Data_Sheet_1_Production and Perception of Mandarin Laryngeal Contrast: The Role of Post-plosive F0.PDF

This study examines the relation between plosive aspiration and post-plosive f0 (fundamental frequency) in the production and perception of the laryngeal contrast in Mandarin. Production data from 25 Mandarin speakers showed that, in word onsets, VOTs (voice onset time) of aspirated and unaspirated plosives were different, as expected. At the same time, the speakers produced different post-plosive f0 between aspirated and unaspirated plosives, but the difference varied according to the lexical tones – post-aspirated f0 was higher than post-unaspirated f0 in high-initial tones (i.e., lexical tones with high onset f0), but the pattern was the opposite and less robust in low-initial tones. In the perception of the same participants, VOT was the primary cue to aspiration but, when VOT was ambiguous, high post-plosive f0 yielded more aspirated responses in general. We claim that the asymmetry in f0 perturbation between high-initial and low-initial tones in production arises from different laryngeal maneuvers for different tonal targets. In low-initial tones, in which the vocal folds are slack and the glottal opening is wider, aspirated plosives have a lower subglottal air pressure than unaspirated plosives at the voicing onset, resulting in lower post-aspirated f0 than post-unaspirated f0. But in high-initial tones, the vocal folds are tense, which requires a higher trans-glottal pressure threshold to initiate phonation at the onset of voicing. As a result, the subglottal pressure does not decrease as much. Instead, the faster airflow in aspirated than unaspirated plosives gives rise to the pattern that post-aspirated f0 is higher than post-unaspirated f0. Regardless of this variation in production, our perception data suggest that Mandarin listeners generalize the f0 perturbation patterns from high-initial tones and associate high post-plosive f0 with aspirated plosives even in low-initial tone contexts. We cautiously claim that the observed perceptual pattern is consistent with the robustly represented production pattern, as high-initial tones are more prevalent and salient in the language and exhibit stronger f0 perturbation in the speakers' productions.</p

Data_Sheet_2_Production and Perception of Mandarin Laryngeal Contrast: The Role of Post-plosive F0.pdf

This study examines the relation between plosive aspiration and post-plosive f0 (fundamental frequency) in the production and perception of the laryngeal contrast in Mandarin. Production data from 25 Mandarin speakers showed that, in word onsets, VOTs (voice onset time) of aspirated and unaspirated plosives were different, as expected. At the same time, the speakers produced different post-plosive f0 between aspirated and unaspirated plosives, but the difference varied according to the lexical tones – post-aspirated f0 was higher than post-unaspirated f0 in high-initial tones (i.e., lexical tones with high onset f0), but the pattern was the opposite and less robust in low-initial tones. In the perception of the same participants, VOT was the primary cue to aspiration but, when VOT was ambiguous, high post-plosive f0 yielded more aspirated responses in general. We claim that the asymmetry in f0 perturbation between high-initial and low-initial tones in production arises from different laryngeal maneuvers for different tonal targets. In low-initial tones, in which the vocal folds are slack and the glottal opening is wider, aspirated plosives have a lower subglottal air pressure than unaspirated plosives at the voicing onset, resulting in lower post-aspirated f0 than post-unaspirated f0. But in high-initial tones, the vocal folds are tense, which requires a higher trans-glottal pressure threshold to initiate phonation at the onset of voicing. As a result, the subglottal pressure does not decrease as much. Instead, the faster airflow in aspirated than unaspirated plosives gives rise to the pattern that post-aspirated f0 is higher than post-unaspirated f0. Regardless of this variation in production, our perception data suggest that Mandarin listeners generalize the f0 perturbation patterns from high-initial tones and associate high post-plosive f0 with aspirated plosives even in low-initial tone contexts. We cautiously claim that the observed perceptual pattern is consistent with the robustly represented production pattern, as high-initial tones are more prevalent and salient in the language and exhibit stronger f0 perturbation in the speakers' productions.</p

Morphology Evolution and Adsorption Behavior of Ionomers from Solution to Pt/C Substrates

Coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations were performed to understand the morphological evolution and adsorption mechanism of Nafion ionomers from the aqueous solutions to the Pt/C substrate surface under various solution compositions and substrate properties. We found that the ionomer coverage did not increase with the increasing ionomer-to-carbon ratio but was related to the size and concentration of the ionomer aggregates, following the Langmuir adsorption model that shows a wettability switching behavior due to their changed morphology from solution to the surface. Ionomer aggregates in the solution tended to unfold and spread on the carbon substrate rather than Pt particles, although the cylindrical ionomer aggregates were easily attracted by Pt particles initially due to their hydrophilic ionic shells. The smaller Pt particles had a greater effect on ionomer adsorption. With the increasing number of Pt particles, ionomer coverage increased first and then decreased, depending on whether there was enough carbon surface to anchor the ionomer backbone. A balanced Pt/C ratio and the appropriate distribution of the Pt particles were required for tuning the ionomer coverage and distribution toward the design of the catalyst ink structure to improve the power performance

DataSheet_1_Intercropping of wheat alleviates the adverse effects of phenolic acids on faba bean.doc

After years of continuous cultivation of faba beans (Vicia faba L.), autotoxic substances accumulate in the soil, leading to a high incidence of Fusarium oxysporum (FOF) wilt. Faba bean–wheat intercropping is often used to alleviate these problems. The goal of this research was to explore the role of benzoic acid and cinnamic acid in promoting the occurrence of faba bean Fusarium wilt and the potential mechanism of faba bean–wheat intercropping to control the occurrence of this disease. We established a field experiment and a hydroponic experiment that involved the inoculation of FOF and the exploration of exogenous addition of cinnamic acid and benzoic acid at different concentrations, the effects on the degree of peroxidation, resistance system, and ultrastructure of faba bean roots. In addition, the antioxidative response of faba bean–wheat intercropping against the autotoxicity of benzoic acid and cinnamic acid was examined. In the field experiment, compared with monoculture, faba bean–wheat intercropping effectively controlled the occurrence of Fusarium wilt, significantly reduced the contents of H2O2 and O2− in faba bean roots, increased the expression and activity of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), maintained cell stability, and significantly reduced the contents of benzoic acid and cinnamic acid in faba bean rhizosphere. In the pot experiment, it was found that compared with the control, different concentrations of benzoic acid and cinnamic acid (50, 100, and 200 mg·L−1) significantly increased the content of H2O2 and O2− in faba bean, decreased the activity and gene expression of antioxidant enzymes SOD and CAT, and damaged cell membrane structure. Furthermore, it promoted the occurrence of Fusarium wilt of faba bean. The faba bean–wheat intercropping alleviated the stress. Benzoic acid and cinnamic acid can increase the content of hydrogen peroxide and superoxide anions in faba bean plants, reduce the enzymatic activity and expression of antioxidant enzyme genes, damage the cell membrane structure, and promote the occurrence of faba bean Fusarium wilt. The faba bean–wheat intercropping can effectively alleviate the autotoxicity of benzoic acid and cinnamic acid and reduce the occurrence of faba bean Fusarium wilt.</p

Faba Bean–Wheat Intercropping Can Control the Occurrence of Faba Bean Fusarium Wilt by Alleviating the Inhibitory Effect of Benzoic Acid on Disease Resistance Metabolism and the Expression of Resistance Genes

Background: Continuous cropping leads to the accumulation of autotoxic substances in faba beans, which limits their global production. Intercropping is widely used to alleviate these problems. Aim: This study aims to explore the important role of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. fabae (FOF) and benzoic acid stress in enhancing the occurrence of faba bean Fusarium wilt and the potential mechanism of faba bean–wheat intercropping to control the occurrence of this disease. Methods: We analyzed the pathogenic mechanism of FOF and benzoic acid and the defense response of faba bean–wheat intercropping against the autotoxicity of benzoic acid under hydroponic conditions that included the pathogen alone and in combination with different concentrations of benzoic acid. Results: The dual stress of FOF and benzoic acid inhibited the activity of defensive enzymes, the synthesis of defensive substances, and the expression of defensive genes in faba bean roots and reduced the disease resistance of faba bean. This shows that benzoic acid plays an important role in helping FOF cause disease. Faba bean–wheat intercropping improves plant resistance by alleviating benzoic acid stress and reducing the incidence and disease index of Fusarium wilt. Conclusion: The dual stress of FOF and benzoic acid promotes the occurrence of faba bean Fusarium wilt by destroying the root defense system of faba bean. Faba bean–wheat intercropping can effectively alleviate the autotoxicity of benzoic acid and control the occurrence of Fusarium wilt by improving the physiological and biochemical resistance of faba beans and the expression of defense genes

DataSheet_1_Exercise training modalities in prediabetes: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.pdf

BackgroundLifestyle modification based on exercise intervention is still the primary way to delay or reverse the development of diabetes in patients with prediabetes. However, there are still challenges in setting up a detailed exercise prescription for people with prediabetes. This study mainly ranks exercise prescriptions by comparing the improvement of glucose and lipid metabolism and the level of weight loss in patients.MethodAll studies on exercise intervention in prediabetes were identified by searching five electronic databases. Risk assessment and meta-analysis were performed on eligible studies.ResultsTwenty-four studies involving 1946 patients with prediabetes and seven exercise intervention models were included in the final analysis. The meta-analysis showed that exercise of any type was more effective for glycemic control in prediabetes than no exercise. However, the changes in blood glucose were moderate. In prediabetes, combining moderate-intensity aerobic exercise with low-to moderate-load resistance training showed the most significant improvements in glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), body mass index (BMI), body weight (BW), total cholesterol (TC), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) (P-score=0.82; 0.70; 0.87; 1; 0.99), low-to moderate-load resistance training showed the most significant improvements in fasting blood glucose (FBG) (P-score=0.98), the vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise showed the most significant improvements in 2-hour post-meal blood glucose (2hPG) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) (P-score=0.79; 0.78), and moderate-intensity aerobic exercise showed the most significant improvements in diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (P-score=0.78).ConclusionIn summary, moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, low-to moderate-load resistance training and the combination of both have beneficial effects on glycemic control, weight loss, and cardiovascular health in patients with prediabetes. These findings provide valuable guidance for rehabilitation clinicians and patients alike to follow.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD 42021284922.</p

Video_1_AgNPs Change Microbial Community Structures of Wastewater.AVI

Due to their strong antimicrobial activity, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are massively produced, applied, consumed and, as a negative consequence, released into wastewater treatment plants. Most AgNPs are assumed to be bound by sludge, and thus bear potential risk for microbial performance and stability. In this lab-scale study, flow cytometry as a high-throughput method and 16S rRNA gene amplicon Illumina MiSeq sequencing were used to track microbial community structure changes when being exposed to AgNPs. Both methods allowed deeper investigation of the toxic impact of chemicals on microbial communities than classical EC50 determination. In addition, ecological metrics were used to quantify microbial community variations depending on AgNP types (10 and 30 nm) and concentrations. Only low changes in α- and intra-community β-diversity values were found both in successive negative and positive control batches and batches that were run with AgNPs below the EC50 value. Instead, AgNPs at EC50 concentrations caused upcoming of certain and disappearance of formerly dominant subcommunities. Flavobacteriia were among those that almost disappeared, while phylotypes affiliated with Gammaproteobacteria (3.6-fold) and Bacilli (8.4-fold) increased in cell abundance in comparison to the negative control. Thus, silver amounts at the EC50 value affected community structure suggesting a potential negative impact on functions in wastewater treatment systems.</p

Video_2_AgNPs Change Microbial Community Structures of Wastewater.AVI

Due to their strong antimicrobial activity, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are massively produced, applied, consumed and, as a negative consequence, released into wastewater treatment plants. Most AgNPs are assumed to be bound by sludge, and thus bear potential risk for microbial performance and stability. In this lab-scale study, flow cytometry as a high-throughput method and 16S rRNA gene amplicon Illumina MiSeq sequencing were used to track microbial community structure changes when being exposed to AgNPs. Both methods allowed deeper investigation of the toxic impact of chemicals on microbial communities than classical EC50 determination. In addition, ecological metrics were used to quantify microbial community variations depending on AgNP types (10 and 30 nm) and concentrations. Only low changes in α- and intra-community β-diversity values were found both in successive negative and positive control batches and batches that were run with AgNPs below the EC50 value. Instead, AgNPs at EC50 concentrations caused upcoming of certain and disappearance of formerly dominant subcommunities. Flavobacteriia were among those that almost disappeared, while phylotypes affiliated with Gammaproteobacteria (3.6-fold) and Bacilli (8.4-fold) increased in cell abundance in comparison to the negative control. Thus, silver amounts at the EC50 value affected community structure suggesting a potential negative impact on functions in wastewater treatment systems.</p

Data_Sheet_1_AgNPs Change Microbial Community Structures of Wastewater.PDF

Due to their strong antimicrobial activity, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are massively produced, applied, consumed and, as a negative consequence, released into wastewater treatment plants. Most AgNPs are assumed to be bound by sludge, and thus bear potential risk for microbial performance and stability. In this lab-scale study, flow cytometry as a high-throughput method and 16S rRNA gene amplicon Illumina MiSeq sequencing were used to track microbial community structure changes when being exposed to AgNPs. Both methods allowed deeper investigation of the toxic impact of chemicals on microbial communities than classical EC50 determination. In addition, ecological metrics were used to quantify microbial community variations depending on AgNP types (10 and 30 nm) and concentrations. Only low changes in α- and intra-community β-diversity values were found both in successive negative and positive control batches and batches that were run with AgNPs below the EC50 value. Instead, AgNPs at EC50 concentrations caused upcoming of certain and disappearance of formerly dominant subcommunities. Flavobacteriia were among those that almost disappeared, while phylotypes affiliated with Gammaproteobacteria (3.6-fold) and Bacilli (8.4-fold) increased in cell abundance in comparison to the negative control. Thus, silver amounts at the EC50 value affected community structure suggesting a potential negative impact on functions in wastewater treatment systems.</p

Construction of Curcumin-Loaded Hydrogels for Treatment of Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a common clinical disease, and the current hyperbaric oxygen and hypothermia therapy are suboptimal. Traumatic brain injuries were accompanied by acute inflammatory reactions, brain edema, neuron damage, and the destruction of blood–brain barrier. Herein, curcumin-loaded lysine/poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) hydrogels were constructed via Michael addition for traumatic brain injury treatments. The curcumin-loaded lysine/PEGDA hydrogels were injected into brain injury defect sites with complex anatomical and irregular structures. The real-time therapeutic effects of the curcumin-loaded hydrogels were evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Curcumin-loaded hydrogels can inhibit the inflammatory reaction and promote nerve repair. The curcumin-loaded hydrogel could provide a promising strategy for traumatic brain injury treatments