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In order to explore the influence of electrode spacing on the performance of the enhanced bioretention system, four bioretention cells with microbial fuel cell (BRC–MFC) systems with different electrode spacing were designed, and the effect of electrode spacing on system performance was revealed by analysing its water treatment capacity and electricity production efficiency. The results showed that BRC–MFC had good water treatment capacity and could produce electricity simultaneously. Compared with other BRC–MFC systems with spacing, the BRC3 system (with an electrode spacing of 30 cm) had significant water treatment capacity under different organic loads, especially under high organic load (C/N = 10) operation, COD removal rate was as high as 98.49%, [Formula: see text] removal rate was as high as 97%, and it had a higher output voltage of 170.46 ± 6.17 mV. It could be seen that proper electrode spacing can effectively improve the water treatment capacity of the BRC–MFC system. This study provided a feasible method for improving the performance of the BRC–MFC system, and revealed the relevant mechanism. A proper electrode spacing with sufficient carbon sources could effectively improve the water treatment capacity of the BRC–MFC system.

The newly found Honghuaerji tungsten polymetallic deposit is a large scale tungsten deposit in north-east Daxinganling in China.The alteration includes sericitization and greisenization.The metallic minerals are scheelite and molybdenite.These minerals in rock body show the belt characteristics of W in the top and Mo in the bottom.Geological characteristics indicate that it is a high temperature hydrothermal deposit.In order to constrain the timing of hydrothermal activities, Ar-Ar dating of muscovite from the greisenization alteration zones was carried out.The Ar-Ar dating yields an Ar-Ar plateau age of 174.4±1.2 Ma and an isochron age of 173.2±4.3 Ma.Because greisenization alteration zones and the tungsten(molybdenum) mineralization belt are closely related in space, muscovite, scheelite, and molybdenite may have formed simultaneously.Moreover, the Ar-Ar age of muscovite is in agreement with the Re-Os age of molybdenite(176.8±2.2 Ma) within uncertainties, indicating this Ar-Ar age represents the timing of the tungsten and molybdenum hydrothermal mineralization.Combined field geology, U-Pb ages and Re-Os ages indicate this deposit formed the Jurassic period and may be the product of Yanshanian tectonic magmatic activity.

STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education is recognized as the world's top education program. However, few STEM programs have been designed based on cultural-historical events. To explore this issue, the present study drew on the cultural-historical activity theory and the content analysis method by adopting the descriptive-interpretative approach to explore the STEM content of the Dujiangyan Irrigation System (DIS) in present-day Sichuan, China. As early as 2,275 years ago during the Warring States period, Li Bing, the governor of Shu Shire in the Qin state, implicitly implemented the STEM concept when building the irrigation system. The results of this study indicate that the DIS incorporates Science (e.g., the hydraulic principle), Technology (e.g., making a large cobblestone Bamboo-Cage for building Fish Mouth), Engineering (e.g., water-level measurement) and Mathematics (e.g., Calculation of sand discharge). Adopting an educational pedagogy proposed by UNESCO which emphasized learning concepts from daily life, the present study draws on a cultural-historical event to inform STEM learning. The method and results of this study can be applied in the design of STEM programs based on other cultural-historical events from around the world.

Cell migration is a fundamental and functional cellular process, influenced by a complex microenvironment consisting of different cells and extracellular matrix. Recent research has highlighted that, besides biochemical cues from the microenvironment, physical cues can also greatly alter cellular behavior. However, due to the complexity of the microenvironment, little is known about how the physical interactions between migrating cells and surrounding microenvironment instructs cell movement. Here, we explore various examples of three-dimensional microenvironment reconstruction models in vitro and describe how the physical interplay between migrating cells and the neighboring microenvironment controls cell behavior. Understanding this mechanical cooperation will provide key insights into organ development, regeneration, and tumor metastasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is marked by a progressive loss of central vision and is the third leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. The exact mechanisms driving the progression of this macular degenerative condition remain elusive, and as of now, there are no available preventative measures for dry AMD. According to ancient records, ginseng affects the eyes by brightening them and enhancing wisdom. Modern pharmacological research shows that the active ingredients in ginseng, ginsenosides, may be used to prevent or improve eye diseases that threaten vision. Some articles have reported that ginsenoside Rg3 can treat diabetic retinopathy in mice, but no reports exist on its effects and mechanisms in AMD. Therefore, the role and mechanism of ginsenoside Rg3 in AMD warrant further study. This study aims to investigate the effects of Rg3 on AMD and its underlying molecular mechanisms. We established a mouse model of AMD to examine the impact of ginsenoside Rg3 on NaIO3-induced apoptosis in the retina and to explore the related intrinsic mechanisms. The in vivo results indicated that ginsenoside Rg3 prevents NaIO3-induced apoptosis in retinal pigment epithelial cells by inhibiting reactive oxygen species production and preventing the reduction in mitochondrial membrane potential. Additionally, we assessed the levels of protein expression within the apoptosis pathway. Ginsenoside Rg3 decreased the expression of Bax, cleaved caspase-3, and cleaved caspase-9 proteins. Additionally, it increased the expression of Bcl-2 by decreasing P-JNK levels. Moreover, our in vivo results showed that ginsenoside Rg3 enhanced retinal structure, increased the relative thickness of the retina, and decreased the extent of disorganization in both the inner and outer nuclear layers. Ginsenoside Rg3 may safeguard the retina against NaIO3-induced cell apoptosis by attenuating reactive-oxygen-species-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction, in which the JNK signaling pathway is also involved. These findings suggest that ginsenoside Rg3 has the potential to prevent or attenuate the progression of AMD and other retinal pathologies associated with NaIO3-mediated apoptosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]