We apply methods of algebraic integral geometry to prove a special case of the Gaussian kinematic formula of Adler-Taylor.The idea,suggested already by Adler and Taylor,is to view the GKF as the limit of spherical kin...We apply methods of algebraic integral geometry to prove a special case of the Gaussian kinematic formula of Adler-Taylor.The idea,suggested already by Adler and Taylor,is to view the GKF as the limit of spherical kinematic formulas for spheres of large dimension N and curvature1/N.展开更多
The perception of salty taste is crucial for individuals to make healthy food choices.Yet,the brain electrophysiological signals underlying salty taste perception have been poorly described.In this study,electroenceph...The perception of salty taste is crucial for individuals to make healthy food choices.Yet,the brain electrophysiological signals underlying salty taste perception have been poorly described.In this study,electroencephalography(EEG)was used to record brain activity induced by Na Cl solution as a salty taste stimulus.A combination of a custom delivery device and stimulation paradigm was employed to preserve the salty taste signal clearly.A stimulus-response capture method was proposed that could adapt to individual differences in brain responses to salty taste and accurately segment salty taste response signals.Applying this method to the EEG processing workflow can form a complete data processing framework.The results showed that the neural response induced by salty taste reached a high activity level in the initial stage within a short period(0.2 s),and there was a sustained periodic response within 0.75 s after the stimulation.Moreover,the salty taste information in the EEG signal was decoded,and discrimination of 2 similar concentrations of salty taste solutions was achieved far above the chance level(average identification rate:89.66%).This study demonstrated experimental paradigms and research methods for understanding salty taste perception,which could provide references for research on other basic tastes.展开更多
A new species of entomopathogenic nematode （EPN）, Steinernema tbilisiensis sp. n. is described. The species was isolated from soil samples of the deciduous forest located in the Tbilisi area. Morphological and morph...A new species of entomopathogenic nematode （EPN）, Steinernema tbilisiensis sp. n. is described. The species was isolated from soil samples of the deciduous forest located in the Tbilisi area. Morphological and morphometric data as well as phylogenetic analysis show that S. tbilisiensis sp. n. belongs to the group S. affine/intermedium. S. tbilisiensis sp. n. has been attributed to the group S. affine/intermedium on the basis of spicule and gubernaculum structure. The new species differs from other species of S. affine/intermedium group in the following diagnostic characters： the spicule of S. tbilisiensis sp. n. is the smallest and the gubernaculum of S. tbilisiensis sp. n. is shorter than other species of the S. affine/intermedium group. Infective juveniles （IJs） of S. tbilisiensis sp. n. are distinguished by a relatively long body （L = 866 pm）, the position of excretory pore （EP = 72 ram）, the length of the esophagus （ES = 140 ~tm） and the length of the anal body width （ABW = 25μm）. IJs ofS. tbilisiensis sp. n. have four lateral lines like S. beddingi, but the number of lines is six in S. affine, S. sichuanense and S. intermedium. Also the analysis of rDNA （28S and ITS） gene sequences depicts this Steinernema species as a distinct and unique entity. The symbiotic bacteria of S. tbilisiensis sp. n. was isolated and found to be Xenorhabdus bovienii using a multigene approach.展开更多
We used geographic information system applications and statistical analyses to classify young, premature forest areas in southeastern Georgia using combined data from Landsat TM 5 satellite imagery and ground inventor...We used geographic information system applications and statistical analyses to classify young, premature forest areas in southeastern Georgia using combined data from Landsat TM 5 satellite imagery and ground inventory data. We defined premature stands as forests with trees up to 15 years old. We estimated the premature forest areas using three methods: maximum likelihood classification(MLC), regression analysis, and k-nearest neighbor(k NN)modeling. Overall accuracy(OA) of classifying the premature forest using MLC was 82% and the Kappa coefficient of agreement was 0.63, which was the highest among the methods that we have tested. The k NN approach ranked second in accuracy with OA of 61% and a Kappa coefficient of agreement of 0.22. Regression analysis yielded an OA of 57% and a Kappa coefficient of 0.14. We conclude that Landsat imagery can be effectively used for estimating premature forest areas in combination with image processing classifiers such as MLC.展开更多
The Rural Minimum Living Standard Guarantee(Rural Dibao)is an important unconditional cash transfer program to alleviate poverty in rural China.Despite the importance of children’s nutrition in breaking poverty cycle...The Rural Minimum Living Standard Guarantee(Rural Dibao)is an important unconditional cash transfer program to alleviate poverty in rural China.Despite the importance of children’s nutrition in breaking poverty cycles,little is known about the impact of Rural Dibao on child nutrition outcomes.Using China Family Panel Studies(CFPS),this paper examines the effects of Rural Dibao on child nutrition outcomes and investigates potential pathways and heterogeneous effects.We exploit propensity score matching and difference-in-differences techniques to evaluate the effects of the Rural Dibao program on child nutrition outcomes.Our results suggest that Rural Dibao significantly impacts the nutrition outcomes of children up to 15 years of age.Specifically,our results suggest that Rural Dibao improves child height-to-age z-scores by 1.05 standard deviations and lowers the probability of stunting by 11.9 percentage points.Additional analyses suggest that increased protein intake is the main pathway through which Rural Dibao participation contributes to better nutrition outcomes.We also find that the effect of the program is more pronounced among girls,children who are non-left-behind or live with highly educated mothers,and those from low-income families and poor areas.Our findings suggest that Rural Dibao participation helps improve child nutrition outcomes through improving diet quality.展开更多
The most visible uncontrolled landfill sites were selected in the western and eastern parts of the territory of Georgia. Particularly, in eastern Georgia the regions of Mtskheta-Mtianeti and Kvemo Kartli have been res...The most visible uncontrolled landfill sites were selected in the western and eastern parts of the territory of Georgia. Particularly, in eastern Georgia the regions of Mtskheta-Mtianeti and Kvemo Kartli have been researched;and in western Georgia Imereti and Samtskhe-Javakheti correspondingly. Both chemical and microbiological analyses were conducted in the samples taken from their adjacent territories. In case the landfill site is located near the river, during field works using portable equipment main physical-chemical indicators of surface waters were determined. After processing of the obtained results the corresponding estimations were provided. The risks due to the environmental pollution and negative impacts on population health were assessed.展开更多
In the agricultural industry, the importance of transportation costs increases considerably as fuel and labor costs climb. Logistic cooperation is an important strategic alternative to reduce transportation costs and ...In the agricultural industry, the importance of transportation costs increases considerably as fuel and labor costs climb. Logistic cooperation is an important strategic alternative to reduce transportation costs and increase efficiencies. Georgia＇s ornamental industry is characterized by producers that share clients, routes and origins; however, each producer has an independent transportation system. This paper analyses a case study to determine if a transportation alliance, through a horizontal cooperation and routing junction among ornamental producers in Georgia, would reduce shipping costs, increase distribution efficiencies and reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Routing and cost analysis were conducted followed by a sensitivity analysis for each constraint. Results showed that with the use of the GIS ArcLogistics 9.3 software, transportation alliances in the ornamental industry are profitable in terms of transport efficiencies and internal and external costs. Total cost savings per shipping cycle ranged from 1.0% to 13.2%, miles driven savings ranged from 1.1% to 13.6%, total number of trucks required savings ranged from 2.5% to 10% and driving hours savings ranged from 1.0% to 18.4%. CO2 emission reductions were also achieved ranging from 1.2% to 8.4% per shipping cycle.展开更多
The tradition of serving trees has a long history in the Caucasus and therefore there is quite a long tradition of interest in these problems by different authors, including foreign scientists. The tradition starts wi...The tradition of serving trees has a long history in the Caucasus and therefore there is quite a long tradition of interest in these problems by different authors, including foreign scientists. The tradition starts with Apollonius of Rhodes. Since then it has been the field of permanent interest by scientists. The material presented in the report, that brings forward the specific practical aspects of sacral functions of sacral trees and forests and mainly deals with the mountainous part of Georgia （both East and West Georgia） and represents an attempt to compare Georgian ethnographic data with the materials found in Georgia by German scientists of the same period, which allows of drawing similarities and differences between these two sources of data. C. Hahn--a public figure living on the verge of the 19th-20th century, who had original material from Khevsureti and Svaneti, was chosen from German scientists. The first and important function is the connection of sacral trees with the world of the dead, which has a practical implication rather than a religious-ritual function, which is confirmed by the use of sacral forests as a burying place and for a ritual related to the dead; The second practical aspect of the sacral trees was their healing function. The purpose of the trees is established in the ethnographic material found virtually throughout the entire Caucasus. According to ethnographic data, there appears another function of sacral trees and forests. People used to gather there in order to solve important issues and reconcile conflicting parties. Sacred forests were a nature reserve for animal habitat and a kind of a haven for the people who, for some reason, had to shelter themselves in forests.展开更多
The paper shows that the story about the origin of Armenians, Georgians and other Caucasians from a common ancestor, namely, from Targamos (Togormah)—The Life of the Fore-Patriarchs and Ancestors of the Georgian King...The paper shows that the story about the origin of Armenians, Georgians and other Caucasians from a common ancestor, namely, from Targamos (Togormah)—The Life of the Fore-Patriarchs and Ancestors of the Georgian Kings, which is represented in the introductory part of The Georgian Chronicles and is dated back to the end of the11th, is a compiled work that mainly contains, on the one hand, an old Georgian genealogical-geographical story about Tarshish’s son Kartlos (Iber) and his six brothers ( Egros, Movakan, Heros, Bardos, Lekan and Caucas)created at the end of the 6th c.-first half of the 8th c. based on Byzantine works, and on the other hand, a genealogical story created in old Armenian historiography about Targamos and his son Hayk that went through certain steps of development as well. In the process of synthesizing, Togormah (Targamos) and his son Hayk (Haos)were inserted between Tarsish and his son Kartlos (Iber), which violated the Biblical scheme as well as the structure of the sentence in which the insertion was made. The goal of developing the synthesized scheme was to bring evidence of the common origin of Georgians and Armenians, as long as quite a large number of Armenians,because of the incorporation of a large part of Armenian territories within Georgian borders, became citizens of Georgia. At the same time, the story also offers a justification in the eyes of the Muslim world for the claims of Georgia for Armenian territories. According to the newly-created synthesized scheme, Georgia was “the successor brother” of Armenia(Haos//Hayk) and considering the absence of Armenian states, i.e., “the elder brother”,Georgia was the only legal heir of Armenian territories.展开更多
In 1329-1334, George the Brilliant took advantage of the situation created in the llkhanate, eliminated his political opponents and restored the territorial integrity of Georgia. He created a solid legal basis for the...In 1329-1334, George the Brilliant took advantage of the situation created in the llkhanate, eliminated his political opponents and restored the territorial integrity of Georgia. He created a solid legal basis for the country and regulated the ecclesiastic area. He was in West Georgia in 1329-1332/1333. The llkhanid coin was not minted in Georgia during that period; yet, soon the king of Georgia, which had already been united by that time, restored relations with llkhanids and returned to Tbilisi, which implied making the already united Georgia subject to Mongols. Ilkhanid coins and later, coins of Chobanids, the Golden Horde and Jalayirids circulated during the reign of George the Brdhant. In 1338-1339 George the Brilliant conquered Ossetia and Ilkhanid coins were disseminated on the territory of the Golden Horde after that. Formally, Georgia remained under the control of Ilkhanids, which was replaced by Chobanids in 1338 and the governors of the Golden Horde in 757/1356; and in parallel and afterwards by Jalayirids, which is evidenced by written sources as well as numismatic data; Despite formal dependence on the foreign power, which is evidenced by the deployment of 10,000 troops at the border of Georgia as well, the country enjoyed a rather wide internal autonomy. Participation of George the Brilliant in sending envoys for the purpose of the redemption of the Jvari （Cross） Monastery in Palestine in 1316/7, 1320 cannot be assumed. It seems that in those years envoys were sent by Constantine, the king of West Georgia. All the above do not diminish the merits of George V to the Georgian nation and his historic role in terms of the political unification of the country, the creation of a legal basis for it and the regulation of ecclesiastic affairs--the accomplishments of the king, who deservedly bears the name ＂the Brilliant＂.展开更多
The brown marmorated stink bug, <i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Halyomorpha halys</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> (Stal) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) ...The brown marmorated stink bug, <i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Halyomorpha halys</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> (Stal) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) is an invasive species native to East Asia that has spread across Asia, Europe</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">,</span><span style="font-family:;" "=""><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> and North America. </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">H. halys </span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">causes damages to various grains, fruits, and vegetables, which is exemplified by the significant damage to the hazelnut harvest in Georgia (during 2016). This report describes the first attempted genetic study of the spread of </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">H. halys</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> in Georgia. The first main goal of this research was to identify the haplotype of an invasive population in Georgia. For this purpose, the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I subunit (</span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">COI</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">) gene fragment from 65 samples</span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> of H. halys</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> collected from different regions across Georgia was sequenced on an Applied Biosystems 3100 or 3700 genetic analyzer. In all cases, only the H1 haplotype, which is native to China, was identified. The second goal of this research was to determine the complete mitochondrial DNA sequence of </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">H. halys</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> (Stal) specimens collected </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">across Georgia. The complete mitochondrial DNA of H1 haplotype s</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">equenced on an Illumina MiSeq platform. The mitochondrial DNA of the Georgian H1 haplotype has a length of 15</span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">,</span><span style="font-family:;" "=""><span style="font-family:Verdana;">478 base pairs. Using the sequence of the H22 haplotype of </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">H. halys </span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">(native to Korea) as a reference, 62 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), three inversions</span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">,</span><span style="font-family:;" "=""><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> and four single T insertions were identified. Furthermore, 60 SNPs and four insertions in two tRNA and one rRNA genes were identified among 18 mitochondrial genes from the Georgian H1 haplotype. Nine of these SNPs resulted in amino acid substitutions. Furthermore, the detection of SNPs revealed many other polymorphic sites beyond the </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">COI</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> gene, which can be used to detect new haplotypes.</span></span>展开更多
Background This study investigated effects of different methionine(Met)supplementation levels in a reduced protein diet on growth performance,intestinal health,and different physiological parameters in broilers under ...Background This study investigated effects of different methionine(Met)supplementation levels in a reduced protein diet on growth performance,intestinal health,and different physiological parameters in broilers under Eimeria challenge.A total of 600 fourteen-day-old Cobb500 male broilers were challenged with E.maxima,E.tenella,and E.acervulina,and randomly allocated in a 2×5 factorial arrangement.Birds received normal protein diets(20%crude protein,NCP)or reduced protein diets(17%crude protein,LCP),containing 2.8,4.4,6.0,7.6,and 9.2 g/kg of Met.Results On 6 and 9 days post inoculation(DPI),increasing Met level linearly improved the growth performance(P<0.05).Total oocyst shedding linearly increased as Met level increased(P<0.05).Duodenal villus height(VH):crypt depth(CD)in the LCP groups were higher on 6 DPI(P<0.01)while lower on 9 DPI(P<0.05)compared to the NCP groups.Jejunal CD and duodenal VH:CD changed quadratically as Met level increased(P<0.05).On 6 DPI,liver glutathione(GSH)and glutathione disulfide(GSSG)linearly increased as Met level increased(P<0.05).On 9 DPI,GSSG quadratically increased,whereas GSH:GSSG quadratically decreased as Met levels increased(P<0.05).The expression of amino acid transporters linearly decreased as Met level increased(P<0.05).The expression of zonula occludens 2 and claudin-1 linearly increased on 6 DPI whereas decreased on 9 DPI as Met level increased(P<0.05).The expressions of cytokines were lower in the LCP groups than the NCP groups(P<0.05).Interaction effects were found for the expression of IL-10 and TNFαon 6 DPI(P<0.05),where it only changed quadratically in the NCP group as Met level increased.The expression of Met and folate metabolism genes were lower in the LCP groups than the NCP groups on 9 DPI(P<0.05).The expression of these genes linearly or quadratically decreased as Met level increased(P<0.05).Conclusion These results revealed the regulatory roles of Met in different physiological parameters including oxidative status,intestinal health,and nutrient metabolism in birds fed reduced protein diet and challenged with Eimeria.展开更多
The biogeochemical processes of marine sediments are influenced by bioturbation and organic carbon decomposition,which is crucial for understanding global element cycles and climate change.Two sediment cores were acqu...The biogeochemical processes of marine sediments are influenced by bioturbation and organic carbon decomposition,which is crucial for understanding global element cycles and climate change.Two sediment cores were acquired in 2017 from abyssal basins in the central-eastern tropical Pacific to determine the bioturbation and organic carbon degradation processes.The radioactivity concentrations of 210Pb and 226Ra in the sediment cores were measured,indicating the presence of significant excess 210Pb(210Pbex)signals in the sediment cores.Besides,a manganese nodule was discovered in one core,which had a substantial influence on the distribution of 210Pbex.With the exception of this anomalous finding,the bioturbation coefficients in the remaining core were estimated to be 10.6 cm^(2)/a using a steady-state diffusion model,greater than most of the deep-sea sediments from the equatorial eastern Pacific.By using a bio-diffusion model,we further calculated the degradation rates of organic carbon(8.02 ka-1),which is also higher than other areas of the Pacific.Our findings displayed the presence of a biologically active benthic ecosystem in the central-eastern tropical Pacific.展开更多
Simple but effective methods are required to incorporate multiple bioactive polyphenols into delivery systems to increase their dispersibility,stability and bioavailability.We developed and tested three p Hdriven prot...Simple but effective methods are required to incorporate multiple bioactive polyphenols into delivery systems to increase their dispersibility,stability and bioavailability.We developed and tested three p Hdriven protocols for creating nanoemulsions loaded with multiple lipophilic polyphenols.These protocols differed in how the different polyphenols were incorporated into the nanoemulsions.The impact of these three methods on the formation,properties,and gastrointestinal fate of nanoemulsions loaded with curcumin,resveratrol,and quercetin was investigated.The three methods produced nanoemulsions with similar initial particle properties:droplet diameters(0.15,0.16,and 0.15μm)and zeta-potentials(–59,–58,and–58 m V),respectively.However,the average encapsulation efficiencies(82%,88%,and 61%),gastrointestinal stabilities(83%,97%,and 29%)and bioaccessibilities(77%,90%,and 73%)for curcumin,resveratrol,and quercetin were somewhat different.In particular,more quercetin degradation occurred using the approach that held it under alkaline conditions for extended periods.In general,the p H-driven method provides researchers with a versatile approach of incorporating multiple polyphenols with different characteristics into functional food and beverages using a simple and inexpensive method.展开更多
Hyaluronan(HA)is a naturally occurring polysaccharide in the organism.As one of the main components of the extracellular matrix,it plays an important role in regulating various cellular processes,including proliferati...Hyaluronan(HA)is a naturally occurring polysaccharide in the organism.As one of the main components of the extracellular matrix,it plays an important role in regulating various cellular processes,including proliferation,differentiation,inflammation,and immunity,through interaction with HA receptors.HA is widely found in the human body,particularly in the skin and joints,thus playing a crucial role in the functioning of these tissues.The aging of the skin and the occurrence of osteoarthritis are related to the loss of HA.Supplementing HA in the appropriate areas can delay or prevent these processes.Common methods of HA supplementation include topical application to the skin or injection into the joint cavities,both of which have shown efficacy in restoring HA levels and improving tissue function.In recent years,studies have shown that oral administration of HA can also have similar effects.Oral HA first passes through the gastrointestinal tract and then enters the liver with the blood circulation.Therefore,in addition to supplementing the HA content in the body,oral HA can also exert beneficial effects on the gastrointestinal tract and the liver,such as enhancing the barrier function of the gastrointestinal tract,regulating the intestinal flora,and reducing inflammation.Supplementation of HA has numerous benefits for the skin,orthopedic disorders,gastrointestinal tract and liver.Therefore,it is important to understand the mechanisms through which HA exerts these effects.This article describes the basic properties of HA and reviews its relationship with skin,orthopedic diseases,gastrointestinal tract and liver,as well as its applications in these areas.展开更多
Integrating hydrothermal treatment processes and anaerobic digestion(AD)is promising for maximizing resource recovery from biomass and organic waste.The process water generated during hydrothermal treatment contains h...Integrating hydrothermal treatment processes and anaerobic digestion(AD)is promising for maximizing resource recovery from biomass and organic waste.The process water generated during hydrothermal treatment contains high concentrations of organic matter,which can be converted into biogas using AD.However,process water also contains various compounds that inhibit the AD process.Fingerprinting these inhibitors and identifying suitable mitigation strategies and detoxification methods is necessary to optimize the integration of these two technologies.By examining the existing literature,we were able to:(1)compare the methane yields and organics removal efficiency during AD of various hydrothermal treatment process water;(2)catalog the main AD inhibitors found in hydrothermal treatment process water;(3)identify recalcitrant components limiting AD performance;and(4)evaluate approaches to detoxify specific inhibitors and degrade recalcitrant components.Common inhibitors in process water are organic acids(at high concentrations),total ammonia nitrogen(TAN),oxygenated organics,and N-heterocyclic compounds.Feedstock composition is the primary determinant of organic acid and TAN formation(carbohydrates-rich and protein-rich feedstocks,respectively).In contrast,processing conditions(e.g.,temperature,pressure,reaction duration)influence the formation extent of oxygenated organics and N-heterocyclic compounds.Struvite precipitation and zeolite adsorption are the most widely used approaches to eliminate TAN inhibition.In contrast,powdered and granular activated carbon and ozonation are the preferred methods to remove toxic substances before AD treatment.Currently,ozonation is the most effective approach to reduce the toxicity and recalcitrance of N and O-heterocyclic compounds during AD.Microaeration methods,which disrupt the AD microbiome less than ozone,might be more practical for nitrifying TAN and degrading recalcitrant compounds,but further research in this area is necessary.展开更多
Chinese Assam tea(Camellia sinensis var.assamica)is an important tea crop with a long history of cultivation in Yunnan,China.Despite its potential value as a genetic resource,its genetic diversity and domestication/br...Chinese Assam tea(Camellia sinensis var.assamica)is an important tea crop with a long history of cultivation in Yunnan,China.Despite its potential value as a genetic resource,its genetic diversity and domestication/breeding history remain unclear.To address this issue,we genotyped 469 ancient tea plant trees representing 26 C.sinensis var.assamica populations,plus two of its wild relatives(six and three populations of C.taliensis and C.crassicolumna,respectively)using 16 nuclear microsatellite loci.Results showed that Chinese Assam tea has a relatively high,but comparatively lower gene diversity(H_(S)=0.638)than the wild relative C.crassicolumna(H_S=0.658).Clustering in STRUCTURE indicated that Chinese Assam tea and its two wild relatives formed distinct genetic groups,with considerable interspecific introgression.The Chinese Assam tea accessions clustered into three gene pools,corresponding well with their geographic distribution.However,New Hybrids analysis indicated that 68.48%of ancient Chinese Assam tea plants from Xishuangbanna were genetic intermediates between the Puer and Lincang gene pools.In addition,10%of the ancient Chinese Assam tea individuals were found to be hybrids between Chinese Assam tea and C.taliensis.Our results suggest that Chinese Assam tea was domesticated separately in three gene pools(Puer,Lincang and Xishuangbanna)in the Mekong River valley and that the hybrids were subsequently selected during the domestication process.Although the domestication history of Chinese Assam tea in southwestern Yunnan remains complex,our results will help to identify valuable genetic resources that may be useful in future tea breeding programs.展开更多
Aflatoxin B_1(AFB_1)is a common contaminant in cereals of global concern,and long-term low-dose exposure can adversely affect human health.Here,we showed that populations with dietary patterns characterized by high-fa...Aflatoxin B_1(AFB_1)is a common contaminant in cereals of global concern,and long-term low-dose exposure can adversely affect human health.Here,we showed that populations with dietary patterns characterized by high-fat diet(HFD)might have an increased risk of exposure to high levels of AFB_1.Our data indicated that chronic exposure of AFB_1 induced“gut-liver axis”injury in mice under HFD and normal diet(ND)patterns.AFB_1 further aggravated hepatic and intestinal injury,and intestinal microbiota disruption in HFD mice.Bifidobacterium breve BAA-2849 intervention analysis showed that liver injury and lipid disorders caused by AFB_1 exposure were alleviated by regulating the proportions of different gut microbes.We demonstrated through a mice model that the populations with a dietary pattern of HFD might be more susceptible to AFB_1 exposure and adverse effects on the gut-liver axis,and the toxicity of AFB_1 exposure can be alleviated by regulating the gut microbiota.展开更多
To quantify physicians'risk and time preferences and explore the association between the preferences and their willingness to detect and disclose secondary findings(SFs)derived from genome-scale sequencing.We desi...To quantify physicians'risk and time preferences and explore the association between the preferences and their willingness to detect and disclose secondary findings(SFs)derived from genome-scale sequencing.We designed a webbased survey incorporating a multiple price list(MPL)as the instrument for risk and time preference measurement.The estimation was under the expected utility theory(EUT)and rank dependent utility(RDU)frameworks,respectively.The isoelastic and power function utility models were applied.We received responses from 87 physicians,among whom 46 completed the questionnaire(a completion rate of 52.9%).We observed positive risk-aversion coefficients under EUT(0.33,95%CI 0.15-0.51)and RDU(0.51,95%CI 0.32-0.71),suggesting that physicians were generally risk-averse.Respondents were likely to underestimate probabilities of low to moderate levels,and slightly overestimate high-level probabilities.Physicians supporting the detection and disclosure of SFs had a larger risk-aversion coefficient and a smaller discounting parameter than the non-supporters,suggesting that they were more risk-averse and discounted future utility less.Assuming heterogeneous risk perception,we found respondents underestimated low/moderate risk and slightly overestimated high risk.This study indicates that physicians who are risk-averse and discount future utility slightly are willing to detect and return SFs.The findings contribute to the debate surrounding SF disclosure and generate implications for shared decision-making in clinical genome-scale sequencing.展开更多
Definitive conclusions concerning the impact of exercise interventions on children＇s mental functioning are difficult to ascertain because of procedural differences among studies. A narrative review of studies was co...Definitive conclusions concerning the impact of exercise interventions on children＇s mental functioning are difficult to ascertain because of procedural differences among studies. A narrative review of studies was conducted to evaluate the role of two types of exercise interventions on children＇s cognition. Acute and chronic exercise interventions were classified as quantitative or qualitative on the basis of manipulations of task complexity and, by inference, mental engagement. Both types of interventions enhance aspects of children＇s cognition; however, their effects on metacognitive processes are unknown. The role of metacognitive processes and their regulation of children＇s behavior and academic performance are highlighted.展开更多
文摘We apply methods of algebraic integral geometry to prove a special case of the Gaussian kinematic formula of Adler-Taylor.The idea,suggested already by Adler and Taylor,is to view the GKF as the limit of spherical kinematic formulas for spheres of large dimension N and curvature1/N.
基金supported in part by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31871882)National Key Research and Development Program of China(2021YFC2800403,YF-SHJD2101-3)。
文摘The perception of salty taste is crucial for individuals to make healthy food choices.Yet,the brain electrophysiological signals underlying salty taste perception have been poorly described.In this study,electroencephalography(EEG)was used to record brain activity induced by Na Cl solution as a salty taste stimulus.A combination of a custom delivery device and stimulation paradigm was employed to preserve the salty taste signal clearly.A stimulus-response capture method was proposed that could adapt to individual differences in brain responses to salty taste and accurately segment salty taste response signals.Applying this method to the EEG processing workflow can form a complete data processing framework.The results showed that the neural response induced by salty taste reached a high activity level in the initial stage within a short period(0.2 s),and there was a sustained periodic response within 0.75 s after the stimulation.Moreover,the salty taste information in the EEG signal was decoded,and discrimination of 2 similar concentrations of salty taste solutions was achieved far above the chance level(average identification rate:89.66%).This study demonstrated experimental paradigms and research methods for understanding salty taste perception,which could provide references for research on other basic tastes.
文摘A new species of entomopathogenic nematode （EPN）, Steinernema tbilisiensis sp. n. is described. The species was isolated from soil samples of the deciduous forest located in the Tbilisi area. Morphological and morphometric data as well as phylogenetic analysis show that S. tbilisiensis sp. n. belongs to the group S. affine/intermedium. S. tbilisiensis sp. n. has been attributed to the group S. affine/intermedium on the basis of spicule and gubernaculum structure. The new species differs from other species of S. affine/intermedium group in the following diagnostic characters： the spicule of S. tbilisiensis sp. n. is the smallest and the gubernaculum of S. tbilisiensis sp. n. is shorter than other species of the S. affine/intermedium group. Infective juveniles （IJs） of S. tbilisiensis sp. n. are distinguished by a relatively long body （L = 866 pm）, the position of excretory pore （EP = 72 ram）, the length of the esophagus （ES = 140 ~tm） and the length of the anal body width （ABW = 25μm）. IJs ofS. tbilisiensis sp. n. have four lateral lines like S. beddingi, but the number of lines is six in S. affine, S. sichuanense and S. intermedium. Also the analysis of rDNA （28S and ITS） gene sequences depicts this Steinernema species as a distinct and unique entity. The symbiotic bacteria of S. tbilisiensis sp. n. was isolated and found to be Xenorhabdus bovienii using a multigene approach.
基金supported by a Georgia TIP-3Fiber Supply Assessment grant
文摘We used geographic information system applications and statistical analyses to classify young, premature forest areas in southeastern Georgia using combined data from Landsat TM 5 satellite imagery and ground inventory data. We defined premature stands as forests with trees up to 15 years old. We estimated the premature forest areas using three methods: maximum likelihood classification(MLC), regression analysis, and k-nearest neighbor(k NN)modeling. Overall accuracy(OA) of classifying the premature forest using MLC was 82% and the Kappa coefficient of agreement was 0.63, which was the highest among the methods that we have tested. The k NN approach ranked second in accuracy with OA of 61% and a Kappa coefficient of agreement of 0.22. Regression analysis yielded an OA of 57% and a Kappa coefficient of 0.14. We conclude that Landsat imagery can be effectively used for estimating premature forest areas in combination with image processing classifiers such as MLC.
基金The authors are grateful for support from the National Social Science Fund of China(21AJL015).
文摘The Rural Minimum Living Standard Guarantee(Rural Dibao)is an important unconditional cash transfer program to alleviate poverty in rural China.Despite the importance of children’s nutrition in breaking poverty cycles,little is known about the impact of Rural Dibao on child nutrition outcomes.Using China Family Panel Studies(CFPS),this paper examines the effects of Rural Dibao on child nutrition outcomes and investigates potential pathways and heterogeneous effects.We exploit propensity score matching and difference-in-differences techniques to evaluate the effects of the Rural Dibao program on child nutrition outcomes.Our results suggest that Rural Dibao significantly impacts the nutrition outcomes of children up to 15 years of age.Specifically,our results suggest that Rural Dibao improves child height-to-age z-scores by 1.05 standard deviations and lowers the probability of stunting by 11.9 percentage points.Additional analyses suggest that increased protein intake is the main pathway through which Rural Dibao participation contributes to better nutrition outcomes.We also find that the effect of the program is more pronounced among girls,children who are non-left-behind or live with highly educated mothers,and those from low-income families and poor areas.Our findings suggest that Rural Dibao participation helps improve child nutrition outcomes through improving diet quality.
文摘The most visible uncontrolled landfill sites were selected in the western and eastern parts of the territory of Georgia. Particularly, in eastern Georgia the regions of Mtskheta-Mtianeti and Kvemo Kartli have been researched;and in western Georgia Imereti and Samtskhe-Javakheti correspondingly. Both chemical and microbiological analyses were conducted in the samples taken from their adjacent territories. In case the landfill site is located near the river, during field works using portable equipment main physical-chemical indicators of surface waters were determined. After processing of the obtained results the corresponding estimations were provided. The risks due to the environmental pollution and negative impacts on population health were assessed.
文摘In the agricultural industry, the importance of transportation costs increases considerably as fuel and labor costs climb. Logistic cooperation is an important strategic alternative to reduce transportation costs and increase efficiencies. Georgia＇s ornamental industry is characterized by producers that share clients, routes and origins; however, each producer has an independent transportation system. This paper analyses a case study to determine if a transportation alliance, through a horizontal cooperation and routing junction among ornamental producers in Georgia, would reduce shipping costs, increase distribution efficiencies and reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Routing and cost analysis were conducted followed by a sensitivity analysis for each constraint. Results showed that with the use of the GIS ArcLogistics 9.3 software, transportation alliances in the ornamental industry are profitable in terms of transport efficiencies and internal and external costs. Total cost savings per shipping cycle ranged from 1.0% to 13.2%, miles driven savings ranged from 1.1% to 13.6%, total number of trucks required savings ranged from 2.5% to 10% and driving hours savings ranged from 1.0% to 18.4%. CO2 emission reductions were also achieved ranging from 1.2% to 8.4% per shipping cycle.
文摘The tradition of serving trees has a long history in the Caucasus and therefore there is quite a long tradition of interest in these problems by different authors, including foreign scientists. The tradition starts with Apollonius of Rhodes. Since then it has been the field of permanent interest by scientists. The material presented in the report, that brings forward the specific practical aspects of sacral functions of sacral trees and forests and mainly deals with the mountainous part of Georgia （both East and West Georgia） and represents an attempt to compare Georgian ethnographic data with the materials found in Georgia by German scientists of the same period, which allows of drawing similarities and differences between these two sources of data. C. Hahn--a public figure living on the verge of the 19th-20th century, who had original material from Khevsureti and Svaneti, was chosen from German scientists. The first and important function is the connection of sacral trees with the world of the dead, which has a practical implication rather than a religious-ritual function, which is confirmed by the use of sacral forests as a burying place and for a ritual related to the dead; The second practical aspect of the sacral trees was their healing function. The purpose of the trees is established in the ethnographic material found virtually throughout the entire Caucasus. According to ethnographic data, there appears another function of sacral trees and forests. People used to gather there in order to solve important issues and reconcile conflicting parties. Sacred forests were a nature reserve for animal habitat and a kind of a haven for the people who, for some reason, had to shelter themselves in forests.
文摘The paper shows that the story about the origin of Armenians, Georgians and other Caucasians from a common ancestor, namely, from Targamos (Togormah)—The Life of the Fore-Patriarchs and Ancestors of the Georgian Kings, which is represented in the introductory part of The Georgian Chronicles and is dated back to the end of the11th, is a compiled work that mainly contains, on the one hand, an old Georgian genealogical-geographical story about Tarshish’s son Kartlos (Iber) and his six brothers ( Egros, Movakan, Heros, Bardos, Lekan and Caucas)created at the end of the 6th c.-first half of the 8th c. based on Byzantine works, and on the other hand, a genealogical story created in old Armenian historiography about Targamos and his son Hayk that went through certain steps of development as well. In the process of synthesizing, Togormah (Targamos) and his son Hayk (Haos)were inserted between Tarsish and his son Kartlos (Iber), which violated the Biblical scheme as well as the structure of the sentence in which the insertion was made. The goal of developing the synthesized scheme was to bring evidence of the common origin of Georgians and Armenians, as long as quite a large number of Armenians,because of the incorporation of a large part of Armenian territories within Georgian borders, became citizens of Georgia. At the same time, the story also offers a justification in the eyes of the Muslim world for the claims of Georgia for Armenian territories. According to the newly-created synthesized scheme, Georgia was “the successor brother” of Armenia(Haos//Hayk) and considering the absence of Armenian states, i.e., “the elder brother”,Georgia was the only legal heir of Armenian territories.
文摘In 1329-1334, George the Brilliant took advantage of the situation created in the llkhanate, eliminated his political opponents and restored the territorial integrity of Georgia. He created a solid legal basis for the country and regulated the ecclesiastic area. He was in West Georgia in 1329-1332/1333. The llkhanid coin was not minted in Georgia during that period; yet, soon the king of Georgia, which had already been united by that time, restored relations with llkhanids and returned to Tbilisi, which implied making the already united Georgia subject to Mongols. Ilkhanid coins and later, coins of Chobanids, the Golden Horde and Jalayirids circulated during the reign of George the Brdhant. In 1338-1339 George the Brilliant conquered Ossetia and Ilkhanid coins were disseminated on the territory of the Golden Horde after that. Formally, Georgia remained under the control of Ilkhanids, which was replaced by Chobanids in 1338 and the governors of the Golden Horde in 757/1356; and in parallel and afterwards by Jalayirids, which is evidenced by written sources as well as numismatic data; Despite formal dependence on the foreign power, which is evidenced by the deployment of 10,000 troops at the border of Georgia as well, the country enjoyed a rather wide internal autonomy. Participation of George the Brilliant in sending envoys for the purpose of the redemption of the Jvari （Cross） Monastery in Palestine in 1316/7, 1320 cannot be assumed. It seems that in those years envoys were sent by Constantine, the king of West Georgia. All the above do not diminish the merits of George V to the Georgian nation and his historic role in terms of the political unification of the country, the creation of a legal basis for it and the regulation of ecclesiastic affairs--the accomplishments of the king, who deservedly bears the name ＂the Brilliant＂.
文摘The brown marmorated stink bug, <i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Halyomorpha halys</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> (Stal) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) is an invasive species native to East Asia that has spread across Asia, Europe</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">,</span><span style="font-family:;" "=""><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> and North America. </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">H. halys </span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">causes damages to various grains, fruits, and vegetables, which is exemplified by the significant damage to the hazelnut harvest in Georgia (during 2016). This report describes the first attempted genetic study of the spread of </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">H. halys</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> in Georgia. The first main goal of this research was to identify the haplotype of an invasive population in Georgia. For this purpose, the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I subunit (</span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">COI</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">) gene fragment from 65 samples</span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> of H. halys</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> collected from different regions across Georgia was sequenced on an Applied Biosystems 3100 or 3700 genetic analyzer. In all cases, only the H1 haplotype, which is native to China, was identified. The second goal of this research was to determine the complete mitochondrial DNA sequence of </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">H. halys</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> (Stal) specimens collected </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">across Georgia. The complete mitochondrial DNA of H1 haplotype s</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">equenced on an Illumina MiSeq platform. The mitochondrial DNA of the Georgian H1 haplotype has a length of 15</span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">,</span><span style="font-family:;" "=""><span style="font-family:Verdana;">478 base pairs. Using the sequence of the H22 haplotype of </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">H. halys </span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">(native to Korea) as a reference, 62 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), three inversions</span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">,</span><span style="font-family:;" "=""><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> and four single T insertions were identified. Furthermore, 60 SNPs and four insertions in two tRNA and one rRNA genes were identified among 18 mitochondrial genes from the Georgian H1 haplotype. Nine of these SNPs resulted in amino acid substitutions. Furthermore, the detection of SNPs revealed many other polymorphic sites beyond the </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">COI</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> gene, which can be used to detect new haplotypes.</span></span>
基金financially supported in part by a cooperative agreement 6040–32000-080-000D from United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service。
文摘Background This study investigated effects of different methionine(Met)supplementation levels in a reduced protein diet on growth performance,intestinal health,and different physiological parameters in broilers under Eimeria challenge.A total of 600 fourteen-day-old Cobb500 male broilers were challenged with E.maxima,E.tenella,and E.acervulina,and randomly allocated in a 2×5 factorial arrangement.Birds received normal protein diets(20%crude protein,NCP)or reduced protein diets(17%crude protein,LCP),containing 2.8,4.4,6.0,7.6,and 9.2 g/kg of Met.Results On 6 and 9 days post inoculation(DPI),increasing Met level linearly improved the growth performance(P<0.05).Total oocyst shedding linearly increased as Met level increased(P<0.05).Duodenal villus height(VH):crypt depth(CD)in the LCP groups were higher on 6 DPI(P<0.01)while lower on 9 DPI(P<0.05)compared to the NCP groups.Jejunal CD and duodenal VH:CD changed quadratically as Met level increased(P<0.05).On 6 DPI,liver glutathione(GSH)and glutathione disulfide(GSSG)linearly increased as Met level increased(P<0.05).On 9 DPI,GSSG quadratically increased,whereas GSH:GSSG quadratically decreased as Met levels increased(P<0.05).The expression of amino acid transporters linearly decreased as Met level increased(P<0.05).The expression of zonula occludens 2 and claudin-1 linearly increased on 6 DPI whereas decreased on 9 DPI as Met level increased(P<0.05).The expressions of cytokines were lower in the LCP groups than the NCP groups(P<0.05).Interaction effects were found for the expression of IL-10 and TNFαon 6 DPI(P<0.05),where it only changed quadratically in the NCP group as Met level increased.The expression of Met and folate metabolism genes were lower in the LCP groups than the NCP groups on 9 DPI(P<0.05).The expression of these genes linearly or quadratically decreased as Met level increased(P<0.05).Conclusion These results revealed the regulatory roles of Met in different physiological parameters including oxidative status,intestinal health,and nutrient metabolism in birds fed reduced protein diet and challenged with Eimeria.
基金The Scientific Research Foundation of Third Institute of Oceanography,Ministry of Natural Resources under contract No.2020012the Natural Science Foundation of Xiamen,China under contract No.3502Z20227246the Guiding Project of the Science and Technology Plan of Fujian Province under contract No.2020Y0081.
文摘The biogeochemical processes of marine sediments are influenced by bioturbation and organic carbon decomposition,which is crucial for understanding global element cycles and climate change.Two sediment cores were acquired in 2017 from abyssal basins in the central-eastern tropical Pacific to determine the bioturbation and organic carbon degradation processes.The radioactivity concentrations of 210Pb and 226Ra in the sediment cores were measured,indicating the presence of significant excess 210Pb(210Pbex)signals in the sediment cores.Besides,a manganese nodule was discovered in one core,which had a substantial influence on the distribution of 210Pbex.With the exception of this anomalous finding,the bioturbation coefficients in the remaining core were estimated to be 10.6 cm^(2)/a using a steady-state diffusion model,greater than most of the deep-sea sediments from the equatorial eastern Pacific.By using a bio-diffusion model,we further calculated the degradation rates of organic carbon(8.02 ka-1),which is also higher than other areas of the Pacific.Our findings displayed the presence of a biologically active benthic ecosystem in the central-eastern tropical Pacific.
基金the supporting from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture,Agricultural and Food Research Initiative Competitive Program(2020-03921)partly supported by funding from the Good Food Institute。
文摘Simple but effective methods are required to incorporate multiple bioactive polyphenols into delivery systems to increase their dispersibility,stability and bioavailability.We developed and tested three p Hdriven protocols for creating nanoemulsions loaded with multiple lipophilic polyphenols.These protocols differed in how the different polyphenols were incorporated into the nanoemulsions.The impact of these three methods on the formation,properties,and gastrointestinal fate of nanoemulsions loaded with curcumin,resveratrol,and quercetin was investigated.The three methods produced nanoemulsions with similar initial particle properties:droplet diameters(0.15,0.16,and 0.15μm)and zeta-potentials(–59,–58,and–58 m V),respectively.However,the average encapsulation efficiencies(82%,88%,and 61%),gastrointestinal stabilities(83%,97%,and 29%)and bioaccessibilities(77%,90%,and 73%)for curcumin,resveratrol,and quercetin were somewhat different.In particular,more quercetin degradation occurred using the approach that held it under alkaline conditions for extended periods.In general,the p H-driven method provides researchers with a versatile approach of incorporating multiple polyphenols with different characteristics into functional food and beverages using a simple and inexpensive method.
基金supported by the Key Technologies Research and Development Program[2021YFC2103100]the Key Technology and Development Program of Shandong Province[2022SFGC0103]+2 种基金funded by Shandong Excellent Young Scientists(Overseas)Fund Program[2023HWYQ-002]Taishan Scholars Program[TSQN202312003]the Qilu Young Scholar Fund of Shandong University.
文摘Hyaluronan(HA)is a naturally occurring polysaccharide in the organism.As one of the main components of the extracellular matrix,it plays an important role in regulating various cellular processes,including proliferation,differentiation,inflammation,and immunity,through interaction with HA receptors.HA is widely found in the human body,particularly in the skin and joints,thus playing a crucial role in the functioning of these tissues.The aging of the skin and the occurrence of osteoarthritis are related to the loss of HA.Supplementing HA in the appropriate areas can delay or prevent these processes.Common methods of HA supplementation include topical application to the skin or injection into the joint cavities,both of which have shown efficacy in restoring HA levels and improving tissue function.In recent years,studies have shown that oral administration of HA can also have similar effects.Oral HA first passes through the gastrointestinal tract and then enters the liver with the blood circulation.Therefore,in addition to supplementing the HA content in the body,oral HA can also exert beneficial effects on the gastrointestinal tract and the liver,such as enhancing the barrier function of the gastrointestinal tract,regulating the intestinal flora,and reducing inflammation.Supplementation of HA has numerous benefits for the skin,orthopedic disorders,gastrointestinal tract and liver.Therefore,it is important to understand the mechanisms through which HA exerts these effects.This article describes the basic properties of HA and reviews its relationship with skin,orthopedic diseases,gastrointestinal tract and liver,as well as its applications in these areas.
基金supported,in part,by a grant from the German-Israeli Foundation for Scientific Research and Development(GIF)(grant number I-1547-500.15/2021)funding from the Agricultural Experiment Station at the University of GeorgiaL.T.A.was supported,in part,by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation in the framework of the Alexander von Humboldt Professorship.
文摘Integrating hydrothermal treatment processes and anaerobic digestion(AD)is promising for maximizing resource recovery from biomass and organic waste.The process water generated during hydrothermal treatment contains high concentrations of organic matter,which can be converted into biogas using AD.However,process water also contains various compounds that inhibit the AD process.Fingerprinting these inhibitors and identifying suitable mitigation strategies and detoxification methods is necessary to optimize the integration of these two technologies.By examining the existing literature,we were able to:(1)compare the methane yields and organics removal efficiency during AD of various hydrothermal treatment process water;(2)catalog the main AD inhibitors found in hydrothermal treatment process water;(3)identify recalcitrant components limiting AD performance;and(4)evaluate approaches to detoxify specific inhibitors and degrade recalcitrant components.Common inhibitors in process water are organic acids(at high concentrations),total ammonia nitrogen(TAN),oxygenated organics,and N-heterocyclic compounds.Feedstock composition is the primary determinant of organic acid and TAN formation(carbohydrates-rich and protein-rich feedstocks,respectively).In contrast,processing conditions(e.g.,temperature,pressure,reaction duration)influence the formation extent of oxygenated organics and N-heterocyclic compounds.Struvite precipitation and zeolite adsorption are the most widely used approaches to eliminate TAN inhibition.In contrast,powdered and granular activated carbon and ozonation are the preferred methods to remove toxic substances before AD treatment.Currently,ozonation is the most effective approach to reduce the toxicity and recalcitrance of N and O-heterocyclic compounds during AD.Microaeration methods,which disrupt the AD microbiome less than ozone,might be more practical for nitrifying TAN and degrading recalcitrant compounds,but further research in this area is necessary.
基金supported by funds from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31970363,31161140350)the Key Basic Research Program of Yunnan Province,China(202101BC070003)supported by the Scottish Government’s Rural and Environment Science and Analytical Services division。
文摘Chinese Assam tea(Camellia sinensis var.assamica)is an important tea crop with a long history of cultivation in Yunnan,China.Despite its potential value as a genetic resource,its genetic diversity and domestication/breeding history remain unclear.To address this issue,we genotyped 469 ancient tea plant trees representing 26 C.sinensis var.assamica populations,plus two of its wild relatives(six and three populations of C.taliensis and C.crassicolumna,respectively)using 16 nuclear microsatellite loci.Results showed that Chinese Assam tea has a relatively high,but comparatively lower gene diversity(H_(S)=0.638)than the wild relative C.crassicolumna(H_S=0.658).Clustering in STRUCTURE indicated that Chinese Assam tea and its two wild relatives formed distinct genetic groups,with considerable interspecific introgression.The Chinese Assam tea accessions clustered into three gene pools,corresponding well with their geographic distribution.However,New Hybrids analysis indicated that 68.48%of ancient Chinese Assam tea plants from Xishuangbanna were genetic intermediates between the Puer and Lincang gene pools.In addition,10%of the ancient Chinese Assam tea individuals were found to be hybrids between Chinese Assam tea and C.taliensis.Our results suggest that Chinese Assam tea was domesticated separately in three gene pools(Puer,Lincang and Xishuangbanna)in the Mekong River valley and that the hybrids were subsequently selected during the domestication process.Although the domestication history of Chinese Assam tea in southwestern Yunnan remains complex,our results will help to identify valuable genetic resources that may be useful in future tea breeding programs.
基金supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32125031)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(JUSRP222001)Collaborative Innovation Center for Food Safety and Quality Control,China。
文摘Aflatoxin B_1(AFB_1)is a common contaminant in cereals of global concern,and long-term low-dose exposure can adversely affect human health.Here,we showed that populations with dietary patterns characterized by high-fat diet(HFD)might have an increased risk of exposure to high levels of AFB_1.Our data indicated that chronic exposure of AFB_1 induced“gut-liver axis”injury in mice under HFD and normal diet(ND)patterns.AFB_1 further aggravated hepatic and intestinal injury,and intestinal microbiota disruption in HFD mice.Bifidobacterium breve BAA-2849 intervention analysis showed that liver injury and lipid disorders caused by AFB_1 exposure were alleviated by regulating the proportions of different gut microbes.We demonstrated through a mice model that the populations with a dietary pattern of HFD might be more susceptible to AFB_1 exposure and adverse effects on the gut-liver axis,and the toxicity of AFB_1 exposure can be alleviated by regulating the gut microbiota.
文摘To quantify physicians'risk and time preferences and explore the association between the preferences and their willingness to detect and disclose secondary findings(SFs)derived from genome-scale sequencing.We designed a webbased survey incorporating a multiple price list(MPL)as the instrument for risk and time preference measurement.The estimation was under the expected utility theory(EUT)and rank dependent utility(RDU)frameworks,respectively.The isoelastic and power function utility models were applied.We received responses from 87 physicians,among whom 46 completed the questionnaire(a completion rate of 52.9%).We observed positive risk-aversion coefficients under EUT(0.33,95%CI 0.15-0.51)and RDU(0.51,95%CI 0.32-0.71),suggesting that physicians were generally risk-averse.Respondents were likely to underestimate probabilities of low to moderate levels,and slightly overestimate high-level probabilities.Physicians supporting the detection and disclosure of SFs had a larger risk-aversion coefficient and a smaller discounting parameter than the non-supporters,suggesting that they were more risk-averse and discounted future utility less.Assuming heterogeneous risk perception,we found respondents underestimated low/moderate risk and slightly overestimated high risk.This study indicates that physicians who are risk-averse and discount future utility slightly are willing to detect and return SFs.The findings contribute to the debate surrounding SF disclosure and generate implications for shared decision-making in clinical genome-scale sequencing.
文摘Definitive conclusions concerning the impact of exercise interventions on children＇s mental functioning are difficult to ascertain because of procedural differences among studies. A narrative review of studies was conducted to evaluate the role of two types of exercise interventions on children＇s cognition. Acute and chronic exercise interventions were classified as quantitative or qualitative on the basis of manipulations of task complexity and, by inference, mental engagement. Both types of interventions enhance aspects of children＇s cognition; however, their effects on metacognitive processes are unknown. The role of metacognitive processes and their regulation of children＇s behavior and academic performance are highlighted.
