Maturation Time Research Articles

Determination of Local Cherry Tomato Genotypes' Agromorphological Features in Türkiye and Kyrgyzstan

The purpose of this study was to ascertain some morphological traits and interrelationships of 36 genotypes of cherry tomatoes that were gathered from Turkey and Kyrgyzstan. Measurements and observations include flower number of cluster, leaf length, leaf width, leaf attitude, fruit color, fruit neck shape, fruit cross-sectional shape, fruit weight, fruit firmness, time of maturity, number of locules, thickness of pericarp, and total soluable solid content, in accordance with the guidelines of the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV). The genotypes T40 (62.7 g), T24 (50.8 g), T107 (50 g), T103 (41.4 g), and T105 (40.8 g) had the highest average fruit weights, whereas T3 (9.4 g) and K1 (10.6 g) had the lowest fruit weights. The pericarp had an average thickness of 3.82 mm and an average of 2.49 locules. A spherical fruit cross-section was observed in 97.2% of genotypes. Genotype K2 had the highest total soluble solids content (TTSC%) at 9.4%, whereas genotype K13 had the lowest TTSC% at 3.1%. To measure the data, Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used. Five separate principle component axes were identified via PCA, and these axes together account for 75.57% of the dataset's variation. These principal components' eigenvalues, which varied from 1.07 to 3.24, showed how much variance was accounted for by each component. The PCA results showed that the genotypes T107, T40, T105, and T87 performed better in PC1 in terms of the number of locules, fruit weight, fruit cross-sectional shape, and pericarp thickness characteristics. Fruit color was influenced by genotypes T90 and T142, fruit firmness by genotype T40, and total soluble solids content by genotype T98. The indigenous cherry tomato varieties from Turkey and Kyrgyzstan were shown to have a large amount of morphological variety, which may be useful for breeding initiatives in the future.

Two tiers, not one: Different sources of extrinsic mortality have opposing effects on life history traits.

Guided by concepts from life history (LH) theory, a large human research literature has tested the hypothesis that exposures to extrinsic mortality (EM) promote the development of faster LH strategies (e.g., earlier/faster reproduction, higher offspring number). A competing model proposes that, because EM in the past was intimately linked to energetic constraints, such exposures specifically led to the development of slower LH strategies. We empirically address this debate by examining (1) LH variation among small-scale societies under different environmental conditions; (2) country-, regional- and community-level correlations between ecological conditions, mortality, maturational timing, and fertility; (3) individual-level correlations between this same set of factors; and (4) natural experiments leveraging the impact of externally-caused changes in mortality on LH traits. Partially supporting each model, we found that harsh conditions encompassing energetic stress and ambient cues to EM (external cues received through sensory systems) have countervailing effects on the development of LH strategies, both delaying pubertal maturation and promoting an accelerated pace of reproduction and higher offspring number. We conclude that, although energetics are fundamental to many developmental processes, providing a first tier of environmental influence, this first tier alone cannot explain these countervailing effects. An important second tier of environmental influence is afforded by ambient cues to EM. We advance a 2-tiered model that delineates this second tier and its central role in regulating development of LH strategies. Consideration of the first and second tier together is necessary to account for the observed countervailing shifts toward both slower and faster LH traits.

Exploring reported population differences in Norway lobster (Nephrops norvegicus) in the Pomo Pits region of the Adriatic Sea using genome-wide markers.

The Norway lobster (Nephrops norvegicus) is one of the most important decapod crustacean seafood species in the Adriatic Sea. Previous research has identified significant differences in growth rates and maturation timing of Nephrops in the Pomo/Jabuka Pits area compared to other subpopulations in Adriatic fishing grounds. Here, we use 1,623 genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to investigate whether the Pomo Pits subpopulation is genetically different from other sites in the Adriatic and neighbouring seas. We found no genetic differentiation among all sampled Adriatic sites, suggesting high gene flow between Pomo Pits Nephrops and those of surrounding areas. We also found genetic homogeneity between the Adriatic sites and single-site samples from the Aegean and Tyrrhenian Seas. However, we detected distinct genetic differentiation between all Mediterranean sites and an Atlantic site in western Scotland, which provides evidence for a phylogenetic break between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. Our results indicate that Pomo Pits Nephrops are not genetically different from others sampled in the Adriatic and that key biological parameters in Pomo Pits Nephrops could be driven by spatial variation in fishing pressure and/or environmental factors rather than geographic isolation.

Weighing the risks and benefits of flowering early in the spring for the woody perennial Prunus pumila.

There are advantages to flowering early in the spring, including greater pollinator fidelity and longer fruit maturation time. But plant phenology has advanced in recent years, making many plants vulnerable to freezing damage from late frosts. To determine the costs and benefits of flowering early in the growing season, we exposed Prunus pumila plants to two freezing treatments and a delayed flowering treatment in subsequent years. Data were collected on ovary swelling, fruit production, and pollinator visitation on hand- and open-pollinated plants in all treatments. We also measured tissue damage after freeze events. Our results suggest that flowering time and temperature affect reproductive success, with fewer fruits produced after hard freezes. The same was not true for light freezes, which had minimal impact on reproduction. Freezing damage to plants after a hard freeze did affect the number of dipteran pollinators but not the overall pollinator visitation rate. Despite the clear impact of freezing temperatures on plant reproduction, flowering early provided an advantage in that reproductive output decreased with delayed flowering. Our findings suggest that Prunus pumila will retain the ability to attract pollinators and produce viable seeds if exposed to false spring conditions that involve a light freeze, but hard freezes may reduce yield by an order of magnitude. Although the advantages to flowering early may outweigh the risk of freezing damage under current conditions, it is possible that flower viability may be constrained under continued climate warming.

Genome-wide association study revealed some new candidate genes associated with flowering and maturity time of soybean in Central and West Siberian regions of Russia.

The duration of flowering and maturity is an important agricultural trait determining the suitability of a variety for cultivation in the target region. In the present study, we used genome-wide association analysis (GWAS) to search for loci associated with soybean flowering and maturity in the Central and West Siberian regions of Russia. A field experiment was conducted in 2021/2022 at two locations (Orel and Novosibirsk). A germplasm collection of 180 accessions was genotyped using SoySNP50K Illumina Infinium Bead-Chip. From the initial collection, we selected 129 unrelated accessions and conducted GWAS on this dataset using two multi-locus models: FarmCPU and BLINK. As a result, we identified 13 loci previously reported to be associated with duration of soybean development, and 17 new loci. 33 candidate genes were detected in these loci using analysis of co-expression, gene ontology, and literature data, with the best candidates being Glyma.03G177500, Glyma.13G177400, and Glyma.06G213100. These candidate genes code the Arabidopis orthologs TOE1 (TARGET OF EAT 1), SPL3 (SQUAMOSA PROMOTER BINDING PROTEIN LIKE 3), the DELLA protein, respectively. In these three genes, we found haplotypes which may be associated with the length of soybean flowering and maturity, providing soybean adaptation to a northern latitudes.

MAGIC matrices: freeform bioprinting materials to support complex and reproducible organoid morphogenesis.

Organoids are powerful models of tissue physiology, yet their applications remain limited due to their relatively simple morphology and high organoid-to-organoid structural variability. To address these limitations we developed a soft, composite yield-stress extracellular matrix that supports optimal organoid morphogenesis following freeform 3D bioprinting of cell slurries at tissue-like densities. The material is designed with two temperature regimes: at 4 °C it exhibits reversible yield-stress behavior to support long printing times without compromising cell viability. When transferred to cell culture at 37 °C, the material cross-links and exhibits similar viscoelasticity and plasticity to basement membrane extracts such as Matrigel. We first characterize the rheological properties of MAGIC matrices that optimize organoid morphogenesis, including low stiffness and high stress relaxation. Next, we combine this material with a custom piezoelectric printhead that allows more reproducible and robust self-organization from uniform and spatially organized tissue "seeds." We apply MAGIC matrix bioprinting for high-throughput generation of intestinal, mammary, vascular, salivary gland, and brain organoid arrays that are structurally similar to those grown in pure Matrigel, but exhibit dramatically improved homogeneity in organoid size, shape, maturation time, and efficiency of morphogenesis. The flexibility of this method and material enabled fabrication of fully 3D microphysiological systems, including perfusable organoid tubes that experience cyclic 3D strain in response to pressurization. Furthermore, the reproducibility of organoid structure increased the statistical power of a drug response assay by up to 8 orders-of-magnitude for a given number of comparisons. Combined, these advances lay the foundation for the efficient fabrication of complex tissue morphologies by canalizing their self-organization in both space and time.

Identification of quantitative trait loci for lodging and related agronomic traits in soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.)

BackgroundLodging, a crucial agronomic trait linked to soybean yield, poses a significant challenge in soybean production. Nevertheless, there has been less research on soybean lodging compared to other important agronomic traits, hindering progress in breeding high-yield soybeans. Our goals were to investigate lodging, pinpoint quantitative trait loci (QTL) linked to lodging, and forecast potential candidate genes linked to this trait. To achieve this, we employed a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from a cross between Guizao 1 and B13 (GB) across various environments.ResultsThe lodging score of the RIL population was found to be significantly positively correlated with flowering time, maturity time, plant height, number of main stem nodes, stem diameter, and internode length, with correlation coefficients ranging from 0.457 to 0.783. A total of 84 QTLs associated with soybean lodging and related traits were identified using the GB population. The contribution of phenotypic variance ranged from 1.26 to 66.87%, with LOD scores ranging from 2.52 to 69.22. Additionally, within these QTLs, a stable major QTL associated with lodging was newly discovered in the GB population. Out of the ten major QTLs associated with other related traits, nine of them were situated within the qLD-4-1 interval of the major lodging score locus, displaying phenotypic variations ranging from 12.10 to 66.87%. Specific alterations in gene expression were revealed through the analysis of resequencing data from the two parental lines, potentially indicating their significant roles in lodging. Subsequently, it was determined through qRT-PCR that four genes are likely to be the major genes controlling soybean lodging.ConclusionsThis study’s findings offer valuable insights into the genetic underpinnings of soybean lodging resistance traits. By comprehending the potential genetic factors associated with lodging, this research lays the groundwork for breeding high-yield soybeans with improved lodging resistance.

Metagenomics-based insights into the microbial community dynamics and flavor development potentiality of artificial and natural pit mud

Strong-flavor Baijiu (SFB) production has relied on pit mud (PM) as a starter culture. The maturation time of natural PM (NPM) is about 30 years, so artificial PM (APM) with a shorter maturation time has attracted widespread attention. This study reveals the microbial and functional dissimilarities of APM and NPM, and helps to elucidate the different metabolic roles of microbes during substrate degradation and flavor formation. Significant differences in the microbial community were observed between APM and NPM, manifesting as variations in the abundance of core microorganisms. Total of 187 high-quality metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) were obtained based on the metagenomic binning technology, mainly including Firmicutes (n = 106), Bacteroidota (n = 15) and Chloroflexota (n = 14). Furthermore, the relative concentration of flavor compounds in 4-year APM was similar to those in 30-year NPM, but different from those in 100-year NPMs. Methanosarcina, Methanobacterium, Methanoculleus, Anaerolineae bacterium and Aminobacterium were the key bacteria responsible for the flavor differences. From a functional perspective, amino acid and carbohydrate metabolism were key functions of PM microbial, and showed differences between APM and NPM. Finally, substrate degradation and flavor generation pathways were found to exist in multiple microorganisms. Combine the relative abundance of microorganisms with the absolute abundance of enzymes, Clostridium, Lactobacillus, Petrimonas, Methanoculleus, Prevotella, Methanobacterium, Methanosarcina, Methanothrix, Proteiniphilum, Bellilinea, Anaerolinea, Anaeromassilibacillus, Syntrophomonas and Brevefilum were identified as the key microorganisms in APM and NPM.

Proposal for formulation of blocks to guarantee the sustainability of buildings in the Abidjan real estate park

A recurring fall of buildings in recent years (2013-2023) in the city of Abidjan has caused enormous material and human damage. This study was initiated in order to propose a formulation for the development of concrete blocks to guarantee the sustainability of buildings in the Abidjan real estate. The raw materials used are aggregates composed of sand, granite powder and a hydraulic binder (portland cement) then water for mixing. The aggregates were characterized before being used for the manufacture of the various FSB, FPS and FPG concrete blocks. The materials were subjected to physical and mechanical tests. The results showed that the sand and granite powder aggregates have a granular class of 0/1 and 0/2 respectively. Concerning concrete blocks, the density increases with the maturation time, namely 28 days maximum and when they are composed of both sand and granite powder (FPS). This significantly reduces the number of pores in the material. The compressive strength test showed that at 28 days of maturation, the FPS are more resistant than the FPG and FSB with respective values of 6.50 MPa; 5.31 MPa and 3.10 MPa. It appears that the addition of granite powder to the composition of the concrete blocks improves the density, porosity and compressive strength of the latter. The promotion of this formulation among concrete block manufacturers would make it possible to improve real estate construction, guarantee the durability of buildings in the Abidjan real estate park and thus avoid the possible fall of buildings.

Acrylamide exposure, sex hormones, and pubertal status in Japanese adolescents

ABSTRACT Acrylamide may affect sex hormone levels and the timing of sexual maturation. The present study cross-sectionally examined interrelationship between the urinary metabolite of acrylamide exposure, serum sex hormone levels, and pubertal status in 408 Japanese adolescents aged 13–14 years. Their caregivers completed a questionnaire concerning the health status of their children, including pubertal maturation, and the lifestyles of children and parents. Pubertal status was queried by the Pubertal Development Scale. A major metabolite of acrylamide, N-acetyl-S-(2-carbamoylethyl)-cysteine (AAMA) in first-void urine samples. In male students, urinary AAMA was significantly inversely associated with testosterone, puberty stage, and facial hair growth after controlling for covariates. Serum testosterone and DHEAS were significantly positively associated with puberty stage. In female students, urinary AAMA was not associated with puberty stage, the indices, or any measured hormones. The data suggest that exposure to acrylamide may impact the pubertal development of boys through the effects on testosterone level.

Determinación de los factores que afectan el color y el contenido de azúcar de la panela de caña de azúcar (Saccharum officinarum L.)

The objective of this study was to determine the factors that affect the color and reducing sugar content of sugar cane (Saccharum officinarum L.), fundamental factors in the quality and marketing of product that must be evaluated and that will allow the improvement of the artisanal production of sugar cane panela. For this purpose, the MY5514 variety harvested at optimum maturity time was used and a 24 factorial design was applied to evaluate the incidence of the factors: ºBrix, purity (%), lime concentration (g.L-1) and baking temperature (ºC), on the response variables: "color" and "reducing sugar content (%)", under a completely randomized design with three replications. It was found that the significant factors for the response variable "color" for the three coordinates evaluated were: lime concentration (g.L-1), cooking temperature (ºC) and purity content (%) for the L* coordinate; ºBrix for the a* coordinate and purity content (%) for the b* coordinate. With respect to the response variable "reducing sugars (%)", the factors that significantly affected were cooking temperature (ºC) and purity content (%). It is recommended to use any of the combinations of these two factors, except the combination of 110 ºC and 95% purity, because generates a final product with commercial characteristics not desired by the consumer. Key words: sugar cane sugar, controllable factors, reducing sugars, ºBrix, purity (%), processing.

Associations between growth, maturation and injury in youth athletes engaged in elite pathways: a scoping review

ObjectiveTo describe the evidence pertaining to associations between growth, maturation and injury in elite youth athletes.DesignScoping review.Data sourcesElectronic databases (SPORTDiscus, Embase, PubMed, MEDLINE and Web of Science) searched on 30...

DNA demethylation is involved in nitric oxide-induced flowering in tomato

Flowering is one of the most important phenological periods, as it determines the timing of fruit maturation and seed dispersal. To date, both nitric oxide (NO) and DNA demethylation have been reported to regulate flowering in plants. However, there is no compelling experimental evidence of the relationship between NO and DNA demethylation during plant flowering. In this study, an NO donor and a DNA methylation inhibitor were used to investigate the involvement of DNA demethylation in NO-mediated tomato (Solanum lycopersicum cv. Micro-Tom) flowering. The results showed that the promoting effect of NO on tomato flowering was dose-dependent, with the most positive role observed at 10 μmol L-1 of the NO donor S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO). Treatment with 50 μmol L-1 of the DNA methylation inhibitor 5-azacitidine (5-AzaC) also significantly promoted tomato flowering. Moreover, GSNO and 5-AzaC increased the peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT) activity and cytokinin (CTK) and proline contents, while they decreased the gibberellic acid (GA3) and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) contents. Co-treatment with GSNO and 5-AzaC accelerated the positive effects of GSNO and 5-AzaC in promoting tomato flowering. Meanwhile, compared with GSNO or 5-AzaC treatment alone, co-treatment with GSNO+5-AzaC significantly increased the global DNA demethylation levels in different tissues in tomato. The results also indicate that DNA demethylation may be involved in NO-induced flowering. The expression of flowering genes was significantly altered by the GSNO+5-AzaC treatment. Among these genes, five flowering induction genes-ARGONAUTE 4 (AGO4A), SlSP3D/SINGLE FLOWER TRUSS (SFT), MutS HOMOLOG 1 (MSH1), ZINC FINGER PROTEIN 2 (ZFP2), and FLOWERING LOCUS D (FLD) were selected as candidate genes for further study. Then, McrBC-PCR analysis showed that the DNA demethylation of the SFT gene in the apex and the FLD gene in the stem might be involved in NO-induced flowering. Therefore, our study shows that NO might promote tomato flowering by mediating the DNA demethylation of flowering induction genes. This study provides direct evidence of a synergistic effect of NO and DNA demethylation in promoting tomato flowering.

Deterministic and stochastic computational models for the analysis of Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) start-up operations

The aim of this paper is to present an overview of both the deterministic and stochastic aspects of nuclear power plant (NPP) start-up and start-up accident scenarios. The neutron kinetics and corresponding nuclear reactor control mechanisms associated with deterministic NPP start-up are explained. The stochastic behaviour of neutron kinetics is explained and the procedures required to safely start-up an NPP due to these stochastic phenomena are outlined. Specific attention is given to the stochastic behaviour of neutrons in a low neutron source regime and the corresponding mathematical methods required for modelling such phenomena during NPP start-up accidents. The Pál-Bell equations are compared against the forward generating function equations utilising the gamma approximation in their ability to model NPP start-up accidents. The Pál-Bell equations are shown to be necessary to accurately calculate the maturity time for systems with either a very low neutron source strength or a very rapid reactivity insertion profile. Both the Hurwitz calculation route and MacMillan calculation route for low neutron source systems are explained. Full deterministic and stochastic calculations are performed for multiple nuclear reactor systems to illustrate the necessary analyses required for low neutron source NPP start-up accident scenarios.

Digest: Large-effect loci involved in maturation timing affect the early survival of Atlantic salmon.

How might variation in genomic regions that impact many traits modulate fitness across different life stages? Aykanat et al. (2024) show that two large-effect loci associated with age at maturity, six6 and vgll3, impact the survival of wild Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) through nutrient-dependent, indirect genetic effects. Specifically, the late maturation allele in parental vgll3, and the early maturation allele in maternal six6, increase survival in early life under high nutrient conditions.

Extraction, identification and mass production of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) from faba bean (Vicia faba L.) rhizosphere soils using maize (Zea mays L.) as a host plant

Ethiopia is the second-largest grower of faba bean in the world next to China. The crop is highly useful with its edible seed serving as an essential protein complement of the Ethiopian diet, especially for those who cannot afford animal protein. Even though faba bean is mycotrophic to Arbuscular Mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), the different genera and species that are associated with the crop are not determined in yet at the maturity time of the crop (harvesting period). Sixteen faba bean rhizospheric soils were collected to isolate and identify AMF. Spores were extracted using the wet-sieving and decanting method. The Glomus genera was the most dominant, followed by the Acaulospora and Gigaspora genera. The highest spore load per 100 g of soil was observed in the sample that contained the lowest soil phosphorus. Furthermore, an inverse relationship between the spore load and soil phosphorus was observed. Three treatments were considered for mass multiplication of AMF, viz, Treatment (1) Glomus aggregatum, treatment (2) Glomus sp.BZ, and treatment (3) Glomus sp.AZ. However, the highest number of AMF's spore and root colonization was seen in treatment 3 with significant difference (P < 0.05) from the others. In conclusion, AMF constituted an important component of the faba bean rhizosphere during its harvesting period (dry season) and its multiplication using maize favored the viability and infectivity of the fungi.

Source Rock Assessment of the Permian to Jurassic Strata in the Northern Highlands, Northwestern Jordan: Insights from Organic Geochemistry and 1D Basin Modeling

The present study focused on the Permian to Jurassic sequence in the Northern Highlands area, NW Jordan. The Permian to Jurassic sequence in this area is thick and deeply buried, consisting mainly of carbonate intercalated with clastic shale. This study integrated various datasets, including total organic carbon (TOC, wt%), Rock-Eval pyrolysis, visual kerogen examination, gross composition, lipid biomarkers, vitrinite reflectance (VRo%), and bottom-hole temperature measurements. The main aim was to investigate the source rock characteristics of these strata regarding organic richness, kerogen type, depositional setting, thermal maturity, and hydrocarbon generation timing. The Permian strata are poor to fair source rocks, primarily containing kerogen type (KT) III. They are immature in the AJ-1 well and over-mature in the NH-2 well. The Upper Triassic strata are poor source rocks in the NH-1 well and fair to marginally good source rocks in the NH-2 well, containing highly mature terrestrial KT III. These strata are immature to early mature in the AJ-1 well and at the peak oil window stage in the NH-2 well. The Jurassic strata are poor source rocks, dominated by KT III and KT II-III. They are immature to early mature in the AJ-1 well and have reached the oil window in the NH-2 well. Biomarker-related ratios indicate that the Upper Triassic oils and Jurassic samples are source rocks that received mainly terrestrial organic input accumulated in shallow marine environments under highly reducing conditions. These strata are composed mostly of clay-rich lithologies with evidence of deposition in hypersaline and/or stratified water columns. 1D basin models revealed that the Upper Triassic strata reached the peak oil window from the Early Cretaceous (~80 Ma) to the present day in the NH-1 well and from ~130 Ma (Early Cretaceous) to ~90 Ma (Late Cretaceous) in the NH-2 well, with the late stage of hydrocarbon generation continuing from ~90 Ma to the present time. The present-day transformation ratio equals 77% in the Upper Triassic source rocks, suggesting that these rocks have expelled substantial volumes of hydrocarbons in the NH-2 well. To achieve future successful hydrocarbon discoveries in NW Jordan, accurate seismic studies and further geochemical analyses are recommended to precisely define the migration pathways.

Dynamic changes in the chemical structure and gelling properties of pectin at different stages of citrus maturation and storage

Citrus pectins (CP) are the most common types of commercial pectins, and their gelling properties are of interest in many industrial applications. However, the dynamic changes in the chemical structures and gelling properties of pectins during citrus maturation and storage are poorly understood. This study compared pectins from citrus fruit in terms of different maturity (M1: green citrus; M2: green-yellow citrus; M3: light orange citrus; FM: full maturity citrus) and storage times (S1: 10-day; S2: 20-day; S3: 30-day). All pectin were high-methoxylated polymers, with high content of HG and RG-I domain (about 95.0 mol%). With increasing citrus maturity and storage time, HG content (from 69.0 mol% to 51.9 mol%), the molecular weight and methyl-esterification of pectins continuously decreased, while the RG-I content (from 26.4 mol% to 42.5 mol%) and compact spatial conformation significantly increased. Polygalacturonase, methylesterase, α-arabinofuranosidase, β-galactosidase, and cellulase, induced dynamic variations in the structural characteristics of pectins. The decreases in HG content and the lower molecular weight reduced hydrogen bonding and the hydrophobic interactions, thus weakening the gelling properties. The relatively high RG-I content, the additional hydrogen bonds generated by the free carboxyl groups, and the compact conformation shortened the distances between pectin chains and increased chain entanglement, thereby ensuring that the gel network was stable. Consequently, CPS3 gel exhibited the greatest strength (hardness: 977.0 g, Aα: 642.9 Pa sα) and satisfactory extrusion recovery ability (springiness: 95.5%). These results can guide the selection of raw materials that will yield pectins with specific structural characteristics and superior gelling properties.

Sex differences in distributed error-related neural activation in problem-drinking young adults

BackgroundDetecting and responding to errors is central to goal-directed behavior and cognitive control and is thought to be supported by a network of structures that includes the anterior cingulate cortex and anterior insula. Sex differences in the maturational timing of cognitive control systems create differential periods of vulnerability for psychiatric conditions, such as substance use disorders. MethodsWe examined sex differences in error-related activation across an array of distributed brain regions during a Go/No-Go task in young adults with problem alcohol use (N=69; 34 females; M=19.4 years). Regions of interest previously linked to error-related activation, including anterior cingulate cortex, insula, and frontoparietal structures, were selected in a term-based meta-analysis. Individual differences in their responses to false alarm (FA) inhibitory errors relative to “go” trials (FA>GO) and correct rejections (FA>CR) were indexed using multivariate summary measures derived from principal components analysis. ResultsFA>GO and FA>CR activation both revealed a first component that explained the majority of the variance across error-associated regions and displayed the strongest loadings on salience network structures. Compared to females, males exhibited significantly higher levels of the FA>GO component but not the FA>CR component. ConclusionsMales exhibit greater salience network activation in response to inhibitory errors, which could be attributed to sex differences in error-monitoring processes or to other functions (e.g., novelty detection). The findings are relevant for the further characterization of sex differences in cognitive control and may have implications for understanding individual differences in those at risk for substance use or other cognitive control disorders.

An integrated exploration from microstructure to mechanics in austenite to pearlite transformation of high carbon steel under high magnetic fields

The effects of a high magnetic field (12 T) on the microstructural evolution and mechanical properties of high carbon steel during isothermal pearlitic transformation at 720 °C were investigated. The application of a high magnetic field effectively promotes pearlitic transformation and leads to a reduction in the lamellar spacing and the geometrically necessary dislocation density (GND) as well as to a slight increase in the grain size of the pearlite, which leads to a decrease in hardness. This is because the magnetic field reduces the magnetic Gibbs energy of ferrite and cementite, resulting in an increase in the driving force of phase transformation, which shortens the pearlite maturation time and reduces the nucleation barriers of pearlite, thereby accelerating the growth rate of pearlite. In addition, the interfacial energy of ferrite/cementite was found to be increased by the magnetic field from the thermodynamic point of view, and the mechanism of action of the magnetic field -induced precipitation of cementite in the form of particles and short rods was elucidated. The present work will enhance the understanding of the mechanism of magnetic field-induced phase transformation in iron-based materials.