Search

ABSTRACT During their co‐evolution with herbivorous insects, plants have developed multiple defense strategies that resist pests, such as releasing a blend of herbivory‐induced plant volatiles (HIPVs) that repel pests or recruit their natural enemies. However, the responses of insects to HIPVs in maize (Zea mays L.) are not well understood. Here, we demonstrate that the Asian corn borer (ACB, Ostrinia furnacalis), a major insect pest of maize, shows a preference for maize pre‐infested with ACB larvae rather than being repelled by these plants. Through combined transcriptomic and metabolomics analysis of ACB‐infested maize seedlings, we identified two substances that explain this behavior: (E)‐4,8‐dimethylnona‐1,3,7‐triene (DMNT) and (3E,7E)‐4,8,12‐trimethyltrideca‐1,3,7,11‐tetraene (TMTT). DMNT and TMTT attracted ACB larvae, and knocking out the maize genes responsible for their biosynthesis via gene editing impaired this attraction. External supplementation with DMNT/TMTT hampered the larvae's ability to locate pre‐infested maize. These findings uncover a novel role for DMNT and TMTT in driving the behavior of ACB. Genetic modification of maize to make it less detectable by ACB might be an effective strategy for developing maize germplasm resistant to ACB and for managing this pest effectively in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Corn leaf aphids (Rhopalosiphum maidis) are highly destructive pests of maize (Zea mays) that threaten growth and seed yield, but resources for aphid resistance are scarce. Here, we identified an aphid‐resistant maize mutant, resistance to aphids 1 (rta1), which is allelic to LIGULELESS1 (LG1). We confirmed LG1's role in aphid resistance using the independent allele lg1‐2, allelism tests and LG1 overexpression lines. LG1 interacts with, and increases the stability of ZINC‐FINGER PROTEIN EXPRESSED IN INFLORESCENCE MERISTEM (ZIM1), a central component of the jasmonic acid (JA) signalling pathway, by disturbing its interaction with the F‐box protein CORONATINE INSENSITIVE 1a (COI1a). Natural variation in the LG1 promoter was associated with aphid resistance among inbred lines. Moreover, a loss‐of‐function mutant in the LG1‐related gene SPL8 in the dicot Arabidopsis thaliana conferred aphid resistance. This study revealed the aphid resistance mechanism of lg1, providing a theoretical basis and germplasm for breeding aphid‐resistant crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photobiomodulation (PBM) using 460 nm blue light has been shown to have an inhibitory effect on skin cancer cells. In this study, we used a continuous LED light source with a wavelength of 460 nm and designed various combinations of power density (ranging from 6.4 to 25.6 mW) and dose (ranging from 0.96 to 30.72 J/cm2) to conduct treatment experiments on MeWo cells to investigate the effects of blue light on MeWo melanoma cells. We are focusing on cell viability, cytotoxicity, mitochondrial function, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. We found that blue light inhibits these melanoma cells through oxidative stress and DNA damage, and this inhibition intensifies at higher irradiance levels. Although the cells initially attempt to resist the stress induced by the treatment, they eventually undergo apoptosis over time. These findings contribute to understanding melanoma's molecular response to blue light PBM, lay the groundwork for future clinical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A deep-seated landslide could release numerous microseismic signals from creep-slip movement, which includes a rock-soil slip from the slope surface and a rock-soil shear rupture in the subsurface. Machine learning can effectively enhance the classification of microseismic signals in landslide seismic monitoring and interpret the mechanical processes of landslide motion. In this paper, eight sets of triaxial seismic sensors were deployed inside the deep-seated landslide, Jiuxianping, China, and a large number of microseismic signals related to the slope movement were obtained through 1-year-long continuous monitoring. All the data were passed through the seismic event identification mode, the ratio of the long-time average and short-time average. We selected 11 days of data, manually classified 4131 data into eight categories, and created a microseismic event database. Classical machine learning algorithms and ensemble learning algorithms were tested in this paper. In order to evaluate the seismic event classification performance of each algorithmic model, we evaluated the proposed algorithms through the dimensions of the accuracy, precision, and recall of each model. The validation results demonstrated that the best performing decision tree algorithm among the classical machine learning algorithms had an accuracy of 88.75%, while the ensemble algorithms, including random forest, Gradient Boosting Trees, Extreme Gradient Boosting, and Light Gradient Boosting Machine, had an accuracy range from 93.5% to 94.2% and also achieved better results in the combined evaluation of the precision, recall, and F1 score. The specific classification tests for each microseismic event category showed the same results. The results suggested that the ensemble learning algorithms show better results compared to the classical machine learning algorithms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the fault of Nose Wheel Steering(NWS)system is of concealment under the existing planned maintenance system,the potential fault early warning method of NWS is studied by mining the post flight Quick Access Recorder(QAR)data. Firstly,on the basis of analyzing the failure mode of NWS,the monitoring QAR parameters relating to the NWS failure are selected and handled. Secondly,based on the normal and faulty cases of NWS,combined with the operational principle of NWS,the Pearson correlation coefficient analysis method is used to determine the potential failure characteristics of the low correlation between the command value and actual value,so as to realize the detection of potential failure. Finally,the actual case of NWS is used to verify the effectiveness of the potential fault warning method based on QAR data,which provides a reference for the formulation of condition based on maintenance strategy of NWS.

Ceramic-based absorbing materials have attracted extensive attention in electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorption because they are lightweight and exhibit strong dielectric loss. However, there is still a need for developing the microstructure design of ceramics, and this hinders the further improvement of absorption properties. In this study, core–shell Si3N4@WS2 porous ceramics, with the wave-transmitting phase Si3N4 as the core and the wave-loss phase WS2 as the shell, were prepared using a simple impregnation-hydrothermal method. The core–shell structure provided as large a contact area as possible between WS2 and Si3N4, promoting the formation of heterogeneous interfaces. The as-prepared core–shell Si3N4@WS2 porous ceramics exhibited excellent EMW absorption properties. When thickness was 3.92–4.22 mm, an effective absorption bandwidth of 4.20 GHz was achieved, covering the entire X-band (8.2–12.4 GHz). At a thickness of 4.35 mm, the minimum reflection loss was −65.03 dB. The outstanding EMW absorption performance was attributed to the special core–shell microstructure inducing interfacial polarization loss and optimizing the impedance matching of the material. The findings of this study provide novel insights and feasible strategies for designing ceramic-based absorbing materials with core–shell structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the effects of potassium alum (PA) on oxidized potato starch (OS) with a carboxyl content of 0.0186%, in terms of their pasting and rheological properties. Furthermore, the application of oxidized starch in the manufacturing of starch noodles is investigated. The results indicate a positive correlation between pasting temperature and PA content (65.6–67.7 °C), while showing a negative correlation with peak viscosity (409–236 BU). The addition of PA leads to reduced dynamic moduli (G′' and G″), consistency coefficient (K), and hysteresis area, accompanied by an elevated fluid behavior index (n). Shear recovery assays demonstrate a positive correlation between PA content and shear resistance, with recovery rates escalating from 76% to 84%. The mouthfeel of starch noodles produced using oxidized starch exhibit comparable to commercial counterparts (PA content 0.35%), but with lower PA levels (at 0.2%). Additionally, these starch noodles have a higher whiteness compared to starch noodles made with potato starch. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To analyze the damage characteristics of rocks during high-voltage pulse fragmentation (HVPF), two kinds of loads, shockwave and cavity, are determined by optical observation, and the pressure–time characteristics of these two and their mechanism of damage to rocks in mesoscopic view are analyzed. A model of dynamic damage characteristics of brittle rock under multiple loads is established, which includes numerical calculation and discrete element simulation. In the discrete element simulation, the rock is simplified as a circular region without reflection boundary with a certain size of the circular hole inside, and the grains in the region are discretized as rigid spheres with a definite bonding relationship. The shockwave is considered the time-varying pressure loaded to the grains of the circular hole, and the cavity is considered the quasi-static pressure loaded to the grains on both sides of the fracture. The results of the model show that shear cracks and tensile cracks are produced during the shockwave action, but tensile cracks are predominant. The shockwave acts as a preload for the expansion of cracks, and the damage radius is small. Most of the cracks in HVPF are caused by the cavity. A comparison of the numerical calculation results with the discrete element simulation results shows that the model can describe the distribution characteristics of cracks under multiple loads, which lays a foundation for further analysis of the internal mechanism of HVPF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multi-component metal sulfide heterostructures possess a modulated electronic structure, abundant active sites and various morphology features, which are kinetically beneficial for fast electron/ion transport to enhance the energy storage performance. Herein a novel NiMoS4@Co9S8/Ni3S2 core–shell heterostructure is designed and constructed, which consists of Co9S8/Ni3S2 heterogeneous hollow nanotubes as the core and NiMoS4 nanospheres as the shell. The hierarchical NiMoS4@Co9S8/Ni3S2 array has the merits of each component and exhibits excellent electrochemical performance due to the synergistic effect. When examined as the supercapacitor electrode, an area specific capacitance of 9.61 F cm−2 was provided at a current density of 2 mA cm−2. In addition, the assembled asymmetric supercapacitor device achieves superior properties regarding high energy density of 0.44 mW h cm−2 at a power density of 2.30 mW cm−2 and good durability with 82.67% capacitance retention over 5000 cycles. This work sheds light on the design and construction of multi-component heterostructure with well-defined hollow core–shell morphology, which is an effective strategy to fabricate electrode materials for high performance energy storage devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aimed to develop a risk prediction model for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) throughout pregnancy in Indonesian women. Methods: We conducted a multicenter retrospective longitudinal study involving pregnant women in Indonesia, who sought care at obstetrics clinics from January 2023 to March 2023, encompassing all stages of pregnancy. We collected data on their predictive factors and SUI outcome. SUI was diagnosed based on responses to the "leaks when you are physically active/exercising" criterion in the ICIQ‐UI‐SF questionnaire during our investigation of the participants. The models underwent internal validation using a bootstrapping method with 1000 resampling iterations to assess discrimination and calibration. Results: A total of 660 eligible pregnant women were recruited from the two study centers, with an overall SUI prevalence of 39% (258/660). The final model incorporated three predictive factors: BMI during pregnancy, constipation, and previous delivery mode. The area under the curve (AUROC) was 0.787 (95% CI: 0.751−0.823). According to the max Youden index, the optimal cut‐off point was 44.6%, with a sensitivity of 79.9% and specificity of 65.9%. A discrimination slope of 0.213 was found. Conclusion: The developed risk prediction model for SUI in pregnant women offers a valuable tool for early identification and intervention among high‐risk SUI populations in Indonesian pregnant women throughout their pregnancies. These findings challenge the assumption that a high BMI and multiple previous deliveries are predictors of SUI in Indonesian women. Further research is recommended to validate the model in diverse populations and settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Plant secondary metabolites and their modified derivatives play an important role in the discovery and development of novel insecticides. The natural plant product (3E)‐4,8‐dimethyl‐1,3,7‐nontriene (DMNT) has been proven to be able to effectively repel and kill the lepidopteran insect pest Plutella xylostella. RESULTS: In this study, four oxygenated derivatives of DMNT were synthesized by allylic hydroxylation and subsequent etherification or esterification. Bioassays on P. xylostella larvae showed that the compounds DMNT‐OCH3 (2), DMNT‐OCy (3) and DMNT‐OAc (4) were more toxic to the larvae than DMNT alone. The most pronounced effect was observed for compound 2, which showed a 22.23% increase in lethality at a concentration of 0.25 μm. Moreover, the peritrophic matrix (PM) barrier in the insect midgut was more severely damaged by compounds 2, 3 and 4 than by DMNT. The median lethal concentration (LC50, 48 h) of compounds 2, 3 and 4 on P. xylostella was determined to be 0.98, 1.13 and 1.11 mg mL−1, respectively, which is much lower than the commercial insecticides eucalyptol (2.89 mg mL−1) and thymol (2.45 mg mL−1). CONCLUSION: These results suggested that oxygenated DMNT derivatives offer a significantly improved killing effect over DMNT on P. xylostella. This work has provided a basis for further design, structural modification and development of DMNT as botanical insecticides. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to reveal the puff-by-puff release behavior of ester and alcoholic monomer flavors from filter tow of demi-slim cigarettes, the transfer rules of representative esters and alcoholic monomer flavors during smoking of demi-slim cigarettes were studied using ultrasonic assisted extraction combined with gas chromatography (GC) method. The results showed that: 1) The puff-by-puff transfer rates of 17 esters and 13 alcoholic monomer flavors were in the range of 0.31%-20.43% and 1.54%-19.60%, respectively, with those of acetic esters and straight chain saturated alcohols being greater and those of cinnamates and unsaturated alcohols having relatively stable puff-by-puff releases. 2) For the same puff number, the puff-by-puff transfer rates of each group of homologous monomers of ester and alcoholic monomer flavors increased with increasing boiling points, and those of each group of isomeric monomer flavors increased with increasing molecular structural stability. 3) Puff-by-puff transfer rates of ester and alcoholic monomer flavors increased with proceeding puff, and there was a good linear positive correlation between the cumulative puff-by-puff transfer rates and puff numbers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding how Aspergillus oryzae responds to light is critical for developing efficient light regulation strategies in the brewing and waste treatment industries. Although continuous light is known to restrict A. oryzae, little is known about A. oryzae's sensitivity to light with photoperiod. In this study, we used pulse wave modulation (PWM) to generate nine pulsed blue light (PBL) treatments with varying peak light intensities and frequencies. The effect of PBL on A. oryzae was then compared to that of continuous blue light (CBL). Our findings showed that A. oryzae GDMCC 3.31 mycelium developed faster and produced more conidia under PBL with specific peak intensities and frequencies than under CBL treatment when the light dose and average light intensity were held constant. The colony diameter and conidia count under the two PBL treatments (PL-20_40%_1 Hz and PL-400_20%_10 kHz) were 1.13 and 1.22 times greater than under the CBL treatments, respectively. This different response may be mainly attributed to A. oryzae's adaptation to the light–dark cycles in nature. Furthermore, an interactive effect was found between peak light intensity and frequency. This work includes pulsed wave modulation as a new factor that influences the A. oryzae photoresponse and recommends it in the development of light regulation methods for fermentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Motivation With the rapid advances of RNA sequencing and microarray technologies in non-coding RNA (ncRNA) research, functional tools that perform enrichment analysis for ncRNAs are needed. On the one hand, because of the rapidly growing interest in circRNAs, snoRNAs, and piRNAs, it is essential to develop tools for enrichment analysis for these newly emerged ncRNAs. On the other hand, due to the key role of ncRNAs' interacting target in the determination of their function, the interactions between ncRNA and its corresponding target should be fully considered in functional enrichment. Based on the ncRNA–mRNA/protein-function strategy, some tools have been developed to functionally analyze a single type of ncRNA (the majority focuses on miRNA); in addition, some tools adopt predicted target data and lead to only low-confidence results. Results Herein, an online tool named RNAenrich was developed to enable the comprehensive and accurate enrichment analysis of ncRNAs. It is unique in (i) realizing the enrichment analysis for various RNA types in humans and mice, such as miRNA, lncRNA, circRNA, snoRNA, piRNA, and mRNA; (ii) extending the analysis by introducing millions of experimentally validated data of RNA–target interactions as a built-in database; and (iii) providing a comprehensive interacting network among various ncRNAs and targets to facilitate the mechanistic study of ncRNA function. Importantly, RNAenrich led to a more comprehensive and accurate enrichment analysis in a COVID-19-related miRNA case, which was largely attributed to its coverage of comprehensive ncRNA–target interactions. Availability and implementation RNAenrich is now freely accessible at https://idrblab.org/rnaenr/. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]