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The integration of generative AI (GAI) into the financial sector has brought about significant advancements, offering new solutions for various financial tasks. This review paper provides a comprehensive examination of recent trends and developments at the intersection of GAI and finance. By utilizing an advanced topic modeling method, BERTopic, we systematically categorize and analyze existing research to uncover predominant themes and emerging areas of interest. Our findings reveal the transformative impact of finance-specific large language models (LLMs), the innovative use of generative adversarial networks (GANs) in synthetic financial data generation, and the pressing necessity of a new regulatory framework to govern the use of GAI in the finance sector. This paper aims to provide researchers and practitioners with a structured overview of the current landscape of GAI in finance, offering insights into both the opportunities and challenges presented by these advanced technologies.

The discrete element method (DEM) has been extensively utilized to investigate the mechanical properties of granules, particularly their microscopic behavior, overcoming limitations in field tests such as cost, time consumption, and soil condition restrictions. To ensure the development of reliable DEM simulations, proper contact model selection and parameter calibration are essential. In this research, a DEM parameter calibration method that could represent the nonlinear relationship between clayey soil pressure and sinkage at different moisture contents was proposed. Firstly, the sinking modulus K and the soil deformation exponent n were identified to reflect the nonlinear pressure–sinkage relationship. Then, sensitive DEM parameters on the soli pressure–sinkage relationship were investigated and calibrated, and the effect of moisture content on them was explored. Finally, the transfer of soil internal stress during subsidence was analyzed using the constructed discrete element model. The average error of the sinking modulus K and the soil deformation exponent n between the DEM and the experimental result at four moisture contents were 4.7% and 4.9%, respectively. The relative error of soil internal stress between simulation and experiment was 6.7%, 4.4%, and 9.7% at depths of 50 mm, 100 mm, and 150 mm, respectively. The soil particle trajectory, soil internal stress distribution, and variations during plate pressure–sinkage progress were analyzed by the constructed DEM model. The results demonstrated good agreement with theoretical models and experimental findings. The proposed clayey soil DEM modeling process that considers the pressure–sinkage nonlinear relationship at different moisture contents can be applied in machine-soil research.

The main objective of this study was to assess the positive emotions and the quality of life among patients on methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) as well as their associated factors. This is a cross-sectional survey study. Participants undergoing MMT in two major Malaysian hospitals responded to the sociodemographic and clinical information sheet, the Positive Emotion Rating Scale (PERS), and the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL)-BREF. Most of the participants (N = 154; mean age = 43.8 ± 9.0 years) were male (97.4%) and Malays (75.3%). Slightly more than half (50.6%) scored above 30 on the Positive Emotion Rating Scale. There was a significant association between being ethnically Malay, married, and employed and positive emotions. After adjusting for potential confounding factors, having positive emotions predicted a better overall, physical, and psychological quality of life. Being non-diabetic also significantly predicted a better quality of life in the overall domain, whilst not being married and family history of mental illness significantly predicted a lower overall and psychological quality of life. Positive emotions significantly improve patients’ quality of life in the MMT program, suggesting the inclusion of positive emotions in a holistic treatment approach.

Conducting research on the dynamics of machine tools can prevent chatter during high-speed operation and reduce machine tool vibration, which is of significance in enhancing production efficiency. As one of the commonly used methods for studying dynamic characteristics, operational modal analysis is more closely aligned with the actual working state of mechanical structures compared to experimental modal analysis. Consequently, it has attracted widespread attention in the field of CNC machine tool dynamic characteristics research. However, in the current operational modal analysis of CNC machine tools, discrepancies between the excitation methods and the actual working state, along with unreasonable vibration response signal acquisition, affect the accuracy of modal parameter identification. With the development of specimen-based machine tool performance testing methods, the practice of identifying machine tool characteristics based on machining results has provided a new approach to enhance the accuracy of CNC machine tool operational modal analysis. Existing research has shown that vibration significantly influences surface topography in flank milling. Therefore, a novel operational modal analysis method is proposed for the CNC machine tool based on flank-milled surface topography. First, the actual vibration displacement of the tooltip during flank milling is obtained by extracting vibration signals from surface topography, which enhances the accuracy of machine tool operational modal analysis from both the aspects of the excitation method and signal acquisition. A modified window function based on compensation pulses is proposed based on the quefrency domain characteristics of the vibration signals, which enables accurate extraction of system transfer function components even when the high-frequency periodic excitation of the machine tool causes overlap between the system transfer function components and the excitation components. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method can obtain accurate operational modal parameters for CNC machine tools.

Depression is the most common chronic mental illness and is characterized by low mood, insomnia, and affective disorders. However, its pathologic mechanisms remain unclear. Numerous studies have suggested that the ghrelin/GHSR system may be involved in the pathophysiologic process of depression. Ghrelin plays a dual role in experimental animals, increasing depressed behavior and decreasing anxiety. By combining several neuropeptides and traditional neurotransmitter systems to construct neural networks, this hormone modifies signals connected to depression. The present review focuses on the role of ghrelin in neuritogenesis, astrocyte protection, inflammatory factor production, and endocrine disruption in depression. Furthermore, ghrelin/GHSR can activate multiple signaling pathways, including cAMP/CREB/BDNF, PI3K/Akt, Jak2/STAT3, and p38-MAPK, to produce antidepressant effects, given which it is expected to become a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of depression.

Niraparib was recently funded in Canada for the maintenance treatment of ovarian cancer following platinum-based chemotherapy. However, the drug’s safety profile in the real world remains uncertain. We conducted a cohort study to describe the patient population using niraparib and the proportion that experienced adverse events between June 2019 and December 2022 in four Canadian provinces (Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia [BC], and Quebec). We used administrative data and electronic medical records from Ontario Health, Alberta Health Services, and BC Cancer, and registry data from Exactis Innovation. We summarized baseline characteristics using descriptive statistics and reported safety outcomes using cumulative incidence. We identified 514 patients receiving niraparib. Mean age was 67 years and most were initiated on a daily dose of 100 or 200 mg/day. Grade 3/4 anemia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia occurred in 11–16% of the cohort. In Ontario, the three-month cumulative incidence of grade 3/4 thrombocytopenia was 11.6% (95% CI, 8.3–15.4%), neutropenia was 7.1% (95% CI, 4.6–10.4%), and anemia was 11.3% (95% CI, 8.0–15.2%). Cumulative incidences in the remaining provinces were similar. Initial daily dose and proportions of hematological adverse events were low in the real world and may be related to cautious prescribing and close monitoring by clinicians.

Salinity is a major abiotic stress that seriously affects crop growth worldwide. In this work, we aimed to isolate potential halotolerant plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) to mitigate the adverse impacts of salt stress in rice. An isolate, D2, with multiple plant growth-promoting (PGP) characteristics was identified as Enterobacter asburiae D2. Strain D2 could produce indole-3-acetic acid and siderophore. It also exhibited phosphate solubilization and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic deaminase activity. Genome analysis further provided insights into the molecular mechanism of its PGP abilities. Strain D2 inoculation efficiently stimulated rice growth under both normal and saline conditions. Compared with the non-inoculated plants, a significant increase in plant height (18.1–34.7%), root length (25.9–57.1%), root dry weight (57.1–150%), and shoot dry weight (17.3–50.4%) was recorded in inoculated rice seedlings. Meanwhile, rice seedlings inoculated with strain D2 showed improvement in chlorophyll and proline content, while the oxidant damage was reduced in these plants in comparison with the control group. Moreover, the K+/Na+ ratio of the inoculated rice seedlings exposed to NaCl and Na2CO3 was higher than that of the uninoculated groups. These results imply that Enterobacter asburiae D2 is a potential PGPR that can be used for alleviation of salt stress in rice.

The immune system plays a crucial role in defending the body against foreign invaders, and the balance of various polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), can impact immune cell functions and overall immune responses. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of mussel oil extracts in modulating inflammatory responses by analysing their effects on immune cell lines and cytokine expression. Four different mussel oil extracts were obtained using two extraction methods (organic solvent and supercritical CO2 extraction) from two tissue sources (fresh and commercial). These extracts were then tested at various concentrations on T lymphocyte (Jurkat) cells, monocytes, and macrophages (THP-1 and U-937). Cytokine levels were quantified using ELISA. The results showed that the solvent-extracted samples had a dose-dependent effect on tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) cytokine secretion in THP-1 and U937 cells, with the extract from a commercial mussel powder being more efficient than the extract from fresh powder. However, supercritical CO2 samples showed elevated cytokine secretion levels despite their high omega-3 content. Furthermore, 100 ug/mL extract from fresh powder successfully reduced interleukin-2 (IL-2) secretion while maintaining cell viability after stimulation. The study demonstrated that solvent-extracted mussel oil can effectively regulate cytokine secretion, modulate immune cell activation, and alleviate inflammation. These findings offer valuable insights into using mussel oil extracts to treat inflammatory disorders and enhance immune responses.

Accurately identifying ecological compensation areas and scientifically determining appropriate compensation amounts are crucial for establishing a robust ecological compensation mechanism, which in turn is key to promoting the coordinated development of ecological protection and high-quality economic growth. This study innovatively proposes a framework for ecological compensation termed “Accounting of Ecosystem Services Value–Identification of Priorities for Payers and Recipients–Calculation of Ecological Compensation Amount (ESV–PPR–ECA)”. It utilizes the InVEST model and the emergy method to assess the value of ecosystem services, constructs the Ecosystem Payment and Recipient Priority Sequence (EPRPS) Model to identify the payers, recipients, and their priorities for ecological compensation, and employs the conversion factor method to calculate the Ecological Compensation Amount (ECA). This framework aims to address the questions of “How should compensation be provided?”, “Who should compensate whom?”, and “How much compensation is necessary?”, ensuring the optimal use of ecological compensation funds and providing a scientific basis for inter-regional ecological compensation. The study’s findings indicate that the total Ecological Compensation Amount for the Yellow River Delta in 2020 was 3.848 billion RMB, with the total amount receivable being 4.032 billion RMB and the total amount payable being 184 million RMB. The compensation funds should be prioritized for tideland and the Yellow River, and venture, cropland and industrial land should be the first to contribute compensation. Additionally, the Ecosystem Service Value of the Yellow River Delta showed a declining trend from 2015 to 2020, underscoring the urgent need to establish a horizontal compensation mechanism for the region. Such a mechanism would incentivize environmental protection and the construction of ecological civilization, ultimately enhancing ecosystem service functions. Therefore, we recommend the implementation of horizontal fiscal transfers, where financial assistance is provided from paying areas to recipient areas, offering a scientific reference for the establishment of a horizontal compensation mechanism within the Yellow River Delta.

The addition or substitution of various gel materials in cement-based composites has been proven to be an effective approach in enhancing the performance of concrete. Current research focuses mainly on enhancing the toughness of concrete, but lacks discussion on the performance of alternative gel materials. Therefore, this study aims to explore the effects of partially substituting cement with fly ash and slag powder as gel materials, while incorporating a high volume fraction of micro-steel fibers (6%), on the workability and mechanical properties of self-compacting concrete. By means of rigorous experimental investigation and meticulous analysis, we comprehensively assessed the workability characteristics of self-compacting concrete, encompassing critical aspects such as filling ability, cohesion, and permeability. Additionally, we conducted an extensive evaluation of the mechanical attributes of self-compacting concrete, encompassing vital parameters, such as compressive strength, axial compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, and flexural strength. Last but not least, through a holistic integration of workability and mechanical properties, we conducted a comprehensive performance evaluation of self-compacting concrete incorporating a synergistic blend of fly ash, slag powder, and micro steel fibers. The experimental results indicate that the composite addition of fly ash and slag powder in self-compacting concrete, while compatible with up to 6% micro-steel fibers, leads to a decrease in concrete workability and an increase in cohesiveness due to the addition of micro-steel fibers. Moreover, fly ash predominantly influences the tensile properties of concrete, while the addition of slag powder significantly affects the compressive and flexural properties of concrete. Additionally, the addition of micro-steel fibers significantly improves the overall mechanical properties of concrete.

Chondrocyte behavior is critical in osteoarthritis (OA) progression and cartilage deterioration. Recent studies have shown that green-lipped mussel (GLM) oil extracts obtained through solvent extraction can regulate cytokine secretion in cell lines, potentially reducing inflammation and immune cell activation. This study investigates the effects of these extracts on human chondrocyte cell lines to understand their impact on osteoarthritis development. Chondrocyte cultures exposed to osteoarthritis-related inflammatory factors were treated with various concentrations of GLM oil. The results revealed that mussel oils, particularly a commercial mussel powder extract (SOLV.COM), enhance glucose uptake and protect chondrocyte cells. SOLV.COM effectively manages the release of inflammatory markers like interleukin-6 (IL-6) and matrix metalloproteinases-3 (MMP-3), showing increased deoxyglucose uptake. This study highlights the significant influence of extract choice on managing interleukin-6 (IL-6) secretion and cellular activation pathways, demonstrating the potential of SOLV.COM in managing osteoarthritis by controlling reactive oxygen production, regulating glucose metabolism, and inflammatory markers.

The advancement of hydrogen technology and rising environmental concerns have shifted research toward renewable energy for green hydrogen production. This study introduces a novel tri-level transaction methodology for microgrid clusters, addressing uncertainties and price fluctuations in hydrogen. We establish a comprehensive microgrid topology with distributed power generation and hydrogen production facilities. A polygonal uncertainty set method quantifies wind and solar energy uncertainties, while an enhanced interval optimization technique refines the model. We integrate a sophisticated demand response model for hydrogen loading, capturing users’ behavior in response to price changes, thereby improving renewable energy utilization and supporting economically viable management practices. Additionally, we propose a tri-level game-theoretic framework for analyzing stakeholder interactions in microgrid clusters, incorporating supply–demand dynamics and a master–slave structure for microgrids and users. A distributed algorithm, “KKT & supply-demand ratio”, solves large-scale optimization problems by integrating Karush–Kuhn–Tucker conditions with a heuristic approach. Our simulations validate the methodology, demonstrating that accounting for uncertainties and dynamic hydrogen prices enhances renewable energy use and economic efficiency, optimizing social welfare for operators and economic benefits for microgrids and users.

In advanced engineering applications, there has been an increasing demand for the service performance of materials under high-strain-rate conditions where a key phenomenon of adiabatic shear instability is inevitably involved. The presence of adiabatic shear instability is typically associated with large shear strains, high strain rates, and elevated temperatures. Significant plastic deformation that concentrates within a adiabatic shear band (ASB) often results in catastrophic failure, and it is necessary to avoid the occurrence of such a phenomenon in most areas. However, in certain areas, such as high-speed machining and self-sharpening projectile penetration, this phenomenon can be exploited. The thermal softening effect and microstructural softening effect are widely recognized as the foundational theories for the formation of ASB. Thus, elucidating various complex deformation mechanisms under thermomechanical coupling along with changes in temperatures in the shear instability process has become a focal point of research. This review highlights these two important aspects and examines the development of relevant theories and experimental results, identifying key challenges faced in this field of study. Furthermore, advancements in modern experimental characterization and computational technologies, which lead to a deeper understanding of the adiabatic shear instability phenomenon, have also been summarized.

In the present study, a heteromannan primarily composed of mannose, fucose, xylose, glucose, and arabinose at a molar ratio of 4.78:1.18:1:0.82:0.11 containing a low proportion of glucuronic acid with weight-average molecular weights of 3.6 × 106 Da, named NTP, was prepared from the fruiting body of Tremella fuciformis. The anti-skin-aging effects of NTP on d-Galactose-induced aging mice and the biological mechanisms were investigated by an iTRAQ-based proteomics approach. NTP substantially mitigated skin aging characterized by a decreased loss of hydroxyproline and hyaluronic acid and reduced oxidative stress in the skin. Moreover, 43 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were identified in response to NTP, of which 23 were up-regulated and 20 were down-regulated. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that these DEPs were mainly involved in the biological functions of cellular and metabolic regulations, immune system responses, and structural components. The findings provided new insights into the biological mechanisms underlying the anti-skin-aging actions of T. fuciformis-derived polysaccharides and facilitated NTP applications in naturally functional foods.

In crop breeding, genomic selection (GS) serves as a powerful tool for predicting unknown phenotypes by using genome-wide markers, aimed at enhancing genetic gain for quantitative traits. However, in practical applications of GS, predictions are not always made within populations or for individuals that are genetically similar to the training population. Therefore, exploring possibilities and effective strategies for across-population prediction becomes an attractive avenue for applying GS technology in breeding practices. In this study, we used an existing maize population of 5820 hybrids as the training population to predict another population of 523 maize hybrids using the GBLUP and BayesB models. We evaluated the impact of optimizing the training population based on the genetic relationship between the training and breeding populations on the accuracy of across-population predictions. The results showed that the prediction accuracy improved to some extent with varying training population sizes. However, the optimal size of the training population differed for various traits. Additionally, we proposed a population structure-based across-population genomic prediction (PSAPGP) strategy, which integrates population structure as a fixed effect in the GS models. Principal component analysis, clustering, and Q-matrix analysis were used to assess the population structure. Notably, when the Q-matrix was used, the across-population prediction exhibited the best performance, with improvements ranging from 8 to 11% for ear weight, ear grain weight and plant height. This is a promising strategy for reducing phenotyping costs and enhancing maize hybrid breeding efficiency.

In the process of CO2 geological storage in the salt water layer, CO2 leakage along the wellbore will seriously affect the effective storage of CO2 in the target geological area. To solve this problem, based on the investigation of a large number of failure cases of CO2 storage along the wellbore and failure cases of gas storage wells in the injection stage of the wellbore, the influencing factors of CO2 leakage risk along the wellbore were investigated in detail. Based on the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and extension theory, 17 basic evaluation indexes were selected from 6 perspectives to establish the evaluation index system of CO2 leakage risk along the wellbore. The established evaluation system was used to evaluate the leakage risk of a CO2 storage well in the X gas field of BZ Block. The results showed that the influencing factors of tubing had the smallest weight, followed by cement sheath, and the influencing factors of casing–cement sheath interface and cement sheath–formation interface had the largest weight, accounting for 23.73% and 34.32%, respectively. The CO2 storage well leakage risk evaluation grade was Ι, with minimal leakage risk. The CO2 storage effect was excellent. The evaluation system comprehensively considers the tubing string, cement sheath, and micro-annulus interface, which can provide a scientific basis for the risk assessment of CO2 leakage along the wellbore under the CO2 geological storage of the salt water layer.

Helium-xenon (HeXe)-cooled mobile nuclear reactors have promising potential in future low-carbon energy systems. However, there is currently a lack of fast and reliable tools for analyzing the complicated dynamic characteristics of such systems. In this study, we developed a comprehensive dynamic modeling approach for a HeXe-cooled nuclear power system coupled with a closed Brayton cycle (CBC). The system’s key components, including the reactor, printed circuit heat exchanger (PCHE), and turbomachinery, are lumped-modeled to capture their time-varying behavior. A step-solving algorithm that incorporates HeXe mass conservation iteration is designed. The verification results demonstrate that the dynamic program is robust and reliable, with each time step converging within 25 iterations and the HeXe mass remaining within the range of 3.755 ± 0.01 kg throughout the simulation meeting the law of mass conservation. Then, a 1500 s frozen start-up simulation for the coupled system is conducted, in which the CBC is started in the first 500 s by increasing the main shaft speed to 40% of the rated value, and then the reactor is started by inserting external reactivity between 500 and 800 s. Both the dynamic process and the steady-state performance after the start-up are analyzed. The results show that the system achieved a stable electrical output of 5.7 MWe with a thermal efficiency of 32.5%. This study lays a solid foundation for future work aimed at improving the overall efficiency and performance of HeXe-cooled nuclear power systems.

The industrial application of pea protein is limited due to its poor gelation properties. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of psyllium husk powder (PHP) on improving the rheological, textural, and structural properties of heat-induced pea protein isolate (PPI) gel. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), intermolecular forces analysis, the quantification of the surface hydrophobicity and free amino groups, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were conducted to reveal the inner structures of PPI-PHP composite gels, conformational changes, and molecular interactions during gelation, thereby clarifying the underlying mechanism. The results showed that moderate levels of PHP (0.5–2.0%) improved the textural properties, water holding capacity (WHC), whiteness, and viscoelasticity of PPI gel in a dose-dependent manner, with the WHC (92.60 ± 1.01%) and hardness (1.19 ± 0.02 N) peaking at 2.0%. PHP significantly increased surface hydrophobicity and enhanced hydrophobic interactions, hydrogen bonding, and electrostatic interactions in PPI-PHP composite gels. Moreover, the electrostatic repulsion between anionic PHP and negatively charged PPI in a neutral environment prevented the rapid and random aggregation of proteins, thereby promoting the formation of a well-organized gel network with more β-sheet structures. However, the self-aggregation of excessive PHP (3.0%) weakened molecular interactions and disrupted the continuity of protein networks, slightly reducing the gel strength. Overall, PHP emerged as an effective natural gel enhancer for the production of pea protein gel products. This study provides technical support for the development of innovative plant protein-based foods with strong gel properties and enriched dietary fiber content.

Water-free transportation (WFT) causes shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) flesh quality deterioration. However, the roles of endogenous protease-induced protein hydrolysis have been neglected in the research. In the present study, calpain zymography, gelatinase zymography, the hematoxylin–eosin staining method, and other methods were applied to investigate the response of various endogenous proteases (cathepsin, calpain, and gelatinase), the myofibril fragmentation index (MFI), and the microscopic morphology of shrimp muscle during WFT in comparison with the shrimp under the conventional water transportation strategy (WT). The results showed that the total activity of proteases in shrimp muscle increased significantly (p ≤ 0.05) after simulated transportation. Cathepsins and gelatinases were activated during WFT. No significant (p > 0.05) changes of the activity of caspase-3 and the muscle cell apoptosis rate were detected in shrimp muscle cells after WFT. In addition, the MFI increased and the gap among muscle fiber bundles enlarged after WFT. Compared with WFT, no significant (p > 0.05) effect on the activities of calpain, gelatinase, and caspase-3 in the muscle of shrimp was found after WT, and only the activity of cathepsin L significantly increased (p ≤ 0.05). Based on the findings, we concluded that the activation of various endogenous proteases was induced during WFT.

Tofu has captivated researchers’ attention due to its distinctive texture and enrichment in nutritional elements, predominantly soybean protein. Coagulants play a critical role in promoting coagulation during tofu production, directly influencing its texture, quality, and physicochemical characteristics. Currently, the impact of coagulant characteristics on coagulation, as well as the underlying mechanisms, remain unclear. This review provides a summary of research progress on salt coagulants, acid coagulants, enzyme coagulants, novel coagulants, polysaccharide additives, and various coagulant formulations. The coagulation mechanisms of various coagulants are also discussed. Accordingly, this paper seeks to offer reliable theoretical guidance for the development of novel coagulants and the realization of fully automated tofu production.

Pyrite is one of the most abundant metal sulfide tailings and is susceptible to oxidation, yielding acidic mine drainage (AMD) that poses significant environmental risks. Consequently, the exploration of pyrite surface oxidation and the kinetic influencing factors remains a pivotal research area. Despite the oxidation of pyrite producing a significant amount of sulfate (SO42−), a comprehensive investigation into its influence on the oxidation process is lacking. Leveraging pyrite’s semiconducting nature and the electrochemical intricacies of its surface oxidation, this study employs electrochemical techniques—cyclic voltammetry (CV), Tafel polarization, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS)—to assess the effect of SO42⁻ on pyrite surface oxidation. The CV curve shows that SO42− does not change the fundamental surface oxidation mechanism of pyrite, but its redox peak current density decreases with the increase in SO42−, and the surface oxidation rate of pyrite decreases. The possible reason is attributed to SO42− adsorption onto pyrite surfaces, blocking active sites and impeding the oxidation process. Furthermore, Tafel polarization curves indicate an augmentation in polarization resistance with elevated SO42− concentrations, signifying heightened difficulty in pyrite surface reactions. EIS analysis underscores an increase in Weber diffusion resistance with increasing SO42⁻, indicating that the diffusion of Fe3+ to the pyrite surface and the diffusion of oxidized products to the solution becomes more difficult. These findings will improve our understanding of the influence of SO42− on pyrite oxidation and have important implications for deepening the understanding of surface oxidation of pyrite in the natural environment.

Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) present significant health risks in medical settings, necessitating innovative solutions to prevent bacterial colonization on catheter surfaces. This study introduces a novel polymeric coating with dual antifouling and light-activated bactericidal properties to enhance the bactericidal efficacy of urinary catheters. The coatings were synthesized using a one-step process involving pyrogallol chemistry to deposit a copolymer composed of zwitterionic sulfobetaine for antifouling and sodium copper chlorophyllin, a photosensitizer that generates reactive oxygen species under light exposure to effectively kill bacteria. We evaluated the antifouling properties, cytocompatibility, and bactericidal performance of the coatings under various light conditions. The results showed significant reductions in bacterial adhesion, with light activation further endowing the catheter with bactericidal effects. Additionally, light could be delivered through an optical fiber within the catheter lumen to target and kill bacteria. The innovative coating using light-activated bactericidal action offers a promising approach to preventing CAUTIs, representing a potential breakthrough in developing safer and more effective urinary catheters.

Utilizing CloudSat/CALIPSO satellite data and ERA5 reanalysis data from 2007 to 2016, this study analyzed the distributions of optical and physical characteristics and change characteristics of ice clouds over the Tibetan Plateau (TP). The results show that the frequency of ice clouds in the cold season (November to March) on the plateau is over 80%, while in the warm season (May to September) it is around 60%. The average cloud base height of ice clouds in the warm season is 3–5 km, and mostly around 2 km in the cold season. The average cloud top height in the warm season is around 5–8 km, while in the cold season it is mainly around 4.5 km. The average thickness of ice clouds in both seasons is around 2 km. The statistical results of microphysical characteristics show that the ice water content is around 10−1 to 103 mg/m3, and the effective radius of ice clouds is mainly in the range of 10–90 μm. Both have their highest frequency in the west of the TP and lowest in the northeast. A comprehensive analysis of the change in temperature, water vapor, and ice cloud occurrence frequency shows that the rate of increase in water vapor in the warm season is greater than that in the cold season, while the rates of increase in both surface temperature and ice cloud occurrence are smaller than in the cold season. The rate of increase in temperature in the warm season is around 0.038 °C/yr, and that in the cold season is around 0.095 °C/yr. The growth rate of thin ice clouds in the warm season is around 0.15% per year, while that in the cold season is as high as 1% per year. The results suggest that the surface temperature change may be related to the occurrence frequency of thin ice clouds, with the notable increase in temperature during the cold season possibly being associated with a significant increase in the occurrence frequency of thin ice clouds.

This study presents the first column-averaged dry-air mole fractions of carbon dioxide (XCO2), methane (XCH4) and carbon monoxide (XCO) in the coal mine aggregation area in Shanxi, China, using two portable Fourier transform infrared spectrometers (EM27/SUNs), in the framework of the Collaborative Carbon Column Observing Network (COCCON). The measurements, collected over two months, were analyzed. Significant daily variations were observed, particularly in XCH4, which highlight the impact of coal mining emissions as a major CH4 source in the region. This study also compares COCCON XCO with measurements from the TROPOspheric Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI) onboard the Sentinel-5P satellite, revealing good agreement, with a mean bias of 7.15 ± 9.49 ppb. Additionally, comparisons were made between COCCON XCO2 and XCH4 data and analytical data from the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS). The mean biases between COCCON and CAMS were −6.43 ± 1.75 ppm for XCO2 and 15.40 ± 31.60 ppb for XCH4. The findings affirm the stability and accuracy of the COCCON instruments for validating satellite observations and detecting local greenhouse gas sources. Operating COCCON spectrometers in coal mining areas offers valuable insights into emissions from these high-impact sources.

Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) equipped with Side-Scan Sonar (SSS) play a critical role in seabed mapping, where precise navigation data are essential for mosaicking sonar images to delineate the seafloor’s topography and feature locations. However, the accuracy of AUV navigation, based on Strapdown Inertial Navigation System (SINS)/Doppler Velocity Log (DVL) systems, tends to degrade over long-term mapping, which compromises the quality of sonar image mosaics. This study addresses the challenge by introducing a post-processing navigation method for AUV SSS surveys, utilizing Factor Graph Optimization (FGO). Specifically, the method utilizes an improved Fourier-based image registration algorithm to generate more robust relative position measurements. Then, through the integration of these measurements with data from SINS, DVL, and surface Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) within the FGO framework, the approach notably enhances the accuracy of the complete trajectory for AUV missions. Finally, the proposed method has been validated through both the simulation and AUV marine experiments.

The ecological conservation of nature reserves has garnered considerable attention and is subject to stringent management in China. However, the majority of these areas have a history of underdeveloped economies and require urgent improvements in the well-being of local communities. Effectively coupling and harmonizing the dynamic relationship between ecosystem services and socio-economic development has emerged as a crucial concern for nature reserves. Therefore, further exploration is needed to achieve a spatio-temporal balance and alignment between the supply and demand of ESs in nature reserves in China. Utilizing multiple datasets, RULSE, and bivariate autocorrelation methods, this study investigated the spatio-temporal evolution of the ecosystem services supply–demand ratio (ESDR) and supply–demand spatial matches for soil conservation services (SCSs) in the Qinling Mountains (QMs) from 2000 to 2020. The results indicated the following: (1) Over the years, the supply of SCSs exhibited a consistently high level, with an upward trend observed in 63.10% of the QMs, while the demand for SCSs is generally low, with a decreasing trend observed in 82.68% of the QMs. (2) The supply and demand of SCSs remained favorable, with a positive ESDR reaching 82.19% of the QMs. From 2000 to 2010, there was a significant decline in ESDR; however, a substantial rebound was observed in the ESDR across the region from 2010 to 2020. (3) Over years, the majority of counties and districts exhibited positive values in ESDR. When examining cities, Weinan, Xi’an, and Ankang demonstrated relatively consistent patterns with higher ESDR values over time. In 2000, the ESDR on the northern slope exhibited lower values than that on the southern slope; however, this situation subsequently underwent a reversal. (4) The spatial distribution of SCS supply and demand was predominantly characterized by matching regions exhibiting either High Supply–High Demand or Low Supply–Low Demand for years. This study suggests that the supply and demand dynamics of SCSs in the Qinling Mountains have been favorable in recent years, with consistent spatial supply–demand matches. These findings can provide valuable insights for similar nature reserves aiming to implement ecological environmental protection and achieve sustainable development. The future research endeavors, however, should strive to expand upon these findings by exploring the supply and demand patterns associated with other ESs across diverse nature reserves, while considering their unique geographical characteristics, in order to promote more rational ecological management strategies.

Urban parks, a core component of urban landscapes, play a crucial role in mitigating the negative effects of rapid urbanization and achieving sustainable urban development. In densely populated urban environments, providing urban parks fairly and efficiently, taking social preferences into account, is an important challenge. In this regard, we take Hangzhou, China, as an example and use a hedonic pricing model with a difference-in-differences estimator to test the effect of different types of urban parks on housing prices, quantify their respective economic values, and reflect homebuyers’ preferences. The findings indicate that the construction of new urban parks leads to an overall increase in the value of the surrounding real estate to some extent. Specifically, the construction of comprehensive parks and large parks significantly enhances the value of nearby housing, while proximity to new medium-sized parks also results in a housing price premium, albeit to a lesser extent. In contrast, community parks and specialized parks have a less significant impact on housing prices. These findings provide valuable insights for equitable urban development and planning, optimizing the allocation of urban parks and determining investment priorities for different types of parks to enhance the sustainability of the urban environment and human well-being.

Open-pit coal mining inevitably damages the soil and vegetation in mining areas. Currently, the restoration of cold and arid open-pit mines in Xinjiang, China, is still in the initial exploratory stage, especially the changes in soil nutrients in spoil dumps over time. Dynamic remote sensing monitoring of vegetation in mining areas and their correlation are relatively rare. Using the Heishan Open Pit in Xinjiang, China, as a case, soil samples were collected during different discharge periods to analyze the changes in soil nutrients and uncover the restoration mechanisms. Based on four Landsat images from 2018 to 2023, the remote sensing ecological index (RSEI) and fractional vegetation cover (FVC) were obtained to evaluate the effect of mine restoration. Additionally, the correlation between vegetation changes and soil nutrients was analyzed. The results indicated that (i) the contents of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and organic matter (OM) in the soil increased with the duration of the restoration period. (ii) When the restoration time of the dump exceeds 5 years, N, P, K, and OM content is higher than that of the original surface-covered vegetation area. (iii) Notably, under the same restoration aging, the soil in the artificial mine restoration demonstration base had significantly higher contents of these nutrients compared to the soil naturally restored in the dump. (iv) Over the past five years, the RSEI and FVC in the Heishan Open Pit showed an overall upward trend. The slope remediation and mine restoration project significantly increased the RSEI and FVC values in the mining area. (v) Air humidity and surface temperature were identified as key natural factors affecting the RSEI and FVC in cold and arid open pit. The correlation coefficients between soil nutrient content and vegetation coverage were higher than 0.78, indicating a close and complementary relationship between the two. The above results can clarify the time–effect relationship between natural recovery and artificial restoration of spoil dumps in cold and arid mining areas in Xinjiang, further promoting the research and practice of mine restoration technology in cold and arid open pits.

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a subtype of breast cancer with high mortality and drug resistance and no targeted drug available at present. Compound 4, a staurosporine alkaloid derived from Streptomyces sp. NBU3142 in a marine sponge, exhibits potent anti-TNBC activity. This research investigated its impact on MDA-MB-231 cells and their drug-resistant variants. The findings highlighted that compound 4 inhibits breast cancer cell migration, induces apoptosis, arrests the cell cycle, and promotes cellular senescence in both regular and paclitaxel-resistant MDA-MB-231 cells. Additionally, this study identified mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase 11 (MAP3K11) as a target of compound 4, implicating its role in breast tumorigenesis by affecting cell proliferation, migration, and cell cycle progression.

Microorganisms that exist in the seawater form microbial biofilms on materials used in marine construction, especially on metal surfaces submerged in seawater, where they form biofilms and cause severe corrosion. Biofilms are mainly composed of bacteria and their secreted polymeric substances. In order to understand how biofilms promote metal corrosion, planktonic and biofilm cells of Desulfovibrio bizertensis SY-1 (D. bizertensis) from Q235 steel were collected and analyzed as to their intracellular proteome and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). The intracellular proteome analysis showed that the cellular proteins were strongly regulated in biofilm cells compared to planktonic cells, e.g., along with flagellar proteins, signaling-related proteins were significantly increased, whereas energy production and conversion proteins and DNA replication proteins were significantly regulated. The up-and-down regulation of proteins revealed that biofilm formation by bacteria on metal surfaces is affected by flagellar and signaling proteins. A significant decrease in DNA replication proteins indicated that DNA is no longer replicated and transcribed in mature biofilms, thus reducing energy consumption. Quantitative analysis and lectin staining of the biofilm on the metal’s surface revealed that the bacteria secreted a substantial amount of EPS when they began to attach to the surface, and proteins dominated the main components of EPS. Further, the infrared analysis showed that the secondary structure of the proteins in the EPS of the biofilm was mainly dominated by β-sheet and 3-turn helix, which may help to enhance the adhesion of EPS. The functional groups of EPS analyzed using XPS showed that the C element of EPS in the biofilm mainly existed in the form of combinations with N. Furthermore, the hydroxyl structure in the EPS extracted from the biofilm had a stronger hydrogen bonding effect, which could maintain the stability of the EPS structure and biofilm. The study results revealed that D. bizertensis regulates the metabolic pathways and their secreted EPS structure to affect biofilm formation and cause metal corrosion, which has a certain reference significance for the study of the microbially influenced corrosion (MIC) mechanism.

Bradymonabacteria, as the representative of the facultative prey-dependent predators, were re-classified from the preceding Deltaproteobacteria into the phylum Myxococcota and proposed as a novel class named Bradymonadia. However, it was ambiguous whether their predatory pattern and properties were similar to those of the other myxobacterial predators. Therefore, the physiologic features were compared to determine the similarities and differences during the process of group attack and kin discrimination. Comparative genomic analyses were performed to conclude the core genome encoded commonly by bradymonabacteria, Myxococcia, and Polyangia. In conclusion, we proposed that bradymonabacteria have a predation pattern similar to the that of the representative of opportunistic predators like Myxococcus xanthus but with some subtle differences. Their predation was predicted to be initiated by the needle-less T3SS*, and the S-motility mediated by T4P also participated in the process. Meanwhile, their group attacks relied on cell contact and cell destiny. Inter-species (strains) kin discriminations occurred without the existence of T6SS. However, no extracellular lethal substance was detected in the fermentation liquor culture of bradymonabacteria, and the death of prey cells could only be observed when touched by their cells. Moreover, the prey-selective predation was observed when the predator encountered certain prey from Bacillus (G+), Algoriphagus (G−), and Nocardioides (G+). Bradymonabacteria can be regarded as a potential consumer and decomposer, and preying on many sea-dwelling or human pathogenic bacteria allows this group a broad application prospect in marine culture and clinical disease control. Our study will provide more evidence for its exploitations and applications.

Hysterothylacium aduncum is one of six pathogens responsible for human anisakiasis. Infection with H. aduncum can cause acute abdominal symptoms and allergic reactions and is prone to misdiagnosis in clinical practice. This study aims to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of detecting H. aduncum in food ingredients. We targeted the internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS 1) regions of Anisakis to develop a visual screening method for detecting H. aduncum using recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) combined with the CRISPR/Cas12a system. By comparing the ITS 1 region sequences of eight nematode species, we designed specific primers and CRISPR RNA (crRNA). The specificity of RPA primers was screened and evaluated, and the CRISPR system was optimized. We assessed its specificity and sensitivity and performed testing on commercial samples. The results indicated that the alternative primer ADU 1 was the most effective. The final optimized concentrations were 250 nM for Cas12a, 500 nM for crRNA, and 500 nM for ssDNA. The complete test procedure was achievable within 45 min at 37 °C, with a limit of detection (LOD) of 1.27 pg/μL. The amplified product could be directly observed using a fluorescence microscope or ultraviolet lamp. Detection results for 15 Anisakis samples were entirely consistent with those obtained via Sanger sequencing, demonstrating the higher efficacy of this method for detecting and identifying H. aduncum. This visual detection method, characterized by simple operation, visual results, high sensitivity, and specificity, meets the requirements for food safety testing and enhances monitoring efficiency.

The integrated stress response, especially stress granules (SGs), contributes to host immunity. Typical G3BP1+ stress granules (tSGs) are usually formed after virus infection to restrain viral replication and stimulate innate immunity. Recently, several SG-like foci or atypical SGs (aSGs) with proviral function have been found during viral infection. We have shown that the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) nucleocapsid (N) protein induces atypical N+/G3BP1+ foci (N+foci), leading to the inhibition of host immunity and facilitation of viral infection. However, the precise mechanism has not been well clarified yet. In this study, we showed that the SARS-CoV-2 N (SARS2-N) protein inhibits dsRNA-induced growth arrest and DNA damage-inducible 34 (GADD34) expression. Mechanistically, the SARS2-N protein promotes the interaction between GADD34 mRNA and G3BP1, sequestering GADD34 mRNA into the N+foci. Importantly, we found that GADD34 participates in IRF3 nuclear translocation through its KVRF motif and promotes the transcription of downstream interferon genes. The suppression of GADD34 expression by the SARS2-N protein impairs the nuclear localization of IRF3 and compromises the host’s innate immune response, which facilitates viral replication. Taking these findings together, our study revealed a novel mechanism by which the SARS2-N protein antagonized the GADD34-mediated innate immune pathway via induction of N+foci. We think this is a critical strategy for viral pathogenesis and has potential therapeutic implications.

In order to realize effective laser communication on underwater mobile platforms, the active tracking and alignment technology of underwater laser communication (UWLC) is studied. Firstly, the servo control principle of the UWLC system is analyzed. Secondly, aiming at underwater disturbance, an adaptive fuzzy PID controller is designed to realize parameter self-tuning, thereby improving the system’s anti-disturbance ability. The designed algorithm was simulated, and the simulation results show that the adaptive fuzzy PID algorithm has better anti-disturbance ability and tracking performance than the traditional PID. Finally, an experimental platform was built for dynamic tracking experiments, and the results show that the dynamic tracking accuracy of the designed control algorithm was improved by 30.29% compared with the traditional control algorithm, which provides a certain reference for the development of laser communication on underwater moving platforms.

China’s forests act as a large carbon sink and play a vital role in achieving the carbon neutrality goal by the 2060s. To achieve this goal, the magnitude and spatial patterns of forest carbon sinks must be accurately quantified. In this study, we aim to provide the longest estimate of forest biomass carbon storage and sinks in China at a 1 km spatial resolution from 1990 to 2021 by merging long-term observations from optical and microwave remote sensing datasets with a field-validated benchmark map. We explored the spatial characteristics of aboveground biomass (AGB) and belowground biomass (BGB) carbon in China’s forests, as well as variations in AGB carbon sinks. The average AGB and BGB carbon storage from 1990 to 2021 in China’s forests were 8.42 ± 0.96 Pg C and 1.9 ± 0.21 Pg C, respectively. The average annual AGB carbon sink during this period was approximately 0.083 ± 0.023 Pg C yr−1. Forests in the southwest region contributed 31.15% of the forest AGB carbon sink in China and contributed 41.01% of the forest AGB carbon storage. Our study presents an effective tool for assessing changes in forest biomass carbon by leveraging comprehensive multi-source remote sensing data and highlights the importance of obtaining large-scale, high-quality, consistent, and accessible plot survey data to validate the earth observation of biomass.

Soil salinization and alkalinization are pervasive environmental issues that severely restrict plant growth and crop yield. Utilizing plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) is an effective strategy to enhance plant tolerance to saline–alkaline stress, though the regulatory mechanisms remain unclear. This study employed biochemical and RNA-Seq methods to uncover the critical growth-promoting effects of Trichoderma spp. on Salix linearistipularis under saline–alkaline stress. The results showed that, during saline–alkaline stress, inoculation with Trichoderma sp. M4 and M5 significantly increased the proline and soluble sugar contents in Salix linearistipularis, enhanced the activities of SOD, POD, CAT, and APX, and reduced lipid peroxidation levels, with M4 exhibiting more pronounced effects than M5. RNA-Seq analysis of revealed that 11,051 genes were upregulated after Trichoderma sp. M4 inoculation under stress conditions, with 3532 genes primarily involved in carbon metabolism, amino acid biosynthesis, and oxidative phosphorylation—processes that alleviate saline–alkaline stress. Additionally, 7519 genes were uniquely upregulated by M4 under stress, mainly enriched in secondary metabolite biosynthesis, amino acid metabolism, cyanamide metabolism, and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis. M4 mitigates saline–alkaline stress-induced damage in Salix linearistipularis seedlings by reducing oxidative damage, enhancing organic acid and amino acid metabolism, and activating phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathways to eliminate harmful ROS. This enhances the seedlings’ tolerance to saline–alkaline stress, providing a basis for studying fungi–plant interactions under such conditions.

The seedling retrieval mechanism is a crucial component of fully automatic transplanting machines, significantly influencing the quality, reliability, and efficiency of the transplanting process. Nonetheless, the existing seedling retrieval mechanisms in current transplanting machines exhibit several deficiencies, including substantial damage to seedlings and inadequate retrieval accuracy. To overcome these challenges, we propose an integrated approach combining pneumatic and mechanical techniques to further improve performance. By employing a lower thimble elevation and clamping mechanism, alongside a mathematical model based on the seedling removal process, this method ensures precise seedling extraction and minimizes damage to the root system and substrate. The novelty of this study lies in its ability to reduce the adhesion between seedlings and the holes of the plug plate, thereby minimizing non-destructive extraction of the seedlings and preserving the integrity of the matrix, which is essential for ensuring healthy seedling growth. Moreover, the optimization of the seedling retrieval trajectory enhances the accuracy of the seedling retrieval mechanism while also meeting the requisite speed requirements. Experimental results indicate that at a rate of 72 seedlings per minute, the extraction success rate reached 94.90%, and the casting success rate was 98.53%. The seedling injury rate was only 1.95%, resulting in an overall success rate of 91.69%. These findings confirm that the device meets operational efficiency requirements and delivers effective performance.

The determination of the optimal random field element (RFE) size is crucial in soil slope reliability analysis as it governs the trade-off between precision in failure probability calculations and computational efficiency. Given the substantial computational burden associated with smaller RFE sizes, studies on their impact on slope failure probability are scarce. This research examines the influence of RFE size on failure probability and safety factor, employing the Karhunen–Loève expansion to generate random fields and integrating the simplified Bishop method with particle swarm optimization (PSO) to assess slope stability. Through Monte Carlo Simulation (MCS), this study investigates the effects of the ratio of slope height to RFE size (H/De) on slope reliability metrics across two illustrative cases. Results reveal a notable influence of H/De on the distribution of safety factors (Fs) and failure probability (PF), with overestimation observed at smaller H/De ratios. When H/De exceeds 10 for Example 1 and 15 for Example 2, the Fs distribution patterns in both scenarios stabilize significantly, displaying minimal variability. The PF of Example 1 and Example 2 decreases with the increase of H/De and remains basically unchanged when H/De exceeds 10 and 15, respectively. Consequently, a recommended H/De ratio of 20 is proposed based on the analyzed cases, facilitating accurate calculations while mitigating computational overhead.

The existence or nonexistence of a complex structure on a differential manifold is a central problem in differential geometry. In particular, this problem on S6 was a long-standing unsolved problem, and differential geometry is an important tool. Recently, G. Clemente found a necessary and sufficient condition for almost-complex structures on a general differential manifold to be complex structures by using a covariant exterior derivative in three articles. However, in two of them, G. Clemente used a stronger condition instead of the published one. From there, G. Clemente proved the nonexistence of the complex structure on S6. We study the related differential operators and give some examples of nilmanifolds. And we prove that the earlier condition is too strong for an almost complex structure to be integrable. In another word, we clarify the situation of this problem.

The mechanical properties of sclera play an important role in ocular functions, protection, and disease. Modulating the sclera’s properties by exogenous crosslinking offers a way to expand the tissue’s range of properties for study of the possible influences on the eye’s behavior and diseases such as glaucoma and myopia. The focus of this work was to evaluate the effects of genipin crosslinking targeting the porcine perilimbal sclera (PLS) since the stiffness of this tissue was previously found in a number of studies to influence the eye’s intraocular pressure (IOP). The work includes experiments on tensile test specimens and whole globes. The specimen tests showed decreased strain-rate dependence and increased relaxation stress due to the cross-linker. Whole globe perfusion experiments demonstrated that eyes treated with genipin in the perilimbal region had increased IOPs compared to the control globes. Migration of the cross-linker from the target tissue to other tissues is a confounding factor in whole globe, biomechanical measurements, with crosslinking. A novel quantitative genipin assay of the trabecular meshwork (TM) was developed to exclude globes where the TM was inadvertently crosslinked. The perfusion study, therefore, suggests that elevated stiffness of the PLS can significantly increase IOP apart from effects of the TM in the porcine eye. These results demonstrate the importance of PLS biomechanics in aqueous outflow regulation and support additional investigations into the distal outflow pathways as a key source of outflow resistance.

Objective: Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) is a common and challenging complication following pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD), occurring in 2% to 46% of cases. Despite various pancreaticojejunostomy techniques, an effective method to prevent POPF has not been established. This study aimed to develop and evaluate a novel 3D-printed biodegradable pancreatic duct stent to simplify the surgical process of pancreaticojejunostomy, reduce anastomotic complexity, and minimize postoperative complications. Methods: Data from 32 patients undergoing total laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy were utilized. Preoperative CT scans were transformed into 3D reconstructions to guide the design and printing of customized stents using polylactic acid (PLA). The stents were assessed for mechanical integrity, surface texture, and thermal stability. Animal experiments were conducted on 16 mini pigs, with the experimental group receiving the novel stent and the control group receiving traditional silicone stents. Results: The 3D-printed stents demonstrated accurate dimensional replication and mechanical reliability. In the animal experiments, the experimental group showed no significant difference in postoperative complications compared to the control group. At 4 weeks post-surgery, CT scans revealed well-healed anastomoses in both groups, with no significant inflammation or other complications. Histological examination and 3D reconstruction models confirmed good healing and device positioning in the experimental group. Conclusion: The 3D-printed biodegradable pancreatic duct stent offers a promising solution for pancreaticojejunostomy, with comparable safety and efficacy to traditional methods. Further research is needed to validate its clinical application.

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is a highly heterogeneous malignancy. The reasons behind the global rise in the incidence of ICC remain unclear, and there exists limited knowledge regarding the immune cells within the tumor microenvironment (TME). In this study, a more comprehensive analysis of multi-omics data was performed using machine learning methods. The study found that the immunoactivity of B cells, macrophages, and T cells in the infiltrating immune cells of ICC exhibits a significantly higher level of immunoactivity in comparison to other immune cells. During the immune sensing and response, the effect of antigen-presenting cells (APCs) such as B cells and macrophages on activating NK cells was weakened, while the effect of activating T cells became stronger. Simultaneously, four distinct subpopulations, namely BLp, MacrophagesLp, BHn, and THn, have been identified from the infiltrating immune cells, and their corresponding immune-related marker genes have been identified. The immune sensing and response model of ICC has been revised and constructed based on our current comprehension. This study not only helps to deepen the understanding the heterogeneity of infiltrating immune cells in ICC, but also may provide valuable insights into the diagnosis, evaluation, treatment, and prognosis of ICC.

Monitoring the actual vibration coverage is critical for preventing over- or under-vibration and ensuring concrete’s strength. However, the current manual methods and sensor techniques fail to meet the requirements of on-site construction. Consequently, this study proposes a novel approach for estimating the pose of concrete vibrator racks. This method integrates the Linear Spatial Kernel Aggregation (LSKA) module into the You Only Look Once (YOLO) framework to accurately detect the keypoints of the rack and then employs the vanishing point theorem to estimate the rotation angle of the rack without any 3D datasets. The method enables the monitoring of the vibration impact range for each vibrator’s activity and is applicable to various camera positions. Given that measuring the rotation angle of a rack in reality poses is challenging, this study proposes employing a simulation environment to validate both the feasibility and accuracy of the proposed method. The results demonstrate that the improved YOLOv8-Pose achieved a 1.4% increase in accuracy compared with YOLOv8-Pose, and the proposed method monitored the rotation angle with an average error of 6.97° while maintaining a working efficiency of over 35 frames per second. This methodology was successfully implemented at a construction site for a high-arch dam project in China.

Over twenty Solar-Powered Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (SPUAV) designs exist worldwide, yet few have successfully achieved uninterrupted high-altitude flight. This shortfall is attributed to several factors that cause the actual performance of SPUAV to fall short of expectations. Existing studies identify the propeller slipstream as one of these adverse factors, which leads to a decrease in the lift–drag ratio and an increase in energy consumption. However, traditional design methods for SPUAVs tend to ignore the potential adverse effects of slipstream at the top-level design phase. We find that this oversight results in a reduction in the feasible mission region of SPUAVs from 109 days to only 46 days. To address this issue, this paper presents a high-fidelity multidisciplinary design framework for the energy/propulsion systems of SPUAVs that integrates the effects of a propeller slipstream. Specifically, deep neural networks are employed to predict the lift–drag characteristics of SPUAVs under various slipstream conditions, and the energy performance is further analyzed by evaluating the time-varying state parameters throughout a day. Subsequently, the optimal solutions for the energy/propulsion systems specific to certain latitudes and dates are obtained through optimization design. The effectiveness of the proposed design framework was demonstrated on a 30-m wingspan SPUAV. The results indicated that, compared to the traditional design method, the proposed approach led to designs that more effectively accomplished closed-loop flight in designated regions and prevented the reduction of the feasible mission region. Additionally, through the targeted retrofit of the energy/propulsion systems, SPUAVs exhibited enhanced adaptability to the solar radiation characteristics of different mission points, resulting in a further expansion of the feasible mission region. Furthermore, this research also explored the variation trends in optimal solutions across different latitudes and dates and investigated the reasons and physical mechanisms behind these variations.

This study aims at the modification of the surface properties of twill-5 polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fabric, in particular to improve its hydrophilicity. It compares the hydrophilic potential and efficacy of two vinyl monomers radically grafted onto the fabric by photoinduced processes. Poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) and [2-(methacryloyloxy)-ethyl]-trimethylammonium chloride (METAC) affected the wettability of the fabric towards water, significantly reducing the water contact angle (WCA). As a consequence, the treated fabrics showed a good improvement of dynamic moisture management. Adopting specific conditions (e.g., type of monomer and grafting monomer concentration), the grafted PET fabrics remained hydrophilic after washing, laudering, dry cleaning, and rubbing tests; thus, the surface treatment modification resulted to be durable overall.

Polyurethane (PU) foam has a high flammability and is widely used in aircraft interiors, presenting a significant danger to occupants. This study analysed three composite intumescent flame-retardant (IFR) coatings for flexible PU foam; expandable graphite (EG), ammonium polyphosphate (APP) and alginate (AG). The coatings were prepared in concentrations of 5 wt%, 10 wt%, and 50 wt% with an acrylic binder. The coated samples were characterised using cone calorimetry, SEM, and mechanical testing. The findings showed peak heat release rate, total heat release, and carbon dioxide production from the 10 wt% triple-layer coating (EG:APP:AG) was 52%, 32%, and 58% less than the PU control. The char of the 10 wt% triple-layer sample effectively suppressed smoke release and inhibited the transfer of fuel and gas volatiles. Mechanical testing demonstrated a 3.4 times increase in tensile strength and a 15.4 times increase in compressive strength (50% compression) compared to the control PU with the 10 wt% triple-layer coating. A fire dynamics simulator model was developed that demonstrated large-scale flammability modelling for commercial aircraft. Future work can explore the integration of IFR coatings into computational analysis. These new bio-based coatings produced promising results for aircraft fire safety and flammability performance for PU polymers.

Rhododendron resources are abundant in China, and hybridization breeding technology is the primary method for cultivating Rhododendron varieties. In order to optimize the utilization of wild Rhododendron resources for distant hybridization, this study took three horticultural varieties of Rhododendron subgenus Tsutsusi and the Rhododendron decorum Franch. of the subgenus Hymenanthes as the research objects, and the cross-compatibility between subgenera was analyzed from the aspects of pollen tube growth and ovary and seed development. At the same time, the statistics of ovary swelling rate and fruit bearing rate, numbers of capsule seeds, 1000 seed weight of hybrid seeds, germination rate, green seedling rate, and other indexes were analyzed to comprehensively evaluate hybrid fertility. The results showed that there was obvious pre-fertilization and post-fertilization barriers existing in the hybridization of Rhododendron × hybridum hort. and R. decorum. During the growth of pollen tubes, a large amount of callus appeared, which led to the entanglement, distortion, and abnormal development of the pollen tubes; only part of the pollen tubes entered into the ovary or ovule. The pre-fertilization barriers can be overcome by early pollination and delayed pollination. According to the observation of the ovary paraffin section, 45 d after pollination, the seed was shriveled and developed abnormally. The comprehensive evaluation of hybrid fertility showed that ‘Sima’ × R. decorum was fertile, ‘Yin Taohong’ × R. decorum was a weakly fertile, and ‘Little Taohong’ × R. decorum was sterile. This study provided a scientific basis for intergeneric hybridization breeding between the subgenus Tsutsusi and the subgenus Hymenanthes.

When multiple objects are positioned close together or stacked, pre-grasp operations such as pushing objects can be used to create space for the grasp, thereby improving the grasping success rate. This study develops a model based on a deep Q-learning network architecture and introduces a fully convolutional network to accurately identify pixels in the workspace image that correspond to target locations for exploration. In addition, this study incorporates image masking to limit the exploration area of the robotic arm, ensuring that the agent consistently explores regions containing objects. This approach effectively addresses the sparse reward problem and improves the convergence rate of the model. Experimental results from both simulated and real-world environments show that the proposed method accelerates the learning of effective grasping strategies. When image masking is applied, the success rate in the grasping task reaches 80% after 600 iterations. The time required to reach 80% success rate is 25% shorter when image masking is used compared to when it is not used. The main finding of this study is the direct integration of image masking technique with a deep reinforcement learning (DRL) algorithm, which offers significant advancement in robotic arm control. Furthermore, this study shows that image masking technique can substantially reduce training time and improve the object grasping success rate. This innovation enables the robotic arm to better adapt to scenarios that conventional DRL methods cannot handle, thereby improving training efficiency and performance in complex and dynamic industrial applications.

The airborne relay system is an important support for improving the stability of communication systems in complex electromagnetic environments. As a key component of the airborne relay system, the antenna needs to have characteristics such as high gain, dual circular polarization, wide beam coverage, and miniaturization. Based on the septum circular polarizer, this paper proposes a high-performance circularly polarized antenna structure suitable for airborne relay systems, named AcpAS. The structure consists of a coaxial feed port, a coaxial-to-waveguide transition, a septum circular polarizer, and a parabolic metal housing. Based on this structure, two antennas operating at 19.6 GHz to 21.6 GHz and 29.2 GHz to 31.2 GHz are designed in this paper. Simulated and measured results show that the two antennas have dual circular polarization characteristics, with beam coverage range of more than ±55° for gains higher than 0 dBi, and the radiation patterns exhibit good symmetry and wide-beam coverage characteristics.

The safety assessment and control of large-diameter pipelines under tunnel blasting at ultrasmall clear distances is a significant problem faced in construction. However, there has been no reference case for the quantitative comparison of the disturbance degree of surrounding rock by using two blasting schemes of non-electric detonator design and electronic detonator design under a similar total blasting charge consumption. In this study, the blasting test was carried out based on the engineering background of drilling and blasting methods to excavate the tunnel under the water pipeline at a close distance. The peak particle velocity (PPV), stress, and deformation responses of the pipeline under the two construction methods of non-electric and electronic detonators were comparatively analyzed. The PPV can be remarkably reduced by 64.2% using the hole-by-hole initiation of the electronic detonators. For the large-diameter pipeline, the PPV on the blasting side was much larger than that on the opposite side because the blasting seismic wave propagated a longer distance and attenuated more rapidly, owing to its greater cavity vibration reduction effect. The PPV of the electronic detonators decayed more slowly than that of the non-electric detonators. The cumulative damage caused by consecutive hole-by-hole blasting using electronic detonators was less than that caused by simultaneous multi-hole initiation using non-electric detonators, with a reduction of about 50.5%. When the nearest peripheral holes away from the pipeline are detonated, the cumulative damage variable D and damage range increase rapidly. The PPV, dynamic tensile strength, and cumulative damage variables were used to evaluate the safety of the pipelines.