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Based on the oil and gas exploration in western depression of the Qaidam Basin, NW China, combined with the geochemical, seismic, logging and drilling data, the basic geological conditions, oil and gas distribution characteristics, reservoir-forming dynamics, and hydrocarbon accumulation model of the Paleogene whole petroleum system (WPS) in the western depression of the Qaidam Basin are systematically studied. A globally unique ultra-thick mountain-style WPS is found in the western depression of the Qaidam Basin. Around the source rocks of the upper member of the Paleogene Lower Ganchaigou Formation, the structural reservoir, lithological reservoir, shale oil and shale gas are laterally distributed in an orderly manner and vertically overlapped from the edge to the central part of the lake basin. The Paleogene WPS in the western depression of the Qaidam Basin is believed unique in three aspects. First, the source rocks with low organic matter abundance are characterized by low carbon and rich hydrogen, showing a strong hydrocarbon generating capacity per unit mass of organic carbon. Second, the saline lake basinal deposits are ultra-thick, with mixed deposits dominating the center of the depression, and strong vertical and lateral heterogeneity of lithofacies and storage spaces. Third, the strong transformation induced by strike-slip compression during the Himalayan resulted in the heterogeneous enrichment of oil and gas in the mountain-style WPS. As a result of the coordinated evolution of source-reservoir-caprock assemblage and conducting system, the Paleogene WPS has the characteristics of “whole process” hydrocarbon generation of source rocks which are low-carbon and hydrogen-rich, “whole depression” ultra-thick reservoir sedimentation, “all direction” hydrocarbon adjustment by strike-slip compressional fault, and “whole succession” distribution of conventional and unconventional oil and gas. Due to the severe Himalayan tectonic movement, the western depression of the Qaidam Basin evolved from depression to uplift. Shale oil is widely distributed in the central lacustrine basin. In the sedimentary system deeper than 2 000 m, oil and gas are continuous in the laminated limy-dolomites within the source rocks and the alga limestones neighboring the source kitchen, with intercrystalline pores, lamina fractures in dolomites and fault-dissolution bodies serving as the effective storage space. All these findings are helpful to supplement and expand the WPS theory in the continental lake basins in China, and provide theoretical guidance and technical support for oil and gas exploration in the Qaidam Basin.

Cotton fiber quality is a persistent concern that determines planting benefits and the quality of finished textile products. However, the limitations of measurement instruments have hindered the accurate evaluation of some important fiber characteristics such as fiber maturity, fineness, and neps, which in turn has impeded the genetic improvement and industrial utilization of cotton fiber. Here, 12 single fiber quality traits were measured using Advanced Fiber Information System (AFIS) equipment among 383 accessions of upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.). In addition, eight conventional fiber quality traits were assessed by the High Volume Instrument (HVI) System. Genome-wide association study (GWAS), linkage disequilibrium (LD) block genotyping and functional identification were conducted sequentially to uncover the associated elite loci and candidate genes of fiber quality traits. As a result, the previously reported pleiotropic locus FL_D11 regulating fiber length-related traits was identified in this study. More importantly, three novel pleiotropic loci (FM_A03, FF_A05, and FN_A07) regulating fiber maturity, fineness and neps, respectively, were detected based on AFIS traits. Numerous highly promising candidate genes were screened out by integrating RNA-seq and qRT-PCR analyses, including the reported GhKRP6 for fiber length, the newly identified GhMAP8 for maturity and GhDFR for fineness. The origin and evolutionary analysis of pleiotropic loci indicated that the selection pressure on FL_D11, FM_A03 and FF_A05 increased as the breeding period approached the present and the origins of FM_A03 and FF_A05 were traced back to cotton landraces. These findings reveal the genetic basis underlying fiber quality and provide insight into the genetic improvement and textile utilization of fiber in G. hirsutum.

This article aims to highlight the importance of climate and environmental challenges for agricultural economics and policy. Empirical research based on the Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) method determined the average technical efficiency and scale efficiency of farms in the European Union in total and in economic size classes in the period 2004-2020. The results indicate that agriculture is generally characterised by high technical efficiency and scale efficiency. Analysis by economic size classes of farms, defined by the standard sum of their agricultural output, shows that the relationship between the scale of production and technical efficiency of farms is U-shaped. The highest technical efficiency and scale efficiency are characterised by small, large and very large farms economic classes. Economies of scale shift the burden of food production to large farms, which provide food security and are technically efficient but excessively burdensome for the climate and the environment. Small farms produce environmentally friendly food but on a small scale. Therefore, increasing the technical efficiency of medium-sized farms can contribute to more sustainable food production that meets both food security and climate and environmental objectives. The Common Agricultural Policy 2023-2027 provides greater access to financial support for moderate-scale farms and farms undertaking ecosystem restoration activities. This may affect the strength and direction of the relationship between farm scale and productivity, including technical efficiency.

Abstract Objective This study aims to investigate the anatomical structure of the C6 pedicle and lateral mass in children aged 0–14 years using CT imaging, providing detailed insights into their growth and development. Methods We conducted a comprehensive measurement of C6. Measurements included width, length, and height of the pedicles, as well as the length, width, and thickness of the lateral masses, and several angular metrics. Regression analysis was performed to understand the growth trends, and statistical analyses were carried out to identify differences between age groups, genders, and sides. Results In children younger than four years, the pedicle width exceeds its height, influencing the diameter of the pedicle screws. By age two to three, the pedicle height and lateral mass thickness reaches 3.0 mm, allowing for the use of 3.0 mm diameter screws. The pedicle transverse angle remains stable. Most parameters showed no significant differences between the left and right sides. Size parameters exhibited significant larger in males than females at ages 0–1, 3–7, and 10–12 years. Regression analysis revealed that the growth trends of size parameters follow cubic or polynomial curves. Most angular metrics follow cubic fitting curves without a clear trend of change with age. Conclusion This study provides a detailed analysis of the anatomical development of the C6 pedicle and lateral masses in children, offering valuable insights for pediatric cervical spine surgeries. The findings highlight the importance of considering age-specific anatomical variations when planning posterior surgical fixation, specifically at C6. It is necessary for us to perform thin-layer CT scans on children and carefully measure various indicators before surgery.

Acoustic fish driving technology, as an auxiliary fish passage measure and a non-physical barrier, is based on the use of sound signals to prevent or regulate fish behavior. The purpose of these techniques is to guide the fish away from dangerous areas, such as the water inlets of hydroelectric power stations, spillways, and ship locks, allowing them to easily locate the entrance to the fishway, which would help improve fish passage efficiency. Studying the negative phonotaxis behavior of fish is vital for establishing non-physical barriers using acoustic characteristics. However, there has been little research on verifying the effectiveness of acoustic fish deterrence technology in field environments. Therefore, this study used alternating sound playback to conduct negative phonotaxis experiments on grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus) juveniles to explore their behavioral responses to different sounds. The experimental tank (3.6 m×1.1 m×1.0 m) was created in the waters of Xialao Creek in Yichang City, Hubei Province, with an average water depth of 0.5 m and an average flow rate of 0.06 m/s. The experiment used one single-frequency sound (1 000 Hz) and five complex sounds (fish swimming, engine, short-nosed crocodile call, pile driving, and yacht sounds), with a sound pressure level of (117.69±2.77) dB re 1 μPa. The effectiveness of acoustic fish-repellent technology has been proven, but there are only a few applications in practical engineering. On the one hand, the theoretical knowledge is not comprehensive, and on the other hand, there is a gap between theoretical research and practical engineering. Moreover, there are differences in proton movement (vibration) modes between indoor and natural environments. Compared with fish in an indoor environment, fish in natural waters tend to receive sound signals by proton movement rather than sound pressure. At the same time, the distribution of the sound field in natural and indoor environments also differs; thus, field experiments are necessary for the advancement of acoustic fish-repellent technology. Globally, studies on the negative phonotaxis of fish have mainly been conducted in vitro. Detailed studies using natural open water conditions are insufficient, and further field verification experiments are needed. Therefore, this study conducted experiments in natural open water, compared the sound field changes in the natural and indoor environments, and studied negative phonotaxis behavior by observing reaction time, initial reaction time, average reaction time, phonotaxis speed, movement time ratio, and other indicators. The results showed that when the complex sounds were played, the reaction times, tone trend speed and movement time ratio of grass carp were significantly higher than that of single tone and control group (P < 0.001), and the initial reaction time and average reaction time of grass carp were significantly lower than that of single tone and control group (P < 0.001). Among the complex sounds, the grass carp stimulated by the yacht sound had the largest response times and speed, while the grass carp stimulated by the fish swimming sound had the smallest response times and speed. In the complex sound, the first response time of grass carp stimulated by yacht sound was the shortest, which was (23.40±5.13) s. The first response time of grass carp stimulated by engine sound was (146.00±7.82) s, which was significantly lower than that of other complex sounds (P < 0.05). The average response time of grass carp stimulated by the sound of yacht and pile was (26.52±3.01) s and (28.76±4.07) s, respectively. The average response time of grass carp stimulated by fish swimming sound was (64.76±17.82) s. In the complex sound, the motion time ratio of grass carp stimulated by fish swimming sound was the highest, which was (98.47±0.48)%. The motion time ratio of grass carp stimulated by engine sound was (94.58±0.54)%. There were no significant differences in reaction times, initial reaction time, average reaction time and exercise time ratio between grass carp and control group when playing single frequency tone (P > 0.05). The experimental results indicated that the five complex sounds used in this study (fish swimming, engine, short-nosed crocodile call, pile driving, and yacht sounds) all had a deterrent effect on grass carp juveniles. This study not only enriches current knowledge of the negative phonotaxis behavior of fish but also provides a scientific basis for the design and optimization of sound-based fish deterrent facilities in practical engineering.

Abstract Understanding the mechanisms controlling forest carbon accumulation is crucial for predicting and mitigating future climate change. Yet, it remains unclear whether the dominance of ectomycorrhizal (EcM) trees influences the carbon accumulation of entire forests. In this study, we analyzed forest inventory data from over 4000 forest plots across Northeast China. We find that EcM tree dominance consistently exerts a positive effect on tree, soil, and forest carbon stocks. Moreover, we observe that these positive effects are more pronounced during unfavorable climate conditions, at lower tree species richness, and during early successional stages. This underscores the potential of increasing the dominance of native EcM tree species not only to enhance carbon stocks but also to bolster resilience against climate change in high-latitude forests. Here we show that forest managers can make informed decisions to optimize carbon accumulation by considering various factors such as mycorrhizal types, climate, successional stages, and species richness.

Abstract As a typical failure phenomenon in transformers, sulfur corrosion has garnered significant attention in the field of high‐voltage engineering. Grain boundary character distribution (GBCD) copper windings have been introduced to enhance sulfur corrosion resistance by slowing down intergranular corrosion. In this study, the sulfur corrosion behaviour and mechanisms of the GBCD copper windings under various temperatures were experimentally and theoretically studied. Results show that GBCD can enhance the corrosion resistance of copper in liquid environments. With the increase in temperatures, the insulating properties of oil and papers in traditional copper windings experience notable degradation, while GBCD copper windings show more stable insulating behaviours. In addition, modelling of grain boundary energy indicates that the grain boundary structure of GBCD copper windings has a lower average interface energy of 0.170 eV/Å2. Calculations of reaction thermodynamics show that GBCD copper windings possess a higher failure temperature (135.2°C) and inhibition degree (activation energy) of the sulfur corrosion (32,557.62 J/mol), revealing the stability and enhanced sulfur corrosion resistance at elevated temperatures.

Abstract Background Circular RNAs (circRNAs), which are a new type of single-stranded circular RNA, have significant involvement in progression of many diseases, including tumors. Currently, multiple circRNAs have been identified in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Our study aims to investigate the function and mechanism of circDCAF8 in HCC. Methods The expression of circDCAF8 (hsa_circ_0014879) in HCC and para-carcinoma tissue samples was determined using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The biological function of circDCAF8 in HCC was confirmed by experiments conducted both in vitro and in vivo. And the relationship between circDCAF8, miR-217 and NAP1L1 was predicted by database and verified using qRT-PCR, RNA-binding protein immunoprecipitation (RIP) and dual-luciferase reporter assays. Exosomes isolated from HCC cells were utilized to assess the connection of exosomal circDCAF8 with HCC angiogenesis and regorafenib resistance. Results CircDCAF8 is upregulated in HCC tissues and cell lines, and is linked to an unfavourable prognosis for HCC patients. Functionally, circDCAF8 was proved to facilitate proliferation, migration, invasion and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transformation (EMT) in HCC cells. Animal examinations also validated the tumor-promoting characteristics of circDCAF8 on HCC. Besides, exosomal circDCAF8 promoted angiogenesis in HUVECs. Mechanistically, circDCAF8 interacted with miR-217 and NAP1L1 was a downstream protein of miR-217. CircDCAF8 promoted NAP1L1 expression by sponging miR-217. In addition, exosomes may transfer circDCAF8 from regorafenib-resistant HCC cells to sensitive cells, where it would confer a resistant phenotype. Conclusion CircDCAF8 facilitates HCC proliferation and metastasis via the miR-217/NAP1L1 axis. Meanwhile, circDCAF8 can promote angiogenesis and drive resistance to regorafenib, making it a viable therapeutic target for HCC patients.

Abstract In rural China, the aging population faces unique challenges that affect their life satisfaction. These challenges are compounded by disparities in access to resources compared to urban areas, making it crucial to address these issues to ensure a dignified and fulfilling later life. Understanding and improving life satisfaction for this demographic is essential, not only for the well-being of the elderly but also for the overall social stability and economic sustainability of these communities. Using a rural sample from the Chinese Social Survey (CSS), this study investigates the interplay between social quality factors and life satisfaction among older adults in rural China. It focuses on the roles of socioeconomic security, social cohesion, social inclusion, and social empowerment in shaping the well-being of this demographic. It was found that the four conditional factors of social quality—socioeconomic security, social cohesion, social inclusion, and social empowerment—have different influences on life satisfaction among older adults in rural areas. The statistical model shows that the influence of absolute family income on social and economic security does not have statistical significance. In contrast, housing, pension insurance participation, and public safety perception positively affect life satisfaction among older adults in rural areas. Among the social cohesion factors, higher social morality, legal system evaluation, social identity, grassroots government, and interpersonal trust contribute to the life satisfaction of older adults in rural areas. Regarding social inclusion factors, good social tolerance, social equity, and perception of government public services can significantly improve life satisfaction among older adults in rural areas. For social empowerment factors, social participation helps expand the social support network of older adults in rural areas, enhancing their life satisfaction. Paths to improving the quality of rural society should be explored to improve relative poverty in rural areas. They should continue to be pursued to strengthen the old-age security system for older adults in rural areas. Further, the National Medium- and Long-Term Plan for Actively Responding to Population Aging should be the base for forming an elderly-friendly society. A good atmosphere promotes the participation of people, families, and society; supports social cohesion; enhances inclusion; and promotes social participation, improving life satisfaction.

Abstract Improving access to HIV/AIDS healthcare services is of great concern to government and policymakers striving to strengthen overall public health. How to reasonably allocate HIV/AIDS healthcare resources and maximize the equality of access to healthcare services across subdistrict areas has become an urgent problem to be solved. However, there is limited research on this topic in China. It is necessary to evaluate spatial accessibility to improve the accessibility and equity of HIV/AIDS healthcare services. In this study, the improved multi-modal two-step floating catchment area (2SFCA) and inverted 2SFCA (i2SFCA) methods are used to measure the spatial accessibility of HIV/AIDS healthcare services and the crowdedness of the healthcare sites in Shandong Province, China. Then, the theoretical supply and the optimal spatial distribution of resources are calculated and visualized by minimizing the accessibility gaps between demand locations. This study showed that the spatial accessibility of HIV/AIDS service resources in Shandong Province was concentrated and unevenly distributed, and the accessibility scores in the marginal areas of prefecture-level cities were significantly lower than those in other areas. Regions with a large number of doctors had significantly higher levels of spatial accessibility. The ART accessibility scores in the southwest of Shandong Province were higher than those in other regions. As the travel friction coefficient increased, the accessibility scores formed an approximately circular cluster distribution centered on the healthcare sites in geographical distribution. More ART drugs needed to be supplied in marginal areas and more doctors were needed to work on HIV/AIDS in urban areas to address the spatial distribution imbalance of HIV/AIDS healthcare services. This study profoundly analyzed the spatial accessibility of HIV/AIDS healthcare services and provided essential references for decision-makers. In addition, it gives a significant exploration for achieving the goal of equal access to HIV/AIDS healthcare services in the future.