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Pyridine is one of the main nitrogen-containing compounds that produce NOx precursors (HNCO, HCN, NH3) in coal during pyrolysis, which can be converted into 2-pyridone (2-Py) in the presence of H2O. HNCO is a NOx precursor during coal and coal tar pyrolysis. In this study, the possible paths for the pyrolysis of 2-pyridone to generate HNCO and HCN were studied using density functional theory (DFT). This was the first theoretical revelation of the source of HNCO generation during coal pyrolysis. At the same time, the formation path of HCN was also calculated and compared with the formation of HNCO. Through the transition state theory analysis, the behavior characteristics of NOx precursors produced during the pyrolysis of 2-pyridone were theoretically explained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using density functional theory at D3‐B3LYP/aug‐cc‐pVDZ level combined with the conductor‐like polarizable continuum model (CPCM) solvent model, a study of the IR spectrum of H2O:HCN mixtures is reported. The CPCM solvent effect notably enhances the accuracy of the IR spectra compared to gas‐phase calculations, while the dielectric constant value has minimum impact on the final spectrum. An optimized methodology is suggested that effectively minimizes the root mean square deviation between theoretical and experimental data. This novel approach not only enhances the quality of the final IR spectra but also captures relevant spectral features, highlighting its potential to decipher molecular interactions in such intricate mixtures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Apples (Malus domestica) and plums (Prunus domestica) are important fruit crops belonging to the Rosaceae family. The edible parts of fruits and seeds contain phytochemicals; however, the seeds are rich in cyanogenic glycosides (CNGs), which release toxic hydrogen cyanide (HCN) upon the loss of plant cell integrity. This review aims to explore the quantitative and qualitative CNG profiles in apples and plums, focusing on their distribution in different parts of the fruit, changes during fruit development, and environmental impacts on their biosynthesis. It also discusses the intricate dynamics of CNGs in processed fruits and waste‐derived products and the effects of the processing methods on CNG content. There is considerable variation in the CNG content of fruit crops, as well as in its distribution in fruit parts other than seeds and shifts during fruit maturation. Although several studies have attempted to explain this variability by the influence of cultivars and exogenous factors, there is insufficient evidence to draw reliable conclusions. Furthermore, due to the lack of studies, the dynamics of CNGs during the storage of fresh or preserved fruit remains unaddressed. In the context of reusing plum stones from waste to produce distillates, it is recommended to monitor the HCN content in the products during storage, as it can increase significantly over time. Processing methods influence CNG levels, with strategies like seed separation, soaking, and microwave heating showing promise in reducing cyanide (CN−) presence. The insights from this review will provide direction for future detailed research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The majority of fatalities in building fires are attributed to asphyxiation caused by toxic gases. Hydrogen cyanide (HCN) is one of the toxic gases that can be released during a fire, posing a lethal risk to humans even at low concentrations. However, analysis of the risk posed by HCN in fire risk assessments using fire simulations is relatively rare. This study conducted fire simulations to examine the potential risks of HCN to occupants during a fire. The simulations considered various fire conditions in residential buildings by varying fuel types, fire growth rates, and HCN yields. The relative risk score (RRS) was derived based on the time to reach the threshold values of parameters considered critical for life safety. The results of the fire simulations indicated that the RRS for HCN was approximately 20–40 points higher than that of O2, CO, and CO2, reaching a maximum of 92 points. However, the risk posed by HCN was found to be limited in comparison to the risks associated with temperature and visibility. Nevertheless, considering that the primary cause of fatalities in fires is asphyxiation due to toxic gases, HCN must be regarded as a critical factor in fire risk assessments. Additionally, since HCN yield values can increase up to nine times depending on temperature and ventilation conditions, the risk posed by HCN could be significantly higher. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

HCN1-4 channels are the molecular determinants of the If/Ih current that crucially regulates cardiac and neuronal cell excitability. HCN dysfunctions lead to sinoatrial block (HCN4), epilepsy (HCN1), and chronic pain (HCN2), widespread medical conditions awaiting subtype-specific treatments. Here, we address the problem by solving the cryo-EM structure of HCN4 in complex with ivabradine, to date the only HCN-specific drug on the market. Our data show ivabradine bound inside the open pore at 3 Å resolution. The structure unambiguously proves that Y507 and I511 on S6 are the molecular determinants of ivabradine binding to the inner cavity, while F510, pointing outside the pore, indirectly contributes to the block by controlling Y507. Cysteine 479, unique to the HCN selectivity filter (SF), accelerates the kinetics of block. Molecular dynamics simulations further reveal that ivabradine blocks the permeating ion inside the SF by electrostatic repulsion, a mechanism previously proposed for quaternary ammonium ions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Hydrogen cyanide (HCN) gas, a major industrial pollution, is generated as a result of burning fossil fuels and indirectly contributes to the greenhouse effect. Therefore, deep eutectic solvents (DES) can provide a low-cost and effective method for its detection and removal. Density function theory (DFT) computations have been used to conduct a theoretical investigation of a DES, composed of choline chloride (ChCl) and 1,3-propanediol (PD). The potential of DES for HCN adsorption or binding has been examined using computational calculations. Herein, the viability of adsorption of HCN by the DES composed of ChCl and PD in 1:1 and 1:2 ratio, that is, 2a and 3a have been studied and further, the number of HCN molecules have been varied. The study was conducted by analysing the interactions and electronic properties obtained from DFT computations. Density of states (DOS) spectra were determined and used to examine the stability of the complex formed between DES and HCN. Significant interactions between DES systems and HCN molecules have been observed. Natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis indicated an increase in the strength of interactions upon an increase in PD molecules. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of the DESs with and without HCN were performed and investigated. Root mean square deviation (RMSD) and root mean square fluctuation (RMSF) trajectories were extracted and used to analyse the interactions in DES and HCN at different ratios. The RMSD plots showed increased values with lower fluctuations with an increase in the number of HCN molecules, demonstrating that the structures remained in equilibrium despite the rise in the number of HCN molecules. RMSD patterns revealed the stability of the complex formed between DES and HCN molecules. RMSF plot indicated the stable geometries obtained upon interacting DES with HCN molecules. The number of hydrogen bonds increased with an increase in the number of DES molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Establishing transepithelial ion disparities is crucial for sensory functions in animals. In insect sensory organs called sensilla, a transepithelial potential, known as the sensillum potential (SP), arises through active ion transport across accessory cells, sensitizing receptor neurons such as mechanoreceptors and chemoreceptors. Because multiple receptor neurons are often co-housed in a sensillum and share SP, niche-prevalent overstimulation of single sensory neurons can compromise neighboring receptors by depleting SP. However, how such potential depletion is prevented to maintain sensory homeostasis remains unknown. Here, we find that the Ih-encoded hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channel bolsters the activity of bitter-sensing gustatory receptor neurons (bGRNs), albeit acting in sweet-sensing GRNs (sGRNs). For this task, HCN maintains SP despite prolonged sGRN stimulation induced by the diet mimicking their sweet feeding niche, such as overripe fruit. We present evidence that Ih-dependent demarcation of sGRN excitability is implemented to throttle SP consumption, which may have facilitated adaptation to a sweetness-dominated environment. Thus, HCN expressed in sGRNs serves as a key component of a simple yet versatile peripheral coding that regulates bitterness for optimal food intake in two contrasting ways: sweet-resilient preservation of bitter aversion and the previously reported sweet-dependent suppression of bitter taste.

Mature oligodendrocytes (OLG) are the myelin-forming cells of the central nervous system. Recent work has shown a dynamic role for these cells in the plasticity of neural circuits, leading to a renewed interest in voltage-sensitive currents in OLG. Hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels and their respective current (Ih) were recently identified in mature OLG and shown to play a role in regulating myelin length. Here we provide a biochemical and electrophysiological characterization of HCN channels in cells of the oligodendrocyte lineage. We observed that mice with a nonsense mutation in the Hcn2 gene (Hcn2ap/ap) have less white matter than their wild type counterparts with fewer OLG and fewer oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs). Hcn2ap/ap mice have severe motor impairments, although these deficits were not observed in mice with HCN2 conditionally eliminated only in oligodendrocytes (Cnpcre/+; Hcn2F/F). However, Cnpcre/+; Hcn2F/F mice develop motor impairments more rapidly in response to experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). We conclude that HCN2 channels in OLG may play a role in regulating metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field experiment was conducted at Forage Section Research Farm, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, during kharif season of 2019 and 2020 on single-cut forage sorghum to quantify the impact of plant bio-regulators on forage productivity and quality of sorghum grown as rainfed crop. Eight treatments including foliar application of plant bio-regulators included 2% urea, 2% NPK (18-18-18), 2% potassium nitrate (KNO3), 1 ppm silicic acid, 2 ppm silicic acid and 100 ppm salicylic acid at panicle initiation and flag leaf emergence stage were compared with no spray as well as water spray in randomized block design in three replicates. The application of PBRs increased green fodder yield by 13.75-19.73 per cent over control. On pooled mean basis, the highest green and dry fodder yield of 52.31 and 13.74 t/ha, respectively was recorded with application of 2% NPK (18-18-18). Among treatments, the crude protein content in dry fodder was not affected significantly, however, maximum crude protein yield was estimated with the application of 2% water soluble fertilizer NPK (18-18-18) which was on a par with urea @ 2%, KNO3@ 2%, silicic acid 2 ppm and 100 ppm salicylic acid. Beside this, there was a substantial reduction in the HCN content due to foliar application of 2% KNO3. On pooled mean basis, foliar application of PBRs /nutrients improved the BC ratio which ranged from 1.62 to 1.70 with KNO3, 2% NPK (18-18-18), 2% urea, 1 and 2 ppm silicic acid and 100 ppm salicylic acid spray. The BC ratio with the foliar application of 2% KNO3, 2% NPK (18-18-18), 2% urea, 2 ppm silicic acid and 100 ppm salicylic acid was 7.28, 9.27, 12.58, 11.26 and 11.92 per cent higher over control (no foliar spray, only recommended dose of fertilizer @ 75 kg N+30 kg P2O5+ 30 kg K2O/ha), respectively on pooled mean basis. Foliar application of KNO3 presents a viable option for improving sorghum fodder productivity and its quality under rainfed/ moisture stress situation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on density functional theory (DFT), in this paper, the adsorption properties of H2S, HCN, PH3 on the FeO (100) surface were studied. Four adsorption sites: Fe-top, O-top, Hollow and Bridge sites, were considered on the FeO (100) surface. The results are as follows: the adsorption energy (=-1.02 eV) of H2S on the O-top site is smallest, suggesting that it is the most stable site on the FeO (100) surface. When HCN is absorbed on the FeO (100) surface, the stable adsorption sequence is: Hollow＞Fe-top＞Bridge＞O-top. Similar to H2S, O-top site is also the most stable adsorption site (with the adsorption energy of-1.11 eV) of PH3. When H2S is absorbed on O-top site, the charge transfer between the H2S and FeO (100) surface is largest, indicating that this adsorption configuration is the most stable. While HCN is absorbed on Hollow site on FeO (100) surface, the amount of charge transfer is largest, suggesting that the Hollow site is the most stable site. As for PH3, the adsorption site with the most charge transfer between PH3 and FeO (100) surface is the same as that for H2S. The density of states curves of H2S and PH3 move to the lower energy levels as a whole and the peak values decrease after absorbed on O-top site, this makes the adsorption structure becomes more stable. However, when HCN is adsorbed on the Hollow site, the density of state curve moves to the low region overall, and the adsorption system becomes more stable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the co-combustion of hydrogen-rich atmosphere and coal in power plants has a great influence on NO X emission, it has been studied by more and more researchers. Therefore, the study of the effect of hydrogen-rich atmosphere on coal pyrolysis mechanism provides a theoretical basis for subsequent application in power plants. In this paper, reaction molecular dynamics simulation is used to investigate the pyrolysis mechanism of Henan anthracite coal within the temperature range of 300–3600 K. The consistency between the activation energy, TG curve, and gas release characteristics derived from the ReaxFF simulation and the experimental results provides evidence for the validity of this method in investigating the pyrolysis mechanism of coal. Furthermore, the pyrolysis behavior of Henan anthracite coal in N 2 , H 2 , and NH 3 atmospheres with varying temperatures are studied. The pyrolysis of Henan anthracite coal can be categorized into three distinct stages under varying atmospheric conditions, as revealed by the simulation findings. Compared with N 2 pyrolysis atmosphere, H 2 and NH 3 pyrolysis atmospheres can reduce the release of CO, reduce the activation energy, promote the degree of pyrolysis and accelerate the pyrolysis process. NH 3 atmosphere has more obvious influence on the coal pyrolysis process. Also, HCN (NO X precursor) generation reactions during pyrolysis are revealed in N 2 , H 2 and NH 3 atmosphere. H 2 and NH 3 pyrolysis atmospheres can increase the number of HCN generation reactions and change the distribution of HCN generation reactions. The analysis of HCN formation reaction shows that CN and H 2 CN are the main precursors of HCN. • Henan coal pyrolysis is studied via ReaxFF MD. • The macromolecular model of Henan coal has been verified. • In NH 3 atmosphere, the activation energy of Henan coal pyrolysis is reduced. • The HCN generation reaction in different atmosphere is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The majority of fatalities in building fires are attributed to asphyxiation caused by toxic gases. Hydrogen cyanide (HCN) is one of the toxic gases that can be released during a fire, posing a lethal risk to humans even at low concentrations. However, analysis of the risk posed by HCN in fire risk assessments using fire simulations is relatively rare. This study conducted fire simulations to examine the potential risks of HCN to occupants during a fire. The simulations considered various fire conditions in residential buildings by varying fuel types, fire growth rates, and HCN yields. The relative risk score (RRS) was derived based on the time to reach the threshold values of parameters considered critical for life safety. The results of the fire simulations indicated that the RRS for HCN was approximately 20–40 points higher than that of O2, CO, and CO2, reaching a maximum of 92 points. However, the risk posed by HCN was found to be limited in comparison to the risks associated with temperature and visibility. Nevertheless, considering that the primary cause of fatalities in fires is asphyxiation due to toxic gases, HCN must be regarded as a critical factor in fire risk assessments. Additionally, since HCN yield values can increase up to nine times depending on temperature and ventilation conditions, the risk posed by HCN could be significantly higher.

Zhongwei Sha, Jian Xu, Nana Li, Ou Li Department of Mental Diseases, Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Zhongwei Sha, Department of Mental Diseases, Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 274 Middle Zhijiang Road, Zhabei, Shanghai, 200071, People’s Republic of China, Tel/Fax +86 21-56639828, Email shazhongwei1989@163.comAbstract: Synaptic plasticity is the capacity of synaptic transmission between neurons to be strengthened or weakened. There are many signal molecules accumulated in the presynaptic and postsynaptic membranes that can lead to the regulation of synaptic plasticity and involvement in numerous of neurological and psychiatric diseases, including anxiety disorder. However, the regulatory mechanisms of synaptic plasticity in the development of anxiety disorder have not been well summarized. This review mainly aims to discuss the biological functions and mechanisms of synaptic plasticity-related molecules in anxiety disorder, with a particular focus on the metabotropic glutamate receptors, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide–gated channels, and postsynaptic density 95. The summarized functions and mechanisms of synaptic plasticity-related molecules in anxiety will provide insight into novel neuroplasticity modifications for targeted therapy for anxiety.Keywords: synaptic plasticity, anxiety, mGluRs, BDNF, HCN, PSD95

Mature oligodendrocytes (OLG) are the myelin-forming cells of the central nervous system. Recent work has shown a dynamic role for these cells in the plasticity of neural circuits, leading to a renewed interest in voltage-sensitive currents in OLG. Hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels and their respective current (Ih) were recently identified in mature OLG and shown to play a role in regulating myelin length. Here we provide a biochemical and electrophysiological characterization of HCN channels in cells of the oligodendrocyte lineage. We observed that mice with a nonsense mutation in the Hcn2 gene (Hcn2ap/ap) have less white matter than their wild type counterparts with fewer OLG and fewer oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs). Hcn2ap/ap mice have severe motor impairments, although these deficits were not observed in mice with HCN2 conditionally eliminated only in oligodendrocytes (Cnpcre/+; Hcn2F/F). However, Cnpcre/+; Hcn2F/F mice develop motor impairments more rapidly in response to experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). We conclude that HCN2 channels in OLG may play a role in regulating metabolism.

Circular RNAs (CircRNA) are a special type of non-coding RNA molecule with a closed ring structure and are not affected by RNA exonucases. It has stable expression, is not easy to degrade, and exists in most eukaryotes. However, circRNA regulation of cow mastitis has not been widely recognized. Mammary epithelial tissues were collected from healthy Holstein cows (HCN) and mastitis Holstein cows (HCU). RNA sequencing (RNA SEQ) was performed for the differentially expressed circRNAs, and analysis results showed that 19 differentially expressed circRNAs were identified in HCN and HCU, among which 6 circRNAs were up-regulated and 13 circRNAs were down-regulated. We randomly selected nine circRNAs for Q-PCR verification, and the results showed consistent expression. Three circRNAs: circRNA2860, circRNA5323 and circRNA4027 were confirmed to be significantly differentially expressed circRNAs in cow mastitis. Also, their host genes TRPS1, SLC12A2 and MYH11 might be directly or indirectly play a role in cow mastitis. Furthermore, RNA polymerase transcription factor binding and tight junction are most enriched in GO and KEGG pathways, respectively. In addition, the regulatory network of circRNA-miRNA has been inferred from a bioinformatics perspective, which may help to understand the underlying molecular mechanism of circRNAs involved in regulating mastitis in cows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the realization of small-scale biomass-to-liquid (BTL) processes, low-cost syngas cleaning remains a major obstacle, and for this reason a simplified gas ultracleaning process is being developed. In this study, a low- to medium-temperature final gas cleaning process based on adsorption and organic solvent-free scrubbing methods was coupled to a pilot-scale staged fixed-bed gasification facility including hot filtration and catalytic reforming steps for extended duration gas cleaning tests for the generation of ultraclean syngas. The final gas cleaning process purified syngas from woody and agricultural biomass origin to a degree suitable for catalytic synthesis. The gas contained up to 3000 ppm of ammonia, 1300 ppm of benzene, 200 ppm of hydrogen sulfide, 10 ppm of carbonyl sulfide, and 5 ppm of hydrogen cyanide. Post-run characterization displayed that the accumulation of impurities on the Cu-based deoxygenation catalyst (TOS 105 h) did not occur, demonstrating that effective main impurity removal was achieved in the first two steps: acidic water scrubbing (AWC) and adsorption by activated carbons (AR). In the final test campaign, a comprehensive multipoint gas analysis confirmed that ammonia was fully removed by the scrubbing step, and benzene and H2S were fully removed by the subsequent activated carbon beds. The activated carbons achieved > 90% removal of up to 100 ppm of COS and 5 ppm of HCN in the syngas. These results provide insights into the adsorption affinity of activated carbons in a complex impurity matrix, which would be arduous to replicate in laboratory conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ammonia is considered one of the attractive alternatives for fossil fuels to realize carbon neutralization. However, low chemical reactivity limits its use in compression ignition (CI) engines. This study investigated dual-fuel combustion, involving the use of ammonia for port fuel injection (PFI) and diesel for direct injection (DI) in a heavy-duty engine. Unregular emissions, specifically HCN, were studied for the first time in an ammonia–diesel engine. The combustion and emission performance of the engine with pure diesel mode was also studied to reveal the influence on ammonia addition. The engine was consistently operated at a fixed condition of 0.556 MPa IMEP and 800 r/min. The findings reveal the successful achievement of stable dual-fuel combustion in the tested engine. The addition of ammonia led to delayed ignition and an extended combustion duration. Implementing early pilot injection timing (SOI1) strategies significantly improved ammonia combustion efficiency, elevating it from 74% to 89%. This enhancement could be attributed to the diesel injected during pilot injection, which facilitated ammonia decomposition. However, early pilot injection had adverse effects on emissions, including CO, THC, NOx, N2O, and HCN. Advancing the main injection timing (SOI2) within the early SOI1 strategies accelerated the oxidation processes for CO, THC, N2O, and HCN. Nevertheless, this adjustment resulted in increased thermal NOx emissions. The highest HCN emission detected in this study was 9.2 ppm. Chemical kinetics analysis indicated that HCN production occurred within the temperature range of 1000 K to 1750 K under fuel-lean conditions. Furthermore, H2CN played a significant role in HCN formation as temperatures increased. More HCN was formed by H2CN as temperature rose. Strategies such as increasing pilot injection fuel quantity, raising premixed gas intake temperature, or advancing combustion phases close to TDC could potentially reduce HCN emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this article is to present insights on the mechanisms of formation of methanimine (CH2 = NH) a simplest five-atom molecule from the hydrogenation reaction of HCN in cold interstellar clouds. Using density functional theory (DFT) and the coupled cluster approach (CC), we investigated the two chemical pathways associated to methanimine production processes in detail. As the surface of interstellar grains presents very low temperatures, we were interested in the effect that low temperatures might have on the reaction enthalpy and activation barriers by lowering the temperature from 300 to 5 K. We have also studied the effect of bulk ice water on the enthalpy and the free enthalpy of the reaction. To model the effect of the bulk ice environment, two strategies were used: the implicit approach and the explicit approach. The implicit approach describes the bulky effects of ice water using the polarizable continuum model (PCM); the dielectric constant of ice is taken equal to 600. The second approach is to explicitly consider one to four water molecules surrounding the reactants and products of each reaction. Our results show that the formation of methanimine by the hydrogenation reaction of HCN is possible at very low temperatures both in the gas phase and in the ice-water environment. The reaction rate constants were calculated in the temperature range from 300 to 50 K using the transition state theory (TST). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogen cyanide (HCN) is well-accepted as a main nitrogen-containing precursor from fuel nitrogen to nitrogen oxides. When using coal as fuel with a CuO-based oxygen carrier in chemical looping combustion (CLC), complex heterogeneous reactions exist among the system of HCN, O 2 , NO, H 2 O, and CuO particles. This work performs density functional theory (DFT) calculations to systematically probe the microscopic HCN heterogeneous reactions over the CuO particle surface. The results indicate that HCN is chemisorbed on the CuO surface, and the third dissociation step within the consecutive three-step HCN dissociations (HCN*→CN*→NCO*→N*) is the rate-determining step. Namely, the CN*/NCO* radicals can be deemed as an indicator of the performance of HCN removal due to their quite higher dissociation energies. With the existence of O 2 , H 2 O, and NO, the reaction mechanism of HCN conversion becomes extremely complex. Both DFT calculations and kinetic analyses determine that O 2 , NO, and H 2 O all significantly accelerate the consumption of CN*/NCO* radicals to produce various N-containing species (NOx or NH 3) to different extents. Finally, a skeletal reaction network in a system of O 2 /NO/H 2 O/HCN is concluded, which clearly elucidates that CuO exhibits excellent catalytic activity toward HCN removal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cardiac cycle starts when an action potential is produced by pacemaking cells in the sinoatrial node. This cycle is repeated approximately 100 000 times in humans and 1 million times in mice per day, imposing a monumental metabolic demand on the heart, requiring efficient blood supply via the coronary vasculature to maintain cardiac function. Although the ventricular coronary circulation has been extensively studied, the relationship between vascularization and cellular pacemaking modalities in the sinoatrial node is poorly understood. Here, we tested the hypothesis that the organization of the sinoatrial node microvasculature varies regionally, reflecting local myocyte firing properties. We show that vessel densities are higher in the superior versus inferior sinoatrial node. Accordingly, sinoatrial node myocytes are closer to vessels in the superior versus inferior regions. Superior and inferior sinoatrial node myocytes produce stochastic subthreshold voltage fluctuations and action potentials. However, the intrinsic action potential firing rate of sinoatrial node myocytes is higher in the superior versus inferior node. Our data support a model in which the microvascular densities vary regionally within the sinoatrial node to match the electrical and Ca2+ dynamics of nearby myocytes, effectively determining the dominant pacemaking site within the node. In this model, the high vascular density in the superior sinoatrial node places myocytes with metabolically demanding, high-frequency action potentials near vessels. The lower vascularization and electrical activity of inferior sinoatrial node myocytes could limit these cells to function to support sinoatrial node periodicity with sporadic voltage fluctuations via a stochastic resonance mechanism.

Abstract Background Central sensitization has been widely accepted as an underlying pathophysiological mechanism of chronic migraine (CM), activation of cannabinoid type-1 receptor (CB1R) exerts antinociceptive effects by relieving central sensitization in many pain models. However, the role of CB1R in the central sensitization of CM is still unclear. Methods A CM model was established by infusing inflammatory soup (IS) into the dura of male Wistar rats for 7 days, and hyperalgesia was assessed by the mechanical and thermal thresholds. In the periaqueductal gray (PAG), the mRNA and protein levels of CB1R and hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated cation channel 2 (HCN2) were measured by qRT–PCR and western blotting. After intraventricular injection of Noladin ether (NE) (a CB1R agonist), ZD 7288 (an HCN2 blocker), and AM 251 (a CB1R antagonist), the expression of tyrosine phosphorylation of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor subtype 2B (pNR2B), calcium-calmodulin-dependent kinase II (CaMKII), and phosphorylated cAMP-responsive element binding protein (pCREB) was detected, and central sensitization was evaluated by the expression of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), c-Fos, and substance P (SP). Synaptic-associated protein (postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD95) and synaptophysin (Syp)) and synaptic ultrastructure were detected to explore synaptic plasticity in central sensitization. Results We observed that the mRNA and protein levels of CB1R and HCN2 were both significantly increased in the PAG of CM rats. The application of NE or ZD 7288 ameliorated IS-induced hyperalgesia; repressed the pNR2B/CaMKII/pCREB pathway; reduced CGRP, c-Fos, SP, PSD95, and Syp expression; and inhibited synaptic transmission. Strikingly, the application of ZD 7288 relieved AM 251-evoked elevation of pNR2B, CGRP, and c-Fos expression. Conclusions These data reveal that activation of CB1R alleviates central sensitization by regulating HCN2-pNR2B signaling in CM rats. The activation of CB1R might have a positive influence on the prevention of CM by mitigating central sensitization.

ABSTRACT Bacterial volatile compounds have emerged as important chemical messengers between bacteria themselves as well as in their interactions with other organisms. One of the earliest examples of bioactive volatiles emitted by bacteria is hydrogen cyanide (HCN), which was long considered a mere respiratory toxin conferring competitive advantage to cyanide-producing strains. Using cyanide-deficient mutants in two Pseudomonas strains and global transcriptome analysis, we demonstrate that the impact of HCN is much more global than previously thought. We first observed that the lack of cyanogenesis (i.e., the ability to produce HCN) in emitting strains led to massive transcriptome reprogramming affecting diverse traits such as motility and biofilm formation (respectively inhibited vs promoted by HCN), or the production of siderophores, phenazines, and other antimicrobial compounds (repressed by HCN). We then exposed non-cyanogenic strains to biogenically emitted HCN from neighboring cells and observed similar transcriptome modulations and phenotypic changes, suggesting that HCN not only acts endogenously but also exogenously, remotely manipulating important traits involved in competition and virulence, e.g., siderophore production, in other organisms. Cyanogenesis in Pseudomonas has long been known to play a role in both the virulence of opportunistic pathogens and the efficient biocontrol activity of plant-beneficial strains; however, this impact was so far thought to occur solely through the inhibition of respiration. We demonstrate here new ecological roles for a small and fast-diffusing volatile compound, which opens novel avenues in our understanding of and ability to interfere with important processes taking place in pathogenic and beneficial Pseudomonas strains. IMPORTANCE Bacteria communicate by exchanging chemical signals, some of which are volatile and can remotely reach other organisms. HCN was one of the first volatiles discovered to severely impact exposed organisms by inhibiting their respiration. Using HCN-deficient mutants in two Pseudomonas strains, we demonstrate that HCN’s impact goes beyond the sole inhibition of respiration and affects both emitting and receiving bacteria in a global way, modulating their motility, biofilm formation, and production of antimicrobial compounds. Our data suggest that bacteria could use HCN not only to control their own cellular functions, but also to remotely influence the behavior of other bacteria sharing the same environment. Since HCN emission occurs in both clinically and environmentally relevant Pseudomonas, these findings are important to better understand or even modulate the expression of bacterial traits involved in both virulence of opportunistic pathogens and in biocontrol efficacy of plant-beneficial strains.

The coverage and capacity required for fifth generation (5G) and beyond can be achieved using heterogeneous wireless networks. This exploration set up a limited number of user equipment (UEs) while taking into account the three-dimensional (3D) distance between UEs and base stations (BSs), multi-slope line of sight (LOS) and non-line of sight (n-LOS), idle mode capability (IMC), and third generation partnership projects (3GPP) path loss (PL) models. In the current work, we examine the relationship between the height and gain of the macro (M) and pico (P) base stations (BSs) antennas and the ratio of the density of the MBSs to the PBSs, indicated by the symbol $\beta $ . Recent research demonstrates that the antenna height of PBSs should be kept to a minimum to get the best performance in terms of coverage and capacity for a 5G wireless network, whereas ASE smashes as $\beta $ crosses a specific value in 5G. We aim to address these issues and increased the performance of the 5G network by installing directional antennas at MBSs and omnidirectional antennas at Pico BSs while taking into consideration traditional antenna heights. The authors of this work used the multi-tier 3GPP PL model to take into account real-world scenarios and calculated SINR using average power. This study demonstrates that, when the multi-slope 3GPP PL model is used and directional antennas are installed at MBSs, coverage can be improved 10% and area spectral efficiency (ASE) can be improved 2.5 times over the course of the previous analysis. Similarly to this, the issue of an ASE crash after a base station density of 1000 has been resolved in this study.

Abstract Dioscoreaceae or yam is a family of tuber that comprises many members with variability in utilization and their intensity of consumption. This family has wide variability and is used not only as food but also for medical purposes due to their bioactive compounds. One of the Dioscoreaceae family is wild yam (Dioscorea hispida Dennst), rich in carbohydrates but has an obstacle of high cyanide level. Historically, along with cassava, wild yam is the staple food in some places in Indonesia. There is a long history of traditional detoxification methods of wild yam with slightly different steps among different places. The shifting of staple food to rice excludes wild yam consumption. One of the remaining products from wild yam is chips. Wild yam chips are a traditional snack that is also produced by traditional detoxification. This paper is aimed to review the scientific basis for each step in traditional wild yam chips processing to remove cyanogenic compounds. This review was based on the observations of traditional wild yam tuber chip processing and unstructured interview with the wild yam tuber chip maker at 6 locations in East Java, Indonesia. Relevant literature was used to explain the scientific basis of the detoxification methods based on the definite inclusion and exclusion criteria. Also, the variability of processing methods was compared among different locations. In general, the steps of traditional detoxification during wild yam tuber chips processing are slicing the peeled wild yam tubers, mixing with the rubbing ash, pressing, drying, soaking, boiling/steaming, and sun drying. Slicing, rubbing, and pressing in chips processing is aimed to convert cyanogenic glycoside into acetone cyanohydrin. The alkaline pH due to ash rubbing makes spontaneous decomposition of acetone cyanohydrin into HCN. HCN is easily removed by dissolution and heating (drying and steaming/boiling). Thermal treatment also spontaneously decomposes cyanohydrin into free HCN. All of the cyanogenic compounds are water-soluble which soaking and washing are aimed to remove all compounds. Consecutive, complicated, and time-consuming processing completely removes cyanogenic compounds and produces safe wild yam tuber chips. The key finding of this review is the purpose of every step in wild yam tuber detoxification has a scientific basis to reduce cyanogenic compounds gradually. This process produces a very low cyanide level in the final product. In conclusion, traditional detoxication reduces cyanogenic compounds to a safe level.

Behavioral pattern separation and cognitive flexibility are essential cognitive abilities that are disrupted in many brain disorders. A better understanding of the neural circuitry involved in these abilities will open paths to treatment. In humans and mice, discrimination and adaptation rely on the integrity of the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG) which receives glutamatergic input from the entorhinal cortex (EC), including the lateral EC (LEC). An inducible increase of EC-DG circuit activity improves simple hippocampal-dependent associative learning and increases DG neurogenesis. Here, we asked if the activity of LEC fan cells that directly project to the DG (LEC→DG neurons) regulates the relatively more complex hippocampal-dependent abilities of behavioral pattern separation or cognitive flexibility. C57BL/6J male mice received bilateral LEC infusions of a virus expressing shRNA TRIP8b, an auxiliary protein of an HCN channel or a control virus (SCR shRNA). Prior work shows that 4 weeks post-surgery, TRIP8b mice have more DG neurogenesis and greater activity of LEC→DG neurons compared to SCR shRNA mice. Here, 4 weeks post-surgery, themice underwent testing for behavioral pattern separation and reversal learning (touchscreen-based location discrimination reversal [LDR]) and innate fear of open spaces (elevated plus maze [EPM]) followed by quantification of new DG neurons (doublecortin-immunoreactive cells [DCX+] cells). There was no effect of treatment (SCR shRNA vs. TRIP8b) on performance during general touchscreen training, LDR training, or the 1st days of LDR testing. However, in the last days of LDR testing, the TRIP8b shRNA mice had improved pattern separation (reached the first reversal more quickly and had more accurate discrimination) compared to the SCR shRNA mice, specifically when the load on pattern separation was high (lit squares close together or "small separation"). The TRIP8b shRNA mice were also more cognitively flexible (achieved more reversals) compared to the SCR shRNA mice in the last days of LDR testing. Supporting a specific influence on cognitive behavior, the SCR shRNA and TRIP8b shRNA mice did not differ in total distance traveled or in time spent in the closed arms of the EPM. Supporting an inducible increase in LEC-DG activity, DG neurogenesis was increased. These data indicate that the TRIP8b shRNA mice had better pattern separation and reversal learning and more neurogenesis compared to the SCR shRNA mice. This study advances fundamental and translational neuroscience knowledge relevant to two cognitive functions critical for adaptation and survival--behavioral pattern separation and cognitive flexibility--and suggests that the activity of LEC→DG neurons merits exploration as a therapeutic target to normalize dysfunctional DG behavioral output. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Fruit flies are important economic pests of fruits, vegetables, and nuts all over the world. In this study, a permanent ecological trap, which was created by the ovicidal effect of phytogenic hydrogen cyanide (HCN) liberated from passion fruits due to oviposition by fruit flies and can be used in the pest management, were determined. RESULTS: Observation of fruit fly eggs in Passiflora within the passion fruit cultivation region in southern China, from Aug 2019 to Oct 2020 showed that the exotic Passiflora attracted the native fruit flies to oviposit, but the eggs could not hatch. Using classical staging to categorize embryonic development and fumigation assays, we show that oviposition by fruit fly on passion fruits, release HCN from the cyanogenic mesocarp. Exposure of the eggs to HCN causes arrest of embryonic development and finally the death of eggs. CONCLUSION: Our results reveal that the life cycle of fruit fly in Passiflora is interrupted at the egg stage. Consequently, we predict that this ecological trap may be permanent. Extensive cultivation of the Passiflora vine as a dead‐end trap crop may be an effective avenue to reduce populations of fruit fly pests. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coal pyrolysis gas is considered a promising reburn fuel with excellent NO reduction performance because of the present of nitrogen-containing species (HCN and NH 3) in the pyrolysis gas. In this study, we explored the effects of oxygen and nitrogen-containing species on NO removal performance with HCN and NH 3 by reactive force field (ReaxFF) molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Results indicate that appropriately reducing O 2 concentrations and increasing the amount of nitrogen-containing species can benefit the NO reduction performance by coal pyrolysis gas. In addition, the effects of oxygen and nitrogen-containing species content on the NO removal and mechanisms of NO consumption and N 2 formation are illustrated during NO reduction with HCN and NH 3 , respectively. Finally, based on the simulations results, practical operating strategies are proposed to optimize the NO reduction efficiency. In summary, this study provides new insights into NO reduction performance, which may contribute to optimizing the operating parameters to decrease NOx emissions during coal combustion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Central sensitization has been widely accepted as an underlying pathophysiological mechanism of chronic migraine (CM), activation of cannabinoid type-1 receptor (CB1R) exerts antinociceptive effects by relieving central sensitization in many pain models. However, the role of CB1R in the central sensitization of CM is still unclear. Methods: A CM model was established by infusing inflammatory soup (IS) into the dura of male Wistar rats for 7 days, and hyperalgesia was assessed by the mechanical and thermal thresholds. In the periaqueductal gray (PAG), the mRNA and protein levels of CB1R and hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated cation channel 2 (HCN2) were measured by qRT–PCR and western blotting. After intraventricular injection of Noladin ether (NE) (a CB1R agonist), ZD 7288 (an HCN2 blocker), and AM 251 (a CB1R antagonist), the expression of tyrosine phosphorylation of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor subtype 2B (pNR2B), calcium-calmodulin-dependent kinase II (CaMKII), and phosphorylated cAMP-responsive element binding protein (pCREB) was detected, and central sensitization was evaluated by the expression of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), c-Fos, and substance P (SP). Synaptic-associated protein (postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD95) and synaptophysin (Syp)) and synaptic ultrastructure were detected to explore synaptic plasticity in central sensitization. Results: We observed that the mRNA and protein levels of CB1R and HCN2 were both significantly increased in the PAG of CM rats. The application of NE or ZD 7288 ameliorated IS-induced hyperalgesia; repressed the pNR2B/CaMKII/pCREB pathway; reduced CGRP, c-Fos, SP, PSD95, and Syp expression; and inhibited synaptic transmission. Strikingly, the application of ZD 7288 relieved AM 251-evoked elevation of pNR2B, CGRP, and c-Fos expression. Conclusions: These data reveal that activation of CB1R alleviates central sensitization by regulating HCN2-pNR2B signaling in CM rats. The activation of CB1R might have a positive influence on the prevention of CM by mitigating central sensitization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A versatile portable tunable diode laser based measurement system for measuring elevated concentrations of hydrogen cyanide (HCN) in a time-resolved manner is developed for application in the fire environment. The direct absorption tunable diode laser spectroscopy (DA-TDLAS) technique is employed using the R11 absorption line centered at 3345.3 cm−1 (2989.27 nm) in the fundamental C–H stretching band (ν1) of the HCN absorption spectrum. The measurement system is validated using calibration gas of known HCN concentration and the relative uncertainty in measurement of HCN concentration is 4.1% at 1500 ppm. HCN concentration is measured with a sampling frequency of 1 Hz, in gas sampled from 1.5 m, 0.9 m, and 0.3 m heights in the Fireground Exposure Simulator (FES) prop at the University of Illinois Fire Service Institute, Champaign, Illinois. The immediately dangerous to life and health (IDLH) concentration of 50 parts per million (ppm) is exceeded at all the three sampling heights. A maximum concentration of 295 ppm is measured at the 1.5 m height. The HCN measurement system, expanded to measure HCN simultaneously from two sampling locations, is then deployed in two full-scale experiments designed to simulate a realistic residential fire environment at the Delaware County Emergency Services Training Center, Sharon Hill, Pennsylvania. Graphical Abstract This is a visual representation of the abstract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is a prevalent neurological disorder with many patients experiencing poor seizure control with existing anti-epileptic drugs. Thus, novel insights into the mechanisms of epileptogenesis and identification of new drug targets can be transformative. Changes in ion channel function have been shown to play a role in generating the aberrant neuronal activity observed in TLE. Previous work demonstrates that hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels regulate neuronal excitability and are mislocalized within CA1 pyramidal cells in a rodent model of TLE. The subcellular distribution of HCN channels is regulated by an auxiliary subunit, tetratricopeptide repeat-containing Rab8b-interacting protein (TRIP8b), and disruption of this interaction correlates with channel mislocalization. However, the molecular mechanisms responsible for HCN channel dysregulation in TLE are unclear. Here we investigated whether changes in TRIP8b phosphorylation are sufficient to alter HCN channel function. We identified a phosphorylation site at residue Ser237 of TRIP8b that enhances binding to HCN channels and influences channel gating by altering the affinity of TRIP8b for the HCN cytoplasmic domain. Using a phosphospecific antibody, we demonstrate that TRIP8b phosphorylated at Ser237 is enriched in CA1 distal dendrites and that phosphorylation is reduced in the kainic acid model of TLE. Overall, our findings indicate that the TRIP8b-HCN interaction can be modulated by changes in phosphorylation and suggest that loss of TRIP8b phosphorylation may affect HCN channel properties during epileptogenesis. These results highlight the potential of drugs targeting posttranslational modifications to restore TRIP8b phosphorylation to reduce excitability in TLE.

Purkinje cells (PCs) are the principal cells of the cerebellar cortex and form a central element in the modular organization of the cerebellum. Differentiation of PCs based on gene expression profiles revealed two subpopulations with distinct connectivity, action potential firing and learning-induced activity changes. However, which basal cell physiological features underlie the differences between these subpopulations and to what extent they integrate input differentially remains largely unclear. Here, we investigate the cellular electrophysiological properties of PC subpopulation in adult and juvenile mice. We found that multiple fundamental cell physiological properties, including membrane resistance and various aspects of the action potential shape, differ between PCs from anterior and nodular lobules. Moreover, the two PC subpopulations also differed in the integration of negative and positive current steps as well as in size of the hyperpolarization-activated current. A comparative analysis in juvenile mice confirmed that most of these lobule-specific differences are already present at pre-weaning ages. Finally, we found that current integration in PCs is input history-dependent for both positive and negative currents, but this is not a distinctive feature between anterior and nodular PCs. Our results support the concept of a fundamental differentiation of PCs subpopulations in terms of cell physiological properties and current integration, yet reveals that history-dependent input processing is consistent across PC subtypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The process of recycling flue gas to the boiler of a pressurized oxy‐combustion system could affect the final concentration of NOx, which is very important for an appropriate design of the carbon capture process. During the recycling process, HCN, as the main intermediate of the reburn reaction, may interact with NO significantly to determine the final NO emissions. The current study aims to assess the gas‐phase interactions of HCN and NO in a CO2 atmosphere, which is customary to pressurized oxy‐combustion conditions. A kinetic modeling study of the oxidation of HCN in the presence of NO has been performed under POC conditions and in the 973–1473 K temperature range. The influences of the stoichiometry, pressure, H2O concentration, and NO inlet concentration are analyzed. The results show that the HCN–NO interaction reduces both HCN and NO and that the interaction increases as pressure increases when the temperature is above 1073 K, whereas the opposite is found in low‐temperature regions. The effect of stoichiometric parameters also strongly depends on temperature but follows the opposite trend compared with the effect of pressure. These differences contribute to the suppressive effect on O2 decomposition and the positive effect on H2O decomposition at elevated pressures. An optimal temperature for NO reduction is shifted to lower temperature with increasing pressure and H2O concentration. The analysis of the total fixed nitrogen (TFN) indicates that for an actual boiler (5% O2), the temperature should be controlled at 1373, 1223, 1173, and 1173 K, respectively, as the pressure increases from 1 to 15 atm. Finally, a 21‐species and 69‐step reduced chemistry is developed and validated to accurately predict the interaction of HCN with NO at elevated pressures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogen cyanide (HCN) is an important and highly toxic intermediate in coal, nitrogen-rich biomass, and ammonia combustion. It may play an important role in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and soot reduction, but the influence of HCN on PAH chemistry is unclear due to the lack of experimental data. With this motivation, the experimental and numerical investigations were performed in this work. Key intermediates were detected, identified, and quantified by the combination of Linear Trap Quadropole (LTQ) Velos Orbitrap mass spectrometer and gas chromatography-mass spectrometer in a jet-stirred reactor fueled by C 2 H 2 /HCN/N 2 in the temperature range of 800-1200 K. The results reveal that the formation of benzene increases with the addition of HCN, but the PAH formation decreases. PAH reduction can be attributed to the formation of N-containing PAH (NPAH) via HCN-PAH interaction reactions, which were investigated by quantum chemistry and the Rice–Ramsperger–Kassel–Marcus theory with solving the master equation (RRKM-ME). Reaction rate comparison suggests that the HCN addition pathways to NPAH compete with the C 2 H 2 addition pathways to PAH. The product yields in the systems of 1-naphthyl radical + C 2 H 2 and 1-naphthyl radical + HCN were evaluated (T=800-2500 K and p=0.1-100 atm). The results indicate that the increasement of a new aromatic ring via cyclization is difficult in the 1-naphthyl radical + HCN system due to the high energy barrier, and the growth of larger NPAH is limited since the saturated N atoms in the heterocycle rings and C N functional group inhibit further carbon addition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The impact of HCHO on NH 3 -SCR exhibited both inhibitory and promotional effects at varying temperatures. • NO x conversion greatly decreased and the HCN selectivity reached up to 35 % below 300 °C. • Thermal decomposition of hexamethylenetetramine on the catalyst was a key step for HCN generation. • Hydrolysis reaction of HCN produced NH 3 and it re-participated in the SCR process at high temperatures. Formaldehyde (HCHO) in the exhaust gas of diesel or natural gas engines is usually considered to be a serious hindrance to the NH 3 -SCR process. However, the promotion effects of HCHO on the NH 3 -SCR activity and its temperature dependence were discovered in this work for the first time. For the Fe-BEA catalysts, below 300 °C, a notable decrease in activity observed, up to 40 % at 300 °C, and HCN selectivity reached 35 %. However, with the increase in temperature, a significant promotion effect was produced. Not only for the increase of NO x conversion, but also the diminish of the by-product HCN. The disparity in the number and activity of Lewis acid sites (Fe3+) and surface hydroxyls was the primary reason why Fe-BEA catalysts with varying Fe contents exhibited different influence. The presence of HCHO resulted in a modification of the oxidation pathway of NH 3 at high temperatures. Surface hydroxyls facilitated the hydrolysis reaction of the as-formed HCN to produce NH 3 , with NH 3 on Lewis acid sites subsequently re-participating in the SCR process. This enhanced the NO x conversion and the selectivity of carbon-containing products. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that HCHO completely converted to hexamethylenetetramine (HMTA) by reacting with NH 3 prior to passing through the SCR catalyst. The thermal decomposition of HMTA on the catalyst was identified as a crucial step for the subsequent generation of HCN, and the detailed mechanism of how to effectively inhibit the decrease of de-NO x activity and the formation of HCN in the HCHO-containing NH 3 -SCR conditions was elucidated. This study paves the way for the development of effective SCR catalysts for the synergistic control of HCN from mobile and stationary sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ammonia is considered one of the attractive alternatives for fossil fuels to realize carbon neutralization. However, low chemical reactivity limits its use in compression ignition (CI) engines. This study investigated dual-fuel combustion, involving the use of ammonia for port fuel injection (PFI) and diesel for direct injection (DI) in a heavy-duty engine. Unregular emissions, specifically HCN, were studied for the first time in an ammonia–diesel engine. The combustion and emission performance of the engine with pure diesel mode was also studied to reveal the influence on ammonia addition. The engine was consistently operated at a fixed condition of 0.556 MPa IMEP and 800 r/min. The findings reveal the successful achievement of stable dual-fuel combustion in the tested engine. The addition of ammonia led to delayed ignition and an extended combustion duration. Implementing early pilot injection timing (SOI1) strategies significantly improved ammonia combustion efficiency, elevating it from 74% to 89%. This enhancement could be attributed to the diesel injected during pilot injection, which facilitated ammonia decomposition. However, early pilot injection had adverse effects on emissions, including CO, THC, NOx, N2O, and HCN. Advancing the main injection timing (SOI2) within the early SOI1 strategies accelerated the oxidation processes for CO, THC, N2O, and HCN. Nevertheless, this adjustment resulted in increased thermal NOx emissions. The highest HCN emission detected in this study was 9.2 ppm. Chemical kinetics analysis indicated that HCN production occurred within the temperature range of 1000 K to 1750 K under fuel-lean conditions. Furthermore, H2CN played a significant role in HCN formation as temperatures increased. More HCN was formed by H2CN as temperature rose. Strategies such as increasing pilot injection fuel quantity, raising premixed gas intake temperature, or advancing combustion phases close to TDC could potentially reduce HCN emissions.

The pteropod mollusk, Clione limacina, is a useful model system for understanding the neural basis of behavior. Of particular interest are the unique swimming behavior and neural circuitry that underlies this swimming behavior. The swimming system of Clione has been studied by two primary groups-one in Russia and one in the United States of America-for more than four decades. The neural circuitry, the cellular properties, and ion channels that create and change the swimming locomotor rhythm of Clione-particularly mechanisms that contribute to swimming acceleration-are presented in this review. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dioscoreaceae or yam is a family of tuber that comprises many members with variability in utilization and their intensity of consumption. This family has wide variability and is used not only as food but also for medical purposes due to their bioactive compounds. One of the Dioscoreaceae family is wild yam (Dioscorea hispida Dennst), rich in carbohydrates but has an obstacle of high cyanide level. Historically, along with cassava, wild yam is the staple food in some places in Indonesia. There is a long history of traditional detoxification methods of wild yam with slightly different steps among different places. The shifting of staple food to rice excludes wild yam consumption. One of the remaining products from wild yam is chips. Wild yam chips are a traditional snack that is also produced by traditional detoxification. This paper is aimed to review the scientific basis for each step in traditional wild yam chips processing to remove cyanogenic compounds. This review was based on the observations of traditional wild yam tuber chip processing and unstructured interview with the wild yam tuber chip maker at 6 locations in East Java, Indonesia. Relevant literature was used to explain the scientific basis of the detoxification methods based on the definite inclusion and exclusion criteria. Also, the variability of processing methods was compared among different locations. In general, the steps of traditional detoxification during wild yam tuber chips processing are slicing the peeled wild yam tubers, mixing with the rubbing ash, pressing, drying, soaking, boiling/steaming, and sun drying. Slicing, rubbing, and pressing in chips processing is aimed to convert cyanogenic glycoside into acetone cyanohydrin. The alkaline pH due to ash rubbing makes spontaneous decomposition of acetone cyanohydrin into HCN. HCN is easily removed by dissolution and heating (drying and steaming/boiling). Thermal treatment also spontaneously decomposes cyanohydrin into free HCN. All of the cyanogenic compounds are water-soluble which soaking and washing are aimed to remove all compounds. Consecutive, complicated, and time-consuming processing completely removes cyanogenic compounds and produces safe wild yam tuber chips. The key finding of this review is the purpose of every step in wild yam tuber detoxification has a scientific basis to reduce cyanogenic compounds gradually. This process produces a very low cyanide level in the final product. In conclusion, traditional detoxication reduces cyanogenic compounds to a safe level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bacterial leaf blight is the primary disease and causes a significant loss of shallot yield in West Sumatera, Indonesia. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) is essential in suppressing diseases and improving shallots' growth and health. This study aimed to characterize and investigate the ability of PGPR isolates to control shallots bacterial leaf blight disease and improve its growth. Ten (10) isolates of PGPR designated as Bacillus thuringiensis strain MRSNRZ3.1, B. mycoides strain MRSNUMBE2.2, B. mycoides strain MRBPBT2.1, B. waihenstephanensis strain MRBTLL3.2, B. subtilis strain MRTDUMBE3.2.1, B. cereus strain MRDKBTE1.3, B. cereus MRPLUMBE1.3, Achromobacter insolitus strain MRBPUMBE1.3, Pseudomonas hibiscicola strain MRTLDRZ2.2, and Bacillus sp. strain MRSPRZ1.1 were collected from the rhizosphere and endosphere of shallots from Agam and Solok Regency. The variables observed were biocontrol characters (HCN production and siderophore) and biofertilizer characters (indole acetic acid production, ammonia, and phosphate dissolution). These isolates showed activity in controlling leaf blight caused by Xanthomonas axonopodis. The present study also suggests that PGPR isolates, viz. MRSNRZ3.1, MRSNUMBE2.2, MRBPBT2.1, MRBTLL3.2, MRTDUMMBE3.2.1, MRDKBTE1.3, MRPLUMBE1.3, MRBPUMBE1.3, MRTLDRZ2.2, and MRSPRZ1.1 may be used as biofertilizers to enhance the growth and productivity of shallots. This finding suggests that identified PGPR isolates can be used as biological control agents and biofertilizers to enhance the growth and productivity of shallot. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fluorescent pseudomonad is one of the biocontrol agents against plant pathogens. Various compounds reportedly can be produced by fluorescent pseudomonad, including chitinase, β-1,3-glucanase, HCN, siderophore, antibiotics, Indole Acetic Acid (IAA), phosphate solvent compounds, and 2,4- diacetylphloroglucinol (DAPG). In this study, it was identified and characterized six isolates of fluorescent pseudomonad (PfPj1, PfPj2, PfKd7, PfCas, PfCas3, and LAHp2). All isolates were isolated from the rhizosphere of various types of plants. The results showed that six isolates were identical to Pseudomonas aeruginosa (93-94%). All bacterial isolates tested were able to produce siderophore, HCN, and solubilize phosphates. The highest siderophore was produced by isolate PfPj2. Whereas isolate PfKd7 had the highest at HCN production and the ability to dissolve phosphates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Device association (DA) and pairing (DP) are presented in this letter to evaluate the fairness of different services between enhanced mobile broadband devices (eMBBDs) and ultrareliability low latency communications devices (uRLLCDs) in RAN-slicing, which has emerged as a viable technique for enhancing total network throughput in heterogeneous cellular networks (HCNs) design. To optimize the eMBBDs' downlink (DL) sum rate while fulfilling the provisions of the uRLLC traffic. A cooperative Nash bargaining solution (NBS) is formulated to depict the association method. First, base stations (BSs) create random pairings between heterogeneous non-orthogonal multi-access (H-NOMA) devices. The BSs are classified into coalitions through the Hungarian approach. So, a two-band partition algorithm is evolved for the two BSs in each coalition to negotiate their allocated devices to improve the NBS utility. A multiplayer bargaining approach is constructed using this algorithm and the Hungarian technique. After finishing the DA process, we study the cooperative matching algorithm to optimize the pairing problem between devices' slices. Simulation results demonstrate that comparing the proposed approach to other schemes can achieve a significant DL rate distribution for eMBBDs, device-side latency for uRLLCDs, and fairness improvements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]