In the current study, the effect of the exogenous application of 5.0 mM GA3 on ABs outgrowth on 1-year-old ‘Nagafu No. 2’/T337/M. robusta Rehd. apple trees was investigated and compared to the bud-activating treatments, 5 mM BA or decapitation. Additionally, the expression of genes related to bud-regulating signals and sucrose levels in ABs was examined. Results indicated that GA3 did not promote ABs’ outgrowth, nor down-regulate the expression of branching repressors [MdTCP40, MdTCP33, and MdTCP16 (homologs of BRANCHED1 and BRC2)], which were significantly inhibited by the BA and decapitation treatments. MdSBP12 and MdSBP18, the putative transcriptional activators of these genes, which are expressed at lower levels in BA-treated and decapitated buds, were up-regulated in the GA3 treatment in comparison to the BA treatment. Additionally, GA3 did not up-regulate the expression of CK response- and auxin transport-related genes, which were immediately induced by the BA treatment. In addition, GA3 also up-regulated the expression of several Tre6P biosynthesis genes and reduced sucrose levels in ABs. Sucrose levels, however, were still higher than what was observed in BA-treated buds, indicating that sucrose may not be limiting in GA3-controlled AB outgrowth. Although GA3 promoted cell division, it was not sufficient to induce AB outgrowth. Conclusively, some branching-inhibiting genes and bud-regulating hormones are associated with the inability of GA3 to activate AB outgrowth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The complex permittivity, permeability and microwave-absorbing properties of rubber composites filled with carbonyl iron are measured at frequencies from 2-18 GHz. The results indicate that the reflection loss peak shifts towards low frequency region with increasing layer thickness or increasing weight concentration. The minimum reflection loss value of −23.06 dB was obtained at 3.3 GHz for the composites with 80% wt. These results show that the composites possess good microwave absorbing ability in both low- and highfrequency bands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ammopiptanthus mongolicus is the only evergreen broad-leaved shrub present in arid areas of Northwest China and plays an important role in maintaining the stability of the local desert ecosystem. It can survive under extreme temperatures (e.g., extreme low temperature: − 24.8 °C and extreme high temperature: 37.7 °C). To understand the gene expression-physiological regulation network of A. mongolicus in extreme temperature environments, we monitored the changes in gene expression and photosynthetic traits of the leaves. The results showed that at low temperatures, the net photosynthetic rates (A), Fv'/Fm' and electron transport rate (ETR) decreased, the Fv/Fm ratio was only 0.32, and the proportion of nonregulatory heat dissipation Y(NO) increased. Based on a KEGG analysis of the differentially expressed genes, 15 significantly enriched KEGG pathways were identified, which were mainly related to circadian rhythm, photosynthesis, lipid metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, plant hormones and other life activities. At high temperatures, the A value increased, and the proportion of regulatory energy dissipation Y(NPQ) increased. The KEGG analysis identified 24 significantly enriched KEGG pathways, which are mainly related to circadian rhythm, carbon sequestration of photosynthesis, carotenoid biosynthesis, secondary metabolites, cofactors and vitamin metabolism. In general, at the expense of photosynthesis, A. mongolicus can ensure the survival of leaves by increasing Y(NO) levels, regulating the circadian rhythm, increasing the synthesis of unsaturated fatty acids and changing the role of plant hormones. Under high-temperature stress, a high photosynthetic capacity was maintained by adjusting the stomatal conductance (gsw), increasing Y(NPQ), consuming excess light energy, continuously assembling and maintaining PSII, and changing the production of antioxidants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]