Accurate assessment of the breast cancer deterioration degree plays a crucial role in making medical plan, and the important basis for degree assessment is the number of mitoses in a given area of the pathological image. We utilized deep multi-scale fused fully convolutional neural network (MFF-CNN) combing with conditional random felid (CRF) to detect mitoses in hematoxylin and eosin stained histology image. Analyze the characteristics of mitotic detection ----scale invariance and sparsity, as well as the difficulties ---- small amount of data , inconsistent image staining and sample class unbalanced. Based on this, mitotic detection model is designed. In this paper, a tissue-based staining equalization method is used, and to establish an effective training sample set, we select training samples by using CNN. A mitotic detection model fusing multi-level and multi-scale features and context information was designed, and the corresponding training strategy was made to reduce over-fitting. As preliminarily validated on the public 2014 ICPR MITOSIS data, our method achieves a better performance in term of detection accuracy than ever recorded for this dataset.

Purpose: To construct a hidden Markov model (HMM) for vigilance assessment to improve the real-time performance and accuracy of current vigilance measurement. Methods: ECG signal was collected by sensors, while the noise and baseline drift was eliminated from the original ECG signal. 10 volunteers were randomly selected. Their heart rate variability (HRV) were measured and trained parameters of the modified Hidden Markov model for vigilance assessment. Then, these data were collected to optimize using the Baum-Welch algorithm and obtained the state transition probability matrix A ̂ and the observation probability matrix B ̂. Finally, the data of three volunteers with different transition patterns of mental state were selected randomly and used the Viterbi algorithm to find the optimal state, which compared with the actual state. Results: The constructed vigilance assessment model had a high accuracy rate the accuracy rate of data prediction for these three volunteers exceeded 80%. Conclusion: The Hidden Markov model for vigilance assessment can accurately predict the vigilance level and indicate broad application prospects.

As a critical transmitter, the compact 532 nm lasers operating on high repetition and narrow pulse widths have been used widely for airborne or space-borne laser active remote sensing. We developed a free space pumped TEM₀₀ mode sub-nanosecond 532 nm laser that occupied a volume of less than 125 mm × 50 mm × 40 mm (0.25 liters). The fundamental 1064 nm laser consists of a passively Q-switched composite crystal microchip laser and an off-axis, two-pass power amplifier. The pump sources were two single-emitter semiconductor laser diodes (LD) of 808 nm with a maximum continuous wave (CW) power of 10 W each. The average power of fundamental 1064 nm laser was 1.26 W with the laser operating at 16 kHz repetition rates, and 857ps pulse widths. Since the beam distortion would be severe in microchip lasers in terms of the increase in heat load, for obtaining a high beam quality of 532 nm, the beam distortion was compensated by adjusting the distribution of pumping beam in our experiment of fundamental amplification. Furthermore, better than 0.6 W average power, 770 ps, beam quality of M² ＜1.2, and 16 kHz pulse output at 532 nm was obtained by a Type I LiB₃O₅ (LBO) crystal in the critical phase matching (CPM) regime for second harmonic generation (SHG).

Strigolactones (SLs) are a novel emerging plant hormones, which play important roles in regulating plant organ development and environmental stress tolerance. Even though the SL related genes have been identified and well characterized in some plants. The information of SL related genes in soybean is not fully established yet, especially in response to salt stress. In this study, we identified nine SL biosynthesis genes: two D27, two CCD7, two CCD8, and three MAX1, and seven SL signaling genes: two D14, two MAX2 and three D53 in soybean genome. We found that SL biosynthesis and signaling genes are conserved during evolution in different species. Syntenic analysis of these genes revealed their location on nine chromosomes as well as existence of ten pairs of duplication genes. Moreover, plant hormone and stress-responsive elements were identified in the promoter regions of SL biosynthesis and signaling genes. By using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), we confirmed that SL genes have different tissue expression in roots, stems and leaves. Further, we also explored the expression profiles of SL biosynthesis and signaling genes under salt stress. These results suggested that SL signaling genes may play important regulatory roles in response to salt stress. In conclusion, we identified and provided valuable information on the soybean SL biosynthesis and signaling genes, and established a foundation for further functional analysis of soybean SL related genes in response to salt stress.

The space gravitational wave detection and drag free control requires the micro-thruster to have very low thrust noise within 0.1mHz~100mHz, which poses a great challenge to the ground thrust test. The evaluation and decoupling of thermal noise are the difficulties in the application of torsion balance for most thrusters dissipate heat in the experiment. The research has adopted a calibration scheme of micro-Newton thrust torsion balance. On the basis of Lisa Pathfinder's former research and using ideas inspired from PID control and multi time scale (MTS) for reference, the paper proposes to expand the state space of temperature to be applied on thrust prediction based on fine tree regression (FTR), to subtract the thermal noise filtered by transfer function fitted with z-domain vector fitting (ZDVF). The results show that the thrust amplitude thrust density in diurnal temperature fluctuation is decoupled from 24μN/Hz1/2 to 4.9μN/Hz1/2 at 0.11mHz. And the 1μN square wave modulations of electrostatic fins (ESF) is extracted from the simultaneously ambiguous background of temperature for PTC's heating and cooling. The FTR method is well demonstrated in thermal noise decoupling and can guide the design of thermal control and be extended to other physical quantities for noise decoupling.

Comparing to males, females require much more morphine to produce comparable levels of analgesia, suggesting a difference in the endogenous hyperalgesia and analgesia modulation between sexes. Aside from hormones, emerging evidence suggests sex-differential intrinsic neural regulation of pain generation and maintenance. According to the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) and American College of Gastroenterology (ACG), up to 25 % of the population having visceral pain at any one time, and in the United States 10-15 percent of adults suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Here we analyzed literatures on clinical reports of sex differences in visceral pain focusing on IBS, other form of bowel dysfunction and comorbidities, and summarized animal models that provided means to investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms in sexual dimorphism of visceral pain. Neurons and nonneuronal cells (glia and immune cells) in the peripheral and central nervous systems all contribute to sex-dependent nociception and nociplasticity in the painful signal processing. Emotion is another factor in pain perception and appears to have sexual dimorphism.

In order to apply RAP fine aggregate to High Modulus Asphalt Concrete(HMAC), this study first extracts aged asphalt from RAP fine aggregate through extraction and distillation, and adds it to high modulus modified asphalt in proportions of 20%, 40%, 60%, and 80%. The performance changes of the recycled asphalt were investigated using conventional performance tests and dynamic shear rheological tests (DSR). Microscopic techniques such as four‐component analysis and infrared spectroscopy were employed to explain macroscopic performance changes in terms of component and functional group changes in the asphalt. Using HMAC‐20 gradation as an example, uniaxial compression dynamic modulus tests, rutting tests, freeze‐thaw splitting tests, and low‐temperature bending tests were conducted to evaluate the performance changes of recycled asphalt mixture with different RAP fine aggregate contents through four indices: dynamic modulus, dynamic stability, tensile strength ratio (TSR), and maximum bending strain. The results indicate that for every 20% increase in aged asphalt, the penetration at 25°C, ductility at 25°C, and dynamic viscosity at 60°C decrease by approximately 6.2%, 15.4%, and 3.9%, respectively, while the softening point increases by approximately 13.3%. It is concluded that the addition of aged asphalt significantly affects the ductility at 25°C and the softening point. As the aged content increases, the complex shear modulus (G*) and phase angle (δ) of the recycled asphalt decrease, while the rutting factor increases. The four‐component analysis and infrared spectroscopy of the asphalt demonstrate that the incorporation of aged asphalt is merely a physical blending phenomenon, involving changes in the content of the four components without the formation of new functional groups (new peaks). When RAP fine aggregate is applied to high modulus recycled asphalt mixture, compared to high modulus modified asphalt mixture, the recycled mixtures exhibit higher dynamic modulus and dynamic stability, but significantly reduced water stability and low‐temperature performance.

Sustaining learners’ motivation to keep learning has been concerned for over 60 years in education and SLA. Most research focusing on Japanese university students has contributed lots of theoretical and practical developments, but research focusing on motivations of non-traditional adult learners and those under 18-year-old to learn Chinese is still little even though previous research findings have proved age is one of the key variables influencing learning besides nationalities and Chinese language levels. In order to find an effective treatment for sustainable Chinese language learning in Japan, this study utilized a survey method to analyze the types of Japanese learners’ motivation to learn Chinese via analysis of a moment structures (AMOS), and to compare the differences of the motivation via one-way ANOVA. This study revealed that Japanese learners’ motivation to learn Chinese consists of eight common types, which are “instrumental motivation”, “personal orientation”, “identified regulation”, “Chinese cultural productions”, “integrating into Chinese community”, “external regulation”, “social responsibility”, and “Chinese for academic purposes”. Also, there are similarities and differences existing in the eight motivation types among the Japanese children, adolescents, (non-) traditional adult learners of Chinese as a foreign language (CFL). The findings contribute the understanding of motivation types and differences among the four aged Japanese learners to teachers of teaching Chinese to speakers of other languages (TCSOL), and to future research further exploring how differently aged Japanese learners can have and use a higher motivation as a main drive to learn Chinese language as a lifelong business.

The study of co-fusion was one of the essential topics in the history of metallurgy in China. Simulation experiments had been an essential concept in the study of the co-fusion steelmaking process. This paper mainly studied the simulation experiments of co-fusion from two aspects: the replication of co-fusion swords by three different methods, and the micro-analysis of the co-fusion samples. The experimental results indicated that several co-fusion swords could be made by different processes, but the carbon content and surface hardness were quite different. During repeated forging welded, the microstructure of the samples transformed from laminated to homogenized, finally the steel with a uniform carbon content was obtained. It was challenging to find the characteristics of co-fusion from the homogenized samples. The results prompted people to rethink the microstructure characteristics of ancient co-fusion artifacts.

Numerous dynamic and complicated processes characterize development from the oocyte to the embryo. However, given the importance of functional transcriptome profiles, long non-coding RNAs, single-nucleotide polymorphisms, and alternative splicing during embryonic development, the effect that these features have on the blastomeres of 2-, 4-, 8-, 16-cell, and morula stages of development have not been studied. Here, we conducted a scRNA-seq survey of cells from sheep from the oocyte to the blastocyst developmental stages. We then carried out experiments to identify and functionally analyze the transcriptome profiles, long non-coding RNAs, single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), and alternative splicing (AS). We founded that between the oocyte and zygote groups significantly down-regulated genes and the second-largest change in gene expression occurred between the 8- and 16-cell stages. We used various methods to construct a profile to characterize cellular and molecular features and systematically analyze the related GO and KEGG profile of cells of all stages from the oocyte to the blastocyst. This large-scale, single-cell atlas provides key cellular information and will likely assist clinical studies in improving preimplantation genetic diagnosis.

The apple leaf-curling midge, Dasineura mali Kieffer (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), is an invasive pest of apple. To provide crucial information for its pest risk analysis, forecast and management, we investigated the effects of temperatures (5, 10, 15, 20 and 25°C) and daylengths (10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15 hrs) on its development and survival. The midge could not complete its development at 10°C or lower. After transferred from 20°C to 10°C, mature larvae could survive for about two months and develop to adults. Pupation and emergence rates were significantly higher at 20°C than at 10°C and 25°C. Daylength had no effect on these parameters. The low temperature threshold and thermal requirement to complete development from eggs to adults were 3.7°C and 627 degree-days, respectively. The midge had significantly lower thermal requirement for completion of its lifecycle at 20°C (614.5 degree-days) than at 15°C (650.1 degree-days) and 25°C (634.8 degree-days). The thermal model developed in this study provided accurate predictions of the number of D. mali generations and adult emergence time in each generation in different regions of New Zealand. We suggest that the model could be used to predict population dynamics of this pest in other parts of the world.

The nuclear factor-ĸB (NF-ĸB) transcriptional system is a major effector pathway involved in inflammatory responses. Previous studies found that a Gardenia decoction (GD) inhibited the expression of NF-κB in a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated mouse intestinal injury model. Herein, we hypothesized that geniposide (GE), a component of Gardenia jasminoides Ellis, also exerts anti-inflammatory effects and inhibits NF-ĸB activity in LPS-induced intestinal epithelial cells (IEC-6). IEC-6 cells were stimulated with LPS, following which the effects of GE on NF-ĸB signaling in the IEC-6 cells were examined by western blotting to detect IĸB phosphorylation/degradation. The expression of NF-κB was determined by immunofluorescence assay (IFA). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the inhibitory effect of GE on the release of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) activated by LPS in IEC-6 cells. In addition, the migration ability of IEC-6 cells was observed by the scratch method. These results showed that GE dose-dependently downregulated levels of the proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β that had been upregulated by LPS and suppressed the phosphorylation of IĸB and NF-ĸB induced by LPS. Our findings indicated that GE could reduce LPS-induced NF-ĸB signaling and proinflammatory expression in IEC-6 cells and significantly enhance the migration of IEC-6 cells. Moreover, GE inhibited the expression of NF-κB, nuclear transfer, and transcriptional activity in IEC-6 cells. GE could block the synthesis of inflammatory factors of IEC-6 cells by inhibiting activation of the IĸB/NF-κB signaling pathway induced by LPS.

Nickel-based Superalloy Inconel 718 is widely used in the aerospace industry for its excellent high-temperature strength and thermal stability. However, milling Inconel 718 presents challenges due to significantly increased cutting force and vibration, which is a typical difficult-to-machine material. This paper focuses on the milling process of Inconel 718, establishing a milling force model to analyze the force trends under various processing parameters. Finite element analysis is employed to study the stress and temperature fields during milling. Dynamic equations for milling Inconel 718 are developed, and stability lobe diagrams are generated based on modal experiments. Milling experiments on Inconel 718 validate the milling force model and finite element analysis results. The fmincon optimization algorithm is utilized to identify the optimal machining parameters for Inconel 718. Through this research, valuable insights into enhancing the efficiency and quality of Inconel 718 machining are provided. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of Inconel 718 milling behavior, offering crucial guidance for more efficient machining processes.

Abstract: The Hanqu Joint Station of the Dingbian Oil Production Plant of Yanchang Oilfield Co., Ltd is located at the edge of the desert in northern China. the bad field conditions and strong sandstorm, the hardware of computer monitoring system of Joint Station is often damaged. At the same time, the core equipment of the joint station three-phase separator oil chamber liquid level is hard to achieve high precision constant value control, the general control algorithm is difficult to meet the control requirements.This paper proposed a design scheme of a oilfield joint station computer monitoring system based on the Siemens S7-300 PLC, the hardware of the monitoring system adopts the redundancy scheme of dual monitoring computers, dual programmable logic controllers (PLCs), and dual industrial Ethernet. The BP neural network PID control algorithm was used to realize constant value control of the oil chamber liquid level of the three-phase separator of the core equipment of the joint station，and realized high control precision. The monitoring system could well adapt to the harsh environment of the scene, and showed high reliability and efficiency.

The majority of existing numerical simulations of the effect of bridge piers on water movement are based on a limited number of bridge piers at a laboratory scale. Furthermore, some 2D numerical simulations for actual bridge projects have deficiencies, including the use of overly large mesh sizes and an inadequate treatment of bridge piers. In this study, we compare three methods of structural mesh encryption, suspension mesh, and nonstructural mesh based on Delft3D, and apply the optimization scheme to a real bridge project. It is demonstrated that optimal results can be achieved by utilising a grid size comparable to the pier diameter (Dp) in the region away from the piers. In the vicinity of the piers, the grid cell size should be no larger than 1/9 Dp. The suspended grid technique (DD Boundary) can yield results consistent with those obtained using a full-area high-resolution grid, provided that the total number of grids can be reduced and the computational time is considerably reduced. In this study, the unstructured mesh (Deflt3D Flexible Mesh) scheme was unable to capture the oscillations of the wake flow behind the bridge piers. However, the application of the optimized scheme in bridge engineering has demonstrated its practical value. The findings of this study on mesh resolution and suspension mesh scheme can be applied to the Delft3D software and are also useful for other numerical simulation work.

In this paper, we propose an efficient numerical method to solve the diffusive logistic model with a free boundary which is often used to simulate the spreading of the new or invasive species. The boundary movement is tracked by the level-set method, where the Hamilton-Jacobi weighted essentially nonoscillatory (HJ-WENO) scheme is utilized to capture the boundary curve embedded by the Cartesian grids via the embedded boundary method. Then the radial basis function-finite difference (RBF-FD) method is adopted to the spatial discretization and the IMEX scheme is considered for time integration. A variety of numerical examples are carried out to demonstrate the evolution of diffusive logistic model in different initial boundaries.

We suppose that a Cooper pair (CP) will experience a damping force exerted by the condensed matter. A Langevin equation of a CP in two dimensional condensed matter is established. Following a method similar to Nelson's stochastic mechanics, generalized Schr\"{o}dinger equation of a CP in condensed matter is derived. If the CPs move with a constant velocity, then the corresponding direct current (DC) electrical conductivity can be calculated. Therefore, a Drude like formula of resistivity of CPs is derived. We suppose that the damping coefficient of CPs in two dimensional cuprate superconductors is a linear function of temperature. Then the resistivity and scattering rate of CPs turn out to be also linear-in-temperature. The origin of linear-in-temperature resistivity and Planckian dissipation in cuprate superconductors may be the linear temperature dependence of the damping coefficient of CPs.

People have always hoped to be able to fill an entire plane with ``single unit cells'' without periodicity. This wish was realized after the mathematician discovered a 13-sided ``single unit cell'' named `einstein'. These non-periodic tessellations generally exhibit anisotropic properties, making them superior in terms of mechanical performance compared to periodic structures. From the perspective of information entropy, the reason behind the improved mechanical properties of these structures is the higher entropy associated with non-periodic configurations. To quantify the disorder of non-periodic structures, we propose an entropy expression for the `einstein' metamaterial. To demonstrate the mechanical properties of these high-entropy structures, we fabricate specimens using 3D printing and conducte mechanical experiments. For comparative analysis, we also use ABAQUS to perform finite element analysis of the problem. The research results reveal that the mechanical properties of high-entropy structures created by the non-periodic stacking of cells are significantly improved compared to those of low-entropy structures created by periodic stacking. The conclusions drawn from the study of individual issues are generalizable and may be of assistance in future material and structural design.

Water pollution, intensified by the release of hard-to-degrade pollutants, poses severe threats to ecosystems, human health, and economic development. The existing advanced oxidation processes often involve high operational costs and may result in secondary pollution, highlighting the necessity for innovative and more sustainable solutions. To address these challenges, our study introduces a cost-effective and eco-friendly corona discharge barrier plasma discharger for wastewater treatment. Through the central composite design/response surface methodology, a high decolorization rate of 98% of methylene blue (MB) within 10 minutes was achieved by optimizing parameters such as pH and voltage. Furthermore, the mechanisms of the generation of reactive oxygen species via this device was discussed in detail and the degradation pathways of MB were described. Moreover, this device is also very energy-efficient, with a low energy density and electrical energy per order of 0.15 watt/mL and 5.79 kWh/m³/order, respectively. In conclusion, the plasma discharger developed in this study provides a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable solution for dye wastewater treatment. This research contributes significantly to the advancement of sustainable dye wastewater management practices, offering an innovative method that meets both environmental and economic objectives.

In order to solve the problem of measuring the distance and position between the flanges of two pipelines on the seabed, a measuring device for pulling rope in seawater was designed. Aiming at the sealing problem of the key equipment that is the rotating shaft of the rope winch, this paper used the principle of the magnetic coupling to transfer the driving moment, and adopted the method of converting the dynamic seal into the static seal structure to realize the reliable sealing of the motor. Through the experiment of measuring two pipelines with underwater rope pulling device, it was verified that the measuring accuracy of the device meets the design requirements, and the feasibility of the application of magnetic coupling technology in winch is also verified.

Small peptides (SPs), ranging from 5 to 100 amino acids, play integral roles in plants due to their diverse functions. Despite their low abundance and small molecular weight, SPs intricately regulate critical aspects of plant life, including cell division, growth, differentiation, flowering, fruiting, maturation, and stress responses. As vital mediators of intercellular signaling, SPs have garnered significant attention in plant biology research. This comprehensive review delves into SPs' structure, classification, and identification, providing a detailed understanding of their significance. Additionally, we summarize recent findings on the biological functions and signaling pathways of prominent SPs that regulate plant growth and development. The review also offers a forward-looking perspective on future research directions in peptide signaling pathways.

This article presents a comprehensive framework for valuing financial instruments subject to credit risk. In particular, we focus on the impact of default dependence on asset pricing, as correlated default risk is one of the most pervasive threats in financial markets. We analyze how swap rates are affected by bilateral counterparty credit risk, and how CDS spreads depend on the trilateral credit risk of the buyer, seller, and reference entity in a contract. Moreover, we study the effect of collateralization on valuation, since the majority of OTC derivatives are collateralized. The model shows that a fully collateralized swap is risk-free, whereas a fully collateralized CDS is not equivalent to a risk-free one.

Variation in metabolite profiles of under high salinity and nitrogen constraint conditions are the key issues of study at the present. To investigate the optimum NaCl and NaNO3 concentration and the corresponding metabolic pathways of astaxanthin accumulation in H. pluvialis, a 26-day batch culture experiment of H. pluvialis treated under the variable concentration gradients of NaCl and NaNO₃ were conducted. The results indicated that 7.5g•L^-1 and nitrogen-deficient were the optimum NaCl and NaNO₃ concentration for the astaxanthin accumulation according to single factor experiments respectively, under which the highest contents of astaxanthin accumulated in H. pluvialis reached up to 7.51mg•L^-1 and 5.60mg•L^-1. A total of 132 metabolites were analysed using LC-MS/MS technique, among which 30 differential metabolites with statistical significance were highlighted. Subsequently, 18 and 10 differential metabolic pathways in the high salinity and nitrogen-deficient treatments with statistic significance were enriched and annotated respectively. Furthermore, the metabolic networks related to the astaxanthin accumulation were constucted based on the crucial pathways and metabolites. Moreover, the major carbon metabolism in H. pluvialis under the high salinity and nitrogen deficient stress were presented, which exhibited the characteristics in the identified metabolites changes under the different stress conditions. The results did not only demonstrate the differential metabolic networks and the distinct changes in the metabolites involved in the major carbon metabolism, related to the astaxanthin accumulation in H. pluvialis under the different stress factors, but provided the regulation targets for astaxanthin production in practice.

Curriculum teaching is the basic unit to realize the cultivation and achievement of students’ ability in undergraduate colleges, and it is very important to investigate the influence mechanism of the curriculum system on the achievement states of students' ability. This paper first puts forward the theoretical system and framework of curriculum chains, and constructs a “double-energy and double-space” (DEDS) which consist of the curriculum energy efficiency space and student ability space respectively. Investigating the space-time transformation relationship of curriculum chains in the DEDS, the forward transformation model, inverse transformation model and the rheological model of the achievement states in the curriculum energy efficiency space and student ability space are established. Studying the dynamic evolution mechanism of curriculum chains within the DEDS, the dynamic evolution model, which presents the relationship between achievement states of curriculum energy efficiency/students' ability and curriculum/students' dynamic potential, are established; the control methods of courses/students' dynamic potential based on the proposed dynamic evolution model are developed to ensure the achievements of the graduates’ social ability; the evaluation and detection methods of achievement states of curriculum chains in DEDS are proposed to obtain the actual achievement states of curriculum energy efficiency and students’ ability, and this will provide effective input for the control of curriculums/students’ dynamic potential; the planning and design methods of curriculum chains facing social needs are presented, which can provide theoretical basis for the formulation of the talent training scheme and curriculum system in colleges and universities.

The robust control of high precision electromechanical systems, such as micropositioners, is challenging in terms of the inherent high nonlinearity, the sensitivity to external interference, and the complexity of accurate identification of the model parameters. To cope with these problems, this work investigates a disturbance observer-based deep reinforcement learning control strategy to realize high robustness and precise tracking performance. Reinforcement learning has shown great potential as optimal control scheme, however, its application in micropositioning systems is still rare. Therefore, embedded with the integral differential compensator (ID), deep deterministic policy gradient (DDPG) is utilized in this work with the ability to not only decrease the state error but also improves the transient response speed. In addition, an adaptive sliding mode disturbance observer (ASMDO) is proposed to further eliminate the collective effect caused by the lumped disturbances. The sterling performance is revealed with intensive tracking simulation experiments and demonstrates the improvement in the accuracy and response time of the controller.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease, which can cause skin barrier function damaged. Although co-incubation with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) exerts a positive effect in deficient skin model, there is no study to investigate the effects of topical treatment with DHA in inflammatory reconstructed human epidermis (RHE) model. The effects of DHA on monolayer normal human epidermal keratinocyte (NHEK) cells were evaluated via CCK-8, qPCR and ELISA. The skin related barrier function was assessed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, western blot (WB), Immunohistofluorescence (IF) and ELISA in normal and inflammatory RHE models. DHA upregulated filaggrin and loricrin expression at mRNA levels in addition to suppress overexpression of TNF-α，IL-1α and IL-6 stimulated by poly I:C plus LPS (stimulation cocktail) in cultured NHEK cells. After topical treatment with DHA, cocktail induced inflammatory characteristics of skin diseases including barrier morphological, differentiation proteins and TSLP secretion, which were alleviated in RHE models. Supplementation with DHA can improved related barrier function and have anti-inflammation effects in monolayer keratinocytes and RHE models, which indicated that DHA may have a potential value for the treatment of inflammation-associate skin diseases.

We suppose that vacuum is filled with a kind of continuously distributed matter which may be called the $\Omega(1)$ substratum, or the electromagnetic aether. Suppose that the time scale of a macroscopic observer is very large compares to the the Maxwelllian relaxation time of the $\Omega(1)$ substratum. Thus, the macroscopic observer concludes that the $\Omega(1)$ substratum behaves like a Newtonian-fluid. Inspired by H. A. Lorentz, we speculate that electric charges may be extremely small hard spherical sources or spherical sinks with finite radii. Based on the spherical source and spherical sink model of electric charges, we derive Coulomb's law of interactions between static electric charges in vacuum. Further, we derive a reduced form of the Lorentz's force law for static electric charges in vacuum.

Background The link between age at marriage and first birth in explaining completed family size is not always direct, due to heterogeneity in circumstances, that compel individual women to marry or initiate childbearing at a particular age. We analyzed data for 1020 women aged 45-49 in 2014 of the 1965-1969 birth cohort from the 2013-14 Zambia Demographic and Health Survey (ZDHS). Methods We fitted a bivariate and multivariate multinomial logistic regression to establish the relationship between a mother’s age at first marriage and at first birth on completed family size (CFS). Chi-square test of proportions measuring differences in proportions and relative risk ratios (RRR) with confidence intervals at 95% are reported. Results Our results show that the average CFS was 6.7 (95% CI: 6.5 – 6.9) among women completing their reproductive span in 2014 with mean age at first marriage and birth being 18.3 years (95% CI: 18.0 – 18.5) and 18.9 years (95% CI: 18.7 – 19.1) respectively. Women marrying at younger ages and having their first birth at younger ages were more likely (RRR: 1.187; 95% CI: 1.138-1.239 and RRR: 0.195; 95% CI: 0.074-0.511 respectively) to have higher CFS than their compatriots that initiated both marriage and childbearing at or after age 22 controlling for covariates as presented in the controlled model. The independent effects model shows that the risk of having 1-3 children compared to 6 or more children was lower (RRR: 0.073; 95% CI: 0.009-0.611; RRR: 0.136; 95% CI: 0,046-0.402 and RRR: 0.421; 05% CI: 0.135-1.312) for women whose ages at first marriage were <15, 15-18 and 19-21 respectively relative to 22+. Women with 1-3 children were 2.5 times more likely to use contraception than women with 6 or more children. Conclusion Having no education, being a rural resident and having a medium household wealth all increase the risk of having higher CFS. Women that marry before age 19 have a higher likelihood of having 6 or more children by the end of their reproductive period. The study concludes that apart from a woman’s age at first marriage and first birth, a complex network of factors interact to determined CFS.

In this work, a simple and environmentally friendly process combining low pressure (vacuum) and mechanical compression is proposed to convert recycled polypropylene (PP) foams (28 kg/m3) into low density foams (90-131 kg/m3) having negative tensile and compressive Poisson's ratios (NPR). The effect of processing conditions (vacuum time, temperature, and mechanical pressure) was studied. Based on the optimized conditions, the tensile Poisson’s ratio of the resulting auxetic foams reached −1.50, while the minimum compressive Poisson's ratios was −0.32 for the same sample. The foam structure was characterized via morphological analysis (SEM) to determine any changes related to the treatment applied. Finally, tensile and compressive properties (Young's modulus, strain energy, energy dissipation and damping capacity) are also presented and discussed. It was observed that the mechanical properties of the resulting auxetic foams were improved compared to the original PP foam (PP-O) for all tensile properties in terms of modulus (19.9 to 59.8 kPa), strength (0.298 to 1.43 kPa) elongation at break (28 to 77%), energy dissipation (14.4 to 56.3 mJ/cm3) and damping capacity (12 to 19%). Nevertheless, improvements were also observed under compression in terms of energy dissipation (1.6 to 3.6 mJ/cm3) and damping capacity (13 to 19%). These auxetic foams can find applications in sport and military protective equipment, as well as any energy mitigation system.

During chronic liver injury, inflammation leads to liver fibrosis— particularly due to the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). However, the involvement of inflammatory cytokines in HSC activation and the relationship among different liver cells is unclear. To examine their interactions, many in vitro liver models are performed in organoid or spheroid culture with random 3D structure, complicating analysis. Herein, we demonstrated the hierarchical coculture of primary rat hepatocytes with non-parenchymal cells such as the human-derived HSC line (LX-2) and liver sinusoidal endothelial cell line (TMNK-1). The cocultured tissue had high usability with simple operation of separating solid and liquid phases with improved liver functions such as albumin production and hepatic cytochrome P450 3A4 activity. We also studied the effects of stimulation by both oxygen tension and the key pro-fibrogenic cytokine, transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), on HSC activation. Gene expression analysis revealed that lower oxygen tension and TGF-β1 stimulation enhanced collagen type I and alpha-smooth muscle actin expression from LX-2 cells in the hierarchical coculture. Therefore, this hierarchical in vitro cocultured liver tissue could provide an improved platform as a disease model for elucidating the interactions of various liver cell types and biochemical signals in future liver fibrogenesis studies.

Extreme-mass-ratio inspirals (EMRIs) are significant observational targets for spaceborne gravitational wave detectors, namely, LISA, Taiji, and Tianqin, which involve the inspiral of stellar-mass compact objects into massive black holes with a mass range of approximately 104∼107M⊙. EMRIs are estimated to produce long lived gravitational wave signals with more than 105 cycles before plunge, making them an ideal laboratory for exploring the strong-gravity properties of the spacetimes around the MBHs, stellar dynamics in galactic nuclei, and properties of the MBHs itself. However, the complexity of the waveform model, which involves the superposition of multiple harmonics, as well as the high-dimensional and large-volume parameter space, make the fully coherent search challenging. In our previous work, we proposed a 10-dimensional search using Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) with local maximization over the three initial angles. In this study, we extend the search to an 8-dimensional PSO with local maximization over both the three initial angles and the angles of spin direction of the MBH where the latter contribute a time independent amplitude to the waveforms. Additionally we propose a 7-dimensional PSO search by using a fiducial value for the initial orbital frequency and shifting the corresponding 8-dimensional Time Delay Interferometry responses until a certain lag returns the corresponding 8-dimensional log-likelihood ratio maximum. The reduced dimensionality likelihoods enable us to successfully search for EMRI signals with duration of 0.5 years and signal-to-noise ratio of 50 within a wider search range than our previous study. We discuss further developments, such as using a hierarchical search to narrow down the search ranges of certain parameters, and applying Graphics Processing Units to speed up the code. These advances aim to improve the efficiency and accuracy of the EMRI search algorithm.

Construction using earth materials demonstrates ecological sustainability using locally sourced natural materials and environmentally friendly demolition methods. In this study, the environmental impact of adding cement to soil materials for rammed-earth farmhouse construction in rural China was investigated and comparatively simulated using the One Click LCA database, focusing on the conflict between sustainability objectives and the practical aspects of cement addition. By analyzing how the addition of cement aligns with local construction practices and by addressing the debate surrounding the inclusion of cement in rammed earth construction, our objective is to provide insights into achieving a balance between the environmental impact and the pragmatic considerations of using cement in earthen building practices. Three local structure scenarios are evaluated via simulations: a cement-stabilized rammed earth wall, a fired brick wall, and a localized reinforced concrete frame structure. The quantitative environmental impacts are assessed, and the qualitative differences in adaptation, economic sustainability, and other factors are examined in the context of present-day development in rural China. The results show that the use of cement-stabilized rammed earth wall-supported structures is associated with higher embodied carbon emissions compared to structures supported by reinforced concrete frames and enclosed by brick walls; however, these emissions are lower than those for brick wall-supported structures, while effectively meeting the structural requirements. In addition, the use of cement-stabilized earth for perimeter walls simplifies material management and disposal throughout the building's life cycle, and the cost-effectiveness of cement has been found to be substantially greater than that of reinforced concrete frames and brick structures, improving economic viability and social acceptability, especially among low-income communities in rural areas.

A enantioselective tandem transformation concerning asymmetric allylic decarboxylative addition and cyclization of N-nosylimines with vinylethylene carbonates (VECs) in the presence of [Rh(C2H4)2Cl]2, chiral sulfoxide-N-olefin tridentate ligand has been developed. The reaction of VECs with various substituted N-nosylimines proceeded smoothly under mild conditions, giving highly functionalized oxazolidine frameworks in good to high yields with good to excellent enantioselectivity.

Increasing attention has been paid to the potential probiotic effects of Latilactobacillus sakei. To explore the genetic diversity of L. sakei, 14 strains isolated from different niches (feces, fermented kimchi and meat products) and 54 published strains were compared and analyzed. The results showed that the average genome size and GC content of L. sakei were 1.98Mb and 41.22%, respectively. Its core genome mainly encodes translation and transcription, amino acid synthesis, glucose metabolism and defense functions. L. sakei has an open pan-genomic characteristics, and its pan-gene curve shows an upward trend. L. sakei has open pan-genome feature, and its pan-genome curve is on the rise. The genetic diversity of L. sakei is mainly reflected in carbohydrate utilization, antibiotic tolerance, and immune/competition-related factors, such as clustering regular interval short palindromic repeat sequence (CRISPR)-Cas. The CRISPR system is mainly IIA type, and a few are IIC types. This work provides a basis for the study of this species.

Due to the long duration and high cost of traditional pumping tests, the response of well water level to seismic wave, earth tide, and barometric pressure provides a feasible method for determining continuous changes in aquifer hydraulic parameters. Aiming at the problem that the response phase shift of well BB water level to tidal tide M2 is greater than that of tide O1, this paper preferentially calculated the time series changes of S, Be, n and BKu based on the response mechanism of well water level to barometric pressure and earth tide and with the help of smooth moving method. Then by using the mixed flow model, the variation of transmissivity and leakage coefficient over time were simultaneously obtained, and the evolution process and characteristics of aquifer parameters near well BB caused by the Wenchuan earthquake were ultimately discussed. The calculation results are basically consistent with the previous pumping test, and have been verified and compared by using other scholars' methods. This solving process avoids the problems such as excessive dependence on initial values, multiple solutions, and unstable tide O1, which has a promoting effect on the study of the impact of seismic activity on aquifer systems.

Tack is one of the most important factors affecting the operability of prepregs, but it is still very difficult to obtain the change of prepreg tack with time at different temperatures. In this paper, a newly designed T-peel device is used to test the tack decay rate of prepregs at different temperatures. The obtained decay rate deviates less than 8.9% from the manufacturer's data. The maximum deviation of the ratio of tack decay speeds calculated by the Arrhenius equation from the experiments is not higher than -9.7%. It is proved that the present method can obtain the decay rate of tack of prepregs at different temperatures. This method is also applicable to the other two types of prepregs. The article proposes the handling life unit, an operational life measurement unit for prepregs, and establishes that the relationship between tack and remaining shelf life reduces prepreg management costs.

The AREB/ABF (ABA response element binding) proteins in plants are vital for plant stress responses, but the understanding of AREB/ABFs in orchid species, an important traditional medicinal and ornamental plants, is limited. Here, twelve AREB/ABF genes were identified within three orchids’ complete genome and classified into three groups (groups I, II, and III) via a phylogenetic analysis, which was further supported by the analysis of their conserved motifs and gene structures. The cis-elements analysis showed that hormone response elements followed by light and stress responses were widely rich in AREB/ABFs. A prediction analysis of orchid ABRE/ABF-mediated regulatory network was further constructed through cis-regulatory elements (CREs) analysis of their promoter regions and revealed that several transcriptional factor (TF) gene family were abundant as the potential regulators for orchid AREB/ABFs. Expression profile analysis based on public transcriptomic data showed that most AREB/ABF genes have distinct tissue-specific expression patterns in orchid plants. Additionally, DcaABI5 as the homolog of ABA INSENSITIVE 5 (ABI5) from Arabidopsis was selected for further analysis. The results showed that Arabidopsis transgenic overexpressing DcaABI5 could rescue the ABA insensitive phenotype in the mutant abi5. Collectively, these findings will provide valuable information on AREB/ABF genes in orchids.

In recent years, with the development of the Internet of Things and distributed computing, the "server-edge device" architecture has been widely deployed. This study focuses on leveraging autoencoder technology to address the binary classification problem in network intrusion detection, aiming to develop a lightweight model suitable for edge devices. Traditional intrusion detection models face two main challenges when directly ported to edge devices: inadequate computational resources to support large-scale models and the need to improve the accuracy of simpler models. To tackle these issues, this research utilizes Extreme Learning Machine for its efficient training speed and compact model size to implement autoencoders. Two improvements over the latest related work are proposed: First, to improve data purity and ultimately enhance detection performance, this study partitions the data into multiple regions based on the prediction results of these autoencoders. Second, leveraging autoencoder characteristics to investigate further the data within each region. We used the public dataset NSL-KDD to test the behavior of the proposed mechanism. The experimental results show that when dealing with multi-class attacks, the model's performance was significantly improved, the accuracy and the F1-score are improved by 3.5% and 2.9%, respectively maintaining its lightweight nature.

J. C. Maxwell, B. Riemann and H. Poincar$\acute{e}$ have proposed the idea that all microscopic particles are sink flows in a fluidic aether. Following this research program, a previous theory of gravitation based on a mechanical model of vacuum and a sink flow model of particles is generalized by methods of special relativistic continuum mechanics. In inertial reference frames, we construct a tensorial potential which satisfies the wave equation. Inspired by the equation of motion of a test particle, a definition of a metric tensor of a Riemannian spacetime is introduced. Applying Fock's theorem, generalized Einstein's equations in inertial systems are derived based on some assumptions. These equations reduce to Einstein's equations in case of weak field in harmonic reference frames. There exist some differences between this theory and Einstein's theory of general relativity.

To deal with the uncertainties in modeling offshore wind turbines, we proposed a parameter inversion method for the pile-soil interaction model based on structural health monitoring results and the numerical model. The proposed parameter inversion method has a numerical model, an objective function selected using both the numerical and identified results, and an inverse optimization using a random search algorithm in the assumed parameter space. The parameter results in the minimum optimization objective function are identified as the in-situ parameter. The proposed method is confirmed to converge after some iterations, whatever the initial parameter values are. However, different initial parameter cases may converge to slightly different optimal parameters, implying the pile results are sensitive to geological parameters. Moreover, a comparison with the original design results shows design redundancy or risks. Though the proposed method has several flaws, it can shed some light on the influence of uncertainties in offshore wind turbines, such as soil parameters in geological surveys.

Type II grass carp reovirus (GCRV-II) with high pathogenicity and infectivity causes severe hemorrhagic disease, which leads to extensive death in the grass carp and black carp aquaculture. However, the early invasion portal remains unclear. In this study, we explored the invasion portal, time, and pathway of GCRV-II by immersion infection in grass carp. Through the detection of the infected grass carp external body surface tissues, most of them could be detectable to carry GCRV-II within 45 minutes except for the skin covered by scales. Further shortening the duration of infection, we proved that GCRV-II rapidly invades through the nostril (especially), gill, and skin on head at only 5 min post immersion, rather than merely adhesion. Subsequently, visual localization investigations of GCRV-II were conducted on the nostril, olfactory system (olfactory bulb and olfactory tract), and brain by immunofluorescence microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. We found that few viruses were located in the nostril at 5 min post immersion infection, while significantly increased viruses were distributed in all these tissues at 45 min. Furthermore, semi-qRT-PCR and western blotting results of different infection time confirmed that GCRV-II invades grass carp via nostril-olfactory system-brain axis and then unfolds viral replication. These results revealed the infection mechanism of GCRV-II on the invasion portal, time, and pathway in grass carp. This study aims to understand the invasion mode of GCRV-II in grass carp, which provides theoretical support for the prevention and control strategies of hemorrhagic disease.

Rhododendron is well-known for the colorful corolla. Molecular marker systems have the potentials to elucidate genetic diversity as well as to assess the genetic fidelity in rhododendrons. In the present study, the reverse transcription domains of long terminal repeat retrotransposons were cloned from rhododendrons and used to develop inter-retrotransposon amplified polymorphism (IRAP) marker system. Subsequently, 198 polymorphic loci were generated from the IRAP and inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers, of which 119 were derived from the IRAP markers. It was justified that in rhododendrons, IRAP markers were superior to the ISSRs in some polymorphic parameters such as the average number of polymorphic loci (14.88 versus 13.17). In comparison with the single one, the combination of IRAPs and ISSRs systems was more discriminative for detecting 46 rhododendron accessions. Further, IRAP markers demonstrated more efficiency in genetic fidelity detection of in vitro R. bailiens, an endangered species just recorded in Guizhzhou Province, China. The available evidences revealed the distinct properties of IRAP and ISSR markers in the rhododendron-associated applications, and highlighted the availability of highly informative ISSR and IRAP markers in the genetic diversity evaluation and the genetic fidelity assessment of rhododendrons, which may facilitate the preservation and genetic breeding in rhododendron plants.

Inspired by Dirac's large number hypothesis (LNH), Zeldovich proposed a relation between the cosmological constant (CC), the mass of a proton, the Planck constant and Newton's gravitational constant. Zeldovich's formula suggests that the substance which is responsible for CC may interact with elementary particles. Since Newton's gravitational constant and the Planck constant appear in Zeldovich's formula, these interactions may be related to gravitational phenomena and quantum phenomena. Following this clue, we propose a liquid droplet model of electron. Applying the Laplace's equation, Zeldovich's formula of CC is derived. Weinberg proposes a relation between the mass of a pion, the Planck constant, the Hubble constant, Newton's gravitational constant and the velocity of light in vacuum when discussing cosmological models with a varying constant of gravitation. Weinberg pointed out that this relation may not merely be regarded as a meaningless random combinations of these fundamental constants in physics. The Weinberg's relation is derived based on the critical mass density formula in the Friedmann model of the universe and Zeldovich's formula.

An array of Ag nanowires has been prepared from a facile, templated approach on Cu(BTC) (1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylic acid) metal organic framework (MOF) micropillars. The Ag-deposited scaffolding material may be used to prepare electronic or optoelectronic devices for various applications.

Various factors and constraints should be considered when developing a manufacturing production schedule, and such a schedule is often based on rules. This paper develops a composite dispatching rule based on heuristic rules that comprehensively consider various factors in a semiconductor production line. The composite rule is obtained by exploring various states of a semiconductor production line (machine status, queue size, etc.), where such indicators as makespan and equipment efficiency are used to judge performance. A model of the response surface, as a function of key variables, is then developed to find the optimized parameters of a composite rule for various production states. Further, dynamic scheduling of semiconductor manufacturing is studied based on support vector regression (SVR). This approach dynamically obtains a composite dispatching rule (i.e. parameters of the composite dispatching rule) that can be used to optimize production performance according to real-time production line state. Following optimization, the proposed dynamic scheduling approach is tested in a real semiconductor production line to validate the effectiveness of the proposed composite rule set.

Tryptanthrin has not been widely applied in clinical practice due to its poor solubility and low bioavailability in spite of possessing several biological and pharmacological activities. Here, to improve the solubility of tryptanthrin, two types of novel tryptanthrin-loaded micelles were prepared. One was tryptanthrin physically encapsulated by distearoyl phosphatidylethanolamine polyethylene glycol (DSPE-PEG) and the other was pegylated tryptanthrin synthesized by acid-sensitive hydrazone bond and further prepared as micelles. Molecular imprinting technology was used to separate pegylated tryptanthrin and free mPEG-COOH in the preparation of PEGylated tryptanthrin micelles with considerably high separation efficiency. The solubility of tryptanthrin-loaded DSPE-PEG micelles (TDMs) and PEGylated tryptanthrin micelles (PTMs) was increased by 300 and 1493 fold compared with that of tryptanthrin, respectively. The PTMs increased the solubility of tryptanthrin more effectively and 95% of tryptanthrin was released from PTMs at pH 5.5 in 12 h. The cytotoxicity of PTMs decreased under physiological conditions compared with that of tryptanthrin, whereas at pH 5.5, the PTMs showed comparable cytotoxicity with that of tryptanthrin, indicating successful drug release from the carrier in response to tumor cell pH. Overall, we elucidated an efficient method to improve water solubility of tryptanthrin and indicated pegylated tryptanthrin is a promising prodrug.

In order to quickly develop a multi ship collaborative collision avoidance plan in multi ship encounter scenarios, a multi ship collision avoidance decision model is proposed in accordance with the requirements of the International Maritime Collision Avoidance Regulations, taking into account the collision avoidance operations in multi ship encounter scenarios. Firstly, the collision risk between ships is determined by the closest encounter distance (DCPA) and closest encounter time (TCPA). Secondly, a decision objective function is established based on rules, degree of ship deviation, and ship risk. Finally, the prediction mechanism is used to calculate the minimum value of the objective function and complete the collision avoidance decision. The simulation results show that in the scenario of multiple ship encounters, the collision avoidance model can achieve safe collision avoidance with a smaller steering frequency and a shorter col-lision avoidance time. The proposed multi ship collision avoidance model can provide reference for collision avoidance decision-making in multi ship encounter scenarios, which helps to im-prove the collision avoidance efficiency in multi ship collision avoidance

The electronic structural evolution of LLM-105 crystal and the (101) plane of LLM-105 crystal under different pressures is investigated by the density functional theory (DFT) calculations and the surface properties of seven low-Miller-index planes of LLM-105 crystal were investigated in this study. The result demonstrates that the surface energy of (101) plane of LLM-105 is much smaller when compared with other low-Miller-index planes of LLM-105.In order to further investigate the stability of crystal structure and (101) plane of LLM-105 under different pressures, a series of pressures ranged from 0 GPa to 55 GPa were applied during the DFT calculation, and the result shows that the electronic structures of LLM-105 crystal and the (101) plane changed with the increase of external pressure and the evolution process of (101) plane is different from that of LLM-105 crystal structure.

This study introduces a neural network-based approach to predict dust emission, specifically PM2.5 particles, during almond harvesting in California. Using a feedforward neural network (FNN), the research predicts PM2.5 emissions by analyzing key operational parameters of an advanced almond harvester. The model is trained on extensive field data from the almond pickup system, including variables like brush speed, angular velocity, and harvester forward speed. The results demonstrate a notable predictive accuracy of the FNN model, with a Mean Squared Error (MSE) of 0.02 and a Mean Absolute Error (MAE) of 0.01, indicating a high degree of precision in forecasting PM2.5 levels. The study also finds a strong correlation between certain operational parameters and PM2.5 emissions, highlighting specific areas for optimization in harvesting techniques. By integrating machine learning with agricultural practices, this research provides a significant tool for environmental management in almond production, offering a method to reduce harmful emissions while maintaining operational efficiency. This model presents a solution for the almond industry and sets a precedent for applying predictive analytics in sustainable agriculture.

The extrinsic and intrinsic factors are essential in glioma initiation. Many extrinsic factors (UV, radiation, food, etc.) and intrinsic factors (proteins, hormones, ageing, DNA and RNA damages, etc.) was reported to being responsible for glioma initiation and progression. However, the cell responsible for glioma origin is still unknown. Many research papers have reported that glioma stem cells, senescent cells, injured cells, and death neurons are the cells of glioma origin. However, gene mutation and oncogene protein overexpression doesn’t occur only in cancer but during life evolution. The source of genetic mutations has become a fundamental issue in understanding its role in the initiation of glioma. The glioma is the precise coordination of several distant factors that work together in the initiation and development of glioma. However, the role and effects of the genes (GDNF and SOX1) on cancer cells are well known, but their gene mutation origin is controversial. Several models and theories have been proposed to explain the origins of GDNF and SOX1 genetic mutations and epigenetic modification related to cancer. Our aim in this review is to clear that incertitude about glioma origin (gene mutation and epigenetic modifications) and those factors involved in glioma initiation and recurrence.

Snap fit is a common mechanical mechanism. It uses the physical asymmetry that is easy to assemble but difficult to disassemble to provide a simple and fast link between objects. The ingenious combination of geometric shape, bending elasticity and friction of the snap fit is the mechanism behind the easy to assemble but difficult to disassemble disassemble. Yoshida and Wada (2020) has done a groundbreaking work in the analysis of the elastic snap fit. During our study of their paper, while we really enjoyed their research, unfortunately we detected several questioning formulations. After careful checking, we found that those formulations are not typographical, therefore it is necessary to make corrections. This paper reformulates the linear elasticity of a cylindrical snap fit, obtains an exact solution and proposes an accurate relation between the opening angle and bending tangent angle. Under the first order approximation, our formulations can reduced to the results of Yoshida and Wada and hence confirms the scientific correctness of Yoshida and Wada's work. Furthermore, this paper also derives a correct vertical displacement expression, and propose a new way of disassembly by bending for the first time and formulate a scaling law by data fitting. All formulations are validated by finite element simulation and experiment. The research here is helpful to the design of elastic snap fit or adjustable mechanical mechanism and metamaterial cell.

This paper presents a study to accurately evaluate defects in reinforced concrete decks using ultrasonic pulse-echo signals. Two validation specimens were designed and tested where reinforced concrete deck slab specimens included planned voids and defects. A commercial Ultrasonic Pulse-Echo (UPE) device obtains 2-D images of the void/defect locations of the reinforced concrete deck. The UPE is based on the ultrasonic shear-wave test method using dry-point-contact transmitting and receiving transducers and employing a synthetic aperture focusing technique. The authors analyzed the recorded UPE A-scan data to enhance the accuracy of estimating the defects' locations using the synthetic aperture focusing technique imaging method. The analysis benefitted from an advanced denoising approach and defect echo peak extraction based on empirical modal decomposition, Hurst exponent characterization, and Hilbert envelope estimation. While output from conventional UPC devices can only provide qualitative results, the new method provides quantitative information on the anomalies inside the reinforced concrete deck. The developed approach accurately assists with assessing the location and depth of the voids/defects in the reinforced concrete deck slabs.

A series of novel N-n-butyl-1,8-naphthalimide derivatives were synthesized via a three-step reaction involving nucleophilic substitution and acylation. All of the compounds were characterized by IR, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, MS, and elemental analysis, and the crystal structure of N-n-butyl-4-[N’,N’-bis(2`,4`-dichlorobenzoyl)ethylamino]-1,8-naphthalimide was determined. The π-π stacking interactions and hydrogen bonds between the two molecular core planes (naphthalimide ring) and the van der Waals forces between the flexible n-butyl groups resulted in a 3D long-chain structure. The UV-vis and fluorescence properties of the title compounds were investigated. The results indicated that the monosubstituted 1,8-naphthalimide derivatives bearing an electron-donating group on the benzene ring or a structure with a larger conjugative effect exhibited enhanced fluorescence properties.

In this study, a novel oral formulation of berberine hydrochloride (BBH) hydrogel was successfully synthesized through physical cross-linking using chitosan (CS) and carboxymethyl-β-cyclodextrin (CMCD). The characterization results confirmed the successful synthesis of CS/CMCD hydrogel and the subsequent loading of BBH into this composite (CS/CMCD/BBH) was effectively accomplished. BBH was used as a model drug and the resulting hydrogel demonstrated a sustained drug release profile. In addition to its improved solubility and sustained release characteristics, the hydrogel exhibited excellent antibacterial activity against common pathogens such as Escherichia coli (E. coli), Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), and Candida albicans (C. albicans). Additionally, in vitro studies indicated that the hydrogel was not cytotoxic to NIH3T3 and HaCaT cells, suggesting its safety for biomedical applications. This lack of cytotoxic effects, combined with the mechanical strength, solubility improvements, and antibacterial properties of the hydrogel, positions the CS/CMCD/BBH hydrogel as a promising candidate for effective oral delivery of BBH. By addressing the solubility and delivery challenges of BBH, this hydrogel offers a viable solution for the oral administration of berberine hydrochloride, with potential applications in various biomedical fields.

Researches on the runoff and sediment reduction effects of soil and water conservation measures are being on the rise, which is of great significance for carrying out strategic on soil and water conservation in the Yellow River Basin. Through the analysis of various soil and water conserva-tion measures, runoff, sediment, and rainfall datas in the Sanchuan River Basin from 1960 to 2019, we use the lagrange multiplier method to determining the threshold year of soil and water con-servation measures on runoff and sediment processes. The preliminary conclusion is as follows: The trend of flood season rainfall and annual rainfall in the Sanchuan River Basin is consistent. The 10-year average rainfall in each periods indicates that before 2000, it gradually decreased and then significantly increased. The 10-year average runoff showed a gradual decrease before 2010, followed by a sudden increase, while the 10-year average sediment has shown a decreasing trend years by years, especially after the centralized treatment period. Terrace and dam measures show a trend of first decreasing, then increasing, and then approaching stability during different treat-ment periods, while the trend of forest and grass measures is slightly decreasing and then in-creasing rapidly. The runoff and sediment reduction effects of various soil and water conservation measures during different treatment periods indicate that the runoff reduction effect reached its peak in 2005, while the sediment reduction benefit reached its best in 2015. Based on the compre-hensive benefits of runoff and sediment regulation, 2015 are considered as the threshold year for various soil and water conservation measures, with each measure areas being 4.86 × 104, 17.91 × 104, 1.20 × 104, and 0.83 × 104hm2, respectively. The research results will have certain reference significance for the high-quality development of soil and water conservation in the Yellow River Basin.

In recent years, the rapid development of computer-aided planning and design technology has provided a new perspective for the study of complex problems such as the generation of architectural complex forms. This study focuses on how to apply parameterization technology to analyze and articulate traditional spatial form composition rules, aiming to minimize reliance on subjective human judgment in the protection and renewal design of the historical style of traditional villages. It aims to establish digital generative design tools to address the challenges of accurately inheriting and innovatively utilizing historical and cultural information in traditional settlements. It introduces how to rely on parameterization technology to analyze the spatial form composition rules, parameter extraction rules, and spatial reconstruction rules of traditional villages, facilitating the complete process from spatial features to parameterization rules, and then to the application of computational methods to deduce spatial features. It also includes case studies demonstrating the application of parameterization technology tools for village protection and explores the role of generative design tools in preserving the spatial style of these settlements.

The Doppler band compensated by the keystone transform (KT) is limited. Therefore, it needs to be used in conjunction with the Doppler ambiguity compensation function to correct the range migration (RM) caused by maneuvering targets with Doppler ambiguity. However, the KT implemented by sinc interpolation suffers from significant performance loss at boundaries of compensation Doppler bands. Additionally, in a multi-target scenario, KT implementation methods occupy high complexity when the Doppler range of targets spans over two compensation Doppler bands. To address aforementioned issues, this study presents a variable Doppler starting point keystone transform (VDSPKT) method, where a new form of ambiguity compensation function is constructed, turning the Doppler starting point of the compensation band in KT variable. Firstly, the position of the compensation Doppler band is changed from fixed to adjustable as needed, enhancing the flexibility of KT. Crucially, the connection points of the compensation Doppler bands in sinc interpolation are reset, avoiding the performance loss at their boundaries. Also, the compensation band is adjusted to cover the narrow Doppler frequency range caused by targets, significantly improving the computational efficiency. Finally, the simulation results demonstrate that the proposed approach effectively addresses the performance degradation and high computational complexity of KT in the aforementioned scenarios, resulting in a computational load reduced by approximately 50% compared to traditional methods.

Model selection and model averaging have been the popular approaches in handling modelling uncertainties. Fan and Li(2006) laid out a unified frame work for variable selection via penalized likelihood. The tuning parameter selection is vital in the optimization problem for the penalized estimators in achieving consistent selection and optimal estimation. Since the OLSpost-LASSO estimator by Belloni and Chernozhukov (2013), few studies have focused on the finite sample performances of the class of OLS post-penalty estimators with the tuning parameter choice determined by different tuning parameter selection approaches. We aim to supplement the existing model selection literature by studying such a class of OLS post-selection estimators. Inspired by the Shrinkage Averaging Estimator (SAE) by Schomaker(2012) and the Mallows Model Averaging (MMA) criterion by Hansen (2007), we further propose a Shrinkage Mallows Model Averaging (SMMA) estimator for averaging high dimensional sparse models. Based on the Monte Carlo design by Wang et al. (2009) which features an expanding sparse parameter space as the sample size increases, our Monte Carlo design further considers the effect of the effective sample size and the degree of model sparsity on the finite sample performances of model selection and model averaging estimators. From our data examples, we find that the OLS post-SCAD(BIC) estimator in finite sample outperforms most of the current penalized least squares estimators as long as the number of parameters does not exceed the sample size. In addition, the SMMA performs better given sparser models. This supports the use of the SMMA estimator when averaging high dimensional sparse models.

Sphalerite has been recognized as the most important carrier of critical metal of Indium (In) due to that In mainly exists in the sphalerite lattice by isomorphic substitution. There are two significant replacing schemes for In entry into sphalerite, these are, Ag++In3+→2Zn2+ and Cu++In3+→2Zn2+. In order to understand the reaction process and constraints of the two substitution schemes, this paper uses first-principles methods to calculate In and Ag, Cu replacing Zn in sphalerite. According to the substitution schemes of Ag++In3+→2Zn2+ and Cu++In3+→2Zn2+, two doped sphalerite systems of Zn30InAgS32 and Zn30InCuS32 were constructed using 2×2×2 supercell model of sphalerite. Firstly, the pressure is controlled to 30MPa, and the temperature is set from 20-40MPa to simulate the response of the two doped sphalerite systems to temperature; Then, the control temperature was unchanged to 600K, and the pressure was set from 20-40MPa to investigate the pressure control of the two doped sphalerite systems. The lattice parameters, substitution energy, electronic structure, and population analysis of the designed models before and after replacement have been critically compared. The main conclusions can be drawn that it is more stable for In to enter sphalerite via the coupled substitution scheme Cu++In3+→2Zn2+, and the conditions that the two substitution schemes most likely to occur are 650K and 40MPa. This study not only reveals the physical and chemical properties of In-rich sphalerite formed by the two reaction processes of Ag++In3+→2Zn2+ and Cu++In3+→2Zn2+, but also has a certain enlightenment effect on the search for indium in sphalerite, and promotes the application of first principles in mineralization analysis.

This article is a study on the (k,s)-Riemann-Liouville fractional integral, a generalization of the Riemann-Liouville fractional integral. Firstly, we introduce several properties of the extended integral of continuous functions. Furthermore, we make the estimation of the Box dimension of the graph of continuous functions after the extended integral. It presents that the upper Box dimension of the (k,s)-Riemann-Liouville fractional integral for any continuous functions is no more than the upper Box dimension of the functions on the unit interval I=[0,1], which indicates that the upper Box dimension of the integrand f(x) will not be increased by the σ-order (k,s)-Riemann-Liouville fractional integral ksD−σf(x) where σ&gt;0 on I. Additionally, we prove that the fractal dimension of ksD−σf(x) of one-dimensional continuous functions f(x) is still one.

The common dandelion uses a bundle of drag-enhancing bristles (the pappus) that enables seed dispersal over formidable distances; however, the scaling laws of aerodynamic drag underpinning pappus-mediated flight remains unresolved. In this paper, we study the aerodynamic shape of dandelion, derive the scaling law of resistance, determine the Vogel exponent. In particular, we find that the total drag coefficient is proportional to the -2/3 power of the dandelion pappus Reynolds number, and obtain the terminal velocity of the dandelion seed under gravitation field.

In order to help the transportation industry achieve the goal of carbon peak and carbon neutrality, this study is based on the selection of eight variables, such as population size, per ca pita GDP, personal vehicle ownership, passenger and freight turnover, and green space coverage, as the factors influencing the carbon emissions of the transportation industry in Jiangsu Province, and the prediction and analysis of the transportation carbon emission trends from 2000 to 2021, and the prediction and analysis of the carbon emissions of the transportation industry and the time of the peak of the carbon emissions in Jiangsu Province. The trend of transportation carbon emissions from 2000 to 2021 was predicted and analyzed, and the carbon emissions and peak time of carbon emissions in the transportation industry in Jiangsu Province were predicted and analyzed. Comparing the predicted results with other models to verify the accuracy of the results, it was found that the WOA-SVM model had the smallest error among several models. On this basis, targeted measures are proposed to accelerate the process of carbon peak and ensure the smooth achievement of carbon neutrality goals in Jiangsu Province. The results indicate that under the current policy measures, the peak carbon emissions in Jiangsu Province will occur in 2038, with a peak of 48.72 million tons. Jiangsu Province should actively adopt energy-saving and emission-reduction measures, build a green and low-carbon transportation development model, and achieve the carbon peak target ahead of schedule.

In this paper, the preparation methods of porous silicon nitride materials with controllable dielectric constant and pore structure were systematically studied. By using microwave sintering technology, porous silicon nitride materials with high closed pore ratio were prepared by adjusting the content of sintering additives and sintering process parameters, and controlling the grain boundary phase and pore structure and size. The effects of sintering conditions on the total porosity, closed porosity, pore structure and dielectric properties of materials were systematically studied.

(1) Background: Brassinosteroids (BRs) are an important hormone that participates in almost all stages of plant growth and development, and sterol dehydrogenase is a key enzyme that is involved in the biosynthesis of BRs. However, the steroid dehydrogenase gene family in Populus yunnanensis Dode (P. yunnanensis) has not been studied; (2) Methods: The PyDET2 gene family was identified and bioinformatics analyzed. Three genes were screened based on the RNA-seq of stem tip, the PyDET2e was further investigated by RT-qPCR (real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction) and subcellular localization; (3) Results: We identified 14 DET2 family genes in P. yunnanensis that were classified into 4 groups according to sequence similarity and phylogenetic relationship, and 10 conserved protein motifs had been identified. The gene structure, chromosome distribution, collinearity, and codon preference of all PyDET2 genes identified in the genome of P. yunnanensis were analyzed. The codon of this family is biased to the end of A/U, and natural selection has a great influence on it. The expression level of PyDET2e in September was higher than in July, and it was significantly expressed in stems, stem tips, and leaves. The PyDET2e protein was localized in chloroplasts; (4) Conclusions: The PyDET2e is involved in the development of P. yunnanensis in the rapid growth stage. The systematic analysis provided a basis for the genome-wide identification of genes related to brassinolide biosynthesis processes in P. yunnanensis, and laid a foundation for the study on the mechanism of rapid growth of P. yunnanensis.

Multi-sensor data fusion of E-tongue and E-nose can provide a more comprehensive and more accurate analysis results. However, it also brings some redundant information, it is a hot issue to reduce the feature dimension for pattern recognition. In this paper, the taste-olfactory data fusion based on E-tongue and E-nose combined with Support Vector Machine (SVM) was used to classify five different beers. First, the taste and olfactory feature information were obtained based on E-tongue and E-nose. Second, the original feature data of single system were fused, then Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was applied to extract principal components, Genetic Algorithm-Partial Least Squares (GA-PLS) was used to select the characteristic variables, 20 subsets were generated with those variables based on the best Variable Importance of Projection (VIP) score. Finally, the classification models based on SVM were established, also c and g of SVM were calculated by Grid Search (GS), Genetic Algorithm (GA), and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), the classification results of all subsets were obtained. The results showed that the classification accuracy using data fusion was much higher over single E-tongue and single E-nose, and the variable selection method by VIP had the best classification performance in #12 subset coupled with GA-SVM.

Abstract: Dispersal strategies of a species can affect its invasion success. Investigation into the dispersal strategies of invasive species in relation to different factors helps our understanding of the invasion mechanisms and provides knowledge for population management and invasion evaluation. Tetranychus ludeni Zacher (Acari: Tetranychidae) is an invasive species, which is native to Europe but now cosmopolitan. Here, we examined the effects of age and density on dispersal in mated females. Our results show that older females with more eggs were more likely to disperse and moved longer distances than younger ones with fewer eggs. Older females spread most of their eggs out of the natal habitats and over longer distances, which reduced competition and increased offspring fitness. Females significantly increased dispersal probability and distance with the increase of population density to avoid crowding. The synchronization of dispersal and reproduction, along with the positive density-dependent dispersal strategy, may facilitate habitat colonization and invasion speed of T. ludeni.

In this paper, a short survey of the existed results concerning the Jacobian Conjecture is first given. Then the 3-fold linear type polynomial map will be analyzed in detail. The expansion of the Jacobian condition is deduced to obtain its equivalent algebraic equations, and the Jacobian condition will be analyzed to derive two coordinate transformations that can maintain the invariance of the Jacobian condition. Finally, it is proved by mathematical induction method that one general chain expression presented in this paper is just the inverse polynomial map of 3-fold linear type polynomial map, i.e. LJC(n,[3]) holds such that the Jacobian Conjecture holds.

This paper attempts to assess the economic significance and implications of collateralization in different financial markets, which is essentially a matter of theoretical justification and empirical verification. We present a comprehensive theoretical framework that allows for collateralization adhering to bankruptcy laws. As such, the model can back out differences in asset prices due to collateralized counterparty risk. This framework is very useful for pricing outstanding defaultable financial contracts. By using a unique data set, we are able to achieve a clean decomposition of prices into their credit risk factors. We find empirical evidence that counterparty risk is not overly important in credit-related spreads. Only the joint effects of collateralization and credit risk can sufficiently explain unsecured credit costs. This finding suggests that failure to properly account for collateralization may result in significant mispricing of financial contracts. We also analyze the difference between cleared and OTC markets.

As an irreplaceable ecological barrier, the ecological conservation developing area (ECDA) is vital for the integrated construction of urban and rural areas, and optimization and adjustment of industrial structure. Developing green agriculture is the foundation and guarantee for improving the rural ecological environment and meeting the increasing needs of farmers′ income. Issued by the Chinese government, No. 1 Central Document stated the necessity of promoting agricultural green development (AGD) and the related technologies in dealing with ecological pressure and resource shortages, especially for large cities like Beijing. However, few empirical studies have conducted on spatiotemporal variations of AGD in ECDA of large cities. Based on the green agricultural traits of Beijing and the accessible data, we evaluate AGD and analyze its spatial and temporal heterogeneity of Beijing ECDA by constructiing a framework with 13 indicators. The weight coefficients of AGD indicators were calculated by the projection pursuit method, with the district panel data from 2006 to 2016. The results demonstrated that energy consumption is a vital factor of green agriculture production, and agricultural output value per unit of the arable land area is the key to the green agricultural revenue. From 2006 to 2016, the AGD index of ECDA had an increasing trend till 2012, followed by a decreasing tendency. The AGD index of the northern region is higher than the southern of ECDA. The obstacle degree model was used to verify AGD limiting factors. They were poor infrastructure, slow agritourism, low labor productivity, and low resource utilization efficiency that varied by districts in ECDA. Given these findings, our study is conducive to the AGD evaluation at the district (county) level for ECDA of large cities and also provides important policy implications.

The diffusion coefficient--a measure of dissipation, and the entropy--a measure of fluctuation are found to be intimately correlated in many physical systems. Unlike the fluctuation dissipation theorem in linear response theory, the correlation is often strongly non-linear. To understand this complex dependence, we consider the classical Brownian diffusion in this work. Under certain rational assumption, i.e. in the bi-component fluid mixture, the mass of the Brownian particle $M$ is far greater than that of the bath molecule $m$, we can adopt the weakly couple limit. Only considering the first-order approximation of the mass ratio $m/M$, we obtain a linear motion equation in the reference frame of the observer as a Brownian particle. Based on this equivalent equation, we get the Hamiltonian at equilibrium. Finally, using canonical ensemble method, we define a new entropy that is similar to the Kolmogorov-Sinai entropy. Further, we present an analytic expression of the relationship between the diffusion coefficient $D$ and the entropy $S$ in the thermal equilibrium, that is to say, $D =\frac{\hbar}{eM} \exp{[S/(k_Bd)]}$, where $d$ is the dimension of the space, $k_B$ the Boltzmann constant, $\hbar $ the reduced Planck constant and $e$ the Euler number. This kind of scaling relation has been well-known and well-tested since the similar one for single component is firstly derived by Rosenfeld with the expansion of volume ratio.

The study of a flexible body immersed in a flowing medium is one of best way to find its aerodynamic shape. This Letter revisited the problem first studied by Alben, Shelley and Zhang (Nature 420, 479-481, 2002). The aerodynamic shape of the fibre is found by simpler approach and universal drag scaling laws of the flexible fibre in flowing medium are proposed by using dimensional analysis. The Alben scaling laws is being generalized and confirmed to be universal. Our study show that the Alben number is a measurement of maximum curvature of the fibre forced by dynamic pressure. A complete Maple code is provided for finding aerodynamic shape of the fibre in the flowing medium.

This study uses a recently developed theory and technique to examine post-acquisition evidence as to the motives for mergers and acquisitions(M&As), and decomposed the M/B ratio into three components: firm-specific error, time-series sector error, and long-run value-to-book. We make a multidimensional grouping according to the frequency of M&As , payment method, proportion of shares acquired, M/B ratio before the merger and total assets of the acquirers before the merge. The results confirm that M&As involve multiple motives, such as market timing, industry and economic shocks, agency and hubris. Using a sample of 2,035 M&As in China, we find that 59% are related to market timing, 68% are related to agency and hubris, 21% are related to industry and economic shocks, 51% are related to multiple motives. Our empirical research finds that the main motives for M&As of listed companies in China are value-decreasing, which have negative impact on the acquirers‘ sustainable development.

Chinese texts often feature a substantial volume of normative content, and their analysis has increasingly become a focal point in recent semantic analysis endeavors. Enhancing the effectiveness of text classification and clustering is pivotal in unveiling the intricate semantics within extensive textual data. Empirical research within the realm of computational social science has underscored the need for improved explanatory power when it comes to general text clustering methods applied to normative texts. This study introduces an innovative hierarchical clustering method that incorporates part-of-speech (POS) features and pioneers a novel semantic network model. It achieves this by amalgamating a POS-based feature weight calculation method with hierarchical clustering techniques. To assess its efficacy, the method is rigorously evaluated across three diverse text datasets, encompassing normative reports, news articles, and social media content. The experimental results unequivocally demonstrate the superior performance of the POS-HC method, surpassing the traditional TF and TF-IDF feature extraction methods in terms of clustering accuracy, and surpassing some existing clustering methods. Furthermore, its classification effectiveness exhibits notable advantages, particularly in the semantic classification of normative texts.

Swarm intelligence (SI) methods are nature-inspired metaheuristics for global optimization that exploit a coordinated stochastic search strategy by a group of agents. Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) is an established SI method that has been applied successfully to the optimization of rugged high-dimensional likelihood functions, a problem that presents the main bottleneck across a variety of gravitational wave (GW) data analysis challenges. We present results from a first application of PSO to one of the most difficult of these challenges, namely, the search for Extreme Mass Ratio Inspiral (EMRI) in data from future spaceborne GW detectors such as LISA, Taiji, or Tianqin. We use the standard Generalized Likelihood Ratio Test formalism, with minimal use of restrictive approximations, to search 6 months of simulated LISA data and quantify the search depth, in signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and breadth, in the ranges of the EMRI parameters, that PSO can handle. Our results demonstrate that a PSO-based EMRI search is successful over a search region that is in the ballpark of the one that current hierarchical schemes can identify. Directions for future improvements, including computational bottlenecks to be overcome, are identified.

In today's human society, diesel generators (DGs) are highly applied into the human energy and electricity supply system due to its technical, operational and economic advantages. This paper proposes an intelligent nonlinear $H_2/H_{\infty}$ robust controller based on the chaos particle swarm gravity search optimization algorithm (CPSOGSA), which controls the speed and excitation of a DG. In this method, firstly, establish the nonlinear mathematical model of the DG and then design the nonlinear $H_2/H_{\infty}$ robust controller based on this. The direct feedback linearization and the $H_2/H_{\infty}$ robust control theory are combined and applied. Based on the design of the integrated controller for DG speed and excitation, the system's performance requirements are transformed into a standard robust $H_2/H_{\infty}$ control problem. The parameters of the proposed solution controller are optimized by using the proposed CPSOGSA. The introduction of CPSOGSA completes the design of an intelligent nonlinear $H_2/H_{\infty}$ robust controller for DG. The simulation is implemented in MATLAB/Simulink, and the results are compared with the PID control method. The obtained results prove that the proposed method can effectively improve the dynamic accuracy of the system and the ability to suppress disturbances and improve the stability of the system.

Digital-Radio-Frequency-Memory (DRFM) has emerged as an advanced technique to achieve diverse jamming signals, due to its capability of intercepting waveforms within a short time. Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) radars can transmit agile orthogonal waveform sets for different pulses to combat the DRFM-based jamming, where any two groups of waveform sets are also orthogonal. In order to design multiple groups of orthogonal waveform sets at the same time, this article formulates a group orthogonal waveforms optimal design model, whose objec-tive function is the weighted sum of the intra- and inter-group orthogonal performances metrics. To solve this optimization problem, this article proposes a group orthogonal waveforms design algorithm. Based on a primal-dual type method and proper relaxations, the proposed algorithm transforms the original problem into a series of simple sub-problems. Numerical results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm has the ability to balance the intra- and inter-group orthogonal performances by adjusting the weighting factors, which is not available using other state-of-the-art orthogonal waveform design algorithms.

A rapid and efficient method using an alkyl functionalized magnetic nanoparticles-based extraction technique combined with Ultra-High Performance Liquid Chromatography was developed for the detection of trace amounts of polycystic aromatic hydrocarbons in tea leaves. As a popular coating for chromatographic column packing materials, C18-alkyl has been demonstrated to be effective in separating polycystic aromatic hydrocarbons. And the magnetism of the nanomaterials accelerates the extraction process while their high surface ratio enables desirable dispersity in the sample matrix. Meanwhile, the adsorbents can be washed and reused 30 times without compromise on recovery, which greatly reduced the budget. The effects of various parameters were investigated and optimized, and the recoveries for five analytes were in the range of 84.8–103.7%. The reproducibility rate of intra-day and inter-day were below 7.1% and 11.3% respectively. The limits of detection and limits of quantification ranged from 1.69–9.97 ng g-1 and 5.12–30.21 ng g-1, indicating satisfactory sensitivity. Thus, the proposed methodology is rapid, highly efficient, and economical, and it expands the application of magnetic cleanup approaches in complex food matrices.

The 2-Acetyl-1-pyrroline (2-AP) is the most important volatile in determining the aroma of fragrant rice, however, the transcriptional regulation mechanism of 2-AP biosynthesis in fragrant rice is still unclear. In this study, the Osp5cs1 knockout mutant lines and OsP5CS1 over-expression lines were constructed by genetic transformation of indica rice cultivar i.e., ‘Zhonghua11’, which was knocked out OsBADH2 to produce fragrance in aromatic rice. The OsP5CS1 gene was also identified as a key gene in the 2-AP biosynthesis pathway of aromatic rice. The OsP5CS1 promoter was used as bait, and the transcription factor OsbZIP60-like was screened by yeast one-hybrid assays. The transcription factor OsbZIP60-like specifically bound to the OsP5CS1 gene. The dual luciferase reporting system found that OsbZIP60-like transcription factor promoted the transcriptional activation of OsP5CS1. Compared with the wild type, the OsP5CS1 gene expression was significantly down-regulated in Osbzip60-like mutant, and resulted in substantial reduction in 2-AP biosynthesis. Moreover, the OsP5CS1 gene expression was significantly up-regulated in OsbZIP60-like over-expressed plants, and the 2-AP concentrations were also increased whereas the Osbzip60-like mutants were found to be sensitive to Zn deficiency. Overall, the OsbZIP60-like transcription factor promoted the 2-AP accumulation. This study provides a theoretical basis for the transcriptional regulation mechanism of 2-AP biosynthesis and explores the function of OsbZIP transcription factor in fragrant rice.

Understanding the thermal cracks of rock caused by high temperature is of great help to the development of underground engineering, such as geothermal mining, underground coal gasification. Although there has been many study on thermal cracking, it is not systematic and in-depth enough. In order to deeply study the thermal crack mechanism of rock, this paper conducted thermal cracking experiments on granite at different temperatures and heating/cooling paths, and qualitative and quantitative analysis was conducted on the crack initiation characteristics, propagation paths, and crack network morphology of rock thermal crack under different test conditions. The thermal crack mechanism was also analyzed from the perspectives of mineral petrology, fracture mechanics, thermodynamics, and other aspects. The research results show that there are two obvious mutation points in the study temperature range for samples with fast cooling paths (SF path: slow heating and fast cooling; FF path: fast heating and fast cooling), around 200-300 ℃ and 600 ℃, respectively, while for samples with slow cooling paths (SS path: slow heating and slow cooling; FS path: fast heating and slow cooling), there is only one mutation point around 600 ℃. The initiation positions of thermal cracking under all temperature paths are relatively similar, with intergranular crack located between particles at the edge of the sample or intercrystalline crack in the middle of feldspar or quartz aggregates. The initiation temperature of SF and FF path specimens is relatively low compared to SS and FS path specimens, and the number and size of cracks is small. The crack network structure formed by the SF path is the most complex, with the largest crack ratio and cumulative crack length; The crack network structure formed by the FF path is relatively complex, with a larger main crack size but relatively fewer secondary cracks; The FS and SS paths do not form a complex network with good connectivity. The process of thermal crack development can be divided into three stages: the development of small cracks, the joint development of main cracks and small cracks, and the connection of cracks into a network structure. The mechanism of thermal crack propagation is that the expansion and thermal conductivity between different crystals are different. The thermal stress caused by temperature gradient and the tension or shear stress caused by the inconsistent deformation of crystals form stress concentration in weak areas such as particles boundary, cleavage, and original cracks. Firstly, it causes some crystals with smaller strength or less rounded shape to crack, and when the combined stress is large, the cracks will gradually expand along the existing fine cracks. This also explains that the most main cracks of the SF and FF path specimens mainly surround some large mineral aggregates or between particles.

The leaves of Ligustrum robustum have been applied as Ku-Ding-Cha, a functional tea to clear heat and remove toxins; and served as a folk medicine to deal with diabetes, obesity, and hypertension. Trans-p-hydroxycinnamic acid and its esters, which were isolated from the leaves of L. robustum, might be a new resource to prevent diabetes and its complications because of their strong -glucosidase and fatty acid synthase (FAS) inhibitory activities and antioxidant effect. However, the quantitative analytical method for trans-p-hydroxycinnamic acid and its esters in the leaves of L. robustum hasn’t been reported so far. In addition, it was difficult and troublesome to analyze no less than 34 trans-p-hydroxycinnamic acid esters by usual HPLC. Therefore, a new HPLC-UV method using hydrolyzation with sodium hydroxide for quantitation of trans-p-hydroxycinnamic acid and its esters in the leaves of L. robustum was developed in the present study. The optimal hydrolyzation conditions were as follows: 1 mL sodium hydroxide aqueous solution (1 M) was added into 1 mL the extract of L. robustum and incubated at 80 °C for 2 h , and then 1 mL hydrochloride (1 M) solution was added. HPLC analysis was performed in reverse phase mode using a C-18 column, eluting with methanol-0.1% acetic acid aqueous solution (40:60, v/v) in isocratic mode at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min, and detecting at 310 nm. The analytical method was simple and rapid, which simplified greatly the analytical process. The method was validated in terms of linearity, limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantification (LOQ), precision, and accuracy. High linearity was demonstrated with correlation coefficient of 1.000 for trans-p-hydroxycinnamic acid. The LOD and LOQ values were 1.55 and 4.69 μg/mL, respectively. The relative standard deviations (RSD) of intra-day and inter-day variabilities for trans-p-hydroxycinnamic acid were less than 2%. The percentage recovery of trans-p-hydroxycinnamic acid was 101.2% ± 0.8%. Finally, the proposed method was applied successfully to the determination and comparison of the contents of trans-p-hydroxycinnamic acid and its esters in various extracts of the leaves of L. robustum. The 60%-70% ethanol extracts of L. robustum showed the highest contents of free trans-p-hydroxycinnamic acid (3.96-3.99 mg/g), and the 50%-80% ethanol extracts of L. robustum displayed the highest contents of trans-p-hydroxycinnamic acid esters (202.6-210.6 mg/g). The method can be applied also to the quality control of the products of L. robustum.

Lord Kelvin believed that the electromagnetic aether must also generate gravity. Presently, we have no methods to determine the density of the electromagnetic aether, or we say the $\Omega(1)$ substratum. Thus, we also suppose that vacuum is filled with another kind of continuously distributed substance, which may be called the $\Omega(2)$ substratum. Based on a theorem of V. Fock on the mass tensor of a fluid, the contravariant energy-momentum tensors of the $\Omega(1)$ and $\Omega(2)$ substrata are established. Quasi-static solutions of the gravitational field equations in vacuum are obtained. Based on an assumption, relationships between the contravariant energy-momentum tensors of the $\Omega(1)$ and $\Omega(2)$ substrata and the contravariant metric tensor are obtained. Thus, the cosmological constant is calculated theoretically. The $\Omega(1)$ and $\Omega(2)$ substrata may be a possible candidate of the dark energy. According to the theory of vacuum mechanics, only those energy-momentum tensors of discrete or continuously distributed sinks in the $\Omega(0)$ substratum are permitted to act as the source terms in the generalized Einstein's equations. Thus, the zero-point energy of electromagnetic fields is not qualified for a source term in the generalized Einstein's equations. Some people believed that all kinds of energies should act as source terms in the Einstein's equations. It may be this unwarranted belief that leads to the cosmological constant problem. The mass density of the $\Omega(1)$ and $\Omega(2)$ substrata is equivalent to that of around $3$ protons contained in a box with a volume of $1$ cubic metre.

When solving the Einstein's equations for an isolated system of masses, V. Fock introduces harmonic reference frame and obtains an unambiguous solution. Further, he concludes that there exists a harmonic reference frame which is determined uniquely apart from a Lorentz transformation if suitable supplementary conditions are imposed. It is known that wave equations keep the same form under Lorentz transformations. Thus, we speculate that Fock's special harmonic reference frames may have provided us a clue to derive the Einstein's equations in some special class of non-inertial reference frames. Following this clue, generalized Einstein's equations in some special non-inertial reference frames are derived based on the theory of vacuum mechanics. If the field is weak and the reference frame is quasi-inertial, these generalized Einstein's equations reduce to Einstein's equations. Thus, this theory may also explain all the experiments which support the theory of general relativity. There exist some differences between this theory and the theory of general relativity.

Due to rising global warming and climate change, biodiversity protection has become a critical ecological concern. The rich biodiversity zones are under threat and are deteriorating, necessitating national, regional, and provincial efforts to safeguard these natural areas. The effective conservation of National Parks and Nature-protected Areas helps to improve biodiversity conservation, forest, and urban air quality. The continuous encroachment and abuse of these protected areas have degraded the ecosystem over time. While exploring the geophysical ecology and biodiversity conservation of these areas in West Africa, Kainji National Park was selected for this study because of its notable location, naturalness, rich habitat diversity, topographic uniqueness, and landmass. The conservation of national parks and nature-protected areas is a cornerstone of biodiversity conservation globally. This study is aimed at the target of United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 13, 2030- Climate Action, targeted at taking urgent action towards combating climate change and its impacts. The study captures both flora and fauna that are dominant in the study area. The 15 identified tree species were selected from over 30 species with 563,500,000 (an average of 3,700,000 in each sample frame) trees for every tree species/type with a total of 63% tree green canopy cover. The study areas divided into three zones were randomly sampled within a stratum of 25x25km frames divided into 150 sample frames for proper analyses using the i-Tree Eco v6.0.23. The following microclimatic data were captured and analyzed; photosynthetically active radiation, rain/precipitation, temperature, transpiration, evaporation, water intercepted by trees, avoided a runoff by trees, potential evaporation by trees, isoprene and monoterpene by trees. This study also further discusses the tree benefits of a green, low carbon, and sustainable environment within the context of biodiversity conservation considering carbon storage, carbon sequestration, hydrology effects, pollution removal, oxygen production, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). There is a quick need for remotely-sensed information about the protected areas at regular intervals and government policies must be strict against illegal poaching, logging activities and other hazardous human impacts.

The lengthy maturation period is the key cause of the reduced hot pepper market value. An experiment was performed to assess the effects of R/B/W light qualities on reducing the maturation period. The maturation period was shortened by 16 days under 4R:1B:5W compared to the control. The appearance of the first flower is a limiting factor affecting the maturation period. It exhibited a dark purple color and an abnormal petal under 4R:1B:5W compared to the control, which was associated with increased contents of flavonoids, total organic acids, and phenolics and decreased total amino acid and carbohydrate contents. Plant hormone, flavonoid, ABC transporters, key metabolites (such as amino acid, carbohydrate, organic acid) was associated with first flower development. Ethylene response factors (ERFs) mediated by light, especially ERF021, were identified as potential hub regulators during the development of the first flower due to their involvement in all the associated metabolic pathways.

In the paper, we develop some numerical schemes including finite difference scheme and finite volume scheme for the fractional Laplacian operator, and apply the resulted numerical schemes to solve some fractional diffusion equations. First, the fractional Laplacian operator can be characterized as the weak singular integral by a integral operator with zero boundary condition. Second, because of the solution of fractional diffusion equation is usually singular near the boundary, we apply finite difference scheme to discrete fractional Laplacian operator and fractional diffusion equation by fractional interpolation function. Moreover, it is find that the differential matrix of the above scheme is symmetric matrix, and strictly row-wise diagonally dominant in special fractional interpolation function. Third, we show finite volume scheme to discrete fractional diffusion equation by fractional interpolation function, and analyze the properties of differential matrix. Finally, the numerical experiments are given, and verify the correctness of theoretical results and the efficiency of the schemes.

The importance of detecting and diagnosing the imminence of aneurysm rupture before it occurs cannot be overstated. However, this process is often time-consuming and challenging, with variability in conclusions not uncommon among experts. Furthermore, current state-of-the-art models in medical image segmentation suffer from limited availability of large annotated datasets for training, exacerbated by an immense data imbalance. In most segmentation tasks, 3D segmentation is preferred due to its capacity to leverage more contextual information. However, these models require more data, which is constrained by the aforementioned issues. In the realm of current diagnosis models, those lacking geographic context are notably ineffective. To address these issues, the aim is to develop a model pipeline to accurately detect cerebral intracranial aneurysms and diagnose rupture imminence through 3D magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) and tabular input, augmented with the implementation of neuro-symbolic ai. The utilization of data fusion to tackle the lack of context in tabular models is proposed, leveraging extracted geographical features from a segmentation model. To enhance segmentation results and tackle the data imbalance in aneurysm segmentation, a two-stage model pipeline that extracts contextual geographic features before aneurysm segmentation is suggested. Segmentation results are additionally improved through ensemble techniques and novel preprocessing techniques. Finally, a neuro-symbolic aspect is introduced to enhance model diagnosis, interpretability and performance. The multi-step Integrated Neuro-Symbolic Analysis Pipeline for Cerebral Aneurysm Rupture Diagnosis is introduced.

The present paper deals with a class of even entire functions of order $\rho =1$ and genus $\vartheta =0$ of the polynomials form, \[ \sum\limits_{m=0}^\infty {\frac{\left( {-1} \right)^m\Phi ^{\left( {2m} \right)}\left( 0 \right)}{\Gamma \left( {2m+1} \right)}x^{2m}} =\Phi \left( 0 \right)\prod\limits_{k=1}^\infty {\left( {1-\frac{x}{\ell _k }} \right)} , \] where $\Phi\left( 0 \right)\ne 0$, real numbers $x$, nonnegative integers $m$, and $\ell _k \ne 0$ are all of the nonzero roots with $\sum\limits_{k=1}^\infty {1/\left| {\ell _k } \right|} <\infty $ and natural numbers $k$. We provide an efficient criterion for the polynomials with only real zeros. We also prove that the conjecture of Jensen is our special case.

In this paper we address some variants for the products of Hadamard and Patterson. We prove that all zeros of the Riemann $\Xi$--function are real. We also prove that the Riemann hypothesis is true. The equivalence theorems associated with the Riemann zeta--function are obtained in detail.

In this article we propose the integral, series and product representations for the Ramanujan zeta-function. We suggest a variant for the Conrey-Ghosh product for the entire Ramanujan zeta-function. We present some variants for the product for the Ramanujan $\Xi$-function. We prove that all of its zeros are real. Along the way we obtain the truth of the Riemann-Hardy conjecture.

This paper addresses a variant of the product for the Dirichlet $L$--functions. We propose a completely detailed proof for the truth of the generalized Riemann conjecture for the Dirichlet $L$--functions, which states that the real part of the nontrivial zeros is $1/2$. The Wang and Hardy--Littlewood theorems are also discussed with removing the need for it. The results are applicable to show the truth of the Goldbach's conjecture.

It is due to Littlewood that the truth of the Riemann theorem implies that of the Lindel\"{o}f conjecture. This paper aims to use the idea of Littlewood to prove the Lindel\"{o}f conjecture for the Riemann zeta function. The Lindel\"{o}f $\mu $ function at the critical line is zero, with use of the Riemann theorem for the entire Riemann zeta function, proved based on the work of Heath-Brown. Our result is given to show that the Lindel\"{o}f conjecture, connected with the proof of the moment conjecture, is true.

In order to solve the problem of feature extraction of underwater acoustic signals in complex ocean environment, a new method for feature extraction from ship radiated noise is presented based on empirical mode decomposition theory and permutation entropy. It analyzes the separability for permutation entropies of the intrinsic mode functions of three types of ship radiated noise signals, and discusses the permutation entropy of the intrinsic mode function with the highest energy. In this study, ship radiated noise signals measured from three types of ships are decomposed into a set of intrinsic mode functions with empirical mode decomposition method. Then, the permutation entropies of all intrinsic mode functions are calculated with appropriate parameters. The permutation entropies are obviously different in the intrinsic mode functions with the highest energy, thus, the permutation entropy of the intrinsic mode function with the highest energy is regarded as a new characteristic parameter to extract the feature of ship radiated noise. After that, the characteristic parameters, namely, the energy difference between high and low frequency, permutation entropy, and multi-scale permutation entropy, are compared with the permutation entropy of the intrinsic mode function with the highest energy. It is discovered that the four characteristic parameters are at the same level for similar ships, however, there are differences in the parameters for different types of ships. The results demonstrate that the permutation entropy of the intrinsic mode function with the highest energy is better in separability as the characteristic parameter than the other three parameters by comparing their fluctuation ranges and the average values of the four characteristic parameters. Hence, the feature of ship radiated noise can be extracted efficiently with the method.

It’s been reported that Mori Folium (MF) and Eucommiae Cortex (EC) exhibit pharmacological effects on the treatment of immunosuppression. However, the mechanism of MF and EC against immunosuppression remains unclear. This study aims to explore the mechanism of action of MF and EC for the treatment of immunosuppression through network pharmacology, molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations and animal experiments. As a result, 11 critical components, 9 hub targets, and related-signaling pathways of treatment of immunosuppression were obtained based on network pharmacology. The molecular docking suggested that 11 critical components exhibited great binding affinity to 9 hub targets of immunosuppression. The molecular dynamics simulations results showed that (-)-Tabernemontanine-AR, beta-sitosterol-AR and Dehydrodieugenol-HSP90AA1 complexes are stably bound. Additionally, in the animal experiments, the treated group results compared to the control group suggest that MF and EC have a significant effect on the treatment of immunosuppression. Therefore, the MF and EC treatment for immunosuppression may take effects in a multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway manner. The results would provide novel insights into the treatment of immunosuppression in humans.

The synergetic features of a three-component photoinitiating systems (A/B/C) based on the measured data and proposed mechanism of Liu et al (Polymers, 2020, 12(6), 1394) are analyzed. The co-initiators/additives B and C have dual functions of : (i) regeneration of photoinitiator A and (ii) generation of extra radicals. The synergic effects lead to higher conversion of free radical polymerization (FRP) and cationic polymerization (CP). The key factors and rate constants influencing the conversion efficacy are explored by analytic formulas. Enhancing strategies for various photopolymerization systems are summarized including one component (or monomer) and one-wavelength, two-component and one, two and three-wavelength, and three-component, one-wavelength system. The synergetic effects for higher monomer conversion can be achieved by co-initiators for extra radicals and multiple wavelengths for reduced oxygen-inhibition. Co-initiator B, however, might also reduces the CP radical produced by initiator C. The conversion rate of FRP is proportional to the square root of the light intensity (I), absorption (b) and the initiator initial concentratios (A0, B0, C0), whereas CP is proportional to the linear power of a parameter defined as P=bIA0C0, a stronger dependence than FRP. The CP conversion is governed by a steady-state value proportional to P, and a rate fucntion defining the depletion rate of [A][C], or the increasing rate of the conversion profile. The measured results of Liu et al (Polymers, 2020, 12(6), 1394) are well analyzed and matching the predicted features of our modeling. The specific systems analyzed are: benzophenone derivatives (A) ethyl 4-(dimethylamino)benzoate (B), and (4-tert-butylphenyl)iodonium hexafluorophosphate (C) under a UV (365 nm) LED irradiation; and monomers of trimethylolpropane triacrylate (TMPTA, for FRP) and (3,4- epoxycyclohexane)methyl 3,4-epoxycyclohexylcarboxylate (EPOX, for CP).

The straightness error of guideway is one of the key indicators of ultra-precision machine, which plays an important role in the machining accuracy of work-piece. In order to measure straightness error of long distance ultra-precision guideway accurately, a splicing measurement for straightness error of guideway using high-precision flat mirror and displacement sensor was proposed in this paper, and the data splicing processing algorithm based on coordinate transformation was studied. Then comparative experiments on splicing measurement and direct measurement of straightness error were carried out on a hydrostatic guideway grinder. The maximum difference between the two measurements was about 0.3μm, which was far less than the straightness error of 5.8μm. The experiment demonstrated the correctness of the proposed splicing measurement method and data processing algorithm. To suppress the influence of straightness error on machining accuracy, a straightness error compensation algorithm based on error rotation transformation and vertical axis position correction was proposed, and the grinding experiment of a plane optics with size of 1400mm×500mm was carried out, whose flatness error after grinding was about 2.98μm. The straightness error of the grinding machine had been well suppressed.

In large-capacity energy storage systems, instructions are decomposed typically using an equalized power distribution strategy, where clusters/modules operate at the same power and durations. When dispatching shifts from stable single conditions to intricate coupled conditions, this distribution strategy inevitably results in increased inconsistency and hastened system aging. This paper presents a novel differentiated power distribution strategy comprising three control variables: the rotation status, the operating boundaries for both Depth of Discharge (DOD) and C-rates (C) within a control period. The proposed strategy integrates an aging cost prediction model developed to express the mapping relationship between these control variables and aging costs. Additionally, it incorporates the multi-colony particle swarm optimization (Mc-PSO) algorithm into the optimization model to minimize aging costs. The aging cost prediction model consists of three functions: predicting health features (HFs) based on the cumulative charge/discharge throughput quantity and operating boundaries, characterizing HFs as comprehensive scores, and calculating aging costs using both comprehensive scores and residual equipment value. Further, we elaborated on the engineering application process for the proposed control strategy. In the simulation scenarios, this strategy prolonged the service life by 14.62%, reduced the overall aging cost by 6.61%, and improved module consistency by 21.98%, compared with the traditional equalized distribution strategy. In summary, the proposed strategy proves effective in elongating service life, reducing overall aging costs, and increasing the benefit of energy storage systems in particular application scenarios.

Nitrogen (N) is an important mineral nutrient for plant growth, as well as a limiting factor for crop yield, and how to improve the utilization efficiency of N fertilizer by plants is currently a research hotspot. This article uses bioinformatics methods to identify and analyze members of the glutamine synthetase (GS) and glutamate synthase (GOGAT) gene families in pecan. A total of 6 GS genes and 4 GOGAT genes were identified, and their physicochemical properties, gene structures, and homologous evolutionary relationships were analyzed. Analysis of tissue-specific expression of GS and GOGAT genes based on transcriptome data from pecan. The enzyme activities of GS and GOGAT and the gene expression were quantitatively analyzed under different N form ratios in pecan. According to the results, the promoter cis-acting elements of GS and GOGAT genes can be roughly divided into three types: light-responsive elements, hormone-responsive elements, and stress-responsive elements. The results of homologous evolution showed that there was no tandem duplication event for the two gene families, and GS and GOGAT have undergone purification during the evolutionary process. CiGS2s and CiFd-GOGATs were expressed mainly in leaves, and CiNADH-GOGATs were expressed mainly in fruits. The qPCR analysis results showed that T4 treatment significantly increased the expression levels of CiGS and CiGOGAT genes in the leaves. The enzyme activities of GS and GOGAT in pecan were significantly increased under T3, T4, and T5 treatments. In summary, a higher proportion of ammonium nitrogen (NH4+) in the nutrient solution was profit to pecan NH4+ assimilation. This study determined the appropriate nitrogen ratio for pecan, promoting a theoretical basis for reducing environmental pollution caused by nitrogen fertilizer and improving the nitrogen utilization efficiency of pecan. In summary, both CiGSs and CiGOGATs exhibit tissue specificity, and an ammonium-nitrate mixture with a higher proportion of NH4+ is more favorable for NH4+ assimilation in pecan. This study provides a reference basis for further understanding the functions of CiGSs and CiGOGATs in pecan, and offers a theoretical foundation for improving N use efficiency in pecan.

Due to the long-term deformation settlement of foundations, issues such as damage and functional failure of buildings and structures have long been of concern in the engineering field. The creep of soil is one of the primary causes leading to long-term deformation of foundations. In this paper, the consolidation deformation, creep characteristics, and creep model of reconstituted saturated silty clay were studied by isotropic compression test and triaxial shear creep test. The results show that for the isotropic compression test, although the applied load adopts different stages of loading, as long as the final applied confining pressure is the same, the number of stages applied by the confining pressure has little effect on the final isotropic consolidation deformation of the sample and the triaxial undrained shear strength after creep. However, for the triaxial shear creep test, it is found that under the same final deviatoric stress, the final deviatoric strain of the sample is closely related to the number of loading stages of deviatoric stress. It shows that the more loading stages of the sample loaded with the same deviatoric stress, the smaller the final deviatoric strain, and the triaxial undrained shear strength of the sample after creep will increase. In addition, it is reasonable to determine the pore pressure dissipation of the sample to 95%((u0-u0)/u0=95%) as the main consolidation end time (tEOP) of the sample. The isotropic consolidation creep curves and the triaxial shear creep curves show certain nonlinearity. Then the logarithmic model and the hyperbolic model were used to fit the creep curves of the samples. It is found that the hyperbolic model has a better fitting effect than the logarithmic model, but for the triaxial shear creep test, the creep parameters of the sample change greatly. Therefore, studying the creep characteristics of soil under different pre-loading steps is of significant engineering importance for evaluating the long-term deformation of underground structures.

Background: Micronutrients has roles in strengthening and maintaining immune function, but its supplementation and/or deficiency effects on respiratory tract infections are inconclusive. This review aims to systematically assess the associations between micronutrient supplementation or deficiency, with novel coronavirus incidence and disease severity. Methods: Systematic literature searches conducted in 5 electronic databases identified 751 unique studies, of which 33 studies (5 supplementation studies, 1 supplementation and deficiency study, and 27 deficiency studies) were eventually included in this review. Proportions of incidence and severity outcomes in each group, and adjusted summary statistics with their relevant 95% confidence intervaIs (CI) were extracted. Data from 19 studies were pooled in meta-analysis using the generic inverse variance method. Findings: A total of 360,346 patients across 16 countries, with a mean age between 32 and 87.7 years, were involved across 33 studies. All studies were on COVID-19 infections. In individuals without micronutrient deficiency, there was a significant reduction on odds of COVID-19 incidence (pooled OR: 0.37, 95% CI: 0.18, 0.78), and ICU admissions or severe/critical disease onset (pooled OR: 0.26, 95% CI: 0.08, 0.89). Insignificant protective effects were observed on other outcome measures – mortality, ICU admission, progression to respiratory-related complications, severe/critical disease onset or requiring respiratory support and hospitalization rate. Conclusion: The absence of micronutrient deficiency significantly reduced COVID-19 incidence and clinical deterioration in hospitalized patients. Usage of micronutrients as prophylaxis and complementary supplement in therapeutic management of COVID-19 patients may be a promising and cost-effective approach warranting in-depth investigation.

Theoretic and empirical studies show that social surroundings experienced by male insects during their larval or adult stage can influence their testicular investment in diverse ways. Although insect pupae do not feed and crawl, they can communicate using sex-specific and/or non-sex specific cues. Yet, it is unknown, in any insect, whether and how male pupae can fine-tune their resource allocation to sperm production and testis size in response to socio-sexual environment. We investigated this question using a moth, Ephestia kuehniella, which produces fertile eupyrene sperm and unfertile apyrene sperm. We held male pupae individually or in groups with different sex ratios, and dissected adults upon eclosion, measured their testis size, and counted both types of sperm. We demonstrated that after exposure to conspecific pupal cues regardless of sex, male pupae increased production of eupyrenes and apyrenes at the same rate but kept testis size unchanged. We suggest that testis size is fixed after pupation because most morphological traits are formed during the larval stage, allowing little room for pupae to adjust testis size. Like adults, male pupae with fully grown testes have sufficient resources to produce more sperm of both types according to the perceived increase of sperm competition risk.