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Abstract Ancient Chinese bronzes, particularly bronze mirrors, often develop a fatty, oily, or greasy film on their surface, known as patina. This film can appear silvery, green, or black. Bronze mirror samples from the Spring and Autumn Period (770–476/403 BCE) to the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644 CE) were analyzed using a systematic approach that included super depth of field three-dimensional microscopy, scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM–EDS), Raman spectroscopy, and THM-Py-GC/MS. The analysis indicates the presence of advanced organic acid lead in the matrix of ancient bronze mirrors. The ancient existence of the lost wax method combined with the mould method of bronze casting technology is verified through simulation experiments and ancient literature. Ancient bronze mirrors may have utilized this technique, with advanced organic acid lead remaining in the mirror mould that entered the bronze mirror matrix during pouring. The Lead organic acids in bronze mirrors readily precipitate on the surface and cover the mirror. The change in the greasy sheen on the surface of the bronze mirror may be related to the degree of corrosion. If the mirror's corrosion level is low, the organic acid lead film remains transparent. If the level of corrosion is significant, the organic acid lead film may darken in color due to oxidation, aging, hydrolysis, or microbial activity.

The widespread presence of iron and sulfur compounds such as pyrite in marine waterlogged archeological wood (WAW) can cause irreversible damage to the safety of its preservation. This issue has been a longstanding concern for cultural heritage conservation communities. In this study, we examined the distribution and phase composition of Fe and sulfur compounds in wood samples obtained from the Nanhai I shipwreck using ESEM-EDS, micro-Raman spectroscopy, and an X-ray diffractometer. The removal of iron from WAW samples of the Nanhai I shipwreck using Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans (A. ferrooxidans) was evaluated using conductivity and ICP-AES analysis. The results showed that A. ferrooxidans effectively improved the removal of iron from WAW. The degradation of fresh healthy wood during treatment was also analyzed using infrared spectroscopy, and the results showed that the treatment had little effect on the samples over a short period. This study demonstrates, for the first time, the feasibility of iron extraction from marine WAW by A.ferrooxidans. This was also the first attempt in China to apply biological oxidation to the removal of iron from marine archeological materials.

Abstract The “Nanhai I” shipwreck is an important discovery in the underwater archaeology of China, and many ceramics have been unearthed. These ceramics are important material artifacts of China’s “Maritime Silk Road” and have considerable significance for the study of foreign trade in the Southern Song Dynasty (1127–1279 A.D.). However, these ceramics have been buried in a marine environment for approximately 800 years and have all been corroded to varying degrees, with green-glazed pottery being the most severely corroded. In this study, the chemical compositions of five samples of green-glazed pottery and the corrosion morphology and mechanism of a representative sample were analyzed by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X‐ray spectrometry (SEM–EDS), Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Results: The green glaze is a low-temperature silica-aluminum oxide-lead oxide (SiO2-Al2O3-PbO) glaze with copper ions (Cu2+) as the main colorant. The corrosion morphology is characterized by alternating silicon (Si)- and lead (Pb)-rich layers, a sharp reaction interface between the Si-rich layer and the pristine glaze, and a relatively high porosity of the Si-rich gel layer, which is formed by the accumulation of spherical hydrated silica colloidal particles. These features suggest that the glaze was corroded through an interface-coupled dissolution–precipitation mechanism and that the properties of the gel pores controlled the reaction kinetics. Fluctuations in the solution properties at the reaction interface produced the complex morphology of the gel layer, whereas changes in the dryness and humidity of the environment are not essential factors. The samples have been corroding in the marine environment for nearly a thousand years, and explorations of the corrosion morphology and mechanism could provide reference information on the corrosion of various ancient ceramics and glasses and a basis for scientific conservation of these objects.

Abstract This work proposes the virtual restoration of the Bodhidharma polychrome sculpture from the Lingyan Temple in China. Based on scientific analyses and simulation experiments, exterior colours and textures were virtually restored by combining 3D scanning and multi-view 3D reconstruction. At the same time, an efficient cultural relics high-fidelity information 3D modelling method was proposed. Colours and textures are essential for polychrome cultural relics, reflecting the historical appearance and technology. Due to long periods of natural ageing and the destruction of environmental factors, the colours and textures of polychrome sculptures are often altered or radically changed, making it difficult for people to appreciate the initial appearance. With the rapid development of digital technology and high-fidelity 3D modelling, virtual reality technology allows us to restore the appearance of cultural relics. This study expands the dimension of cultural relics exhibition, provides new perspectives for archaeology, art history and cultural heritage research, and provides a reference for the virtual restoration and digitalised archive of other cultural relics.

Abstract Nanhai I shipwreck was a large wooden merchant ship (22.15 m in length and 9.85 m in width) built in the Southern Song Dynasty (1127–1279 A.D.) of China, which was heavily loaded with a large number of porcelain and iron artifacts. In the South China Sea, it was found in 1987 and lifted as a whole in 2007. Its excavation provides a precious opportunity to reveal the preservation status of Nanhai I shipwreck. Iron compounds give rise to challenges in conservation procedures and the long-term stability of Nanhai I shipwreck. In this paper, the degradation of the wood and the iron deposits in the wood structure are investigated from the aspects of microscopic morphology, composition, and distribution to evaluate the preservation state of the waterlogged wood. Physical parameters, chemical composition, and the results of elemental analysis, and FTIR analysis suggest that the cellulose of wood is degraded, and the relative concentration of lignin increases. The ash content varies greatly among different samples, and the element of the highest content in ash is iron. The study on transverse and longitudinal sections from samples indicate that the deposits are unevenly concentrated in the cell lumen, middle lamella, rays, and pits of the cell wall. The cell lumen is filled with deposits in areas close to the surface of the samples. The XRD analysis demonstrates that the deposits in wood are mainly iron deposits, containing compounds pyrite (FeS2), siderite (FeCO3), iron oxyhydroxides (FeOOH), and magnetite (Fe3O4). The micro-X-ray Fluorescence mapping analysis suggests that the content of iron is relatively richer while containing less sulfur on the exterior of the sample. The presence of iron deposits accelerates wood degradation and increases the safety hazards of shipwrecks in the preservation process. We hope that our findings can make a modest contribution to iron removal from waterlogged archeological wood and shipwreck conservation.

In this study, the effect and mechanism of two different types of waterproof admixtures, silica fume and their composite usage on the hydration and mechanical properties of natural hydraulic lime were evaluated. Specifically, X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy were utilized to investigate the phase composition, micromorphology, and chemical state in-depth. The results showed that, combination of two waterproof admixtures with cementitious matrix via forming Si-O-Si bond and calcium-containing compound weakened the contact between water and cementitious matrix, leading to retardation of hydration. However, silane impregnant more or less promoted formation of hydrated product thanks to the reaction between polycondensated silane and Ca(OH)2, and improved mechanical strength of natural hydraulic lime-based mortars. Hydration and carbonation of natural hydraulic lime was inhibited by bulk modification with silicone-acrylic latex. Partial substitution of natural hydraulic lime by silica fume promoted the hydration and hardening process of cementitious system, leading to improvement of mechanical strength. What is more important, composite modification compensated strength weakening which was the common shortcoming caused by bulk modification of cementitious system with waterproof admixtures.

Abstract As non-renewable cultural heritage, wall paintings play an important role in society. To reveal the trends in the scientific analysis of mural paintings, 845 relevant research articles published from 2011 to 2021 were collected from the Web of Science database and analyzed. The VOSviewer software was adopted to map the network data of scientific publications, so that relationships among authors, countries, institutions can be displayed, and the co-occurrence of keywords and co-citation can be analyzed. The results revealed close and strong interconnections between the top authors, suggesting a considerable strong research link in this field. The cooperation between research institutions was relatively close. The most productive country of relevant publications was Italy. The leading journals for the scientific analysis of wall paintings were Journal of Raman Spectroscopy and Journal of Cultural Heritage. At present, the hotspots of scientific analysis and research on wall painting are revealing the composition, distribution, origin, and deterioration mechanism of pigments, alongside with evaluating the effects and mechanism of conservation materials and techniques. On the one hand, a possible development direction in this field is introducing more cutting-edge analysis and data processing methods. On the other hand, scientific analysis is increasingly adopted to guide the research and development of mural conservation materials.

Abstract Scientific analysis revealed the materials and techniques used in the process of making polychrome sculptures providing a solid foundation for the protection and restoration of the painted statues. In addition, the analyses revealed changes in colour schemes applied to the sculptures can provide the basis for the virtual restoration of the painted statues. In order to carry out scientifically-informed protection and restoration of the Bodhidharma statue from the Lingyan Temple, Changqinq, Shandong, several analytical methods such as optical microscope (OM), Micro-Raman spectroscopy (μ-RS), scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM–EDS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were employed. Analyses clearly reveal the information including the stratigraphic structure and the composition of pigment. The use of silver foils and golden yellow pyrophyllite mineral to replace gold foils were found in the gilding paint layer in the later repainting after the Song Dynasty. This work reports the coexistence of emerald green (Cu(C2H3O2)2·3Cu(AsO2)2) and the degradation product lavendulan (NaCaCu5(AsO4)4Cl·5H2O) in large areas of the paint stratigraphy and on the surface confirming that the degradation of emerald green is related to the thickness of the paint layer; in thinner paint layers emerald green is transformed in lavendulan, while thicker layers of contain both lavendulan and emerald green, suggesting an environmental source of chlorides.

Abstract For conservation and restoration purposes, the precious historical rubbings preserved in Wuyuan Museum were studied by multi-analytical techniques including 14C radiocarbon dating, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Pyrolysis–Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) and Herzberg staining method. The results showed that the Py-GC/MS method is an efficient method for identifying the raw materials of paper and ink in historical rubbings simultaneously. Through Py-GC/MS analysis, five types of constituents could be detected: (1) polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from soot; (2) compounds related to tar of conifer wood: retene and methyl dehydroabietate; (3) marker compounds from the whole egg; (4) additive compounds: menthol and curcumene, which were found for the first time in ink; (5) biochemical compounds from bark paper: β-amyrin and α-amyrin. Based on the above results, the ink type, binding media and additives in ink, as well as the fiber origin of the rubbing paper could be concluded. This study could not only provide scientific support for conservation and restoration of the historical rubbings preserved in Wuyuan museum, but also give method guidance for analysis of the uncharacterized rubbings from different origins.

Unravelling the accumulation conditions and their controlling factors for the tight oil in the Liushagang Formation, Fushan Depression, Beibuwan Basin, is critical for the further evaluation of the tight oil distribution and the favorable exploration area.Based on comprehensive analysis of seismic, well logging, core and lab tests in this study, the effective source rocks, favorable reservoir, and the source-reservoir matching relations were investigated.It can be proposed that the high-quality source rocks were formed in Huangtong, Bailian two sub-sags during the maximum lake flooding periods in Liushagang depositional stage and were characterized as high organic content and moderate degree of thermal evolution, and thus they provide the material basis for the formation of tight oil; due to the influence of multi-source supply, tight sandstones penetrated into these two sub-sags and they were widely distributed with superimposed source-reservoir assemblages. The development of dissolution pores and structural fractures was favorable for the migration and enrichment of tight oil; the tectonic conditions of the sag were relatively stable and no major fault system was active when the main sources entered peak oil window, and thus the relatively stable tectonic environment enabled the formation and preservation of tight oil accumulations.Therefore, the Liushagang Formation of the Fushan Depression have favorable geological conditions for the formation of tight oil, which mainly distribute in the lower L1 submember and L2 member vertically and Huangtong and Bailian sub-sags horizontally.The distribution of high-quality source rocks, the distribution of "sweet point" reservoirs being rich in dissolution pores and favorable superimposed source-reservoir assemblages are the three main controlling factors for the formation and distribution of tight oil in Liushagang Formation of Fushan Depression, Beibuwan Basin.

Abstract The spontaneous degradation of pigments in painting may occur depending on environment, especially the surrounding condition of high humidity and soluble salts. Even some of these are well studied, more investigations are still in need for heritage science. Paint cross sections from Vairocana Statue in Dazu Rock Carvings, one of World Cultural Heritage, Chongqing, China are studied by optical microscopy (OM), Raman spectroscopy (Raman) and mapping, and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM–EDS). Ultramarine blue, emerald green, synthetic atacamite, vermilion, red lead, gold foil, orpiment, cerussite, gypsum and barite are identified as pigments. Moreover, lavendulan (NaCaCu5(AsO4)4Cl·5H2O) and mimetite (Pb5(AsO4)3Cl) are degradation products of emerald green (Cu(C2H3O2)2·3Cu(AsO2)2) and cerussite(PbCO3) originally used as green pigment with mixture. These secondary products are formed via multistep progresses as degradation of emerald green and cerussite, oxidation of arsenite ((AsO2)−), migration of arsenate ((AsO4)3−) and precipitation reaction of these ions with other necessary ions from environmental conditions. Based on the pigment and paint layer stratigraphy analysis, the paintings of the statue have been executed at least four times and the most recent may be after 1850s. The formation of lavendulan give rise to a highlight for identification of green copper-arsenic containing pigments and characterization of degradation in complex conditions.

Abstract Red discolorations are an effloresce phenomenon detect on the surface of stone objects and considered as damage factor in both esthetic and conservation points of view. It is very difficult to remove and seldom report about their weathering mechanism. Recently, numerous of red discolorations have affected the limestone objects of Lingyan Temple in Shandong province, one of the most important building materials in China. In order to set up the appropriate conservation remedy, it is essential to identify the origin, characteristics, composition, and the formation process of red discolorations. Several analytical and investigation techniques, such as X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Micro-Raman spectroscopy (Raman), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS) were used to better understand the red discolorations. The results demonstrated that the discolorations on limestone surface have been caused by carbonic acid weathering process. The red discolorations consisted mainly of kutnohorite (Ca(Fe,Mg,Mn)CO3) and iron oxides. They showed tabular, lamellar, and granular morphologies, which originated from the in situ carbonic acid weathering of kutnohorite. After rainfall, the Ca, Mg, Mn ions with relatively high solubility were primarily leached from carbonatite phases. It was resulting in the sedimentation of red iron oxides through a chemical reaction and physical adhesion. Based on those analyses, a chelating agent (ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid disodium salt) was chosen to remove theses red discolorations on the stone object.

Abstract The ancient Chinese Jun Porcelain has of typical high fired calcium silicate glaze. After observation of Jun porcelain shards excavated from Juntai Kiln in Yuzhou, Henan Province, China, two pieces with light greenish blue glaze and reddish purple glaze are selected for study as special corrosion samples buried in soil environment. Taking the corrosion of each phase of the overall glaze into consideration, the chemistry compositional and morphological structural features of the earthworm-walking patterns and their surrounding white area (corroded zone) in the glazes are compared and studied with optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM–EDS), Raman spectroscopy (Raman) and electron microprobe (EPMA): during the firing of Jun Porcelain, the dendritic and columnar crystals coming out of the glaze and mostly in surrounding corroded areas are identified as wollastonite (CaSiO3), which provides active sites for localized corrosion. The wollastonite crystalline phases have preferential corrosion initiated by pitting corrosion relative to glassy phase, leaving dendritic or columnar pits and craters to dissolve into calcium ions and silicic acid and losing into the burial environment. Some calcium ions in the surface pits react with dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) from the soil to form calcium carbonate (CaCO3) precipitated on the surface of the glazes. The cracks formed during the cooling process and the interconnected craters caused by crystals dissolution can provide channels to facilitate the progression of the corrosion. This research is of great significance to the study of the corrosion mechanism of ancient porcelain and the conservation of its cultural relics. It has changed the traditional view that porcelain is corrosion-resistant. At the same time, the study of the corrosion process and characteristics of ancient porcelain can provide reference for modern ceramic research and corrosion protection.

Abstract Man-made ancient Chinese barium copper silicate pigments: Chinese (Han) Purple, BaCuSi2O6; Chinese (Han) Blue, BaCuSi4O10; Chinese Dark Blue, BaCu2Si2O7 (in summary called Chinese blues), and platelet-like crystals of BaSnSi3O9 were detected on mural paintings of a tomb in Luoyang City, Henan Province, China, dated to Western Han Dynasty (206 BC–8 AD). The pigments of the LY01 and LY02 samples were analyzed by archaeometrical methods: powder X-ray diffractometry (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM–EDX) and micro-Raman spectroscopy. While the artificial nature of the ancient barium copper silicates was undoubted, the synthetic or mineral origin of BaSnSi3O9 of these murals had to be clarified. Involvement of the rare mineral pabstite Ba(Sn,Ti,Zr)Si3O9 from the Tian Shan mountains could be ruled out due to absence of Ti and Zr in the elemental composition. Tin compounds as admixtures to the lead minerals—the latter required as flux additive for the preparation of the Chinese blues—or tin admixtures to pristine barium starting minerals could be excluded, as well as the use of tin containing mineral mushistonite (CuSn(OH)6), primarily intended to be applied as copper source. Related to the findings for the production of Egyptian Blue (CaCuSi4O10), bronze or bronze scrap including also corroded material was used intending copper recycling. For the synthesis of the Luoyang Chinese blues only low amounts of bronze or bronze scrap were required providing the additional advantage to form in presence of air a tin/lead oxide flux with lowered vitrification temperatures and viscosities. This marked the advent of an ‘innovative production technology’ avoiding addition of large amounts of lead minerals as an effective lead-only flux. Despite of the chemical similarity to production of Egyptian Blue, the tin/lead based developments for the Chinese blues were anticipated to be independent excluding technology transfer from ancient Egypt. For further substantiation of the appearance of pabstite in the Luoyang Chinese blues a contemporary independent synthesis was sought, carried out under conditions similar to those of the barium copper silicate syntheses (1000 °C, but absence of a flux) starting from cassiterite (SnO2), quartz (SiO2) and witherite (BaCO3).

Abstract Background For definitive diagnosis of cryptococcal meningitis, Cryptococcus neoformans and/or C. gattii must be identified within cerebral spinal fluid from the patients. The traditional methods for detecting Cryptococcus spp. such as India ink staining and culture are not ideal. Although sensitive and specific enough, detection of cryptococcal antigen polysaccharide has a high dose hook effect. Therefore, the aim of this study was to introduce a new rapid and simple detection method of Cryptococcus neoformans and C. gattii in cerebral spinal fluid. Methods The lateral flow strips combined with recombinase polymerase amplification (LF-RPA) assay was constructed to detect the specific DNA sequences of C. neoformans and C. gattii. The detection limit was evaluated using serial dilutions of C. neoformans and C. gattii genomic DNA. The specificity was assessed by excessive amount of other pathogens genomic DNA. The optimal detection time and amplification temperature were also analyzed. The diagnostic parameters were first calculated using 114 clinical specimens and then compared with that of other diagnostic method. A brief analysis and comparison of different DNA extraction methods was discussed, too. Results The LF-RPA assay could detect 0.64 pg of genomic DNA of C. neoformans per reaction within 10 min and was highly specific for Cryptococcus spp.. The system could work well at a wide range of temperature from 25 to 45 °C. The overall sensitivity and specificity were 95.2 and 95.8% respectively. As amplification template for LF-RPA assay, both cell lysates and genomic DNA produce similar experimental results. Conclusions The LF-RPA system described here is shown to be a sensitive and specific method for the visible, rapid, and accurate detection of Cryptococcus spp. in cerebral spinal fluid and might be useful for clinical preliminary screening of cryptococcal meningitis.

The deposition of a calcium oxalate layer on dolomite demonstrates potential application in stone culture heritage conservation. However, due to insufficient coverage and the presence of cracks, the film’s usefulness is restricted. In this investigation, we used a simple two-step procedure to create a cohesive and uncracked film. The findings show that the protective layer provides better coverage of the dolomite surface without causing cracks and significantly improves acid resistance. Furthermore, after the simple two-step treatment, the color and adhesive strength of dolomite substrates remained nearly unchanged.

Based on the Guideline for MTI Training Program established by China National Committee for MTI (Master of Translation and Interpreting) Education, this research makes a successive survey on the status quo of master education of legal translators and interpreters from 2014-2016 to trace the changes and problems revealed in the five major universities of political science and law in China. By comparing and analyzing the information and facts collected on the training target, curriculum setting, teaching staff, platform construction, practical training as well as the employment in those five universities, the authors sort out the diversified advantages and features of the five law schools, and probe into the existing problems and difficulties in common. On the grounds of the survey and interview conducted by the authors in the recent years, the authors put forward the solutions and suggestions on the improvement and future development of Chinese MTI education.

Based on the Guideline for MTI Training Program established by China National Committee for MTI (Master of Translation and Interpreting) Education, this research makes a successive survey on the status quo of master education of legal translators and interpreters from 2014-2016 to trace the changes and problems revealed in the five major universities of political science and law in China. By comparing and analyzing the information and facts collected on the training target, curriculum setting, teaching staff, platform construction, practical training as well as the employment in those five universities, the authors sort out the diversified advantages and features of the five law schools, and probe into the existing problems and difficulties in common. On the grounds of the survey and interview conducted by the authors in the recent years, the authors put forward the solutions and suggestions on the improvement and future development of Chinese MTI education.

This study devised an effective method for the direct production of hydroxyfatty acids (HFAs) from free fatty acids (FFAs) using Escherichia coli. By employing fatty acid hydroxylase P450BM3 and glucose dehydrogenase (GDH) to convert FFAs to HFAs, high-specificity production of C12 HFAs was achieved. By further knocking out the endogenous fadD gene of E. coli, an engineered strain capable of producing 702.3 mg/L C12 HFA was finally obtained, accounting for 92.9% of the total HFAs production, representing a higher titre reported in shake flask so far. This study provides an attractive strategy for increasing HFAs production in E. coli by increasing NADPH accumulation.

The Mausoleum of the Dingtao King (termed ‘M2’) is a large-scale huangchang ticou tomb that dates to the Western Han Dynasty (206 B.C.–25 A.D.). It is the highest-ranking Han Dynasty tomb discovered to date. However, biodeterioration on the surface of the tomb M2 is causing severe damage to its wooden materials. The aim of the present study was to give insight into the fungal communities colonized the wooden tomb. For this purpose, seven samples were collected from different sections of the tomb M2 which exhibited obvious biodeterioration in the form of white spots. Microbial structures associated with the white spots were observed with scanning electron microscopy. Fungal community structures were assessed for seven samples via a combination of high-throughput sequencing and culture-dependent techniques. Sequencing analyses identified 114 total genera that belonged to five fungal phyla. Hypochnicium was the most abundant genus across all samples and accounted for 98.61–99.45% of the total community composition. Further, Hypochnicium sp. and Mortierella sp. cultures were successfully isolated from the tomb samples, and were distinguished as Hypochnicium sp. WY-DT1 and Mortierella sp. NK-DT1, respectively. Cultivation-dependent experiments indicated that the dominant member, Hypochnicium sp. WY- DT1, could grow at low temperatures and significantly degraded cellulose and lignin. Thus, our results taken together suggest that this fungal strain must be regarded as a serious threat to the preservation of the wooden tomb M2. The results reported here are useful for informing future contamination mitigation efforts for the tomb M2 as well as other similar cultural artifacts.

The archaeological discoveries of Tang tomb murals in Xi’an, China brought to light unprecedented data for the study of the art of the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD). The spectacular murals with their particular contents provided first-hand material for the study of Chinese history and the techniques of wall paintings during the Tang Dynasty. In order to gain a better understanding of the materials used and to preserve those paintings, pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) were applied for the characterization of the binding media in the paintings. The combination of these analytical techniques is an ideal methodology to identify binding media in unknown samples.

In the frame of the cooperation project Rescue and Conserve the Endangered Wall Paintings in the Museums of China, systematic investigations concerning the materials and techniques used in the wall paintings detached from a Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) temple, Dazhao Temple in Hohhot, Inner Mongolia of China, as well as the previous conservation intervention materials have been carried out. X-ray Fluorescence Analysis (XRF), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy in combination with Energy Dispersive X-ray microanalysis (SEM/EDX) were used for the identification of inorganic materials in the wall paintings, while Pyrolysis in combination of Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (Py-GC-MS) was applied for the characterization of organic materials. Pigments including cinnabar, lead white, atacamite/para-atacamite, orpiment, ochre, minium, carbon black and smalt were identified. The binding medium in the painting was determined as animal glue. Alkyd is an uncommon consolidant in the conservation of Chinese wall paintings, but it could be determined in this object, where conservation treatments were performed in the 1950s.

BackgroundInterferon-induced 35-kDa protein (IFP35) plays important roles in antiviral defense and the progression of some skin cancer diseases. It can be induced by interferon-γ (IFN-γ) in multiple human cells. However, the mechanisms by which IFN-γ contributes to IFP35 induction remain to be elucidated.Methods/principal findingsWe identified the transcription start sites of IFP35 by 5' rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) and cloned the promoter of IFP35. Sequence analysis and luciferase assays revealed two GC boxes and an IFN-stimulated response element (ISRE) in the 5' upstream region of the transcription start sites, which were important for the basal transcription of IFP35 gene. Furthermore, we found that interferon regulatory factor 1 (IRF-1) and IRF-2 could bind to IFP35 promoter and upregulate endogenous IFP35 protein level. Depletion of endogenous IRF-1 by interfering RNA reduced the constitutive and IFN-γ-dependent expression of IFP35, whereas depletion of IRF-2 had little effect on IFN-γ-inducible IFP35 expression. Moreover, IRF-1 was recruited to the ISRE site in IFP35 promoter in IFN-γ treated HeLa cells, as demonstrated by electrophoretic mobility shift and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays.Conclusions/significanceThese findings provide the first evidence that IRF-1 and IRF-2 are involved in constitutive IFP35 expression in HeLa cells, while IRF-1 also activates IFP35 expression in an IFN-γ-inducible manner. Our data therefore identified a new IRF-1 and IRF-2 target gene, which may expand our current understanding of the versatile functions of IRF-1 and IRF-2.

Abstract Amidst growing concerns over climate-induced extreme weather events, precise flood forecasting becomes imperative, especially in regions like the Chaersen Basin where data scarcity compounds the challenge. Traditional hydrologic models, while reliable, often fall short in areas with insufficient observational data. This study introduces a hybrid modeling approach that combines the deep learning capabilities of the Informer model with the robust hydrological simulation by the WRF-Hydro model to enhance runoff predictions in such data-sparse regions. Trained initially on the diverse and extensive CAMELS dataset in the United States, the Informer model successfully applied its learned insights to predict runoff in the Chaersen Basin, leveraging transfer learning to bridge data gaps. Concurrently, the WRF-Hydro model, when integrated with The Global Forecast System (GFS) data, provided a basis for comparison and further refinement of flood prediction accuracy. The integration of these models resulted in a significant improvement in prediction precision. The synergy between the Informer’s advanced pattern recognition and the physical modeling strength of the WRF-Hydro significantly enhanced the prediction accuracy. The final predictions for the years 2015 and 2016 demonstrated notable increases in the Nash–Sutcliffe Efficiency (NSE) and the Index of Agreement (IOA) metrics, confirming the effectiveness of the hybrid model in capturing complex hydrological dynamics during runoff predictions. Specifically, in 2015, the NSE improved from 0.5 with WRF-Hydro and 0.63 with the Informer model to 0.66 using the hybrid model, while in 2016, the NSE increased from 0.42 to 0.76. Similarly, the IOA in 2015 rose from 0.83 with WRF-Hydro and 0.84 with the Informer model to 0.87 using the hybrid approach, and in 2016, it increased from 0.78 to 0.92. Further investigation into the respective contributions of the WRF-Hydro and the Informer models revealed that the hybrid model achieved the optimal performance when the contribution of the Informer model was maintained between 60%-80%.

Accurate hydrological predictions are often hindered by the lack of stream gauges in data-scarce regions, where traditional transfer learning (TL) models like Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks often face limitations due to reduced accuracy and adaptability. To enhance runoff prediction in such regions, we developed DAformer, a novel TL approach that integrates domain adversarial neural networks with the Informer model. Trained on comprehensive runoff data from U.S. basins, DAformer was applied to three basins in Chile and the Chaersen basin in China, demonstrating an effective transfer from data-rich to data-scarce environments. Results show that DAformer significantly outperforms LSTM-based models, improving forecast accuracy by 16.1% for 1-day lead time and by 100.5% for 5-day lead time. These improvements indicate that the DAformer model not only enhances prediction accuracy but also holds substantial practical implications for flood risk management and water resource planning in regions with limited data availability. By clustering basins based on Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) and other geographical data, we found that relying on multiple source basins further enhances the performance. DAformer, therefore, serves as a robust and scalable method for enhancing runoff prediction for regions with limited data.