Independent Routes Research Articles

Cu(I)‐Induced ‘Click Reaction’ Involving Coordination and Covalent Assembly of Hybrid Borates for the Electrocatalytic CO2 Reduction

AbstractThe design and synthesis of hybrid borates by the organic ligand modification method are urgent and undeveloped areas of research. It is difficult to directly integrate organoboronic acids within inorganic borate chemistry by adopting the traditional preparation approaches. This work reports a facile synthetic method to synthesize a large family of pyrazole molecule‐protected borates in a rapid and precise manner under mild conditions. A unique cyclic eight‐membered B4O4‐ring has been identified as the cluster core for all these hybrid borates with two different conformations (boat and crown). This strategy can be applied to a system of pyrazolyl molecules to generate such hybrid borates in two independent routes from organoboronic or inorganic boric acids. Furtherly, the mechanism of ‘click reaction’ between boric acid and pyrazole induced by copper ions has been proposed based on the synthetic conditions and the structure of intermediate. Due to the bimetallic Cu sites and the functional surfaces, these materials can be used as electrocatalysts for CO2 reduction reaction and efficiently enhance the selectivity of HCOOH and C2H4. Our strategy can be regarded as a typical template technique for organic molecule‐protected borates.

Knowledge of universals

ABSTRACT The Indian realists argue for the unique claim that universals are perceptible. The possibility of allowing perceptual access to universals puts pressure on the Nyāya theory of perception. The Nyāya philosophers introduced the notion of nirvikalpaka pratyakṣa (non-conceptual perception) to accommodate the perceptibility of universals. Since there is no direct introspective evidence for non-conceptual perception, it is difficult, if not impossible, to specify the content of nirvikalpaka pratyakṣa or non-conceptual perception. This paper addresses this concern by turning to Ned Block's work in contemporary philosophy of perception. Using Block's arguments, I propose that we have an independent empirical route to specify the content of a non-conceptual perception which is not subject to the ‘myth of the given’ objection.

Cu(I)-Induced 'Click Reaction' Involving Coordination and Covalent Assembly of Hybrid Borates for the Electrocatalytic CO2 Reduction.

The design and synthesis of hybrid borates by the organic ligand modification method are urgent and undeveloped areas of research. It is difficult to directly integrate organoboronic acids within inorganic borate chemistry by adopting the traditional preparation approaches. This work reports a facile synthetic method to synthesize a large family of pyrazole molecule-protected borates in a rapid and precise manner under mild conditions. A unique cyclic eight-membered B4O4-ring has been identified as the cluster core for all these hybrid borates with two different conformations (boat and crown). This strategy can be applied to a system of pyrazolyl molecules to generate such hybrid borates in two independent routes from organoboronic or inorganic boric acids. Furtherly, the mechanism of 'click reaction' between boric acid and pyrazole induced by copper ions has been proposed based on the synthetic conditions and the structure of intermediate. Due to the bimetallic Cu sites and the functional surfaces, these materials can be used as electrocatalysts for CO2 reduction reaction and efficiently enhance the selectivity of HCOOH and C2H4. Our strategy can be regarded as a typical template technique for organic molecule-protected borates.

Genetic characterization of cucumber genetic resources in the NARO Genebank indicates their multiple dispersal trajectories to the East

Key messageGenotyping-by-sequencing of 723 worldwide cucumber genetic resources revealed that cucumbers were dispersed eastward via at least three distinct routes, one to Southeast Asia and two from different directions to East Asia.The cucumber (Cucumis sativus) is an economically important vegetable crop cultivated and consumed worldwide. Despite its popularity, the manner in which cucumbers were dispersed from their origin in South Asia to the rest of the world, particularly to the east, remains a mystery due to the lack of written records. In this study, we performed genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) on 723 worldwide cucumber accessions, mainly deposited in the Japanese National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO) Genebank, to characterize their genetic diversity, relationships, and population structure. Analyses based on over 60,000 genome-wide single-nucleotide polymorphisms identified by GBS revealed clear genetic differentiation between Southeast and East Asian populations, suggesting that they reached their respective region independently, not progressively. A deeper investigation of the East Asian population identified two subpopulations with different fruit characteristics, supporting the traditional classification of East Asian cucumbers into two types thought to have been introduced by independent routes. Finally, we developed a core collection of 100 accessions representing at least 93.2% of the genetic diversity present in the entire collection. The genetic relationships and population structure, their associations with geographic distribution and phenotypic traits, and the core collection presented in this study are valuable resources for elucidating the dispersal history and promoting the efficient use and management of genetic resources for research and breeding in cucumber.

A Neuro-Driven Mobile Robot Enhanced by LoRa and EEG Technology

The Cognitive Rover project presents an imaginative way to deal with portable mechanical technology, coordinating high level neuro-innovations with long-range correspondence capacities to make a flexible and versatile mechanical stage. The essential target of the task is to foster a versatile robot fit for independent route and connection with its current circumstance, directed by brain signals got through electroencephalography (EEG) innovation. Utilizing the LoRa (Long Range) correspondence convention, the robot lays out strong network overstretched distances, empowering far off activity and information transmission in different situations, including search and salvage missions, perilous climate investigation, and far off review errands. The proposed framework design comprises of two fundamental parts: a neuro-driven control framework and a correspondence module. The neuro-driven control framework uses EEG signals gathered from a MindWave headset to decipher client orders and natural boosts. Through AI calculations and continuous sign handling strategies, the framework makes an interpretation of EEG signals into noteworthy orders for independent route, obstruction evasion, and undertaking execution. The correspondence module incorporates LoRa innovation to work with consistent information trade between the robot and far off administrators, empowering continuous observing, control, and video real time over significant distances. Key benefits of the Cognitive Rover incorporate its versatility to assorted conditions, instinctive client association through cerebrum PC interface innovation, and vigorous long-range correspondence abilities. Additionally, the task adds to progressions in mechanical technology, human-robot cooperation, and assistive advancements, with expected applications in misfortune reaction, ecological checking, and foundation review. Key Words: Electroencephalography (EEG), LoRa (Long Range), Cognitive Rover (CR), Brain Computer Interface (BCI), Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Transmitter (Tx)

Class Grouping of XI SMAN 1 Payaraman for the Academic Year 2023-2024 as an Implementation of Kepmendikbudristek No. 56 of 2022

The government has implemented the Independent Curriculum since the academic year 2021–2022 in reference or superior schools. In the academic year 2022–2023, several schools have implemented the Independent Curriculum Implementation based on the BSKAP Decree concerning Educational Units Implementing the Independent Curriculum Implementation through the Independent Route in the Phase I Academic Year 2022–2023. Through this decision, SMAN 1 Payaraman became one of 8 schools in Ogan Ilir Regency that implemented an independent curriculum through the independent route in the 2022–2023 Tahaindea school year. The researcher’s aim in conducting this research was to determine the percentage of students’ interest in selected subjects provided by the school, describe the obstacles in grouping class XI study groups at SMAN 1 Payaraman according to the Independent Curriculum, and describe the strategies used. by the school in grouping class XI study groups at SMAN 1 Payaraman according to the Independent Curriculum. The data collection method used in this research was a questionnaire. The results of this research are students’ interest in the 11 subjects provided by the school, with 178 respondents. 28% chose physics, 44% chose chemistry, 74% chose biology, 47% chose advanced mathematics, 57% chose geography, 75% chose economics, 65% chose sociology, 83% chose advanced Indonesian language subjects, 58% chose advanced English, 56% chose informatics, and 44% chose entrepreneurship education. The obstacle faced is the formation of many class groups. The strategy used is to eliminate several subjects that are students’ choice.

Unraveling the 2,3-diketo-l-gulonic acid-dependent and -independent impacts of l-ascorbic acid on somatic cell reprogramming

Backgroundl-ascorbic acid (Asc) plays a pivotal role in regulating various biological processes, including somatic cell reprogramming, through multiple pathways. However, it remains unclear whether Asc regulates reprogramming directly or functions through its metabolites.ResultsAsc exhibited dual capabilities in promoting reprogramming through both 2,3-diketo-l-gulonic acid (DKG), a key metabolite during Asc degradation, dependent and independent routes. On the one hand, Asc facilitated reprogramming by promoting cell proliferation and inducing the conversion from pre-induced pluripotent stem cells (pre-iPSCs) to iPSCs through DKG-independent pathways. Additionally, Asc triggered mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET) and activated glycolysis via DKG-dependent mechanisms. Notably, DKG alone activated a non-canonical tricarboxylic acid cycle characterized by increased succinate, fumarate, and malate. Consequently, this shift redirected oxidative phosphorylation toward glycolysis and induced MET. Moreover, owing to its antioxidant capabilities, Asc directly inhibited glycolysis, thereby preventing positive feedback between glycolysis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition, ultimately resulting in a higher level of MET.ConclusionThese findings unveil the intricate functions of Asc in the context of reprogramming. This study sheds light on the DKG-dependent and -independent activities of Asc during reprogramming, offering novel insights that may extend the application of Asc to other biological processes.

A complex locus regulates highly lobed-leaf formation in Brassica juncea.

Lineage-specific evolution of RCO was described in Brassicaceae. BjRCO.1 and BjRCO.2 within the complex locus regulated highly lobed-leaf formation in Brassica juncea. RCO regulates the formation of lobed leaves in Brassicaceae species. RCO originated from the duplication of LMI1-type sequences and evolved through gene duplication and loss within the Brassicaceae. However, the evolutionary process and diversification of RCO in different lineages of Brassicaceae remain unclear. Although the RCO locus in B. juncea has been associated with lobed-leaf formation, its complexity has remained largely unknown. This study involved the identification of 55 LMI1-like genes in 16 species of Brassicaceae through syntenic analysis. We classified these LMI1-like genes into two types, namely LMI1-type and RCO-type, based on their phylogenetic relationship. Additionally, we proposed two independent lineage-specific evolution routes for RCO following the divergence of Aethionema. Our findings revealed that the LMI1-like loci responsible for lobed-leaf formation in Brassica species are located on the LF subgenomes. For B. juncea (T84-66V2), we discovered that the complex locus underwent duplication through segments of nucleic acid sequence containing Exostosin-LMI1-RCO (E-R-L), resulting in the tandem presence of two RCO-type and two LMI1-type genes on chromosome A10. As additional evidence, we successfully mapped the complex locus responsible for highly lobed-leaf formation to chromosome A10 using a B. juncea F2 population, which corroborated the results of our evolutionary analysis. Furthermore, through transcriptome analysis, we clarified that BjRCO.1 and BjRCO.2 within the complex locus are functional genes involved in the regulation of highly lobed-leaf formation. The findings of this study offer valuable insights into the regulation of leaf morphology for the breeding of Brassica crops.

CRUISE TOURISM: TENDENCIES OF THE INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT IN THE PERIOD OF UNCERTAINTY

The modern cruise industry is a dynamic industry globally integrated into the world economy that is continuously developing. Cruise tours become more and more popular among tourists. Before the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, cruise tourism was highly developed and was one of the most rapidly growing industries of the global tourism. The full-scale russian invasion of Ukraine has affected the cruise industry, especially in the Black Sea region. Tourism operators have started changing routes, there has been a fall in the demand for such recreation, economic restrictions and safety have become key factors which should be considered in this period. The study examines advantages of cruise tourism in comparison with other types of recreation. It analyzes the impact of tourism industry on the economies of the countries where it is developing. The research indicates negative processes of recession and cessation of the development of sea tourism in Ukraine caused by the full-scale attack of russia. The study makes a conclusion that the Black Sea region can definitely become an independent cruise direction in a mid-term perspective, the home port for liners, independent routes will be available and motor ships of different classes will sail in it.

Molecular characterization and geographical distribution of Zika virus worldwide from 1947 to 2022

ObjectivesWe conducted molecular characterization, demonstrated the geographical distribution of Zika virus (ZIKV) circulating worldwide from 1947 to 2022 and explored the potential genetic recombination site in the Thailand ZIKV genomes. MethodsWe constructed phylogenetic trees based on ZIKV coding sequences (CDS) and determined the geographical distribution of the representative viruses by genetic relationship and timeline. We determined genetic recombination among ZIKV and between ZIKV and other flaviviruses using similarity plot and bootscan analyzes, together with the phylogeny encompassing the CDS and eight subgenomic regions. ResultsThe phylogenetic trees comprising 717 CDS showed two distinct African and Asian lineages. ZIKV in the African lineage formed two sublineages, and ZIKV in the Asian lineage diversified into the Asian and American sublineages. The 1966 Malaysian isolate was designated the prototype of the Asian sublineage and formed a node of only one member, while the newer viruses formed a distinct node. We detected no genetic recombination in the Thailand ZIKV. ConclusionFive Thailand isolates discovered in 2006 were the second oldest ZIKV after the Malaysian prototype. Our result suggested two independent routes of ZIKV spread from Southeast Asia to Micronesia in 2007 and French Polynesia in 2013 before further spreading to South American countries.

Prestasi Akademik Ditinjau dari IQ dan Jalur Masuk Perguruan Tinggi Mahasiswa Psikologi Universitas Negeri Makassar

Student academic achievement indicators are known as the Grade Point Average (GPA). The GPA score of a student is a picture of a student's academic performance while studying at Higher Education (PT). Students will get a grade point index every semester so they will know how much score they get for each subject that has been printed on the Study Plan Card (KRS). Obtaining a GPA which is a description of student academic achievement is of course influenced by many factors both internal and external to students. One of the internal factors that play a role in the academic process is the intelligence factor. Adequate intelligence abilities make it easier for students to understand lecture material. Basically, students' cognitive abilities are not only seen through IQ, academic performance before entering higher education is also a consideration for students to be accepted at a tertiary institution. Because of this, there are various pathways into Higher Education that students can take by considering the academic grades obtained in high school. Students who have academic and non-acadebjwhmic achievements and take the SNMPTN route. For prospective students who do not excel in high school, they can take the SBMPTN route. Furthermore, some students who do not pass the SBMPTN will usually take the independent route to enter PT. In this regard, this study aims to determine differences in academic achievement and potential in terms of university entry pathways. This research captures the potential of 427 new students from the Faculty of Psychology, Makassar State University (UNM). The instruments used are questionnaires and IQ tests. This type of research is a quantitative research with logistic regression analysis using SPSS statistics and its implications are used as a basis for seeing student potential. The results of the study show two research results, namely 1) There is a relationship between IQ and learning achievement in Class 2021 Students of the Faculty of Psychology UNM, 2) There is a significant difference in the learning achievement of Class 2021 Students of the Faculty of Psychology UNM in terms of university entry pathways.

Prediction of aqueous solubility of a strongly soluble solute from molecular simulation.

The prediction of solubilities of compounds by means of molecular simulation has been receiving increasing attention due to the key role played by solubility in countless applications. We have predicted the aqueous solubility of urea at 300K from chemical potential calculations for two urea model combinations: Özpinar/TIP3P and Hölzl/(TIP4P/2005). The methodology assumes that the intramolecular contribution of the urea molecule to the chemical potentials is identical in the crystal and in solution and, hence, cancels out. In parallel to the chemical potential calculations, we also performed direct coexistence simulations of a urea crystal slab in contact with urea-water solutions with the aim to identify upper and lower bounds to the solubility value using an independent route. The chemical potential approach yielded similar solubilities for both urea models, despite the actual chemical potential values showing a significant dependence on the force field. The predicted solubilities for the two models were 0.013-0.018 (Özpınar) and 0.008-0.012 (Hölzl) mole fraction, which are an order of magnitude lower than the experimental solubility that lies in a range of 0.125-0.216 mole fraction. The direct coexistence solubility bounds were relatively wide and did not encompass the chemical potential based solubilities, although the latter were close to the lower bound values.

Comparative review of ideal layouts in Han Buddhist and Catholic monasteries

ABSTRACT In recent years, the comparison of spatial layouts has gradually become a central issue for scholars to focus on in their comparative reviews of Eastern and Western religious spaces. For the first time, two ideal plans, namely, Illustrated Scripture of Jetavana Vihara of Sravasti in Central India (667) and the Plan of St. Gall (816), are compared side by side in this article. This research integrates architectural history and architectural design theory to examine the characteristics of the two ideal plans. Establishing a comparison basis of the two plans through plan restoration and diagram analysis are fundamental to understanding the peculiarities and generation background of Han Buddhist and Catholic monasteries. This study highlights that the onion structure adopted by both plans distinguish sacredness from secularness. The boundary between the sacred and the secular serves as a bridge that links the two worlds from material and spiritual aspects. Furthermore, the central worship route and independent internal routes guarantee that multiple functions can exist and be performed simultaneously in both monasteries. According to these observations from both plans, the pursuit of independent and self-sufficient life modes is the key to understanding such a layout. This study not only establishes an in-depth understanding of the layout structure of the spatial prototypes in Eastern and Western monastic spaces, but also provides inspiration and guidance for the spatial structure of religious spaces for future development.

Frenguellia (Lycopsida) from the uppermost Devonian of West Junggar, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, NW China, and its implications on protolepidodendralean leaf morphology and paleophytogeography

Protolepidodendralean lycopsids are characteristic of morphologically complex leaves. Most taxa of this group are herbaceous and widely distributed in global Devonian sediments, with exceptions of a few members, such as Frenguellia eximia from the Lower Carboniferous of Argentina. In this study, we focus on the morphology of Frenguelliaeximia and emend its generic and specific diagnoses, based on new materials from the Upper Devonian Hongguleleng Formation of West Junggar, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Northwest China, within the fossil-bearing bed palynologically dated as a latest Famennian age. This is the first finding of Frenguelliaeximia out of Gondwana. Frenguelliaeximia bears planate leaf with three upward pairs of lateral tips, isomorphic sporophyll to the leaf, and elongated, oval sporangium. Leaf morphology of the members of the Order Protolepidodendrales is summarized and classified into lateral-tip and distal-tip types. Lateral-tip type leaf consists of an obvious main body and several paired lateral tips, whereas distal-tip type leaf shows a petiole and a distal lamina with several planate or three-dimensional segments. Two leaf types probably indicate two independent evolutionary routes of microphylls evolving from simple leaf of pre-lycopsids during the Devonian period. The new occurrence of Frenguelliaeximia further shows paleophytogeographical similarities between West Junggar and northwestern Gondwana.

Dual Routes toward Observation of a trans-H2/Hydride Complex in an Iridium Pincer System and Hydrogenation Catalytic Activity

ion of chloride from a six-coordinate complex, trans-[Ir(H)(Cl)(iPr)4(POCOP)(PPh3)] (1) [(iPr)4(POCOP) = 2,6-bis(di-iso-propylphosphinito)benzene, κ3-C6H3-1,3-[OP(iPr)2]2], using NaBAr4f leads to the generation of a dinitrogen complex, trans-[Ir(H)(N2)(iPr)4(POCOP)(PPh3)][BAr4f] (6). Addition of H2 to [Ir(H)(N2)(iPr)4(POCOP)(PPh3)]+ (6) under extremely mild conditions (1 bar, 298 K) resulted in the reversible coordination of H2 to generate the cis-[Ir(H)(η2-H2)(iPr)4(POCOP)(PPh3)]+ (cis-11) complex. The cis-[Ir(H)(η2-H2)(iPr)4(POCOP)(PPh3)]+ complex (cis-11) isomerized to a trans isomer, trans-[Ir(H)(η2-H2)(iPr)4(POCOP)(PPh3)]+ (trans-11), at 253 K. The isomerization process has been studied and supported by computations. Employing an alternative route, protonation of the trans-[Ir(H)2(iPr)4(POCOP)(PPh3)] complex (2) at 183 K resulted in the formation of an identical, trans-[Ir(H)(η2-H2)(iPr)4(POCOP)(PPh3)]+ complex (trans-11); upon warming the sample, the trans-H2/hydride complex isomerized to the cis isomer above 253 K. Two independent routes to obtain trans-[Ir(H)(η2-H2)(iPr)4(POCOP)(PPh3)]+ (trans-11) species have been established. Reaction of trans-[Ir(H)(N2)(iPr)4(POCOP)(PPh3)][BAr4f] (6) with C2H4 gave the cis-[Ir(H)(η2-C2H4)(iPr)4(POCOP)(PPh3)]+ complex (cis-15), which also undergoes isomerization to yield an equilibrium mixture of cis/trans-[Ir(H)(η2-C2H4)(iPr)4(POCOP)(PPh3)]+ complexes (cis-15 and trans-15) at 253 K. The trans-[Ir(H)(N2)(iPr)4(POCOP)(PPh3)]+ complex (6) is an excellent catalyst for hydrogenation of ethylene to ethane under very mild conditions.

Robust and resilient equilibrium routing mechanism for traffic congestion mitigation built upon correlated equilibrium and distributed optimization

With the rapid development of wireless communication, mobile computing, and GPS technologies, drivers’ route decisions nowadays rely more on navigation services, such as Google or Waze. However, these navigation services don't always come with improved traffic conditions. Individual drivers often make independent and selfish route decisions that are not systematically favorable and thus often result in severe congestions. This study aims to alleviate such problems by exploiting the information gaps between individuals and the central planner (CP). Specifically, we develop a correlated equilibrium routing mechanism (CeRM) for the CP, which drives a group of vehicles’ route choices to an equilibrium with a systematically optimal traffic condition while still satisfying individuals’ selfish nature. Participating drivers would only be better off by following the suggested routing guidance than navigating on their best responses to real-time traffic information. The CeRM is modeled as a nonconvex and nonlinear program involving a large-scale of users. A distributed Augmented Lagrangian algorithm (D-AL) is developed to efficiently solve the CeRM to provide online real-time navigation service, taking advantage of the on-board computation resources of individual vehicles. Considering the D-AL relies on the wireless communications between vehicles and the CP, we proved the convergence robustness of the D-AL against random communication failures and derived the convergence rate upper bound as a function of the communication failure probability. It is noticed that the convergence rate of the D-AL degrades dramatically as the communication failure probability increases, which hampers the applicability of implementing the CeRM in practice. To improve the solution algorithm's resilience in the computation performance, we further designed and proved an acceleration scheme aided D-AL (aD-AL) to expedite the convergence rate under the high likelihood of communication failures. Numerical experiments conducted on the Sioux Falls city network confirmed the D-AL's convergence properties, robustness against random communication failures, and the resilience of the aD-AL to solve the CeRM. The experiments also show that the CeRM results in better system performance (have less system cost) compared with the existing Independent Routing (IR) mechanism and user-oriented Equilibrium Routing (uoER) mechanism.

Continuous infiltration of small peritoneal macrophages in the mouse peritoneum through CCR2-dependent and -independent routes during fibrosis and mesothelioma development induced by a multiwalled carbon nanotube, MWNT-7.

Although toxicities of multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) have been found to be related with activities of macrophages phagocytosing the fibers, the exact relationship between macrophage population and pathogenesis of fibrosis and mesotheliomas induced by MWCNTs is largely unknown. CCL2-CCR2 axis, a major monocyte/macrophage infiltration route, is thought to be involved in not only acute inflammation but also the formation of tumor microenvironment. We therefore described a time-course of alteration of macrophage population in an attempt to clarify the contribution of the Ccr2 gene to mesotheliomagenesis. Wild-type (WT) C57BL/6 mice and Ccr2-knockout (KO) mice were intraperitoneally administered with MWNT-7 and were sequentially necropsied at 1, 7, 28, 90, and 245 day(s) after the injection. Peritoneal fibrosis was prominent in all MWCNT-treated mice, with a lower severity in the KO mice. No differences were observed in the incidences of neoplastic lesions of mesothelia between WT and KO mice. A flow cytometric analysis revealed that after gross disappearance of macrophages after MWCNT exposure, small peritoneal macrophages (SPMs) were exclusively refurbished by the CCR2-dependent route at day 1 (as Ly-6C+MHC class II- cells), followed by additional CCR2-independent routes (as Ly-6C-MHC class II- cells); i.e., the only route in KO mice; with a delay of 1-7 days. The SPMs derived from both routes appeared to differentiate into maturated cells as Ly-6C-MHC class II+, whose ratio increased in a time-dependent manner among the total SPM population. Additionally, most macrophages expressed M1-like features, but a small fraction of macrophages exhibited an M1/M2 mixed status in MWCNT-treated animals. Our findings demonstrate a long-persistent activation of the CCL2-CCR2 axis after MWCNT exposure and enable a better understanding of the participation and potential roles of SPMs in fibrous material-induced chronic toxicities.

Sustainable City Evaluation Using the Database for Estimation of Road Network Performance

This article introduces the Database for Estimation of Road Network Performance (DERNP) to enable wide-scale estimation of relevant Road Network Performance (RNP) factors for major German cities. The methodology behind DERNP is based on a randomized route sampling procedure that utilizes the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) in combination with the tile-based HERE Maps Traffic API v7 and a digital elevation model provided by the European Union’s Earth Observation Programme Copernicus to generate a large set of independent and realistic routes throughout OpenStreetMap road networks. By evaluating these routes using the PHEMLight5 framework, a comprehensive list of RNP parameters is estimated and translated into polynomial regression models for general usage. The applicability of these estimations is demonstrated based on a case study of four major German cities. This case study considers network characteristics in terms of detours, infrastructure, traffic congestion, fuel consumption, and CO2 emissions. Our results show that DERNP and its underlying randomized route sampling methodology overcomes major limitations of previous wide-scale RNP approaches, enabling efficient, easy-to-use, and region-specific RNP comparisons.

Molecular Analysis of Genetic Diversity and Structure of the Lablab (Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet) Gene Pool Reveals Two Independent Routes of Domestication

In this study, genetic diversity and structure of 474 cultivated and 19 wild lablab (Lablab purpureus) accessions. were determined using 15 nuclear and 6 chloroplast SSR markers. The overall gene diversity was relatively low (0.3441). Gene diversity in the wild accessions (0.6059) was about two-folds greater than that in the cultivated accessions. In the wild accessions, gene diversity was greatest in the southern Africa, followed by East Africa. In the cultivated accessions, gene diversity was highest in the eastern Africa. The results suggested that South Africa is the center of origin and East Africa is the center of domestication of lablab. Different cluster analyses showed that 2-seeded-pod cultivated accessions (ssp. uncinatus) were clustered with wild accessions and that 4-(6)-seeded-pod cultivated accessions (ssp. purpureus and bengalensis) were intermingled. UPGMA tree suggested that ssp. purpureus and bengalensis were domesticated from 4-seeded-pod wild accessions of southern Africa. Haplotype network analysis based on nuclear SSRs revealed two domestication routes; the ssp. uncinatus is domesticated from 2-seeded-pod wild lablab (wild spp. uncinatus) from East Africa (Ethiopia), while the ssp. purpureus and bengalensis are domesticated from 4-seeded-pod wild lablab from Central Africa (Rwanda). These results are useful for understanding domestication and revising classification of lablab.

Dynamics of high hydrostatic pressure resistance development in RpoS-deficient Escherichia coli

High hydrostatic pressure (HHP) treatment is one of the most widely accepted non-thermal food processing methods, but HHP-resistance development in pathogenic or spoilage bacteria might compromise the safety and stability of HHP-treated foods. Charting the possible routes and mechanisms of HHP resistance development in foodborne bacteria is therefore essential to anticipate or prevent the appearance of resistant variants. While upregulation of the RpoS-governed general stress response is a well-established route for increased HHP resistance in Escherichia coli, previous work revealed that mutations causing attenuated cAMP/CRP activity or aggregation-prone TnaA variants can evolve to overcome the HHP-hypersensitivity of an E. coli ΔrpoS mutant. In this study, further directed evolution and genetic analysis approaches allowed us to demonstrate that both kinds of mutants tend to co-emerge and compete with each other in E. coli ΔrpoS populations evolving towards HHP resistance, because of the higher HHP resistance of cAMP/CRP mutants and the faster growth rate of the TnaA mutants. Moreover, closer scrutiny of evolving populations revealed RpoS, cAMP/CRP and TnaA independent routes of HHP resistance development, based on downregulation of YegW or RppH activity.