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Evidence regarding the association between cancer and heart failure (HF) is scarce. This study is to investigate the association between HF and cancer and explore the prognostic value of NT-proBNP in cancer patients. This cohort study used National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data from 1999 to 2018 and linked mortality information until 2019. We included all participants with valid answer to questions regarding self-reported cancer and HF. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs. Our study included data from 54,847 adult participants. During a median (IQR) follow-up of 9.6 (4.0–15.1) years, 7674 deaths were recorded. HF was associated with an increased occurrence of cancer after propensity score matching (OR = 1.46, 95% CI: 1.17–1.82, p < 0.001). Cancer was associated with a higher occurrence of HF (OR = 1.33, 95% CI: 1.11–1.59, p = 0.002). Kaplan–Meier survival analysis over 10 years revealed the shortest survival in patients with both HF and cancer (log-rank p < 0.0001). Importantly, NT-proBNP was significantly higher in cancer patients, no matter whether with known HF (p < 0.01). In cancer patients without HF, NT-proBNP higher than 51.51 pg/mL was associated with shorter survival (log-rank p < 0.0001). Findings from this cohort study suggest that HF is significantly associated with cancer. NT-proBNP was higher in cancer patients, with significant prognostic value in cancer patients.

Fire and smoke detection technologies face challenges in complex and dynamic environments. Traditional detectors are vulnerable to background noise, lighting changes, and similar objects (e.g., clouds, steam, dust), leading to high false alarm rates. Additionally, they struggle with detecting small objects, limiting their effectiveness in early fire warnings and rapid responses. As real-time monitoring demands grow, traditional methods often fall short in smart city and drone applications. To address these issues, we propose FireNet, integrating a simplified Vision Transformer (RepViT) to enhance global feature learning while reducing computational overhead. Dynamic snake convolution (DSConv) captures fine boundary details of flames and smoke, especially in complex curved edges. A lightweight decoupled detection head optimizes classification and localization, ideal for high inter-class similarity and small targets. FireNet outperforms YOLOv8 on the Fire Scene dataset (FSD) with a mAP@0.5 of 80.2%, recall of 78.4%, and precision of 82.6%, with an inference time of 26.7 ms. It also excels on the FSD dataset, addressing current fire detection challenges.

Previous studies are mostly conducted based on sparse time series and often ignore the dramatic changes in desertification during the year. Utilizing the Landsat and MODIS data sets from 2000 to 2020, this study applied the spatio-temporal fusion algorithm to obtain the images of the study area taken at similar times in August over the past 20 years. The optimal desertification remote sensing monitoring index of Gulang County was constructed based on the feature space model, and then the spatial and temporal evolution patterns and the driving mechanism of desertification in Gulang County were revealed by using a geographic detector. The research results were as follows: (1) The ESTARFM algorithm had better applicability in constructing long time series and similar time images with the correlation coefficient R2 = 0.83 between the results of the ESTARFM fusion model and the original image; (2) the SWCI-MSAVI feature space desertification monitoring index model based on point-to-point mode had the best applicability with an overall accuracy of 95.39% and a Kappa coefficient of 0.94; (3) from 2000 to 2020, the desertification showed an increasing trend, and the degree of desertification gradually intensified from south to north in Gulang County; (4) the dominant factors in various historical periods were different, which were mainly composed of precipitation, temperature and population density. The dominant interactive factors changed from alternating dominance of natural factors and human activity factors to the co-dominance of natural factors and human activity factors. The research results could provide decision-making support for precise prevention and control of desertification in arid–semi-arid regions.

This study investigates the effects of the external magnetic field on the microstructure and mechanical property aluminum alloy 6061-T6 and 7075-T651 resistance spot welding joints. The melting behavior of 6061 and 7075 was analyzed via the calculation of the phase diagram (CALPHAD) technique. The CALPHAD results indicate that, for the 6061 aluminum alloy, the liquid fraction shows a minimal increase at the beginning stage during the solid–liquid phase transition process but with a sharp rise at the ending stage (near the liquidus). In contrast, for the 7075 aluminum alloy, the liquid fraction gradually increases throughout the entire solid–liquid phase transition process. The differences in melting behavior between the 6061 and 7075 alloys lead to different liquation crack morphologies in their spot-welded joints. In the 6061 alloy, the cracks tend to be “eyebrow-shaped”, allowing the liquid metal in the nugget to feed the gaps, and this does not significantly compromise the mechanical properties of the joint. In contrast, the 7075 alloy develops slender cracks that extend through the partially melted zone (PMZ), making it difficult for the liquid metal to feed these gaps, thereby significantly deteriorating the joint’s mechanical strength. Compared to conventional resistance spot-welding joints, the heat exchange between the nugget and the workpiece is enhanced under the external magnetic field, leading to a wider PMZ. This exacerbates the detrimental effects of liquation cracks on the mechanical properties of the 7075 joints. Lap-shear tests indicate that the mechanical properties of the 6061 aluminum alloy joints are improved under electromagnetic stirring. For 7075 aluminum alloy joints, the mechanical properties improve when the welding current is below 34 kA. However, when the welding current exceeds 34 kA, because the widening of the PMZ increases the tendency for liquation cracks, the joint’s mechanical property is deteriorated.

Piezoelectric photocatalysis can effectively suppress the recombination of electron holes during the course of photocatalysis, which has been widely applied in environmental and energy catalysis. Its advantage is that when the piezoelectric effect happens, a built-in electric field is formed inside the catalyst, which improves the separation efficiency of photogenerated charge carriers and obtains more excellent photocatalytic performance. The efficient conversion of mechanical energy to chemical energy can be realized through the synergistic effect of the piezoelectric effect, and photocatalysis is greatly significant in solving the energy crisis and providing environmental protection. Therefore, we organized a more complete review to better understand the mechanism and system of piezoelectric photocatalysis. We briefly introduce the principle of the piezoelectric effect, the existing types of piezoelectric photocatalysts, the practical application scenarios, and the future challenges and feasible methods to improve catalytic efficiency. The purpose of this review is to help us broaden the idea of designing piezoelectric photocatalysts, clarify the future research direction, and put it into more fields of environmental protection and energy reuse.

Developing efficient and sustainable pollution control technologies has become a research priority in the context of escalating global environmental pollution. Nano zero-valent iron (nZVI), with its high specific surface area and strong reducing power, demonstrates remarkable performance in pollutant removal. Still, its application is limited by issues such as oxidation, passivation, and particle aggregation. White rot fungi (WRF) possess a unique enzyme system that enables them to degrade a wide range of pollutants effectively, yet they face challenges such as long degradation cycles and low degradation efficiency. Despite the significant role of nZVI in pollutant remediation, most contaminated sites still rely on microbial remediation as a concurrent or ultimate treatment method to achieve remediation goals. The synergistic combination of nZVI and WRF can leverage their respective advantages, thereby enhancing pollution control efficiency. This paper reviews the mechanisms, advantages, and disadvantages of nZVI and WRF in pollution control, lists application examples, and discusses their synergistic application in pollution control, highlighting their potential in pollutant remediation and providing new insights for combined pollutant treatment. However, research on the combined use of nZVI and WRF for pollutant remediation is still relatively scarce, necessitating a deeper understanding of their synergistic potential and further exploration of their cooperative interactions.

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) has emerged as a candidate anode material for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). However, their applications still face challenges of poor rate performance and low initial coulomb efficiency (ICE), which are induced by the unstable solid-electrolyte interface (SEI) and sluggish Na+ diffusion kinetics in conventional ester-based electrolytes. Herein, inspired by the electrode/electrolyte interfacial chemistry, tetrahydrofuran (THF) is exploited to construct an advanced electrolyte and reveal the relationship between the improved electrochemical performance and the derived SEI film on TiO2 anode. The robust and homogeneously distributed F-rich SEI film formed in THF electrolyte favors fast interfacial charge transfer dynamics and excellent interfacial stability. As a result, the THF electrolyte endows the TiO2 anode with greatly improved ICE (64.5%), exceptional rate capabilities (186 mAh g−1 at 5.0 A g−1), and remarkable cycling stability. This study elucidates the control of interfacial chemistry by rational electrolyte design and offers insights into the development of high-performance and long-lifetime TiO2 anode.

Kinesiology, as an interdisciplinary field, emphasizes the study of human physical activity, with a particular focus on biomechanics and sports science [...]

To enhance the nutritional value of Acanthopanax senticosus leaves (AL), a fermentation process was conducted using a probiotic Bacillus mixture, and the changes in chemical constituents and biological activities before and after fermentation were compared. A response surface methodology was employed to optimize the liquid fermentation conditions of AL based on their influence on polyphenol content. Non-targeted metabolomics analysis was performed using LC-MS/MS to reveal the differing profiles of compounds before and after fermentation. The results indicated that Bacillus subtilis LK and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens M2 significantly influenced polyphenol content during fermentation. The optimal fermentation conditions were determined to be a fermentation time of 54 h, a temperature of 39.6 °C, and an inoculum size of 2.5% (v/v). In comparison to unfermented AL, the total polyphenol and flavonoid contents, as well as the free radical scavenging capacities measured by DPPH and ABTS assays, and the activities of β-glucosidase and endo-glucanase, were significantly increased. The non-targeted metabolomics analysis identified 1348 metabolites, of which 829 were classified as differential metabolites. A correlation analysis between the differential metabolites of polyphenols, flavonoids, and antioxidant activity revealed that 13 differential metabolites were positively correlated with antioxidant activity. Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis of the differential metabolites identified 82 pathways, with two of the top 25 metabolic pathways related to flavonoids. This study explores the potential for enhancing the active ingredients and biological effects of AL through probiotic fermentation using Bacillus strains.

Bufotalin (BT), a major active constituent of Chansu, has been found to possess multiple pharmacological activities. Although previous studies have shown that BT could inhibit the growth of glioblastoma (GBM), the safety of BT in vivo and the potential mechanism are still unclear. We conducted a systematic assessment to investigate the impact of BT on GBM cell viability, migration, invasion, and colony formation. Furthermore, in vivo results were obtained to evaluate the effect of BT on tumor growth. The preliminary findings of our study demonstrate the effective inhibition of GBM cell growth and subcutaneous tumor development in mice by BT, with tolerable levels of tolerance observed. Mechanistically, BT treatment induced mitochondrial dysfunction, bursts of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and subsequent cell apoptosis. More importantly, proteomic-based differentially expressed proteins analysis revealed a significant downregulation of integrin β4 (ITGB4) following BT treatment. Furthermore, our evidence suggested that the ITGB4/focal adhesion kinase (FAK)/extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK) pathway involved BT-induced apoptosis. Overall, our study demonstrates the anti-GBM effects of BT and elucidates the underlying mechanism, highlighting BT as a potential therapeutic option for GBM.

Numerous genes govern male reproduction, modulating testicular development and spermatogenesis. Our study leveraged RNA-Seq to explore candidate genes and pivotal pathways influencing fecundity in an F1 hybrid of Southdown × Hu sheep testes across four developmental milestones: M0 (0 months old, newborn), M3 (3 months old, sexually immature), M6 (6 months old, sexually mature), and Y1 (1 years old, adult). Histological examination using hematoxylins and eosin staining revealed that the cross-sectional area of the spermatid tubules and the number of supportive cells increased in the other groups, as compared to the M0 group. The cross-sectional area of the vasculature and the number of supporting cells were found to be significantly increased in all other groups in comparison to the M0 group. We conducted GO and KEGG analyses of the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the three comparison groups and identified key pathways, including cAMP, MAPK, ECM–receptor interactions, PI3K-Akt, and FOXO signaling, which are closely related to testicular development and spermatogenesis. Notably, alternative splicing (AS) events were markedly elevated in M6 and Y1 stages. Key genes like GATA4, GATA6, SMAD4, SOX9, YAP1, ITGB1 and MAPK1 emerged as significantly enriched in these pathways, potentially orchestrating the transition from immature to mature testes in sheep. These findings offer valuable insights into male reproductive potential and can inform strategies for optimizing animal breeding.

Achieving good performance in terms of a fast and accurate maximum torque per ampere (MTPA) control method depends on both accurate parameter estimation and a sophisticated control strategy. However, it often requires a complex and long computational process. This paper proposes an efficient control method using the relationship of torque and current angle for maximum torque per ampere control of the interior permanent magnet synchronous motor (IPMSM) for vehicle application. It was found that it is not necessary for the control method to determine the inductance in the d-q axes; the identification of the difference between each axis is enough. Furthermore, this paper presents a simple and effective procedure to estimate the difference in inductance online, where the linear iron loss calculation method is also designed to support the above process. The proposed control method was experimentally validated on a 5 kW prototype by a TMS320F28335 microcontroller and DSPACE synchronized with a personal computer. The results show that the control process has faster and more accurate performance than the conventional method.

Sufficient light and high UV intensity pose significant challenges to the long-term performance of polymeric geonet materials for slope-protection structures. This study investigates strength degradation under the effect of UV radiation; five different types of geonets were selected, which can be categorized as polyamide (PA), polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene (PE) materials. A comprehensive experimental investigation was performed, including tension strength, peer strength, artificially accelerated aging, and SEM tests, to further establish a service life prediction method used for slope-protection design. The results showed that the tension strength, percentage of breaking elongation, and peer strength all depict a descending trend with aging-elapsed time, especially in the early 600 h. The decreasing tendency of these mechanical properties’ magnitude differed in the diversity of direction and material type. Significant changes have been generated on the geonet surface after aging; materials with smooth surfaces exhibit a strong ability against strength degradation. Fitting results affirmed the predictive technique as a useful engineering tool for tension strength assessments, offering guidelines for using and designing of geonets for slope-protection structures.

To enhance the performance of super-resolution models, neural networks frequently employ module stacking. However, this approach inevitably results in an excessive proliferation of parameter counts and information redundancy, ultimately constraining the deployment of these models on mobile devices. To surmount this limitation, this study introduces the application of Dual-path Large Kernel Learning (DLKL) to the task of image super-resolution. Within the DLKL framework, we harness a multiscale large kernel decomposition technique to efficiently establish long-range dependencies among pixels. This network not only maintains excellent performance but also significantly mitigates the parameter burden, achieving an optimal balance between network performance and efficiency. When compared with other prevalent algorithms, DLKL exhibits remarkable proficiency in generating images with sharper textures and structures that are more akin to natural ones. It is particularly noteworthy that on the challenging texture dataset Urban100, the network proposed in this study achieved a significant improvement in Peak Signal-to-Noise Ratio (PSNR) for the ×4 upscaling task, with an increase of 0.32 dB and 0.19 dB compared with the state-of-the-art HAFRN and MICU networks, respectively. This remarkable result not only validates the effectiveness of the present model in complex image super-resolution tasks but also highlights its superior performance and unique advantages in the field.

To explore the effects of altered amino acids (AAs) and the carnitine metabolism in non-pregnant women with infertility (NPWI), pregnant women without infertility (PWI) and infertility-treated pregnant women (ITPW) compared with non-pregnant women (NPW, control), and develop more efficient models for the diagnosis of infertility and pregnancy, 496 samples were evaluated for levels of 21 AAs and 55 carnitines using targeted high-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). Three methods were used to screen the biomarkers for modeling, with eight algorithms used to build and validate the model. The ROC, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the infertility diagnosis training model were higher than 0.956, 82.89, 66.64, and 82.57%, respectively, whereas those of the validated model were higher than 0.896, 77.67, 69.72, and 83.38%, respectively. The ROC, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the pregnancy diagnosis training model were >0.994, 96.23, 97.79, and 97.69%, respectively, whereas those of the validated model were >0.572, 96.39, 93.03, and 94.71%, respectively. Our findings indicate that pregnancy may alter the AA and carnitine metabolism in women with infertility to match the internal environment of PWI. The developed model demonstrated good performance and high sensitivity for facilitating infertility and pregnancy diagnosis.

The accuracy and reliability of soil moisture retrieval based on Global Positioning System (GPS) single-star Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) data is low due to the influence of spatial and temporal differences of different satellites. Therefore, this paper proposes a Random Forest (RF)-based multi-satellite data fusion Global Navigation Satellite System Interferometric Reflectometry (GNSS-IR) soil moisture retrieval method, which utilizes the RF Model’s Mean Decrease Impurity (MDI) algorithm to adaptively assign arc weights to fuse all available satellite data to obtain accurate retrieval results. Subsequently, the effectiveness of the proposed method was validated using GPS data from the Plate Boundary Observatory (PBO) network sites P041 and P037, as well as data collected in Lamasquere, France. A Support Vector Machine model (SVM), Radial Basis Function (RBF) neural network model, and Convolutional Neural Network model (CNN) are introduced for the comparison of accuracy. The results indicated that the proposed method had the best retrieval performance, with Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) values of 0.032, 0.028, and 0.003 cm3/cm3, Mean Absolute Error (MAE) values of 0.025, 0.022, and 0.002 cm3/cm3, and correlation coefficients (R) of 0.94, 0.95, and 0.98, respectively, at the three sites. Therefore, the proposed soil moisture retrieval model demonstrates strong robustness and generalization capabilities, providing a reference for achieving high-precision, real-time monitoring of soil moisture.

This review examines the technological bottlenecks, potential solutions, and future development directions in the treatment and resource utilization of semi-coking wastewater (SCOW) in China. By comprehensively investigating the semi-coking industry and analyzing wastewater treatment research hotspots and existing projects, this study systematically explores the current status and challenges of each treatment unit, emphasizing the necessity for innovative wastewater treatment technologies that offer high efficiency, engineering feasibility, environmental friendliness, and effective resource recovery. This review highlights prospects and recommendations, including the development of novel extractants for phenol and ammonia recovery, a deeper understanding of biological enhancement mechanisms, exogenous bio-enhancement materials, and the creation of cost-effective advanced oxidation process (AOP)-based combined processes. Additionally, it underscores the potential for repurposing SCOW as a valuable resource through appropriate treatment, whether recycling for production or other applications.

Assessing salt tolerance in plants under field conditions is a challenging task. The objective of this research was to assess the effectiveness of different methods (leaf disc assay and pot experiment) for evaluating salt tolerance in rice. Using two varieties with different salt tolerance, Changmaogu (CM) and 9311, under three NaCl levels (0, 0.3%, and 1.0%), we evaluated the photosynthetic performance in terms of chlorophyll content in leaf disc assays, as well as the photosynthetic rate (Pn), chlorophyll content, linear electron flow (LEF), and non-photochemical quenching (NPQ), in a semi-controlled pot experiment. In the leaf disc assay, CM showed a smaller decrease in chlorophyll content compared to 9311, especially under 1.0% salinity. Simultaneously, in the pot experiment, the CM variety employed flexible photosynthetic strategies, actively decreasing LEF and Pn after 5 days of salt stress (day 5) and then increasing photosynthetic capacity (chlorophyll content, LEF, and Pn) on day 10. Notably, the total chlorophyll content for the CM variety under 1.0% salinity was significantly higher than in the control, showing a 25.0% increase. Additionally, CM demonstrated NPQt sensitivity under 0.3% salinity, requiring an LEF of 150 to achieve an NPQt value of 3.0, compared to an LEF of 180 in the control. These results suggest that a simple leaf disc assay may not fully capture the adaptive mechanisms of rice plants under salinity stress. Therefore, we advocate for the use of more comprehensive methods, such as outdoor pot or field experiments, to gain a deeper understanding and more accurate evaluation of salt tolerance in rice.

In fisheries’ stock assessments, the concept of “growth plasticity”—the ability of organisms to modulate their growth rates in response to environmental conditions—has gained attention in recent years. Historically, the impacts of fishing activities and environmental fluctuations were considered separately, while their combined effects have recently come into focus. This study collected 834 adult small yellow croakers (Larimichthys polyactis) from the northern Yellow Sea, the central Yellow Sea, the southern Yellow Sea, and the northern East Sea by trawling during 2020–2021. Using otolith increments as a proxy for annual somatic growth, the study reconstructed otolith chronologies during 2015–2020 for these four stocks. The results of the mixed-effects modeling suggested that temperature during spawning and previous overwintering seasons had comparable importance for the annual growth of small yellow croakers, with higher temperature promoting growth. The growth of small yellow croakers was also found to be correlated with ENSO events, with a lag of 1 to 2 years. A further investigation into combined effects revealed that higher fishing pressure might inhibit the small yellow croaker’s response to favorable environmental conditions. Furthermore, considering the potential differences in growth plasticity among stocks, an analysis was conducted on the spatial variations in growth response to these factors. The analysis revealed that, compared to the stocks in the Yellow Sea, the stock from the East China Sea could exhibit higher growth, superior adaptability to temperature, and a distinctive response to fishing pressure. In conclusion, the present study, while primarily focusing on temperature, preliminarily analyzed the combined effects of fishing and environment and underscored the differences in growth plasticity between stocks in the Yellow Sea and the East China Sea. Despite the limited factors analyzed in this study, it suggests a direction for future studies, highlighting the necessity to include more environmental factors, and even population factors (e.g., the biomass of preys), for a more comprehensive understanding of the combined effects. Based on the observed differences between the two potential subpopulations, this study also provides new insights for the management of the small yellow croaker based on metapopulation dynamics.

Capsicum frutescens (C. frutescens) has rich germplasm resources, but there have been no reports on its genetic diversity analysis alone using simplified genome sequencing technology (GBS). To provide a basis for the breeding of new pepper varieties and the later development of C. frutescens SNP molecular markers, this study used GBS technology to sequence 65 collected pepper germplasm resources. A total of 1,399,391 SNP sites were obtained by GBS simplified genome sequencing, and there were 1,465,897 SNP variant sites. Through population genetic structure analysis, the population structure and phylogenetic tree of 65 C. frutescens germplasms were constructed. The GBS method is also suitable for the genetic relationship analysis of C. frutescens, and it also shows that there is an obvious separation of materials from different origins, and there is also a certain degree of genetic exchange. Most of C. frutescens varieties from Fujian Province and its surrounding areas are clustered together; C. frutescens varieties from western China are also clustered together. We selected T62 and T60 with a genetic distance of 0.2796 and a spiciness level of nine as the female and male parent combinations, respectively, and bred a new high-yield C. frutescens combination, ‘Mingjiao 308’. C. frutescens varieties from the same geographical origin are usually clustered together. These germplasms may contain the ancestry of multiple varieties. This result can also provide basic data for the later construction of an SNP fingerprint database.

The desertification of the China–Mongolia–Russia Economic Corridor (CMREC), one of the six major economic corridors in the Belt and Road Initiative, has posed a great challenge to the ecological environment protection and sustainable economic development of the region. In this work, two categories of feature space models based on point–point mode and point–line mode were constructed. The optimal feature space model was used to establish the spatial–temporal change patterns of desertification in the CMREC from 2001 to 2020, and then the dominant driving factors were quantitatively determined. The conclusions demonstrated the following: (1) the monitoring accuracy of the Albedo–MSAVI desertification model based on point–point mode was the highest, at 86.47%, followed by that of the TGSI–MSAVI model based on point–line mode, at 85.71%; (2) from 2001 to 2020, the spatial distribution of desertification in the China–Mongolia–Russia Economic Corridor region showed a decreasing trend radiating outwards from the Inner Mongolia Plateau and Gobi Desert; (3) the gravity center of desertification in Chinese parts in the CMREC migrated toward the northeast, while the Mongolia and Russia parts migrated toward the southwest and southeast, respectively; and (4) from 2001 to 2020, precipitation and land use change had the greatest impacts on the evolution patterns of desertification in China and Mongolia, while topography and land use contributed greatly to the change process of desertification in Russia. The research results could provide data support for desertification control in the CMREC.

Given the critical role of true triaxial strength assessment in underground rock and soil engineering design and construction, this study explores sandstone true triaxial strength using data-driven machine learning approaches. Fourteen distinct sandstone true triaxial test datasets were collected from the existing literature and randomly divided into training (70%) and testing (30%) sets. A Multilayer Perceptron (MLP) model was developed with uniaxial compressive strength (UCS, σc), intermediate principal stress (σ2), and minimum principal stress (σ3) as inputs and maximum principal stress (σ1) at failure as the output. The model was optimized using the Harris hawks optimization (HHO) algorithm to fine-tune hyperparameters. By adjusting the model structure and activation function characteristics, the final model was made continuously differentiable, enhancing its potential for numerical analysis applications. Four HHO-MLP models with different activation functions were trained and validated on the training set. Based on the comparison of prediction accuracy and meridian plane analysis, an HHO-MLP model with high predictive accuracy and meridional behavior consistent with theoretical trends was selected. Compared to five traditional strength criteria (Drucker–Prager, Hoek–Brown, Mogi–Coulomb, modified Lade, and modified Weibols–Cook), the optimized HHO-MLP model demonstrated superior predictive performance on both training and testing datasets. It successfully captured the complete strength variation in principal stress space, showing smooth and continuous failure envelopes on the meridian and deviatoric planes. These results underscore the model’s ability to generalize across different stress conditions, highlighting its potential as a powerful tool for predicting the true triaxial strength of sandstone in geotechnical engineering applications.

Respiratory burst oxidase homologs (Rbohs) are the primary producers of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which have been demonstrated to play critical roles in plant responses to abiotic stress. Here, we explored the function of OsRbohH in heat and drought stress tolerance by generating overexpression lines (OsRbohH-OE). OsRbohH was highly induced by various abiotic stress and hormone treatments. Compared to wild-type (WT) controls, OsRbohH-OE plants exhibited enhanced tolerance to heat and drought, as determined by survival rate analyses and total chlorophyll content. Histochemical staining revealed that OsRbohH-OE accumulated less ROS. This is consistent with the observed increase in catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD) activities, as well as a reduced electrolyte leakage rate and malondialdehyde (MDA) content. Moreover, OsRbohH-OE exhibited enhanced sensitivity to exogenous abscisic acid (ABA), accompanied by altered expression levels of ABA synthesis and catabolic genes. Further analysis indicated that transgenic lines had lower transcripts of ABA signaling-related genes (OsDREB2A, OsLEA3, OsbZIP66, and OsbZIP72) under heat but higher levels under drought than WT. In conclusion, these results suggest that OsRbohH is a positive regulator of heat and drought tolerance in rice, which is probably performed through OsRbohH-mediated ROS homeostasis and ABA signaling.

To address the industry’s demand for sustainable oilfield development and safe production, it is crucial to enhance the scientific rigor and accuracy of monitoring ground stability and reservoir parameter inversion. For the above purposes, this paper proposes a technical solution that employs two-dimensional time-series ground deformation monitoring based on ascending and descending Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) technique first, and the composite dislocation model (CDM) is utilized to achieve high-precision reservoir parameter inversion. To validate the feasibility of this method, the Liaohe Oilfield is selected as a typical study area, and the Sentinel-1 ascending and descending Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) images obtained from January 2020 to December 2023 are utilized to acquire the ground deformation in various line of sight (LOS) directions based on Multitemporal Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (MT-InSAR). Subsequently, by integrating the ascending and descending MT-InSAR observations, we solved for two-dimensional ground deformation, deriving a time series of vertical and east-west deformations. Furthermore, reservoir parameter inversion and modeling in the subsidence trough area were conducted using the CDM and nonlinear Bayesian inversion method. The experimental results indicate the presence of uneven subsidence troughs in the Shuguang and Huanxiling oilfields within the study area, with a continuous subsidence trend observed in recent years. Among them, the subsidence of the Shuguang oilfield is more significant and shows prominent characteristics of single-source center subsidence accompanied by centripetal horizontal displacement, the maximum vertical subsidence rate reaches 221 mm/yr, and the maximum eastward and westward deformation is more than 90 mm/yr. Supported by the two-dimensional deformation field, we conducted a comparative analysis between the Mogi, Ellipsoidal, and Okada models in terms of reservoir parameter inversion, model fitting efficacy, and residual distribution. The results confirmed that the CDM offers the best adaptability and highest accuracy in reservoir parameter inversion. The proposed technical methods and experimental results can provide valuable references for scientific planning and production safety assurance in related oilfields.

Previous studies were mostly conducted based on sparse time series and different phenological images, which often ignored the dramatic changes in salinization evolution throughout the year. Based on Landsat and moderate-resolution-imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS) images from 2000 to 2020, this study applied the Enhanced Spatial and Temporal Adaptive Reflectance Fusion Model (ESTARFM) algorithm to obtain similar phenological images for the month of April for the past 20 years. Based on the random forest algorithm, the surface parameters of the salinization were optimized, and the feature space index models were constructed. Combined with the measured ground data, the optimal monitoring index model of salinization was determined, and then the spatiotemporal evolution patterns of salinization and its driving mechanisms in the Yellow River Delta were revealed. The main conclusions were as follows: (1) The derived long-time-series and similar phenological-fusion images enable us to reveal the patterns of change in the dramatic salinization in the year that we examined using the ESTARFM algorithm. (2) The NDSI-TGDVI feature space salinization monitoring index model based on point-to-point mode had the highest accuracy of 0.92. (3) From 2000 to 2020, the soil salinization in the Yellow River Delta showed an aggravating trend. The average value of salinization during the past 20 years was 0.65, which is categorized as severe salinization. The degree of salinization gradually decreased from the northeastern coastal area to the southwestern inland area. (4) The dominant factors affecting soil salinization in different historical periods varied. The research results could provide support for decision-making regarding the precise prevention and control of salinization in the Yellow River Delta.

Atmospheric ducts play a critical role in the propagation of electromagnetic waves by minimizing signal loss and extending transmission distances, which is essential for radar, communication, and navigation systems. This study leverages meteorological sounding data and reanalysis data to analyze the distribution of atmospheric ducts in the Bohai Sea and Yellow Sea regions of China. The parabolic equation method was employed to simulate the propagation characteristics of electromagnetic waves in evaporation ducts, surface ducts, and mixed duct environments, focusing on the effects of electromagnetic wave frequency and antenna height. In the Bohai Sea region, the height of evaporation ducts peaks at 13 m in spring and autumn, decreasing to 6 m in winter. In the Yellow Sea region, the height reaches 12 m in autumn and drops to 7 m in summer, indicating a heterogeneous distribution. The monthly mean occurrence rate of atmospheric ducts is defined as the number of atmospheric duct events in a given month divided by the total number of samples for that month. Influenced by the summer and winter monsoons, the occurrence rate of surface ducts is higher from May to September and lower from October to April of the following year. In contrast, elevated ducts reach their peak occurrence rate of 60% in October. In an evaporation duct environment, propagation loss gradually increases with distance, and the loss is more pronounced in non-uniform environments. In surface ducts, propagation loss exhibits periodic fluctuations with distance, exceeding 47 dB. The mixed duct environment integrates the characteristics of both evaporation and surface ducts, effectively filling the shadow zone between 10 m and 70 m.

Assessments of farmer satisfaction can be a crucial tool for effectively implementing an appropriate ecological compensation policy. This study evaluates the effectiveness of an ecological compensation policy for crop rotation in China’s black soil regions from the perspective of farmer satisfaction. Specifically, utilizing an improved entropy TOPSIS, logistic regression, and the obstacle degree model, this empirical study analyzes the performance of the ecological compensation policy for crop rotation in black soil regions and identifies barriers in Heilongjiang Province. The findings indicate that gender significantly and positively affects outcomes at the 10% level, while age has a notable influence at the 5% level. Additionally, the family labor force and the quality of cultivated land, both significant at the 5% level with negative coefficients, suggest a diminished likelihood of farmers participating in these ecological compensation projects. The family’s source of income, significantly influential at the 1% level, also indicates a lower propensity among farmers to engage. Performance analysis reveals that the values for variables of satisfaction with the project’s publicity (A1), satisfaction with the protection of farmers’ rights and interest (A3), overall satisfaction with the effectiveness of the project (B1), satisfaction with ecological compensation methods (B3), and satisfaction with household income after the implementation of the project (C1) are above the average. In contrast, values for variables of satisfaction with the supervision and management (A2), satisfaction with the payment of ecological compensation funds (A4), satisfaction level with black soil rotation ecological compensation standards (B2), satisfaction with the welfare level of family life after the implementation of the project (C2), and satisfaction with farmers’ proactive participation in the project (D1) fall below the average of 3.03. Therefore, this study provides a comprehensive framework for assessing the effectiveness of the ecological compensation policy for crop rotation in China’s black soil regions and offers recommendations for enhancing its performance.

Dirigent (DIR) genes play a pivotal role in plant development and stress adaptation. Manihot esculenta Crantz, commonly known as cassava, is a drought-resistant plant thriving in tropical and subtropical areas. It is extensively utilized for starch production, bioethanol, and animal feed. However, a comprehensive analysis of the DIR family genes remains unexplored in cassava, a crucial cash and forage crop in tropical and subtropical regions. In this study, we characterize a total of 26 cassava DIRs (MeDIRs) within the cassava genome, revealing their uneven distribution across 13 of the 18 chromosomes. Phylogenetic analysis classified these genes into four subfamilies: DIR-a, DIR-b/d, DIR-c, and DIR-e. Comparative synteny analysis with cassava and seven other plant species (Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), poplar (Populus trichocarpa), soybean (Glycine max), tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), rice (Oryza sativa), maize (Zea mays), and wheat (Triticum aestivum)) provided insights into their likely evolution. We also predict protein interaction networks and identify cis-acting elements, elucidating the functional differences in MeDIR genes. Notably, MeDIR genes exhibited specific expression patterns across different tissues and in response to various abiotic and biotic stressors, such as pathogenic bacteria, cadmium chloride (CdCl2), and atrazine. Further validation through quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) confirmed the response of DIR genes to osmotic and salt stress. These findings offer a comprehensive resource for understanding the characteristics and biological functions of MeDIR genes in cassava, enhancing our knowledge of plant stress adaptation mechanisms.

The Western Taiwan Strait (WTS) Economic Zone connects the Yangtze River Delta and the Pearl River Delta, playing a significant role in China’s coastal economy and forming part of the East Asian economic structure. This study used panel data from 20 cities in the WTS Economic Zone, spanning 2011 to 2020, to investigate urban land use efficiency and its dynamic evolution characteristics. The study used a super-efficiency EBM model, which accounts for undesirable outputs, combined with kernel density estimation and Malmquist–Luenberger (ML) index analysis, to thoroughly examine the changes in total factor productivity (TFP) of urban land use and the factors driving these changes within the WTS Economic Zone. The findings are as follows: (1) From 2011 to 2020, the overall trend of urban land use efficiency in the WTS Economic Zone was upward, with coastal areas generally exhibiting higher urban land use efficiency compared to inland areas. (2) The urban land use efficiency of cities in the WTS Economic Zone displayed four types of changes: rising, stable, “U”-shaped, and inverted “U”-shaped. (3) The TEP index of the WTS Economic Zone exhibited a right-leaning “M” trend. Technological change was the primary driver of enhanced urban land use efficiency, although there is still room for improvement in technical efficiency. Based on these findings, this study proposes policy insights to foster high-quality development of urban land use efficiency in the WTS Economic Zone.

The electrochemical corrosion behaviors of Ti3SiC2/Cu composites in harsh media including dilute HNO3 and concentrated H2SO4 were studied in detail and the related corrosion mechanisms were explored. Under open-circuit potential, the corrosion resistance of Ti3SiC2/Cu in dilute HNO3 was worse than that in concentrated H2SO4. In dilute HNO3, Ti3SiC2/Cu exhibited a typical passivation character with a narrow passivation interval. During the corrosion process, the dissolution of Cu-Si compounds resulted in the destruction of the passivation layer on the surface. Additionally, with the increasing of the potentials, the oxidation of Cu and Si atoms led to the generation of the oxide film again on the surface. In concentrated H2SO4, the Ti3SiC2/Cu composite was covered by a double-layered passivation layer, which was composed of an internal layer of TiO2 and an external layer of Cu2O and SiO2. This was because Cu diffused into the surface and was oxidized into Cu2O, which formed a denser oxidized film with SiO2. In addition, it was found that Ti3SiC2/Cu has better corrosion resistance in concentrated H2SO4.

From its foundation in 1622, the Congregation de Propaganda Fide held supreme jurisdiction over all missionary activities of the Catholic Church at the global level, with authority coming directly from the pope. Its main goals were the expansion of the Catholic faith, the reaffirmation of papal spiritual primacy, and the promotion of Indigenous clergy throughout the world, which put Propaganda Fide in direct competition with secular rulers who also wanted to control missionary activities in their overseas territories. This article will examine one such conflict, namely that regarding Portugal and its royal patronage system in China. The Historical Archive of Propaganda Fide in the Vatican City holds extensive material concerning Portuguese patronage and China, which has remained relatively unknown and understudied. Through an examination of several of the most significant documents, such as the formal terms sent by the Portuguese court to the Holy See, the response of Propaganda Fide, and the final declaration of the Holy See, which would become the cornerstone for all future decisions over the patronage system, it is suggested that these negotiations about China are in fact central to a wider shift in global Catholic policy and politics in the field of missionary activity.

In the field of wireless communication, transmitter localization technology is crucial for achieving accurate source tracking. However, the extant methodologies for localization face numerous challenges in wireless sensor networks (WSNs), particularly due to the constraints posed by the sparse distribution of sensors across large areas. We present DSLoc, a deep learning-based approach for transmitter localization in sparse WSNs. Our method is based on an improved high-resolution network model in neural networks. To address localization in sparse wireless sensor networks, we design efficient feature enhancement modules, and propose to locate transmitter locations in the heatmap using an image centroid-based method. Experiments conducted on WSNs with a 0.01% deployment density demonstrate that, compared to existing deep learning models, our method significantly reduces the transmitter miss rate and improves the localization accuracy by more than double. The results indicate that the proposed method offers more accurate and robust performance in sparse WSN environments.

Endoglin (ENG) mutation causes type 1 hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT1). HHT1 patients have arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) in multiple organs, including the brain. In mice, Eng deletion induced by R26RCreER or SM22αCre leads to AVM development in the brain and other organs. We hypothesized that an increase in Eng- negative ECs will enhance AVM severity. To increase EC Eng deletion, we used a codon-improved cre (icre), which is more potent in recombination of the floxed alleles than the wild-type (WT) cre. R26RCreER;Engf/f mice that have a Rosa promoter driving and tamoxifen (TM)-inducible WT cre expression globally, and PdgfbiCreER;Engf/f mice that have a Pdgfb promoter driving and TM-inducible icre expression in ECs were treated with three intra-peritoneal injections of TM (2.5 mg/25 g of body weight) to delete Eng globally or in the ECs. AAV-VEGF was stereotactically injected into the brain to induce brain focal angiogenesis and brain AVM. We found that icre caused more Eng deletion in the brain, indicated by a lower level of Eng proteins (p < 0.001) and fewer Eng-positive ECs (p = 0.01) than mice with WT cre. Mice with icre-mediated Eng deletion have more abnormal vessels (p = 0.02), CD68+ macrophages (p = 0.002), and hemorrhage (p = 0.04) and less vascular pericyte and smooth muscle coverage than mice with WT cre. In addition, arteriovenous shunts were detected in the intestines of icre mice, a phenotype that has not been detected in WT cre mice before. RNA-seq analysis showed that 8 out of the 10 top upregulated pathways identified by gene ontology (GO) analysis are related to inflammation. Therefore, the increase in Eng deletion in ECs exacerbates AVM severity, which is associated with enhanced inflammation. Strategies that can reduce Eng-negative ECs could be used to develop new therapies to reduce AVM severity for HHT1 patients.

Ti3SiC2/Cu composites were prepared using spark plasma sintering technology, and the effect of the velocity–load bivariate on the tribological behaviors of the Ti3SiC2/Cu-45# steel tribo-pair at 800 °C was investigated. The physical change and frictional chemical reaction during the friction process were analyzed based on the morphology characterization and frictional interface phases. The related friction and wear mechanism model was established. The results showed that the influence of velocity and load on the tribological performance of the Ti3SiC2/Cu-45# steel tribo-pair was not monotonically linear. When both the velocity and load were large, the coordinated effect of the two led to a low friction coefficient (0.52). At 800 °C, the velocity mainly affected the exfoliation and re-formation of the oxide film on the wear surface of the Ti3SiC2/Cu-45# steel tribo-pair, while the load affected the extrusion and fragmentation of the oxide film on the wear surface of the tribo-pair. In the friction process, frictional oxidation was the main influencing factor for the formation of the oxide film. When the velocity and load were small, the main frictional oxide consisted of SiO2−x and a small amount of CuO. When the velocity reached 1 m/s and the load reached 3 N, the oxide film was partially broken down and flaked off, and the matrix of the Ti3SiC2/Cu composite was exposed and oxidized, at which time the oxide film was composed of SiO2−x, TiO2, CuO, and Fe2O3. Under the synergistic effect of the velocity–load–temperature field, the friction and wear mechanism of the Ti3SiC2/Cu-45# steel tribo-pair changed from abrasive wear to frictional oxidation wear with the increase in velocity and load.

Water shortages are serious in northwest China due to the level of social and economic development, engineering, resource shortages, and other factors being restricted, so the conflict between supply and demand for water resources is prominent in different regions and different water use sectors. Therefore, Pingliang City was selected as the research object in this study. The membership function was introduced, and an interactive algorithm to correct model parameters based on the fairness constraint was derived. An uncertain multi-objective fuzzy programming model was also established. The results show that the optimal allocation of water will be 38,051.9~40,740 × 104 m3 and 39,938.4~41,317.5 × 104 m3 under a normal year (p = 50%) and a dry year (p = 75%) in 2025, respectively, and the corresponding water shortage rates will be 4.2% and 6.7%. In 2035, the optimal water allocation will be 45,644.1~49,245.9 × 104 m3 and 46,442.4~50,044.2 × 104 m3 and the water shortage rates will be 7.0% and 7.0%, respectively. The proportion of groundwater supply will decrease by 8.8% and 13.8% in 2025 and 2035 after the optimal allocation, the proportion of surface water supply will increase by 9.6% and 12.2%, and the proportion of reclaimed water will increase by −0.78% and 2.1%, respectively. The results can provide a technical reference for the development and utilization of water resources in other cities and similar areas in semi-arid regions.

In order to safeguard the health of river ecosystems and maintain ecological balance, it is essential to rationally allocate water resources. This study utilized continuous runoff data from 1967 to 2020 at the Zhouqu Hydrological Station on the Bailong River. Five hydrological methods, tailored to the hydrological characteristics of the Zhouqu hydrological cross-section, were employed. These methods included the improved dynamic calculation method, the NGPRP method, the improved monthly frequency computation method, the improved RVA method, and the Tennant method. Ecological flow calculations were conducted to determine the ecological flow, with analysis carried out through the degree of satisfaction, economic benefits, and the nonlinear fitting of the GCAS model. We established an ecological flow threshold and early warning program for this specific hydrological cross-section. Ecological flow values calculated using different methods for each month of the year were compared. The improved RVA method and Tennant method resulted in small values ranging from 4.05 to 36.40 m3/s and 7.65 to 22.94 m3/s, respectively, with high satisfaction levels and economic benefits, but not conducive to ecologically sound development. In contrast, the dynamic calculation method, NGPRP method, and improved monthly frequency calculation method yielded larger ecological flow values in the ranges of 21.79–97.02 m3/s, 23.90–137.00 m3/s, and 28.50–126.00 m3/s, respectively, with poor fulfillment and economic benefits. Ecological flow thresholds were determined using the GCAS model, with values ranging from 16.72 to 114.58 m3/s during the abundant water period and from 5.03 to 63.63 m3/s during the dry water period. A three-level ecological warning system was proposed based on these thresholds, with the orange warning level indicating optimal sustainable development capacity for the Zhouqu Hydrological Station. This study provides valuable insights into the scientific management of water resources in the Bailong River Basin to ensure ecological security and promote sustainable development.

Monitoring the condition of rotating machinery is critical in aerospace applications like aircraft engines and helicopter rotors. Faults in these components can lead to catastrophic outcomes, making early detection essential. This paper proposes a novel approach using vibration signals and time series prediction methods for fault detection in rotating aerospace machinery. By extracting relevant features from vibration signals and using prediction models, fault severity can be effectively quantified. Our experimental results show that the proposed method has potential in early fault detection and is applicable to various types of bearing faults and the different statuses of these faults under complex running conditions, achieving very good generalization ability.

Borehole breakouts significantly influence drilling operations’ efficiency and economics. Accurate evaluation of breakout size (angle and depth) can enhance drilling strategies and hold potential for in situ stress magnitude inversion. In this study, borehole breakout size is approached as a complex nonlinear problem with multiple inputs and outputs. Three hybrid multi-output models, integrating commonly used machine learning algorithms (artificial neural networks ANN, random forests RF, and Boost) with the Walrus optimization algorithm (WAOA) optimization techniques, are developed. Input features are determined through literature research (friction angle, cohesion, rock modulus, Poisson’s ratio, mud pressure, borehole radius, in situ stress), and 501 related datasets are collected to construct the borehole breakout size dataset. Model performance is assessed using the Pearson Correlation Coefficient (R2), Mean Absolute Error (MAE), Variance Accounted For (VAF), and Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE). Results indicate that WAOA-ANN exhibits excellent and stable prediction performance, particularly on the test set, outperforming the single-output ANN model. Additionally, SHAP sensitivity analysis conducted on the WAOA-ANN model reveals that maximum horizontal principal stress (σH) is the most influential parameter in predicting both the angle and depth of borehole breakout. Combining the results of the studies and analyses conducted, WAOA-ANN is considered to be an effective hybrid multi-output model in the prediction of borehole breakout size.

In this paper, we used data from 42 soil temperature observation sites in permafrost regions throughout the Northern Hemisphere to analyze the characteristics and variability in soil temperature. The observation data were used to evaluate soil temperature simulations at different depths from 10 CMIP6 models in the permafrost region of the Northern Hemisphere. The results showed that the annual average soil temperature in the permafrost regions in the Northern Hemisphere gradually decreased with increasing latitude, and the soil temperature gradually decreased with depth. The average soil temperatures at different depths were mainly concentrated around 0 °C. The 10 CMIP6 models performed well in simulating soil temperature, but most models tended to underestimate temperatures compared to the measured values. Overall, the CESM2 model yielded the best simulation results, whereas the CNRM-CM6-1 model performed the worst. The change trends in annual average soil temperature across the 42 sites ranged from −0.17 °C/10a to 0.41 °C/10a from 1900 to 2014, the closer to the Arctic, the faster the soil warming rate. The rate of soil temperature change also varied at different depths between 1900–2014 and 1980–2014. The rate of soil temperature change from 1980 to 2014 was approximately three times greater than that from 1900 to 2014.

This study investigated a new method for controlling the emission of fine particles through heterogeneous condensation. Specifically, the research focuses on the application of single-tower double-cycle desulfurization technology in the wet flue gas desulfurization process. The establishment of a supersaturation environment necessary for heterogeneous condensation was achieved by reducing the temperature of desulfurization slurry in the oxidation zone. Numerical simulations were used to study the distribution of the supersaturation degree and fluid dynamics characteristics in the desulfurization tower after the cooling of desulfurization slurry. Furthermore, the impact of single-tower double-cycle technology on the removal efficiency of fine particles was examined. The results of the numerical simulations indicate that cooling the desulfurization slurry in the absorption zone could establish a supersaturated vapor environment, with the supersaturation degree and region increasing as the slurry temperature decreases. Under typical operating conditions, a temperature drop of approximately 8~10 °C was found to be most suitable for the desulfurization slurry. Moreover, lowering the temperature of the desulfurization slurry in the absorption zone increases the supersaturation degree from 0.93 to 1.85. Additionally, the use of single-tower double-cycle desulfurization technology is shown to significantly enhance the removal efficiency of fine particles, particularly those within the particle size range of 0.1~1 μm. Ultimately, this method could increase the removal efficiency of fine particles from 39.9% to 57.9%.

With the emphasis placed by society on environmental resources, current petroleum-based packaging in the food industry can no longer meet people’s needs. However, new active packaging technologies have emerged, such as proteins, polysaccharides, and lipids, in which proteins are widely used for their outstanding gel film-forming properties. Most of the current literature focuses on research applications of single protein-based films. In this paper, we review the novel protein-based packaging technologies that have been used in recent years to categorize different proteins, including plant proteins (soybean protein isolate, zein, gluten protein) and animal proteins (whey protein isolate, casein, collagen, gelatin). The advances that have recently been made in protein-based active packaging technology can be understood by describing protein sources, gel properties, molding principles, and applied research. This paper presents the current problems and prospects of active packaging technology, provides new ideas for the development of new types of packaging and the expansion of gel applications in the future, and promotes the development and innovation of environmentally friendly food packaging.

This study aims to compare the accuracy of genomic estimated breeding values (GEBV) estimated using a genomic best linear unbiased prediction (GBLUP) method and GEBV estimates incorporating prior marker information from a genome-wide association study (GWAS) for the weaning weight trait in highland Merino sheep. The objective is to provide theoretical and technical support for improving the accuracy of genomic selection. The study used a population of 1007 highland Merino ewes, with the weaning weight at 3 months as the target trait. The population was randomly divided into two groups. The first group was used for GWAS analysis to identify significant markers, and the top 5%, top 10%, top 15%, and top 20% markers were selected as prior marker information. The second group was used to estimate genetic parameters and compare the accuracy of GEBV predictions using different prior marker information. The accuracy was obtained using a five-fold cross-validation. Finally, both groups were subjected to cross-validation. The study’s findings revealed that the heritability of the weaning weight trait, as calculated using the GBLUP model, ranged from 0.122 to 0.394, with corresponding prediction accuracies falling between 0.075 and 0.228. By incorporating prior marker information from GWAS, the heritability was enhanced to a range of 0.125 to 0.407. The inclusion of the top 5% to top 20% significant SNPs from GWAS results as prior information into GS showed potential for improving the accuracy of predicting genomic breeding value.

Anthocyanin can improve the stress tolerance and disease resistance of winter wheat to a certain extent, so timely and accurate monitoring of anthocyanin content is crucial for the growth and development of winter wheat. This study measured the ground-based hyperspectral reflectance and the corresponding anthocyanin concentration at four key growth stages—booting, heading, flowering, and filling—to explore the spectral detection of anthocyanin in winter wheat leaves. Firstly, the first-order differential spectra (FDS) are obtained by processing based on the original spectra (OS). Then, sensitive bands (SBS), the five vegetation indices for optimal two-band combinations (VIo2), and the five vegetation indices for optimal three-band combinations (VIo3) were selected from OS and FDS by band screening methods. Finally, modeling methods such as RF, BP, and KELM, as well as models optimized by genetic algorithm (GA), were used to estimate anthocyanin content at different growth stages. The results showed that (1) among all the models, the GA_RF had incredible performance, VIo3 was the superior parameter for estimating anthocyanin values, and the model GA_RF of FDS data based on VIo3 for the filling stage (Rv2 = 0.950, RMSEv = 0.005, RPDv = 4.575) provided the best estimation of anthocyanin. (2) the first-order differential processing could highlight the degree of response of SBS, VIo2, and VIo3 to the anthocyanin values. The model performances of the FDS were better than that of OS on the whole, and the Rv2 of the optimal models of FDS were all greater than 0.89. (3) GA had optimizing effects on the RF, BP, and KELM, and overall, the GA models improved the R2 by 0.00%-18.93% compared to the original models. These results will provide scientific support for the use of hyperspectral techniques to monitor anthocyanin in the future.

Pingliang City has a complex topography and diverse soil types. To realize the improvement of soil according to local conditions and the reasonable and sustainable use of soil resources, an evaluation of soil quality in Pingliang City was carried out, based on the soil distribution situation in Pingliang City, adopting a method combining fuzzy mathematics and cluster analysis of the main evaluation factors, such as soil organic matter, topsoil depth, soil erosion intensity, soil moisture regime, effective soil thickness, soil texture, soil profile structure, soil nutrient status and topographical parts, to carry out a comprehensive evaluation. A comprehensive evaluation of soil quality was conducted in seven counties under the jurisdiction of Pingliang City, and the evaluation results were compared and analyzed against the national standard, “Cultivated land quality grade”, to provide a basis for the selection of scientific soil improvement methods. The results of the arable land quality grades indicate that the quality of farmland in Pingliang City is divided into three to ten grades, and the average quality grade of farmland is 6.83, which is in the middle–lower level, and the overall grade distribution shows the characteristics of low in the middle and high in the east and west. The results of fuzzy mathematics combined with cluster analysis indicated the following trends in soil quality for the 12 soil genera: Chuan black gunny soil > yellow moist soil > sandy soil > silt soil > mulching helilu soil> loessal soil> loamy soil > slope loessal soil > arenosol > tillage leaching gray cinnamon soil > calcareous gray cinnamon soil > red clay soil. The results of the combination of fuzzy mathematics and clustering were significantly correlated with the results of the evaluation of the soil quality of arable land; the correlation coefficient was 0.884. This indicates that the method can accurately and objectively review the advantages and disadvantages of arable land soil and can be effectively applied to the evaluation of the soil quality of agricultural soils in other regions. It is a complement to the existing evaluation of the soil quality of arable land and at the same time provides a reference for the improvement of soil quality in agricultural regions.

Nonsense mutations are genetic mutations that create premature termination codons (PTCs), leading to truncated, defective proteins in diseases such as cystic fibrosis, neurofibromatosis type 1, Dravet syndrome, Hurler syndrome, Beta thalassemia, inherited bone marrow failure syndromes, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and even cancer. These mutations can also trigger a cellular surveillance mechanism known as nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD) that degrades the PTC-containing mRNA. The activation of NMD can attenuate the consequences of truncated, defective, and potentially toxic proteins in the cell. Since approximately 20% of all single-point mutations are disease-causing nonsense mutations, it is not surprising that this field has received significant attention, resulting in a remarkable advancement in recent years. In fact, since our last review on this topic, new examples of nonsense suppression approaches have been reported, namely new ways of promoting the translational readthrough of PTCs or inhibiting the NMD pathway. With this review, we update the state-of-the-art technologies in nonsense suppression, focusing on novel modalities with therapeutic potential, such as small molecules (readthrough agents, NMD inhibitors, and molecular glue degraders); antisense oligonucleotides; tRNA suppressors; ADAR-mediated RNA editing; targeted pseudouridylation; and gene/base editing. While these various modalities have significantly advanced in their development stage since our last review, each has advantages (e.g., ease of delivery and specificity) and disadvantages (manufacturing complexity and off-target effect potential), which we discuss here.

In this study, ultrafiltration fractions (3 k Da, HMH) and solid-phase extraction fractions (hydrophilic hydrolysate, HIH; hydrophobic hydrolysate, HOH) from trypsin hydrolysate purified from croceine croaker (Pseudosciaena crocea) isolate were obtained to investigate the cryoprotective effects of the different fractions, achieved by means of maceration of turbot fish meat after three freeze-thaw cycles. Alterations in the texture, color, moisture loss, myofibrillar protein oxidation stability and conformation, and microstructure of the fish were analyzed after freezing and thawing. The results demonstrate that HIH maximized the retention of fish texture, reduced moisture loss, minimized the oxidation and aggregation of myofibrillar proteins, and stabilized the secondary and tertiary structures of myofibrillar proteins compared to the control group. In conclusion, the HIH component in the trypsin hydrolysates of croceine croaker significantly contributes to minimizing freeze damage in fish meat and acts as an anti-freezing agent with high industrial application potential.

Aluminum (Al) toxicity in acidic soils can significantly reduce peanut yield. The physiological response of peanut leaves to Al poisoning stress still has not been fully explored. This research examined the influences of Al toxicity on peanut leaves by observing the leaf phenotype, scanning the leaf area and perimeter, and by measuring photosynthetic pigment content, physiological response indices, leaf hormone levels, and mineral element accumulation. Fluorescence quantitative RT–PCR (qPCR) was utilized to determine the relative transcript level of specific genes. The results indicated that Al toxicity hindered peanut leaf development, reducing their biomass, surface area, and perimeter, although the decrease in photosynthetic pigment content was minimal. Al toxicity notably affected the activity of antioxidative enzymes, proline content, and MDA (malondialdehyde) levels in the leaves. Additionally, Al poisoning resulted in the increased accumulation of iron (Fe), potassium (K), and Al in peanut leaves but reduced the levels of calcium (Ca), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and magnesium (Mg). There were significant changes in the content of hormones and the expression level of genes connected with hormones in peanut leaves. High Al concentrations may activate cellular defense mechanisms, enhancing antioxidative activity to mitigate excess reactive oxygen species (ROS) and affecting hormone-related gene expression, which may impede leaf biomass and development. This research aimed to elucidate the physiological response mechanisms of peanut leaves to Al poisoning stress, providing insights for breeding new varieties resistant to Al poisoning.

In 1622, a counter-reformist concept of the mission led to the foundation of Propaganda Fide, a congregation to which the Supreme Pontiffs entrusted various tasks at the global level, including the reassertion of the pope’s authority over missionary activities, which had previously been dominated by European secular powers using the patronage system. In carrying out its mandate, the new Congregation also charged apostolic nuncios, almost entirely Italian, with collecting information from and establishing direct contacts with the states of Catholic Christianity and of missionary territories beyond. These nuncios not only performed activities of a religious nature but also served as diplomats and representatives of the pope, endowed with particular powers and faculties. This article introduces the role of apostolic nuncios and analyzes the results of the first of these sent by the Propaganda Fide to China, Charles Thomas Maillard de Tournon. It will show that, as the first papal legate to China, he was not entirely successful in his objectives, but his mission can be seen as a turning point in the history of relations between the Holy See and China and as an important episode which helps us to understand not only early Sino–papal relations but also the development of the new global vision of the Catholic Church as it was formulated by the Propaganda Fide.

Background: Cancer survivors are at higher risk of developing severe complications from influenza due to their compromised immune systems. Despite their increased vulnerability to influenza and the availability of vaccines, vaccine hesitancy among cancer survivors remains a significant public health concern in China. Methods: A multicenter, cross-sectional study was conducted among cancer survivors in China from January to December 2023. A total of 500 participants were recruited from the oncology departments of five tertiary hospitals. A structured, self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demographic characteristics, cancer-related information, medical history, lifestyle factors, and influenza vaccine hesitancy. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with influenza vaccine hesitancy. Results: The response rate was 97.0% (485/500). Among all participants, 204 (42.06%) reported vaccine hesitancy. The results of multiple logistic regression showed that the longer the end of anti-cancer treatment, without a history of adverse vaccine reactions, and the level of family support played a protective role in vaccine hesitancy. Current rehabilitation status, frequent colds, not being informed by doctors about vaccination, exercising, lack of community vaccination education programs, and concerns about vaccine safety were risk factors that increase vaccine hesitancy. Conclusions: A high proportion of cancer survivors in our study reported influenza vaccine hesitancy. Addressing concerns about vaccine safety, improving access to vaccination services, and enhancing doctor–patient communication are crucial for increasing influenza vaccine uptake in this vulnerable population.

Fibroblast growth factor 5 (FGF5) plays key roles in promoting the transition from the anagen to catagen during the hair follicle cycle. The sheep serves as an excellent model for studying hair growth and is frequently utilized in various research processes related to human skin diseases. We used the CRISPR/Cas9 system to generate four FGF5-edited Dorper sheep and only low levels of FGF5 were detected in the edited sheep. The density of fine wool in GE sheep was markedly increased, and the proportion of fine wool with a diameter of 14.4–20.0 μm was significantly higher. The proliferation signal in the skin of gene-edited (GE) sheep was stronger than in wild-type (WT) sheep. FGF5 editing decreased cortisol concentration in the skin, further activated the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as Glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and regulated the expression of Wnt signaling pathways containing Wnt agonists (Rspondins, Rspos) and antagonists (Notum) in hair regeneration. We suggest that FGF5 not only mediates the activation of antioxidant pathways by cortisol, which constitutes a highly coordinated microenvironment in hair follicle cells, but also influences key signals of the Wnt pathway to regulate secondary hair follicle (SHF) development. Overall, our findings here demonstrate that FGF5 plays a significant role in regulating SHF growth in sheep and potentially serves as a molecular marker of fine wool growth in sheep breeding.