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Over the past decade, surface ozone has emerged as a significant air pollutant in China, especially in the North China Plain (NCP). For effective ozone management in the NCP, it is crucial to accurately estimate the surface ozone levels and identify the primary influencing factors for ozone pollution in this region. This study utilized ozone precursors such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides (NOX), meteorological data, land cover, normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), terrain, and population data to build an extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost)-based ozone estimation model in the NCP during 2019 to 2021. Four ozone estimation models were developed using different NO2 and formaldehyde (HCHO) datasets from the Sentinel-5 TROPOMI observations and Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) reanalysis data. Site-based validation results of these four models showed high accuracy with R2 values above 0.86. Among these four models, two models with higher accuracy and higher spatial coverage ratio were selected, and their results were averaged to produce the final ozone estimation products. The results indicated that VOCs and NOX were the two main pollutants causing ozone pollution in the NCP, and their relative contributions accounted for more than 23.34% and 10.23%, respectively, while HCHO also played a significant role, contributing over 5.64%. Additionally, meteorological factors also had a notable impact, contributing 28.63% to ozone pollution, with each individual factor contributing more than 2.38%. The spatial distribution of ozone pollution identified the Hebei–Shandong–Henan junction as a pollution hotspot, with the peak occurring in summer, particularly in June. Therefore, for this hotspot region in the NCP, promoting the reduction in VOCs and NOx can play an important role in the mitigation of O3 pollution and the improvement in air quality in this region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To address the issues of tractors using too much fuel and not being energy efficient, a predictive control strategy based on Pontryagin's minimum principle integrating working condition prediction is proposed for agricultural hybrid tractors. The Dongfanghong 1804 tractor is being used for research. Firstly, the main parameters of the hybrid drive system are determined and modeled. Secondly, based on the adaptive cubic exponential forecasting method, the working condition information for a period of time in the future is predicted through historical working condition information. Furthermore, combining the predicted working conditions information, the goal is to minimize the total energy consumption cost of the entire machine. Motor power and diesel engine power are control variables. The battery state of charge is a state variable. Subsequently, a predictive control strategy based on Pontryagin's minimum principle integrating working condition prediction is proposed. Finally, the simulation test is carried out based on the MATLAB simulation platform. Research indicates: under plowing conditions, compared with the power following control strategy, the proposed predictive control strategy can effectively manage the performance of the diesel engine and motor, ensuring they operate at their most efficient level. The total energy consumption costs of the power following control and predictive control strategies are 37.17 China Yuan (CNY) and 33.67 CNY, respectively. The cost of energy used is decreased by 9. 42%, which helps make tractor field plowing more efficient and economical. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Matrine, an alkaloid derived from the dried roots of Sophora flavescens Aiton, has been utilized for the treatment of liver diseases, but its potential hepatotoxicity raises concerns. However, the precise condition and mechanism of action of matrine on the liver remain inconclusive. Therefore, the objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to comprehensively evaluate both the hepatoprotective and hepatotoxic effects of matrine and provide therapeutic guidance based on the findings. Methods: The meta-analysis systematically searched relevant preclinical literature up to May 2023 from eight databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, WanFang Med Online, China Science and Technology Journal Database, and China Biomedical Literature Service System. The CAMARADES system assessed the quality and bias of the evidence. Statistical analysis was conducted using STATA, which included the use of 3D maps and radar charts to display the effects of matrine dosage and frequency on hepatoprotection and hepatotoxicity. Results: After a thorough screening, 24 studies involving 657 rodents were selected for inclusion. The results demonstrate that matrine has bidirectional effects on ALT and AST levels, and it also regulates SOD, MDA, serum TG, serum TC, IL-6, TNF-α, and CAT levels. Based on our comprehensive three-dimensional analysis, the optimal bidirectional effective dosage of matrine ranges from 10 to 69.1 mg/kg. However, at a dose of 20-30 mg/kg/d for 0.02-0.86 weeks, it demonstrated high liver protection and low toxicity. The molecular docking analysis revealed the interaction between MT and SERCA as well as SREBP-SCAP complexes. Matrine could alter Ca2+ homeostasis in liver injury via multiple pathways, including the SREBP1c/SCAP, Notch/RBP-J/HES1, IκK/NF-κB, and Cul3/Rbx1/Keap1/Nrf2. Conclusion: Matrine has bidirectional effects on the liver at doses ranging from 10 to 69.1 mg/kg by influencing Ca2+ homeostasis in the cytoplasm, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, and mitochondria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The incidence of diabetes and related mortality rate increase yearly in modern cities. Additionally, elevated glucose levels can result in an increase of reactive oxygen species (ROS), ferroptosis, and the disruption of protective pathways in the heart. These factors collectively heighten the vulnerability of diabetic individuals to myocardial ischemia. Reperfusion therapies have been effectively used in clinical practice. There are limitations to the current clinical methods used to treat myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. As a result, reducing posttreatment ischemia/reperfusion injury remains a challenge. Therefore, efforts are underway to provide more efficient therapy. Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (Danshen) has been used for centuries in ancient China to treat cardiovascular diseases (CVD) with rare side effects. Salvianolic acid is a water-soluble phenolic compound with potent antioxidant properties and has the greatest hydrophilic property in Danshen. It has recently been discovered that salvianolic acids A (SAA) and B (SAB) are capable of inhibiting apoptosis by targeting the JNK/Akt pathway and the NF-kB pathway, respectively. This review delves into the most recent discoveries regarding the therapeutic and cardioprotective benefits of salvianolic acid for individuals with diabetes. Salvianolic acid shows great potential in myocardial protection in diabetes mellitus. A thorough understanding of the protective mechanism of salvianolic acid could expand its potential uses in developing medicines for treating diabetes mellitus related myocardial ischemia-reperfusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The new Shanghai No. 1 Coal Mine is located in arid and semiarid area of northwest China, which is characterized by scarce rainfall, intense evaporation, and limited water resources. High-intensity coal mining has caused severe damage to groundwater resources. The Baotashan sandstone aquifer of the Jurassic system has abundant water resources, and they are stored in the floor strata of mining coal seams. This poses the risk of high-pressure build-up and water inrush hazards during the mining of coal. To avoid these, the Baotashan sandstone aquifer needs to be drained and depressurized, which can result in a huge waste of water resources. Thus, taking the New Shanghai No. 1 Coal Mine as the basis for the case study, the impact of coal mining on the underground water resources was quantified. Large-scale water release tests were performed under the shaft to determine the hydrogeological properties of the Baotashan sandstone aquifer and a three-dimensional numerical model of the groundwater system was established. The dynamic phenomenon of water drainage was simulated and the drained water discharge was predicted under the condition of safe mining. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In China, the Ministry of Transport stressed the need to "Strengthen the application of active safety technology". The transportation of hazardous chemicals represented by LNG, LPG, and liquefied hydrocarbons is the weak link in traffic safety. The aim of this study is to apply digital twin (hereinafter referred to as DT) technology to the whole process of handling (including loading and unloading) and transportation of hazardous chemicals to help improve the anti-risk ability of road networks at all levels. The method is intended to design a monitoring system covering operation visualization, information fusion, cargo tracking, and hazard source monitoring that is based on DT technology and multi-source data acquisition technology. First, DT technology in the areas of hazardous chemicals handling and transportation is discussed. Then, the DT system is designed, including the system construction, functions, and the means of achieving these functions. Finally, taking the procedure in LNG road transportation as an example, we illustrate the application of DT in its four stages. This system is used to present the evolutionary path of accidents that occur in different links and assist in testing the rationality of the comprehensive disposal plan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Shandong Peninsula is the largest peninsula in China and has played a vital part in Chinese civilisation. The ancient independent Laizi kingdom was located on the Shandong peninsula. While large demographic changes have happened at this peninsula throughout history, the genetic landscape of modern populations on this peninsula has never been clarified. The aims of our study were to investigate population genetic characteristics of the populations on the Shandong peninsula and to reveal their genetic affinities with other populations around the world. Allele frequencies, Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium, and forensic parameters of 15 autosomal STRs in the AmpFlSTR® Identifiler system were obtained from the studied populations with 2441 individuals in total. Allele frequencies were used to reveal the phylogenetic relationships among 287 worldwide populations. The combined power of discrimination (CPD) and the combined power of exclusion (CPE) in the whole of the Han population on the Shandong Peninsula were 0.999999999999999983 and 0.999998155, respectively. The 15 autosomal loci were polymorphic and informative among our studied populations. Genetic homogeneities were revealed between the modern populations on the Shandong Peninsula and Han nationalities from Northeastern China as well as East China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which focuses on the ecosystem evapotranspiration (ET) of tropical rain forest located in Xishuangbanna, China. The study conducted an eddy covariance flux measurement at the rain forest wherein a three-dimensional sonic anometer was used to measure the wind speed and virtual temperature of eddy covariance. The study reveals that soil water availability in hot-dry season can control the ET wherein it ET is also considered to be higher during dry season.

Leaf and fig phenology (including leafing, flowering, and fruiting) and syconium growth of Ficus racemosa were studied in Xishuangbanna, China. Leaffall and flushing of F. racemosa occurred twice yearly: in mid-dry season (December to March) and mid-rainy season (July to September). The adult leaf stage of the first leaf production was remarkably longer than that of the second. F. racemosa bears syconia throughout the year, producing 4.76 crops annually. Asynchronous fig production was observed at a population level. Fig production was independent of leafing. Fig production peaks were not evident, but fluctuation was clear. Diameter growth rates of syconium were normally higher in early developmental stages than in later stages, and reached a peak coinciding with the female flower phase. The mean ± SD of syconium diameter of the female flower phase was 2.19 ± 0.36 cm, and reached 3.67 ± 0.73 cm of the male flower phase. Syconium diameter and receptacle cavity quickly enlarged at the female and male flower phases. Monthly diameter increment of the syconium was primarily affected by average monthly temperature, rather than rainfall or relative humidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Riparian vegetation is an important inhabitant of numerous forest ecosystems, although it is vulnerable and affected by the changes in climate or microclimate. Due to the fluctuation in rainfall and surface water availability, riparian plants usually exposed to two different seasons throughout the year: a dry season and a rainy season. However, water use patterns among riparian plants are still poorly understood in the tropical monsoon region. In this study, we used stable isotope techniques (δD and δ18O) coupled with MixSIAR model to identify the water sources for riparian plants in a tropical forest of SW China. The results showed an apparent seasonal variation in water use patterns for most trees, and the spatial variations were less pronounced between the terrace and floodplain sites. Among most riparian trees, deep soil (below 50 cm) was the main water source in the dry season, and shallow soil (above 15 cm) was the primary water source during the rainy season. However, there was no change in water source for herbs and other shallow‐rooted species with the fluctuation in water availability. This result indicates that shallow‐rooted plants (i.e., herbs and seedlings) struggle for their survivability in a riparian ecosystem because of the water scarcity in shallow soil during the dry season. Thus, lower rainfall and/or extended dry period may affect the productivity and sustainability of riparian vegetation under a future climate change scenario. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]