Search

To tackle the issue of magnetic force loss caused by the air gap in the electromagnetic permanent magnet (EPM) blank holder process magnetorheological elastomer (MRE) is used to fill the air gap of the magnetic circuit as magnetic matrices. This allows for the construction of a controllable magnetic force blank holder system with magnetorheological elastomers (EPM-MRE) for sheet metal forming. Additionally, EPM-MRE blank holder deep drawing tools were designed. MREs with different mass ratios were developed and tested for their magnetic properties. Air and MREs of varying mass ratios were filled into the magnetic circuit gaps of a four-pole magnetic force model, and a finite element analysis of the magnetic force coupling field was conducted, followed by experimental verification. The results show that the inclusion of MRE in the magnetic circuit gap can significantly enhance magnetic force, with an increase of over 50% across gaps ranging from 0.5 mm to 3.0 mm, and the enhancement effect becomes more pronounced as the gap widens, and the enhancement effect of the prepared MREs with different mass fractions is not significantly different, with the difference being no more than 1%. The EPM-MRE blank holder process was further verified through deep drawing experiments and the results demonstrate that the designed process device can be matched with the press to effectively complete the drawing process. At last, the energy consumption using the EPM-MRE blank holder technique is predicted, and it is estimated to save more than 50% of energy compared with EMP blank holders and more than 80% of energy compared to conventional blank holders.

Hyperspectral images (HSIs) provide exceptional spatial and spectral resolution of a scene, crucial for various remote sensing applications. However, the high dimensionality, presence of noise and outliers, and the need for precise labels of HSIs present significant challenges to the analysis of HSIs, motivating the development of performant HSI clustering algorithms. This article introduces a novel unsupervised HSI clustering algorithm—superpixel-based and spatially regularized diffusion learning ( $\text{S}^{2}$ DL)—which addresses these challenges by incorporating rich spatial information encoded in HSIs into diffusion geometry-based clustering. $\text{S}^{2}$ DL employs the entropy rate superpixel (ERS) segmentation technique to partition an image into superpixels, then constructs a spatially regularized diffusion graph using the most representative high-density pixels. This approach reduces computational burden while preserving accuracy. Cluster modes, serving as exemplars for underlying cluster structure, are identified as the highest-density pixels farthest in diffusion distance from other highest-density pixels. These modes guide the labeling of the remaining representative pixels from ERS superpixels. Finally, majority voting is applied to the labels assigned within each superpixel to propagate labels to the rest of the image. This spatial–spectral approach simultaneously simplifies graph construction, reduces computational cost, and improves clustering performance. $\text{S}^{2}$ DL’s performance is illustrated with extensive experiments on four publicly available, real-world HSIs: Indian Pines, Salinas, Salinas A, and WHU-Hi. Additionally, we apply $\text{S}^{2}$ DL to landscape-scale, unsupervised mangrove species mapping in the Mai Po Nature Reserve (MPNR), Hong Kong, using a Gaofen-5 HSI. The success of $\text{S}^{2}$ DL in these diverse numerical experiments indicates its efficacy on a wide range of important unsupervised remote sensing analysis tasks.

Change detection (CD) is a process of extracting changes on the Earth’s surface from bitemporal images. Current CD methods that use high-resolution remote sensing images require extensive computational resources and are vulnerable to the presence of irrelevant noises in the images. In addressing these challenges, a comparison-based attention Siamese network (CAS-Net) is proposed. The network utilizes contrastive attention modules (CAMs) for feature fusion and employs a classifier to determine similarities and differences of bitemporal image patches. It simplifies pixel-level CDs by comparing image patches. As such, the influences of image background noises on change predictions are reduced. Along with the CAS-Net, an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) similarity detection (UAV-SD) dataset is built using high-resolution remote sensing images. This dataset, serving as a benchmark for CD, comprises 10000 pairs of UAV images with a size of $256 \times 256$ . Experiments of the CAS-Net on the UAV-SD dataset demonstrate that the CAS-Net is superior to other baseline CD networks. The CAS-Net detection accuracy is 93.1% on the UAV-SD dataset. The code and the dataset can be found at https://github.com/WenbaLi/CAS-Net.

A snapback-free and low turn-off loss reverse-conducting lateral insulated gate bipolar transistor (RC-LIGBT) with integrated double self-biased n-channel MOS, named DSM is demonstrated by the TCAD SENTAURUS. The DSM including extraction charge nMOS (EC-MOS) and reverse conduction nMOS (RC-MOS) are both located at the collector side. The gates of the EC-MOS and RC-MOS are shortly connected with the N+ collector and N-base, respectively. Consequently, the double auxiliary gates automatically turn on functions without an extra control signal. First, at the forward conduction, the EC-MOS is automatically turned on with a saturated state while the RC-MOS is turned off. Moreover, the P-base substrate of the DSM acts as the electron barrier, which can avoid the short effect of the N+ Collector, thus the snapback is eliminated. Second, at the reverse conduction, the EC-MOS is turned off and the RC-MOS is triggered automatically with a saturate state, then the reverse conduction capability is realized. Third, at the turn-off process, the RC-MOS is turned off, and the EC-MOS is automatically turned on again to extract excessive carriers with the increased bus voltage ${V}_{\text {CE}}$ , thus the turn-off energy loss ( ${E}_{\text {OFF}}\text {)}$ is effectively reduced. As a result, the DSM-LIGBT achieves a snapback-free and superior trade-off relationship between ${V}_{ \text {ON}}$ and ${E}_{ \text {OFF}}$ .

Ozone soil deposition contributes a major part to the total deposition of ozone on land covered by low vegetation and perturbs the ozone budget on both regional and global scales. Large model-observation divergences in ozone soil deposition require continuous efforts to improve the mechanical understanding and model representation. Observation of ozone deposition over bare soil directly meets the requirement. Here, we performed field observation of ozone deposition over bare soil first available in the Tibetan Plateau (TP) using the aerodynamic gradient method. A top ozone deposition velocity with a daily mean of 0.49 ± 0.11 (1 sd) cm s−1(1 May to 10 July 2019) and an hourly mean maximum across the diel pattern of 0.73 ± 0.67 cm s−1in the afternoon were recorded. Such rapid ozone deposition was mainly attributed to extremely low soil resistance (Rsoil), which was further regulated by median low soil clay content, dry conditions, and strong solar radiation in the central TP. Parameterization of Rsoilin the newly developed Stella scheme was demonstrated to be effective according to our verification. An updated scheme was further attained with the inclusion of our observation and better represents the Rsoilvariability than the Stella scheme. More verification is therefore encouraged and hopefully to improve the Stella scheme. Finally, both the Stella scheme and our updated scheme showed great advantages over the oversimplified scheme in current models and should be considered more seriously for the sake of better representation of ozone soil deposition and its variability.

A Reverse-Conducting LIGBT integrated with dual Self-Driving MOSFET (SDM), named SDM-LIGBT is proposed and investigated by the SENTAURUS. The SDM1 and SDM2 are located at the Emitter and Collector side, respectively. The Gate and the Drain of the SDM1 are shortly connected together to the Emitter of the LIGBT, and the Gate and the Drain of the SDM2 are shortly connected with the N-buffer. Consequently, the dual SDM is driven by the ${V}_{\text {EC}}$ without an extra gate signal. At the forward conduction, the dual SDM is turned off, and the SDM-LIGBT works like conventional LIGBT without a snapback effect. Moreover, the ${V}_{\text {on}}$ and the saturation current are degenerated by the decreased Main Gate width. At the reverse conduction, the dual SDM is automatically turned on successively with the increased ${V}_{\text {EC}}$ . For the SDM2, it provides an electron channel and realizes the reverse conduction. For the SDM1, it modulates the electron injection by adjusting the width ${W}_{\text {b}}$ . Thus, the better reverse recovery property is achieved. The results show that the saturation current of SDM-LIGBT with ${W}_{\text {a}}$ : ${W}_{\text {b}}$ of 3:2 is reduced by 68% and the short-circuit tolerance time ${T}_{\text {SC}}$ is extended by $5.1~\mu \text{s}$ compared with the conventional LIGBT. Furthermore, the maximum reverse recovery current ${I}_{\text {rr,max}}$ and time ${T}_{\text {rr}}$ are reduced by 30% and 17% than that of conventional p-i-n diode, respectively.

Background Myocardial infarction (MI) is a leading cardiovascular disease worldwide, with high mortality.Purpose The study aimed to observe the mechanism of catalpol inhibiting apoptosis and autophagy in H9c2 cells after ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury.Materials and Methods We grouped H9c2 cells into 4 groups: control, I/R injury, catalpol (I/R injury +1 ug/mL catalpol treatment), and wortmannin (I/R injury + 1 ug/mL catalpol +150 nM wortmannin treatment) groups. Both catalpol and wortmannin group cells were given drug treatment 30 min before I/R injury. At 2h post-I/R insult, we used flow cytometry for detecting cellular apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. We identified p-PI3K, p-Akt, PI3K, Akt, p53, Bcl-2, Caspase-3, Bax, beclin1, LC3II, and LC3I protein expression levels.Results I/R significantly increased the apoptosis rate and ROS level of H9c2 cells, increased expression levels of p53, LC3II/LC3I, and Caspase-3, and decreased p-Akt/Akt, beclin1, Bcl-2/Bax, and p-PI3K/PI3K expression levels. Catalpol can reduce the expressions of p53, Caspase-3, and LC3II/LC3I (p< 0.5). Catalpol can increase the expression levels of Akt/ p-Akt, Bax/ Bcl-2, and beclin1. Also, it can inhibit apoptosis and autophagy levels of H9c2 cells (p< 0.5). Wortmannin, a PI3 K-specific inhibitor, was able partially to block the catalpol’s and anti-autophagic and anti-apoptotic effects.Conclusion Catalpol can inhibit apoptosis, reduces excessive autophagy, and alleviates the effects of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion through PI3K/Akt/p53 pathway.

Recent experiments reported that the efficiency of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) was greatly improved in fluorinated TiO2by forming the surface hydrogen bonds, but the mechanism remains ambiguous. Herein, we systematically investigated dual OER pathways on the fluorinated anatase TiO2(101) surface by using the first-principles calculations. The dual H-bonding water is significantly activated by trapping a first hole in the system and facilitates its proton transfer in pathway I. The inactive Ti-coordinated water also transfers a proton to a bridge O2–ion with a similar barrier and simultaneously traps the first hole in pathway II. Both ·OH radicals separately transfer a proton to the F–ion and bridge O2–ion very quickly and trap the second hole to produce the ·O radical. Consequently, the ·O radical directly couples with the bridge O2–ions with a high barrier of about 0.72 eV to produce the flat peroxo dimer (O22–) in pathway I. The Ti-coordinated ·O radical undergoes two steps of the proton transfer and O–O coupling with both high barriers of about 0.75 eV to produce the oblique O22–species in pathway II. Finally, the O22–spontaneously and successively traps the third and fourth holes to quickly form the oxygen molecule. Additionally, the fluorine atoms are further demonstrated to accelerate the proton transfer and the O–O coupling steps by comparing the pathways on the fluorinated and pure TiO2surfaces. These results may provide new insights into the OER mechanism in fluorinated TiO2and roles of the dopant in improving OER efficiency of the TiO2photocatalysts.

The North China Plain (NCP) is troubled by severe haze pollution and the evolution of haze pollution is closely related to the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL). However, experimental and theoretical studies on the physical-chemical processes of the ABL in the NCP are lacking, with many scientific problems to be addressed. To solve these problems, the Comprehensive Observation on the Atmospheric boundary layer Three-dimensional Structure (COATS) during haze pollution was carried out in the NCP from 2016 to 2020. The COATS experiment adopted a “point-line-surface” spatial layout, obtaining both spatial-temporal profiles of the meteorological and environmental elements in the ABL and the turbulent transport data of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in winter and summer. The research achievements are as follows. The spatial-temporal distribution characteristics of the ABL structure and PM2.5concentrations in the NCP were determined. The typical thermal structure of persistent heavy haze events and the pollutant removal mechanism by low-level jets were revealed. It was determined that the spatial structure of the ABL adjusted by the Taihang Mountains is responsible for the heterogeneous distribution of haze pollution in the NCP, and that mountain-induced vertical circulations can promote the formation of elevated pollution layers. The restraints of the atmospheric internal boundaries on horizontal diffusion of pollutants were emphasized. The contribution of the ABL to haze pollution in winter and summer was qualitatively compared and quantitatively estimated. The turbulent transport nature behind the relationship between the atmospheric boundary layer height (ABLH) and surface PM2.5concentrations was analyzed. The concept of “aerosol accumulation layer” was defined, and the applicability of the material method in determining ABLH was clarified. A measurement system for obtaining the turbulent flux of PM2.5concentrations was developed, and the turbulence characteristics of PM2.5concentrations were demonstrated. The COATS experiment is of great theoretical significance for thoroughly understanding the physical mechanisms of the ABL during haze pollution and filling the knowledge gap on the impacts of the ABL three-dimensional structure on haze pollution. The results of this study are conducive to the improvement and development of ABL parameterization schemes and serve as a scientific basis for formulating regional pollution prevention and control measures.

Using combined data from the 2011–2013 China Industrial Firm Database, China Industrial Firm Pollution Emission Database, and provincial-level digital financial inclusion index, this paper investigates the impact of digital finance on firm pollution. The authors find that digital finance significantly reduces firm SO2 emission intensity. The inclusive finance attribute of digital finance is conducive to alleviating firm financing constraints and promoting firm transformation and emission reduction. Furthermore, digital finance reduces pollution through innovation compensation. Digital finance mainly affects private firms and small and medium-sized firms, while it mainly plays its role through depth of use, digital payments, and digital credit. The basic conclusions of this paper are verified by using the Internet development level and the spherical distance from Hangzhou, as instrumental variables. This paper has important policy implications for developing countries using digital financial tools to promote green economic transformation and high-quality development.

Dopamine (DA) neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) are critical to coping with stress. However, molecular mechanisms regulating their activity and stress-induced depression were not well understood. We found that the receptor tyrosine kinase ErbB4 in VTA was activated in stress-susceptible mice. Deleting ErbB4 in VTA or in DA neurons, or chemical genetic inhibition of ErbB4 kinase activity in VTA suppressed the development of chronic social defeat stress (CSDS)-induced depression-like behaviors. ErbB4 activation required the expression of NRG1 in the laterodorsal tegmentum (LDTg); LDTg-specific deletion of NRG1 inhibited depression-like behaviors. NRG1 and ErbB4 suppressed potassium currents of VTA DA neurons and increased their firing activity. Finally, we showed that acute inhibition of ErbB4 after stress attenuated DA neuron hyperactivity and expression of depression-like behaviors. Together, these observations demonstrate a critical role of NRG1-ErbB4 signaling in regulating depression-like behaviors and identify an unexpected mechanism by which the LDTg-VTA circuit regulates the activity of DA neurons.

A novel silicon on insulator (SOI)-lateral trench insulated gate bipolar transistor (LTIGBT) featuring a self-biased pMOS (SBP), named SBP-LTIGBT, is proposed and investigated. The gate and drain of SBP are shortly connected with emitter electrode, and the source is connected with the P-buried, which introduces automatically turn-off and turn-on function. At the forward conduction state, the SBP is turned off when ${V}_{\text {GS,P}} > {V}_{\text {TH,P}}$ , and the SBP-LTIGBT shows the same electrical characteristics as conventional LTIGBT. The SBP is automatically turn-on with reduced saturation current when ${V}_{\text {GS,P}}&lt; {V}_{\text {TH,P}}$ . At the switching state, the SBP is always turned on to accelerate the extraction of the excessive carriers; consequently, the turn-off loss ${E}_{\text {OFF}}$ is reduced. As a result, the tradeoff relationship between forward conduction voltage ${V}_{\text {ON}}$ and ${E}_{\text {OFF}}$ is largely improved. The short-circuit tolerance time ( ${T}_{\text {SC}}{)}$ of the SBP-LTIGBT is $10.5~\mu \text{s}$ , which is extended by 3.4, 2, and 1.4 times longer than that of LTIGBT with triple-RESURF (TR-LTIGBT), LTIGBT with double-RESURF (DR-LTIGBT), and conventional LTIGBT (C-LTIGBT), respectively. Furthermore, when ${V}_{\text {ON}}$ is 1.4 V, ${E}_{\text {OFF}}$ of the SBP-LTIGBT is 0.36 mJ/cm2, which is reduced by 73%, 60%, and 51% than that of C-LTIGBT, DR-LTIGBT, and TR-LTIGBT, respectively.

The Normalized Least-Mean-Squares (NLMS) algorithm commonly used in echo cancelers suffers from a number of limitations due to the existing sparsity in the echo path. Although some sparsity-aware algorithms have been proposed, the high computational complexity greatly increases the their difficulty of implementation. To reduce the complexity and improve the performance in echo cancelers, we introduce a Coefficients-Switched (CS) processing into the NLMS algorithm and propose the CS-NLMS algorithm and the Mean-square-deviation (MSD) analysis to evaluate its effectiveness. Simulations of the MSD were performed with different system parameters. The performance of the proposed algorithm is verified by comparison with the simulation results of the previously proposed algorithms. The superiority of the proposed algorithm in terms of computational complexity is also discussed.

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a role in the emergence and progression of several human tumors, including luminal B breast cancer (BC). The biological functions and potential mechanisms of lncRNA myocardial infarction-associated transcripts (MIAT) in luminal B BC, on the contrary, are unknown. In this work, we used UALCAN database analysis to find high expression of lncRNA MIAT in luminal BC tissues and also confirmed high levels of lncRNA MIAT expression in luminal B BC tissues and cells. In vitro knockdown of MIAT inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of BT474 cells. In addition, we found that miR-150-5p levels were significantly reduced in luminal B BC specimens and cells, and miR-150-5p levels were significantly increased when MIAT was knocked down. And TIMER database analysis showed that MIAT was positively associated with PDL1. Through bioinformatic tools and in vitro experiments, lncRNA MIAT could function as a competitive endogenous RNA (CeRNA) to further regulate programmed cell death ligand 1 (PDL1) expression by directly sponging miR-150-5p. In conclusion, our data suggest that MIAT, an oncogene, may sponge miR-150-5p to regulate PDL1 expression and affect proliferation, migration, and invasion in luminal B BC in vitro.

This paper explores the evolution of geoscientific inquiry, tracing the progression from traditional physics-based models to modern data-driven approaches facilitated by significant advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and data collection techniques. Traditional models, which are grounded in physical and numerical frameworks, provide robust explanations by explicitly reconstructing underlying physical processes. However, their limitations in comprehensively capturing Earth’s complexities and uncertainties pose challenges in optimization and real-world applicability. In contrast, contemporary data-driven models, particularly those utilizing machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL), leverage extensive geoscience data to glean insights without requiring exhaustive theoretical knowledge. ML techniques have shown promise in addressing Earth science-related questions. Nevertheless, challenges such as data scarcity, computational demands, data privacy concerns, and the “black-box” nature of AI models hinder their seamless integration into geoscience. The integration of physics-based and data-driven methodologies into hybrid models presents an alternative paradigm. These models, which incorporate domain knowledge to guide AI methodologies, demonstrate enhanced efficiency and performance with reduced training data requirements. This review provides a comprehensive overview of geoscientific research paradigms, emphasizing untapped opportunities at the intersection of advanced AI techniques and geoscience. It examines major methodologies, showcases advances in large-scale models, and discusses the challenges and prospects that will shape the future landscape of AI in geoscience. The paper outlines a dynamic field ripe with possibilities, poised to unlock new understandings of Earth’s complexities and further advance geoscience exploration.

Ammonia (NH3) can interact with other trace chemicals in the atmosphere, significantly impacting atmospheric chemistry and global climate change. China is a largely agricultural country with high consumption of nitrogen fertilizer and large livestock herds, resulting in high NH3emissions. In this study, a comprehensive county-level inventory of Chinese NH3emissions from 2013 to 2018 was compiled. Based on previous research, an estimate of NH3emissions from household coal combustion was added to the inventory. The estimation of emissions from open biomass burning was improved by using a method based on fire radiative energy (FRE). The total NH3emissions in China increased from 2013 (9.64 Tg) to 2015 (9.75 Tg), and then decreased to 9.12 Tg in 2018. Emissions from fossil fuels reached a peak value in 2018, accounting for 8.4% of total emissions, while fertilizer application and livestock waste were responsible for fewer emissions than in previous years, accounting for 27.7% and 49.9% of the total from non-fossil fuel sources, respectively. The highest emission rates were in central and southwestern China. Seasonally, NH3emissions peaked in spring and summer. The inventory had a 1-km spatial resolution and a monthly temporal resolution, which confirmed its suitability for global and regional air quality simulations.

A ferrofluid seal is a rotary seal widely used in the chemical industry, shipbuilding, aerospace, aviation, and other fields, demonstrating various advantages, such as high reliability, low wear, and low leakage rate. The reason for sealing is that the ferrofluid ring isolates the sealed gas from the atmosphere. Hence, boundary deformation and fluctuation are two significant factors to consider for the design of a ferrofluid seal. However, the ferrofluid boundary is wrapped in the shell and pole shoe, which poses a challenge in direct observation. In this paper, an experimental ferrofluid rotary seal device is presented, which can be used to monitor the boundary changes at different rotational speeds and pressure differences. According to the simulation result, the boundary fluctuation affects the pressure transfer and causes the sealing performance to deteriorate. The ferrofluid boundary obtained through the experiment is essential for an in-depth investigation into the rotary seal failure mechanism for improving the design of the ferrofluid rotary seal.

Deserts play an important role in the climate system, which is closely associated with the emission and transport of dust aerosols. Based on the intensive observation experiment in the Taklimakan Desert, the potential physical processes between the deep convective boundary layer (CBL) and dust emission are revealed in this study. Deep CBL enables the formation of clouds in the late afternoon, leading to significant cooling of surface. Large‐scale buoyant coherent structures thereby transform into the mechanical coherent structures confined near the surface. The responses promote the earlier occurrence of low‐level jet (LLJ) than in cloudless conditions, which allows the downward transport of LLJ momentum and substantially increases surface wind. Therefore, dust emission is initiated by strong wind at dusk and lasts for several hours. The results are useful to predict dust emissions and improve our understanding of distinctive boundary‐layer processes in desert regions. Desert is a key component of regional/global climate system, which is closely associated with the emission and transport of dust aerosols. A better understanding of dust emission mechanisms and their interaction with atmospheric physical processes is of great significance for improving numerical weather and climate models. This study investigates possible physical mechanisms of the dust emission related to deep atmosphere boundary layer, based on the field experiment in the Taklimakan Desert. It is found that the formation of late‐afternoon clouds and the occurrence of wind maxima at 400–600 m are crucial during the processes. Initially, the formation of clouds is enabled by deep atmosphere boundary layer that developed in the late afternoon. After cloud formation, surface becomes cooling, and then the upper part of the boundary layer is gradually released from the surface frictional restraint, which promotes the development of wind maxima at 400–600 m. As the momentum of the wind maxima is transported downwards, surface wind substantially increases, which systematically blows dust particles up. Consequently, dust emission happens at dusk in desert regions. Deep convective boundary layer enables the lifting condensation of moisture and the formation of boundary‐layer clouds in desert regionsThe emergence of late‐afternoon clouds strengthens the surface cooling and thus advances the development of low‐level jetDownward momentum transfer from low‐level jet to near‐surface wind is crucial to initiate dust emission at dusk Deep convective boundary layer enables the lifting condensation of moisture and the formation of boundary‐layer clouds in desert regions The emergence of late‐afternoon clouds strengthens the surface cooling and thus advances the development of low‐level jet Downward momentum transfer from low‐level jet to near‐surface wind is crucial to initiate dust emission at dusk

The pulsed-electromagnetic permanent magnet (PPM) technique is an attractive magnetic control technology for applying blank holding force (BHF) during the deep drawing of the non-ferromagnetic sheet. In this paper, a novel PPM blank holder technique was developed to apply BHF on metal sheet. The different process parameters are considered in the two sets of pole cores for achieving Magnetic state (M state) and Non-magnetic state (N state). The results show that current is only instantaneously imposed when switching magnetic force state, and not at other times. Also, the feasibility of the PPM blank holder technique is proven by a series of experiments using H68 copper sheet. The result indicates that the BHF applied by the PPM system is large enough for the deep drawing process of the copper sheet. The BHF applied by PPM force has the advantages of easy control, low energy consumption, and no overheating problems.

ABSTRACTPhased siRNAs (phasiRNAs) are a class of small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) which play essential roles in plant development and defence. However, only a few phasiRNAs have been extensively studied due to the difficulties in identifying and characterizing plant phasiRNAs by plant biologists. Herein, we describe a comprehensive and multi-functional web server termed PhasiRNAnalyzer, which is able to identify all crucial components in plant phasiRNA’s regulatory pathway (phase-initiator→PHASgene→phasiRNA cluster→target gene). Currently, PhasiRNAnalyzer exhibits the following advantages: I)It is the most comprehensive platform which hosts 170 plant species with 256 genome data, 438 cDNA data and 271 degradome data. II)It can identify all crucial components in phasiRNA’s regulatory pathway, and verify the interactions between phasiRNAs and their target genes based on degradome data. III)It can perform differential expression analysis of phasiRNAs on each PHASgene locus between different samples conveniently. IV)It provides the user-friendly interfaces and introduces several improvements, primarily by making more accurate and efficient analysis when dealing with deep sequencing data. In summary, PhasiRNAnalyzer is a comprehensive and systemic phasiRNA analysis server with high sensitivity and efficiency. It can be freely accessed at https://cbi.njau.edu.cn/PPSA/.

Vertical exchange between the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) and free troposphere (FT) is a key link in coupling the earth's surface and upper atmosphere. This process is usually quantified by numerical simulations, while its reliability is not well assessed until now. Using space‐time intensified ABL observations, we evaluate the ABL‐FT air mass exchange flux derived from the Weather Research and Forecast (WRF) model. A six‐site sounding experiment is conducted in the North China Plain during the wintertime of 2019. The measured data is processed to provide enough information to derive the vertical exchange flux corresponding to the model‐based result, so that a systematic comparison is conducted. Three physical processes involved in ABL‐FT vertical exchange are quantitatively evaluated, that is, temporal variation of ABL height, advection across the inclined ABL top, and vertical motion at the ABL‐FT interface. Results show that the model‐based and observation‐based fluxes are generally agreed in temporal evolution (R= 0.67, p< 0.01), both characterized by 4–6 days periodicity and diurnal cycle. Their relative mean error was about 45% during the whole study period, mainly stemming from the vertical motion term and the advection crossing term. The model inaccuracy in representing these relevant processes at the ABL top is largely responsible for the discrepancy. Besides, the difference may also be attributed to the observational uncertainty (∼22%) that is caused by the measurement's difficulties in determining ABL spatial variation and acquiring vertical velocity. Through this study, the credibility and limitation of the WRF model in deriving ABL‐FT exchange flux are quantified. The vertical exchange between the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) and free troposphere (FT) plays a crucial role in atmospheric matter transport and energy flow, affecting weather systems, atmospheric chemistry, air pollution and climate change. This process is usually quantified by numerical simulation. This work aims to evaluate the reliability of the air exchange flux derived from a meteorological model, using comprehensive observation data in 1 month. The result shows that the model‐based exchange flux can reproduce the temporal evolution of the observation‐based exchange flux, including 4–6 days periodicity and diurnal variation. The overall relative difference between simulated and observed fluxes is about 45% during the whole study period. A more detailed comparison of each component term is conducted to investigate the causes of the discrepancy. We found that the difference is partly attributed to the model inaccuracy in representing the ABL top spatial variation and the vertical velocity at this layer. Additionally, a 22% uncertainty in observation‐based flux introduced by the relevant data processing is also an important reason. The evaluation result provides a quantitative reference to understand the biases in the meteorological model and their impact on ABL‐FT vertical exchange simulation study. The air exchange flux between the boundary layer and free troposphere is reproduced by the WRF model with synoptic and diurnal variationsThe model‐derived exchange flux deviates from observation‐derived flux with a relative difference of 45%The deviation is mainly attributed to simulation‐observation differences in vertical motion and spatial gradient at the boundary layer top The air exchange flux between the boundary layer and free troposphere is reproduced by the WRF model with synoptic and diurnal variations The model‐derived exchange flux deviates from observation‐derived flux with a relative difference of 45% The deviation is mainly attributed to simulation‐observation differences in vertical motion and spatial gradient at the boundary layer top

Recently, the development of modern vehicles has brought about aggressive integration and miniaturization of on-board electrical and electronic devices. It will lead to exponential growth in both the overall waste heat and heat flux to be dissipated to maintain the devices within a safe temperature range. However, both the total heat sinks aboard and the cooling capacity of currently utilized thermal control strategy are severely limited, which threatens the lifetime of the on-board equipment and even the entire flight system and shrink the vehicle’s flight time and range. Facing these thermal challenges, the USA proposed the program of “INVENT” to maximize utilities of the available heat sinks and enhance the cooling ability of thermal control strategies. Following the efforts done by the USA researchers, scientists in China fought their ways to develop thermal management technologies for Chinese advanced energy-optimized airplanes and spacecraft. This paper elaborates the available on-board heat sinks and aerospace thermal management systems using both active and passive technologies not confined to the technology in China. Subsequently, active thermal management technologies in China including fuel thermal management system, environment control system, non-fuel liquid cooling strategy are reviewed. At last, space thermal control technologies used in Chinese Space Station and Chang’e-3 and to be used in Chang’e-5 are introduced. Key issues to be solved are also identified, which could facilitate the development of aerospace thermal control techniques across the world.

Terrestrial evapotranspiration (ET) is a crucial link between Earth’s water cycle and the surface energy budget. Accurate measurement and estimation remain a major challenge in geophysical, biological, and environmental studies. Pioneering work, represented by Dalton and Penman, and the development of theories and experiments on turbulent exchange in the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL), laid the foundation for mainstream methodologies in ET estimation. Since the 1990s, eddy covariance (EC) systems and satellite remote sensing have been widely applied from cold to tropical and from arid to humid regions. They cover water surfaces, wetlands, forests, croplands, grasslands, barelands, and urban areas, offering an exceptional number of reports on diverse ET processes. Surface nocturnal ET, hysteresis between ET and environmental forces, turbulence intermittency, island effects on heterogeneous surfaces, and phase transition between underlying surfaces are examples of reported new phenomena, posing theoretical and practical challenges to mainstream ET methodologies. Additionally, based on non-conventional theories, new methods have emerged, such as maximum entropy production and nonparametric approaches. Furthermore, high-frequency on-site observation and aerospace remote sensing technology in combination form multi-scale observations across plant stomata, leaves, plants, canopies, landscapes, and basins. This promotes an insightful understanding of diverse ET processes and synthesizes the common mechanisms of the processes between and across spatial and temporal scales. All the recent achievements in conception, model, and technology serve as the basis for breaking through the known difficulties in ET estimation. We expect that they will provide a rigorous, reliable scientific basis and experimental support to address theoretical arguments of global significance, such as the water-heat-carbon cycle, and solve practical needs of national importance, including agricultural irrigation and food security, precise management of water resources and eco-environmental protection, and regulation of the urban thermal environment and climate change adaptation.

In this paper, a novel radial segmental blank holder technique based on electro-permanent magnet (EPM) technology is proposed. The blank holding force (BHF) can be independently and effectively applied on different regions of flange in a more convenient and low-energy way. The principles and advantages of radial segmental blank holder technique are first expatiated and analyzed by theoretical derivation and numerical simulation. The results indicate that there is no overheating problem during the continuous forming process. The distribution of the BHF applied by the radial segmental blank holder is more reasonable than from that of using the single blank holder and it can also better suppress wrinkling. Finally, the effectiveness of the EPM radial segmental blank holder is proven by forming experiments of 08Al steel. It is demonstrated that the flange wrinkling of the drawn cup is better eliminated using the new blank holder and the forming limit is improved compared to using the single blank holder.

Most feature-matching algorithms based on perspective images, such as scale-invariant feature transform (SIFT), speeded up robust features, or DAISY, construct their feature descriptors from the neighborhood information of feature points. Large nonlinear distortion results in different amounts of neighborhood information at different feature points within the fish-eye images, especially for the case when a feature pixel is at the central region and the corresponding feature pixel is at the periphery. In contrast, descriptor-Nets (D-Nets) is a feature-matching algorithm based on global information. It is more robust, but it is time-consuming. In this paper, we employ the SIFT detector to extract feature pixels, and then we propose a novel feature-matching strategy based on the D-Nets algorithm. We modify the linear descriptors in the traditional D-Nets algorithm and propose a curve descriptor based on the hemispheric model of a fish-eye image. In the traditional D-Nets algorithm, each feature point is described by all other pixels of the entire image, and complicated calculations cause slow matching speed. To solve this problem, we convert the traditional global D-Nets into a novel local D-Nets. In the experiment, we obtain image pairs from real scenery using the binocular fish-eye camera platform. Experimental results show that the proposed local D-Nets method can achieve more than 3 times the initial matching pixels, and the percentage of bad matching is reduced by 40% compared with the best performing method among the comparison methods. In addition, the matching pixel pairs obtained by the proposed method are evenly distributed, either in the center region with small distortion or in the peripheral region with large distortion. Meanwhile, the local D-Nets algorithm is 16 times less than that of the global D-Nets algorithm.

Since the founding of the People’s Republic of China 70 years ago, the subject of atmospheric physics and atmospheric environment has developed rapidly in China, providing important support for the development of atmospheric science and guarantee for the development of national economy. In this paper, the general advancement of atmospheric physics and atmospheric environment in last 70 years was described. The main research progress of atmospheric physics and atmospheric environment in the past 40 years of reform and opening-up was reviewed, the outstanding research achievements since the 21st century were summarized, the major problems and challenges are pointed out, and the key directions and suggestions for future development are put forward.

In this study, the characteristics of turbulence transport and intermittency and the evolutionary mechanisms were studied in different pollution stages of heavy haze weather from December 2016 to January 2017 in the Beijing area using the method developed by Ren et al. (2019) as the automatic identification of atmospheric spectral gaps and the reconstruction of atmospheric turbulence sequences. The results reveal that turbulence intermittency is the strongest in the cumulative stage (CS) of heavy haze weather, followed by in the transport stage (TS), and it is the weakest in the dissipation stage (DS). During the development and accumulation of haze pollution, buoyancy contributes negatively to turbulent kinetic energy (TKE), and horizontal wind speed is low. The classical turbulent motion is often affected by submesoscale motion. As a result, the calculation results of turbulence parameters are affected by submesoscale motion, which causes intensified turbulence intermittency. During the dissipation of pollution, the downward momentum transfer induced by low-level jets provides kinetic energy for turbulent motion in the near surface layer. The turbulent mixing effect is enhanced, and intermittency is weakened. Due to the intermittency of atmospheric turbulence, turbulence parameters calculated from the original fluctuation of meteorological elements may be overestimated. The overestimation of turbulence parameters in the CS is the strongest, followed by the TS, and the DS is the weakest. The overestimation of turbulent fluxes results in an overestimation of atmospheric dissipation capability that may cause an underestimation of pollutant concentrations in the numerical simulations of air quality.

The self-assembly of α-cyclodextrin (α-CD) mixed with a fluorocarbon surfactant, perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), in aqueous solution was studied. Interestingly, the 1:1 inclusion complex, PFNA@α-CD, was verified to form by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance measurement. Also as the building block, the PFNA@α-CD complex was further self-assembled into worm-like micelles under lower concentrations while hydrogels were self-assembled under higher concentrations. The hydrogels were composed of unilamellar vesicles with polydisperse size, which were clearly detected by freeze-fracture transmission electron microscopy measurements. Besides, the vesicle hydrogels showed high viscoelasticities and a substantial elastic characteristic. Also as revealed by the results of Fourier transform infrared measurements, the driving force for the vesicle and worm-like micelle formation was the hydrogen bonding between α-CD molecules. Then, these vesicles were densely packed to form hydrogels. As far as we know, the self-assembly of CDs and fluorocarbon surfactants based on host–guest inclusion in aqueous solution has been limitedly reported. Our work successfully constructed hydrogels consisting of vesicles through the self-assembly of the α-CD/PFNA complex for the first time and will also provide a better understanding and enrich the fundamental research of the self-assembly behavior of the CD/fluorosurfactant complex.

A novel electro-permanent magnet transportation system is proposed in this article. The saddle is fixed to the transport vehicle and the cylindrical vessel is attracted and transported by magnetic force. Based on electro-permanent technology, this magnetic force is provided by the first and second magnets of its internal structure, so that the magnetic force is stable and strong. The loading and unloading of the magnetic force require only the application of pulse currents in opposite directions. According to the electro-permanent technology and transportation requirements, the initial structure of the electro-permanent chassis and saddle is constructed. Firstly, this study constructs the magnetic circuit of the magnetic module by theoretical derivation and magnetic field simulation, and then further calculates the parameters affecting the magnetic force of the magnetic module, determines the optimal number of ampere-turns, and verifies them by simulation. Next, we analyze the magnetization process of the magnetic module under continuous magnetization conditions. And the magnetic tensile experiment and the surface magnetic induction intensity measurement are performed on the magnetic module. The results show that the magnetic force is strong and evenly distributed. Finally, we perform preliminary calculations and verification of the transportation load during transport, the working area of 5.76–11.52 m2, and can meet the transportation demand to avoid danger.

This article has been withdrawn at the request of the author(s). The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause.

Brassinosteroids (BRs) are a class of phytohormones that regulate plant growth and development. In previous studies, we cloned and identified PROTEIN PHOSPHATASE WITH KELCH-LIKE1(OsPPKL1) as the causal gene for the quantitative trait locus GRAIN LENGHT3(qGL3) in rice (Oryza sativa). We also showed that qGL3/OsPPKL1 is mainly located in the cytoplasm and nucleus and negatively regulates BR signaling and grain length. Since qGL3 is a negative regulator of BR signaling, its turnover is critical to rapidly respond to changes in BRs. Here, we demonstrate that a WD40 domain-containing protein WD40-REPEAT PROTEIN48 (OsWDR48), which contains a nucleus export signal (NES). The NES signal is crucial for the cytosolic localization of OsWDR48 and also functions in the self-turnover of qGL3. We show that OsWDR48 physically interacts with and genetically acts through qGL3 to modulate BR signaling. Moreover, qGL3 may indirectly promote the phosphorylation of OsWDR48 at Ser-379 and Ser-386 sites. The substitutions of both phosphorylation sites in OsWDR48 to non-phosphorylatable alanine enhanced the strength of the OsWDR48–qGL3 interaction. Furthermore, we found brassinolide could promote the accumulation of non-phosphorylated OsWDR48, leading to strong interaction intensity between qGL3 and OsWDR48. Taken together, OsWDR48 facilitates qGL3 retention and induces degradation of qGL3 in the cytoplasm. These findings suggest that qGL3 self-modulates its turnover by binding to OsWDR48 to regulate its cytoplasmic location and stability, leading to an efficient orchestration of BR signal transduction in rice.

ABSTRACTAccumulating experimental data have shown that endogenous hormones play important roles in regulating seed dormancy and germination. Zanthoxylum nitidumis a medicinal plant that propagates via seeds, which require a long dormancy period for normal germination, and complex changes in metabolites occur during the germination process. However, the regulatory network of endogenous hormones and metabolites during the germination of Z. nitidumseeds remains unclear. This study investigated the dynamic changes in the levels of metabolites and endogenous hormones during the germination of Z. nitidumseeds. The results revealed an increase in the levels of gibberellin 3 (GA3), 12-oxophytodienoic acid (OPDA), 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) and trans-zeatin (TZ) and decrease in the levels of abscisic acid (ABA), jasmonic acid (JA), N-[(-)-jasmonoyl]-(S)-isoleucine (JA-Ile) and trans-zeatin riboside (TZR). Overall, 112 differential metabolites (DAMs) were screened from 3 seed samples (Sa, Sb and Sc), most of which are related to primary metabolism. A total of 16 DAMs (including 3 monosaccharides, 3 phosphate lipids, 3 carboxylic acids, 1 amino acid, 2 pyrimidines, and 4 nucleotides) were identified in the three sample comparison pairs (Sa vs Sb, Sa vs Sc, and Sb vs Sc); these DAMs were significantly enriched in purine metabolism; glycerophospholipid metabolism, citrate cycle (TCA cycle), alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism and pyruvate metabolism. OPDA, ACC and GAs were significantly positively correlated with upregulated metabolites, whereas ABA and JA were significantly positively correlated with downregulated metabolites. Finally, a hypothetical metabolic network of endogenous hormones that regulate seed germination was constructed. This study deepens our understanding of the importance of endogenous hormonal profiles that mediate seed germination.

Urbanization can generate large amounts of construction waste including waste bricks, in which there are few suitable methods to solve. Thus, in this study, three common waste bricks were used as potential media for bioretention bonds. The hydraulic conductivity and phosphorus adsorption capacity of the waste bricks used were discussed. The results show that the hydraulic conductivity of the waste bricks decreased with the increase in added soil. When the phosphorus concentration was 5 mg/L, the adsorption rate of waste bricks with a size of less than 1 mm (red bricks, concrete blocks, and burn-free bricks) was 1%, 66%, 91.8%, respectively. The adsorption experiments proved that the adsorption rate of the three types of waste bricks does not change with the change in size. However, the adsorption capacity of red brick is proportional to the particle size, whereas the other bricks decrease with the increase in particle size. Such performances illustrate that waste bricks are effective materials that are used in bio-filter systems, and that a new approach regarding the treatment and disposal of construction and demolition waste in urban areas was found.

A new waste heat recovery system is presented to recover exhausted steam waste heat from the steam turbine by absorption heat pump (AHP) in a gas-steam combined cycle (GSCC) power plant. The system can decrease energy consumption and further improve the energy utilization. The performance evaluation criteria are calculated, and exergy analysis for key components are implemented in terms of the energy and exergy analysis theory. Besides, the change of these criteria is also revealed before and after modification. The net power output approximately increases by 21738 kW, and equivalent coal consumption decreases by 5.58 g/kWh. A 1.81% and 1.92% increase in the thermal and exergy efficiency is respectively obtained in the new integrated system as the heating load is 401095 kJ at 100% condition. Meanwhile, the appropriate extraction parameters for heating have been also analyzed in the two systems. The proposed scheme can not only save energy consumption but also reduce emission and gain great economic benefit, which is proven to be a huge potential for practical application.

The diagnostic efficacy of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and carbohydrate antigen 15-3 (CA15-3) is limited in breast cancer (BC), highlighting the necessity of exploring novel biomarkers to improve for BC diagnosis. Therefore, we assessed the diagnostic value of fat mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO), phosphatidylinositol-4,5-biphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit β (PIK3CB) as a potential complementary biomarker to CEA and CA153 in breast cancer by measuring serum FTO,PIK3CB levels. FTO, PIK3CB, CEA and CA15-3 levels were measured in 112 BC patients and 64 healthy controls using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay or electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. Spearman’s rank correlation analysis was conducted to assess the correlation between the levels of the 2 markers. The relationships between FTO, PIK3CB, CEA, CA15-3 and clinical characteristics were evaluated. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis was performed to assess the diagnostic value of FTO, PIK3CB, CEA and CA15-3 of BC. Serum FTO, PIK3CB, CEA and CA15-3 levels were significantly increased in BC. There was no correlation between FTO, PIK3CB and CEA, CA15-3. FTO and PIK3CB demonstrated significant diagnostic performance for breast cancer, with FTO achieving a specificity of 90.63%. The diagnostic performance of 2-four biomarker combinations was significantly superior to individual CEA or CA153, with a combined panel of 4 biomarkers yielding an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.918, sensitivity of 81.25% and specificity of 85.94%. In early-stage breast cancer (I + II), the combination of FTO, PIK3CB, CEA and CA153 yielded an AUC of 0.895, sensitivity of 77.22% and specificity of 85.71%. FTO and PIK3CB can be served as potential biomarkers to complement CEA and CA15-3 for BC diagnosis. Combining FTO, PIK3CB, CEA and CA15-3 improves the diagnostic efficiency of breast cancer.