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Group members often adopt various identity enhancement strategies to improve their unfavorable situations and achieve a positive image. Research on identity enhancement strategy determinants has been conducted mainly from an intergroup perspective, overlooking the role of fundamental group characteristics. To fill this gap, three studies (two preregistered) examined the effects of entitativity on individual mobility and social competition strategies. Across these studies, we manipulated ingroup entitativity and measured self-reported intentions (Studies 1 and 2) and behavioral choices (Study 3) relating to individual mobility and social competition. Results indicated that high (vs. low) entitativity group members were less likely to adopt individual mobility strategies and more likely to adopt social competition strategies. Importantly, these effects were observed in both intergroup comparison (Studies 1 and 3) and nonintergroup comparison contexts (Studies 2 and 3). These findings advance research on identity enhancement strategies and offer practical implications for group improvement and intergroup relations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In satellite remote sensing (SRS), there is a demand for large-power microwave components. A Butler matrix is essential to a transmitting antenna array in SRS. This article illustrates the electrical and mechanical design, simulation, and test results of a large-power planar beamforming network for SRS at C-band. It is a 4 × 4 Butler matrix based on square coaxial lines. Short-ended stubs are used in the Butler matrix to broaden its bandwidth by 10%, support inner conductors, and enhance heat transfer in vacuum environments. The simulation results are consistent with the measured results. The reflection coefficient is less than −18 dB, and the isolation is more than 23 dB from 3.8 GHz to 4.2 GHz. The insertion losses are less than 0.6 dB, and the phase errors are better than ±6°. The measured peak microwave power of the proposed Butler matrix is 9 kW. Its size is 440 × 400 × 40 mm3. The proposed Butler matrix beamforming network can be applied to SRS systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High‐entropy alloys (HEAs) possess superior mechanical, thermal, and electronic properties, which attract great interest in the fields of photothermal, electrocatalysis, and magnetic applications. Herein, the nonlinear optical properties of FeCoNiAlTi HEA with a large specific surface area for the first time is investigated. Owing to the strong d–d interaction, the interband transition near the Fermi level could be enhanced in HEAs, leading to broadband optical absorption. Excitation with the picosecond laser source, the FeCoNiAlTi HEA possesses saturable absorption with a large modulation depth of 7.61% and 30.47% at 1 and 1.5 µm, respectively. Furthermore, at the higher excitation level at 1.5 µm, the saturable absorber exhibits a typical reverse saturable absorption property. Subsequently, the FeCoNiAlTi HEA on the tapered fiber first serves as the saturable absorber in the Yb‐doped fiber laser and the Er‐doped fiber laser, leading to the noise‐like pulses at 1 µm, and the stable Q‐switching, conventional soliton, and dissipative soliton resonance mode‐locking operations at 1.5 µm. This work confirms that the enhanced saturable absorption in HEAs can endow the high‐performance ultrashort pulse generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Continuous satellite measurements of the Earth's magnetic field have advanced the characterization of spatial‐temporal variations of the main field over the past two decades. To comprehend the underlying mechanism responsible for the geomagnetic field variations, we develop a novel core surface flow inversion scheme based on physics‐informed neural networks. The inversion method can account for the secular variation contributed by the interaction between the core flow and undetectable small‐scale magnetic fields. Based on the novel inversion framework, we derive a time‐dependent core surface flow model between 2000 and 2022 from the CHAOS‐7 core field model. The inverted core flow is then analyzed using the dynamic mode decomposition to extract wave‐like fluid motions. By calculating the magnetic secular acceleration contributed by each dynamic mode, we identify that the dynamic modes with period of about 10 and 7 years are responsible for geomagnetic jerks in the Atlantic and Pacific equatorial regions. Plain Language Summary: Over the past two decades, satellites have been continuously monitoring the Earth's magnetic field. The major part of the field comes from the liquid part of the Earth's core. Geomagnetic measurements show quick changes in the field, including sudden shifts known as geomagnetic jerks. These shifts are believed to be linked to specific fluid motions in the Earth's core. Our study aims to better understand these flows and their effects. We use a method involving neural networks to figure out the patterns of flow at the core surface from the satellite data. We then use a technique to separate these flow patterns into simpler wave‐like forms. This helps us see how each wave pattern affects changes in the magnetic field. Our findings suggest that wave‐like motions with period of about 10 and 7 years caused geomagnetic jerks in the Atlantic and Pacific regions near the equator. Key Points: A novel core surface flow inversion scheme based on physics‐informed neural networks is developedThe inverted flow from the CHAOS‐7 model is analyzed using the dynamic mode decomposition to extract wave‐like flow patternsGeomagnetic jerks in the Atlantic and Pacific equator are related to two dynamic modes with period about 10 and 7 years [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The low thermodynamic cycle efficiency of the plasma synthetic jet actuator (PSJA) limits its application in flow control of supersonic aircraft. To improve the thermodynamic cycle efficiency of the PSJA, the energy conversion process of the PSJA under single discharge has been investigated by thermodynamic theory analysis and numerical simulation. The relations between thermodynamic cycle efficiency, specific heat ratio of gas medium, non-dimensional energy deposition and heating efficiency are established by theoretical deduction. Employing the three-dimensional nonconstant electrode center energy deposition model, energy conversion processes in the PSJA with six different gas mediums have been investigated. The simulation results show that the thermodynamic cycle efficiency of the PSJA with noble gas medium can exceed 3.2 %, which is 1.92 times of the PSJA with air medium due to their low volume specific heat. The maximum jet x-velocity of helium can reach 493.11 m/s, which is 3.3 times higher than that of air. Consequently, noble gases prove to be effective in improving the thermodynamic cycle efficiency of the PSJA and enhancing the strength of the synthetic jet. The advancement in the performance of the PSJA contributes to their enhanced capabilities in the field of active flow control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radical scavengers were employed to evaluate the influence of various active species (•OH, •O, and H 2 O 2) on the rheological properties, antioxidant activity, and molecular conformation of chitosan under solution plasma process (SPP) degradation. ESR analysis showed that •OH and •O radicals played important roles in SPP degradation. The results of rheological properties and antioxidant activity indicated that the •OH scavenger (tert-butanol), •O scavenger (1, 4-benzoquinone), and H 2 O 2 scavenger (MnO 2) remarkably inhibited the decrease of G' and G" of the degraded chitosan, the formation of gel structure, and the increase of antioxidant activity. The analysis of molecular conformation of the chitosan by particle size analysis, atomic force microscopy (AFM), and high performance size exclusion chromatography coupled with multi-angle laser light scattering (HPSEC-MALLS) revealed that the decrease of particle size, molecular aggregation, and molecular weight of chitosan was inhibited after the addition of radical scavengers. An evident effect of radical scavengers on the hard sphere conformation of chitosan was observed. It was found that the above effects were strongly dependent on the scavenger concentration. These results proved that •OH, •O, and H 2 O 2 played important roles in SPP treatment. For the rheological properties and molecular conformation, H 2 O 2 exhibited the greatest impact. For the antioxidant activity and molecular weight, •OH presented the biggest influence. Besides, •O expressed the weakest effect. This study will be beneficial to reveal the action mechanisms of SPP technology to the degradation of chitosan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of ultrafine Ni nanoparticles (NPs) supported on biomass-derived macroporous carbon composites are conducted by γ-irradiation induced reduction method. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) characterization show that the obtained materials have abundant macroporous structure and the Ni NPs are evenly decorated on the surface of macroporous carbon. Both high irradiation doses and increasing Ni2+ contents favor the production of smaller dots. When the irradiation dose is 220 kGy and the C/Ni2+ mole ratio is 1:6, the average diameter of Ni NPs can reach 7.7 nm. Electromagnetic analyses indicate that the ultrafine Ni NPs have a positive effect on the magnetic loss ability, due to their strong natural ferromagnetic resonances. The obtained sample (CSC–Ni-3) exhibits the best microwave absorption performances among these composites, with the strongest reflection loss (RL) value of −70.2 dB at 10.8 GHz for the thickness of 2.3 mm, and the effective absorption band (EAB) in the X-band (8.2–12.4 GHz) is up to 3.2 GHz. The advantages of CSC-Ni-3 can be clearly established in both matched impedance and high magnetic loss ability. The γ-irradiation strategy presents a promising way for the design of ultrafine Ni NPs for high-performance microwave absorption. • The ultrafine Ni/biomass-derived macroporous carbon is synthesized with the γ-irradiation technique. • Controls of irradiation doses and Ni2+ contents are the key approaches to design morphologies of the composites. • The Ni nanoparticles/biomass-derived macroporous carbon shows high microwave absorption in the X-band. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pasteurella multocida, a zoonotic pathogen that produces a 146-kDa modular toxin (PMT), causes progressive atrophic rhinitis with severe turbinate bone degradation in pigs. However, its mechanism of cytotoxicity remains unclear. In this study, we expressed PMT, purified it in a prokaryotic expression system, and found that it killed PK15 cells. The host factor CXCL8 was significantly upregulated among the differentially expressed genes in a transcriptome sequencing analysis and qPCR verification. We constructed a CXCL8-knockout cell line with a CRISPR/Cas9 system and found that CXCL8 knockout significantly increased resistance to PMT-induced cell apoptosis. CXCL8 knockout impaired the cleavage efficiency of apoptosis-related proteins, including Caspase3, Caspase8, and PARP1, as demonstrated with Western blot. In conclusion, these findings establish that CXCL8 facilitates PMT-induced PK15 cell death, which involves apoptotic pathways; this observation documents that CXCL8 plays a key role in PMT-induced PK15 cell death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The evaluation of risk factors within the context of condition-based maintenance (CBM) for offshore wind turbines has been a challenging issue. In this paper, a novel risk analysis method that combines the fuzzy weighted with zero inconsistency (FWZIC) technique and the DEMATEL method under the linguistic Pythagorean fuzzy environment is proposed. Firstly, 75 risk factors linked to offshore wind turbines are identified by leveraging analysis and prior literature, which are modeled using linguistic Pythagorean fuzzy sets (LPFSs) to facilitate the complexity of expert opinions in the face of uncertainty. Then, the hybrid expert weight calculation method and the FWZIC-based criteria weight calculation method are introduced to determine the weights of the experts and the criteria while considering uncertainty. Next, the extended DEMATEL method under the linguistic Pythagorean fuzzy environment is adopted to determine the significance and influence of the pinpointed risk factors, and an illustrative cause–effect diagram is crafted to dissect the interconnections between these factors. Through this intricate analysis, the cause factors and effect factors specific to offshore wind turbines are identified, and the results obtained from the proposed method are validated through sensitivity analysis and comparative analysis. The results of this study could provide valuable recommendations and references for the implementation of CBM in offshore wind turbines. • Propose a linguistic Pythagorean fuzzy decision-making method for risk analysis. • Analyze and rank 75 risk factors for offshore wind turbines. • FWZIC is used to determine the weights of the criteria. • DEMATEL is adopted to determine the relationship and importance of the factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the radiation effects of commercially available medical disposable protective clothing materials under γ irradiation. FT‐IR, contact angle, DSC, OIT, and mechanical properties were used to examine the radiation effects of medical disposable protective clothing materials. The results showed when the radiation dose was less than or equal to 50 kGy, the FT‐IR spectra did not show any changes. However, when the radiation dose reached 70 kGy, new absorption peaks appeared in the infrared spectra of the TS−A and TS−B medical disposable protective clothing materials, indicating chemical changes. Contact angle analysis showed that medical disposable protective clothing materials were hydrophobic and had higher hydrophobicity on the inside than the outside under different packaging and irradiation conditions. Rheological analysis showed that the shear thinning phenomenon of medical disposable protective clothing materials increased significantly with the increase of radiation dose, and good rheological behavior was observed under vacuum packaging conditions when the radiation dose was 30 kGy. The crystallinity and initial crystallization temperature showed the order of vacuum, nitrogen, and air. The oxidation induction time trend was vacuum>nitrogen>air, while the fracture strength trend was nitrogen>vacuum>air. The mechanical properties met the national standard. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Disentangling the relationship between climate change and human activities is a major challenge in paleoenvironmental research. Here, we report a decadal-resolution sedimentological record from an annually laminated archive from the western Loess Plateau spanning the Middle-Late Holocene, along with a database of archaeological radiocarbon dates in northern central China. Our results reveal the occurrence of 400–600-yr cyclic variations in the climate over the last 6200 years, which correlate well with the periodicities of solar activity and the East Asian summer monsoon. This mode of climate change is associated temporally and regionally with specific prehistoric human activities. More favorable warm-humid environmental conditions may have simultaneously facilitated cultural prosperity and population growth, while less favorable cold-dry periods may have led to cultural alterations and population decline. In addition, we determine that there is a closely coupled relationship between the fluctuations in geopolitical and socioeconomic variables and the cyclicity of the environmental changes in imperial China. That is, the warm-humid cycles are characterized by the northward expansion of agriculturalist empires, a decrease in the number of battles, bumper grain harvests, and economic development, while the cold-dry cycles are characterized by the southward expansion of pastoralist empires, an increase in the number of battles, famines, and economic recession. Further analysis of our study will increase the understanding of human dispersal, cultural exchanges, and climate-human interactions within and beyond northern China. • A 400–600-yr cyclic variation in the climate occurred during the Middle-Late Holocene. • A close correspondence between periods of climate change and changes in prehistoric human activities and culture. • Fluctuations in geopolitical and socioeconomic variables are closely coupled with climate changes in imperial China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Detection of nitro pollutants is an important topic in environmental protection. A total of 3 Cd (II) complexes (1–3) based on 3 soft organic isomers, n-(3,5-dicarboxylato benzyloxy) benzoic acid (n = 2, 3 or 4-H3DBB), and a linear N-donor ligand, 3-bis(imidazole-l-ylmethyl) benzene (3-bibz), have been synthesized hydrothermally. Structural diversity of Complexes 1–3 displays the architectural 2D or 3D change: Complex 1 exhibits a 2D network featuring tri-nuclear metal units, Complex 2 is a 3D framework based on similar tri-nuclear metal units, and Complex 3 shows a 3D network with binuclear units. Fluorescent sensing properties exhibited in all these complexes have been discovered to detect nitrobenzene (NB) selectively and sensitively. In particular, Complex 3 possesses high sensitivity for NB with the lowest detection limit of 1.15 × 10−10 M. The results of the theoretical calculation verified the fluorescence detection mechanism of NB by these Cd-based complexes. Therefore, these Cd-based complexes might be used as excellent luminescent sensors for NB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of hemicellulose inhibits the enzymatic hydrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of different hemicellulose fractions on the enzymatic hydrolysis and the way to eliminate the inhibiting effect caused by hemicellulose. Four kinds of hemicelluloses, namely, HXF, H15, H30, and H60, were first extracted from corn stover by ethanol fractional precipitation. The structures of hemicellulose samples were analyzed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance, and high-performance ion chromatography. The results show that H30 has the strongest inhibition on the enzymatic hydrolysis of Avicel and corn stover, presenting inhibition ratio of 13.35% and 9.98%, respectively. The inhibition ratios of other hemicelluloses in Avicel and corn stover are 8–12% and 5–9%, respectively. However, the inhibiting effect caused by H30 is removed by adding hemicellulase, which even presents a 4.99% increase in the efficiency of enzymatic hydrolysis of corn stover. The corresponding glucose concentration reached 68.11 g/L. This research could help design effective processes to promote the enzymatic hydrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microplastics (MPs) widely co-occur with various pollutants in soils. However, the data related to the impacts of MPs on terrestrial animal and microbial properties in pesticide-contaminated soils are few. In this study, the influence of MPs (0.01%, 0.1%, and 1%) on nicosulfuron concentrations in soil (10 µg/g) and earthworms were investigated, moreover, microbial community structure and diversity in soil and earthworm gut were also measured. After 30 days, the concentration of nicosulfuron in soil decreased to 1.27 µg/g, moreover, the residual concentration of nicosulfuron in soil (1%MPs and nicosulfuron) was only 44.8% of that in the single nicosulfuron treatment group. The accumulation of nicosulfuron in earthworms (1%MPs and nicosulfuron) was 7.37 µg/g, which was 1.82 times of that in the single nicosulfuron treatment group. In addition, 1% MPs decreased the richness and diversity of the soil and gut bacterial community in earthworms as well as altered microbial community composition, leading to the enrichment of specific microbial community. Our findings imply that MPs may change the migration of pesticides to terrestrial animal and as well as microbial diversity in earthworms and soil. [Display omitted] • MPs altered microbial community composition and diversity in soil and earthworm gut. • MPs stimulated the relative abundance of Pseudomonas in soil. • MPs changed the metabolic route of bacteria and degradation of nicosulfuron in soil. • MPs enhanced the accumulation of nicosulfuron in earthworms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil health arguably depends on biodiversity and has received wide attention in heavy-metal (HM) contaminated farmland remediation in recent years. However, long-term effects and mechanisms of soil amendment remain poorly understood with respect to soil microbal community. In this in-situ field study, four soil amendments (attapulgite-At, apatite-Ap, montmorillonite-M, lime-L) at three rates were applied once only for ten years in a cadmium (Cd)–copper (Cu) contaminated paddy soil deprecated for over five years. Results showed that after ten years and in compared with CK (no amendment), total Cd concentration and its risk in plot soils were not altered by amendments (p > 0.05), but total Cu concentration and its risk were significantly increased by both Ap and L, especially the former, rather than At and M (p < 0.05), through increased soil pH and enhanced bacterial alpha diversity as well as plant community. Soil microbial communities were more affected by amendment type (30%) than dosage (11%), microbial network characteristics were dominated by rare taxa, and soil multifunctionality was improved in Ap- and L-amended soils. A structural equation model (SEM) indicated that 57.3% of soil multifunctionality variances were accounted for by soil pH (+0.696) and microbial network robustness (−0.301). Moreover, microbial robustness could be potentially used as an indicator of soil multifunctionality, and Ap could be optimized to improve soil health in combined with biomass removal. These findings would advance the understanding of soil microbial roles, especially its network robustness, on soil multifunctionality for the remediation of metal contaminated soils and metal control management strategies in acidic soils. Farmland soil contamination by heavy metals (HMs) has been becoming a serious global environmental challenge. However, most studies have been conducted over the short term, leading to a gap in the long-term remediation efficiency and ecological benefits of soil amendments. For the successful deployment of immobilization technologies, it is critical to understand the long-term stability of the immobilized HMs and soil health. Our study, to the best of our knowlege, is the first to state the long-term effects and mechanisms of soil amendments on soil health and optimize an effective and eco-friendly amendment for long-term Cd/Cu immobilization. [Display omitted] • Four soil amendments were applied with a one-off and post ten years. • Soil microbial community and bacteria alpha diversity were changed significantly. • Microbial network was dominated by rare taxa under apatite- and lime-amended soils. • Soil multifunctionality were driven by soil pH and microbial network robustness. • Apatite especial with high dosages was optimized for improving soil multifunctionality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ewing sarcoma remains the second most prevalent primary aggressive bone tumor in teens and young adults. The aim of our study was to develop and validate a web-based nomogram to predict the overall survival for Ewing sarcoma in children. Methods: A total of 698 patients, with 640 cases from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (the training set) and 58 cases (the external validation set), were included in this study. Cox analyses were carried out to determine the independent prognostic indicators, which were further included to establish a web-based nomogram. The predictive abilities were tested through the concordance index, calibration curve, decision curve analysis, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. Results: As suggested by univariate and multivariate Cox analyses, age, primary site, tumor size, metastasis stage (M stage), and chemotherapy were included as the independent predictive variables. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve values, calibration curves, concordance index, and decision curve analysis from training and validation groups suggested the model has great clinical applications. Conclusion: We developed a convenient and precise web-based nomogram to evaluate overall survival for Ewing sarcoma in children. The application of this nomogram would assist physicians and patients in making decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mulberry leaves (Morus alba L.) exhibit antidiabetic properties; however, their taste is unappetizing, leading to limited practical applications. Although Fu brick tea has a favorable flavor, its hypoglycemic effects are weak. Hence, we combined the two to create mulberry leaf Fu brick tea (SF) and investigated its sensory perception, safety, microorganism content, key metabolites, and impact on hyperglycemic mice using the same raw materials and techniques to prepare Fu brick tea (F) and mulberry leaf brick tea (S) individually. Our study showed that SF, which comprises blended mulberry leaf primary dark tea and primary dark tea (1 : 3 g/g), was sweeter and smoother, with a median lethal dose of 22.3 g/kg, indicating that it is safe for consumption. Compared to F, caffeine levels were reduced in SF and 1-deoxynojirimycin and aminobutyric acid levels were increased. Phenolic substances and flavonoids showed increased levels in SF compared with S. These changes contribute to the taste and functionality of SF. The primary microorganisms in SF were Bacillus, Lactobacillus, and Aspergillus, which contributed to the improved quality. SF demonstrated its antidiabetic effects by reducing the blood sugar levels of hyperglycemic mice, restoring the function of pancreatic cells, reducing lipid levels, and improving the antioxidant capacity of the liver. Overall, SF exhibited a better taste and antidiabetic properties than F and S, highlighting its potential as a functional beverage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tassel weight (TW) is a crucial agronomic trait that significantly affects pollen supply and grain yield development in maize breeding. To improve maize yield and develop new varieties, a comprehensive understanding of the genetic mechanisms underlying tassel weight is essential. In this study, tropical maize inbred lines, namely CML312, CML373, CML444, and YML46, were selected as female parents and crossed with the elite maize inbred line Ye107, which served as the common male parent, to develop a multi-parent population comprising four F8 recombinant inbred line (RIL) subpopulations. Using 6616 high-quality single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers, we conducted genome-wide association analysis (GWAS) and genomic selection (GS) on 642 F8 RILs in four subpopulations across three different environments. Through GWAS, we identified 16 SNPs that were significantly associated with TW, encompassing two stable loci expressed across multiple environments. Furthermore, within the candidate regions of these SNPs, we discovered four novel candidate genes related to TW, namely Zm00001d044362, Zm00001d011048, Zm00001d011049, and Zm00001d031173 distributed on chromosomes 1, 3, and 8, which have not been previously reported. These genes are involved in processes such as signal transduction, growth and development, protein splicing, and pollen development, all of which play crucial roles in inflorescence meristem development, directly affecting TW. The co-localized SNP, S8_137379725, on chromosome 8 was situated within a 16.569 kb long terminal repeat retrotransposon (LTR-RT), located 22.819 kb upstream and 26.428 kb downstream of the candidate genes (Zm00001d011048 and Zm00001d011049). When comparing three distinct GS models, the BayesB model demonstrated the highest accuracy in predicting TW. This study establishes the theoretical foundation for future research into the genetic mechanisms underlying maize TW and the efficient breeding of high-yielding varieties with desired tassel weight through GS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using 5 grades of conventional cigarette finished tobacco as the research object, multiple linear regression analysis method was used to study the influence of physical indicators of cut tobacco on its rebound characteristics, and a prediction model for tobacco rebound characteristics based on BP neural network was constructed. The results showed that the degree of influence of physical indicators of cut tobacco on the rebound characteristics of tobacco was ranked from large to small as follows: broken tobacco rate>medium tobacco rate>long tobacco rate>filling value>elasticity>moisture content. Among them, medium tobacco rate, long tobacco rate, elasticity, and moisture content were positively correlated with the rebound characteristics of tobacco, while broken tobacco rate and filling value were negatively correlated with the rebound characteristics of tobacco. In the constructed BP neural network prediction model, the comparison between the predicted value of the test set and the true value R² was 0.965 7, the overall model accuracy reached 98. 10%. The difference between the predicted and measured values of cut tobacco rebound characteristics was small, and the model had high prediction accuracy and reliability, which could be used for accurate estimation of cut tobacco rebound characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, hotspot regions, QTL clusters, and candidate genes for eight ear-related traits of maize (ear length, ear diameter, kernel row number, kernel number per row, kernel length, kernel width, kernel thickness, and 100-kernel weight) were summarized and analyzed over the past three decades. This review aims to (1) comprehensively summarize and analyze previous studies on QTLs associated with these eight ear-related traits and identify hotspot bin regions located on maize chromosomes and key candidate genes associated with the ear-related traits and (2) compile major and stable QTLs and QTL clusters from various mapping populations and mapping methods and techniques providing valuable insights for fine mapping, gene cloning, and breeding for high-yield and high-quality maize. Previous research has demonstrated that QTLs for ear-related traits are distributed across all ten chromosomes in maize, and the phenotypic variation explained by a single QTL ranged from 0.40% to 36.76%. In total, 23 QTL hotspot bins for ear-related traits were identified across all ten chromosomes. The most prominent hotspot region is bin 4.08 on chromosome 4 with 15 QTLs related to eight ear-related traits. Additionally, this study identified 48 candidate genes associated with ear-related traits. Out of these, five have been cloned and validated, while twenty-eight candidate genes located in the QTL hotspots were defined by this study. This review offers a deeper understanding of the advancements in QTL mapping and the identification of key candidates associated with eight ear-related traits. These insights will undoubtedly assist maize breeders in formulating strategies to develop higher-yield maize varieties, contributing to global food security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultra-high-speed laser cladding (UHSLC) not only offers an efficient solution to the limitations of conventional laser cladding but also aligns with the contemporary objectives of material conservation and efficiency enhancement in metal protective coatings. This study investigates the fabrication of CrFeCoNiMo 0.2 high-entropy alloy (HEA) coatings using UHSLC and traditional laser cladding (TLC) methods. Key aspects such as macroscopic forming quality, element distribution, dilution rate, grain morphology, hardness, and electrochemical corrosion properties of both UHSLC and TLC coatings are thoroughly examined. Notably, UHSLC-produced coatings, with their significantly reduced thickness ranging from 100 to 300 μm, demonstrate an impressively low substrate dilution rate compared to the 2–3 mm thickness of TLC coatings. The rapid solidification inherent in UHSLC leads to smaller grain sizes in the coating, resulting in enhanced hardness. Moreover, the UHSLC coating exhibits superior corrosion resistance, characterized by a lower maintaining-passivity current density in 1 mol/L H 2 SO 4 and a higher self-corrosion potential relative to TLC coatings. This work presents a novel approach, employing high-efficiency and low-cost laser-cladding technology, to minimize dilution in the matrix and improve the coating properties of HEAs. • There are no macroscopic and microscopic defects in HEAs prepared by UHSLC. • Uniform distribution of elements in ultra-thin coating of CrFeCoNiMo 0.2 HEA. • The CrFeCoNiMo 0.2 HEA nanocrystalline coating was synthesized by UHSLC. • Nanocrystalline CrFeCoNiMo 0.2 HEA coating exhibit excellent corrosion resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a new creep aging route (pre-deformation+slow-heated creep aging, PSHCA) of AA2050 alloys was developed by the slow heating (20 °C/h) from 120 °C to 180 °C. The PSHCA alloy exhibits high creep strain with a simultaneous increase of strength and plasticity. The yield strength, ultimate tensile strength, and elongation reached 544 MPa, 581 MPa, and 11.1%, respectively. Both the rolling pre-deformation before aging and stress field during aging promoted the increased dislocation density and dense precipitation of T 1 phases in the aged alloys, hence, the strength was improved at the expense of plasticity. Meanwhile, the bimodal diameter distribution of T 1 phase of the PSHCA alloy and the enrichment of Ag atoms at T 1 /matrix interface was promoted by slow heating, slowing down the thickening of T 1 phases. This further promoted the plasticity of PSHCA alloys while maintaining high strength. Additionally, the slow precipitation of T 1 phase at the early stage of aging promoted dislocation slip and thus improving the creep strain of PSHCA alloys. These findings pave a way in designing large-curved and high-performance Al-Li components by creep aging technology. • Slow-heated creep aging enhanced strength and plasticity of AA2050 alloys. • Slow heating thinned T 1 phases, which benefited to strength and plasticity. • Thin T 1 phases were closely related to interfacial enrichment of Ag atoms. • Bimodal distribution of T 1 phase diameters avoided stress concentration. • Slow heating weakened dislocation slip barriers and increased creep strain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a heterogeneous ecosystem containing cancer cells, immune cells, stromal cells, cytokines, and chemokines which together govern tumor progression and response to immunotherapies. Methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3), a core catalytic subunit for RNA N 6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification, plays a crucial role in regulating various physiological and pathological processes. Whether and how METTL3 regulates the TME and anti-tumor immunity in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remain poorly understood. Here, we report that METTL3 elevates expression of pro-tumorigenic chemokines including CXCL1, CXCL5, and CCL20, and destabilizes PD-L1 mRNA in an m6A-dependent manner, thereby shaping a non-inflamed TME. Thus, inhibiting METTL3 reprograms a more inflamed TME that renders anti-PD-1 therapy more effective in several murine lung tumor models. Clinically, NSCLC patients who exhibit low-METTL3 expression have a better prognosis when receiving anti-PD-1 therapy. Collectively, our study highlights targeting METTL3 as a promising strategy to improve immunotherapy in NSCLC patients. [Display omitted] • METTL3 promotes the expression of CXCL1, CXCL5, and CCL20 via c-Myc in NSCLC • METTL3 mediates PD-L1 mRNA m6A modification, resulting in destabilizing PD-L1 in NSCLC • METTL3 inhibition improves anti-PD-1 therapy in syngeneic murine LLC tumor model • METTL3 deficiency enhances PD-1 blockade in KP and orthotopic mouse lung tumor models Yu et al. report inhibiting METTL3 reprograms an inflamed tumor microenvironment that renders anti-PD-1 therapy more effective in several preclinical mouse NSCLC tumor models, highlighting the combination of METTL3 inhibitor with PD-1/PD-L1 immune-checkpoint blockade as a promising therapeutic strategy for NSCLC patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Specific primers were designed for the poisonous plant Gelsemium elegans. • A qPCR method was established to distinguish GE and the easily confused species. • The strategy was successfully applied to the detection of processed food and honey. • It was helpful for honey quality supervision and food poisoning prevention. Gelsemium elegans (GE) is a widely distributed hypertoxic plant that has caused many food poisoning incidents. Its pollen can also be collected by bees to produce toxic honey, posing a great threat to the health and safety of consumers. However, for the complex matrices such as cooked food and honey, it is challenging to perform composition analysis. It is necessary to establish more effective strategies for investigating GE contamination. In this study, the real-time PCR (qPCR) analysis combined with DNA barcode matK was proposed for the identification and detection of GE. Fifteen honey samples along with twenty-eight individuals of GE and the common confusable objects Lonicera japonica , Ficus hirta , Stellera chamaejasme and Chelidonium majus were gathered. Additionally, the food mixtures treated with 20-min boiling and 30-min digestion were prepared. Specific primers were designed, and the detection capability and sensitivity of qPCR in honey and boiled and digested food matrices were tested. The results demonstrated that the matK sequence with sufficient mutation sites was an effective molecular marker for species differentiation. GE and the confusable species could be clearly classified by the fluorescence signal of qPCR assay with a high sensitivity of 0.001 ng/μl. In addition, this method was successfully employed for the detection of deeply processed food materials and honey containing GE plants which even accounted for only 0.1 %. The sequencing-free qPCR approach undoubtedly can serve as a robust support for the quality supervision of honey industry and the prevention and diagnosis of food poisoning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present work was to investigate the effect of heat treatment on the mechanical properties of CrMnFeCoNi high-entropy alloys with SiC addition (SiC-HEA) which were prepared using laser metal deposition (LMD). With the 2-h heat treatment at 900 °C, the yield strength, tensile strength and elongation of 5 at.% SiC added HEA samples were enhanced from 343 MPa, 631 MPa and 33.2% to 431 MPa, 717 MPa and 36.4%, respectively. For the 10 at.% SiC added HEA samples, comprehensive improvement in tensile strength and ductility was achieved to 706 MPa and 30.3% after 2-h heat treatment at 700 °C. The improvement in mechanical properties can be attributed to carbide particle morphology in the HEA with SiC addition transformed from coarseness to fine and uniform via heat treatment leading to the excellent combined effects of precipitation strengthening and stress dispersion. The present work introduces an innovative approach to utilizes heat treatment that adjust the morphology of strengthening phases in high-entropy alloys prepared by additive manufacturing, ultimately achieving outstanding mechanical properties. • SiC added CrMnFeCoNi high-entropy alloys were prepared via laser metal deposition. • Heat treatment can adjust the morphology and distribution of strengthening phases. • Appropriate heat treatment is conducive to improve strength and ductility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shield tunneling under complex geological conditions may lead to uneven surface settlement, thereby posing risks of damaging adjacent structures. This paper introduces the Geological Model for Numerical Simulation (GFNS) software, which employs OpenGL to implement a 3D geological model. The software incorporates an advanced geological stratum meshing algorithm based on conditional statements, facilitating the swift construction of numerical models for shield tunneling in intricate geological formations. In this study, a numerical model for shield tunneling in complex geological conditions was developed using GFNS. The research investigated potential risk levels to adjacent structures due to shield tunneling through alternating soft and hard geological strata along the tunnel's longitudinal axis. Moreover, the influence of shield excavation position and construction parameters on surface settlement was analyzed. Finally, a comparison was conducted with the traditional parallel geological modeling approach. The results revealed that simulating shield tunneling while considering complex geological conditions demonstrates a stronger correlation with the laws of stratum settlement. Thus, GFNS offers an auxiliary modeling method for simulating shield tunneling under complex geological conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The strength characteristics of unsaturated soil after freezing significantly influence the safety of engineering construction in frozen soil regions. In this study, the soil freezing characteristic curve (SFCC) and soil water characteristic curve (SWCC) of unsaturated lean clay were tested. Based on the similarity between SFCC and SWCC, the unfrozen water content of SFCC was used to replace the water content of the SWCC to obtain the expression for soil suction under different negative temperatures. A shear strength model of unsaturated frozen soil was established. According to unsaturated triaxial tests under different conditions, the effectiveness of the established unsaturated soil shear strength model was verified. The test results show that in the rapid freezing stage of the SFCC, the volumetric unfrozen water content with an initial matrix suction of 57 kPa exhibited the largest rate of change. The stress-strain curve of soil at positive temperature is strain hardening type, and that at negative temperature presents different types under the influence of temperature, initial matrix suction and confining pressure. The effective cohesion and internal friction angle of soil varied significantly under the influence of temperature and initial matrix suction. When the initial matrix suction was constant, the unsaturated shear strength of the soil increased nonlinearly with a decrease in temperature. When the temperature was ≥−5 °C, the shear strength increased with an increase in initial matrix suction, but decreased when the temperature was ≤−5 °C. The model fitting results were consistent with the measured results of the unsaturated triaxial test, which verifies the validity of the model. This research can provide a reference for studying the mechanical characteristics of unsaturated frozen soil under negative temperature. • The freezing characteristic curve (SFCC) and water characteristic curve (SWCC) are determined. • A shear strength model of unsaturated frozen soil is established based on SFCC and SWCC. • The shear strength of unsaturated frozen soil under various temperature are measured. • The validity of the established model is verified by the experimental data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The microstructures, fatigue crack growth (FCG) rates and low-cycle fatigue (LCF) behaviors of 1445 Al-Li alloy sheet with T6 aging at 170 °C, single-step T8 (S-T8) aging at 150 °C and double-step T8 (D-T8) aging at 170 °C following aging at 150 °C for 4 h were investigated. The main precipitates in T6 and S-T8 samples are δ′ phases, but strain strengthening causes 40 MPa enhancement in the S-T8 sample yield strength (YS). Due to coherent shearable δ′ precipitates, the FCG rate curves of S-T8 samples are highly coincident. With the 2nd-step aging time extension, δ′ precipitates in D-T8 sample gradually coarsen, semi-coherent S′ phases form and their amount increases. The interaction between δ′ precipitates with dislocations transites from shearing to by-passing, leading to the YS enhancement and the FCG resistance decrease. Meanwhile, cyclic-hardening decreases and transfers to cyclic-softening during LCF at starin amplitude of 0.6% ∼ 0.9%. At 0.9% strain amplitude, due to greater cyclic-softening and cleavage fracture of S′ precipitates, the D-T8 sample with 2nd-step aging time of 120 h has a shorter LCF life. The D-T8 sample with 2nd-step aging time of 24 h possesses a comprehensive property of higher strength, lower FCG rate and better LCF life. • The 1445 Al alloy with δ' phase as the main precipitated phases is an excellent middle-strength and damage-resistant alloy. • The low cycle fatigue (LCF) life can be predicted well when the strain amplitude is 0.6%. • Semi-coherent S′ phases in 1445 Al alloy results in the strength enhancement, cyclic-softening and decreased LCF life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maternal glucose intolerance in late pregnancy can easily impair pregnancy outcomes and placental development. The impairment of placental angiogenesis is closely related to the occurrence of glucose intolerance during pregnancy, but the mechanism remains largely unknown. In this study, the pregnant mouse model of maternal high-fat diet and endothelial injury model of porcine vascular endothelial cells (PVECs) was used to investigate the effect of glucose intolerance on pregnancy outcomes and placental development. Feeding pregnant mice, a high-fat diet was shown to induce glucose intolerance in late pregnancy, and significantly increase the incidence of resorbed fetuses. Moreover, a decrease was observed in the proportion of blood sinusoids area and the expression level of CD31 in placenta, indicating that placental vascular development was impaired by high-fat diet. Considering that hyperglycemia is an important symptom of glucose intolerance, we exposed PVECs to high glucose (50 mM), which verified the negative effects of high glucose on endothelial function. Bioinformatics analysis further emphasized that high glucose exposure could significantly affect the angiogenesis-related functions of PVECs and predicted that Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) may be a key mediator of these functional changes. The subsequent regulation of KLF4 expression confirmed that the inhibition of KLF4 expression was an important reason why high glucose impaired the endothelial function and angiogenesis of PVECs. These results indicate that high-fat diet can aggravate maternal glucose intolerance and damage pregnancy outcome and placental angiogenesis, and that regulating the expression of KLF4 may be a potential therapeutic strategy for maintaining normal placental angiogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The AlCoCrFeNi 2.1 eutectic high-entropy alloy (EHEA) has become one of the hottest research topics owing to its comprehensive mechanical properties. In this study, the AlCoCrFeNi 2.1 EHEA was fabricated via the laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) technique, and the grain morphology, eutectic structure, mechanical properties, and deformation mechanism were investigated. The results indicate that the samples have superfine grains and nano-lamellar eutectic structures, attributable to the high cooling rate of the L-PBF process. Furthermore, the phenomenon of solute trapping was observed in the boundary of the FCC and B2 semi-cohesive phase in the nano-lamellar eutectic structure. Based on the special eutectic structure of the AlCoCrFeNi 2.1 EHEA prepared using the L-PBF technique, the samples exhibited an exceptional tensile strength of up to 1.6 GPa, accompanied by tensile ductility of over 9.5 %. The improvement of mechanical properties may be attributable to the Hall–Petch strengthening and back stress effect caused by refining the eutectic structure, whereas the growth of the nano-lamellar structure may be closely related to the solute-trapping effect. • Nano-lamellar EHEA with K–S type OR was prepared by additive manufacturing. • The L-PBF EHEA exhibited an exceptional tensile strength of up to 1.6 GPa. • The solute trapping phenomenon was observed at the boundary of nano-lamellar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soft-magnetic high-entropy alloy (HEA) Fe 33 Co 28 Ni 28 Ta 5 Al 6 were prepared by laser-melting deposition (LMD). The microstructures and mechanical as well as magnetic properties of the fabricated samples were investigated. All samples comprised face- and body-centered cubic phases, where the proportion of the latter increased when the laser power was increased from 800 to 1400 W. With the increasing laser power, the yield strengths of the samples decreased slightly, and the saturation magnetization (B S) of the samples remained at approximately 1.07 T, the coercivity increased from 1034 A/m to 4456 A/m. The study showed that high laser powers resulted in high stress levels and increased the blocking effect on the motion of the magnetic domain walls of the samples. This work would provide a path way for the rapid manufacturing of high-performance soft-magnetic HEAs. • Prepared a soft-magnetic high-entropy alloy via laser-melting deposition (LMD). • Obtained a soft-magnetic material with good yield strength (1380 MPa) at a laser power of 800 W. • The mechanical and magnetic properties of the alloy can be improved via adjusted the laser powders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adjusting the phase composition of high-entropy alloys is an effective approach to change its mechanical and magnetic properties. In this study, FeCoNiCr high-entropy alloys with Al addition (Al x FeCoNiCr; x = 0.0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0, 1.25, 1.75) were prepared by argon arc melting to obtain a special spinodal decomposition structure. There precipitated body-centered cubic (BCC) phase in the face-centered cubic (FCC) phase matrix for the samples with Al (x = 0.25, 0.5, 0.75) addition. Furthermore, the increase in the Al content (x = 1.0, 1.25, 1.75) transformed the alloy into a BCC phase, and resulted in a spinodal decomposition in the alloy. This spinodal decomposition created a low-misfit coherent nanostructure combining the enriching AlNiCo ordered B2 matrix with enriching Fe–Cr BCC disordered nanoprecipitates. The difference in the distribution of chemical elements of the two phases leads to different magnetic properties and induces the magnetoresistance (MR) effect. This provides a pathway for the design of advanced functional high-entropy alloys. [Display omitted] • Spinodal decomposition can induce magnetoresistance (MR) in AlFeCoNiCr alloy. • The magnetic and nonmagnetic phase is necessary condition for inducing MR effect. • The mechanical and MR properties can be controlled by spinodal decomposition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]