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The edge detection method based on the magnetic gradient tensor data plays an important role in magnetic exploration because it is free from geomagnetic interference and contains more abundant information. This paper proposes a new anomaly edge detection method using the magnetic gradient tensor components. The model is established to compare with other methods, such as directional total horizontal derivative (THDz), analytical signal (AS), tilt angle, theta map, and so on, under conditions of vertical magnetization, oblique magnetization, and noise interference. Through the study of the anomaly distribution of the rectangular model, it is observed that the edge detection method proposed in this paper is nearly impervious to noise interference, exhibits strong anti-interference capabilities, delivers a high-quality boundary identification effect, and provides greater accuracy in anomaly edges with minimal error. When multiple anomalous bodies are present, the edge detection results are less susceptible to interference from each other, resulting in higher resolution. The efficiency of the algorithm is demonstrated by real magnetic data from some study areas in Jiangxi Province, China. The experimental results show that the proposed method is more precise and accurate than the total horizontal derivative, analytical signal, tilt angle, and theta map methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel fluorescent probe containing an imine structure was synthesized through a condensation reaction based on the skeleton of antipyrine. Due to the synergistic effect of photoinduced electron transfer (PET), excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT), and E/Z isomerization, the probe itself has weak fluorescence. When zinc ions are added to the ethanol solution of the probe, the formed complex inhibits PET, ESIPT, and E/Z isomerization while activating chelation-enhanced fluorescence (CHEF), resulting in fluorescent "turn-on" at 462 nm. Under optimal detection conditions, the probe can rapidly respond to zinc ions within 3 min, with a linear range of 60–220 μM and a lower limit of detection (LOD) of 0.63 μM. It can also specifically identify zinc ions in the presence of 13 common metal ions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Jimsar Sag is an important shale oil exploration target area in the Junggar Basin, northwestern China. The Permian Lucaogou Formation, with a thickness of 200–300 m, is the primary exploration target. High-frequency variation in lithology is a typical feature of the Lucaogou Formation, reflecting the fluctuation of the depositional environment and organic matter enrichment. The evolution of the depositional environment and accumulation mechanism of organic matter still need to be elucidated for the Lucaogou Formation. High-resolution sampling of the entire Lucaogou Formation was applied to a 248 m long core from Well JX in the Jimsar Sag to examine the depositional environment and organic matter enrichment. The findings unveiled that the Lucaogou Formation was deposited under a hot and arid climate, within the confines of a closed saline paleo-lake, where sediments endured an extended period of anoxic conditions, displayed periodic oscillations in paleo-temperature and paleo-salinity values over time, alongside a continuous rise in paleo-water depth. The predominant source lithology of the Lucaogou Formation is felsic igneous rock. Small-scale transgression and hydrothermal sedimentation occurred during the deposition of the Lucaogou Formation. The prevailing hot climate and enduring reducing environment fostered ideal circumstances for the enrichment of organic matter in the Lucaogou Formation. Due to different sedimentary environments and enrichment mechanisms, organic matter is enriched in two modes in the Lucaogou Formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Retained placenta (RP) affects lactation and fertility in dairy cows and causes economic losses to the dairy industry. Therefore, screening for early warning of this disease is important. This study used multi omics techniques to reveal the metabolic differences of dairy cows before RP onset and to find potential warning markers. Fecal samples and serum samples of 90 healthy Holstein cows were collected 7 days pre-calving; 10 healthy and 10 RP cows were enrolled according to normal expulsion of fetal membranes after calving. Fecal samples were subjected to 16S rRNA sequencing and untargeted metabolomics analysis, while plasma was analyzed using targeted metabolomics. Pathogenic bacteria levels increased in the intestines of cows with RP compared to those in healthy cows. Lipid metabolites constituted the largest proportion of differential metabolites between feces and plasma. Six potential warning markers for RP in cows were identified, including two fecal microbiomics markers (Oscillospiraceae UCG-005 and Escherichia-Shigella), one fecal untargeted metabolomics marker (N-acetylmuramic acid), and three plasma targeted metabolomics markers (glycylcholic acid-3 sulfate, 7-ketolithocholic acid, and 12-ketolithocholic acid). These biomarkers can predict RP occurrence in the early perinatal period. These results lay a theoretical foundation for early nutritional intervention and pathogenesis research in dairy cows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a burgeoning public health challenge worldwide. Individuals with T2DM are at increased risk for skeletal muscle atrophy, a serious complication that significantly compromises quality of life and for which effective prevention measures are currently inadequate. Emerging evidence indicates that systemic and local inflammation stemming from the compromised intestinal barrier is one of the crucial mechanisms contributing to skeletal muscle atrophy in T2DM patients. Notably, natural plant polysaccharides were found to be capable of enhancing intestinal barrier function and mitigating secondary inflammation in some diseases. Herein, we hypothesized that Grifola frondosa polysaccharide (GFP), one of the major plant polysaccharides, could prevent skeletal muscle atrophy in T2DM via regulating intestinal barrier function and inhibiting systemic and local inflammation. Using a well-established T2DM rat model, we demonstrated that GFP was able to not only prevent hyperglycemia and insulin resistance but also repair intestinal mucosal barrier damage and subsequent inflammation, thereby alleviating the skeletal muscle atrophy in the T2DM rat model. Additionally, the binding free energy analysis and molecular docking of monosaccharides constituting GFP were further expanded for related targets to uncover more potential mechanisms. These results provide a novel preventative and therapeutic strategy for T2DM patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Classical swine fever (CSF) is caused by the classical swine fever virus (CSFV), which poses a threat to swine production. The activation of host innate immunity through linker proteins such as tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNF-R)-associated factor (TRAF) is crucial for the induction of the NF-κB pathway. Recent research has revealed the involvement of mitochondrial antiviral-signaling protein (MAVS) in the interaction with TRAF2, 3, 5, and 6 to activate both the NF-κB and IRF3 pathways. This study revealed that CSFV infection led to the upregulation of TRAF1 mRNA and protein levels; moreover, TRAF1 overexpression inhibited CSFV replication, while TRAF1 knockdown promoted replication, highlighting its importance in the host response to CSFV infection. Additionally, the expression of RIG-I, MAVS, TRAF1, IRF1, and ISG15 were detected in PK-15 cells infected with CSFV, revealing that TRAF1 plays a role in regulating IRF1 and ISG15 within the RIG-I pathway. Furthermore, Co-IP, GST pull-down, and IFA analyses demonstrated that TRAF1 interacted with MAVS and co-localized in the cytoplasm during CSFV infection. Ultimately, TRAF1 acted as a novel member of the TRAF family, bound to MAVS as a linker molecule, and functioned as a mediator downstream of MAVS in the RIG-I/MAVS pathway against CSFV replication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The migration, proliferation, and apoptosis of trophoblastic cells play a crucial role in ensuring the effective preservation of pregnancy at the maternal–fetal interface. Any deviations in the structure and function of these cells might potentially result in the development of numerous pregnancy-related disorders, including missed abortion (MA). This study involved the examination of semaphorin 4A (SEMA4A) expression in missed abortion (n = 18) and normal early pregnancy (n = 18) villus. The findings of this study indicate a statistically significant decrease in the expression of SEMA4A in the villi of individuals diagnosed with missed abortion, as compared to the control group. The results of our vitro study showed that SEMA4A promoted the migration and proliferation of trophoblast cells and inhibited their apoptosis. Subsequent studies have shown that SEMA4A may be involved in regulating p-STAT3/STAT3, MMP9, bcl-2, and BAX levels. In summary, the findings of this study indicate a correlation between the decreased level of SEMA4A in chorionic villi and missed abortion. These results offer novel theoretical insights into the proper implantation and development of SEMA4A embryos at the maternal–fetal interface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In mammals, specificity protein 1 (SP1) was the first Cys2-His2 zinc finger transcription factor to be isolated within the specificity protein and Krüppel-like factor (Sp/KLF) gene family. SP1 regulates gene expression by binding to Guanine–Cytosine (GC)-rich sequences on promoter regions of target genes, affecting various cellular processes. Additionally, the activity of SP1 is markedly influenced by posttranslational modifications, such as phosphorylation, acetylation, glycosylation, and proteolysis. SP1 is implicated in the regulation of apoptosis, cell hypertrophy, inflammation, oxidative stress, lipid metabolism, plaque stabilization, endothelial dysfunction, fibrosis, calcification, and other pathological processes. These processes impact the onset and progression of numerous cardiovascular disorders, including coronary heart disease, ischemia-reperfusion injury, cardiomyopathy, arrhythmia, and vascular disease. SP1 emerges as a potential target for the prevention and therapeutic intervention of cardiac ailments. In this review, we delve into the biological functions, pathophysiological mechanisms, and potential clinical implications of SP1 in cardiac pathology to offer valuable insights into the regulatory functions of SP1 in heart diseases and unveil novel avenues for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The increasing antibiotic resistance of Vibrio parahaemolyticus (V. parahaemolyticus), a critical halophilic pathogen, has become a significant concern, highlighting the need for a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms governing bacterial drug resistance in V. parahaemolyticus. Porins, essential proteins located in the outer membrane, play a direct role in influencing antimicrobial resistance mechanisms in bacteria. This study aimed to characterize a novel porin and evaluate its role in antimicrobial resistance by constructing a deletion mutant (∆Vp-porin). The results showed that ∆Vp-porin exhibited impaired membrane integrity and increased susceptibility to certain antibiotics. Furthermore, the motility of ∆Vp-porin was impaired, and its virulence was attenuated, as assessed by Tetrahymena. These findings demonstrate the significant role of Vp-porin in modulating antimicrobial resistance and bacterial virulence. Porins are crucial proteins located in the outer membrane that directly influence antimicrobial resistance mechanisms and virulence in bacteria. In this study, a porin gene (Vp-porin) was cloned in V. parahaemolyticus, and the function of Vp-Porin in biological characteristics and virulence was investigated. The results of sequence analysis showed that Vp-Porin is highly conserved in Vibrio spp., and the predicted 3D structure showed it could form a 20-strand transmembrane β-barrel domian. Membrane permeabilization provides evidence that the membrane integrity of ∆Vp-porin was damaged and the sensitivity to tetracycline, polymyxin B, rifampicin and cephalothin of ∆Vp-porin obviously increased. In addition, loss of Vp-porin damaged motility due to downregulated flagellar synthesis. In addition, ∆Vp-porin exhibited attenuated cytotoxicity to Tetrahymena. The relative survival rate of Tetrahymena infection with ∆Vp-porin was 86%, which is much higher than that with WT (49%). Taken together, the results of this study indicate that Vp-Porin in V. parahaemolyticus plays various roles in biological characteristics in membrane integrity, antimicrobial resistance and motility and contributes to virulence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cognitive engagement is a crucial factor that shapes successful learning outcomes, but our understanding of the factors that influence such engagement in the smart classroom context remains limited. This study aims to narrow this research gap by exploring the relationships among college students' perceptions of the smart learning environment, perceived usefulness of mobile technology, achievement emotions, and cognitive engagement. A total of 1293 college students completed an online questionnaire survey, and 1076 valid responses were received. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the interrelationships among these factors. The results revealed that students' perceptions of the smart classroom environment and perceived usefulness of mobile technology as well as two achievement emotions (pride and anxiety) significantly impact cognitive engagement. Both pride and anxiety act as mediators in the relationships among perceptions of smart classroom environments, the perceived usefulness of mobile technology, and cognitive engagement, in which context the mediating effect of pride is stronger than that of anxiety. These findings have practical implications for instructors, who should focus on implementing strategies that promote positive achievement emotions when students use mobile technology in smart classrooms. Additionally, these findings can inform the design and construction of smart classroom environments. Moreover, our study has limitations due to reliance on online data collection and self-reported data, which may introduce biases and measurement errors. Future research should incorporate multimodal data and advanced technologies for a comprehensive assessment to better understand students' engagement in smart learning environments, while also considering individual factors and the educational context to enhance the effectiveness of mobile technology in supporting students' emotions and achievement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stress and academic self-efficacy are crucial factors in the psychological health of college students. Previous research has shown that stress is associated with academic self-efficacy, but their longitudinal relationships among students at elite colleges remain unclear. This study aimed to explore the longitudinal relationships between stress and academic self-efficacy among students from five elite colleges in China. Descriptive statistics indicated that students experienced a slight reduction in stress accompanied by a marginal increase in academic self-efficacy from the junior year to the senior year. Correlation analysis revealed that stress was negatively correlated with academic self-efficacy. According to cross-lagged models, heightened stress significantly predicted lower levels of academic self-efficacy. However, greater academic self-efficacy did not significantly predict lower stress. In conclusion, stress exhibited a unidirectional negative prediction on academic self-efficacy over time among students at elite colleges. The results of this study suggested that elite colleges should pay more attention to the mental health of students and provide appropriate guidance, such as establishing a positive mental health atmosphere in the educational environment and employing advanced technological means. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a metal matrix composite material consisting of NiTi wires embedded in nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) that preserves NBR's inherent acoustic characteristics while enabling acoustic modification through the NiTi phase transition induced by stress and temperature. The macroscopic mechanical parameters of transversely isotropic NiTi-NBR composite materials are derived by means of a secondary bridging model that takes into account interfacial phases. On this basis, the acoustic impedance properties and absorption coefficient of composite materials were examined as a function of NiTi volume fraction using the transfer matrix method. The accuracy and effectiveness of the theoretical method were verified by comparing the calculated results with finite element simulation. The research results indicated that regulating the volume fraction of NiTi can lead to the anticipated value of the input impedance of composite materials, improving impedance matching with media like water and rubber, which offers novel insights and a theoretical foundation for the development of underwater sound-absorbing materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OM, SEM, EBSD, and other analytical techniques were utilized to investigate the effects of the rotating speed of a mixing head on the microstructures and mechanical properties of a joint. The results indicate that, compared with the base material, the grain size in the nugget zone is significantly refined. Furthermore, as the rotational speed of the mixing head increases, the grain size in the nugget zone increases noticeably, and the proportion of high-angle grain boundary length initially decreases and then increases. The texture types in different areas of the joint are markedly distinct: the base material primarily consists of recrystallization texture and rolling texture, while the core zone mainly comprises C-shear texture. Among the joints tested at various rotation speeds, the lowest hardness values are observed in the advancing side heat-affected zone, and the tensile properties of the joints are notably reduced due to the dissolution and coarsening of the second phase. The joint exhibits optimal performance at 1000 r/min, with a tensile strength and elongation of 196.3 MPa and 13.5%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel Ni-Co-Cr-based medium-entropy superalloy with a high Si content (7.5 at%) strengthened by an L12 phase was developed. The pure L12 phase, characterized by an average size of 50 nm and a volume fraction of 46%, was precipitated within the FCC matrix. This alloy exhibits excellent mechanical properties over a wide range of temperatures from 77 K to 1073 K. A yield strength of 1005 MPa, an ultimate tensile strength of 1620 MPa, and a tensile elongation of 36% were achieved at 77 K, with a maximum value of 4.8 GPa at the second stage of the work-hardening rate. The alloy maintains a basically consistent yield strength of approximately 800 MPa from 298 K to 973 K, showcasing significant strain-hardening capabilities, with values of 2.5 GPa, 3.7 GPa, and 4.8 GPa at 873 K, 298 K, and 77 K, respectively. Microscopic analysis revealed that at room and cryogenic temperatures, multilayer stacking faults (SFs), SF bands, and SF networks, rather than twins, effectively stored a large number of dislocations and impeded dislocation movement, thereby enhancing the work-hardening ability of the alloy. Furthermore, at 773 K, the primary deformation mechanism involved high-density dislocation walls (HDDWs) consisting of dislocation tangles and SF lines. As the temperature rose to 973 K, the work-hardening process was influenced by the APB shearing mechanism (in the form of dislocation pairs), SF lines, and microtwins generated through atomic rearrangement. This study not only provides valuable insights for the development of new oxidation-resistant superalloys but also enhances our understanding of high-temperature deformation mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The occurrence and spread of infectious diseases pose considerable challenges to public health. While the relationship between the built environment and the spread of infectious diseases is well-documented, there is a dearth of urban planning tools specifically designed for conducting Health Impact Assessments (HIAs) targeted at infectious diseases. To bridge this gap, this paper develops a comprehensive framework of an HIA for Urban Planning and Epidemic (HIA4UPE), formulated by considering the progression of public health incidents and the distinct transmission patterns of infectious diseases. This framework is designed to provide a comprehensive assessment by including a health risk-overlay assessment, health resource-quality assessment, health resource-equality assessment, and health outcome-impact prediction, enabling a multidimensional evaluation of the potential impacts of current environmental conditions or planning proposals on the incidence of infectious diseases. Furthermore, this paper advances the application of spatial analysis and computation, comprehensive assessment methodologies, and predictive analytics to conduct specific assessments. The theoretical framework and analytical tools presented in this paper contribute to the academic discourse and offer practical utility in urban planning and policymaking on epidemic prevention and control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reinforced concrete structures play a pivotal role in island and reef engineering projects. Given the resource constraints typical of island regions, substituting traditional manufactured sand aggregate with reef limestone not only reduces reliance on river sand but also addresses the issue of disposing of waste reef limestone slag generated during excavation. However, the performance characteristics of reef limestone concrete, particularly its bond strength with reinforcing steel, warrant further investigation. This is particularly true for the bond–slip behavior of the reinforcement. This study aims to elucidate the effects of various parameters on the bond performance between steel and reef limestone concrete through central pullout tests. These parameters include the type and diameter of the reinforcement, bond length, and loading rate. The investigation encompasses the analysis of load–slip curves, bond failure modes, and variations in bond stress. Additionally, using the Abaqus software, a numerical simulation was conducted to analyze the mesoscopic stress characteristics, thereby revealing the mechanisms of bond formation and failure modes between steel reinforcement and reef limestone concrete. The results indicate that the bond–slip curve for reef limestone concrete reinforced with ribbed rebars and Glass Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) rebars can be broadly categorized into four phases: minor slip, slip, decline, and residual, with the residual phase exhibiting a wave-like pattern. The predominant failure modes in reef limestone concrete are either pulling out or splitting. The bond stress in reef limestone concrete decreases with an increase in rebar diameter and bond length; conversely, it increases with the loading rate, although the ultimate slip decreases. The mesoscopic failure characteristics of reinforced reef limestone concrete, as simulated in Abaqus, are consistent with the experimental outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a method of enhancing public filler (PF) with nano-SiO2 (NS) to prepare modified recycled aggregate mortar (RAM). The improvement effect of NS solution at different concentrations and immersion times on the macroscopic physical properties of recycled public fine aggregates (PFA) was investigated. Moreover, the effect of NS on the basic physical properties and durability of recycled mortar (RM) and the reinforcement mechanism of NS on recycled mortar was analyzed through various techniques. Results indicated that the modification effect of NS could remove loose cement mortar from the surface of PFA. It reacted with calcium hydroxide and calcite to generate nano-particles that could fill pores in PFA. The water absorption rate of PFA decreased to 9.3% when immersed in 2% NS solution for 72 h. There was no significant improvement in the mechanical properties of RM when the solution concentration and immersion time were increased. However, the compressive strength of RM prepared by modifying PFA with 2% NS was increased by about 21.9%, and the capillary water absorption and electric flux were reduced by 56.3% and 15.1%, respectively. Micro-analysis results showed that the volcanic ash effect of NS enabled it to react with Ca(OH)2 adhered to the surface of PFA, generating C-S-H and improving the interfacial bonding of PFA. Moreover, NS adsorbed on the surface of PFA dispersed into the freshly mixed cement slurry, which further enhanced the internal structure of PFA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Beam bridges, as the primary structural form of medium and small-sized bridges, are extensively utilized for road and railway crossings over rivers and valleys. Ensuring their reliability during earthquakes is crucial not only for maintaining traffic flow but also for mitigating the seismic impact on the economy and society. Considering earthquake intensity and uncertain parameters, this paper proposes an innovative method for assessing the seismic reliability of simply-supported beam bridges under three different levels of seismic design: minor, moderate, and major earthquakes. The proposed method first estimates the probability of encountering three typical earthquake intensities during the design life of simply-supported beam bridges based on crowd intensity, benchmark intensity, and major earthquake intensity. It then introduces uncertain parameters and employs the point estimation method to calculate the probability of bridge passage under specific earthquake intensities. Finally, it combines these earthquake intensities to calculate the overall seismic reliability of simply-supported beam bridges. The effectiveness and efficiency of this method are demonstrated through calculations for a three-span, double-degree-of-freedom simply-supported beam bridge, and validated using Monte Carlo simulations. This research provides solid theoretical support for seismic assessment, design, and intensity-based reliability analysis of simply-supported beam bridges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the molding-free property and dry shrinkage of extrusion-based three-dimensional printable concrete (3DPC), the precision issues of 3DPC have not been solved effectively. One of the viable solutions for 3DPC precision improvement is to print using ultra-thin filaments. The challenges of ultra-thin-filament printing are extrudability, flowability, and fast solidification. To overcome these challenges and enhance precision, a customized 3D concrete printer with an ultra-thin diameter nozzle (6 mm) and fully sealed extrusion system was developed, and the mix design of ultra-thin-filament 3DPC (UTF-3DPC) was studied, including ingredients such as fly ash (FA), silica fume (SF), ordinary Portland cement (OPC), sodium dodecyl sulfate and cellulose (SDSC), water reducer, water, and sand. The function of UTF-3DPCs flowability and fast solidification with the proportion of water and SDSC was explored to obtain the optimal mix design. The standard compressive and flexural strengths of UTF-3DPC specimens were compared with the mold-cast vibrated and the mold-cast non-vibrated concrete. Their meso-scale and micro-scale structures were analyzed to expose the strength mechanism, according to the scanning electron microscope (SEM) images. A suitable mix design of UTF-3DPC was obtained and UTF-3DPC strength reached 80% of standard mold-cast concrete. The findings reported here provide a pathway to improve the precision of 3DPC and extend the application of 3D printing technology in engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study proposes a new type of composite slab with a separate joint, which not only improves the assembly rate but also enables unsupported construction. A static loading test was conducted to investigate the bending behavior of the composite slab with a separate joint under a distributed load. The test results showed that the test composite slab had good integrity and crack resistance. The separate joint can effectively transmit internal forces and conform to the requirements of practical engineering. In addition, a finite element model was developed for the composite slab. The experimental load and numerical load corresponding to the longitudinal crack penetrating the bottom surface of the slab were 9.0 kN/m2 and 8.6 kN/m2, respectively, with an error of less than 5%. It was demonstrated that the finite element model can accurately predict the mechanical behavior of the composite slab. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the development of technical requirements, the current challenges faced by bearing materials mainly revolve around high-temperature conditions and the trend towards material lightweighting. Full ceramic bearings are the new candidate due to their excellent properties. This article details the tribological and adsorption performance of chlorophenyl silicone oil (CPSO) as a high-temperature lubricant in ceramic tribological systems (ZrO2, Al2O3, and Si3N4). Among the three ceramic tribological systems, the lubrication performance can be ordered as Si3N4 > Al2O3 > ZrO2, as the wear rates of the ZrO2 and Al2O3 tribo-systems are almost 1135.67 and 283.33 times larger than that of the Si3N4 tribo-system, respectively. The observed results can be explained by the superior adsorption performance of CPSO on a Si3N4 ceramic surface, which was calculated by molecular dynamic simulation. The molecular dynamic simulation results show the adsorption energy of CPSO/Si3N4 is almost 54.09 and 61.18 times higher compared to that on ZrO2 and Al2O3 ceramics. These findings provide experimental and theoretical insights for understanding the lubrication performance of CPSO in a full ceramic tribo-system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Engine lubricants globally face the challenge of meeting the demands of new engine technologies while enhancing energy efficiency and reducing emissions. Lubricants must enhance their performance and sustainability, improve reliability in complex and harsh environments, and minimize environmental impact and health risks. This study explores the influence of two different formulations of low viscosity lubricants, tested through actual road endurance trials, on a hybrid vehicle's aftertreatment system performance and overall emission levels. The study includes 120,000 km of endurance testing in four different challenging environments in China, as well as 90,000 km of endurance testing in a typical urban and highway driving cycle in a large city. Results indicate that emissions from the test vehicles during the 120,000 km and 210,000 km durable Worldwide harmonized Light vehicle Test Cycles (WLTCs) meet China's Stage 6 light-duty vehicle emission standards, with the 210,000 km Real Driving Emission test (RDE) results also conforming to these standards. Relative to fresh TWC, the light-off temperature increased by a mere 60 °C, and the oxygen storage capacity declined by around 19% following endurance testing. Additionally, the GPF exhibited satisfactory performance after 210,000 km of endurance testing, showing lower backpressure values compared to the fresh-coated samples, with no notable ash buildup observed in the substrate. Drawing on the outcomes of actual road endurance testing, this study illustrates that employing low-to-mid-ash-content, low-viscosity lubricants is both compatible and reliable for aftertreatment systems in present or advanced hybrid technologies. Premium lubricants facilitate vehicles in sustaining compliant and stable emission performance, even amid harsh environments and complex operating conditions. Furthermore, the tested lubricants effectively inhibit excessive aging of the aftertreatment system over prolonged mileage. Moreover, this study discusses the feasibility of rapid aging evaluation methods for aftertreatment systems based on engine test benches, juxtaposed with actual road endurance testing. These findings and conclusions offer crucial references and guidance for enhancing lubricant performance and sustainability. Subsequent studies can delve deeper into the correlation between lubricant performance and environmental impact, alongside optimization strategies for lubricants across various vehicle models and usage scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Being a key component of the transmission system, the needle bearing's performance and service life affects the overall service life of mechanical equipment. This study takes needle bearings composed of AISI 52100 steel as the research object and studies the effect of carbonitriding surface strengthening treatment on the bearing friction, wear, and fatigue life. The carbon and nitrogen co-infiltration surface-strengthening method was employed to prepare cylindrical and disc samples. The surface hardness, residual austenite content, microscopic morphology and organization composition, coefficient of friction, and wear scar were studied to analyze the effect on the wear performance of the material. The bearing fatigue wear comparison test was conducted on a test bench to compare the actual fatigue life and surface damage of the needle bearing through conventional martensitic quenching heat treatment and carbonitriding treatment. The results demonstrate that the carbonitriding strengthening method enhances the toughness of the material while improving its surface hardness. It also improves the wear resistance of the needle roller bearings, and the fatigue life of the bearings is significantly improved. In conclusion, carbon and nitrogen co-infiltration treatment is a strengthening method that effectively extends the service life of needle roller bearings, indicating its high practical value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The occurrence of major public health crises, like the COVID-19 epidemic, present significant challenges to healthcare systems and the management of emergency medical resources worldwide. This study, by examining the practices of emergency medical resource management in select countries during the COVID-19 epidemic, and reviewing the relevant literature, finds that emergency hierarchical diagnosis and treatment systems (EHDTSs) play a crucial role in managing emergency resources effectively. To address key issues of emergency resource management in EHDTSs, we examine the features of EHDTSs and develop a research framework for emergency resource management in EHDTSs, especially focusing on the management of emergency medical personnel and medical supplies during evolving epidemics. The research framework identifies key issues of emergency medical resource management in EHDTSs, including the sharing and scheduling of emergency medical supplies, the establishment and sharing of emergency medical supply warehouses, and the integrated dispatch of emergency medical personnel. The proposed framework not only offers insights for future research but also can facilitate better emergency medical resource management in EHDTSs during major public health emergencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Under the backdrop of global aging, the escalating number of elderly individuals in poor health poses a growing social burden and impacts economic development and social stability. A fundamental question arises as to whether the advancements of digital finance (DF) can effectively enhance the physical health of the elderly. This study aims to investigate the impact of DF on the physical health of the elderly by utilizing data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) conducted in 2013, 2015, and 2018. The results reveal a significant positive impact of DF on enhancing the physical health of the elderly. Furthermore, the study demonstrates that this impact is particularly pronounced among the elderly with higher educational attainment, stronger intergenerational links, and those residing in central cities. A mechanism analysis further reveals that DF contributes to improving the physical health of the elderly by augmenting household disposable income, alleviating liquidity constraints, and enhancing the utilization of medical services. These findings offer valuable insights for the future development of DF and the implementation of policies promoting healthy aging and active aging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to examine the dietary views and practices and to identify associated barriers to and facilitators of healthy eating of rural residents emerging from poverty in the context of rapid socio-economic development. A qualitative design with semi-structured interviews was utilized to collect detailed insights into the dietary behaviors of 22 rural residents from 10 villages in Fengshan town, Dafang county, Guizhou province, China. Thematic analysis was applied to interpret the interview data, guided by the socio-ecological model. Four themes were identified: traditional eating patterns, factors influencing food choice, limited knowledge of healthy diet, and lack of nutritional guidance. Barriers to healthy eating included traditional but unhealthy foods, limited nutritional knowledge, inadequate understanding of nutritional requirements, overwhelming nutritional information, and limited professional guidance. Facilitators encompassed healthy traditional eating patterns, household composition, home gardening, preference for traditional bean and soy products, improved food supply and availability owing to poverty alleviation efforts, and being open to receiving professional dietary guidance. As a preliminary investigation into the dietary views and practices of this population, the study highlights a significant gap in the nutritional knowledge and guidance available to rural residents in China, emphasizing the need for comprehensive strategies that address the complex socio-ecological factors influencing dietary behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The quality governance level of an industry is a multi-index evaluation problem that must consider multiple dimensions and factors. This study is the first to construct a comprehensive quality governance evaluation model for the civil aircraft industry of China (CAIC). The index system for the quality governance evaluation of CAIC was established using a literature review, enterprise investigation, expert interviews, and questionnaire surveys. An Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) was employed to determine index weights. Based on the evaluation model, data from 53 aviation manufacturing enterprises were collected, and the quality governance level of the CAIC was empirically evaluated; thus, quantitative and qualitative evaluation results were obtained. This empirical study shows that the quality governance of the CAIC is currently at a "medium to low" level. Furthermore, critical factors and bottleneck indices restricting the quality governance level of the CAIC were identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The timing of potato tuberization is affected by potato ripeness, environmental factors, and polygene regulation. The accurate control of the transition to tuberization has both scientific and practical production value, but the key factors regulating this transition remain unclear. This study grafted an early-maturing potato variety (Favorita) scion to the late-maturing Qingshu 9 variety and demonstrated that a heterologous early-maturing scion can induce early potato formation on a late-maturing rootstock. The transcriptome of functional leaves and stolons of grafted plants was comprehensively analyzed and 593 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, including 38 transcription factors. Based on gene molecular function analysis and previous reports, we propose that PIF5, bHLH93, CBF3, ERF109, TCP19, and YABBY1 are the key DEGs that induce tuber formation in early- and late-maturing potatoes. The YABBY1 gene was subjected to functional verification. The leaf area of StYABBY1-overexpressing plants was smaller than the wild type and no potato tubercles were formed, while an RNA interference plant line showed no change in leaf area and formed tubers, indicating that StYABBY1 has a role in leaf size regulation and tuber formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chrysanthemums are among the world's most popular cut flowers, with their color being a key ornamental feature. The formation of these colors can be influenced by high temperatures. However, the regulatory mechanisms that control the fading of chrysanthemum flower color under high-temperature stress remain unclear. This study investigates the impact of high temperatures on the color and biochemical responses of purple chrysanthemums. Four purple chrysanthemum varieties were exposed to both normal and elevated temperature conditions. High-temperature stress elicited distinct responses among the purple chrysanthemum varieties. 'Zi Feng Che' and 'Chrystal Regal' maintained color stability, whereas 'Zi Hong Tuo Gui' and 'Zi lian' exhibited significant color fading, particularly during early bloom stages. This fading was associated with decreased enzymatic activities, specifically of chalcone isomerase (CHI), dihydroflavonol 4-reductase (DFR), and anthocyanidin synthase (ANS), indicating a critical period of color development under heat stress. Additionally, the color fading of 'Zi Lian' was closely related to the increased activity of the peroxidase (POD) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO). Conversely, a reduction in β-glucosidase (βG) activity may contribute significantly to the color steadfastness of 'Zi Feng Che'. The genes Cse_sc027584.1_g010.1 (PPO) and Cse_sc031727.1_g010.1 (POD) might contribute to the degradation of anthocyanins in the petals of 'Zi Hong Tuo Gui' and 'Zi Lian' under high-temperature conditions, while simultaneously maintaining the stability of anthocyanins in 'Zi Feng Che' and 'Chrystal Regal' at the early bloom floral stage. The findings of this research provide new insights into the physiological and biochemical mechanisms by which chrysanthemum flower color responds to high-temperature stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pineapple is a globally significant tropical fruit, but its cultivation faces numerous challenges due to abiotic and biotic stresses, affecting its quality and quantity. WRKY transcription factors are known regulators of stress responses, however, their specific functions in pineapple are not fully understood. This study investigates the role of AcWRKY31 by overexpressing it in pineapple and Arabidopsis. Transgenic pineapple lines were obtained using Agrobacterium-mediated transformation methods and abiotic and biotic stress treatments. Transgenic AcWRKY31-OE pineapple plants showed an increased sensitivity to salt and drought stress and an increased resistance to biotic stress from pineapple mealybugs compared to that of WT plants. Similar experiments in AcWRKY31-OE, AtWRKY53-OE, and the Arabidopsis Atwrky53 mutant were performed and consistently confirmed these findings. A comparative transcriptomic analysis revealed 5357 upregulated genes in AcWRKY31-OE pineapple, with 30 genes related to disease and pathogen response. Notably, 18 of these genes contained a W-box sequence in their promoter region. A KEGG analysis of RNA-Seq data showed that upregulated DEG genes are mostly involved in translation, protein kinases, peptidases and inhibitors, membrane trafficking, folding, sorting, and degradation, while the downregulated genes are involved in metabolism, protein families, signaling, and cellular processes. RT-qPCR assays of selected genes confirmed the transcriptomic results. In summary, the AcWRKY31 gene is promising for the improvement of stress responses in pineapple, and it could be a valuable tool for plant breeders to develop stress-tolerant crops in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fruit softening is a prominent attribute governing both longevity on shelves and commercial worth. Polygalacturonase (PG) plays a major role in strawberry fruit softening. However, the PG gene family in strawberry has not been comprehensively analyzed. In this study, 75 FaPG genes were identified in the octoploid strawberry genome, which were classified into three groups according to phylogenetic analysis. Subcellular localization prediction indicated that FaPGs are mostly localized to the plasma membrane, cytoplasm, and chloroplasts. Moreover, the expression of FaPGs during strawberry development and ripening of 'Benihoppe' and its softer mutant was estimated. The results showed that among all 75 FaPGs, most genes exhibited low expression across developmental stages, while two group c members (FxaC_21g15770 and FxaC_20g05360) and one group b member, FxaC_19g05040, displayed relatively higher and gradual increases in their expression trends during strawberry ripening and softening. FxaC_21g15770 was selected for subsequent silencing to validate its role in strawberry softening due to the fact that it exhibited the highest and most changed expression level across different developmental stages in 'Benihoppe' and its mutant. Silencing FxaC_21g15770 could significantly improve strawberry fruit firmness without affecting fruit color, soluble solids, cellulose, and hemicellulose. Conversely, silencing FxaC_21g15770 could significantly suppress the expression of other genes related to pectin degradation such as FaPG-like, FaPL, FaPME, FaCX, FaCel, FaGlu, FaXET, and FaEG. These findings provide basic information on the FaPG gene family for further functional research and indicate that FxaC_21g15770 plays a vital role in strawberry fruit softening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indocalamus plants are low-growing shrubby bamboos with growth advantages, such as high biomass and strong resistance, and they are rich in germplasm resources in southern China. This study conducted soil lead (Pb) stress experiments on Indocalamus latifolius (Keng) McClure (LA), Indocalamus hunanensis B.M. Yang (HU), Indocalamus chishuiensis Y.L. Yang and Hsueh (CH) and Indocalamus lacunosus Wen (LC). Five Pb treatments (0, 500, 1000, 1500 mg·kg−1 Pb, and 1000 mg·kg−1 Pb + 1000 mg·kg−1 ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA)) were established. EDTA was applied to explore the tolerance mechanism of different Indocalamus species after absorbing large amounts of heavy metals. The results were as follows: (1) under Pb treatment, the total relative biomass of LA, HU and LC was <100%, whereas the total relative biomass of CH was >100%; (2) after applying EDTA, the bioconcentration coefficient, translocation factor, and free proline content of the four Indocalamus species increased; and (3) the Pb mobility and distribution rates of the underground parts of the four Indocalamus species were consistently greater than those of the aboveground parts. The Pb mobility and distribution rates in the stems increased after applying EDTA, while those in the leaves decreased, as the plants tended to transfer Pb to their stems, which have lower physiological activity than their leaves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Xinjiang in China is distinguished by its distinctive regional landscape and high ecological sensitivity. Trollius wildflowers represent a unique and iconic element of the mountain flower landscape in Xinjiang. However, their populations are predominantly distributed in mountainous areas, making them susceptible to climate change. Despite this, the impacts of climate change on the distribution of suitable habitats and ecological niche differentiation for Trollius wildflowers have rarely been quantified. Consequently, simulations were conducted using the R-optimized MaxEnt model to predict the suitable habitat distribution of Trollius wildflowers. This was based on the occurrence data and environmental variables for the four species of Trollius (T. altaicus, T. asiaticus, T. dschungaricus, and T. lilacinus) that exist in the study area. The simulation was conducted over a period of time, beginning with the past glacial period and extending to the present, and then to the future (2050s, 2070s, and 2090s) under multiple scenarios (SSP1-2.6, SSP3-7.0, SSP5-8.5). The simulation of suitable habitats enabled the measurement of the ecological niche breadth and differentiation. The results demonstrate that the model predictions are precisely accurate, with AUC values exceeding 0.9. Annual mean temperature (Bio1), isothermality (Bio3), and precipitation in the warmest quarter (Bio18) are the dominant climate variables, in addition to vegetation, elevation, and soil factors. The proportion of suitable habitats for Trollius wildflowers varies considerably over time, from 0.14% to 70.97%. The majority of habitat loss or gain occurs at the edges of mountains, while stable habitats are concentrated in the core of the mountains. The gravity center of suitable habitats also shifts with spatial transfer, with the shifts mainly occurring in a northeasterly–southwesterly direction. The SSP1-2.6 scenario results in the sustained maintenance of habitats, whereas the SSP3-7.0 and SSP5-8.5 scenarios present challenges to the conservation of habitats. The threshold of ecological niche breadth for Trollius wildflowers is subject to fluctuations, while the ecological niche differentiation also varies. The study aims to examine the evolution of the habitat and ecological niche of Trollius wildflowers in Xinjiang under climate change. The findings will provide theoretical support for delineating the conservation area, clarify the scope of mountain flower tourism development and protection of mountain flower resources, and promote the sustainable development of ecotourism and effective utilization of territorial space in Xinjiang. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fusarium head blight (FHB) is a major threat to global wheat production. Recent reviews of wheat FHB focused on pathology or comprehensive prevention and lacked a summary of advanced detection techniques. Unlike traditional detection and management methods, wheat FHB detection based on various imaging technologies has the obvious advantages of a high degree of automation and efficiency. With the rapid development of computer vision and deep learning technology, the number of related research has grown explosively in recent years. This review begins with an overview of wheat FHB epidemic mechanisms and changes in the characteristics of infected wheat. On this basis, the imaging scales are divided into microscopic, medium, submacroscopic, and macroscopic scales. Then, we outline the recent relevant articles, algorithms, and methodologies about wheat FHB from disease detection to qualitative analysis and summarize the potential difficulties in the practicalization of the corresponding technology. This paper could provide researchers with more targeted technical support and breakthrough directions. Additionally, this paper provides an overview of the ideal application mode of the FHB detection technologies based on multi-scale imaging and then examines the development trend of the all-scale detection system, which paved the way for the fusion of non-destructive detection technologies of wheat FHB based on multi-scale imaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compact and high efficiency microdisplays are essential for lightweight augmented reality (AR) glasses to ensure longtime wearing comfort. Liquid-crystal-on-silicon (LCoS) is a promising candidate because of its high-resolution density, high brightness, and low cost. However, its bulky illumination system with a polarizing beam splitter (PBS) cube remains an urgent issue to be overcome. To reduce the volume of the LCoS illumination system, here, we propose a compact structure with four thin PBS cuboids. Through simulations, the optical efficiency of 36.7% for an unpolarized input light can be achieved while maintaining reasonably good spatial uniformity. Such a novel design is expected to have a significant impact on future compact and lightweight AR glasses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to correct the integrated nonuniformity of a lithographic illumination field, a high-precision uniformity correction method for an advanced lithographic illumination system is proposed. The method adopts the opaque finger array structure and improves correction ability and accuracy by optimizing the arrangement and structure of the unit without changing the width of each unit. The correction accuracy is expressed as the percentage of the corrected integrated nonuniformity. Through theoretical analysis and simulation, it can be seen that the correction accuracy of a staggered finger array is better than 0.22%. When staggered and layered, the correction accuracy of a finger array is better than 0.14%, which is better than that of a non-layered finger array. When staggered, layered, and chamfered of each unit, the correction accuracy of the finger array structure is better than 0.12%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we demonstrated a distributed feedback fiber-laser- (DFB-FL) based ultrasound detection system with a high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), high sensitivity and wide frequency response range. The DFB-FL was fabricated by UV-inscribing a π phase-shifted grating in the Erbium–Ytterbium co-doped fiber using the phase mask method. The theory of DFB-FL and the sensing principle has been discussed and analyzed. The sensing signal was demodulated via an unbalanced Mach–Zehnder interferometer (MZI) system. The experimental results showed that the sensitivity of the sensor reached 75.18 mV/kPa and the flat frequency response range covered over 30 MHz, which covered the ultrasonic detection frequency range of abnormal discharge in the electric power system. The SNR of this DFB-FL was 42.9 dB, and the corresponding noise-equivalent pressure was calculated as 0.12 kPa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To overcome incomplete point cloud data obtained from laser scanners scanning complex surfaces, multi-viewpoint cloud data needs to be aligned for use. A hybrid improved SAC-IA with a KD-ICP algorithm is proposed for local point cloud alignment optimization. The scanned point cloud data is preprocessed with statistical filtering, as well as uniform down-sampling. The sampling consistency initial alignment (SAC-IA) algorithm is improved by introducing a dissimilarity vector for point cloud initial alignment. In addition, the iterative closest point (ICP) algorithm is improved by incorporating bidirectional KD-tree to form the KD-ICP algorithm for fine point cloud alignment. Finally, the algorithms are compared in terms of runtime and alignment accuracy. The implementation of the algorithms is based on the Visual Studio 2013 software configurating point cloud library environment for testing experiments and practical experiments. The overall alignment method can be 40%~50% faster in terms of running speed. The improved SAC-IA algorithm provides better transformed poses, combined with the KD-ICP algorithm to select the corresponding nearest neighbor pairs, which improves the accuracy, as well as the applicability of the alignment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tilt-to-length (TTL) coupling noise arises from angular misalignments of interfering beams in optical path length (OPL) measurements and significantly impacts the accuracy of interferometry measurement systems. This paper focuses on geometric TTL coupling in a test mass (TM) interferometer and examines how an imaging system influences TTL noise suppression. First, the analytical expression of the geometric TTL coupling in a TM interferometer with alignment errors is derived and confirmed through numerical simulation. Subsequently, an imaging system is incorporated into the geometric model and the corresponding analytical expressions are obtained under two common conjugate relationships. Nevertheless, the TTL coupling remains beyond the requirement of TM interferometer, as the residual TTL coupled with alignment errors persists even with the imaging system. Therefore, an optimal position of the imaging system capable of eliminating the second-order term of the TTL coupling is determined. Meanwhile, the first-order term can be mitigated through in-orbit calibrations. These findings offer valuable guidance for the design and adjustment of imaging systems in space-borne gravitational wave detection missions, which require high-precision laser interferometry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The classical 1.5 μ m band frequency-stabilized laser using acetylene gas saturated absorption can achieve high frequency stability and reproducibility, but its system design is complex and bulky. For some practical applications, a simple, compact system containing anti-interference abilities is preferred. In this study, a low-cost and simple-structured 1.5 μ m frequency-stabilized laser is constructed using digital control methods, wavelength modulation technology, and acetylene gas absorption. The fiber input and output optical devices of the system significantly simplify the optical path and reduce the volume of the system. The error signal is obtained by the first-order differential method, and a combination of the high-speed comparator circuit and the microcontroller unit (MCU) is used to detect the error signal. Through the feedback control method of coarse temperature adjustment and fine current adjustment, the second-level frequency stability of the laser is stabilized within 100 kHz, that is, the frequency stability reaches 10 ​ − 10 . The designed system achieved continuous and stable operation for more than 6 h, and the long-term frequency stability reached 10 ​ − 9 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, an optoelectronic oscillator (OEO) with ultra-low phase noise and high stability based on the injection-locked and phase-locked loop is proposed. In theory, the injection-locked frequency range of the injection signal is studied based on the phase dynamics equation, and the phase noise performance of the injection-locked OEO is analyzed. The role of the phase-locked loop on the frequency stability of the OEO is analyzed based on the phase-locked loop transfer function. In addition, this paper builds an injection-locked OEO based on a phase-locked loop. The injection-locked signal is the high-frequency output of the multiplication crystal oscillator (MCO). At the same time, this MCO synchronously outputs a low-frequency signal, which is used as the reference signal of the phase-locked loop. The experimental results show that the proposed OEO output frequency is 10 GHz, and the phase noise is −89.25 dBc/Hz@100 Hz, −121.71 dBc/Hz@1 kHz, and −145.39 dBc/Hz@10 kHz; the side-mode suppression ratio is 80 dB; the frequency stability is 2.06 × 10 − 11 @1 s, 9.03 × 10 − 11 @10 s, 1.03 × 10 − 10 @100 s, and 3.03 × 10 − 10 @1000 s. Consistent with the theoretical analysis results, the solution takes into account the frequency stability, side-mode suppression ratio, and phase noise performance. The simple structure is more advantageous in practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A microwave photonic frequency multiplier with low phase noise based on an optoelectronic oscillator (OEO) is proposed and experimentally demonstrated. In this scheme, a dual-parallel Mach–Zehnder modulator (DPMZM) is employed to generate the third-harmonic frequency of the input radio frequency (RF) signal, while the oscillation frequency of the OEO is also three times the RF signal frequency. By adjusting the bias voltages of different arms in the DPMZM, a triple-frequency signal with a high side-mode suppression ratio of 64.8 dB can be obtained. The experimental results indicate that the output of the frequency-multiplier has a better single-sideband phase noise value, for instance, −126 dBc/Hz@10 kHz at 20.019 GHz. It has improvements of 34 dB and 43.5 dB compared with the input RF signal and the simulated electrical frequency tripler module, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the oral bioavailability of Pb, Cd, and As in three types of traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) and TCM decoctions were investigated through in vitro PBET digestion/MDKC cell model. Furthermore, a novel cumulative risk assessment model associated with co-exposure of heavy metal(loid)s in TCM and TCM decoction based on bioavailability was developed using hazard index (HI) for rapid screening and target organ toxicity dose modification of the HI (TTD) method for precise assessment. The results revealed that the bioavailability of Pb, Cd, and As in three types of TCM and TCM decoction was 5.32–72.49% and 4.98–51.97%, respectively. After rapid screening of the co-exposure health risks of heavy metal(loid)s by the HI method, cumulative risk assessment results acquired by TTD method based on total metal contents in TCMs indicated that potential health risks associated with the co-exposure of Pb, Cd, and As in Pheretima aspergillum (E. Perrier) and Oldenlandia diffusa (Willd.) Roxb were of concern. However, considering both the factors of decoction and bioavailability, TTD-adjusted HI outcomes for TCMs in this study were <1, indicating acceptable health risks. Collectively, our innovation on cumulative risk assessment of TCM and TCM decoction provides a novel strategy with the main purpose of improving population health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The eEF2K, a member of the α-kinase family, plays a crucial role in cellular differentiation and the stability of the nervous system. The development of eEF2K inhibitors has proven to be significantly important in the treatment of diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer's. With the advancement of big data in pharmaceuticals and the evolution of molecular generation technologies, leveraging artificial intelligence to expedite research on eEF2K inhibitors shows great potential. Based on the recently published structure of eEF2K and known inhibitor molecular structures, a generative model was used to create 1094 candidate inhibitor molecules. Analysis indicates that the model-generated molecules can comprehend the principles of molecular docking. Moreover, some of these molecules can modify the original molecular frameworks. A molecular screening strategy was devised, leading to the identification of five promising eEF2K inhibitor lead compounds. These five compound molecules demonstrated excellent thermodynamic performance when docked with eEF2K, with Vina scores of −12.12, −16.67, −15.07, −15.99, and −10.55 kcal/mol, respectively, showing a 24.27% improvement over known active inhibitor molecules. Additionally, they exhibited favorable drug-likeness. This study used deep generative models to develop eEF2K inhibitors, enabling the treatment of cancer and neurological disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bypass diffusers are used to drain the excess steam generated in the steam generator in case of sudden load reduction or shutdown of the steam turbine. However, the steam at the orifice outlet with the high flow velocity may reverse into the space of last-stage blades and cause forced vibration of the turbine blades. For this study, a full-scale CFD calculation model which couples the last stage and the second-last stage with the bypass diffusers was constructed. The fluid dynamic characteristics of the high-speed steam discharged from the outlet of the bypass diffusers and the effect of steam on the last-stage rotating blades were analyzed comprehensively via both steady and transient numerical methods. The steady results show that the steam at the orifice outlet of the bypass diffusers presents a typical jet flow with some steam flowing back into the last-stage blades region through the exhaust of the cylinders. This results in a notable disturbance to the last-stage rotating blades, characterized by a non-uniform circumferential pressure distribution. The transient numerical simulation results reveal that the outlet mass flow rate of the steam from the second-last-stage stationary blades has a significant effect on both the Mach number distribution and the surface forces acting on the last-stage rotating blades. The higher outlet mass flow rate of the steam escalates the instability of the flow field. The difference in the Mach number at the same position can reach as high as 60% or more under different operating conditions. The forces acting on the last-stage rotating blades in different directions change periodically with time, and the magnitude and period of the variation correlate with the outlet mass flow rate of the steam. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, in order to save land resources and ensure biosecurity, multi-storey buildings for pig rearing are replacing traditional flat-floor methods in pig farms domestically and internationally. However, the precision, stability, and adaptability of pig feed transportation in multi-storey buildings have brought certain challenges to the development of large-scale pig raising. The uniqueness of this paper lies in the comprehensive review of recent research advances in various transportation machinery and feeding systems from the perspective of both pig feed transportation and feeding systems compared to other papers that singularly present pigs' feed transportation machinery or feeding systems. In addition, this paper provides an outlook on the potential for coupling power sources for pig feed transportation and pig transportation, providing insights for future research and development. First, the paper comprehensively reviews feed transportation machinery in multi-storey pig rearing, highlighting their advantages and challenges. Then, it explores the commonly used feeding systems in large-scale pig rearing and their limitations. Finally, the paper summarizes the current issues in pig feed transportation in multi-storey buildings and examines future development trends. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the process of unconventional oil and gas reservoir exploitation, it is difficult to reduce drilling fluid lost in natural fractures, enhance the CO2 displacement effect and reduce foam drainage gas recovery costs. In most cases, foaming agents can solve these problems in a low-cost way in a short period of time. Foaming agent screening and evaluation is the key to this technology. However, there are few experimental tests used in the evaluation of foaming agent properties that match the actual unconventional oil or gas well conditions of high temperature and high pressure. Using the actual temperature and pressure conditions of a wellbore, the foaming capacity and half-life of two common foaming agents were systematically evaluated by using the high-temperature and high-pressure visual foam properties evaluation device (UPMX-500), in which the foaming agent's volume concentration was 3‰ in a simulated formation water with a pH of 6 and salinity of 9 × 104 mg/L. The high-temperature (40 °C, 60 °C, 80 °C, 100 °C) and high-pressure (0.1 MPa, 6.0 MPa, 8.0 MPa, 10.0 MPa) effect on the foaming capacity and half-life was analyzed. Binary linear regression of pressure and temperature was carried out, taking the foam composite index as the target and using a formula with high correlation. The results showed that the foam composite index (FCI) of the two foaming agents was positively correlated with pressure and temperature. The correlation of UT-7 was FCI = 64.1196T + 735.713p − 2066.2, the correlation of HY-3K was FCI = 62.5523T + 7220.391p − 2415.6, and the coefficients of determination were 0.9799 and 0.9895, respectively, with an error of less than 10%. This correlation equation can provide a reference for accurately predicting the foaming capacity of foaming agents under high-temperature and high-pressure conditions and can also be used to optimize foaming agents or to qualitatively evaluate results for the efficient exploitation of unconventional oil and gas reservoirs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the article, the semi-global finite-time control strategy for stochastic nonlinear systems is studied. Firstly, the general stochastic nonlinear system is considered and the required conditions are provided. An important theorem that helps to construct the controller directly is subsequently obtained by adopting a dynamic gain and homogeneous domination method. The equilibrium of the whole system is semi-global finite-time stable in probability (SGFSP) under the designed controller. Finally, the presented method is successfully applied to a second-order system. Simulation results indicate the effectiveness of the method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gravels are widely distributed in the Baikouquan formation in the Mabei area of the Junggar Basin. However, conventional logging methods cannot quantitatively characterize gravel development, which limits the identification of lithology, structure, and sedimentary facies in this region. This study proposes a new method for automatically identifying gravels from electric imaging images and calculating gravel parameters utilizing the salient object detection (SOD) network. Firstly, a SOD network model (U2-Net) was constructed and trained using electric imaging data from the Baikouquan formation at the Mahu Sag. The blank strips in the images were filled using the U-Net convolutional neural network model. Sample sets were then prepared, and the gravel areas were labeled in the electric imaging images with the Labelme software in combination with image segmentation and human–machine interaction. These sample sets were used to train the network model, enabling the automatic recognition of gravel areas and the segmentation of adhesive gravel regions in the electric imaging images. Based on the segmented gravel results, quantitative evaluation parameters such as particle size and gravel quantity were accurately calculated. The method's validity was confirmed through validation sets and actual data. This approach enhances adhesive area segmentation's accuracy and processing speed while effectively reducing human error. The trained network model demonstrated an average absolute error of 0.0048 on test sets with a recognition accuracy of 83.7%. This method provides algorithmic support for the refined evaluation of glutenite reservoir logging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepatitis E (Hepatitis E, HE) is an acute and chronic infectious hepatitis caused by hepatitis E virus (Hepatitis E Virus, HEV) infection, which is responsible for most acute hepatitis in the world and is a significant public health problem. The pathogen, HEV, has three Open Reading Frames (ORFs) ORF1, ORF2, and ORF3, each of which has a different function. Most of the current research is focused on ORF1 and ORF2, while the research on ORF3 is still relatively small. To provide more ideas for the study of HEV pathogenesis and the prevention and treatment of HE, this paper reviews the effects of ORF3 on the ERK pathway, growth factors, immune response, and virus release. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]