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Although impedance-based method has been proposed to effectively analyze interaction stability, the existing all-in-one impedance model-based method might encounter difficulty in identifying the physical significance of potential instability factors in the electric vehicle charging station and in solving the analytical solution of stabilization method aimed at entirely mitigating the voltage low-frequency oscillation (LFO) of each bandwidth due to its modeling complexity and high-order property. To address this issue, an analytical loop-correction stabilization method is designed based on the multi-timescale reduced-order impedance model to improve the dynamics of each bandwidth. Initially, the reduced-order expression of multi-timescale impedance model are presented by fitting the bode curve of closed voltage- and inertia-loop gain (Gvcl(s) and Gvir(s)). Subsequently, the analytical solution of loop-correction stabilization method can be designed and then performed to advance the phase and/or amplitude response of Gvcl(s) and Gvir(s). The negative damping within droop- and voltage-loop bandwidths is partly eliminated or completely offset, the LFO amplitude is suppressed and the LFO duration is shortened obviously due to the system stability enhancement and dynamic improvement. The voltage LFO of each timescale can be mitigated individually by the loop correction within each bandwidth. The bode-diagram-based solving process of this analytical loop-correction stabilization method is highly compatible for practical engineering applications. Finally, the effectiveness of proposed analytical loop-correction stabilization method is validated by physical experiment.

ABSTRACTMaximizing the development of renewable energy plays a critical role in mitigating the climate crisis. Marginal land provides space for the development of biomass energy; however, it remains unclear how the amount and spatial distribution of marginal land that is suitable for energy crop development will change in the future. Here, we project energy marginal land changes in China following the shared socioeconomic pathway (SSP) and/or representative concentration path (RCP). We provide datasets of marginal land, agriculturally suitable land, and potentially suitable for energy crops under historical scenarios and six future scenarios (i.e. SSP1–1.9, SSP1–2.6, SSP4–3.4, SSP2–4.5, SSP4–6.0, and SSP3–7.0) for the period 2020–2100, with a spatial resolution of 5 km. Under the six scenarios, from 2020–2100, the area of suitable marginal land ranged from 1.90–16.28 (Jatropha curcas L.) to 37.37–73.97 (Panicum virgatum L.) (×104km2), depending on the choice of energy crops and climate scenario. Based on the growing suitability of eight important bioenergy crops—Ricinus communis L., Saccharum officinarum L., Pistacia chinensis Bunge, Panicum virgatum L., Jatropha curcas L., Miscanthus giganteus J., Manihot esculenta Crantz, and Sorghum bicolor Moench—our dataset can be used to identify suitable locations for specific energy crops. This new synthetic dataset could support the development of multiscenario-based solutions related to carbon neutrality, ecosystem services, and energy transition.

Feed additives are gaining popularity as dietary supplements with the potential to support growth, immune competence, and the general health of aquaculture species. This study aimed to evaluate growth performance and feed utilization in juvenile Asian seabass, Lates calcarifer, fed experimental diets containing enzymes derived from the solid-state fermentation (SSF) of Aspergillus nigerand mannan oligosaccharides (MOS), both individually and in combination. Fish were fed six experimental diets: control (no additives), SSF (0.025% & 0.05%), MOS (0.1% & 0.2%), and combined SSF (0.025%) + MOS (0.05%). The feeding trial was conducted for ten weeks in triplicate for each experimental diet consisting of 51 fish in 120 L tanks. Following the collection of growth performance metrics, proximate analysis of muscle and feces samples was performed, and all datasets were statistically analyzed with One-way ANOVA. The results showed that the highest specific growth rate (SGR = 1.29%) and lowest feed conversion rate (FCR = 1.0) were obtained by fish fed the diet supplemented with SSF (0.025%) + MOS (0.05%). The synergistic effects of SSF as an exogenous enzyme source and MOS in supporting gut health likely facilitated enhanced nutrient digestibility and absorption, which supported the growth of juvenile Asian seabass.

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To investigate the compression-shear behavior of a new circumferential joint based on the sleeve-straight bolt combination type connection of large-diameter shield tunnels, a series of full-scale joint experiments was carried out. In the process of the experiment, more attention was paid to the specimen displacement, bolt stress and joint damage mode. On the basis of these experiment phenomena, this study discussed the compression-shear bearing process of the new connector, analyzed the damage mode of the joint structure, and finally evaluated the performance of the new connector. It is found that the bearing process of the joint can be divided into four stages: the transitional stage for overcoming the friction of the concrete, the sleeve bearing stage for the sleeve bearing shear loads alone, the combined bearing stage for bearing shear loads by the connector system, and the structural damage stage for structural instability and damage. Generally speaking, affected by connector position and hand hole, the positive compression-shear stiffness of the joint is less than the negative compression-shear stiffness, and the positive shear strength of the joint is greater than the negative shear strength. The increase of longitudinal axial force will improve the compression-shear performance of the joint. The relationship between longitudinal axial force and joint stiffness is a logarithmic function. The use of new type of connector can effectively improve the compression-shear stiffness of joints under low shear loads, but the application of straight bolts will lose part of the strength performance.

Abstract:This article narrates a dual perspective analysis of Taiwan's Fourth Nuclear Power Plant (FNPP) policy network, focusing on institutions and ideas' impact on the policy process. It categorizes the ruling party as policy community, the main opposition parties as the intergovernmental network, and identifies the issue network as the third player. Historically, the policy community (KMT) in the authoritarian Taiwan dominated the three stages of the policy process (agenda-setting, policy formulation, and decision-making), driving FNPP policy implementation. However, democratization introduced more policy actors, with the KMT utilizing the FNPP to address energy issues and the DPP opposing nuclear power to gain more votes, alternating between policy community and intergovernmental network roles. The issue network comprises citizens and social organizations, influencing governmental decisions through social movements and participation in policy process.

Jiwei Ci, Democracy in China: The Coming Crisis. Cambridge and London: Harvard University Press, 2019. x, 420 pp. Hardcover $45.00, ISBN 978-0-674-23818-3. During the third wave of democratization, liberal democracy [...]

With the continuous expansion of the industrial production scale and the rapid development of urbanization, ecological damage and environmental pollution caused by air pollutants have become a non-negligible problem in human society. Catalytic technology is one of the most promising and environmentally friendly measures in the past few decades to deal with airborne pollutants. The exploitation and research of efficient and low-cost catalysts is the determining element for the development of the catalytic oxidation process. One-dimensional (1D) manganese oxide shows high activity, selectivity, and stability, which gives credit to the excellent redox ability and surface acidy of MnOx. Additionally, the defect sites, acid–base characteristics, and valence state of the element are all modulated by the 1D morphologies of these catalysts. As a result, they have been widely employed to reduce air pollution. In this paper, the fabrication process of manganese oxide nanowires, nanorods, and nanosheets is reviewed in detail. Second, we briefly summarize the application of 1D manganese oxide nanostructures for the removal of nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, carbon monoxide, ozone, and other pollutants. Finally, several approaches were proposed for the future research directions of one-dimensional manganese oxide nanostructures, hoping to narrow the gap between the novel manganese oxide-based catalysts and the actual demands and to realize commercialized application in the nearest future.

Investigation of unloading rock failure under different σ2facilitates the control mechanism of excavation surrounding rock. This study focused on single-sided unloading tests of granite specimens under true triaxial conditions. The strength and failure characteristics were studied with micro-camera and acoustic emission (AE) monitoring. Furthermore, the choice of test path and the effect of σ2on fracture of unloading rock were discussed. Results show that the increased σ2can strengthen the stability of single-sided unloading rock. After unloading, the rock's free surface underwent five phases, namely, inoculation, particle ejection, buckling rupture, stable failure, and unstable rockburst phases. Moreover, at σ2≤30 MPa, the bvalue shows the following variation tendency: rising, dropping, significant fluctuation, and dropping, with dispersed damages signal. At σ2≥40 MPa, the tendency shows: a rise, a decrease, a slight fluctuation, and final drop, with concentrated damages signal. After unloading, AE energy is mainly concentrated in the micro-energy range. With the increased σ2, the micro-energy ratio rises. In contrast, low, medium and large energy ratios drop gradually. The increased tensile fractures and decreased shear fractures indicate that the failure mode of the unloading rock gradually changes from tensile-shear mode to tensile-split one. The fractional dimension of the rock fragments first increases and then decreases with an inflection point at 20 MPa. The distribution of SIF on the planes changes as σ2increases, resulting in strengthening and then weakening of the rock bearing capacity.

Due to the dynamic interaction between the inverter and the grid, the inverter may have power oscillation problems under a weak grid. In this article, considering frequency coupling, the more precise broadband sequence admittance model of the current-controlled virtual synchronous generator (CVSG) is established, and the admittance characteristics of CVSG and traditional grid-connected inverter (TGCI) are compared and analyzed. The amplitude of the sequence admittance of CVSG is generally larger than that of TGCI in the low-frequency region, and in the entire frequency sweep range, the coupling admittance amplitude of CVSG is larger than that of TGCI. In the low-frequency region, the coupling admittance has a great impact on the stability of CVSG and TGCI, so the coupling admittance cannot be neglected when analyzing the stability of the system. The generalized Nyquist stability criterion is used to compare and analyze the influence of power grid strength, phase-locked loop (PLL) bandwidth, and output power on the stability of CVSG and TGCI according to the established admittance model. It can be seen from the stability analysis results that, compared with TGCI, when the PLL bandwidth is relatively large, CVSG has stronger adaptability to the weak grid and power changes. Finally, experiments verify the correctness of the theoretical analysis.

We describe our discovery and development of potent and highly selective inhibitors of human constitutive proteasome chymotryptic activity (β5c). Structure–activity relationship studies of the novel class of inhibitors focused on optimization of N-cap, C-cap, and side chain of the chemophore asparagine. Compound 32is the most potent and selective β5c inhibitor in this study. A docking study provides a structure rationale for potency and selectivity. Kinetic studies show a reversible and noncompetitive inhibition mechanism. It enters the cells to engage the proteasome target, potently and selectively kills multiple myeloma cells, and does so by synergizing with a β5i-selective inhibitor.

Taking actual engineering as a case study, this article provides a novel scheme of applying the inductive power filtering method (IPFM) to resolve the harmonic resonance issues in large-scale photovoltaic (PV) plant. By using IPFM's special structure and dual zero-impedance design, the impedance network of large-scale PV plant is reshaped while the performance of power filters is improved, so that the harmonic resonance due to the interaction between the inverters and the power grid is suppressed. First, the topology and components of the IPFM-based large-scale PV plant are introduced. The three-phase mathematical model in harmonic domain is then established. Based on the deduced transfer matrix, the simplified circuit of the studied large-scale PV plant is obtained. Moreover, the IPFM's resonance damping mechanisms on resonant frequency shift and harmonic amplification mitigation are analyzed. Both simulation and engineering tests verify the feasibility of the proposal.

Abstract:Soon after China reportedly achieved the goal of poverty alleviation in most regions ahead of schedule, a campaign of "follow-up check" of the deviations in policy implementation became a key task for local governments from 2019 to 2020. A case study of town H in province M during the "follow-up check" period revealed that local governments at various levels enjoy different authorities in goal setting, inspection, and incentive provision. However, the campaign-styled "follow-up checks" cannot meaningfully overcome the problem of inefficient governance. As the work of poverty alleviation comes to an end, local governments are under time pressure to solve protracted problems, uncertain about whether the higher-level government over them will exercise its authority in inspection and job acceptance. Local governments tend to displace the original goal with new and additional work targets to ensure successful acceptance of their jobs by the upper-level government. This study observes the practice of "follow-up checks" of poverty alleviation and provides an explanation for different governmental behavior taken in campaign-styled governance.

Isochrysis galbanais considered an ideal bait for functional foods and nutraceuticals of humans because of its high fucoxanthin(Fx) content. However, multi-omics analysis of the regulatory networks for Fx biosynthesis in I. galbanahas not been reported. In this study, we report a high-quality genome assembly of I. galbanaLG007, which has a genome size of 92.73 Mb, with a contig N50 of 6.99 Mb and 14,900 protein-coding genes. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed the monophyly of Haptophyta, with I. galbanasister to Emiliania huxleyiand Chrysochromulina tobinii.Evolutionary analysis revealed an estimated divergence time between I. galbanaand E. huxleyiof ∼ 133 million years ago. Gene family analysis indicated that lipid metabolism-related genes exhibited significant expansion, including IgPLMT, IgOAR1, and IgDEGS1. Metabolomeanalysis showed that the content of carotenoids in I. galbanacultured under green light for 7 days was higher than that under white light, and β-carotene was the main carotenoid, accounting for 79.09% of the total carotenoids. Comprehensive multi-omics analysis revealed that the content of β-carotene, antheraxanthin, zeaxanthin, and Fx was increased by green light induction, which was significantly correlated with the expression of IgMYB98, IgZDS, IgPDS, IgLHCX2, IgZEP, IgLCYb, and IgNSY. These findings contribute to the understanding of Fx biosynthesis and its regulation, providing a valuable reference for food and pharmaceutical applications.

Understanding the coupling between rock permeability, pore pressure, and fluid flow is crucial, as fluids play an important role in the Earth's crustal dynamics. We measured the distribution of fluid pressure during fluid‐flow experiments on two typical crustal lithologies, granite and basalt. Our results demonstrate that the pore‐pressure distribution transitions from a linear to a non‐linear profile as the imposed pore‐pressure gradient is increased (from 2.5 to 60 MPa) across the specimen. This non‐linearity results from the effective pressure dependence of permeability, for which two analytical formulations were considered: an empirical exponential and a new micromechanics‐based model. In both cases, the non‐linearity of pore pressure distribution is predicted. Using a compilation of permeability versus Terzaghi's effective pressure data for granites and basalts, we show that our micromechanics‐based model has the potential to predict the pore pressure distribution over the range of effective pressures expected within the brittle crust. Fluids distributions and fluid migrations play an important role in the Earth's crustal dynamics and how fluids migrate through a rock will depend primarily on permeability. However, the permeability of crustal rocks may exhibit important pressure dependence, because cracks and fractures will increasingly close with increasing tectonic pressure. In this experimental study, we show that the couplings between increasing pressure, crack closure, and permeability reduction may result in non‐linear pore pressure distributions on a rock specimen at the laboratory scale, which confirms for the first time pioneering theoretical and experimental works. Two simple analytical expressions of the pressure dependence of permeability predict this non‐linearity. One empirical expression, most commonly used in the literature, takes the form of an exponential. The second one, a new model, based on crack micromechanics, was developed within this work and shown to outperform the exponential formulation at low Terzaghi's effective pressure. Pore pressure was measured locally in rocks exhibiting pressure‐dependent permeabilityWe observed a transition from linear to nonlinear pore pressure distribution with increasing fluid pressure gradientsA new, micromechanics‐based, analytical model was developed for the pressure dependence of permeability in microcracked rocks Pore pressure was measured locally in rocks exhibiting pressure‐dependent permeability We observed a transition from linear to nonlinear pore pressure distribution with increasing fluid pressure gradients A new, micromechanics‐based, analytical model was developed for the pressure dependence of permeability in microcracked rocks

AbstractBackgroundTransarterial chemoembolisation (TACE) is considered standard treatment for intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Although TACE is viewed as a safe and effective procedure, it may still present with various complications, including spinal cord injury, though very rarely.MethodsA 74-year-old male was diagnosed with non-B, non-C HCC, segment 4, cT2N0M0, AJCC stage II, BCLC stage B. Angiography had shown a hypervascular tumour stain indicating that both T10 and T11 were tumour-feeding arteries, TACE then performed. After TACE, loss of sensation and motor functions involving the trunk below the umbilicus and both lower extremities were noted. The patient immediately underwent steroid pulse therapy. However, 100 days after TACE, the symptoms showed no improvement.DiscussionBecause of anatomy and neurological distribution, it is conceivable that the embolic materials originating from the TACE procedure might have led to an embolic event with a serious manifestation, although the blood supply of the spinal cord encompasses multiple anastomoses.ConclusionSpinal cord injury is an extremely rare but grave complication of TACE. Paraplegia may result from inadvertent embolisation of spinal branches arising from intercostal or lumbar collateral vessels. This case highlights the necessity of evaluating and choosing the vessels before starting TACE to achieve a good outcome.

Perforated structure is the mechanical weak link of polymer-bonded explosive (PBX). Improving its mechanical property may promote the reliability and effectiveness of weapon system. In this study, strengthening of the perforated PBX plate is conducted by employing surface coating. Digital image correlation (DIC) analysis results suggest that the regional applied epoxy coating layer is able to improve the mechanical properties of the plate. By confining the deformation and releasing the stress concentration around the perforation, the coating layer enhances the load carrying ability and energy dissipation capacity of the plate significantly. This investigation may provide a convenient and effective structure modification method for energetic material, and at the same time, lay foundation to the performance optimization of weapon system.

In this essay Lin Gang argues that Xue Yiwei’s “King Lear” and Nineteen Seventy-Nine(“Lier Wang” yu 1979) is the first Chinese novel to truly follow in the footsteps of Western modernism, specifically Joyce’s Ulysses. The relationship between Xue’s novel and Shakespeare’s King Learmirrors that between Ulyssesand Homer’s The Odyssey, which sees the narrative structure of a previous text repurposed in a modern context. Xue’s novel makes use of this literary technique to reflect on Chinese modern history, using the notion of fate as a metaphor for the powerful forces of history to which ordinary people find themselves helplessly subject. By focusing on the protagonist’s spirit of defiance, Lin argues, “King Lear” and Nineteen Seventy-Ninedistinguishes itself from most Chinese literature set in the same period.

In this interview, Lin Gang and Xue Yiwei discuss the latter’s thirty years of literature more or less chronologically, beginning with his first published novella in 1988 and concluding with the publication in 2020 of “King Lear” and Nineteen-Seventy-Nine. Xue reflects on the relationship between his life and his work, his views on literature, and the difficulties he has faced in his career as a writer.

Treatment of tuberculosis (TB) currently takes at least 6 months. Latent Mycobacterium tuberculosis(Mtb) is phenotypically tolerant to most anti-TB drugs. A key hypothesis is that drugs that kill nonreplicating (NR) Mtb may shorten treatment when used in combination with conventional drugs. The Mtb proteasome (Mtb20S) could be such a target because its pharmacological inhibition kills NR Mtb and its genetic deletion renders Mtb unable to persist in mice. Here, we report a series of macrocyclic peptides that potently and selectively target the Mtb20S over human proteasomes, including macrocycle 6. The cocrystal structure of macrocycle 6with Mtb20S revealed structural bases for the species selectivity. Inhibition of 20S within Mtb by 6dose dependently led to the accumulation of Pup-tagged GFP that is degradable but resistant to depupylation and death of nonreplicating Mtb under nitrosative stress. These results suggest that compounds of this class have the potential to develop as anti-TB therapeutics.

Artezomibs (ATZs), dual-pharmacophore molecules comprising of artemisinin and a parasite proteasome inhibitor, hijack parasite ubiquitin proteasome system to transform into new proteasome inhibitors following the activation of artemisinin by heme.1Here, we present a protocol for using a fluorescent activity-based broad-spectrum proteasome inhibitor probe to study intracellular conversion of ATZ molecules into new proteasome inhibitors in malaria parasites. We describe steps for drug treatment and washout, parasite lysis, proteasome labeling, and visualization.

The quantitative determination of liquid water content and salinity in soils is crucial for the preservation of hydrological environments and engineering infrastructures, especially in frozen regions. Electrical conductivity, as a fundamental physical parameter in electrical and electromagnetic non‐destructive techniques, varies significantly with the physical and chemical properties, such as pore water conductivity, salinity, water saturation, and temperature. In this study, accounting for pore size and tortuous length following fractal distributions, we develop a new capillary bundle model for variation of electrical conductivity as a function of temperature in broad water saturation and salinity ranges. In this new model, we consider the contributions of bulk and surface conductivities to the total electrical conductivity. To test this model, a series of laboratory experiments were carried out for different initial water saturations and salinities using an electrical resistance apparatus and a nuclear magnetic resonance method. The experimental results show that unfrozen water saturation and ionic concentration affect the electrical conductivity of unsaturated frozen soils. Furthermore, the proposed model is capable of fitting the main trends of the experimental data from the literature and acquired in this study in unfrozen‐frozen conditions for different water contents. Relying on the proposed model, we also determine the expression of the apparent formation factor, which is significantly sensitive to porosity, water saturation, and temperature. The predicted values of the apparent formation factor also agree very well with the experimental data. This new capillary bundle model provides a new perspective in interpreting electrical monitoring to easily deduce changes in key variables in the cryosphere such as liquid water content and moisture gradients. We propose a new capillary bundle model that accounts for fractal pore size and tortuosity distributions in the electrical conductivity of frozen porous mediaElectrical conductivity changes with decreasing temperature in two stages: a gradual decrease followed by a sharp drop below the freezing temperatureThis new model correctly reproduces experimental data in a wide temperature, water saturation, and salinity ranges We propose a new capillary bundle model that accounts for fractal pore size and tortuosity distributions in the electrical conductivity of frozen porous media Electrical conductivity changes with decreasing temperature in two stages: a gradual decrease followed by a sharp drop below the freezing temperature This new model correctly reproduces experimental data in a wide temperature, water saturation, and salinity ranges

We report on using synthetic silicon for a high-precision X-ray polarimeter comprising a polarizer and an analyzer, each based on a monolithic channel-cut crystal used at multiple Brewster reflections with a Bragg angle very close to 45°. Experiments were performed at the BL09B bending magnet beamline of the Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility using a Si(800) crystal at an X-ray energy of 12.914 keV. A polarization purity of 8.4×10-9was measured. This result is encouraging, as the measured polarization purity is the best-reported value for the bending magnet source. Notably, this is the firstly systematic study on the hard X-ray polarimeter in China, which is crucial for exploring new physics, such as verifying vacuum birefringence.

Electrocatalytic nitrate (NO3–) reduction reaction (NO3RR) holds great potential for the conversion of NO3–contaminants into valuable NH3in a sustainable method. Unfortunately, the nonequilibrium adsorption of intermediates and sluggish multielectron transfer have detrimental impacts on the electrocatalytic performance of the NO3RR, posing obstacles to its practical application. Herein, we initially screen the adsorption energies of three key intermediates, i.e., *NO3, *NO, and *H2O, along with the d-band centers on 21 types of transition metal (IIIV and IB)-Sb/Bi-based intermetallic compounds (IMCs) as electrocatalysts. The results reveal that hexagonal CoSb IMCs possess the optimal adsorption equilibrium for key intermediates and exhibit outstanding electrocatalytic NO3RR performance with a Faradaic efficiency of 96.3%, a NH3selectivity of 89.1%, and excellent stability, surpassing the majority of recently reported NO3RR electrocatalysts. Moreover, the integration of CoSb IMCs/C into a novel Zn-NO3–battery results in a high power density of 11.88 mW cm–2.

Heterophase nanomaterials have sparked significant research interest in catalysis due to their distinctive properties arising from synergistic effects of different components and the formed phase boundary. However, challenges persist in the controlled synthesis of heterophase intermetallic compounds (IMCs), primarily due to the lattice mismatch of distinct crystal phases and the difficulty in achieving precise control of the phase transitions. Herein, orthorhombic/cubic Ru2Ge3/RuGe IMCs with engineered boundary architecture are synthesized and anchored on the reduced graphene oxide. The Ru2Ge3/RuGe IMCs exhibit excellent hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) performance with a high current density of 1000 mA cm–2at a low overpotential of 135 mV. The presence of phase boundaries enhances charge transfer and improves the kinetics of water dissociation while optimizing the processes of hydrogen adsorption/desorption, thus boosting the HER performance. Moreover, an anion exchange membrane electrolyzer is constructed using Ru2Ge3/RuGe as the cathode electrocatalyst, which achieves a current density of 1000 mA cm–2at a low voltage of 1.73 V, and the activity remains virtually undiminished over 500 h.

The objective was to evaluate the effects of replacing inorganic trace minerals (ITM) with reduced levels of organic trace minerals (OTM) in proteinate forms and selenium yeast (Se-yeast) in the mineral premix of prepartal and lactating dairy goats on lactation performance, milk fatty acid (FA) composition, nutrient digestibility, and antioxidant status. Xinong Saanen dairy goats (n= 40) were blocked by parity and body weight, and randomly assigned to either ITM or OTM treatments from 4 wk prepartum to 8 mo of lactation. Both groups received the same basal diet except for the trace mineral supplement. The ITM supplement included Fe, Cu, Zn, and Mn as sulfates, and Se as selenite to meet the recommendations. The OTM supplement included Fe, Cu, Zn, and Mn as proteinates at 50% of ITM supplement levels, and Se as Se-yeast at 100% of ITM supplement level. Sampling and measurements were performed in the first, second, fourth, and eighth month of lactation. Data were summarized by month and treatment, and analyzed using the Mixed Model of SPSS with repeated measures. OTM group showed lower milk fat (P= 0.02) and higher milk Se (P= 0.03) with no compromised effects on milk yield and milk protein compared to ITM group. Furthermore, OTM decreased the content of C6:0, C8:0, and C10:0 (P<0.05) and increased the content of odd- and branched-chain FAs in milk fat due to greater content of C15:0 (P= 0.01) and anteiso C15:0 (P= 0.07). OTM led to greater total tract digestibility of dry matter (P= 0.03), crude protein (P= 0.07), ether extract (P= 0.03), and acid detergent fiber (P= 0.05). OTM goats showed less fecal excretion of Fe (P= 0.01), Cu (P< 0.01), and Zn (P= 0.08) compared to ITM goats. There was a tendency for greater serum GSH-Px activity (P= 0.09) with OTM. Overall, the long-term substitution of reduced levels of OTM for ITM can change milk fat and FA composition while maintaining milk yield, digestibility, and antioxidant status.Feeding reduced levels of organic trace minerals in the mineral mix of lactating goats altered milk fatty acid composition without negative impacts on milk yield, nutrient digestibility, and antioxidant status.Lipids play important roles in the physiochemical properties of milk and dairy products. For example, specific milk fatty acids (FAs), such as those with 8- and 10-carbon chains, influence the flavor of goat milk. Additionally, certain odd- and branched-chain (OBCFA) exhibit anticarcinogenic effects in vitro. Studies in dairy cows have demonstrated organic trace minerals (OTM) can enhance lactation performance, nutrient digestibility, and antioxidant status. In this study, substituting OTM for inorganic trace minerals (ITM) in the diet of dairy goats decreased milk fat without negatively impacting milk yield, nutrient digestibility, and serum antioxidant status. Feeding OTM reduced the content of C6:0, C8:0, and C10:0 FAs while increasing the content of OBCFA in milk fat. The data suggest that replacing ITM with reduced levels of OTM in proteinates and selenium yeast can alter milk FA composition without compromising milk yield, nutrient digestibility, and antioxidant status in dairy goats.

ABSTRACTAiming at complicated remote sensing image registration problem, we proposed a multi-constraint registration algorithm based on variational inference. Gaussian mixture model is used to construct the entire Bayesian network, which facilitates the estimation of heteroscedasticity noise in mapping function regression, and distribution of outliers in scene point density estimation. We use a variational parameter proxy to approximate complex posterior distribution. In addition, while maintaining the stability of global structure, similarity of local structure is restricted. In order to limit the cost of image conversion, we added constraints on spatial curvature for image. Accuracy and smoothness of the spatial transformation can be maintained by minimizing the curvature in horizontal and vertical directions. Experimental results show that compared with other point set matching algorithms, this method can achieve better results in robustness and matching accuracy.

Synthesis of ultrafine noble metal with sizes down to nanoscale and even atomic scale is of great significance for heterogeneous catalysis. However, the metal loading is usually kept below 2 wt% due to the aggregation tendency at higher metal contents. Herein, by mimicking the multicentered metal sulfur cluster of metalloenzyme, a bioinspired synthesis of isolated noble metal atoms on the metal-organic sulfide (MOS) framework was reported. The sulfur-rich framework featuring [Mo3S7Br6]2−cluster as the building block and dithiol as the linking node was constructed viachemical bonding and employed to support atomic metal species. Remarkably, highly dispersed platinum atoms with a loading amount as high as 18.5 wt% on the underlying sulfur-rich framework could be obtained after reduction. By increasing the number of benzene rings in the dithiol, the pore size and even the wettability of the MOS frameworks could be modulated. The general applicability of the synthesis could also be extended to the synthesis of atomic Pd. Furthermore, the Pt-loaded MOS could serve as the catalyst for selective hydrogenation of phenylacetylene to styrene in both organic solvent and pure water. Density function theory calculation demonstrated that the atomic Pt sites in the sulfur-rich coordination environment could activate H2molecules and chemoselectively catalyze the semi-hydrogenation of phenylacetylene to styrene through moderately low energy barriers. The metalation of such a versatile MOS framework will shed light on the synthesis of bioinspired catalytic materials with well-defined structures for more diverse applications.

The immunoproteasome (i-20S) has emerged as a therapeutic target for autoimmune and inflammatory disorders and hematological malignancies. Inhibition of the chymotryptic β5i subunit of i-20S inhibits T cell activation, B cell proliferation, and dendritic cell differentiation in vitro and suppresses immune responses in animal models of autoimmune disorders and allograft rejection. However, cytotoxicity to immune cells has accompanied the use of covalently reactive β5i inhibitors, whose activity against the constitutive proteasome (c-20S) is cumulative with the time of exposure. Herein, we report a structure–activity relationship study of a class of noncovalent proteasome inhibitors with picomolar potencies and 1000-fold selectivity for i-20S over c-20S. Furthermore, these inhibitors are specific for β5i over the other five active subunits of i-20S and c-20S, providing useful tools to study the functions of β5i in immune responses. The potency of these compounds in inhibiting human T cell activation suggests that they may have therapeutic potential.

Marine microalgae (MA) has received wide attention as a promising source of omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LC-PUFA) enrichment in animal products to improve the health status and wellbeing of the consumers. This study evaluated dynamic changes in n-3 LC-PUFA, color, and functional properties as well as atherogenic and thrombogenic health lipid indices of egg yolk from hens fed graded levels (0, 0.5, and 1.0%) of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)–rich MA (Aurantiochytriumsp.) during a 56-D feeding period. Egg freshness parameters and yolk lipid oxidative stability were also measured after 0, 14, and 28 D of refrigerated storage. The hen performance and egg quality (except for yolk color) were not affected (P > 0.05) by MA supplementation. Docosahexaenoic acid contents in yolk from hens fed 1.0% MA increased quadratically with feeding time with a plateau at about 30 D (P < 0.05). Afterward, the DHA content leveled off to a constant value (946.3 mg/100 g yolk) with the n-6/n-3 ratio at 3.5: 1. Dietary inclusion of 1.0% of MA also significantly decreased the atherogenic and thrombogenic indices of yolk lipid (P < 0.05). Because the microalgal carotenoids incorporated into egg yolk, the L∗ value of yolk from hens fed MA decreased whereas a∗ value increased (P < 0.05), corresponding to yolk Roche color scores. As expected, there were no significant changes in yolk functional properties (e.g., viscosity and emulsifying activity) related to DHA enrichment (P > 0.05). Microalgal carotenoids enrichment also helped attenuate fatty acid oxidation of the DHA-enriched yolk and increase their lipid oxidative stability. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with up to 1.0% of MA significantly increased DHA contents with more health-promoting n-6/n-3 ratio and atherogenic and thrombogenic indices, as well as more intense yolk color within consumers' acceptability, and the feeding strategy had a minimal impact on yolk physical and functional properties or oxidative stability during subsequent refrigerated storage.

Proteasomes of pathogenic microbes have become attractive targets for anti-infectives. Coevolving with its human host, Mycobacterium tuberculosis(Mtb) has developed mechanisms to resist host-imposed nitrosative and oxidative stresses. Genetic deletion or pharmacological inhibition of the Mtb proteasome (Mtb20S) renders nonreplicating Mtb susceptible to reactive nitrogen species in vitro and unable to survive in the lungs of mice, validating the Mtb proteasome as a promising target for anti-Mtb agents. Using a structure-guided and flow chemistry-enabled study of structure–activity relationships, we developed phenylimidazole-based peptidomimetics that are highly potent for Mtb20S. X-ray structures of selected compounds with Mtb20S shed light on their selectivity for mycobacterial over human proteasomes.

It is of great significance to study the mechanical properties of rocks with different saturations for safe and efficient development of geotechnical engineering in low-temperature environments, such as open-pit mining and tunnel excavation in winter in cold areas, and etc. In this paper, the LT-SHPB test system was used to carry out impact loading tests for sandstones with various saturations at − 20 °C environment. SEM was used to observe the cross-sectional characteristics of the specimens. The distributions of fragments were obtained by screening after impact failure. The energy dissipation model was established during the failure process. The research results indicated that the failure strength, elastic modulus, and peak strain of sandstones showed significant strain rate strengthening. Under the fixed strain rate, as the increase of the water content, the failure strength and elastic modulus and the sensitivity increased first and then decreased, while the peak strain showed the opposite change characteristics. 75% saturation was the turning point of the change. The sandstones under saturated water content exhibited remarkable ductile failure characteristics, while the brittle failure dominated in other conditions. The fundamental reason for this change was the difference between the freezing and frost heave effects of water-bearing specimens under low temperature conditions. The change characteristics of the macroscopic damage degree of sandstones with the strain rate and water content were basically the same as the characteristics of mechanical properties. The higher the internal density, the more the dissipated energy and surface specific energy for the whole failure of the specimen. The energy dissipation difference could directly change the macroscopic failure characteristics.

The Plasmodiumproteasome (Pf20S) emerged as a target for antimalarials. Pf20S inhibitors are active at multiple stages of the parasite life cycle and synergize with artemisinins, suggesting that Pf20S inhibitors have potential to be prophylactic, therapeutic, and transmission blocking as well as are useful for combination therapy. We recently reported asparagine ethylenediamines (AsnEDAs) as immunoproteasome inhibitors and modified AsnEDAs as selective Pf20S inhibitors. Here, we report further a structure–activity relationship study of AsnEDAs for selective inhibition of Pf20S over human proteasomes. Additionally, we show new mutation that conferred resistance to AsnEDAs and collateral sensitivity to an inhibitor of the Pf20S β2 subunit, the same as previously identified resistant mutation. This resistance could be overcome through the use of the structure-guided inhibitor design. Collateral sensitivity to inhibitors among respective proteasome subunits underscores the potential value of treating malaria with combinations of inhibitors of different proteasome subunits to minimize the emergence of drug resistance.

Hadal trenches are considered as depocenters for organic matter and hotspots for microbial diagenetic activity. Here, we explore the sources, degradation, and transport of organic matter in the shelf‐trench continuum using seven short sediment cores collected along two transects with water depths ranging between 1,553 and 8,901 m in the New Britain Trench area, Papua New Guinea. Carbon isotopic compositions (δ13C) and radiocarbon contents (Δ14C) of sedimentary organic matter accompanied by total organic carbon/total nitrogen ratios suggest an important contribution from the preaged soil organic matter mixed by the marine algae and terrigenous C3vascular plants. In addition, the trench axis sites are characterized by elevated accumulation of terrigenous organic materials. Rates of organic matter mineralization approximated by dissolved inorganic carbon fluxes at the sediment‐water interface reveal an approximately threefold higher rate at the trench axis sites than the abyssal sites. 210Pbxsprofiles and burial of carbonate (up to 50%) at both trench axis sites reflect recent occurrence of mass‐wasting events possibly induced by earthquakes, which is responsible for the transport of preaged, terrigenous organic matter to the trench bottom. This tectonically triggered deposition event, which was also shown to occur in the Japan Trench, the Tonga Trench, and probably in many other trenches, is likely to efficiently transport terrigenous organic matter to hadal trenches, thereby underpinning the importance of terrigenous organic matter burial in hadal trenches for the ocean organic carbon budget. Furthermore, we hypothesize that hadal trenches may host a distinct microbial community that is capable of feeding on old, refractory terrigenous organic matter. Hadal trenches that refer to seafloor areas covered by a water column with depths >6,000 m have been proposed as depocenters of organic material and hotspots for organic matter mineralization. In this study, we show that the sediments in the New Britain Shelf‐Trench continuum with water depths ranging between 1,553 and 8,901 m receive a significant input of preaged soil organic matter mixed by marine algae and terrigenous C3vascular plants. Recent occurrence of mass‐wasting events possibly induced by earthquakes accounts for the efficient burial of terrigenous organic matter and carbonate into the trench bottom. We highlight the importance of terrigenous organic matter burial in hadal trenches for the ocean organic carbon budget. Furthermore, we hypothesize that hadal trenches may host a distinct microbial community that is capable of feeding on old, refractory terrigenous organic matter, which provides an additional possible explanation for the elevated diagenetic activity at the trench axis apart from the extant postulation of preferential focusing of relatively labile organic matter in the trench axis. Preaged soil organic matter and terrigenous C3plants make a significant contribution to the sediments in the New Britain Trench areaBurial of terrigenous organic matter and carbonate in the trench bottom is possibly related to earthquake‐induced mass‐wasting eventsDistinct microbial communities in hadal zones are hypothesized to be capable of feeding on the old, refractory terrigenous organic matter

Abstract:This article approaches the puzzle of whether and to what degree Taiwan matters to the United States. The deteriorating of cross-Strait relations since 2016 has made people more concerned about the sustainability of the status quo. For the Chinese mainland, the danger is the possible collapse of U.S. one-China policy—a key pillar of the U.S.-China diplomatic architecture; for Taiwan, the nightmare is that the businessman-turned-president might sell out the island for economic gains from the mainland. Trump's aversion toward liberal institutionalism and his advocacy of economic nationalism have revived the specter of Taiwan abandonment, which have occurred occasionally in U.S. foreign policy thinking since the late 1940s. To be sure, "abandoning Taiwan" as well as the Cold War mind-set of playing wildly the "Taiwan card" are far from the mainstream view in U.S. policy circles today, which favors maintaining the status quo. Still, such heterodox arguments have made salient the fundamental issue of whether Taiwan is a strategic liability or a strategic asset for the United States. Which view prevails matters a great deal for the state of U.S.-China relations and whether that relationship will be more cooperative or confrontational in the years to come.

Hadal trenches have been proposed as depocenters of organic material and hot spots for organic matter mineralization. In this study, we for the first time quantified the total benthic O2uptake in hadal trenches using in situ chamber incubations. Three trenches in the tropical Pacific were targeted and exhibited relatively high diagenetic activity given the great water depths, that is, the Mariana Trench (2.0 × 102μmol O2m−2d−1, 10,853 m), the Mussau Trench (2.7 ± 0.1 × 102μmol O2m−2d−1, 7,011 m), and the New Britain Trench (6.0 ± 0.1 × 102μmol O2m−2d−1, 8,225 m). Combined with the analyses of total organic carbon and δ13C of total organic carbon in the sediments and previously published in situ O2microprofiles from hadal settings, we suggest that hadal benthic carbon mineralization partly is governed by the surface production and also is linked to the distance from land. Therefore, we highlight that terrestrial organic matter can be of importance in sustaining benthic communities in some hadal settings. Hadal trenches that refer to seafloor areas covered by a water column with depths >6,000 m have been proposed as depocenters of organic material and hot spots for organic matter mineralization. We applied in situ benthic chamber incubation techniques within three trenches in the tropical Pacific Ocean (the Mariana Trench, the Mussau Trench, and the New Britain Trench) and thereby reported the first benthic total O2uptake rates measured in hadal settings. The benthic carbon mineralization rates generally show a positive correlation with the net primary production in respective provinces and the sedimentary total organic carbon (TOC) level. Analyses of TOC contents and δ13C of TOC indicated a downslope transport of sediment containing a large amount of terrestrial organic matter, possibly via mass‐wasting events to the axis of New Britain Trench off the New Britain Island. Therefore, we speculate that both surface production regimes and the distance from land are closely connected with the benthic carbon mineralization rate at the trench axes. The elevated organic carbon turnover rate may in part result from preferential concentration of relatively labile organic matter in the surface sediments of trench axes or efficient utilization of refractory terrestrial material under extreme pressure. Total oxygen uptakes were measured for the first time in hadal trenches using in situ benthic chamber incubationsData compilation from hadal trenches suggests that rates of benthic carbon mineralization reflect the surface ocean productivityHowever, factors governing the diagenetic activity in hadal trenches apparently include supply of terrestrial organic material

Abstract:This article attempts to explore the evolution of power structure of the two main parties in Taiwan and the possibility of transformation of party politics from divergence to convergence. Institutionally, the game of plurality voting system tends to marginalize the third party and encourage a balanced two-party system. It may also pull the two parties toward the central line amid increasing interparty competition. From the social perspective, however, the inherently different supporters of the two parties tend to pull the parties away from the direction of convergence. While KMT supporters are more caring about economic growth and a good relationship with the mainland, DPP supporters are more concerned about distributional justice and worried that close cross-strait relations may present a greater threat to the island, either politically or economically. These social cleavages have underscored different policy positions of the two parties. This article concludes that while the KMT and the DPP have reduced their difference in social and economic policies, they are still divided on the issue of how to deal with the Chinese mainland, namely, whether Taiwan should be attached to or detached from the mainland in the future.

To reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, biomass has been increasingly developed as a renewable and clean alternative to fossil fuels because of its carbon-neutral characteristics. China has been investigating the rational development and use of bioenergy for developing its clean energy and achieving carbon neutrality. Substituting fossil fuels with multi-source and multi-approach utilized bioenergy and corresponding carbon reduction in China remain largely unexplored. Here, a comprehensive bioenergy accounting model with a multi-dimensional analysis was developed by combining spatial, life cycle, and multi-path analyses. Accordingly, the bioenergy production potential and GHG emission reduction for each distinct type of biomass feedstock through different conversion pathways were estimated. The sum of all available organic waste (21.55 EJ yr−1) and energy plants on marginal land (11.77 EJ yr−1) in China produced 23.30 EJ of bioenergy and reduced 2,535.32 Mt CO2-eq emissions, accounting for 19.48% and 25.61% of China’s total energy production and carbon emissions in 2020, respectively. When focusing on the carbon emission mitigation potential of substituting bioenergy for conventional counterparts, bioelectricity was the most effective, and its potential was 4.45 and 8.58 times higher than that of gaseous and liquid fuel alternatives, respectively. In this study, life cycle emission reductions were maximized by a mix of bioenergy end uses based on biomass properties, with an optimal 78.56% bioenergy allocation from biodiesel, densified solid biofuel, biohydrogen, and biochar. The main regional bioenergy GHG mitigation focused on the Jiangsu, Sichuan, Guangxi, Henan, and Guangdong provinces, contributing to 31.32% of the total GHG mitigation potential. This study provides valuable guidance on exploiting untapped biomass resources in China to secure carbon neutrality by 2060.

The Mycobacterium tuberculosis(Mtb) 20S proteasome is vital for the pathogen to survive under nitrosative stress in vitro and to persist in mice. To qualify for drug development, inhibitors targeting Mtb 20S must spare both the human constitutive proteasome (c-20S) and immunoproteasome (i-20S). We recently reported members of a family of noncovalently binding dipeptide proteasome inhibitors that are highly potent and selective for Mtb 20S over human c-20S and i-20S. To understand the structural basis of their potency and selectivity, we have studied the structure–activity relationship of six derivatives and solved their cocrystal structures with Mtb 20S. The dipeptide inhibitors form an antiparallel β-strand with the active site β-strands. Selectivity is conferred by several features of Mtb 20S relative to its mouse counterparts, including a larger S1 pocket, additional hydrogen bonds in the S3 pocket, and hydrophobic interactions in the S4 pocket. Serine-20 and glutamine-22 of Mtb 20S interact with the dipeptides and confer Mtb-specific inhibition over c-20S and i-20S. The Mtb 20S and mammalian i-20S have a serine-27 that interacts strongly with the dipeptides, potentially explaining the higher inhibitory activity of the dipeptides toward i-20S over c-20S. This detailed structural knowledge will aid in optimizing the dipeptides as anti-tuberculosis drugs.

Selenium (Se) is required for the normal growth and development of aquatic animals. However, excessive Se can have various toxic effects on aquatic animals. In this study, we performed transcriptome analysis to determine the mechanism by which immunity and growth of abalone are affected by toxic dietary concentrations of Se. Four experimental diets were administered to supplement organic Se at concentrations of 0.00 (Control), 0.15 (Se15), 0.30 (Se30), and 0.60 mg/kg (Se60) to provide 0.16 (insufficient), 0.32 (optimal), 0.44 (super nutritional), and 0.60 mg/kg (toxic) Se concentrations in the diet. After feeding for 100 days, the results of the Gene Ontology (GO) analysis showed that the enriched GO terms of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the Se15 and Se30 groups were mainly focused on the cellular components, whereas the GO terms enriched in the Se60 group were mainly related to the metabolism of nutrients and the activities of various enzymes. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis showed that the DEGs of the Se30 group were mainly enriched in various disease pathways, whereas the DEGs of the Se60 treatment were associated with the metabolism of various nutrients. Further analysis of DEGs showed that toxic dietary concentrations of Se decreased the immunity of abalone by affecting the biosynthesis and metabolism pathways of various nutrients. Additionally, toxic dietary concentrations of Se retarded the growth of abalone by decreasing the expression of various genes associated with shell formation, including lustrin A, perlucin, perlustrin, dermatopontin, chitin synthase, and chitinase as well as the genes associated with muscle production, including collagen, myosin heavy chain, myosin essential light chain, and paramyosin. In conclusion, the mechanism of the decrease of immunity and growth of abalone by toxic dietary concentrations of Se has been preliminary revealed in this study.

With increasing reports of resistance to artemisinins and artemisinin-combination therapies, targeting the Plasmodiumproteasome is a promising strategy for antimalarial development. We recently reported a highly selective Plasmodium falciparumproteasome inhibitor with anti-malarial activity in the humanized mouse model. To balance the permeability of the series of macrocycles with other drug-like properties, we conducted further structure–activity relationship studies on a biphenyl ether-tethered macrocyclic scaffold. Extensive SAR studies around the P1, P3, and P5 groups and peptide backbone identified compound TDI-8414. TDI-8414 showed nanomolar antiparasitic activity, no toxicity to HepG2 cells, high selectivity against the Plasmodiumproteasome over the human constitutive proteasome and immunoproteasome, improved solubility and PAMPA permeability, and enhanced metabolic stability in microsomes and plasma of both humans and mice.