Greater Response Research Articles

Bioinspired Photoluminescent "Spider Web" as Ultrafast and Ultrasensitive Airflow-Acoustic Bimodal Sensor for Human-Computer Interaction and Intelligent Recognition.

Nature provides massive biomimetic design inspiration for constructing structural materials with desired performances. Spider webs can perceive vibrations generated by airflow and acoustic waves from prey and transfer the corresponding information to spiders. Herein, by mimicking the perception capability and structure of a spider web, an ultrafast and ultrasensitive airflow-acoustic bimodal sensor (HOF-TCPB@SF) is developed based on the postfunctionalization of hydrogen-bonded organic framework (HOF-TCPB) on silk film (SF) through hydrogen bonds. The "spider web-like" HOF-TCPB@SF possesses light weight and high elasticity, endowing this airflow sensor with superior properties including an ultralow detection limit (DL, 0.0076 m s-1), and excellent repeatability (480 cycles). As an acoustic sensor, HOF-TCPB@SF exhibits ultrahigh sensitivity (105140.77 cps Pa-1 cm-2) and ultralow DL (0.2980 dB), with the greatest response frequency of 375 Hz and the ability to identify multiple sounds. Moreover, both airflow and acoustic sensing processes show an ultrafast response speed (40 ms) and multiangle recognition response (0-180°). The perception mechanisms of airflow and acoustic stimuli are analyzed through finite element simulation. This bimodal sensor also achieves real-time airflow monitoring, speech recognition, and airflow-acoustic interoperability based on human-computer interaction, which holds great promise for applications in health care, tunnel engineering, weather forecasting, and intelligent textiles.

Effect of Bacillus subtilis – based microbiological preparations on the numerical composition of cultured forms of endophytic bacteria, content of mineral nutrition elements, photosynthetic pigments, as well as on chlorophyll fluorescence indices in leaves of columnar apple trees

The results of agrochemical field experiments conducted in an orchard of columnar apple tree (Malus domestica Borkh.) in the Moscow Oblast during the period of 2021–2022 are presented. The research objects were the ‘Valuta’, ‘Triumph’, and ‘President’ varieties. The effect of foliar treatments of plants with Bacillus subtilis (strain V167) and Bacillus subtilis (strain V417) strains, as well as Bacillus subtilis – based microbiological preparations “Extrasol” (strain Ch13) and “Phytosporin-M” (strain 26D) on such indicators as the microbiological and chemical composition of leaves, the content of photosynthetic pigments in leaves, and chlorophyll fluorescence indices was studied. Plant samples were analyzed using standard methodology. When applying strains and microbiological preparations based on Bacillus subtilis, the taxonomic composition of endophytic bacterial forms cultured on dense nutrient media and isolated from leaves was represented by the Bacillus genus. For comparison, when treating plants with Bacillus subtilis strain V417 and “Phytosporin-M”, the Pseudomonas genus was also detected. The number of cultivated forms of endophytic bacteria in the treated plants was consistently growing, having reached the maximum value of 406800 CFU/g in the “Extrasol” variant. Notably, the content of photosynthetic pigments in leaves depended on both the plant variety and the strain used. High values of maximal efficiency of PSII photochemistry (Fv/Fm) were observed both in experimental and control variants. A consistent increase in leaf N content was detected when applying “Extrasol”. In this respect, the ‘President’ variety showed the greatest response, i.e., a 16.1 % increase compared to the control. The ‘President’ and ‘Triumph’ varieties demonstrated an increase in leaf K content under the influence of foliar treatment of plants with the studied strains and microbiological preparations. The greatest effect of 17.2 % above the control was observed in the ‘Triumph’ variety when treated with “Extrasol”. Foliar treatments of ‘President’ and ‘Valuta’ plants with microbiological preparations contributed to increased, compared to the control, Mg contents in their leaves.

Impact of Fertilization on Productivity and Nutritional Quality of Napier Varieties in Southern Mindanao, Philippines

Aims: This study investigates the effects of fertilizer application on the growth performance, proximate composition, and chlorophyll content of three Napier grass varieties (King, Pakchong, and Juncao) in Southern Mindanao, Philippines. Study Design: Utilizing a Randomized Complete Block Design with a 3x2 factorial arrangement. Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was performed at the University of Southern Mindanao Animal Production Center facilities from January to March 2023. Methodology: The three Napier grass varieties (King, Pakchong, and Juncao) was the first factor, and fertilizer application (with or without) were the second factor. Four blocks were prepared, each containing six plots, resulting in 24 plots. The fertilized plots received two applications of 150kg N/ha and 75kg N/ha of the recommended NPK fertilizer, respectively, while non-fertilized plots did not receive any fertilizer. Results: Results showed that fertilizer application significantly improved herbage yield, with fertilized plants yielding 20.25 tons per hectare compared to 15.14 tons in non-fertilized plants. Pakchong exhibited the highest yield and crude fiber content, while Juncao grass showed higher crude protein content without fertilizer. Fertilization also increased ether extract content, with Pakchong displaying the greatest response. However, nitrogen-free extract (NFE) was higher in non-fertilized plants across all varieties, indicating a complex interaction between nutrient availability and carbohydrate allocation. Conclusion: These findings underscore the importance of targeted fertilizer management to optimize both growth and nutritional quality, depending on specific production goals. The differential responses among Napier varieties suggest the potential for variety-specific fertilization strategies, which can enhance forage quality and sustainability in livestock farming. Further research is recommended to explore the long-term impacts of continuous fertilization and the underlying genetic mechanisms driving varietal differences.

Whiteness and greenness assessments of a sensitive HPLC method with fluorimetric detection for dapagliflozin quantitation in human plasma: Application to a healthy human volunteer.

The evident ecological impact of human actions, like air pollution, global warming, and ozone depletion, underscores the need for environmentally friendly approaches across various domains, including analytical chemistry. This study aimed to establish a validated, eco-friendly, and sustainable approach utilizing a fluorescence detector coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography for quantifying the antihyperglycemic agent dapagliflozin (DAPA), in human plasma. This method employed a C18 Microsorb MV (4.5 × 250 mm, 5 μm [particle size]) column at 40°C, with 40:60% v/v isocratic elution of acetonitrile and (0.1%) orthophosphoric acid as the mobile phase at 1 mL/min flow rate. DAPA and the internal standard demonstrated their greatest response by performing excitation at 225 nm (λex) and recording chromatograms at an emission wavelength (λem) equal to 305 nm. The presented approach demonstrated high linearity between 50 and 2000 ng/mL and full adherence to the guidelines of the US Food and Drug Administration regarding the validation of bioanalytical methods. The described technique was effectively used for quantification of DAPA in human plasma samples from a healthy male participant who received a tablet of 10 mg DAPA. Analytical Eco-Scale, Analytical GREEnness metric, and the recently created ChlorTox Scale were utilized for greenness assessment. Additionally, the "Red, Green, and Blue 12" model was used in whiteness evaluation.

Responses to Herbal Compounds in Brain Cancer Cells: two Cell-Calcium Assays and a Molecular Docking Computation Study

Herbal plant secondary metabolites such as curcumin, resveratrol, and capsaicin are becoming increasingly popular as natural remedies. These herbal compounds are also known to act on the calcium signaling pathways, and therefore cell calcium assays can be used to study the relative interactions of these compounds with cellular receptors pertaining to natural remedies. To investigate this, Fluo-4, a fluorophore that specifically binds to Ca2+, was used to detect the increase in calcium signaling in human glioblastoma cells treated with curcumin, resveratrol, and capsaicin. The human cells used are U87 MG cells which expresses TRPV1, a pain receptor on the cell membrane. The increases of the fluorescence intensity in the cells treated with the three herbal compounds were measured using a bulk microplate assay, which generates data in a high throughput, and a microfluidic single-cell assay, which allows for the observation of the cell calcium changes in real-time. It was found that all three compounds would increase the intracellular Ca2+ concentrations on the two assays, with curcumin generating the highest increase, which confirms the greatest responses elicited by this herbal compound from the cell. Furthermore, the data obtained by a molecular docking computation study, which has been used to determine the binding affinities of the three compounds with the TRPV1 receptor, corroborate with the experimental finding of the highest cellular response due to curcumin.

Photoswitchable AIE‐Active Supramolecular Self‐Assemblies for Biosensing and Bioimaging

Photoswitchable fluorescent self‐assemblies exhibiting aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) properties have garnered widespread attention. Due to their great adaptiveness and responsiveness towards different wavelengths required by photoreaction, photo‐isomerization, and photoluminescence excitation, these fluorescent self‐assemblies show diverse emission behavior in a spatial, temporal, and polychromatic manner. Integrating organic photoswitches and AIE fluorophores, these photoluminescent nano‐assemblies has been proven to be an effective approach, allowing the development of sophisticated systems for drug release and cell regulation that can be precisely manipulated through light or other stimuli. This review systematically encapsulates recent advances in photoswitchable fluorescent self‐assemblies under multi‐scenario biological applications. The construction of photoswitchable AIE fluorophores through covalent and non‐covalent interactions and their multimodal regulation are detailed, along with their biological applications in biosensing, bioimaging, and drug therapy.

<i>Solanum tuberosum</i> L. phytoene synthase genes (<i>StPSY1, StPSY2, StPSY3</i>) participate in the potato plant’s response to cold stress

The structure and phylogeny of the genes StPSY1, StPSY2 and StPSY3, encoding phytoene synthases from Solanum tuberosum L., were characterized. The expression of these genes in potato seedlings was studied in response to exposure to cold stress in the dark phase of the diurnal cycle as an imitation of night cooling. It was found that all three genes are activated when the temperature decreases, and the greatest response is observed for StPSY1. The response of the StPSY3 gene to cold stress and photoperiod has been demonstrated for the first time. A search was carried out for cis-regulatory elements in the promoter region and 5´-UTR of the StPSY genes and it was shown that the regulation of all three genes is associated with the response to light. The high level of low-temperature activation of the StPSY1 gene may be associated with the presence of cis-elements associated with sensitivity to cold and ABA.

Large magnetocaloric effect and negative thermal expansion of Mn-Ni-Si-Fe-Co-Ge high-entropy alloys

Magnetocaloric high-entropy alloys (HEAs) with a vast compositional space have attracted significant interest for some time due to their great potential in multifunctional application. However, magnetocaloric HEAs generally exhibit modest magnet-entropy change as their undergo second-order phase transition. This work focuses on designing MM'X (M, M′ = transition metals, X = main group elements) HEAs undergoing magnerostructural transition to achieve great magnetocaloric response. For this purpose, MnxFe1-xNi0.6Co0.4Si0.62Ge0.38 (x = 0.43, 0.45, 0.48, 0.50) with intriguingly crystallographic texture are successfully synthesized and their magnetocaloric effect and negative thermal expansion (NTE) are investigated. The substitution of Fe for Mn reduces the transition temperature (Tt) so that weakens the first-order transition of MM'X HEAs. Besides, Mn0.55Fe0.45Ni0.6Co0.4Si0.62Ge0.38 undergoing first-order transition from Ni2In-paramagnetic-austenitic phase to TiNiSi-ferromagnetic-martensitic phase exhibits a great magnetic entropy change of 16 J∙kg−1K−1 at 206 K for 2 T. Moreover, an obviously NTE is observed through phase transition with liner NTE coefficient of −6.77×10−6 K−1. In addition, Mn0.55Fe0.5Ni0.6Co0.4Si0.62Ge0.38 displays an intriguing NTE with liner NTE coefficient of −1401.7×10−6 K−1 (220–270 K) along the direction parallel to field in a temperature range from 220 K to 270 K, which is much higher than typical NTE materials. Therefore, the present work demonstrates that MM'X HEAs exhibit potential to achieve some magnetocaloric and NTE multifunctional application.

Source-dependent effects of early-life zinc supplementation in milk on growth performance and starter intake of pre-weaned dairy calves

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of milk supplementation with different zinc (Zn) sources on growth rate, starter intake, diarrhea incidence, and nutrient digestibility in dairy calves during the pre-weaning period. Forty newborn Holstein heifer calves were assigned to four treatments: control (no Zn supplementation; CON) or supplementation with 80 mg/day Zn from zinc sulfate (Zn-Sul), chelated zinc (Zn-Bon), or zinc methionine (Zn-Met). The Zn supplements were provided via milk from days 3 to 14 of age. Body weight (BW) and starter intake (SI) were monitored until weaning on day 70. Serum metabolite concentrations were determined in blood samples collected on days 15 and 70. Fecal consistency index (FCI) and frequency of medical treatments were measured during the first 21 days of life. Apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) was determined in the 10th week of life. Although the effects of Zn supplementation on BW gain or body measurements were non-significant, a tendency for treatment × time interaction on BW was observed, with variations among the experimental groups becoming more pronounced on days 56 and 70, showing higher values in Zn-supplemented calves compared to CON. SI was improved by Zn supplementation, with the greatest response in the Zn-Bon group. Compared to control, ATTD of organic matter, neutral detergent fiber, and starch tended to increase with Zn supplementation. Blood metabolites and FCI did not differ among the experimental treatments. Although no significant difference was detected between Zn-Met and CON, the frequency of medical treatment was significantly lower in Zn-Bon and Zn-Sul compared to CON calves. In conclusion, zinc supplementation in milk, particularly with the organic chelated zinc source (Zn-Bon), showed promising effects on increasing starter intake and reducing medical treatments, along with trends toward enhanced growth and nutrient digestibility in pre-weaned calves.

Very-high-molecular-weight vs high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid injections show long-term sustained benefits in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee: a 15-year Indian cohort study

IntroductionLack of confidence in intra-articular hyaluronic acid injections for osteoarthritis (OA) may result from conflicting guidelines and pooling of results for different molecular weight products. ObjectivesThe objectives were to determine responder rates to injections of very-high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid (VHMW-HA) vs high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid (HMW-HA) for knee OA and treatment efficacy measured by the interval between follow-up injections. MethodsA retrospective analysis of a 15-year cohort from a single center. Inclusion criteria: adults with Kellgren-Lawrence Grade III or IV knee OA treated with hyaluronic acid injections. Subjects were stratified into 2 groups based on the molecular weight of the hyaluronic acid. Outcome measures were responder rates with improvement in Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores of >30% from baseline vs nonresponders; those with a response lasting >6 months after each injection were considered sustained responders. ResultsIn total, 2037 (female 1467 [72.02%] and male 570 [27.98%]) patients were treated. The overall primary responder rate was 73.44% (1496). VHMW-HA had significantly higher primary responders (75.21% vs 70.22%, P = .015) and significantly lower nonresponders (24.79% vs 29.78%, P = .015). As a subset of primary responders, the sustained responders had greater responses with VHMW-HA vs HMW-HA (85.54% vs 67.06%, P < .0001) and lower dropouts (14.46% vs 32.94%, P < .0001). The average interval between the first and the third injections was longer for VHMW-HA vs HMW-HA—5.67 vs 1.95 years (P < .0001). ConclusionsAbout 73.44% of subjects responded to treatment with intra-articular hyaluronic acid. The sustained response was greater in VHMW-HA vs HMW-HA and VHMW-HA has a longer duration of effect than HMW-HA.

KNN composite ceramics with superior pyroelectric performance for self-powered thermal detector

The thermal detector based on pyroelectric effect has attracted widespread attention due to its self-powering and rapid response. Although phase boundary engineered lead-free potassium sodium niobate [K0.5Na0.5NbO3, KNN] based ferroelectrics exhibit promising for pyroelectric sensor application, the high dielectric constants (εr) of these materials significantly constrain their pyroelectric figures of merit (FOMs), owing to the inverse correlation between FOMs and εr. To address this problem, we innovatively introduce perovskite bismuth sodium titanate [Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3, BNT] with low εr and high pyroelectric coefficient as the second phase to construct a KNN/BNT composite. The introduction of BNT can not only remain the high pyroelectric coefficient (p=7.12 × 10−4 C m−2 K−1) of KNN matrix, but also result in superior FOMs (Fv increased by 74 %), outperforming previous KNN-based pyroelectric ceramics. The excellent pyroelectric performance originates from the unique composite microstructure with compositional heterogeneity. That is, both the low εr BNT enriched phase and refined grain size as well as the promoted vibration of Nb–O octahedron contribute to the superior pyroelectric performance. A self-powered thermal detector with great thermal response has been developed, which also exhibits potential for detecting ultraviolet energy and infrared radiation.

Prediction of the individual response to treatment of skeletal Class II malocclusions and their long-term stability. A Case Report.

Abstract. Non-surgical correction of class II skeletal malocclusions begins at an early age, during the growth and development of the jaw. Treatments tend to be relatively long and generate financial commitments for the family. Predict-ing the success and stability of the results can be helpful for parents who wish to know about the prognosis and make the right decision to start treatment. This work reports the findings of the prediction of the response to treatment of a skel-etal class II malocclusion and its long-term stability in a thirteen-year-old male patient. The individual prediction cephalometric model of Baccetti and Franchi was applied. According to this indicator, the treatment of this patient would re-sult in “a great response”. The patient was treated with a Herbst-type fixed man-dibular anterior projection appliance, followed by brackets for the final detailing of the occlusion. Sixteen years later, after finishing treatment, the correction of the Class II malocclusion, the overbite and the harmony in the profile with the projection of the mandible forwards are maintained by the increase in the total mandibular length (13 mm), and through the opening of the angle between the ramus and mandibular body from 122° to 128°. In conclusion, the individual pre-diction cephalometric model applied, particularly in this case report, allowed us to accurately predict the excellent response and stability of the facial, dental and skeletal results of the class II skeletal malocclusion treatment.

New Metaverse Games Based on Artificial Intelligence: A Review

The current review conveys Metaverse integration with AI-based gaming exploring the advancements in Metaverse games and its potential in growing self-learning AI in the latest years for the readers. Using state-of-the-art deep learning techniques, it aimed to pinpoint its advancements, issues, and suggested solutions. For the current review, 18 papers were used that appeared in peer-reviewed publications and were searchable on Google Scholar within the last five years (2020–2024). To analyse the collected data, thematic analysis was employed. The article delves into the various ways the Meta-Metaverse might be used in the gaming industry. It highlights how it can enhance character creation, game design, level design, and visual effects, among other areas. The entertainment industry’s usage of AI in game production encompasses a wide range of methods, such as CVEs, deep learning, and intrinsic curiosity-driven variation autoencoders.). The Metaverse, a dynamic platform, uses ML/DL algorithms for classification, clustering, and regression, while pre-trained AI models can achieve great responses quickly. These technologies streamline the gaming world and create interactive platforms for various applications. Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL) is proposed as a dynamic solution to balance the stability of the game world, the intelligence of non-player characters, and the sustainability of the Metaverse environment.

Maternal chromium supplementation improves oxidation resistance, immunity, and intestinal morphology of goat kids injected with lipopolysaccharide

This study evaluated the effects of maternal chromium (Cr), supplemented with Cr propionate (CrPro) during perinatal period of does, on antioxidant capacity, immune response, and intestinal morphology of goat kids injected with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Forty LeZhi black does at 90 days of pregnancy were divided into four groups based on body weight (52.36±8.24 kg) with 10 replicate pens for each treatment and one doe for each replicate pen. Treatments consisted of 0, 0.4, 1.2, or 2.0 mg of supplemental Cr per head per day (head-1 d-1) from CrPro. After birth, the goat kids were allowed to suckle until 21 days. At 21-day-old, one male goat kid per replicate was sacrificed 2 h after LPS injection. Individual weight and litter weight of goat kids on birth and 21 d were not affected by maternal Cr supplementation. Chromium concentrations in umbilical cord, colostrum and liver of goat kids were linearly increased by maternal Cr supplementation (P<0.05). Maternal Cr supplementation quadratically increased serum total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) activity of goat kids (P<0.05). Goat kids from maternal Cr supplementation groups had higher serum T-SOD activity than those from control group (P<0.05). Serum malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration of goat kids was linearly decreased, whereas serum glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity was linearly increased as maternal Cr increased (P<0.05). Maternal Cr supplementation linearly increased colostrum immunoglobulin A (IgA), immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) concentrations (P<0.05), and quadratically increased serum IgG and IgM concentration of goat kids with the greatest response detected at 0.4 mg head-1 d-1 maternal Cr supplementation group (P<0.05). The villus height (VH) and the ratio of villus height to crypt depth (V/C) in duodenum of goat kids increased quadratically as maternal Cr increased, and both reached the highest in maternal 1.2 mg head-1 d-1 maternal Cr supplementation group. Maternal Cr supplementation linearly decreased ileal crypt depth (CD) of goat kids. The results indicate that 0.4-2.0 mg (0.47-2.41 mg by analysis) head-1 d-1 maternal Cr supplementation from CrPro could improve antioxidant capacity, immune response, and small intestinal morphology of goat kids injected with LPS.

Design of a microstrip Wilkinson power divider using a low pass filter with the particle swarm optimization algorithm

In this paper, a microstrip Wilkinson power divider (MWPD) based on particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is designed, simulated, and fabricated using novel resonators. In addition, attenuators and open-ended stubs are incorporated to generate a broad cut-off band and reduce unwanted harmonics. The proposed power divider has a central frequency of 1 GHz. The performance of each used resonator is analyzed based on lumped-element circuit models.The L and C parameters of the equivalent circuit of the used resonators are predicted and optimized with the assistance of the PSO method. The subsequent phase was the fabrication of the proposed MWPD, after which its performance was evaluated in the light of the results obtained from the simulation. It was discovered that there was a high degree of concordance between the two. On the other hand, the fabricated circuit has several benefits, including a suitable S12 of − 3.15 dB, a high return loss of less than − 24 dB at the operating frequency, a compact size of 0.058 λg\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$${\\varvec{\\lambda}}_{{\\varvec{g}}}$$\\end{document} × 0.064 λg\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$${\\varvec{\\lambda}}_{{\\varvec{g}}}$$\\end{document}, and the ability to remove undesired harmonics. The results show a high level of suppression of the unwanted harmonics (up to the 16th harmonic) and a great responsiveness in the passband, while having very low ripple. As a result, the proposed circuit may be used in a wide variety of electronic devices, such as radar transmitter and receiver circuits, and many other high-frequency systems.

Crosstalk between gut microbiota and host immune system and its response to traumatic injury.

Millions of microorganisms make up the complex microbial ecosystem found in the human gut. The immune system's interaction with the gut microbiota is essential for preventing inflammation and maintaining intestinal homeostasis. Numerous metabolic products that can cross-talk between immune cells and the gut epithelium are metabolized by the gut microbiota. Traumatic injury elicits a great and multifaceted immune response in the minutes after the initial offense, containing simultaneous pro- and anti-inflammatory responses. The development of innovative therapies that improve patient outcomes depends on the gut microbiota and immunological responses to trauma. The altered makeup of gut microbes, or gut dysbiosis, can also dysregulate immunological responses, resulting in inflammation. Major human diseases may become more common as a result of chronic dysbiosis and the translocation of bacteria and the products of their metabolism beyond the mucosal barrier. In this review, we briefly summarize the interactions between the gut microbiota and the immune system and human disease and their therapeutic probiotic formulations. We also discuss the immune response to traumatic injury.

Estrogen receptor beta signaling enhances extinction memory recall for heroin-conditioned cues in a sex- and region-specific manner

Return to use, or relapse, is a major challenge in the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD). Relapse can be precipitated by several factors, including exposure to drug-conditioned cues. Identifying successful treatments to mitigate cue-induced relapse has been challenging, perhaps due to extinction memory recall (EMR) deficits. Previously, inhibition of estradiol (E2) signaling in the basolateral amygdala (BLA) impaired heroin-cue EMR. This effect was recapitulated by antagonism of BLA estrogen receptors (ER) in a sex-specific manner such that blocking ERα in males, but ERβ in females, impaired EMR. However, it is unclear whether increased E2 signaling, in the BLA or systemically, enhances heroin-cue EMR. We hypothesized that ERβ agonism would enhance heroin-cue EMR in a sex- and region-specific manner. To determine the capacity of E2 signaling to improve EMR, we pharmacologically manipulated ERβ across several translationally designed experiments. First, male and female rats acquired heroin or sucrose self-administration. Next, during a cued extinction session, we administered diarylpropionitrile (DPN, an ERβ agonist) and tested anxiety-like behavior on an open field. Subsequently, we assessed EMR in a cue-induced reinstatement test and, finally, measured ERβ expression in several brain regions. Across all experiments, females took more heroin and sucrose than males and had greater responses during heroin-cued extinction. Administration of DPN in the BLA enhanced EMR in females only, driven by ERβ’s impacts on memory consolidation. Interestingly, however, systemic DPN administration improved EMR for heroin cues in both sexes across several different tests, but did not impact sucrose-cue EMR. Immunohistochemical analysis of ERβ expression across several different brain regions showed that females only had greater expression of ERβ in the basal nucleus of the BLA. Here, in several preclinical experiments, we demonstrated that ERβ agonism enhances heroin-cue EMR and has potential utility in combatting cue-induced relapse.

Exploring the impact of surface lapse rate change scenarios on mountain permafrost distribution in four dissimilar valleys in Yukon, Canada

A scenario-based approach was used to test air and ground response to warming with and without changes to inverted surface lapse rates in four Yukon valleys. Generally, climate warming coupled with weakening of temperature inversions resulted in the greatest increase in air temperature at low elevations. However, ground temperatures at high elevations showed the greatest response to warming and variability between scenarios due to increased connectivity between air and ground. Low elevations showed less of a response to warming and permafrost was largely preserved in these locations. Local models also predicted higher permafrost occurrence compared to a regional permafrost probability model, due to the inclusion of differential surface and thermal offsets. Results show that the spatial warming patterns in these mountains may not follow those predicted in other mountain environments following elevation dependent warming (EDW). As a result, the concept of EDW should be expanded to become more inclusive of a wider range of possible spatial warming distributions. The purpose of this paper is not to provide exact estimations of warming, but rather to provide hypothetical spatial warming patterns, based on logical predictions of changes to temperature inversion strength, which may not directly follow the distribution projected through EDW.

EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION ON ONE-WAY ABRASIVE FLOW MACHINING ON HOT WORK STEEL

Abrasive flow machining (AFM) is a process where a semi-solid abrasive-laden media is forced to flow through the internal passages of a workpiece under pressure. In high-resolution work, increased accuracy and faster smooth surface polishing work with the developed motorized AFM prototype. This research presents the effect of the clearance of specimen tools for surface roughness (Ra) of SKD 61 (AISI H13) hot work steel related to AFM. This research experimented with half-spherical specimens. AFM experiments are performed to identify the improved surface roughness when applied to the polishing specimens. Specimens were prepared by being turned, hardened, and polished with sandpaper from number P180 to P1200 and measured with an original value of Ra compared with the final value of Ra at the end of the process. The experimental prototype uses a unidirectional motor drive system different from previously developed machines. The process parameters are as follows: a pressure (p) of 1, 2, and 3 bar, cycle time (t) of 10, 15, and 20 min., an abrasive particle size (Al2O3) of 5.0 μm in Silicon Oil (50 % concentration by weight), hardness of specimens 45±2 HRC, etc. The experimental results show that under these conditions, the average surface roughness of specimens was decreased from an original value of Ra 0.057 to 0.042 μm. The greatest response surface (RSM) was obtained at a pressure of 3 bar and a time of 20 minutes. The result allows for better precision control and further development in industrial applications.

Impact of the total expenditure shocks on food security: VAR model

Purpose. This study examines the causal relationship between total expenditures and food availability and identifies their shocks in food availability in Saudi Arabia. Methodology / approach. The study uses a multivariate modeling technique of the Vector Autoregression (VAR) and its environment, the Granger Causality Test, Forecast Error Variance Decomposition (FEVD), and Impulse Response Function (IRF) for the observation period of 2000–2020 in Saudi Arabia. Results. The results of the Granger causality show that investment expenditure has a significant impact on food availability in Saudi Arabia. However, consumption and government expenditures do affect food availability in Saudi Arabia, but have an indirect effect. The Impulse Response Functions show that the shocks of the selected variables require a long period to reach the long-run equilibrium level and the greatest response of the food availability variable is explained by its own shock and investment expenditure shocks. Originality / scientific novelty. The novelty of this study is related to the investigation of a new model and focus on a new perspective. While traditional food security research has mostly concentrated on agricultural production, availability, and accessibility of food, as well as nutrition and health outcomes factors, this research conveys a new dimension by highlighting the link between total expenditure and food security. Their contribution expands the scope of food security research and highlights the impact of recognising the role of total expenditure in implementing and supporting food security at the household level. Practical value / implications. It is important to design strategies and develop a budgeting plan to allocate a reasonable portion of total consumption and government expenditures on food items. Adding, regularly reviewing, and adapting the budgeting plan based on new challenges, and evolving priorities are essential to address the dynamic nature of food security.