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The live poultry trade is thought to play an important role in the spread and maintenance of highly pathogenic avian influenza A viruses (HP AIVs) in Asia. Despite an abundance of small-scale observational studies, the role of the poultry trade in disseminating AIV over large geographic areas is still unclear, especially for developing countries with complex poultry production systems. Here we combine virus genomes and reconstructed poultry transportation data to measure and compare the spatial spread in China of three key subtypes of AIV: H5N1, H7N9, and H5N6. Although it is difficult to disentangle the contribution of confounding factors, such as bird migration and spatial distance, we find evidence that the dissemination of these subtypes among domestic poultry is geographically continuous and likely associated with the intensity of the live poultry trade in China. Using two independent data sources and network analysis methods, we report a regional-scale community structure in China that might explain the spread of AIV subtypes in the country. The identification of this structure has the potential to inform more targeted strategies for the prevention and control of AIV in China.

[Introduction] With the promotion of comprehensive utilization of natural gas and the encouragement of clean energy power generation, the construction of large combined-cycle power plant is one of the important forms to achieve this goal. [Method] In this paper, through case study, scheme formulation, analysis and summary, the design philosophy to meet water consumption index of large combined-cycle peak-regulation power plant in south China was studied and discussed: The water source characteristics and design difficulties of the project were analyzed, the water-saving design scheme was formulated, the water balance was calculated, and other water-saving design ideas were discussed. [Result] In order to meet the increasingly stringent requirements of water consumption index, large circulation cooling combined-cycle peak-regulation power plant in South China should consider the water source characteristics, selection of concentration ratio of cooling tower and reuse of cooling tower discharge water based on the site conditions of the project, and formulate appropriate design schemes to ensure the realization of water-saving goal. [Conclusion] The research can provide design philosophy for the same type plants to meet water comsuption index.

With the marine industry's demands for carbon reduction and increased reliability, the friction and wear performance of marine engines is becoming increasingly important. MAX phase materials show great potential in marine engine tribopair materials due to their unique microstructure and performance. The typical MAX phase material Ti3AlC2 was combined with MoDTC and added to the lubricant containing ZDDP additive for the tribopair composed of chromium-based ceramic composite coated steel (CKS) piston rings and cast iron cylinder liners under impact-sliding conditions. Compared to Ti3AlC2 alone, the friction coefficient and wear depth of the designed composite additive MoDTC/Ti3AlC2 were reduced by 36.9% and 41.4%, respectively. The worn surface lubricated with the Ti3AlC2/MoDTC composite additive showed fewer scratches with significantly less plastic deformation and clearer honing grooves. The multi-component tribofilm containing FeS, MoS2, MoO3, ZnO, TiO2, Al2O3, unoxidised particles, short-chain phosphates, and some ZnS was present on the worn cylinder liner surface. The synergistic effect of Ti3AlC2, MoDTC and ZDDP additives in the lubricant can isolate the mutual contact, generate a solid tribofilm and reduce the scratching. This can provide some guidance for the development of high-performance lubricant additives under impact-sliding conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parthenogenesis is the development of an embryo from an unfertilized egg and is a common reproductive mechanism in invertebrate arthropods, especially insects and mites (1). One of the potential advantages [...]

Considering the high prevalence and poor prognosis of cardiometabolic multimorbidity (CMM), identifying causal factors and actively implementing preventive measures is crucial. However, Mendelian randomization (MR), a key method for identifying the causal factors of CMM, requires knowledge of the effects of SNPs on CMM, which remain unknown. We first analyzed the genetic overlap of single cardiometabolic diseases (CMDs) using the latest genome‐wide association study (GWAS) for evidential support and comparison. We observed strong positive genetic correlations and shared loci among all CMDs. Further, GWAS and post‐GWAS analyses of CMM were performed in 407 949 European ancestry individuals from the UK Biobank. Eleven loci and 12 lead SNPs were identified. By comparison, we found these SNPs were a subset of SNPs associated with CMDs, including both shared and non‐shared SNPs. Then, the polygenic risk score model predicted the risk of CMM (C‐index = 0.62) and we identified candidate genes related to lipid metabolism and immune function. Finally, as an example, two‐sample MR analysis based on the GWAS revealed potential causal effects of total cholesterol, serum urate, body mass index, and smoking on CMM. These results provide a basis for future MR research and inspire future studies on the mechanism and prevention of CMM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To calculate the tension in cables with different boundary conditions, the relationship between cables with fixed–fixed and hinged–hinged boundary conditions in terms of the frequency was determined according to frequency characteristic equations of cables with the two boundary conditions. In this way, a simple calculation formula for tension with fixed–fixed boundary conditions was deduced. Similarly, a calculation formula for the tension in cables with a fixed–hinged boundary condition was proposed using the method. Results show that the proposed formulae, with high computational accuracy and wide ranges of application, can be used to calculate the cable tension under a dimensionless parameter (ξ) not lower than 6.9, so it is convenient to apply the formulae to calculate tension in practice. Meanwhile, changes in the frequency ratios of cables with different boundary conditions than those with a hinged–hinged boundary condition were analyzed. Results show that when ξ is not lower than 25, the frequency ratios of cables of various orders tend to be the same. The boundary coefficient(λ) was introduced. Given the cable stiffness, the tension and boundary coefficient(λ) can be calculated through linear regression. The method considers influences of unknown rotational end-restraints of cables and accurately calculates the cable tension. By using simulation examples and engineering examples, the method was verified to be accurate in calculating the cable tension, thus providing a novel, practical method for estimating tension in cables, booms, and anchor-span strands of suspension bridges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]