Branch Formation Research Articles

Microstructure and mechanical properties of aluminum alloy laser welded joint assisted by alternating magnetic field

Magnetic field-assisted laser welding is an effective method to improve the quality of laser-welded joints. In this study, laser welding was conducted on a 2 mm thick sheet of 6061-T6 aluminum alloy, with the assistance of an alternating magnetic field oriented perpendicular to the surface of the sheet. The effects of the alternating magnetic field on the macrostructure, molten pool flow, porosity, grain morphology, and microhardness of the weld seam were analyzed. The results indicate that applying the alternating magnetic field results in more uniform and finer fish scale patterns on the upper surface of the weld. The porosity of the weld is significantly reduced. The Lorentz force generated by the alternating magnetic field suppresses liquid metal flow from the center to the edges of the molten pool, thereby hindering the heat flow and transfer within the pool. This concentration of heat in the lower part of the molten pool increases the size of equiaxed grains at the weld center and promotes the formation of more branches in the columnar grains near the fusion line. Some columnar grains in the columnar grain zone transform into equiaxed grains. Moreover, the microhardness distribution of the weld becomes more uniform, and the hardness in the heat-affected zone increases. Tensile tests revealed that all samples fractured within the weld seam, with the tensile strength of the welded joints increasing by 12.7%. The fracture mode transitions from a mixed ductile-brittle fracture to a purely ductile fracture.

Identification of Legal Psychology as an Independent Branch of Law

The science article conducts a theoretical and legal analysis of a new field of scientific knowledge – legal psychology from the standpoint of its perception as an independent branch of law. In the context of the above, the problematic aspects of legal psychology as a scientific, educational and applied branch of legal knowledge are studied on the basis of previously developed by legal psychologists levels of interaction and integration of law and psychology. The formation of legal psychology as a science and vectors of application of its achievements in judicial practice is analyzed. The author's approach in the formation of a new independent branch of law – legal psychology and determining its place in the classification of branches of law is proposed. The author emphasizes the need and urgent demand for the separation of legal psychology as a separate special branch of law that can regulate specific legal relations inherent in the fundamental (profiling) branches of law. The relevance of the article is due to the fact that in domestic legal science the division of the legal system in the field is assessed not in terms of its practical value, but rather in terms of confirming and defending certain scientific and theoretical ideas and concepts, contrary to the expediency of combining certain legal relations in the branch of law to achieve the desired social result through comprehensive study and regulation of specific relations. This, in turn, slows down the formation of new branches of law demanded by legal practice, among which legal psychology is singled out. It is emphasized that the question of the branch affiliation of legal psychology has not only theoretical but also practical significance, uniting individual legal relations in the field of law in order to achieve the desired social result through comprehensive study and regulation of these relations. Attention is drawn to the special classification of legal psychology as a special branch of law, as the latter combines the rules of law governing public relations and related to primary social relations aimed at concretization, strengthening certain rules of basic branches of law, while providing special legal regime for a particular type of social relations. By subordination in legal regulation, legal psychology belongs to the procedural types of branches of law, as it combines the rules of law that determine the procedure, the order for implementing substantive law (criminal procedure, civil procedure, commercial procedure, administrative procedure law). It is proposed to include legal psychology in an independent branch of law, given the presence of features that are inherent in the branches of law; the specificity of the regime of legal regulation; its direct connection with the needs of practice; recognition of its achievements in judicial practice; unification of certain legal relations in the subject of law; conditionality of functional purpose and the place of this industry in the legal system (its type in the classification of industries).

Modeling interactions between hydraulic fracture and pre-existing microcracks in crystalline rocks using hydro-grain-texture model

The heterogeneity of the mineral grains and pre-existing microcracks significantly impacts the cracking behavior of crystalline rocks. However, these characteristics have not been adequately addressed in the existing hydraulic fracturing studies. To bridge this gap, this study introduces a fluid-solid coupling method enhanced by a microcrack simulation component, called Hydro-Grain-Texture Model (HGTM), to investigate the influence of mineral structures and pre-existing microcracks on hydraulic fracturing processes in granite. Compared with existing methods, the HGTM incorporates a “grain growth” algorithm that can more accurately represent the characteristics of mineral grains. This study investigates the base case of intact rock, and four additional cases featuring microcracks oriented in various directions, i.e., horizontal, diagonal, vertical and complex microcracks, under both hydrostatic and non-hydrostatic in-situ stress conditions. The HGTM effectively captures a range of microscopic behaviors during the hydraulic fracturing of granite, including the formation of rock fragments, fracture branches, and dry fractures, among others. Furthermore, by comparing numerical results for breakdown pressure with analytical results, the accuracy of the HGTM in predicting breakdown pressure is substantiated. The findings indicate that mineral structures (grain boundaries) and microcracks contribute to a more intricate pattern of hydraulic fractures propagation. The pre-existing microcracks significantly influence the propagation path of primary hydraulic fractures. Under fluid-driven pressures, these pre-existing microcracks experience shear failure distinct from tensile failure observed in the surrounding rock matrix.

Toward new applications of terpenes in polymeric materials: Synthesis and characterization of myrcene‐modified unsaturated polyester resins

Abstractβ‐Myrcene, a terpenic monomer, holds potential for developing sustainable polymer‐based materials with enhanced properties. This study examines the synthesis of a myrcene‐based monomer and its incorporation into unsaturated polyesters, focusing on polymerization, curing, and final properties. Unsaturated polyesters were synthesized with varying myrcene‐based monomer content (6, 12, and 24 mol%), phthalic anhydride, maleic anhydride, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, and diethylene glycol. Polymerization achieved conversion values of 0.92–0.93, resulting in polyesters with molar masses between 1400 and 1700 g mol−1 and dispersity indices of 2.0 to 2.3. Nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) demonstrated short branch formation in myrcene‐modified polyesters and a high maleate‐to‐fumarate isomerization rate (92.66%–95.7%), affecting carbon–carbon double bonds per polyester mole (2.27 to 4.28) and final resin performance. Rheological analysis in a styrene solution (70/30 wt%) indicated shear‐thinning behavior, with viscosities ranging from 0.59 to 3.8 Pa·s, suggesting branching affects chain entanglement. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) revealed decreased curing enthalpy with increasing myrcene content, and it was inferred that myrcene's double bonds did not participate in curing. Glass transition temperatures of cured polyesters (70–107 °C) correlate with enthalpy trends. Thermal stability of myrcene‐modified polyesters is similar to the reference polyester, highlighting myrcene's potential as a sustainable monomer for customizable unsaturated polyesters.

The impact of catalyst structure and loading material on the dynamics of plasma propagation in dielectric barrier discharges

Abstract Based on a two-dimensional particle-in-cell/Monte Carlo collision model, the spatiotemporal dynamics of streamers in patterned dielectric barrier discharges are investigated. The influence of coating materials with high dielectric constant (similar to catalysts) on pellets embedded in the bottom electrode is evaluated through numerical analysis. Upon interaction with the streamers, the coating material is polarized, leading to significant changes in potential and electric field at various positions near its surface. This effect results in drastic changes in discharge behavior, even triggering the formation of new streamer branches at the edges of the coating. Electrons display diverse energy distributions at various spatial positions and times during the streamer evolution, potentially impacting catalytic reaction rates. The plasma's penetration into pores of dielectric pellets is contingent upon the sizes of the pores, affecting the electron density, energy, and the velocity of surface streamers. The revealed mechanisms are advantageous for controlling discharge characteristics and optimizing plasma treatment applications.

Latitudinal Distribution of Dayside Magnetospheric Currents Based on Cluster Observations

AbstractBased on the curlometer method, we calculate the azimuthal component of the current density from nearly 19 years of Fluxgate Magnetometer (FGM) data of Cluster and investigate its latitudinal distribution in the dayside noon sector (09:00–15:00 magnetic local time, MLT). A crossing event in the noon meridian plane shows an unexpected eastward current at a geocentric distance of 8 RE, away from the equator with latitudes of 30–40°. Further statistical results of the current distribution show that, the topology of the current can be radially divided into the inner and outer branches over the whole rxy − z plane (rxy = and z are in solar magnetic (SM) coordinates), with the separation point of these two branches at a geocentric distance of about 8 RE. The current variations of the inner and outer branches are different under different Kp, solar wind flow speed Vsw, and solar wind dynamic pressure Pdyn. It is shown that the current densities in both the inner and outer branches increase significantly with the Kp. High solar wind dynamic pressure enhances the current density of the outer branch, while high solar wind speed, on the contrary, enhances that of the inner branch. The formation of the outer branch may be related to the anisotropy of plasma pressure.

The formation and development of concepts of access to court: a historical and legal context

The article is dedicated to the study of the elements of the formation and development of the judicial branch of power in specific historical periods in the context of outlining the principle of access to justice, particularly from the establishment of early states to modern times. In light of this, the article draws attention to the manifestations and signs of ensuring citizens' right of access to court from the perspective of studying the general historical progress of the judiciary. The analysis allowed the author to identify four main stages in the formation of the principle of access to justice in the world history of state and law: ancient, new, modern, and globalization. At the same time, the author emphasizes the different degrees of development and characteristic features of specific historical stages of the evolution of access to court and justice. It is established that already at the stage of formation and development of the ancient type of state and law (both Eastern and Western typologies), the formation of territoriality as one of the key components of the principle of access to justice began. Initially, judicial functions within the competence of the bodies and officials of the ancient states were combined with administrative and executive functions. The period of modern times is associated with the formulation of the political and legal idea of the separation of powers with the identification of an independent judiciary and the concept of due process, which is based on the modern notion of the ideal model of the organization and functioning of the judiciary in a democratic society. The rapid development and evolution of access to justice occurred in the modern stage, including the Florentine project of M. Cappelletti's "access to justice movement," which included a set of measures, aimed at ensuring real access to justice. The article concludes that the modern concept of access to court and justice involves its comprehension through empirical and pluralistic (multifaceted) approaches, taking into account not only obstacles and barriers to access to court and justice but also analytical data on the real state of affairs in the field of justice, considering various aspects of access to justice in the modern world

Regeneration and colonization abilities of submerged macrophytes under different fragment types and lengths: comparison of the invasive species Myriophyllum aquaticum and the native species Myriophyllum spicatum

Abstract Alien invasive species usually have strong regeneration and colonization abilities. However, whether invasive species have advantages in term of regeneration and colonization ability over native species requires further exploration. In this study, the effects of fragment types (with and without apical tips) and lengths (5, 10, and 15 cm) on the regeneration and colonization abilities of the invasive Myriophyllum aquaticum (M. aquaticum) and native Myriophyllum spicatum (M. spicatum) in China were studied. Fragments of M. aquaticum and M. spicatum without apical tips had an advantage in branch formation, and their regeneration ability was stronger than that of fragments with apical tips. With longer initial fragments, the root length of M. aquaticum were longer and its colonization ability was stronger. This resulted in an increase in plant length, stem node number, and biomass, with an increase in fragment length. But the colonization ability of M. spicatum do not stronger with longer fragment. On the whole, native M. spicatum had stronger regeneration and colonization abilities than the invasive species M. aquaticum. However, M. aquaticum had a higher survival rate and plant length, enabling it to quickly occupy living spaces. Our results suggest that management needs to strengthened for both M. aquaticum and M. spicatum to avoid biological invasion.

Synthesis and characterization of mesoporous silicate as core and low generation polyamidoamine dendrimer as shell for delivery of 5-fluorouracil from their nano complex

Modern nanomedicine delivers drugs to malfunctioning cells. Several synthetic processes can change the shape, particle size, polydispersity index, surface area, and porosity of mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs). Polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers are attractive polymers with circular forms, uniform distribution, well-structured branching, internal cavities, and surface terminal groups. The objective of this study is to deliver 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) as passive targeting to carcinogen cells via MSN-PAMAM-G3 nanoparticles. This study involved the direct and adaptable synthesis of MSN as the core vehicle, together with third-generation PAMAM dendrimers as the vehicle shell, with the goal of delivering the 5-FU in a targeted and controllable manner. Tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) are used as templates to make the center nanoparticle. Methyl acrylate (MA) and ethylenediamine (EDA) are monomers that cause the formation of branches in PAMAM. The obtained particles were fully characterized in terms of particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, thermal behavior, morphology, pore diameter, pore volume, and specific surface area. The particle size of MSN-PAMAM-G3s showed around 187.71 ± 3.97 nm, with a polydispersity index of 0.17 ± 0.01 and zeta potential of 32.17 ± 1.30 mV. By reducing the ratio of drug to vehicle from 1 to 0.25, a significant increase in the EE% of 5-FU from 21.36 ± 0.70 to 43.12 ± 0.67 was observed. The release of 5-FU from the vehicle (5-FU@MSN and 5-FU@MSN-PAMAM-G3) was shown to be considerably higher in an acidic medium (pH = 5.5) in comparison to a neutral medium (pH = 7.4) (P-value<0.05). Furthermore, in both acidic and neutral conditions, 5-FU release was sustained from the vehicle rather than the 5-FU solution. Our research revealed that the MSN-PAMAM-G3 nanoparticles effectively regulated the encapsulation and release of 5-FU, providing pH-sensitive and sustained medication delivery. It is asserted that this nanocarrier has the potential to effectively deliver 5-FU to cancer cells.

Branching response to stem density and its impact on yield in hybrid potato grown from true seeds and seedling tubers

ContextHybrid potato crops can be grown from true potato seeds or from seedling tubers. True-seed-grown plants produce lower marketable tuber yield than seedling-tuber-grown plants, because of their low early vigour and distinct growth and development patterns, notably in term of main stem number and stem branching. These differences are pivotal for yield formation but their impacts on crop performance and yield are not well understood. ObjectivesWe quantified the differences between the propagule types (true seeds vs seedling tubers) in their branching responses to stem density and assessed to what extent these differences contribute to differences in crop development and tuber production. MethodsTwo field experiments were conducted in different years, planting transplants from true seeds and pre-sprouted seedling tubers from the same genotype, while controlling their stem density per unit area. Responses in stem branching and biomass partitioning to stem density were quantified on individual main stems, followed by an evaluation of the impact of these responses on crop performance. ResultsOn individual main stems in both propagule types, higher stem density decreased branch development, decreased the number of branches above- and belowground, resulted in shifts in aboveground branch distribution towards lower branching orders, and led to smaller tuber sizes. However, such branching responses were stronger in true-seed-grown plants than in seedling-tuber-grown plants. At crop level, differences between propagule types were significant in canopy duration, number of tubers, tuber size distribution and marketable yield, but there was no stem density effect. ConclusionOur results emphasized the differences between propagule types in branching and its impact on crop development and tuber yield, due to the absence of stem density effects. Propagule type effects could be attributed to intrinsic differences between propagule types in branching control, growth habit and source-sink relations. These effects are relevant for hybrid potato breeding and require further research. Management practices were partly responsible for year-to-year differences in branching and yield formation, which highlights their significance for hybrid potato production.

Branched flow of light and interplay with input phase front curvature in a disordered photonic lattice

Branched flow refers to the bifurcation of waves as they propagate through customized disordered media, leading to the creation of multiple channels or branches. This dynamic wave phenomenon has been observed in various disordered systems under specific conditions. In our study, we demonstrate the branched flow of light within a disordered photonic lattice and establish that the intensity distribution of these branches follows Lévy statistics. This behavior is more pronounced when the wavefront of the input light beam is adjusted, resulting in the propagation of more stable branches through the structure. We also investigated the formation of light branches with varying input beam widths and the impact of two simultaneous input beams on the disordered photonic lattice. Our findings indicate that the distribution of branches in the disordered system can be controlled by shaping the wavefront of the input beam, which has potential applications in imaging, nano-lasing, and integrated photonic components. This research opens new avenues for fundamental studies on the manipulation of light through complex photonic systems.

CK-666 and CK-869 differentially inhibit Arp2/3 iso-complexes

The inhibitors, CK-666 and CK-869, are widely used to probe the function of Arp2/3 complex mediated actin nucleation in vitro and in cells. However, in mammals, the Arp2/3 complex consists of 8 iso-complexes, as three of its subunits (Arp3, ArpC1, ArpC5) are encoded by two different genes. Here, we used recombinant Arp2/3 with defined composition to assess the activity of CK-666 and CK-869 against iso-complexes. We demonstrate that both inhibitors prevent linear actin filament formation when ArpC1A- or ArpC1B-containing complexes are activated by SPIN90. In contrast, inhibition of actin branching depends on iso-complex composition. Both drugs prevent actin branch formation by complexes containing ArpC1A, but only CK-869 can inhibit ArpC1B-containing complexes. Consistent with this, in bone marrow-derived macrophages which express low levels of ArpC1A, CK-869 but not CK-666, impacted phagocytosis and cell migration. CK-869 also only inhibits Arp3- but not Arp3B-containing iso-complexes. Our findings have important implications for the interpretation of results using CK-666 and CK-869, given that the relative expression levels of ArpC1 and Arp3 isoforms in cells and tissues remains largely unknown.

A BBCH‐scale code for the phenology of sand rice (Agriophyllum squarrosum (L.) Moq.)

AbstractSand rice (Agriophyllum squarrosum (L.) Moq.), an annual psammophyte, is a promising wild plant for de novo domestication. Although many related studies have been documented recently, a basic phenological scale describing its growth stages is lacking. To address this gap, we have defined nine principal growth stages, each subdivided into several secondary stages according the international BBCH coding system. The growth stages mainly include seedling emergence, leaf development, formation of the primary branches, main stem elongation, inflorescence emergence, flowering, fruit development, ripening and senescence. Importantly, the growth sequence of sand rice reveals a distinctive stage, coded as BBCH21, characterized by the elongation of the first pair of primary branches, which occurs prior to main stem visible (BBCH30). This branch priority phenotype in sand rice strongly challenges the generally recognized growth pattern of ‘apical dominance’ in dicotyledons. The sequential and chronological progression of principal growth stages of sand rice was further determined in an experimental field with a representative genotype from the Tengger desert of Northwest China in 2023. The establishment of BBCH scale of sand rice lays a methodological foundation for morphological assessment among different germplasms and between wild‐type and mutant plants. This will accelerate the de novo domestication process of sand rice using natural selection and artificial mutagenesis.

Detecting Shape of Hybrid Polymer/Surfactant Micelles: Cryo-Transmission Electron Microscopy, Small-Angle Neutron Scattering and Dynamic Light Scattering Study

In-depth study of shape of hybrid micelles in the micellar solutions of anionic surfactant potassium oleate, containing hydrophobic polymer poly(4-vinylpyridine) (P4VP) was conducted via cryo-transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM), small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) and dynamic-light scattering of visible light (DLS). Direct visualization of the solutions with cryo-TEM evidenced the coexistence of polymer-free spherical micelles and branched rodlike hybrid micelles with mean length of 200 nm and radius of 2 nm, governed by contour length of solubilized P4VP and length of hydrophobic “tail” of potassium oleate, respectively. The formation of branches in the hybrid micelles was explained by attaching the thermodynamically unfavorable end-caps of micelles to their polymer-loaded cylindrical fragments. By SANS it was shown that the cylindrical local shape and the radius of the micelles are independent of the concentration of embedded P4VP. Relaxation processes in the solutions were investigated with DLS. Three relaxation modes were observed for hybrid micelles, similar to polymer-free wormlike micelles. Fast and medium relaxation modes were attributed to diffusion of entangled micellar chains and their segments, respectively. The slow mode was related to electrostatic repulsion between similarly charged hybrid micelles.

Spinal motor neuron development and metabolism are transcriptionally regulated by Nuclear Factor IA.

Neural circuits governing all motor behaviors in vertebrates rely on the proper development of motor neurons and their precise targeting of limb muscles. Transcription factors are essential for motor neuron development, regulating their specification, migration, and axonal targeting. While transcriptional regulation of the early stages of motor neuron specification is well-established, much less is known about the role of transcription factors in the later stages of maturation and terminal arborization. Defining the molecular mechanisms of these later stages is critical for elucidating how motor circuits are constructed. Here, we demonstrate that the transcription factor Nuclear Factor-IA (NFIA) is required for motor neuron positioning, axonal branching, and neuromuscular junction formation. Moreover, we find that NFIA is required for proper mitochondrial function and ATP production, providing a new and important link between transcription factors and metabolism during motor neuron development. Together, these findings underscore the critical role of NFIA in instructing the assembly of spinal circuits for movement.

The K346T mutant of GnT-III bearing weak in vitro and potent intracellular activity

BackgroundN-Acetylglucosaminyltransferase-III (GnT-III, also designated MGAT3) catalyzes the formation of a specific N-glycan branch, bisecting GlcNAc, in the Golgi apparatus. Bisecting GlcNAc is a key residue that suppresses N-glycan maturation and is associated with the pathogenesis of cancer and Alzheimer's disease. However, it remains unclear how GnT-III recognizes its substrates and how GnT-III activity is regulated in cells. MethodsUsing AlphaFold2 and structural comparisons, we predicted the key amino acid residues in GnT-III that interact with substrates in the catalytic pocket. We also performed in vitro activity assay, lectin blotting analysis and N-glycomic analysis using point mutants to assess their activity. ResultsOur data suggested that E320 of human GnT-III is the catalytic center. More interestingly, we found a unique mutant, K346T, that exhibited lower in vitro activity and higher intracellular activity than wild-type GnT-III. The enzyme assays using various substrates showed that the substrate specificity of K346T was unchanged, whereas cycloheximide chase experiments revealed that the K346T mutant has a slightly shorter half-life, suggesting that the mutant is unstable possibly due to a partial misfolding. Furthermore, TurboID-based proximity labeling showed that the localization of the K346T mutant is shifted slightly to the cis side of the Golgi, probably allowing for prior action to competing galactosyltransferases. ConclusionsThe slight difference in K346T localization may be responsible for the higher biosynthetic activity despite the reduced activity. General significanceOur findings underscore the importance of fine intra-Golgi localization and reaction orders of glycosyltransferases for the biosynthesis of complex glycan structures in cells.

Unveiling the quality formation mechanism of hand-stretched dried noodle based on typical flour and processing technology

This study examined the physicochemical properties of flour determining hand-stretched dried noodles (HSDN) and the mechanisms involved. The findings indicated that the flexural performance, cooking and eating quality of HSDN was primarily influenced by gluten characteristics. Additionally, porosity was significantly impacted by the addition of salt, while selecting flour with a higher glutenin to gliadin ratio and lower damaged starch content could potentially reduce the amount of salt required, contributing to the pore structure of HSDN. The HSDN obtained from long-term resting processes demonstrated superior cooking and eating quality in comparison to short-term ones. The extended resting period facilitated the expulsion of trapped air within the dough and the relaxation of the gluten network, resulting in improved dispersal and orientation of excessively aggregated gluten proteins during the stretching process. This led to the formation of more protein branches and stable β-sheet structures during subsequent resting periods.

Flexible monoarylmethyl substituents in efficient polyethylene elastomer synthesis: facilitating chain walking and enhancing chain growth

Flexible steric strategies have proven beneficial in promoting branching formation and chain growth during α-diimine nickel-catalyzed ethylene polymerization, crucial for synthesizing polyethylene elastomer (PEE) materials. In this study, we synthesized and characterized a series of flexible monoarylmethyl α-diimine nickel catalysts. These catalysts exhibited regular activity (5.22–11.34 × 106 g/(mol Ni·h)) in PEE preparation, yielding polyethylene materials characterized by high molecular weight (263–873 kg/mol) and dense branching (35–71/1000C). Notably, compared to ethyl nickel catalyst, our monoarylmethyl nickel catalysts effectively inhibited chain transfer, resulting in PEE with molecular weights an order of magnitude higher. Additionally, when compared to the conventionally reported diphenylmethyl α-diimine nickel catalysts, our monoaryl methyl nickel catalytic system demonstrated significantly enhanced activity. Furthermore, in contrast to triaryl α-diimine nickel catalysts, our nickel system produced polyethylene with a markedly higher branching density. Testing of these PEE materials revealed excellent mechanical properties, including good elastic recovery (33–68 %), high strain (420–1230 %) and high stress (12.0–31.3 MPa) at break values.

Party control and corporate labour investment: evidence from China

ABSTRACT Our focus of this paper is to gain a deeper understanding of how political parties engage with businesses. Specifically, we investigate how government intervention impacts the strategic decisions on hiring and subsequent labour investment efficiency in Chinese listed firms. A unique aspect of this study lies in the adoption of a difference-in-difference framework using the mandatory requirement by the China Securities Regulatory Commission to establish a Chinese Communist Party (CCP) branch in 2018 as an exogenous shock. We find a significant influence of the formation of CCP on employment growth accompanied by enhanced investment efficiency in labour. Further analysis reveals that understaffed firms primarily drive these outcomes. Moreover, our findings suggest heterogeneous effects across firms based on labour cost, state ownership, or audited by the Big Four accounting firms. Moreover, labour productivity has also improved because of the formation of a CCP branch. Finally, our results are robust to an alternative measure of labour investment efficiency. In conclusion, this research offers valuable insights into the considerable sway the government holds on corporate decision-making.

Identification of genomic regions controlling spikelet degeneration under FRIZZLE PANICLE (FZP) defect genetic background in rice

The FZP gene plays a critical role in the formation of lateral branches and spikelets in rice panicle architecture. This study investigates the qSBN7 allele, a hypomorphic variant of FZP, and its influence on panicle architectures in different genetic backgrounds. We evaluated two backcross inbred lines (BILs), BC5_TCS10sbn and BC3_TCS10sbn, each possessing the homozygous qSBN7 allele but demonstrating differing degrees of spikelet degeneration. Our analysis revealed that BC5_TCS10sbn had markedly low FZP expression, which corresponded with an increase in axillary branches and severe spikelet degeneration. Conversely, BC3_TCS10sbn exhibited significantly elevated FZP expression, leading to fewer secondary and tertiary branches, and consequently decreased spikelet degeneration. Compared to BC5_TCS10sbn, BC3_TCS10sbn carries three additional chromosomal substitution segments from its donor parent, IR65598-112-2. All three segments significantly enhance the expression of FZP and reduce the occurrence of tertiary branch and spikelet degeneration. These findings enhance our understanding of the mechanisms regulating FZP and aid rice breeding efforts.