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In this paper, we propose quantum mechanical operator formalism for Touchard polynomials whose generating function is Tn(x)=∂n∂λne(eλ−1)x|λ=0. That is replacing eλx by eλa†a, where a†a is the number operator, and using the method of integration within ordered product we find that (a†a)n is just the normal ordering form :Tn(a†a):. Then by virtue of the Weyl ordering form of quantum mechanical operator, we also introduce a new special polynomial whose generating function is Gn(x)=∂n∂λn2eλ+1exp[2xeλ−1eλ+1]|λ=0. With use of the Weyl ordering form of eλa†a, we prove (a†a)n=:Tn(a†a):=::Gn(a†a)::, where :::: denotes Weyl ordering. It seems that quantum mechancal operator formalism presents a new and simpler approach for generalizing Touchard polynomial theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vanadium‐based oxides are promising candidates for use in aqueous zinc‐ion batteries owing to their open framework structure that facilitates rapid Zn2+ deintercalation. To improve the kinetics, a two‐dimensional nanoribbon‐shaped W‐VO2 cathode material was developed by pre‐embedding tungsten atoms into VO2(B) using a one‐step hydrothermal method. The large interlayer spacing in the W‐VO2 nanosheets aided in the deintercalation of hydrated Zn2+ ions. The 1 % W‐doped electrode exhibited stable cycling, reaching a high capacity of 365.8 mAh g−1 at 0.3 A g−1, with a 92.6 % capacity retention (338.8 mAh g−1) after 200 cycles. Impressively, 84.3 % of the capacity is retained after 1200 cycles at 1 A g−1. The zinc storage mechanism of W‐VO2 was elucidated through in situ X‐ray diffraction and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, highlighting the benefits of tungsten doping on tunnel structure stability and Zn2+ deintercalation reversibility in VO2 electrodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physicists have long studied Landau states and energy levels of electrons in a stable magnetic field. However, when the magnetic field dissipates, the question of how Landau states evolve remains unanswered. This study investigates the magnetic dissipative effect from a quantum mechanics perspective. We establish a quantum master equation that describes a dissipative magnetic field. Subsequently, we solve the master equation using an entangled state representation. Consequently, we found that the Landau state evolves into a binomial quantum state (mixed state) when the magnetic field dissipated. This is in sharp contrast to the case where the Landau state becomes a negative binomial state when an additional harmonic oscillator potential is applied. We hope that this finding will be helpful for the evolution of quantized plasma physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Domestic and international risk shocks have greatly increased the demand for systemic risk management in China. This paper estimates China's multi-layer financial network based on multiple financial relationships among banks, assets, and firms, using China's banking system data in 2021. An improved PageRank algorithm is proposed to identify systemically important banks and other economic sectors, and a stress test is conducted. This study finds that China's multi-layer financial network is sparse, and the distribution of transactions across financial markets is uneven. Regulatory authorities should support economic recovery and adjust the money supply, while banks should differentiate competition and manage risks better. Based on the PageRank index, this paper assesses the systemic importance of large commercial banks from the perspective of network structure, emphasizing the role of banks' transaction behavior and market participation. Different industries and asset classes are also assessed, suggesting that increased attention should be paid to industry risks and regulatory oversight of bank investments. Finally, stress tests confirm that the improved PageRank algorithm is applicable within the multi-layer financial network, reinforcing the need for prudential supervision of the banking system and revealing that the degree of transaction concentration will affect the systemic importance of financial institutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research was designed to prospect the mechanism and impact of glycyrrhizic acid (GA) on DNA damage repair and cisplatin (CP)‐induced apoptosis of melanoma cells. First, human melanoma cell SK‐MEL‐28 was stimulated using GA for 24, 48, and 72 h. Then, the optimal treatment time and dosage were selected. After that, cell counting kit‐8 (CCK‐8) was employed for testing the cell viability, flow cytometry for the apoptosis, comet assay for the DNA damage of cells, and western blot for the cleaved‐Caspase3, Caspase3, Bcl‐2, and γH2AX protein expression levels. The experimental outcomes exhibited that as the GA concentration climbed up, the SK‐MEL‐28 cell viability dropped largely, while the apoptosis level raised significantly, especially at the concentration of 100 μm. In addition, compared with GA or CPtreatment only, CP combined with GA notably suppressed the viability of melanoma cells and promoted cell apoptosis at the cytological level. At the protein level, the combined treatment notably downregulated the Bcl‐2 and Caspase3 expression levels, while significantly upregulated the cleaved‐Caspase3 and γH2AX expression levels. Besides, CP + GA treatment promoted DNA damage at the DNA molecular level. Collectively, both GA and CP can inhibit DNA damage repair and enhance the apoptosis of SK‐MEL‐28 cells, and the synergistic treatment of both exhibits better efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The destruction of the North China Craton (NCC) is a well‐known dynamic event in the Mesozoic, but the western NCC, with only few magmatic activities, has lacked studies so far. The Zijinshan alkaline complex, tectonically located at the western part of the NCC and the eastern edge of Ordos Block/Basin, is one of the most typical alkaline intrusions during the NCC destruction, and consists of monzonite, aegirine–augite syenite, nepheline syenite, pseudoleucite phonolite and trachyte porphyry. Geochronological, geochemical and in situ Sr–Nd–Hf isotopic analyses were performed on the various lithologies, in order to reveal the magma sources, petrogenesis and possible geodynamic processes. Zircon and titanite U–Pb dating shows that the Zijinshan complex was emplaced at ~130 Ma. The main rocks are enriched in light rare earth elements (LREEs) and large‐ion lithophile elements (LILEs; such as Rb, Ba, K, Sr), and depleted in heavy rare earth elements (HREEs) and high‐field‐strength elements (HFSEs; such as Th, U, Nb, Ta, Ti), without negative Eu anomaly. In addition, the obviously enriched and inhomogeneous Sr–Nd isotopic components occurred among the various lithologies, implying the primary magma of Zijinshan complex may originate from a deep mixed source. Specifically, the monzonites of Zijinshan complex come from the partial melting of the enriched lithospheric mantle with participation of crustal materials. Meanwhile, the nepheline syenites and alkaline volcanics originated from the enriched lithospheric mantle mixing with the depleted asthenosphere‐derived compositions. During the NCC destruction, continuous asthenospheric upwelling resulted in several times of mixing of melts from asthenospheric mantle, lithospheric mantle and lower crust in different proportions, and then the mixed magma of each episode migrated upward to the shallow part to form the Zijinshan pluton. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For two operators X and Y , which obey [ X , Y ] = τ Y + μ we shall prove e X e Y = exp X + τ Y 1 − e − τ + μ 1 − e − τ − μ τ , which means we want to merge two exponential operators' product into one exponential operator. This kind of operator identity is useful for calculating the quantum entropy S since S = − κ Tr { ρ ln ρ } , when ρ ≡ ρ 1 ρ 2 , but ln (ρ 1 ρ 2) ≠ ln ρ 1 + ln ρ 2 , thus the merging operator formula is demanded. In this way, several exponential operators' product can also be merged. We shall employ the method of integration within normally ordered product (IWOP) to derive the merging operator identity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the primary candidate materials used in 650°C ultra-supercritical (USC) thermal power plant units is a novel thick grade of heat-resistant steel, 08Cr9W3Co3VNbCuBN (G115), for which China has complete intellectual property rights. In this study, G115 steel with a 115 mm thick wall was successfully welded using gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) + shielded metal arc welding (SWAM), which was a significant step toward achieving its application in large-diameter boiler tubes. The influence of the welding process on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the G115 welded joint after post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) at 770°C for 11 h was investigated. The findings demonstrate that the weld zone (WZ) after PWHT was composed of martensite and ferrite, and M23C6 was the precipitate. The average hardness of WZ was 273.1 HV, and the average impact toughness was above 39J, which was sufficient for actual production applications. It offered the necessary theoretical foundation for the practical development of thick-walled G115 heat-resistant alloy steel during welding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interfacial polymerization is a well-known process to synthesize separation layers for thin film composite membranes at an immiscible organic liquid–aqueous liquid interface. The organic–aqueous interface determines the diffusion dynamics of monomers and the chemical environment for polymerization, exerting a critical influence on the formation of polymer thin films. This review summarizes recent advances in tailoring interfacial polymerization using interfaces beyond the conventional alkane–water interface to achieve high-performance separation films with designed structures. Diverse liquid–liquid interfaces are introduced for synthesizing separation films by adding co-solvents into the organic phase and/or the aqueous phase, respectively, or by replacing one of the liquid phases with other solvents. Innovative liquid–gel and liquid–gas interfaces are then summarized for the synthesis of polymer thin films for separation. Novel strategies to form reaction interfaces, such as spray-coating, are also presented and discussed. In addition, we discuss the details of how a physically or chemically patterned substrate affects interfacial polymerization. Finally, the potential of unconventional interfaces in interfacial polymerization is forecast with both challenges and opportunities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scandium (Sc) is a dispersed metal in Earth's lithosphere, with an average abundance of 16 to 22 ppm. In the meantime, it is widely considered as a critical metal because of its paramount significance in scientific research and technical innovation. With surging demands that are not backed-up by current supplies globally, the market price of Sc oxide is astonishingly five times more than the most expensive rare earth oxide of terbium (Tb). Production of Sc is significantly held back due to scarcity of economically viable grades at explorable depths within the crust, compared with other critical metals such as REE, Nb and Ta. Nevertheless, typical high- to intermediate-grade Sc deposits, as compiled in this review, consistently show close relationships to specific magmatic (e.g. ultramafic-mafic and carbonatitic), supergene and hydrothermal processes during Sc enrichment, especially the former two. Known potential Sc deposits are tentatively classified based on their host rocks and metallogeny, including those hosted in the ultramafic-mafic rocks and related laterites, in carbonatite and related laterites, in bauxite residue and processed coals, hydrothermal Sc deposits and Sc deposits related to syenite intrusions, pegmatites or marine sediments. We also discuss the Sc enrichment mechanism and associated tectonics and partition coefficients of Sc among diverse minerals and melts, which reveal the preference of Sc for clinopyroxene, garnet and iron oxides by isomorphic replacement or ion absorption during diverse magmatic and supergene Sc enrichment processes. Lastly, Sc resources in the world-class Bayan Obo deposit are discussed in detail as an illustrative benchmark example, where hydrothermal aegirine may host majority of carbonatite-derived Sc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tuberculosis (TB), as a respiratory infectious disease, has damaged public health globally for decades, and mainland China has always been an area with high incidence of TB. Since the outbreak of COVID-19, it has seriously occupied medical resources and affected medical treatment of TB patients. Therefore, the authenticity and reliability of TB data during this period have also been questioned by many researchers. In response to this situation, this paper excludes the data from 2019 to the present, and collects the data of TB incidence in mainland China and the data of 11 influencing factors from 2014 to 2018. Using spatial autocorrelation methods and multiscale geographically weighted regression (MGWR) model to study the temporal and spatial distribution of TB incidence in mainland China and the influence of selected influencing factors on TB incidence. The experimental results show that the distribution of TB patients in mainland China shows spatial aggregation and spatial heterogeneity during this period. And the R2 and the adjusted R2 of MGWR model are 0.932 and 0.910, which are significantly better than OLS model (0.466, 0.429) and GWR model (0.836, 0.797). The fitting accuracy indicators MAE, MSE and MAPE of MGWR model reached 5.802075, 110.865107 and 0.088215 respectively, which also show that the overall fitting effect is significantly better than OLS model (19.987574, 869.181549, 0.314281) and GWR model (10.508819, 267.176741, 0.169292). Therefore, this model is based on real and reliable TB data, which provides decision-making references for the prevention and control of TB in mainland China and other countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zn-Mn aqueous batteries (ZMABs) have the potential for grid-scale energy storage due to their low cost, high safety, and eco-friendliness. Recent advancements in high-capacity cathodes, dendrite-free anodes, and functionalized electrolytes have brought rechargeable ZMABs closer to practical applications. However, challenges remain in stabilizing the interface, particularly in electrolyte regulation. A recent study published in the National Science Review reports on the development of a lean-water quasi-eutectic electrolyte that improves the reversible interfacial deposition and reaction kinetics of Mn-based cathodes in a long cycle process. The study highlights the importance of electrolyte optimization in addressing the energy density and lifespan limitations of ZMABs. pH balance, solvation regulation, and redox mediation are identified as effective strategies for durable ZMABs. The authors propose future research directions, including the design of novel pH buffer electrolytes, regulation of Mn2+ solvation structure, development of stable redox mediators, and the creation of wide-temperature electrolytes for improved performance. [Extracted from the article]

Tungsten-tin-(rare-metal) deposits are most commonly granite-related and an important source of critical metals. This study describes the fluid evolution in the Tiantangshan Rb-Sn-W deposit, Nanling Range, China, and discusses the implications for mineralizing processes. Mineralization at Tiantangshan is spatially zoned. The greisen roof hosts wolframite-cassiterite quartz veins. The surrounding volcanic rocks host biotite quartz veins (Rb mineralization) crosscut by cassiterite quartz veins and sphalerite-galena quartz veins. The earliest intermediate-density fluids are responsible for the early W-(Sn)-Rb mineralization and evolve towards decreasing homogenization temperature (Th) and ratios of W, Sn, Rb, Cs, Fe, and Mn to Na + K as the fluid migrated from the greisen to the volcanic rocks hosted veins (Th: 420 to 350 °C; salinity: 13 to 4 wt% NaCleq). The spatial distribution of mineralization and fluid paragenesis indicates that precipitation of wolframite, early cassiterite, and Rb-rich biotite was associated with a pH increase during fluid-rock interaction. Late cassiterite and intergrown quartz precipitated from a degassing fluid with lower Th (mainly 360 to 340 °C) and salinity (10 to 2 wt% NaCleq) and with distinctly lower Sn concentrations. Late cassiterite precipitation is therefore likely related with depressurization by brittle failure of the rock leading to simultaneous boiling and meteoric water input. Late Pb–Zn mineralization precipitated from low Th (< 320 °C) and salinity (0 to 2 wt% NaCleq) fluids through extensive mixing with meteoric water. The tempo-spatial development of Rb-Sn-W-Pb–Zn mineralization at Tiantangshan was controlled by a mixing fluid regime, where input of meteoric water gradually increased with time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The intestinal flora has become very active in studies related to Parkinson's disease (PD) in recent years. The microbe‐gut‐brain axis is closely related to the maintenance of brain homeostasis as well as PD pathogenesis. Alterations in gut bacteria can contribute to neuroinflammation and dopamine (DA) neurodegeneration. Lactobacillus murinus, a gram‐positive bacterium, is a commensal gut bacteria present in the mammalian gut and considered as a potential probiotic due to its beneficial effects, including anti‐inflammatory and antibacterial actions. In this study, the effects of live L. murinus and heat‐killed L. murinus on DA neuronal damage in rats and the underlying mechanisms were investigated. Data showed that heat‐killed L. murinus ameliorated 6‐hydroxydopamine‐induced motor dysfunctions and loss of substantia nigra DA neurons, while no protection was shown in live L. murinus treatment. At the same time, heat‐killed L. murinus reduced the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in microglia and the secretion of pro‐inflammatory factors, thus inhibiting the development of neuroinflammation. Furthermore, heat‐killed L. murinus failed to display its original neuroprotective properties in NLRP3 inflammasome knockout mice. Together, heat‐killed L. murinus conferred neuroprotection against DA neuronal loss via the inhibition of microglial NLRP3 inflammasome activation. These findings provide a promising potential for future applications of L. murinus, and also beneficial strategy for PD treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We aim to evaluate the relationship between the use of metformin and the risk of pancreatic cancer in type 2 diabetes patients. Method: We systematically searched the observational studies on PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, clinicalrials.gov, and CNKI databases, extracted relevant data, combined the OR value and 95% CI using the random effect model, and conducted a sensitivity analysis, subgroup analysis, and meta-regression to evaluate the size and stability of this relationship. Result: Twenty-nine studies from twenty-four articles met our inclusion criteria, including more than 2 million subjects. Overall analysis showed that compared with no use of metformin, the use of metformin could reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer in patients with type 2 diabetes (OR = 0.82, 95% CI (0.69, 0.98)). Subgroup analysis showed that compared with the use of hypoglycemic drugs, the use of metformin could reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer in patients with type 2 diabetes (OR = 0.79, 95% CI (0.66, 0.94)). However, compared with no drugs or only diet therapy, metformin users might increase the risk of pancreatic cancer (OR = 2.19, 95% CI (1.08, 4.44)). Sensitivity analysis confirmed the stability of the study, and there was no significant publication bias. Conclusion: Compared with the no-use of metformin, metformin users with diabetes can reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer. More research is needed to prove it works. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Observational studies showed that low thyroid function may perturb liver function. We aimed to evaluate the association of low thyroid function with both metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and advanced hepatic fibrosis. Methods: Participants who underwent abdominal ultrasonography and thyroid function test in a Chinese hospital from 2015 to 2021were enrolled. Fibrosis-4 index (FIB-4) > 2.67 and/or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease fibrosis score (NFS) > 0.676 were used to define advanced fibrosis. Descriptive analyses were performed to characterize the epidemiology of MAFLD according to levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). The logistic regression model was applied to estimate the association of low thyroid function with MAFLD and advanced fibrosis. Results: A total of 19,946 participants (52.78% males, mean age: 47.31 years, 27.55% MAFLD) were included, among which 14,789 were strict-normal thyroid function, 4,328 were low-normal thyroid function, 829 were subclinical hypothyroidism. TSH levels were significantly higher in MAFLD patients with a FIB-4 > 2.67 and /or NFS > 0.676 than their counterparts. The logistic regression model adjusted for age and sex showed that low-normal thyroid function increased the risk of MAFLD (odds ratio [OR] = 1.09; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01–1.18). Multivariable regression model adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension showed low-normal thyroid function increased the risk of advanced fibrosis in patients with MAFLD (FIB-4 > 2.67: OR = 1.41, 95% CI 1.02–1.93; NFS > 0.676: OR = 1.72, 95% CI 1.08–2.72). Conclusion: Elevated TSH concentrations are associated with advanced hepatic fibrosis, even in the euthyroid state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Localized spoof surface plasmons (LSSPs) are extensively used to develop various functional components due to their excellent characteristics of subwavelength confinement and concomitant near‐field enhancement. In this paper, a rat‐race coupler based on fractional‐order LSSPs is proposed to achieve in‐phase or out‐of‐phase power division. It is a four‐port passive component with the advantage of miniaturization. In simulation and experiment, the feasibility of the rat‐race coupler is demonstrated and the existence of the rare fractional‐order LSSPs modes is conformed. More interestingly, a general design method is suggested, based on which arbitrary fractional‐order LSSPs modes can be constructed by skillfully tailoring the electrical lengths between ports. This paper expands the applications of the LSSPs and enriches the topological properties of the LSSPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

InSAR-based deformation analysis and the geomorphic hypsometric integral (HI) technique are powerful tools for assessing the susceptibility and comparison of seismic sites to earthquakes. Therefore, this paper mainly focuses on surface deformation analysis associated with the Mw 5.0 earthquake (2019) in Mach and Quetta, Balochistan, Pakistan. Sentinel-1 IW data was used to perform PS-InSAR time series analysis. SRTM DEM of 30 m spatial resolution was utilized for the geomorphic Hypsometry Integral (HI) method. The obtained results of the Interferogram indicate the changes in velocity and vertical displacement during pre-seismic, co-seismic, and post-seismic activity. Integral values were calculated using Hypsometry curves delineating the future probability and comparison of vulnerable seismological sites in Mach, Quetta, Ghazaband, Chamman and surroundings of Balochistan region. The combined results of HI and PS-InSAR revealed that Mach and Quetta regions are in between two lines known as the mature stages. Class 1_moderate (0.35 ≤ HI ≤ 0.52); with an integral value of HIMach = 0.398 and HIQuetta = 0.435 with a modest seismic forthcoming rate in future and susceptible to both erosion/uplifting with a vertical displacement rate more than existing ± 55 mm/year. Class 2_high (HI ˃ 0.53) with the younger and more tectonically active region surrounded by Chaman fault, which possesses a future susceptible tendency towards subsidence more than an existing velocity rate ~ 8 mm/year and Ghazaband fault towards uplifting more than 5–6 mm/year. No region of the study area was found at Monadnock: class 3_Low (HI ˂ 0.35) stabilized condition, all sites are unstable and tectonically active. Therefore, obtained results through combined PS-InSAR and HI techniques can be used for the identification of most vulnerable seismic sites and can ascertain future safe metropolitan planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Much of the existing research on banking systemic risk focuses on static single-risk exposures, and there is a lack of research on multiple-risk exposures. The reality is that the banking system is facing an increasingly complex environment, and dynamic measures of multiple-risk integration are essential. To reveal the risk accumulation process under the multi-risk exposures of the banking system, this article constructs a dynamic banking system as the research object and combines geometric Brownian motion, the BSM model, and the maximum likelihood estimate method. This article also aims to incorporate three types of exposures (interbank lending market risk exposures, entity industry credit risk exposures, and market risk exposures) within the same framework for the first time and builds a model of the dynamic evolution of banking systemic risk under multiple exposures. This study included the collection of a large amount of real data on banks, entity industries, and market risk factors, and used the Δ C o V a R model to evaluate the systemic risk of the China banking system from the point of view of the accumulation of risk from different exposures, revealing the dynamic process of risk accumulation under the integration of multiple risks within the banking system, as well as the contribution of different exposures to banking systemic risk. The results showed that the banking systemic risk of China first increased and then decreased with time, and the rate of risk accumulation is gradually slowing down. In terms of the impact of different kinds of exposures on system losses, the credit risk exposure of the entity industry had the greatest impact on the banking systemic risk among the three kinds of exposures. In terms of the contribution of the interbank lending market risk to the systemic risk, the Bank of Communications, China Everbright Bank, and Bank of Beijing contributed the most. In terms of the contribution of the bank–entity industry credit risk to the systemic risk, the financial industry, accommodation and catering industry, and manufacturing industry contributed the most. Considering the contribution of market risk to the systemic risk, the Shanghai Composite Index, the Hang Seng Composite Index, and the Dow Jones Index contributed the most. The research in this paper enriches the existing banking systemic risk research perspective and provides a reference for the regulatory decisions of central banks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: A direct evaluation of insulin sensitivity on pituitary response to gonadotropin relasing hormone (GnRH) has not been shown in congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH), despite a growing body of evidence in the association of testosterone concentrations with insulin sensitiviy. The objective of the study was to explore whether increased testosterone concentrations in men with CHH improve insulin sensitivity, or vice versa. Design: A retrospective study at a tertiary centre. Patients: Series of male CHH patients were included from Jannuary 2014 to December 2019. Measurements: Insulin sensitivity indices calculated from oral glucose tolerance test and steroid hormone levels were examined in 52 patients with newly diagnosed CHH and 22 healthy controls. Thirty‐two of the 52 CHH patients received pulsatile GnRH therapy with follow‐up every 3–6 months. Results: Compared to healthy controls, CHH patients had elevated 2 h post‐load glucose, HbA1c, fasting insulin, HOMA of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) and decreased Matsuda index and testosterone (p ≤.01). The median follow‐up for patients (n = 32) who received pulsatile GnRH therapy was 13.5 (11.3−24) months (432 person‐months in total). GnRH therapy increased testosterone and Matsuda index (p ≤.0001), whilst decreased platelet count (p =.04), leptin (p =.04), fasting glucose (p =.01) and HOMA‐IR (p <.0001) compared with baseline. The median treatment duration first time to reach the lower limit of normal testosterone concentrations of patients with high and low baseline insulin sensitivity was 15 (95% CI: 8.1−21.9) and 30 months (21.2−38.8), respectively. Correspondingly, after GnRH therapy, luteinizing hormone responsiveness to GnRH provocative test was more vigorous in patients with high insulin sensitivity than those with low insulin sensitivity [17.0 (9.5−25.9) vs. 8.2 (3.3−13.0), p =.01]. Conclusion: Pulsatile GnRH therapy elevated testosterone levels in male CHH patients, ameliorated impaired insulin sensitivity and attenuated subclinical inflammatory response, increased insulin sensitivity, in turn, may benefit the efficacy of pulsatile GnRH therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leaf photophysiological characteristics are the main indexes that determine crop yield formation. However, it remains unclear whether photosynthesis is systematically regulated via the cropping pattern and nitrogen supply when maize crops are planted with a high density. So, a field experiment that had a three-factor split-plot arrangement of treatments was conducted from 2020 to 2021. The main plot was two cropping patterns that included the sole cropping of maize and wheat–maize intercropping. The split plot had two nitrogen application rates: a traditional nitrogen application rate (N2, 360 kg ha−1) and one reduced by 25% (N1, 270 kg ha−1) for maize. The split–split plot had three planting densities: a traditional density (M1, 78,000 plant ha−1), a medium density (M2, 10,400 plant ha−1), and a high density (M3, 129,000 plant ha−1) for sole maize; the corresponding densities of intercropped maize were 45,000, 60,000, and 75,000 plant ha−1, respectively. The grain yield, the photosynthetic traits, and chlorophyll a fluorescence of the maize were assessed. The results showed that a 25% nitrogen reduction and dense planting had a negative impact on the individual maize's photosynthesis. However, intercropping could alleviate these drawbacks. When the maize was grown in the intercropping system at a lower nitrogen level and a medium planting density (IN1M2), the photosynthetic traits were better or similar to those of the traditional treatment (SN2M1) at the reproductive growth stage. Moreover, IN1M2 improved the light energy distribution among photochemistry, photo-protective and heat dissipation process of maize compared with SN2M1. A grey relation analysis demonstrated that the Pn and Tr of the individual maize played the most significant role in the group's productivity. Thus, the IN1M2 treatment achieved the highest grain yield and can be recommended as a feasible agronomic practice in oasis-irrigated regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There might be more than 10 million confirmed cases of Parkinson's disease (PD) worldwide by 2040. However, the pathogenesis of PD is still unclear. Host health is closely related to gut microbiota, which are affected by factors such as age, diet, and exercise. Recent studies have found that gut microbiota may play key roles in the progression of a wide range of diseases, including PD. Changes in the abundance of gut bacteria, such as Helicobacter pylori, Enterococcus faecalis, and Desulfovibrio, might be involved in PD pathogenesis or interfere with PD therapy. Gut microbiota and the distal brain achieve action on each other through a gut‐brain axis composed of the nervous system, endocrine system, and immune system. Here, this review focused on the current understanding of the connection between Parkinson's disease and gut microbiota, to provide potential therapeutic targets for PD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Dongji epithermal Au deposit formed in the Early Cretaceous is located in the Dongkeng volcanic Basin of the South China Block. The orebodies of the deposit are mainly hosted in the Jurassic volcanic–subvolcanic rocks. Here, detailed zircon U–Pb geochronology, major‐trace elements, and fluid inclusion data of the Dongji deposit are reported. At least two epochs of magmatic activity were identified at Dongji, including the Late Jurassic rhyolitic crystal tuff lava (165.3 ± 1.8 Ma to 162.8 ± 2.6 Ma) and quartz porphyry (156.0 ± 1.9 Ma), and the Early Cretaceous dacitic crystal tuff lava (108.4 ± 5.7 Ma) and purplish‐red crystal tuff lava (98.1 ± 0.8 Ma). The Late Jurassic volcanic–subvolcanic rocks are characterized by high SiO2 content, enriched LILE (large ion lithophile element) elements, depleted HFSE (high field strength element) elements, and obvious P, Ti and Eu anomalies. These geochemical characteristics suggest that the volcanic–subvolcanic rocks were generated by partial melting of the lower crust and controlled by fractional crystallization of Ti‐bearing phases, apatite, and plagioclase. In comparison, the Early Cretaceous volcanic–subvolcanic rocks are characterized by high K contents, and arc‐like signatures (e.g., enriched Rb, Th, K, and depleted Nb, Ta, Ti), indicating a partial melting of crust–mantle interaction under an extensional tectonic setting. The ore‐bearing dacitic crystal tuff lava and the caprock of purplish‐red tuff lava constrain the timing of gold mineralization in the range of 108–98 Ma. The Au mineralization at Dongji is divided into the early stage of quartz‐pyrite association and the late main mineralization stage of quartz‐polymetallic sulfide association. The fluid inclusion microthermometry results show that the ore‐forming fluids at the early mineralization are characterized by enrichment of liquid‐rich two‐phase inclusions and CO2‐bearing aqueous inclusions. The fluids with moderate homogenization temperatures (292–382°C) and low salinities (5.4–10.0 wt% NaClequiv) were possibly exsolved from magmatic rocks. Nevertheless, fluid inclusions in the late‐stage contain liquid‐rich two‐phase inclusions and pure liquid phase inclusions. The homogenization temperatures (222–309°C) and salinities (2.4–8.3 wt% NaClequiv) of the late‐stage fluid inclusions are relatively lower than those of the early stage, probably indicating a fluid mixing of magmatic and meteoric fluids. Based on the above, we propose that fluid mixing is the key factor facilitating Au precipitation in the Dongji deposit, probably applicable to other Au deposits in the Dongkeng volcanic Basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The specific aggregation of macrophages of different phenotypes occurred in CRSwNP. • M2 macrophages in CRSwNP had reduced immunosuppressive ability due to the lack of IL-10. • A possible imbalance of pro/anti-inflammatory processes occurred in CRSwNP. • Defective macrophage autophagy and phagocytosis were observed in CRSwNP. • Macrophages contributed to the formation of NP. Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) represents a heterogeneous disorder primarily characterized by the persistent inflammation of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. The subtype known as chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP) is distinguished by a significantly elevated recurrence rate and augmented challenges in the management of nasal polyps. The pathogenesis underlying this subtype remains incompletely understood. Macrophages play a crucial role in mediating the immune system's response to inflammatory stimuli. These cells exhibit remarkable plasticity and heterogeneity, differentiating into either the pro-inflammatory M1 phenotype or the anti-inflammatory and reparative M2 phenotype depending on the surrounding microenvironment. In CRSwNP, macrophages demonstrate reduced production of Interleukin 10 (IL-10), compromised phagocytic activity, and decreased autophagy. Dysregulation of pro-resolving mediators may occur during the inflammatory resolution process, which could potentially hinder the adequate functioning of anti-inflammatory macrophages in facilitating resolution. Collectively, these factors may contribute to the prolonged inflammation observed in CRSwNP. Additionally, macrophages may enhance fibrin cross-linking through the release of factor XIII-A (FAXIII), promoting fibrin deposition and plasma protein retention. Macrophages also modulate vascular permeability by releasing Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Moreover, they may disrupt the balance between Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs) and Tissue Inhibitors of Metalloproteinases (TIMPs), which favors extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation, edema formation, and pseudocyst development. Accumulating evidence suggests a close association between macrophage infiltration and CRSwNP; however, the precise mechanisms underlying this relationship warrant further investigation. In different subtypes of CRSwNP, different macrophage phenotypic aggregations trigger different types of inflammatory features. Increasing evidence suggests that macrophage infiltration is closely associated with CRSwNP, but the mechanism and the relationship between macrophage typing and CRSwNP endophenotyping remain to be further explored. This review discusses the role of different types of macrophages in the pathogenesis of different types of CRSwNP and their contribution to polyp formation, in the hope that a better understanding of the role of macrophages in specific CRSwNP will contribute to a precise and individualized understanding of the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, the design of a fourth-harmonic gyrotron with 1-kW-level output power at 1 terahertz (THz) is presented. A unique advantage of this design is that, with a well-optimized magnetic-cusp large-orbit electron gun, the designed gyrotron can operate from first-harmonic to fourth-harmonic in multiple discrete bands by varying the confining magnetic field strength. By carefully balancing the competing modes, the gyrotron can be tuned to operate at six candidate modes, including TE1,2 for fundamental harmonic, TE2,3 and TE2,4 for second-harmonic, TE3,5 and TE3,6 for third-harmonic, and TE4,8 for fourth-harmonic interactions. As the main operating mode, the TE4,8 can generate a peak output power of 1.68 kW, with an output efficiency of about 2.1%, and a magnetically controlled frequency tuning range of about 1.5 GHz around 1 THz. The impact of the longitudinal nonuniformity of the cavity at high-harmonic interaction was also studied. It shows that a radial tolerance of several micrometers will significantly elevate the start-oscillation current and deteriorate output performance. This design is to produce a THz source with ultra-wideband tuning capability ranging from the submillimeter-wave to 1-THz bands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transplantation of olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) has been demonstrated to be beneficial for spinal cord injury (SCI) by modulating neuroinflammation, supporting neuronal survival and promoting angiogenesis. Besides OECs, the conditioned medium (CM) from OECs has also been proved to have therapeutic effects for SCI, indicating that the bioactive substances secreted by OECs are essential for its protective effects. Nevertheless, there is still little information regarding the underlying mechanisms. Considering that exosomes are crucial for intercellular communication and could be secreted by different types of cells, we speculated that the therapeutic potential of OECs for SCI might be partially based on their exosomes. To examine whether OECs could secret exosomes, we isolated exosomes by polyethylene glycol‐based method, and identified them by electron microscopy study, nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) and western blotting. In view of phagocytic ability of microglia and its distinct roles in microenvironment regulation after SCI, we then focused the effects of OECs‐derived exosomes (OECs‐Exo) on microglial phenotypic regulation. We found that the extracted OECs‐Exo could be engulfed by microglia and partially reverse the LPS‐induced pro‐inflammatory polarization through inhibiting NF‐κB and c‐Jun signaling pathways in vitro. Furthermore, OECs‐Exo were found to inhibit the polarization of pro‐inflammatory macrophages/microglia while increased the numbers of anti‐inflammatory cells after SCI. Considering that the neuronal injury is closely related to the activation state of macrophages/microglia, co‐culture of microglia and neurons were performed. Neuronal death induced by LPS‐treated microglia could be significantly alleviated when microglia treated by LPS plus OECs‐Exo in vitro. After SCI, NeuN‐immunostaining and axonal tract‐tracing were performed to assess neuronal survival and axon preservation. Our data showed that the OECs‐Exo promoted the neuronal survival and axon preservation, and facilitated functional recovery after SCI. Our findings provide a promising therapeutic strategy for SCI based on exosome‐immunomodulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Au mineralization in the giant Jiaodong Au province is enigmatic and difficult to fit current classic mineralization models, primarily because of uncertainties as to the sources of ore-forming fluids and metals. The ca. 120 Ma Au mineralization has been previously proposed to have occurred during a magmatic lull, which would negate a magmatic-hydrothermal genetic model. However, recent drilling has revealed a buried mineralized monzonite equivalent in age to the Au mineralization in the Linglong goldfield. Here, we present comprehensive textural, geochemical [LA-(MC)-ICP-MS trace element, Nd and S isotopes] and geochronological (LA-ICP-MS U-Pb dating) analyses of titanite and pyrite from this previously unrecognized monzonite. Three types of titanite were distinguished, including magmatic Ttn1 and hydrothermal Ttn2 and Ttn3, which show indistinguishable U-Pb ages (120.7 ± 3.1 and 120.9 ± 2.6 Ma), REE patterns and Nd isotopes [εNd(t) = –14.7 to –12.9], implying that hydrothermal fluids were directly exsolved from the monzonitic magma, contemporaneous with the large-scale Au mineralization at ca. 120 Ma. The Nd isotopes of titanite potentially indicate a lower crustal source mixed with mantle materials for the monzonite. Four types of pyrite were analyzed, including magmatic Py1 from fresh biotite monzonite, hydrothermal Py2 from altered biotite monzonite, hydrothermal Py3 from quartz-pyrite veins with a monazite U-Pb age of 118.2 ± 4.6 Ma, and magmatic Py4 from mafic enclaves of the Gushan granite at ca.120 Ma. The δ34S values of magmatic Py1 and Py4 (+1.9 to +6.3‰, and +5.0 to +6.4‰, respectively) and hydrothermal Py2 and Py3 (+6.4 to +9.5‰ and +6.5 to +7.6‰, respectively) are consistent with sulfur isotopic fractionation between melt and fluid. Hydrothermal Py2 and Py3 also have higher Co, As, Ag, Sb, and Bi contents and submicrometer gold inclusions, implying that the magmatic-hydrothermal fluids were fertile for mineralization. This study highlights the importance of monzonite magmatism and exsolved fertile fluids in regional Au mineralization. Hydrous magmas at ca. 120 Ma probably extracted Au eficiently from the lower crustal-mantle sources and released auriferous fluids at the late magmatic stage, leading to the formation of Au deposits in the Jiaodong province. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Early identification individuals at high risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is essential for prevention and intervention strategies of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease. MCI prediction considering the interdependence of predictors in longitudinal data needs to be further explored. We aimed to employ machine learning (ML) to develop and verify a prediction model of MCI.In a longitudinal population-based cohort of China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), 8390 non-MCI participants were enrolled. The diagnosis of MCI was based on the aging-associated cognitive decline (AACD), and 13 factors (gender, education, marital status, residence, diabetes, hypertension, depression, hearing impairment, social isolation, physical activity, drinking status, body mass index and expenditure) were finally selected as predictors. We implemented a long short-term memory (LSTM) to predict the MCI risks in middle-aged and older adults within 7 years. The Receiver Operating Characteristic curve (ROC) and calibration curve were used to evaluate the performance of the model.Through 7 years of follow-up, 1925 participants developed MCI. The model for all incident MCI achieved an AUC of 0.774, and its deployment to the participants followed 2, 4, and 7 years achieved results of 0.739, 0.747, and 0.750, respectively. The model was well-calibrated with predicted probabilities plotted against the observed proportions of cognitive impairment. Education level, gender, marital status, and depression contributed most to the prediction of MCI.This model could be widely applied to medical institutions, even in the community, to identify middle-aged and older adults at high risk of MCI.Methods: Early identification individuals at high risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is essential for prevention and intervention strategies of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease. MCI prediction considering the interdependence of predictors in longitudinal data needs to be further explored. We aimed to employ machine learning (ML) to develop and verify a prediction model of MCI.In a longitudinal population-based cohort of China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), 8390 non-MCI participants were enrolled. The diagnosis of MCI was based on the aging-associated cognitive decline (AACD), and 13 factors (gender, education, marital status, residence, diabetes, hypertension, depression, hearing impairment, social isolation, physical activity, drinking status, body mass index and expenditure) were finally selected as predictors. We implemented a long short-term memory (LSTM) to predict the MCI risks in middle-aged and older adults within 7 years. The Receiver Operating Characteristic curve (ROC) and calibration curve were used to evaluate the performance of the model.Through 7 years of follow-up, 1925 participants developed MCI. The model for all incident MCI achieved an AUC of 0.774, and its deployment to the participants followed 2, 4, and 7 years achieved results of 0.739, 0.747, and 0.750, respectively. The model was well-calibrated with predicted probabilities plotted against the observed proportions of cognitive impairment. Education level, gender, marital status, and depression contributed most to the prediction of MCI.This model could be widely applied to medical institutions, even in the community, to identify middle-aged and older adults at high risk of MCI.Results: Early identification individuals at high risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is essential for prevention and intervention strategies of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease. MCI prediction considering the interdependence of predictors in longitudinal data needs to be further explored. We aimed to employ machine learning (ML) to develop and verify a prediction model of MCI.In a longitudinal population-based cohort of China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), 8390 non-MCI participants were enrolled. The diagnosis of MCI was based on the aging-associated cognitive decline (AACD), and 13 factors (gender, education, marital status, residence, diabetes, hypertension, depression, hearing impairment, social isolation, physical activity, drinking status, body mass index and expenditure) were finally selected as predictors. We implemented a long short-term memory (LSTM) to predict the MCI risks in middle-aged and older adults within 7 years. The Receiver Operating Characteristic curve (ROC) and calibration curve were used to evaluate the performance of the model.Through 7 years of follow-up, 1925 participants developed MCI. The model for all incident MCI achieved an AUC of 0.774, and its deployment to the participants followed 2, 4, and 7 years achieved results of 0.739, 0.747, and 0.750, respectively. The model was well-calibrated with predicted probabilities plotted against the observed proportions of cognitive impairment. Education level, gender, marital status, and depression contributed most to the prediction of MCI.This model could be widely applied to medical institutions, even in the community, to identify middle-aged and older adults at high risk of MCI.Conclusions: Early identification individuals at high risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is essential for prevention and intervention strategies of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease. MCI prediction considering the interdependence of predictors in longitudinal data needs to be further explored. We aimed to employ machine learning (ML) to develop and verify a prediction model of MCI.In a longitudinal population-based cohort of China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), 8390 non-MCI participants were enrolled. The diagnosis of MCI was based on the aging-associated cognitive decline (AACD), and 13 factors (gender, education, marital status, residence, diabetes, hypertension, depression, hearing impairment, social isolation, physical activity, drinking status, body mass index and expenditure) were finally selected as predictors. We implemented a long short-term memory (LSTM) to predict the MCI risks in middle-aged and older adults within 7 years. The Receiver Operating Characteristic curve (ROC) and calibration curve were used to evaluate the performance of the model.Through 7 years of follow-up, 1925 participants developed MCI. The model for all incident MCI achieved an AUC of 0.774, and its deployment to the participants followed 2, 4, and 7 years achieved results of 0.739, 0.747, and 0.750, respectively. The model was well-calibrated with predicted probabilities plotted against the observed proportions of cognitive impairment. Education level, gender, marital status, and depression contributed most to the prediction of MCI.This model could be widely applied to medical institutions, even in the community, to identify middle-aged and older adults at high risk of MCI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To improve the corrosion resistance and enhance the electrical conductivity in a simulated proton exchange membrane fuel cell, carbon bound SS316L stainless steel plates were modified with titanium (Ti) or chromium (Cr). The SS316L interfacial contact resistance of 312.38 mΩ·cm2 was reduced to 1.59 mΩ·cm2 when modified with Ti and to 1.32 mΩ·cm2 when modified with Cr. The increase in potential enhanced the shedding of C films and the oxidation and dissolution of Ti and Cr buffer layers. The corrosion current density in the C/Ti coating was lower than C/Cr coating under high voltage polarization. The oxidation of Ti and Cr buffer layers led to poor appetency between the C film and the SS316L and to degradation of the through-plane electrical conductivities in the C/Ti and C/Cr coated metal bipolar plates. • Ti or Cr were added to a carbon film to improve the corrosion resistance of SS316L. • Dissolutions of C/Ti and C/Cr film on SS316L after polarization were analyzed. • Pitting corrosion was the main cause of C/Ti/SS316L failure. • Intergranular and pitting corrosion were the main causes of C/Cr/SS316L failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Shicheng Au-Cu deposit is hosted in the late Early Cretaceous Sanfoshan pluton within the Muping-Rushan (Mu-Ru) metallogenic belt, southeast Jiaodong. The deposit is characterised by Au-Cu bearing quartz-carbonate-sulphide veins that illustrate overprinting sheeted-like and breccia styles. Paragenetically-later veins contain Pb-Zn-(Cu) metal association, suggesting metal zonation at the deposit scale. Quartz from Shicheng shows the cathodoluminescence (CL) textures characteristic of hydrothermal systems with a magmatic influence and exhibits a similar quartz generations sequence. Moreover, this study presents a later overprinting mineralising event, characterised by quartz veins that contain As-rich pyrite, at the Jinqingding deposit in the middle part of the Mu-Ru belt. Jinqingding has a young mineralisation age that overlaps the emplacement age of the Sanfoshan pluton. Quartz from these veins at Jinqingding shows CL textures like those of the Shicheng deposit. The Sanfoshan pluton evolved from highly oxidised, high-K calc-alkaline, I-type magmatism. The early phases of the Sanfoshan pluton have K/Rb, Rb/Sr, and Fe2O3/FeO ratios that indicate moderately evolved, less fractionated, and highly oxidised magma, respectively, favouring Au-chalcophile metal association. Therefore, the Shicheng deposit and the overprinting mineralising event at Jinqingding may reasonably represent the products of an oxidised magmatic-hydrothermal system associated with the Sanfoshan-forming magmatism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-quality axis-encircling electron beam is essential to drive a high-harmonic gyrotron. A magnetic cusp gun that can generate a low-spread axis-encircling electron beam at an extremely high magnetic-compression ratio was developed for a 1-THz fourth-harmonic gyrotron toward continuous-wave operation. The optimized gun could generate an axis-encircling electron beam with 80-kV voltage, 1-A current, and a nearly constant pitch factor of about 1.5 in a wide range of magnetic field strength. The transverse velocity spread was less than 2.1% and the guiding center radius was $26.6 ~\mu \text{m}$. The design was verified by using MAGIC, EGUN, and CST simulations and good agreements were achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Iron metabolism and insulin resistance (IR) are closely related to non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, the interplay between them on the occurrence and progression of NAFLD is not fully understood. We aimed to disentangle the crosstalk between iron metabolism and IR and explore its impact on NAFLD. Methods: We analyzed data from the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (NHANES) 2017–2018 to evaluate the association between serum iron metabolism indicators (ferritin, serum iron, unsaturated iron‐binding capacity [UIBC], total iron‐binding capacity [TIBC], transferrin saturation, and transferrin receptor) and NAFLD/non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Mediation analysis was conducted to explore the role of IR played in these relationship. Results: A total of 4812 participants were included, among whom 43.7% were diagnosed with NAFLD and 13.2% were further diagnosed with NASH. After adjusting the covariates, the risk of NAFLD increases with increasing serum ferritin (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.71, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.37–2.14), UIBC (aOR 1.45, 95% CI 1.17–1.79), and TIBC (aOR 1.36, 95% CI 1.11–1.68). Higher levels of serum ferritin (aOR 3.70, 95% CI 2.25–6.19) and TIBC (aOR 1.69, 95% CI 1.13–2.56) were also positively associated with NASH. Participants with IR were more likely to have NAFLD/NASH. Moreover, IR‐mediated efficacy accounted for 85.85% and 64.51% between ferritin and NAFLD and NASH, respectively. Conclusion: Higher levels of serum ferritin and TIBC are closely associated with the occurrence of NAFLD and NASH. IR may be considered a possible link between NAFLD or NASH and increased serum ferritin levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the 2008 financial crisis, it is an important issue to assess the systemic risk of banks, but there is a lack of research on the assessment of the systemic risk of Turkey's financial system. In addition, geometric Brownian motion is used in most of the assessment frameworks of systemic risk under the normal financial market state, while the Turkish financial market has the situation of spike and thick tail. Therefore, this paper proposes a fractional Brownian motion measurement framework of systemic risk to study the systemic risk of the Turkish financial system. Firstly, this paper uses the data of 11 Turkish listed banks from 2014 to 2019 to conduct a normality test and demonstrate that its market has the characteristics of a fractal market; that is, there is a spike and thick tail distribution phenomenon in the stock price trend. Then, this paper proposes a fractional Brownian motion systemic risk measurement framework (fBSM). Based on the proposed theoretical framework and the actual data of Turkish listed banks from 2014 to 2019, a dynamically evolving Turkish banking network system is constructed to measure the systemic risk in the Turkish banking system. The research results find that the systemic risk is the highest in 2017, which then improved and gradually recovered. In addition, when analyzing the sensitivity of the Hurst index, it shows that with the increase in Hurst index, the Hurst index elasticity of Turkish banks' asset value increases gradually and the asset value also increases continuously. Hence, the Hurst index has a greater impact on asset value. Therefore, the measurement framework of systemic risk based on the fBSM can better monitor the systemic risk than the traditional geometric Brownian motion in the Turkish banking system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Real‐world classification often encounters a problem called class imbalance. When the data of some classes are redundant than that of other classes, traditional classifiers usually bias their decision boundaries to the redundant majority classes. Most proposed cost‐sensitive strategies often ignore the hard‐to‐learn examples or have a large amount of hyper‐parameters. This article proposes an adaptive learning cost‐sensitive convolutional neural network to solve this problem. During the training process, the proposed method embeds a class‐dependent cost to each class in the global error, making the decision boundary bias to the minority classes. Meanwhile, a distribution weight is assigned to each example to enhance the learning of the hard‐to‐learn examples. Both the class‐dependent costs and distribution weights are learnt automatically in the net. This cost‐sensitive approach makes the algorithm focus on the examples in the minority classes as well as the hard‐to‐learn examples in each class. Besides, this approach can be applied to both binary and multi‐class image classification problems without any modification. Experiments are conducted on four image classification datasets to evaluate this algorithm. The experimental results show that the proposed method achieves better performance than the baseline algorithms and some other algorithms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Oxidative weathering and evaporative settings favor accumulation of Co-rich sedimentary pyrite in a sulfidic ocean. • Cobalt is released and mobilized during orogenic deformation and metamorphism. • Pyrite recrystallization causes cobalt release and minor S-Fe isotope variations. • Globally, evaporative marine sequences formed at ca. 2.2–2.0 and 0.9–0.7 Ga are the ideal target areas for Co resources, including those hosted in orogenic belts. The origin of sediment-hosted copper-cobalt deposits (SCDs) within metamorphic terranes remains contentious, particularly in regard to the timing of mineralization relative to basin evolution. Here, we link the timing of Cu-Co mineralization in the Zhongtiao Mountains district, central China, to basin closure during development of the Trans-North China Orogen. Metamorphic apatite from meta-evaporite has a U-Pb age (1844 ± 25 Ma) within error of a Re-Os age for molybdenite from Cu- and Co-bearing veins (1819 ± 10 Ma), implying that mineralization and metamorphism were coincident. In situ trace element and Fe-S isotope analyses of deformed sedimentary pyrite (Py I) and younger euhedral metamorphic pyrite (Py II) in pyritic graphite schist indicate that Co was mobilized from Py I via fluid-mediated dissolution and reprecipitation. In the graphite schist, representing a sulfidic shale metamorphosed at upper greenschist facies conditions, relic Py I has high δ34S values (22.9 ± 0.4‰, n = 10) and δ56Fe values (0.90 ± 0.16‰, n = 8). These values are consistent with bacterial sulfate reduction and pyrite formation in a Paleoproterozoic sulfidic sea (i.e., after the first great oxygenation event). In addition, Py I has unusually high Co contents (0.8–3.0 wt.%), suggesting that transition metals, including Co and Ni, were originally concentrated in sedimentary pyrite in an evaporative setting. The evaporitic setting is supported by the presence of sylvite in sulfidic schists and adjacent scapolitic calc-silicates. Younger Co-poor Py II has slightly lower δ34S values (21.4 ± 0.2‰, n = 19) and higher δ56Fe values (1.61 ± 0.15‰, n = 9), supporting the hypothesis that Co was released from sedimentary sulfide during dissolution and reprecipitation. The great variability of δ34S (14.8 to 22.9‰) and δ56Fe (0.13 to 2.30‰) in hydrothermal pyrite (Py III) associated with Cu-Co mineralization suggests that an external Cu-rich oxidizing fluid was involved in the ore-forming process. Copper and Co in this type of deposit are typically both considered to be derived from fertile basement rocks. This study, however, highlights another potential source for the Co, with its enrichment in a sulfidic sea along an evaporative margin and its upgrading through mobilization during orogenesis that leads to formation of a relatively high-temperature group of SCDs. Tectonometamorphic processes causing such Co enrichments took place during the Paleoproterozoic and Neoproterozoic oxygenation events, implying that the most prospective targets for Co resources are concentrated in ca. 2.2–2.0 Ga and 0.9–0.7 Ga deformed passive margin marine sequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To solve the problem that the magnetic resonance (MR) image has weak boundaries, large amount of information, and low signal-to-noise ratio, we propose an image segmentation method based on the multi-resolution Markov random field (MRMRF) model. The algorithm uses undecimated dual-tree complex wavelet transformation to transform the image into multiple scales. The transformed low-frequency scale histogram is used to improve the initial clustering center of the K-means algorithm, and then other cluster centers are selected according to the maximum distance rule to obtain the coarse-scale segmentation. The results are then segmented by the improved MRMRF model. In order to solve the problem of fuzzy edge segmentation caused by the gray level inhomogeneity of MR image segmentation under the MRMRF model, it is proposed to introduce variable weight parameters in the segmentation process of each scale. Furthermore, the final segmentation results are optimized. We name this algorithm the variable-weight multi-resolution Markov random field (VWMRMRF). The simulation and clinical MR image segmentation verification show that the VWMRMRF algorithm has high segmentation accuracy and robustness, and can accurately and stably achieve low signal-to-noise ratio, weak boundary MR image segmentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the rapid development of the financial market, the outbreak of systemic risk is affected by many factors, among which shadow banking is considered to be the essential reason to cause financial crisis and destroy the stability of the banking system. In view of the stability of the banking system, considering shadow banking, interbank lending, and complex relationships between banks, a dynamic complex interbank network model with shadow banking under different network structures is proposed. Based on the model, the effects of ROI, investment periods, average deposit, deposit interest rate, the density of shadow banks, and asset loss are studied quantitatively, and the sensitivity and difference of the banking system with shadow banking under different interbank networks are compared and analyzed. The findings indicate that the spread of systemic risks between banks is closely related to the interbank network structures. With the relatively concentrated interbank network structure, it is easier to increase the probability and degree of risk contagion. Under the random, small-world, and scale-free networks, the random network has the strongest ability to resist and absorb risks, while the small-world network is the weakest. However, once the banking network suffers a big shock, excessive risk will directly break through the protection of the banking network, detonate the systematic risk, and destroy the stability of the banking system with shadow banking. This study contributes to a future empirical research agenda on the topic. Moreover, it gives a reference for policymakers and regulatory authorities to prevent systemic risk introduced by shadow banking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The electrolytic refining parameters of high purity indium was optimized by machine learning. • The forecast models of support vector regression algorithm of Cu and Pb content were established. • The multi-objective optimization of Cu and Pb content was realized by the NSGA-II algorithm. • The content of Cu and Pb meeting the national standard of 5 N indium was verified by experiments on the basis of the optimized parameters. A novel approach utilizing support vector regression algorithm (SVR) is presented for developing forecast models of Cu and Pb concentrations in indium electrolysis products. These models are based on a subset of process parameters and purity data. The optimization of Cu and Pb content is achieved through the integration of the forecast models with a multi-objective genetic algorithm. Consequently, a set of optimal electrolysis process parameters is identified for the electrolytic refining of high-purity indium. The determined optimal parameters are as follows: In3+ concentration of 80–90 g·L-1, NaCl concentration of 85–120 g·L-1, gelatin concentration of 0.5–0.6 g·L-1, current density of 65–70 A·m−2, pH value of 2.5, and pole pitch of 40–60 mm. To validate the effectiveness of these optimized parameters, experimental tests are conducted to confirm that the Cu and Pb contents conform to the national standard for 5 N indium. By employing this innovative approach, the study not only provides insights into the forecast modeling of Cu and Pb concentrations in indium electrolysis products but also contributes to the advancement of the electrolytic refining process for achieving high-purity indium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Triassic syenitic complexes in Songxian were emplaced at 235–210 Ma. • Two types of syenites, alkali-feldspar syenite and aegirine-augite syenite, might originate from two different magma episodes. • The parental magma was formed by mixing of mantle-derived melts and crustal materials. • The subduction of oceanic crust led to back-arc extension and crust-mantle interaction. Alkaline igneous rocks usually provide significant information on the mantle-derived components, magmatic processes and crust–mantle interaction due to their deep source. The Songxian syenite, located in the Xiong'er terrane of the Qinling Orogen, is one of the most typical alkaline intrusions in the Early Mesozoic. Geochemical, geochronological and in situ Sr–Nd–Hf isotopic analyses were conducted on the alkali-feldspar syenite and aegirine-augite syenite samples collected from the Songxian syenite, in order to reveal the magma sources, petrogenesis and possible geodynamic implications. All the rock samples are enriched in alkali (Na 2 O + K 2 O = 11.74 to 15.14 wt%), light rare earth elements and large ion lithophile elements, and depleted in high field strength elements. Zircon LA–ICP–MS U–Pb dating of medium- and fine-grained alkali-feldspar syenites yield emplacement ages of 235.5 ± 0.9 Ma and 232.7 ± 3.3 Ma, respectively. In addition, the aegirine-augite syenite generally developed as dyke or vein cutting through the two types of alkali-feldspar syenite in the field, indicating multiple pulses of magmatism. In-situ Sr-Nd isotopic analyses on magmatic apatite yielded (87Sr/86Sr) i ratios from 0.707959 to 0.710414 and ε Nd (t) from −19.3 to −13.9 for alkali-feldspar syenite, while the analyses for aegirine-augite syenite yielded (87Sr/86Sr) i ratios from 0.717948 to 0.721470 and ε Nd (t) from −25.5 to −24.5. The difference suggests that the Songxian syenite may be generated from multi-stage magmatic episodes. The first magmatic incident mainly originated from the partial melting of the enriched lithospheric mantle, mixed with the lower crust-derived melts. The second mixing magma might involve more proportion of Archean to Paleoproterozoic crust-derived materials. During the Early Mesozoic, the Mian-Lue oceanic slab subducted northward to the asthenosphere mantle and induced asthenosphere upwelling. Under the tectonic setting, the mixture of enriched mantle- and crust-derived melts occurred to form the Songxian syenite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transmission of the liquidity crisis across interbank lending markets has emerged as a primary concern for regulatory agencies. In this paper, we consider the nonlinear dynamic contagion and the regulatory scheme of liquidity crisis in the interbank lending network. We first propose a Susceptible–Infected–Susceptible epidemic network model to describe the dynamics of crisis contagion between banks. We find that complex interbank linkages and the heterogenous contagiousness and resilience of banks determine the equilibrium state of the system and the crisis outbreak trajectory of each group. We prove the positive effect of improving bank liquidity on mitigating the crisis outbreak. Next, we propose concrete intervention policies based on two widely used liquidity regulation approaches — cutting reserve requirements and repo operations. With the financial data of China's banks from 2007 to 2021, we find that the liquidity crisis can be eliminated without intervention in 2021 in China due to nearly a decade of continued decrease in the reserve requirement ratios. We finally show that an unhealthy structure of interbank network can lead to a system where infection outpaces recovery. In this case, the effect of liquidity regulation is weak. The empirical results find that liquidity regulation is generally effective from 2013 to 2017, but weak from 2007 to 2010. • We propose a SIS model to study the interbank liquidity crisis contagion. • We derive heterogeneous parameters of each node based on banks' financial statements. • We implement the model on the Chinese interbank network research. • We design two macroprudential instruments for liquidity regulation — RRR cuts and repos. • We find that liquidity regulation is effective from 2013–2017, but weak from 2007–2010. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Rock and fluid buffering scapolite formation conditions are identifiable. • Br/Cl ratio of scapolite is a good tracer of deep fluid source and evolution. • Oxidized, S-rich, salty metamorphic fluid buffered by scapolite-rich rocks. • Evaporite-bearing orogenic belt facilitate for the base metal formation. Scapolite is abundant in medium to high grade metamorphic rocks with evaporitic calc-silicate bulk compositions, and because it can be Cl− and SO 4 2− rich, is able to provide a unique view into the evolution of deep brines during orogenic cycles. In the Zhongtiao Mountains, part of the Trans-North China Orogen (TNCO), scapolite occurs in two distinct mineralogical associations; scapolite-I in carbonate-bearing biotite schist and scapolite-II in amphibolites. Initially, metamorphic Cl-rich scapolite-I formed in the schist at low fluid-rock ratio and peak pressure (meionite content = 32–37%, Cl = 2.34–2.75 wt.%). This observation, together with high molar Cl/Br ratios (Cl/Br = 973–2236), implies a halite-bearing evaporitic protolith. During a second stage of scapolite formation in the calc-silicates, rims overgrew scapolite-I with distinct compositions (Me% = 31–32, Cl = 2.64–3.0 wt.%, Cl/Br = 408–892). The lower molar Cl/Br ratios in scapolite-I rims imply that the later fluid was distinctly different to the earlier metamorphic fluid, and may have evolved through a stage of halite saturation induced by phase separation. Halite saturation would drive Br enrichment in the remaining fluid because Cl is preferentially sequestered in halite. Also at this time, amphibolites were subjected to intense open system fluid-rock interactions resulting in formation of scapolite-II (Me% = 30–32, Cl = 2.74–2.97 wt.%, Cl/Br = 291–1426), similar to that of the scapolite-I. S6+/∑S ratios in scapolite obtained via synchrotron XANES indicate that equilibration between fluid and scapolite would buffer the fluid to oxidized conditions, with oxygen fugacity (log f O 2) beyond −15. The scapolitic rocks in this region were thus able to play a key role in controlling the salinity and oxidation state of the deep metamorphic fluid, thereby creating enhanced potential for scavenging of a range of metals within the metamorphic terrane and promoting syn-orogenic hydrothermal ore formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mineralogical distribution, textures, electron probe microanalysis of visible gold, laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) trace element analysis of pyrite, and LA-multicollector (MC-)ICP-MS sulfur isotope analysis of sulfide minerals are examined in an ore zone extending obliquely to –4 km depth in the Sanshandao gold deposit Jiaodong, China. We relate these results to the temporal and spatial ore-forming processes in the deposit to further elucidate the controls on the deposition of visible Au and fineness variation. Two generations of Au mineralization are identified. The early generation is represented by beresitization and quartz-pyrite veins in which visible Au grains are associated with pyrite (Py1 and Py2) and are characterized by high fineness [729–961; fineness = 1000×Au/(Au+Ag)]. Py1 and Py2 are both enriched in Co, Ni, and Bi and depleted in As and Au. Texturally, gold and pyrite are pristine crystals, homogeneous in composition. These features are attributed to the sulfidation of the granitic wallrock (fluid/rock interaction) that effectively destabilizes Au in the ore-forming fluids during pyrite deposition. Fineness decreases continuously from 870 at –2650 m depth to 752 at –420 m depth. The Co and Ni contents of Py1 and Py2 decrease significantly from –4000 m to –420 m depth, whereas the As contents increase. The mean δ34S values of Py1 increase from 10.5 to 11.8‰. The spatial variations are interpreted to be related to gradual cooling, decompression, and an enhanced degree of fluid/rock interaction with decreasing depth, which facilitated the initiation of visible gold mineralization at ca. –2700 m depth. The late generation of Au mineralization is represented by quartz-polysulfide veins in which visible Au grains are associated with multiple sulfide minerals (Py3, galena, chalcopyrite, arsenopyrite, and sphalerite). It is characterized by low fineness (549–719), and heterogeneous textures with Ag-rich parts (218–421). Py3, occurring as the rim of pyrite grain, is interpreted to form by replacement via a dissolution-reprecipitation reaction. Py3 is distinctly enriched in As (median of 10 000 ppm) and Au (2.2 ppm), but depleted in Co, Ni, and Bi. The δ34S values of the polysulfide minerals decrease sharply by 4 to 5‰ at depths from –1909 to –1450 m. These features are interpreted to be generated by significant decompression and phase separation of fluid, where most ore elements (e.g., Au, Ag, As, and base metal elements) are destabilized. Our study suggests that remobilization did not affect the generation of visible Au mineralization at Sanshandao. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blood glucose dysregulation and hyperglycaemia caused by diabetes mellitus are intimately associated with male infertility. Two‐month‐old Sprague‐Dawley rats were given a single dose of streptozotocin (55 mg/kg) by intraperitoneal injection to induce type I diabetes mellitus (DM group). The treatment group was given 1 unit/day of insulin for 16 weeks (INS group). The normal control group (NC group) was given food ad libitum. In the DM group, the histological analysis of caput and cauda epididymal ducts showed broken stereocilia and more lipid vacuolisations in the principal cells. The interstitial hyperplasia and inflammatory cell infiltration were observed in epididymal tissues. Transmission electron microscopy observation showed that the principal cells in the DM group contained more vacuoles, partly lost stereocilia, and swollen mitochondria. The autophagosomes were observed as well. Western blotting results of LC3II/I and P62 protein expression indicated that autophagy was downregulated in the DM group. The total antioxidant activity and GPx5 expression of epididymal tissues were also decreased. In the INS group, significant improvements were observed in epididymal tissues. Our study suggests that diabetic hyperglycaemia causes autophagy dysregulation in epididymal tissues, which may play a role in diabetes‐induced rat epididymal injury. Insulin treatment is beneficial for diabetic‐associated epididymal dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protein-bound calcium (prCa) constitutes about 40% of serum total calcium, in which albumin is the most dominant protein. Given the chemical interaction between calcium and phosphate (Pi), the increased serum Pi in chronic kidney disease may cause changes in the composition and structure of the prCa fraction. Here, we report the phosphate binding on the protein-bound calcium in uremic rat serum. Using adenine-fed rats as a uremic model, we separated the calcium and phosphate fractions in rat serum by ultrafiltration, and found that the level of protein-bound phosphate (prPi) in the uremic serum was markedly higher than in control. The elevated prPi level was comparable to the prCa level, consistent with the presence of protein-bound calcium phosphate pr(Ca)j−m(CaPi)m. We then confirmed its presence by ex vivo X-ray absorption near-edge structure spectroscopy, revealing the discrete state of the calcium phosphate clusters associated with protein. Finally, in a quantitative investigation using Ca- and Pi-boosted serum, we discovered the threshold concentration for the Pi binding on prCa, and determined the binding constant. The threshold, while preventing Pi from binding to prCa in normal condition, allows the reaction to take place in hyperphosphatemia conditions. The protein-bound calcium phosphate could act as a link between the metabolism of serum proteins and the homeostasis of phosphate and calcium, and it deserves further investigation whether the molar ratio of (prPi/prCa)⋅100% may serve as a serum index of the vascular calcification status in chronic kidney disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, by using the method of integration within the ordered product of operators and entangled state representation, the degree of second-order coherence of coherent state evolving in a laser channel is derived for the first time, which exhibits its anti-bunching property. The master equation of the laser channel is solved by entangled state representation, and the cumulant for deriving mean and mean-square photon numbers is evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper aims to study the effect of ultraviolet (UV) light on the corrosion behavior of BC550 weathering steel in simulated marine atmospheric environment. Design/methodology/approach: The effect of UV light on the corrosion behavior of BC550 weathering steel in simulated marine atmospheric environments were investigated by the corrosion weight gain experiment, in situ electrochemical noise, scanning electron microscope and X-ray diffraction. Findings: UV light accelerated the corrosion process of BC550 weathering steel in the simulated marine atmospheric environment during the first 168 h. The maximum influence factor of UV light was 0.32, and it was only 0.08 after 168 h of corrosion process. Originality/value: As the extension of corrosion time, the thickness and density of the corrosion product layer increased, which weakened the acceleration effect of UV light. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing a high electrically conductive and corrosion-resistant coating on metal bipolar plate is of prime importance for its application in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells. To achieve it and further improve its through-plane conductivity, we herein prepared a composite coating by introducing Au microdots onto TiN coated stainless steel (Au/TiN/SS). Au dots provide additional conduction paths and thus Au/TiN/SS exhibits a remarkably lower interfacial contact resistance than that of TiN/SS after 200 h of test, suggesting that incorporation of Au dots into TiN provides an effective approach to achieving dual merits of high conductivity and corrosion resistance. • A composite coating of Au/TiN was prepared on metal bipolar plates of PEMFCs. • Au/TiN delivers a remarkably enhanced through-plane electrical conductivity than TiN. • Au/TiN possesses the dual merits of high corrosion resistance and conductivity. • Correlation of sample's electrical conductivity and surface Au dot is built up. • Degradation mechanism of Au/TiN coating in dilute H 2 SO 4 solution is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Spinal cord injury (SCI) favors a persistent pro-inflammatory macrophages/microglia-mediated response with only a transient appearance of anti-inflammatory phenotype of immune cells. However, the mechanisms controlling this special sterile inflammation after SCI are still not fully elucidated. It is known that damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) released from necrotic cells after injury can trigger severe inflammation. High mobility group box 1(HMGB1), a ubiquitously expressed DNA binding protein, is an identified DAMP, and our previous study demonstrated that reactive astrocytes could undergo necroptosis and release HMGB1 after SCI in mice. The present study aimed to explore the effects and the possible mechanism of HMGB1on macrophages/microglia polarization, as well as the neuroprotective effects by HMGB1 inhibition after SCI.Methods: In this study, the expression and the concentration of HMGB1 was determined by qRT-PCR, ELISA, and immunohistochemistry. Glycyrrhizin was applied to inhibit HMGB1, while FPS-ZM1 to suppress receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE). The polarization of macrophages/microglia in vitro and in vivo was detected by qRT-PCR, immunostaining, and western blot. The lesion area was detected by GFAP staining, while neuronal survival was examined by Nissl staining. Luxol fast blue (LFB) staining, DAB staining, and western blot were adopted to evaluate the myelin loss. Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan (BBB) scoring and rump-height Index (RHI) assay was applied to evaluate locomotor functional recovery.Results: Our data showed that HMGB1 can be elevated and released from necroptotic astrocytes and HMGB1 could induce pro-inflammatory microglia through the RAGE-nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway. We further demonstrated that inhibiting HMGB1 or RAGE effectively decreased the numbers of detrimental pro-inflammatory macrophages/microglia while increased anti-inflammatory cells after SCI. Furthermore, our data showed that inhibiting HMGB1 or RAGE significantly decreased neuronal loss and demyelination, and improved functional recovery after SCI.Conclusions: The data implicated that HMGB1-RAGE axis contributed to the dominant pro-inflammatory macrophages/microglia-mediated pro-inflammatory response, and inhibiting this pathway afforded neuroprotection for SCI. Thus, therapies designed to modulate immune microenvironment based on this cascade might be a prospective treatment for SCI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infrared (IR) studies of fluid inclusions in opaque minerals provide direct insights into the ore-forming fluids. However, the challenge posed by the "warming effect" of IR light during microthermometry remains unresolved. Here we address this problem and show that the deviation in temperature of phase changes within fluid inclusions caused by IR light is more common than what was thought before. Our results reveal that transparent to translucent minerals (e.g., quartz, sphalerite) also absorb IR energy. Since IR absorption is influenced by the host mineral, the fluid inclusions hosted by different minerals exhibit different degrees of deviation in temperature during microthermometry. The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra do not display a consistent correlation between the band gap energy of a mineral and its absorption of IR energy. Minerals with low band gap energy, such as pyrite, absorb limited IR energy, resulting in small deviations of fluid inclusion data. In contrast, this deviation could be significant for fluid inclusions hosted in minerals with a relatively high band gap energy, such as iron-rich sphalerite and wolframite. Substitution of iron increases the absorption of IR energy in these minerals. The substitution of trace elements may also play a role. Our quantitative analyses confirm that using the lowest possible IR light intensity with the smallest diaphragm minimizes the "warming effect" of IR light. We also propose an improved cycling method as a better option where high IR light intensity is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]