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In this article, a mission planning and trajectory optimization scheme in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) swarm for track deception against radar networks is proposed. The core of this scheme is to formulate the track deception problem as a model with the objective of simultaneously maximizing the number of phantom tracks while minimizing the total flight distance of the UAV swarm, subject to the constraints of UAV kinematic performance, phantom track rotation angles, and a homology test. It is shown that the formulated track deception problem is a mixed-integer programming, multivariable, and non-linear optimization model. By incorporating mission planning based on platform reuse and a particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm, a three-stage solution methodology is proposed to tackle the above problem. Through joint optimization for mission planning and flight trajectories of the UAV swarm, a low-speed UAV swarm is capable of generating a number of high-speed phantom tracks. Numerical results demonstrate that the proposed scheme enables a low-speed UAV swarm to generate as many high-speed phantom tracks as possible, effectively achieving track deception against radar network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Multi-Scale Multi-Group Wide-Band (MSMGWB) model was used to calculate radiative transfer in strongly non-isothermal and inhomogeneous media such as the remote infrared sensing of aircraft exhaust system and jet plume scenario. In this work, the reference temperature was introduced into the model as an independent variable for each spectral subinterval group. Then, to deal with the exceedingly vast parameter sample space (i.e., the combination of spectral subinterval grouping results, reference temperatures and Gaussian quadrature schemes), an MSMGWB model's parameter optimization process superior to the exhaustive approach employed in previous studies was established, which was consisted of the Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II method (NSGA2) and an iterative scan method. Through a series of 0-D test cases and two real 3-D remote infrared imaging results of an aircraft exhaust system, it was observed that the MSMGWB model established and optimiazed in current work demonstrated notable improvements in both accuracy and computational efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monkeypox virus (MPXV) is a cross-kingdom pathogen infecting both humans and wildlife, which poses a significant health risk to the public. Although MPXV attracts broad attention, there is a lack of adequate studies to elucidate pathogenic mechanisms associated with viral infections. In this study, a high-throughput RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) approach was used to explore the transcriptional and metabolic responses of MPXV A23 protein to HEK293T cells. The protein–protein interactions and signaling pathways were conducted by GO and KEGG analyses. The localization of A23 protein in HEK293T cells was detected by immunofluorescence. A total of 648 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in cells by RNA-Seq, including 314 upregulated genes and 334 downregulated genes. Additionally, liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) detected 115 cellular proteins that interact with the A23 proteins. Transcriptomic sequencing analysis revealed that transfection of MPXV A23 protein modulated genes primarily associated with cellular apoptosis and DNA damage repair. Proteomic analysis indicated that this protein primarily interacted with host ribosomal proteins and histones. Following the identification of the nuclear localization sequence RKKR within the A23 protein, a truncated mutant A23ΔRKKR was constructed to investigate the subcellular localization of A23 protein. The wild-type A23 protein exhibits a significantly higher nuclear-to-cytoplasmic ratio, exceeding 1.5, in contrast to the mutant A23ΔRKKR, which has a ratio of approximately 1. Immunofluorescence assays showed that the A23 protein was mainly localized in the nucleus. The integration of transcriptomics and proteomics analysis provides a comprehensive understanding of the interaction between MPXV A23 protein and the host. Our findings highlight the potential role of this enzyme in suppressing host antiviral immune responses and modulating host gene expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A photonic instantaneous microwave frequency measurement scheme based on frequency-to-time mapping and channelization is proposed. An unknown signal is divided into four channels and mixed with a broadband linear frequency-modulated signal. The frequency information is converted to the time domain, and the frequency measurement range has been expanded due to channelization. A simulation system has been constructed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method. A proof-of-concept experimental result shows that the frequency measurement errors can be kept in 20 MHz with a 10 MHz resolution, and the frequency measurement range is 1 GHz to 39 GHz. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite reductions in bacterial infection and enhanced success rate, the widespread use of systemic antibiotic prophylaxis in implant dentistry is controversial. This use has contributed to the growing problem of antimicrobial resistance, along with creating significant health and economic burdens. The basic mechanisms that cause implant infection can be targeted by new prevention and treatment methods which can also lead to the reduction of systemic antibiotic exposure and its associated adverse effects. This review aims to summarize advanced biomaterial strategies applied to implant components based on anti-pathogenic mechanisms and immune balance mechanisms. It emphasizes that modifying the dental implant surface and regulating the early immune response are promising strategies, which may further prevent or slow the development of peri-implant infection, and subsequent failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corrosion of structural parts not only reduces the service life of the equipment but also causes safety accidents, so building a long-lasting anti-corrosion coating on its surface is the key to solving this problem. Under the action of alkali catalysis, n-octyltriethoxysilane (OTES), dimethyldimethoxysilane (DMDMS), and perfluorodecyltrimethoxysilane (FTMS) hydrolyzed and polycondensed co-modified graphene oxide (GO), modified to synthesize a self-cleaning superhydrophobic material fluorosilane-modified graphene oxide (FGO). The structure, film morphology, and properties of FGO were systematically characterized. The results showed that the newly synthesized FGO was successfully modified by long-chain fluorocarbon groups and silanes. FGO presented an uneven and rough morphology on the substrate surface, the water contact angle was 151.3°, and the rolling angle was 3.9°, which caused the coating to exhibit excellent self-cleaning function. Meanwhile, the epoxy polymer/fluorosilane-modified graphene oxide (E-FGO) composite coating adhered to the carbon structural steel's surface, and its corrosion resistance was detected by the Tafel curve and EIS impedance. It was found that the current density of the 10 wt% E-FGO coating (Icorr) was the lowest (1.087 × 10−10 A/cm2), which was approximately 3 orders of magnitude lower than that of the unmodified epoxy coating. This was primarily due to the introduction of FGO, which formed a continuous physical barrier in the composite coating and gave the composite coating excellent hydrophobicity. This method might provide new ideas for advances in steel corrosion resistance in the marine sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A two-dimensional graphene-like carbon nitride (g-CN) monolayer decorated with the superatomic cluster NLi4 was studied for reversible hydrogen storage by first-principles calculations. Molecular dynamics simulations show that the g-CN monolayer has good thermal stability at room temperature. The NLi4 is firmly anchored on the g-CN monolayer with a binding energy of −6.35 eV. Electronic charges are transferred from the Li atoms of NLi4 to the g-CN monolayer, mainly due to the hybridization of Li(2s), C(2p), and N(2p) orbitals. Consequently, a spatial local electrostatic field is formed around NLi4, leading to polarization of the adsorbed hydrogen molecules and further enhancing the electrostatic interactions between the Li atoms and hydrogen. Each NLi4 can adsorb nine hydrogen molecules with average adsorption energies between −0.152 eV/H2 and −0.237 eV/H2. This range is within the reversible hydrogen storage energy window. Moreover, the highest achieved gravimetric capacity is up to 9.2 wt%, which is superior to the 5.5 wt% target set by the U.S. Department of Energy. This study shows that g-CN monolayers decorated with NLi4 are a good candidate for reversible hydrogen storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Spiders are among the most common predators in terrestrial ecosystems and play a crucial role in ecosystems. However, with changing environments, spiders are under pressure from pollution and habitat destruction. In this study, we collected spiders from five parks with different management histories in the greater Memphis, Tennessee area to explore the extent to which human oversight and management of natural areas, especially invasive plant management, influence spider occurrence. Our results showed that invasive plants might provide a valuable habitat for the humpbacked orb-weaver, which was predominantly found on invasive plant species. These findings may have implications for the management of invasive plants in parks and other protected areas. Land management of parks and vegetation complexity can affect arthropod diversity and subsequently alter trophic interactions between predators and their prey. In this study, we examined spiders in five parks with varying management histories and intensities to determine whether certain spider species were associated with particular plants. We also determined whether web architecture influenced spider occurrence. Our results showed that humpbacked orb-weavers (Eustala anastera) were associated with an invasive plant, Chinese privet (Ligustrum sinense). This study revealed how invasive plants can potentially influence certain spider communities, as evidenced by this native spider species only occurring on invasive plants. Knowing more about spider populations—including species makeup and plants they populate—will give insights into how spider populations are dealing with various ecosystem changes. While we did not assess the effect of invasive plants on the behavior of spiders, it is possible that invasive species may not always be harmful to ecosystems; in the case of spiders, invasive plants may serve as a useful environment to live in. More studies are needed to ascertain whether invasive plants can have adverse effects on spider ecology in the long term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on theoretical analysis, this study examines the relationship between the development of China's digital economy and the urban–rural income gap by using an empirical model to test panel data for 30 provinces in China from 2009 to 2019. The results of the study reveal that (1) there is a "U-shaped" relationship between the digital economy and the urban–rural income gap, with the gap narrowing in the early stages of development and widening in the medium-to-long term. (2) The development of the digital economy in peripheral regions will have an impact on the urban–rural income gap in the region through spatial spillover. (3) The heterogeneity tests reveal that the digital economy has a stronger impact on the urban–rural income gap in western China and a weaker impact in the east. (4) A double difference test using "Broadband Rural" construction as a policy shock variable reveals that the pilot project helped reduce the urban–rural income gap. This study deepens our understanding of the digital economy for integrated urban–rural development. It provides a theoretical basis and practical experience for enhancing the living standard of rural residents and promoting the integrated development of urban and rural areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Changbai Mountain is the source region of the Songhua, Tumen, and Yalu Rivers. It is a famous concentrated distribution area of high-quality mineral water in China, which has a great economic value. Antu County is one of the main distribution areas of basalt and mineral water in Changbai Mountain. The distribution of mineral water has a strong hydraulic relationship with surface water, which constitutes abundant recharge reserves. It is important to study the hydrochemical characteristics and the relationship between surface water and mineral water to provide a theoretical basis for further discussion on the formation process and rational utilization of mineral water resources in Changbai Mountain. A total of 18 water samples in the period of abundant and dry water were collected, including rainwater, mineral water, and surface water. Geostatistics was utilized to analyze the hydrochemical characteristics. Hydrochemical component tracing and stable environmental isotope technology with end-number calculation reveals the transformation relationship between mineral and surface water. The results indicate that: (1) The hydrochemical type is mainly HCO3-Ca-Na and HCO3-Ca-Mg type. The average content of H2SiO3 is 50.78 mg/L, which reach the standard of high quality metasilicate mineral water. (2) The mineral water formation process is dominated by the water-rock interaction in silicate mineral weathering. Metasilicate came from hydrolytic reaction of silicate and aluminosilicate under acidic conditions. (3) Atmospheric precipitation is the main recharge source, and the recharge area locates in the south nature reserve of the study area. The average retention time of mineral water is 35.5 years, and the recharge ratio of mineral water to surface water is up to 83.7%. This study will provide a theory guide for the protection and rational utilization of groundwater resources in study area and a reference for mineral spring formation study in basalt mountain area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modern sugarcane cultivars were generated through interspecific crossing of the stress resistance Saccharum spontaneum and the high sugar content Saccharum officinarum which was domesticated from Saccharum robustum. Magnesium deficiency (MGD) is particularly prominent in tropical and subtropical regions where sugarcane is grown, but the response mechanism to MGD in sugarcane remains unknown. Physiological and transcriptomic analysis of the three founding Saccharum species under different magnesium (Mg) levels was performed. Our result showed that MGD decreased chlorophyll content and photosynthetic efficiency of three Saccharum species but led to increased starch in leaves and lignin content in roots of Saccharum robustum and Saccharum spontaneum. We identified 12,129, 11,306 and 12,178 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of Saccharum officinarum, Saccharum robustum and Saccharum spontaneum, respectively. In Saccharum officinarum, MGD affected signal transduction by up-regulating the expression of xylan biosynthesis process-related genes. Saccharum robustum, responded to the MGD by regulating the expression of transcription and detoxification process-related genes. Saccharum spontaneum, avoids damage from MGD by regulating the expression of the signing transduction process and the transformation from growth and development to reproductive development. This novel repertoire of candidate genes related to MGD response in sugarcane will be helpful for engineering MGD tolerant varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Homeobox (HB) genes play important roles in plant growth and development processes, particularly in the formation of lateral organs. Thus, they could influence leaf morphogenesis and biomass formation in plants. However, little is known about HBs in sugarcane, a crucial sugar crop, due to its complex genetic background. Here, 302 allelic sequences for 104 HBs were identified and divided into 13 subfamilies in sugarcane Saccharum spontaneum. Comparative genomics revealed that whole-genome duplication (WGD)/segmental duplication significantly promoted the expansion of the HB family in S. spontaneum, with SsHB26, SsHB63, SsHB64, SsHB65, SsHB67, SsHB95, and SsHB96 being retained from the evolutionary event before the divergence of dicots and monocots. Based on the analysis of transcriptome and degradome data, we speculated that SsHB15 and SsHB97 might play important roles in regulating sugarcane leaf morphogenesis, with miR166 and SsAGO10 being involved in the regulation of SsHB15 expression. Moreover, subcellular localization and transcriptional activity detection assays demonstrated that these two genes, SsHB15 and SsHB97, were functional transcription factors. This study demonstrated the evolutionary relationship and potential functions of SsHB genes and will enable the further investigation of the functional characterization and the regulatory mechanisms of SsHBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Downy mildew is a major disease that severely restricts the healthy and sustainable development of the global grape and wine industry, so there is significant interest in breeding high-quality disease-resistant varieties. In this study, hybridization was carried out between two disease-resistant and four high-quality varieties for eight hybrid combinations. The downy mildew resistance of 6 hybrid parents and 350 hybrid F1 progeny was determined by the leaf disc inoculation test, and the frequency distribution of the disease resistance grades was analyzed for the different populations. Agarose gel electrophoresis and disease resistance identification were used to screen SSR molecular markers of the tested hybrids for resistance to downy mildew. The results showed that minor disease-resistance genes in V. vinifera varieties were the main determinant of the variation in disease susceptibility among different varieties. V. vinifera resistance to downy mildew is inherited by a quantitative trait controlled by multiple genes. Intraspecific hybridization of V. vinifera can be applied to breed suitable intermediate materials or new types of disease resistance. The screening and verification of simple-sequence repeats (SSR) as molecular markers revealed that UDV-304, UDV-305, and UDV-737 could be used as standard markers for the identification of downy mildew resistance of hybrid progeny of Ecolly and Cabernet Sauvignon, UDV-305 could be used for the hybrid progeny of Meili and Cabernet Sauvignon, and VMC8g9 could be used for the hybrid progeny of Ecolly or Meili and Dunkelfelder. The disease-resistant progeny selected in this study can be used as intermediate materials for the breeding of new high-quality, disease-resistant varieties by intraspecific recurrent selection in V. vinifera. The screened standard markers can be utilized for rapid batch identification of hybrid progeny of different hybrid combinations to facilitate molecular marker-assisted breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alzheimer's disease (AD) has shown altered immune responses in the periphery. We studied P2X7 (a proinflammatory receptor and a scavenger receptor) and two integrins, CD11b and CD11c, on the surface of circulating leukocytes and analysed their associations with Aβ-PET, brain atrophy, neuropsychological assessments, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers. Total 287 age-matched, sex-balanced participants were recruited in a discovery cohort and two validation cohorts through the AIBL study and studied using tri-colour flow cytometry. Our results demonstrated reduced expressions of P2X7, CD11b, and CD11c on leukocytes, particularly monocytes, in Aβ +ve cases compared with Aβ −ve controls. P2X7 and integrin downregulation was observed at pre-clinical stage of AD and stayed low throughout disease course. We further constructed a polygenic risk score (PRS) model based on 12 P2RX7 risk alleles to assess the genetic impact on P2X7 function in AIBL and ADNI cohorts. No significant association was identified between the P2RX7 gene and AD, indicating that P2X7 downregulation in AD is likely caused by environmental changes rather than genetic factors. In conclusion, the downregulation of P2X7 and integrins at pre-clinical stage of AD indicates altered pro-inflammatory responses, phagocytic functions, and migrating capabilities of circulating monocytes in early AD pathogenesis. Our study not only improves our understanding of peripheral immune involvement in early stage of AD but also provides more insights into novel biomarker development, diagnosis, and prognosis of AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodegradable liquid film (BLF) improves soil structure and increases plant freezing tolerance after spraying on the surface of soil and plant. In this study, the effects of BLF on grape composition and volatile compounds in Cabernet sauvignon (Vitis vinifera L.) grapes were determined by spraying BLF during the dormant periods over three years. The aim of the study was to evaluate the potential impact of BLF as an overwintering protection measure on grape fruit quality. In 2020 and 2021, BLF spraying increased reducing sugar content and 100-berry weight, decreased titratable acid content, and improved the maturity factor. Compared with the vines not sprayed with BLF, the content of total phenols and total anthocyanins in grape skins showed an increase over the three-year period, with the largest increases of 31.92% and 48.38%, respectively, and the content of total tannins and total flavan-3-ols increased in 2020 and 2021. BLF treatment also increased the total phenolic content in seeds for all three years, reaching a significant level in 2019, 16.38% higher than control treatment (CK). HPLC analysis showed that BLF treatment affected the content and composition of monomeric anthocyanins in grape skins, especially in 2021, BLF treatment significantly increased the content of nine monomeric anthocyanins, and the proportion of acetylated and coumaroylated anthocyanins. However, GC-MS analysis indicated that BLF had little effect on volatile compounds. These results suggest that BLF can be used as an overwintering protection measure in cold regions to promote the accumulation of sugars and polyphenolics, thereby improving overall grape quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For reactive transport process in porous media, limited mixing and non-Fickian behavior are difficult to understand and predict. To explore the effects of anomalous diffusion and limited mixing, the column-based experiments of bimolecular reactive migration were performed and simulated by the CTRW-FEM model (continuous time random walk-finite element method). Simulated parameters were calibrated and the correlation coefficients between modeled and observed BTCs (breakthrough curves) were greater than 0.9, indicating that CTRW-FEM can solve over-prediction and tailing problems effectively. Porous media with coarser particle size show enhanced mixing and the non-Fickian behavior is not affected by particle size. β (a parameter of CTRW-FEM) and Da (Damköhler number) of CTRW-FEM under different Pe (Péclet number) values showed logarithmic linear relationship. Model sensitivity analysis of the CTRW-FEM model show that the peak concentration is most sensitive to the average pore velocity and the arriving peak time of peak concentration is most sensitive to β. These findings provide a theoretical basis for handling mixing and non-Fickian behavior patterns under actual environmental conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]