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Abstract Polarization transformation is at the foundation of modern applications in photonics and quantum optics. Notwithstanding their applicative interests, basic theoretical and experimental efforts are still needed to exploit the full potential of polarization optics. Here, we reveal that the coherent superposition of two non-orthogonal eigen-states of Jones matrix can improve drastically the efficiency of arbitrary polarization transformation with respect to classical orthogonal polarization optics. By exploiting metasurface with stacking and twisted configuration, we have implemented a powerful configuration, termed “non-orthogonal metasurfaces”, and have experimentally demonstrated arbitrary input-output polarization modulation reaching nearly 100% transmission efficiency in a broadband and angle-insensitive manner. Additionally, we have proposed a routing methodology to project independent phase holograms with quadruplex circular polarization components. Our results outline a powerful paradigm to achieve extremely efficient polarization optics, and polarization multiplexing for communication and information encryption at microwave and optical frequencies.

We conducted a large-scale survey of arboviruses in mosquitoes and biting midges to assess the presence and spread of mosquito-borne pathogens currently circulating on Hainan Island, China. RT-PCR assays were used to detect the arbovirus species, distribution, and infection rates in mosquitoes and biting midges. Cell inoculation and high throughput sequencing were performed to isolate the viruses and assemble full viral genomes. Phylogenetic analysis was conducted to identify the viral genotypes and evolutionary relationships with known viruses. During 2019-2023, 32,632 mosquitoes and 21,000 biting midges were collected from 14 of 18 cities/counties on Hainan Island. Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) was detected in Culex mosquitoes from five cities/counties, where the minimum infection rate (MIR) was 1.6 (0.6-2.6) per 1,000 females tested. Tembusu virus (TMUV) was detected in Culex mosquitoes from three cities/counties with MIR1.0 (0-2.2) per 1,000. Getah virus (GETV) was detected in Armigeres mosquitoes from Qionghai city with MIR 7.1 (0-15.2) per 1,000. Oya virus (OYAV) and Bluetongue virus (BTV) were detected in biting midges from Wanning city with MIRs of 0.4 (0-1.2) and 0.1 (0-10.2) per 1,000, respectively. Three JEV strains were isolated and clustered within the genotype I group, which is presently the dominant genotype in China. Three TMUV strains were isolated for the first time on Hainan Island that belonged to Cluster 3. Three isolated GETVs were identified as Group 3. BTV was reported for the first time on Hainan Island, and the complete genome for one BTV strain was successfully assembled, which was classified as serotype 1 based on the sequences of segment 2. These results stress the need to develop adequate surveillance plan measures to better control the public health threat of arboviruses carried by mosquitoes and biting midges in local regions.

Abstract Popularization of knowledge is of considerable importance and necessity, and traditional knowledge popularization activities suffer from high cost and low acceptance, which affect their effectiveness and coverage. Applying virtual avatars to educational videos may be an effective way to solve the problem. This study investigates the impact of applying virtual avatars to educational videos on user experience. Constructed a model of the impact of user experience on educational videos with virtual avatars, collected data from the target population, and analyzed it empirically. The video quality and virtual avatar expressiveness dimensions of the influencing factors have a significant positive effect on the learning effect, emotional experience and user engagement dimensions of user experience; the content quality dimension of the influencing factors has a significant negative effect on the three dimensions of user experience. The video quality and virtual avatar expressiveness dimensions of the influencing factors have a significant positive effect on the learning effect, emotional experience and user engagement dimensions of user experience; the content quality dimension of the influencing factors has a significant negative effect on the three dimensions of user experience.

Abstract Optimizing the spatial layout of the national territory is crucial for realizing the transformation and development of resource-oriented cities in the context of high-quality development in the new period. This paper takes Tongling City as a case study, based on the analysis of the historical development foundation, then uses the SD-FLUS comprehensive model to carry out a systematic analysis of the transformation in five dimensions of economy, society, population, science and technology, resources and environment, and discusses the optimization of spatial pattern under the contextual simulation. The conclusions are as follows: ① The hierarchical framework of “system-indicator-element” is not only internally interconnected, but also inextricably linked with the relationship between the various categories of the land use system. ② Decrease of cropland, forest, water, grassland, and barren decreases from the economic development, social progress, and comprehensive development, and there is a small increase in the area under the scenario of resource and environmental protection, and the direction of the change of the impervious is in the opposite direction. ③ Cultivated land is retained in situ and concentrated to a small extent, forested land is reduced to a small extent while the status quo is maintained, and the Yangtze River water system will be retained and protected to a large extent, but part of the waters of Zongyang County will give way to the expansion of construction land under the development objectives of the new county. Building land will be expanded and extended to the northeast in the original site area, while the southwest corner of the original county center will be expanded to some extent in Zongyang County to promote the county’s economic development.

ABSTRACT: Fatty liver hemorrhagic syndrome is the main cause of noninfectious death of laying hens and results in substantial economic losses to the poultry industry. This study focused on evaluating the effects of Poly-dihydromyricetin-fused zinc nanoparticles (PDMY-Zn NPs) on antioxidant capacity, liver lipid metabolism, and intestinal health in laying hens. A total of 288 Jingfen laying hens (52 wk old) with similar body weights were randomly divided into 4 dietary groups with 6 replicates in each group for 8 wk. The control group received a basal diet, while the treatment groups were supplemented with PDMY-Zn NPs at levels of 200, 400, and 600 mg/kg, respectively. The results indicate that PDMY-Zn NPs supplementation can enhance antioxidant parameters (P < 0.05) in the blood and liver of laying hens. Simultaneously, it can mitigate vacuolar degeneration and inflammatory necrosis in hepatocytes, improve the relative expression level of related parameters associated with liver lipid metabolism and key regulatory genes (P < 0.05). Furthermore, it has been observed to reshape the composition and diversity of cecum microbes by increasing beneficial probiotics such as Lactobacillus and Prevotella, while also enhancing villi height and villi/crypt ratio in the duodenum and ileum (P < 0.05). Additionally, it elevates liver bile acid content along with the relative expression of key genes involved in liver synthesis (P < 0.05). In summary, PDMY-Zn NPs showed potential to alleviate fatty liver hemorrhagic syndrome by enhancing antioxidant capacity, regulating liver lipid metabolism, and maintaining intestinal health.

Abstract Liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS), an emerging biophysical phenomenon, can sequester molecules to implement physiological and pathological functions. LLPS implements the assembly of numerous membraneless chambers, including stress granules and P‐bodies, containing RNA and protein. RNA–RNA and RNA–protein interactions play a critical role in LLPS. Scaffolding proteins, through multivalent interactions and external factors, support protein–RNA interaction networks to form condensates involved in a variety of diseases, particularly neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. Modulating LLPS phenomenon in multiple pathogenic proteins for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and cancer could present a promising direction, though recent advances in this area are limited. Here, we summarize in detail the complexity of LLPS in constructing signaling pathways and highlight the role of LLPS in neurodegenerative diseases and cancers. We also explore RNA modifications on LLPS to alter diseases progression because these modifications can influence LLPS of certain proteins or the formation of stress granules, and discuss the possibility of proper manipulation of LLPS process to restore cellular homeostasis or develop therapeutic drugs for the eradication of diseases. This review attempts to discuss potential therapeutic opportunities by elaborating on the connection between LLPS, RNA modification, and their roles in diseases.

Abstract Background Ubiquitination plays an important role in proliferating and invasive characteristic of glioblastoma (GBM), similar to many other cancers. Tripartite motif 25 (TRIM25) is a member of the TRIM family of proteins, which are involved in tumorigenesis through substrate ubiquitination. Methods Difference in TRIM25 expression levels between nonneoplastic brain tissue samples and primary glioma samples was demonstrated using publicly available glioblastoma database, immunohistochemistry, and western blotting. TRIM25 knockdown GBM cell lines (LN229 and U251) and patient derived GBM stem-like cells (GSCs) GBM#021 were used to investigate the function of TRIM25 in vivo and in vitro. Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) and mass spectrometry analysis were performed to identify NONO as a protein that interacts with TRIM25. The molecular mechanisms underlying the promotion of GBM development by TRIM25 through NONO were investigated by RNA-seq and validated by qRT-PCR and western blotting. Results We observed upregulation of TRIM25 in GBM, correlating with enhanced glioblastoma cell growth and invasion, both in vitro and in vivo. Subsequently, we screened a panel of proteins interacting with TRIM25; mass spectrometry and co-immunoprecipitation revealed that NONO was a potential substrate of TRIM25. TRIM25 knockdown reduced the K63-linked ubiquitination of NONO, thereby suppressing the splicing function of NONO. Dysfunctional NONO resulted in the retention of the second intron in the pre-mRNA of PRMT1, inhibiting the activation of the PRMT1/c-MYC pathway. Conclusions Our study demonstrates that TRIM25 promotes glioblastoma cell growth and invasion by regulating the PRMT1/c-MYC pathway through mediation of the splicing factor NONO. Targeting the E3 ligase activity of TRIM25 or the complex interactions between TRIM25 and NONO may prove beneficial in the treatment of GBM.

In this paper, a wide-angle linearly scanning leaky-wave antenna (LWA) based on spoof surface plasmon polaritons (SSPPs) with a very high scanning rate is proposed. A sine curve period is introduced to construct the SSPPs transmission line in the form of a sine curve, which can transform the dispersion curve to the fast wave region to realize the desired dispersion properties for linearly high scanning rate LWA. The simulated results show that the proposed LWA achieves a scanning angle range of 109° over a narrow operation bandwidth of 7.73–8.13 GHz, implying high linearity, and a high scanning rate. A prototype is fabricated and measured, indicating that the measured scanning angle range is 100° within the frequency band of 7.82–8.21 GHz, and the relative average scanning rate (RASR) is 2053.4°. Compared with ideal linear scanning in the operating frequency band, the mean absolute value error (MAVE) of the measured scanning angle-frequency curve is 1.032°, which validates the proposed design with good agreement between the simulated and measured results. The high scanning rate and scanning linearity performances of the LWAs exhibit great value in reducing both the occupation of electromagnetic spectrum resources and the requirements of accuracy for transmitters and receivers, respectively.

Abstract Citrus melanose, caused by Diaporthe citri, is one of the most important and widespread fungal diseases of citrus. Previous studies demonstrated that the citrus host was able to trigger the defense response to restrict the spread of D. citri. However, the molecular mechanism underlying this defense response has yet to be elucidated. Here, we used RNA-Seq to explore the gene expression pattern at the early (3 days post infection, dpi) and late (14 dpi) infection stages of citrus leaves in response to D. citri infection, and outlined the differences in transcriptional regulation associated with defense responses. The functional enrichment analysis indicated that the plant cell wall biogenesis was significantly induced at the early infection stage, while the callose deposition response was more active at the late infection stage. CYP83B1 genes of the cytochrome P450 family were extensively induced in the callus deposition-mediated defense response. Remarkably, the gene encoding pectin methylesterase showed the highest upregulation and was only found to be differentially expressed at the late infection stage. Genes involved in the synthesis and regulation of phytoalexin coumarin were effectively activated. F6’H1 and S8H, encoding key enzymes in the biosynthesis of coumarins and their derivatives, were more strongly expressed at the late infection stage than at the early infection stage. Collectively, our study profiled the response pattern of citrus leaves against D. citri infection and provided the transcriptional evidence to support the defense mechanism.

The ANGPT1 gene plays a crucial role in the regulation of angiogenesis and muscle growth, with previous studies identifying copy number variations (CNVs) within this gene among Leizhou black goats. In this study, we investigated three ANGPT1 CNVs in 417 individuals of LZBG using quantitative PCR (qPCR), examining the impact of different CNV types on the ANGPT1 gene expression and their associations with growth and meat quality traits. Notably, the ANGPT1 CNV-1 (ARS1_chr14:24950001-24953600) overlaps with protein-coding regions and conserved domains; its gain-of-copies genotype (copies ≥ 3) was significantly correlated with ANGPT1 mRNA expression in muscle tissue (p < 0.01). Furthermore, the gain-of-copies genotype of CNV-1 demonstrated significant correlations with various phenotypic traits, including carcass weight, body weight, shear stress, chest circumference, and cross-sectional area of longissimus dorsi muscle. These findings indicate that the CNV-1 gain-of-copies genotype in the ANGPT1 gene may serve as a valuable marker for selecting Leizhou black goats exhibiting enhanced growth and muscular development characteristics, thereby holding potential applications in targeted breeding programs aimed at improving meat quality.

Abstract Metasurfaces have shown unparalleled controllability of electromagnetic (EM) waves. However, most of the metasurfaces need external spatial feeding sources, which renders practical implementation quite challenging. Here, a low‐profile programmable metasurface with 0.05λ0 thickness driven by guided waves is proposed to achieve dynamic control of both amplitude and phase simultaneously. The metasurface is fed by a guided wave traveling in a substrate‐integrated waveguide, avoiding external spatial sources and complex power divider networks. By manipulating the state of the p‐i‐n diodes embedded in each meta‐atom, the proposed metasurface enables 1‐bit amplitude switching between radiating and nonradiating states, as well as a 1‐bit phase switching between 0° and 180°. As a proof of concept, two advanced functionalities, namely, low sidelobe‐level beam scanning and Airy beam generation, are experimentally demonstrated with a single platform operating in the far‐ and near‐field respectively. Such complex‐amplitude, programmable, and low‐profile metasurfaces can overcome integration limitations of traditional metasurfaces, and open up new avenues for more accurate and advanced EM wave control within an unprecedented degree of freedom.

Reducing plant height (PH) is one of the core contents of the “Green Revolution”, which began in the 1960s in wheat. A number of 27 reduced-height (Rht) genes have been identified and a great number of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for PH have been mapped on all 21 chromosomes. Nonetheless, only several genes regulated PH have been cloned. In this study, we found the interval of QTL QPh-1B included an EST-SSR marker swes1079. According to the sequence of swes1079, we cloned the TaOSCA1.4 gene. We developed a CAPS marker to analyze the variation across a natural population. The result showed that the PH was significantly different between the two haplotypes of TaOSCA1.4–1B under most of the 12 environments and the average values of irrigation and rainfed conditions. This result further demonstrated that TaOSCA1.4 was associated with PH. Then, we validated the TaOSCA1.4 via RNAi technology. The average PHs of the wild-type (WT), RNAi lines 1 (Ri-1) and 2 (Ri-2) were 94.6, 83.6 and 79.2 cm, respectively, with significant differences between the WT and Ri-1 and Ri-2. This result indicated that the TaOSCA1.4 gene controls PH. TaOSCA1.4 is a constitutively expressed gene and its protein localizes to the cell membrane. TaOSCA1.4 gene is a member of the OSCA gene family, which regulates intracellular Ca2+ concentration. We hypothesized that knock down mutants of TaOSCA1.4 gene reduced regulatory ability of Ca2+, thus reducing the PH. Furthermore, the cell lengths of the knock down mutants are not significantly different than that of WT. We speculate that TaOSCA1.4 gene is not directly associated with gibberellin (GA), which should be a novel mechanism for a wheat Rht gene.

Summary: N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification has been implicated in many cell processes and diseases. YTHDF1, a translation-facilitating m6A reader, has not been previously shown to be related to allergic airway inflammation. Here, we report that YTHDF1 is highly expressed in allergic airway epithelial cells and asthmatic patients and that it influences proinflammatory responses. CLOCK, a subunit of the circadian clock pathway, is the direct target of YTHDF1. YTHDF1 augments CLOCK translation in an m6A-dependent manner. Allergens enhance the liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) of YTHDF1 and drive the formation of a complex comprising dimeric YTHDF1 and CLOCK mRNA, which is distributed to stress granules. Moreover, YTHDF1 strongly activates NLRP3 inflammasome production and interleukin-1β secretion leading to airway inflammatory responses, but these phenotypes are abolished by deleting CLOCK. These findings demonstrate that YTHDF1 is an important regulator of asthmatic airway inflammation, suggesting a potential therapeutic target for allergic airway inflammation.

ABSTRACTMicrobial inoculation is an effective way to improve the quality of fermented foods via affecting the microbiota structure. However, it is unclear how the inoculation regulates the microbiota structure, and it is still difficult to directionally control the microbiota function via the inoculation. In this work, using the spontaneous fermentation of the starter (Daqu) for Chinese liquor fermentation as a case, we inoculated different microbiota groups at different time points in Daqu fermentation, and analyzed the effect of the inoculation on the final metabolic profile of Daqu. The inoculated microbiota and inoculated time points both significantly affected the final metabolites via regulating the microbial succession (P < 0.001), and multiple inoculations can promote deterministic assembly. Twenty-seven genera were identified to be related to microbial succession, and drove the variation of 121 metabolites. We then constructed an elastic network model to predict the profile of these 121 metabolites based on the abundances of 27 succession-related genera in Daqu fermentation. Procrustes analysis showed that the model could accurately predict the metabolic abundances (average Spearman correlation coefficients >0.3). This work revealed the effect of inoculation on the microbiota succession and the metabolic profile. The established predicted model of metabolic profile would be beneficial for directionally improving the food quality.IMPORTANCEThis work revealed the importance of microbial succession to microbiota structure and metabolites. Multi-inoculations would promote deterministic assembly. It would facilitate the regulation of microbiota structure and metabolic profile. In addition, we established a model to predict final metabolites based on microbial genera related to microbial succession. This model was beneficial for optimizing the inoculation of the microbiota. This work would be helpful for controlling the spontaneous food fermentation and directionally improving the food quality.

Early detection and treatment of congenital heart disease (CHD) can significantly improve the prognosis of children. However, inexperienced sonographers often face difficulties in recognizing CHD through transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) images. In this study, 2-dimensional (2D) and Doppler TTEs of children collected from 2 clinical groups from Beijing Children's Hospital between 2018 and 2022 were analyzed, including views of apical 4 chamber, subxiphoid long-axis view of 2 atria, parasternal long-axis view of the left ventricle, parasternal short-axis view of aorta, and suprasternal long-axis view. A deep learning (DL) framework was developed to identify cardiac views, integrate information from various views and modalities, visualize the high-risk region, and predict the probability of the subject being normal or having an atrial septal defect (ASD) or a ventricular septaldefect (VSD). A total of 1,932 children (1,255 healthy controls, 292 ASDs, and 385 VSDs) were collected from 2 clinical groups. For view classification, the DL model reached a mean [SD] accuracy of 0.989 [0.001]. For CHD screening, the model using both 2D and Doppler TTEs with 5 views achieved a mean [SD] area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.996 [0.000] and an accuracy of 0.994 [0.002] for within-center evaluation while reaching a mean [SD] AUC of 0.990 [0.003] and an accuracy of 0.993 [0.001] for cross-center test set. For the classification of healthy, ASD, and VSD, the model reached the mean [SD] accuracy of 0.991 [0.002] and 0.986 [0.001] for within- and cross-center evaluation, respectively. The DL models aggregating TTEs with more modalities and scanning views attained superior performance to approximate that of experienced sonographers. The incorporation of multiple views and modalities of TTEs in the model enables accurate identification of children with CHD in a noninvasive manner, suggesting the potential to enhance CHD detection performance and simplify the screening process.

Objectives: Oya virus (OYAV) and Ebinur lake virus (EBIV) belong to the genus Orthobunyavirus within the Peribunyaviridae family, and both are recognized as the novel virus with potential threat to the animal or public health. Given their potential to cause outbreaks and their detection in diverse samples across different regions, the need for a reliable and efficient molecular detection method for OYAV and EBIV becomes imperative. Methods: The S-segment of OYAV and EBIV was used for designing specific primer and probe sets, which were employed in a real-time reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) assay. The analytical performance of these assays, encompassing specificity, sensitivity, reproducibility, and fitness for purpose, was thoroughly evaluated across various sample matrices. Results: The developed RT-qPCR assays were very specific to their respective targets. Both assays were highly reproducible (%CV

Abstract Background Fermented foods are considered to be beneficial for human health. Secondary metabolites determined by biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) are precious bioactive compounds with various biological activities. However, the diversity and distribution of the biosynthetic potential of secondary metabolites in global food fermentations remain largely unknown. In this study, we performed a large-scale and comprehensive investigation for the BGCs in global food fermentations by metagenomics analysis. Results We recovered 653 bacterial metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) from 367 metagenomic sequencing datasets covering 15 general food fermentation types worldwide. In total, 2334 secondary metabolite BGCs, including 1003 novel BGCs, were identified in these MAGs. Bacillaceae, Streptococcaceae, Streptomycetaceae, Brevibacteriaceae and Lactobacillaceae contained high abundances of novel BGCs (≥ 60 novel BGCs). Among 2334 BGCs, 1655 were habitat-specific, originating from habitat-specific species (80.54%) and habitat-specific genotypes within multi-habitat species (19.46%) in different food fermentation types. Biological activity analysis suggested that 183 BGC-producing secondary metabolites exhibited high probabilities of antibacterial activity (> 80%). These 183 BGCs were distributed across all 15 food fermentation types, and cheese fermentation contained the most BGC number. Conclusions This study demonstrates that food fermentation systems are an untapped reservoir of BGCs and bioactive secondary metabolites, and it provides novel insights into the potential human health benefits of fermented foods. Video Abstract

Abstract Microbial interactions are important for the survival of species and the stability of the microbial ecosystem. Although bacteria have diverse conspecific genotypes in the natural microbial ecosystem, little is known about whether wild-type strains within species would interact with each other and how the intraspecific interaction influences the growth of the species. In this work, using Lactobacillus acetotolerans, a dominant species with diverse conspecific genotypes in natural food fermentation ecosystems as a case, we studied the interactions between different genotypic groups of this species. In interspecific and intraspecific pairwise cocultures, the growth of L. acetotolerans decreased, but the increase of the phylogenetic similarity would reduce this negative effect, indicating a potential intraspecific interaction of this species. Meanwhile, the strain classification method affected the analysis of intraspecific interactions, which can be efficiently demonstrated using 99.5% average nucleotide identity (ANI) as the strain-level classification method. Using this ANI classification method, we revealed the population fitness significantly increased in cocultures of different genotypic groups. Facilitation involving 11 amino acids was identified between different ANI genotypic groups, which was beneficial for increasing population fitness. This work revealed that wild-type conspecific strains could interact with each other via cooperative metabolic changes and benefit each other to increase fitness. It shed new light on the survival and stability of species in natural microbial ecosystems.

Leizhou goats are famous for their delicious meat but have inferior growth performance. There is little information on rumen-protected fat (RPF) from the Leizhou goat. Hence, we observed the effects of RPF on growth, fecal short-chain fatty acids, and bacteria community with respect to Leizhou goats. Twelve goats (13.34 ± 0.024 kg) were selected and assigned randomly to one of two treatments: (1) a control diet (CON) and (2) 2.4% RPF with a control diet (RPF). The final body weight and average daily gain (ADG) were greater (p < 0.05), and the dry matter intake (DMI): ADG was lower (p < 0.05) in the RPF group than in the CON group. There were no differences in DMI between the CON and RPF groups. The concentrations of total short-chain fatty acids, acetate, propionate, and butyrate were lower (p < 0.05) in the RPF group than in the CON group. The relative abundances of Ruminococcus, Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group, Treponema, norank_f__norank_o__RF39, Eubacterium_siraeum_group, and Ruminococcus_torques_group were lower (p < 0.05) in the RPF group than in the CON group. The relative abundances of Bacteroides, norank_f__norank_o__Clostridia_UCG-014, norank_f__Eubacterium_coprostanoligenes_group, Eubacterium_ruminantium_group, norank_f__Oscillospirale-UCG-010, Oscillospiraceae_UCG-002, and Family_XIII_AD3011_group were greater (p < 0.05) in the RPF group than in the CON group. It was concluded that RPF could improve the goats’ growth performance by regulating their fecal bacteria communities.

Climate change adaptation is increasingly recognized by subsistence farmers in Pakistan. The problem of climate change is severe, and smallholders are often resource constrained when it comes to adapting to it. However, such constraints can be overcome through collective responses. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate the impact of collective action among smallholder farmers to determine how it influences local adaptation processes. This study explores the impact of farmer’s collective action groups (CAGs) on adopting climate-smart agricultural (CSA) practices in poverty-stricken areas of rural Punjab, Pakistan. The data was collected through a cross-sectional survey, and for the analysis purpose, the Recursive bivariate probit regression (RBP) model was employed. The first stage estimates of RBP models suggest that the farmer’s decision to participate in CAGs is mainly influenced by factors such as education, credit access, climate change risk perception, and peer influence. The second stage estimates showed a positive and significant impact of farmers’ participation in collective action groups on adopting climate change adaptation strategies across all three models. The study concludes that the farmers participating in collective action groups have a higher climate change adaptation level. It is recommended that the pro-poor policies be designed to negate the entry barriers, facilitate the inclusion of the farmers in the collective action groups, and enhance climate change adaptation among smallholders.

Orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) technology, which can divide the frequency selective fading channel into multiple flat fading sub-channels, is widely used in wireless communication systems because of its robustness to frequency selectivity in wireless channels and the ability to mitigate multipath fading that causes inter-symbol interference. Therefore, it has become one of the key technologies of 5G mobile communication. However, it has a serious shortcoming, i.e., the high peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR), especially when the number of subcarriers is large. High PAPR will make the high-power amplifier work in its nonlinear region, leading to inter-modulation interference among subcarriers and out-of-band interference of OFDM signals. Active constellation extension (ACE) reduces the PAPR of OFDM signals effectively by extending external constellation points outwards. Most of the ACE algorithms currently used set a fixed threshold to limit the amplitude of the OFDM signal during the iteration. As the statistical characteristics of OFDM signals will change after each iteration, the same threshold will reduce the ability of the method to suppress the PAPR of OFDM systems. To solve this problem, an optimal threshold ACE (OTACE) method is proposed, which can determine an appropriate threshold according to the signal power at each iteration to enhance the performance of PAPR reduction. The appropriate number of iterations is obtained by data fitting, and on this basis, the impact of the OTACE algorithm in suppressing the PAPR is simulated and analyzed. The simulation results demonstrate that compared with POCS and SGP, OTACE can increase the performance to reduce PAPR by approximately 5 dB and 3 dB gains, respectively. Under the CDT 1, CDT 6, and Brazil A channels, the impact of the OTACE algorithm on the bit error rate (BER) is tested when the Doppler frequency shift is 20 Hz and 60 Hz, respectively. The experimental results show that the OTACE can achieve better BER performance. Compared with POCS, OTACE has about 1 dB signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) gain in BER performance. OTACE has obvious advantages over SGP at a high SNR.

Purpose – The purpose of this research is to investigate the causal mechanisms that explain the relationship between the long-term buyer–supplier relationship and buyer performance. Building on the growing body of research on social capital in supply chain management (SCM), the authors examine how a buyer achieves superior performance in forming the enduring partnership with a supplier through two different forms of supplier embeddedness: buyer–supplier dyadic embeddedness and supplier external embeddedness. Design/methodology/approach – The bootstrapping method is utilized in data analysis to examine the mediating effects of the two different forms of supplier embeddedness simultaneously on the linkage between the duration of buyer–supplier relationships and buyer performance outcomes. Findings – The authors find that the two forms of supplier embeddedness serve as distinct conduits for the buyer to translate the long-term buyer–supplier relationship into performance effectiveness. Notably, dyadic embeddedness only mediates the linkage between the duration of buyer–supplier relationships and buyer economic performance, while supplier external embeddedness solely mediates the linkage between the duration of buyer–supplier relationships and buyer innovation performance. Originality/value – This study empirically demonstrates that different forms of supplier embeddedness may benefit a buyer differentially when directed at distinct performance goals. If a buyer can leverage both buyer–supplier dyadic embeddedness and supplier external embeddedness, the buyer will overcome value creation limitations of social capital from a single source, obtaining more comprehensive performance benefits sought by developing long-term buyer–supplier relationships.

Abstract Main goal of the JUNO experiment is to determine the neutrino mass ordering using a 20 kt liquid-scintillator detector. Its key feature is an excellent energy resolution of at least 3% at 1 MeV, for which its instruments need to meet a certain quality and thus have to be fully characterized. More than 20,000 20-inch PMTs have been received and assessed by JUNO after a detailed testing program which began in 2017 and elapsed for about four years. Based on this mass characterization and a set of specific requirements, a good quality of all accepted PMTs could be ascertained. This paper presents the performed testing procedure with the designed testing systems as well as the statistical characteristics of all 20-inch PMTs intended to be used in the JUNO experiment, covering more than fifteen performance parameters including the photocathode uniformity. This constitutes the largest sample of 20-inch PMTs ever produced and studied in detail to date, i.e. 15,000 of the newly developed 20-inch MCP-PMTs from Northern Night Vision Technology Co. (NNVT) and 5000 of dynode PMTs from Hamamatsu Photonics K. K.(HPK).

Abstract This study examines consumer fraud at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and provides novel evidence for the opportunity model of predatory victimization. Scammers have taken advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic shock to exploit victims who are already vulnerable and suffering. The number of fraud cases has greatly increased as COVID-19 spread across the U.S., consistent with the vulnerable-to-become-victimization hypothesis based on the opportunity model of predatory victimization. A Google Trends analysis shows that the increase in fraud and scams is attributable to victims’ increased vulnerability rather than to their awareness of fraud and increased motivation to report scams. An improvement in financial literacy is associated with the reduction of finance-related fraud and scams. Finally, we provide important policy implications to protect people from fraud victimization.

Attaining agricultural sustainability and eliminating poverty are the key challenges of rural areas. Non-farm income diversification is a vital livelihood strategy that endorses sustainable agriculture and alleviates poverty. Considering the land degradation and poor economic situation of Pakistan's rain-fed areas, the current research examined the potential effects of non-farm income diversification on household poverty and adopting soil and water conservation (SWC) technologies. A survey of 441 farmers was conducted in rain-fed areas of Punjab, Pakistan, and for econometric analysis, the propensity score matching (PSM) technique was employed to explore the objectives. The results signified that diversified farmers were more likely to adopt SWC practices and were less vulnerable to poverty. The findings suggest that farmer-based organizations and agricultural extension activities must be strengthened as they support non-farm income diversification, thus facilitating investment in soil and water conservation technologies and reducing poverty.

In this study, the efficacy of diatomite as a modifier in asphalt pavements is thoroughly examined. The research primarily focuses on evaluating the thermal performance of asphalt mixtures modified with varying diatomite contents. Key findings indicate significant improvements in the rutting resistance, with the dynamic stability of the 15% diatomite mixture being 3.4 times higher than the control mixture. Additionally, the 10% diatomite mixture shows a 20% increase in bending strain energy density, enhancing low-temperature performance. However, a diatomite content beyond 10% tends to diminish these benefits. Fatigue life at 10% diatomite content is improved by 18%–24%, demonstrating the material’s potential in extending pavement longevity. Water stability tests also reveal notable improvements, with the 15% diatomite mixture exhibiting a 15% increase in tensile strength ratio post-water conditioning. These results collectively establish diatomite as a cost-effective and efficient modifier for asphalt pavements, promoting enhanced durability and performance.

This research investigates the efficacy of bio-oil as a sustainable modifier for lignin-modified asphalt (LMA), aiming to enhance its performance characteristics. Utilizing Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the study analyzes the chemical and microstructural changes induced by bio-oil in LMA. Rheological properties were evaluated using Dynamic Shear Rheometry (DSR), revealing that the addition of 5%–10% bio-oil to LMA significantly reduced stiffness and brittleness, improving ductility and fatigue resistance. For instance, LMAs with 10% bio-oil demonstrated a fatigue life at 2.5% strain comparable to unmodified asphalt. Additionally, bio-oil inclusion increased adhesive strength between asphalt and aggregates, enhancing moisture resistance. Low-temperature properties assessed by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) showed improved flexibility and thermal crack resistance with bio-oil addition. These findings underscore the potential of bio-oil in developing high-performance, sustainable asphalt binders, contributing to the advancement of eco-friendly road construction materials.

The physics potential of detecting ^8 B solar neutrinos will be exploited at the Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory (JUNO), in a model-independent manner by using three distinct channels of the charged current (CC), neutral current (NC), and elastic scattering (ES) interactions. Due to the largest-ever mass of ^13 C nuclei in the liquid scintillator detectors and the expected low background level, ^8 B solar neutrinos are observable in the CC and NC interactions on ^13 C for the first time. By virtue of optimized event selections and muon veto strategies, backgrounds from the accidental coincidence, muon-induced isotopes, and external backgrounds can be greatly suppressed. Excellent signal-to-background ratios can be achieved in the CC, NC, and ES channels to guarantee the observation of the ^8 B solar neutrinos. From the sensitivity studies performed in this work, we show that JUNO, with 10 yr of data, can reach the 1 σ precision levels of 5%, 8%, and 20% for the ^8 B neutrino flux, ${\sin }^{2}{\theta }_{12}$ , and ${\rm{\Delta }}{m}_{21}^{2}$ , respectively. Probing the details of both solar physics and neutrino physics would be unique and helpful. In addition, when combined with the Sudbury Neutrino Observatory measurement, the world's best precision of 3% is expected for the measurement of the ^8 B neutrino flux.

Abstract CRISPR-Cas systems are an immune defense mechanism that is widespread in archaea and bacteria against invasive phages or foreign genetic elements. In the last decade, CRISPR-Cas systems have been a leading gene-editing tool for agriculture (plant engineering), biotechnology, and human health (e.g., diagnosis and treatment of cancers and genetic diseases), benefitted from unprecedented discoveries of basic bacterial research. However, the functional complexity of CRISPR systems is far beyond the original scope of immune defense. CRISPR-Cas systems are implicated in influencing the expression of physiology and virulence genes and subsequently altering the formation of bacterial biofilm, drug resistance, invasive potency as well as bacterial own physiological characteristics. Moreover, increasing evidence supports that bacterial CRISPR-Cas systems might intriguingly influence mammalian immune responses through targeting endogenous genes, especially those relating to virulence; however, unfortunately, their underlying mechanisms are largely unclear. Nevertheless, the interaction between bacterial CRISPR-Cas systems and eukaryotic cells is complex with numerous mysteries that necessitate further investigation efforts. Here, we summarize the non-canonical functions of CRISPR-Cas that potentially impact bacterial physiology, pathogenicity, antimicrobial resistance, and thereby altering the courses of mammalian immune responses.

Abstract In this paper, a novel strategy based on a metasurface composed of simple and compact unit cells to achieve ultra-high-speed trigonometric operations under specific input values is theoretically and experimentally demonstrated. An electromagnetic wave (EM)-based optical diffractive neural network with only one hidden layer is physically built to perform four trigonometric operations (sine, cosine, tangent, and cotangent functions). Under the unique composite input mode strategy, the designed optical trigonometric operator responds to incident light source modes that represent different trigonometric operations and input values (within one period), and generates correct and clear calculated results in the output layer. Such a wave-based operation is implemented with specific input values, and the proposed concept work may offer breakthrough inspiration to achieve integrable optical computing devices and photonic signal processors with ultra-fast running speeds.

Abstract Channel estimation based on superimposed pilot (SP) is a challenge in orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) systems. To reduce the pilot data interference in the SP and estimate the channel state information accurately, a weighted averaging (WA) channel estimation method based on the superimposed pilot is proposed in this paper. At the transmitter, two signals with data symbols and pilot symbols superimposed at different subcarriers are transmitted. At the receiver, the elimination scheme is proposed to remove the pilot data interference. Based on the temporal correlation of wireless channels, the WA method is used to reduce the interference caused by additive white Gaussian noise in the channel. Simulation results verify that the proposed method can be applied to different channel scenarios. It has better normalized mean square error and bit error rate performance than other existing methods, and the superimposed pilot can improve the throughput of wireless communication systems.

Abstract We study damping signatures at the Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory (JUNO), a medium-baseline reactor neutrino oscillation experiment. These damping signatures are motivated by various new physics models, including quantum decoherence, ν 3 decay, neutrino absorption, and wave packet decoherence. The phenomenological effects of these models can be characterized by exponential damping factors at the probability level. We assess how well JUNO can constrain these damping parameters and how to disentangle these different damping signatures at JUNO. Compared to current experimental limits, JUNO can significantly improve the limits on τ 3/m 3 in the ν 3 decay model, the width of the neutrino wave packet σ x , and the intrinsic relative dispersion of neutrino momentum σ rel.

The diverse design freedom and exotic electromagnetic properties of metasurfaces enable them to achieve unprecedented capability and superiority with regard to conventional optical elements. Herein, a bifunctional microwave metasurface with an asymmetric bidirection transmission phase that can be controlled is reported. The proposed metasurface is composed of bilayered double‐arrow‐shaped structures sandwiching a subwavelength metal grating. Such design can achieve not only linear polarization (LP) conversion for two oppositely directed wave incidences but also phase control independently by introducing a rotation and adjusting the geometrical parameters of the double‐arrow‐shaped structures. The metasurface breaks the symmetry and realizes different functions for opposite propagation directions, such as deflection and focusing, orbital angular momentum (OAM) mode generation, and holographic imaging. The experimental results suggest that the proposed Janus metasurface can be further exploited as an attractive platform for various applications ranging from microwave reconfigurable beam antenna and multifunctional polarization control to optical imaging, sensing, and information processing.

In this work, a low-cost all-metal metamaterial near-field lens based on laser cutting technology is proposed. A novel spiral-slot structure is proposed to achieve miniaturized unit cells with an adjustable 360-degree phase shift at a length smaller than 0.2 times the operating wavelength. Since the unit is entirely constructed of stainless steel, it is resistant to high temperatures and high pressures compared to existing results. Moreover, a four-layer structure is used to increase the transmission coefficient. The final L-band near-field lens is constructed of 20 × 20 units. Simulation and measured results show that the half-power beamwidth of the focus is less than 211 mm from 1.52 GHz to 1.68 GHz at the focal spot observation plane of 500 mm from the lens. Since numerically controlled machine tools and three-dimensional printing are prohibitively expensive for machining large metal components, a low-cost all-metallic lens was manufactured using laser cutting technology. The measured results are in agreement with the simulation results.

Abstract High speed and low latency have become the development trend of mobile communication network. Orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) technology has become the key technology of mobile communication network due to its efficient transmission method. Space time block coding (STBC) introduces time and space correlation in the signals sent by different antennas, so that diversity gains and coding gains are obtained for the multiple input multiple output-OFDM (MIMO-OFDM) receiver without sacrificing bandwidth. STBC is a signal coding technology that combines higher transmission rates and it is a combination of space and time transmission signals. STBC uses the spatial diversity of multiple transmitters and multiple receivers in space to improve the capacity and information rate of the OFDM system. It proceeds parallel multiplex transmission in the transmission channel, which effectively improves spectrum utilization. For obtaining diversity gains and spectrum efficiency, this paper introduces a variable pilot assisted channel estimation method with different modulation modes. In this paper, the new type pilot sequences with different modulation orders are proposed for improving spectrum efficiency. The proposed variable pilot assisted channel estimation method in MIMO-OFDM systems is adopted with different low and high order modulations. Simulation results show that the proposed variable pilot assisted channel estimation method has 1–2 dB signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) gains for bit error rate (BER) performance of MIMO-OFDM systems.

Here, the authors propose a Fourier-based metaprocessor to impart customized highly flexible transfer functions for analog computing. Differentiation and cross-correlation are performed to substantiate the ultracompact and high-throughput kernel processor.

Research Objectives: Considering the complex challenges arising from urbanization, population growth, and the consequential strain on China’s cultivated land resources, we integrate insights from advanced artificial intelligence (AI) technology. The primary objective is to quantitatively assess the cultivated land-holding responsibility of local governments in China from a fairness perspective. Our aim is to integrate the cultivated land responsibility ownership amount into the compensation mechanism for cultivated land protection, thereby promoting fairness, cultivated land conservation, and sustainable agricultural development across Chinese provinces while ensuring efficient agricultural product distribution. Research Methodology: Beyond a traditional literature review and model analysis, we incorporated AI technology for data analysis and model optimization. Findings: ① The findings demonstrate a surplus in both food security and ecological security within cultivated land. ② In-depth analysis via AI revealed that the provinces with the largest surplus include Heilongjiang, Jilin, and Hubei. ③ With the precision provided by AI, we delineated the minimum value of the cultivated land responsibility ownership amount for each province. Eleven provinces met this criterion, primarily located in the northeast and central regions and including Yunnan in the west. ④ From a fairness perspective, coupled with AI insights, we established a compensation mechanism for cultivated land protection that is better suited to the Chinese context. Based on this mechanism, the national average compensation standard was calculated to be 26,900 CNY per hectare. The highest standards were observed in Shanghai, Beijing, and Jiangsu, while the lowest were in Shanxi, Heilongjiang, and Gansu.

The plectin (PLEC) gene is crucial in regulating muscle development and maintaining the cytoskeleton. An abnormal expression of PLEC can lead to muscle atrophy and muscular dystrophy. In a previous study, we found that Leizhou black goats exhibit abundant structural variations in the PLEC gene. However, the genetic effects of these variations on growth traits and meat quality in goats are not fully understood. In this study, three PLEC copy number variations (CNVs) were identified in a population of 417 Leizhou black goats, using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) technology. Population distribution analysis revealed a high abundance of various types of these three CNVs. PLEC mRNA was found to be highly expressed in muscle tissue and remained consistently high from 1 month to 24 months after birth. Specifically, the gain type of CNV-1 (chr14: 81056401-81064800) showed a significant association with PLEC mRNA expression in muscle tissue (p < 0.01). The sequence of CNV-1 in PLEC shares similarities with three domain superfamilies associated with muscle development and skin disease. Furthermore, there were significant differences in chest circumference, body weight, carcass weight, the cross-sectional area of the longissimus dorsi lumbar muscle, and shear stress between different types of CNV-1 (p < 0.05). Notably, goats with the CNV-1 gain type demonstrated better phenotypic values compared to those with loss and normal types. These findings suggest that PLEC CNV-1 could play a crucial role in the growth and muscle development of Leizhou black goats, making it a potential marker for assisted selection in goat breeding.

Utilizing biomedical signals as a basis to calculate the human affective states is an essential issue of affective computing (AC). With the in-depth research on affective signals, the combination of multi-model cognition and physiological indicators, the establishment of a dynamic and complete database, and the addition of high-tech innovative products become recent trends in AC. This research aims to develop a deep gradient convolutional neural network (DGCNN) for classifying affection by using an eye-tracking signals. General signal process tools and pre-processing methods were applied firstly, such as Kalman filter, windowing with hamming, short-time Fourier transform (SIFT), and fast Fourier transform (FTT). Secondly, the eye-moving and tracking signals were converted into images. A convolutional neural networks-based training structure was subsequently applied; the experimental dataset was acquired by an eye-tracking device by assigning four affective stimuli (nervous, calm, happy, and sad) of 16 participants. Finally, the performance of DGCNN was compared with a decision tree (DT), Bayesian Gaussian model (BGM), and k-nearest neighbor (KNN) by using indices of true positive rate (TPR) and false negative rate (FPR). Customizing mini-batch, loss, learning rate, and gradients definition for the training structure of the deep neural network was also deployed finally. The predictive classification matrix showed the effectiveness of the proposed method for eye moving and tracking signals, which performs more than 87.2% inaccuracy. This research provided a feasible way to find more natural human-computer interaction through eye moving and tracking signals and has potential application on the affective production design process.

Abstract The OSIRIS detector is a subsystem of the liquid scintillator filling chain of the JUNO reactor neutrino experiment. Its purpose is to validate the radiopurity of the scintillator to assure that all components of the JUNO scintillator system work to specifications and only neutrino-grade scintillator is filled into the JUNO Central Detector. The aspired sensitivity level of $$10^{-16}\hbox { g/g}$$ 10 - 16 g/g of $$^{238}\hbox {U}$$ 238 U and $$^{232}\hbox {Th}$$ 232 Th requires a large ( $$\sim 20\,\hbox {m}^3$$ ∼ 20 m 3 ) detection volume and ultralow background levels. The present paper reports on the design and major components of the OSIRIS detector, the detector simulation as well as the measuring strategies foreseen and the sensitivity levels to U/Th that can be reached in this setup.

Abstract JUNO is a massive liquid scintillator detector with a primary scientific goal of determining the neutrino mass ordering by studying the oscillated anti-neutrino flux coming from two nuclear power plants at 53 km distance. The expected signal anti-neutrino interaction rate is only 60 counts per day (cpd), therefore a careful control of the background sources due to radioactivity is critical. In particular, natural radioactivity present in all materials and in the environment represents a serious issue that could impair the sensitivity of the experiment if appropriate countermeasures were not foreseen. In this paper we discuss the background reduction strategies undertaken by the JUNO collaboration to reduce at minimum the impact of natural radioactivity. We describe our efforts for an optimized experimental design, a careful material screening and accurate detector production handling, and a constant control of the expected results through a meticulous Monte Carlo simulation program. We show that all these actions should allow us to keep the background count rate safely below the target value of 10 Hz (i.e. ∼1 cpd accidental background) in the default fiducial volume, above an energy threshold of 0.7 MeV.

Abstract Atmospheric neutrinos are one of the most relevant natural neutrino sources that can be exploited to infer properties about cosmic rays and neutrino oscillations. The Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory (JUNO) experiment, a 20 kton liquid scintillator detector with excellent energy resolution is currently under construction in China. JUNO will be able to detect several atmospheric neutrinos per day given the large volume. A study on the JUNO detection and reconstruction capabilities of atmospheric $$\nu _e$$ ν e and $$\nu _\mu $$ ν μ fluxes is presented in this paper. In this study, a sample of atmospheric neutrino Monte Carlo events has been generated, starting from theoretical models, and then processed by the detector simulation. The excellent timing resolution of the 3” PMT light detection system of JUNO detector and the much higher light yield for scintillation over Cherenkov allow to measure the time structure of the scintillation light with very high precision. Since $$\nu _e$$ ν e and $$\nu _\mu $$ ν μ interactions produce a slightly different light pattern, the different time evolution of light allows to discriminate the flavor of primary neutrinos. A probabilistic unfolding method has been used, in order to infer the primary neutrino energy spectrum from the detector experimental observables. The simulated spectrum has been reconstructed between 100 MeV and 10 GeV, showing a great potential of the detector in the atmospheric low energy region.

ABSTRACT The therapeutic use of bacteriophages (phages) provides great promise for treating multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial infections. However, an incomplete understanding of the interactions between phages and bacteria has negatively impacted the application of phage therapy. Here, we explored engineered anti-CRISPR (Acr) gene-containing phages (EATPs, eat Pseudomonas) by introducing Type I anti-CRISPR (AcrIF1, AcrIF2, and AcrIF3) genes into the P. aeruginosa bacteriophage DMS3/DMS3m to render the potential for blocking P. aeruginosa replication and infection. In order to achieve effective antibacterial activities along with high safety against clinically isolated MDR P. aeruginosa through an anti-CRISPR immunity mechanism in vitro and in vivo, the inhibitory concentration for EATPs was 1 × 108 PFU/mL with a multiplicity of infection value of 0.2. In addition, the EATPs significantly suppressed the antibiotic resistance caused by a highly antibiotic-resistant PA14 infection. Collectively, these findings provide evidence that engineered phages may be an alternative, viable approach by which to treat patients with an intractable bacterial infection, especially an infection by clinically MDR bacteria that are unresponsive to conventional antibiotic therapy. IMPORTANCE Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) is an opportunistic Gram-negative bacterium that causes severe infection in immune-weakened individuals, especially patients with cystic fibrosis, burn wounds, cancer, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Treating P. aeruginosa infection with conventional antibiotics is difficult due to its intrinsic multidrug resistance. Engineered bacteriophage therapeutics, acting as highly viable alternative treatments of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial infections, have great potential to break through the evolutionary constraints of bacteriophages to create next-generation antimicrobials. Here, we found that engineered anti-CRISPR (Acr) gene-containing phages (EATPs, eat Pseudomonas) display effective antibacterial activities along with high safety against clinically isolated MDR P. aeruginosa through an anti-CRISPR immunity mechanism in vitro and in vivo. EATPs also significantly suppressed the antibiotic resistance caused by a highly antibiotic-resistant PA14 infection, which may provide novel insight toward developing bacteriophages to treat patients with intractable bacterial infections, especially infections by clinically MDR bacteria that are unresponsive to conventional antibiotic therapy.

ABSTRACT Fermented foods often have attractive flavor characteristics to meet various human demands. An ever-challenging target is the production of fermented foods with equal flavor profiles outside the product’s origin. However, the formation of geography-dependent flavor in high-complexity fermentations remains poorly understood. Here, taking Chinese liquor (baijiu) fermentation as an example, we collected 403 samples from 9 different locations in China across a latitude range of 27°N to 37°N. We revealed and validated the geography-dependent flavor formation patterns by using culture-independent (metabolomics, metagenomics, and metatranscriptomics) and culture-dependent tools. We found that the baijiu microbiomes along with their metabolites were flavor related and geography dependent. The geographical characteristics were determined mainly by 20 to 40 differentiated chemical markers in metabolites and the latitude-dependent fungal structure of the microbiome. About 48 to 156 core microbiota members out of 735 bacterial genera and 290 fungal genera contributed to the chemical markers. The contributions of both fungi and bacteria were greater than those from either bacteria or fungi alone. Representatively, we revealed that dynamic interdependent interactions between yeasts and Lactobacillus facilitated the metabolism of heterocyclic flavor chemicals such as 2-acetylpyrrole, 2,3,5-trimethylpyrazine, and 2-acetylfuran. Moreover, we found that the intraspecific genomic diversity and microbial structure were two biotic factors that contributed to dynamic microbiome assembly. Based on the assembly pattern, adjusting the composition and distribution of initial species was one option to regulate the formation of diverse flavor characteristics. Our study provided a rationale for developing a microbiome design to achieve a defined flavor goal. IMPORTANCE People consume many spontaneously fermented foods and beverages with different flavors on a daily basis. One crucial and hotly discussed question is how to reproduce fermented food flavor without geographical limitations to meet diverse human demands. The constantly enriched knowledge of the microbial contribution to fermented flavor offers valuable insights into flavor biotechnological development. However, we still have a poor understanding of what factors limit the reproduction of fermented flavor outside the product’s origin in high-complexity spontaneous fermentations. Here, taking baijiu fermentation as an example, we revealed that geography-dependent flavor was contributed mainly by fungus-bacterium cooperative metabolism. The distinct initial microbial composition, distribution, and intraspecific genomic diversity limited reproducible microbial interactions and metabolism in different geographical areas. The abundant microbial resources and predicted fungus-bacterium interactions found in baijiu fermentation enable us to design a synthetic microbial community to reproduce desired flavor profiles in the future.

Sudden cardiac death is a sudden and highly fatal condition. Implementing high-quality emergency cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) early on is an effective rescue method for this disease. However, the rescue steps of CPR are complicated and difficult to remember, and the quantitative indicators are difficult to control, which leads to a poor quality of CPR emergency actions outside the hospital setting. Therefore, we have developed CPR emergency equipment with a multisensory feedback function, aiming to guide rescuers in performing CPR through visual, auditory, and tactile interaction. This equipment consists of three components: first aid clothing, an audio-visual integrated terminal, and a vital sign detector. These three components are based on a micro-power WiFi-Mesh network, enabling the long-term wireless transmission of the multisensor data. To evaluate the impact of the multisensory feedback CPR emergency equipment on nonprofessionals, we conducted a controlled experiment involving 32 nonmedical subjects. Each subject was assigned to either the experimental group, which used the equipment, or the control group, which did not. The main evaluation criteria were the chest compression (CC) depth, the CC rate, the precise depth of the CC ratio (5–6 cm), and the precise rate of the CC ratio -(100–120 times/min). The results indicated that the average CC depth in the experimental group was 51.5 ± 1.3 mm, which was significantly better than that of the control group (50.2 ± 2.2 mm, p = 0.012). Moreover, the average CC rate in the experimental group (110.1 ± 6.2 times/min) was significantly higher than that of the control group (100.4 ± 6.6 times/min) (p < 0.001). Compared to the control group (66.37%), the experimental group showed a higher proportion of precise CC depth (82.11%), which is closer to the standard CPR rate of 100%. In addition, the CC ratio of the precise rate was 93.75% in the experimental group, which was significantly better than that of 56.52% in the control group (p = 0.024). Following the experiment, the revised System Availability Scale (SUS) was utilized to evaluate the equipment’s usability. The average total SUS score was 78.594, indicating that the equipment’s acceptability range was evaluated as ‘acceptable’, and the overall adjective rating was ‘good’. In conclusion, the multisensory feedback CPR emergency equipment significantly enhances the CC performance (CC depth, CC rate, the precise depth of CC ratio, the precise rate of CC ratio) of nonprofessionals during CPR, and the majority of participants perceive the equipment as being easy to use.

Abstract Background The C2H2-type zinc finger proteins (C2H2-ZFPs) are one of major classes of transcription factors that play important roles in plant growth, development and stress responses. Limit information about the C 2 H 2 -ZF genes hinders the molecular breeding in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum). Results In this study, 457 C2H2-ZFP proteins (including 253 splice variants), which contain four types of conserved domain (named Q, M, Z, and D), could be further classified into ten subsets. They were identified to be distributed in 21 chromosomes in T. aestivum. Subset-specific motifs, like NPL-, SFP1-, DL- (EAR-like-motif), R-, PL-, L- and EK-, might make C2H2-ZFP diverse multifunction. Interestingly, NPL- and SFP1-box were firstly found to be located in C2H2-ZFP proteins. Synteny analyses showed that only 4 pairs of C2H2 family genes in T. aestivum, 65 genes in B. distachyon, 66 genes in A. tauschii, 68 genes in rice, 9 genes in Arabidopsis, were syntenic relationships respectively. It indicated that TaZFPs were closely related to genes in Poaceae. From the published transcriptome data, totally 198 of 204 TaC 2 H 2 -ZF genes have expression data. Among them, 25 TaC 2 H 2 -ZF genes were certificated to be significantly differentially expressed in 5 different organs and 15 different development stages by quantitative RT-PCR. The 18 TaC 2 H 2 -ZF genes were verified in response to heat, drought, and heat & drought stresses. According to expression pattern analysis, several TaZFPs, like Traes_5BL_D53A846BE.1, were not only highly expressed in L2DAAs, RTLS, RMS, but also endowed tolerance to drought and heat stresses, making them good candidates for molecular breeding. Conclusions This study systematically characterized the TaC2H2-ZFPs and their potential roles in T. aestivum. Our findings provide new insights into the C 2 H 2 -ZF genes in T. aestivum as well as a foundation for further studies on the roles of TaC 2 H 2 -ZF genes in T. aestivum molecular breeding.

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the effects of in vitro‐induced drug resistance on the virulence of Streptococcus. Micro‐dilution method was used to determine the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC). In vitro‐induced drug resistance was conducted for S. agalactiae (CVCC1886) and S. dysgalactiae (CVCC3701) by gradually increasing the antimicrobial concentration (strains were from IVDC, China). PCR was used to detect the resistance and virulence genes of the strains before and after resistance induction. Colony morphology was observed to compare the physiological and biochemical properties of the strains. A total of 88 clean‐grade Kunming mice (obtained from Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China) were used in half of the lethal dose (LD50) test for detecting the changes in virulence of strains. The results showed that S. agalactiae (CVCC1886) and S. dysgalactiae (CVCC3701) developed resistance against seven kinds of antibiotics, respectively. Resistance and virulence genes of CVCC3701 were changed when treated by the Penicillin‐inducing. The growth of the CVCC3701‐PEN was decreased compared to the CVCC3701. Virulence test in mice indicated that the LD50 of CVCC3701 before induction and CVCC3701‐PEN after induction were 5.45 × 106 and 5.82 × 108 CFU/ml, respectively. Compared with the untreated bacteria, the bacterial virulence was reduced 1.1 × 102 times after resistance induction. In conclusion, S. dysgalactiae (CVCC3701) is a susceptible strain of drug resistance to antibiotics, in vitro‐induced drug resistance reduced the virulence of CVCC3701, but the virulence is still existing and also could result in the death of mice. For public health safety, it must be alert to the emergence of drug resistance of Streptococcus in animal production.

Abstract We present the calibration strategy for the 20 kton liquid scintillator central detector of the Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory (JUNO). By utilizing a comprehensive multiple-source and multiple-positional calibration program, in combination with a novel dual calorimetry technique exploiting two independent photosensors and readout systems, we demonstrate that the JUNO central detector can achieve a better than 1% energy linearity and a 3% effective energy resolution, required by the neutrino mass ordering determination.

Abstract DNA barcoding is currently an effective and widely used tool that enables rapid and accurate identification of plant species. The Orchidaceae is the second largest family of flowering plants, with more than 700 genera and 20,000 species distributed nearly worldwide. The accurate identification of Orchids not only contributes to the safe utilization of these plants, but also it is essential to the protection and utilization of germplasm resources. In this study, the DNA barcoding of 4 chloroplast genes (matK, rbcL, ndhF and ycf1) were used to provide theoretical basis for species identification, germplasm conservation and innovative utilization of orchids. By comparing the nucleotide replacement saturation of the single or combined sequences among the 4 genes, we found that these sequences reached a saturation state and were suitable for phylogenetic relationship analysis. The phylogenetic analyses based on genetic distance indicated that ndhF and ycf1 sequences were competent to identification at genus and species level of orchids in a single gene. In the combined sequences, matK + ycf1 and ndhF + ycf1 were qualified for identification at the genera and species levels, suggesting the potential roles of ndhF, ycf1, matK + ycf1 and ndhF + ycf1 as candidate barcodes for orchids. Based on the SNP sites, candidate genes were used to obtain the specific barcode of orchid plant species and generated the corresponding DNA QR code ID card that could be immediately recognized by electronic devices. This study provides innovative research methods for efficient species identification of orchids. The standardized and accurate barcode information of Orchids is provided for researchers. It lays the foundation for the conservation, evaluation, innovative utilization and protection of Orchidaceae germplasm resources.