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ABSTRACT In this article, we propose an observer‐based dynamic quantized control approach to stabilize networked control systems plagued by time delays. Our first step involves designing an observer‐based dynamic quantizer that effectively circumvents saturation, even in the presence of time delays. Notably, the zoom variable of this quantizer can be discretely adjusted. Specifically, the interval between two consecutive adjustments of the zoom variable has a positive lower bound, which contributes to reduced energy consumption. Next, we consider unbounded time delays that may lead to packet loss in networked control systems with limited bit rate. We prove that the system stabilization relies on a mild assumption on packet loss frequency. We then design a controller based on the quantized state of the observer to counteract time delays and maintain system performance. Finally, we provide three numerical examples to validate our theoretical results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid industrialization and urbanization in China have exacerbated air pollution, particularly PM2.5, posing significant threats to public health. This study focused on Lianyungang, an industrial city, to analyze the spatiotemporal variations in PM2.5 concentrations from 2000 to 2023 and identify the influencing factors. Utilizing high-resolution PM2.5 data from the ChinaHighPM2.5 dataset and ERA5 meteorological data, the study employed Empirical Orthogonal Function (EOF) analysis to capture spatial variability and the Bayesian Estimator of Abrupt Change Seasonal and Trend (BEAST) to assess long-term trends and abrupt changes. The key findings include a marked seasonal pattern, with higher PM2.5 levels during the winter months and lower concentrations in the summer, primarily driven by temperature, humidity, and precipitation. A significant decline in PM2.5 levels was observed after 2014, following the implementation of pollution control measures. The study underscores the importance of continued environmental regulation and green technology adoption in mitigating air pollution in rapidly industrializing cities. This research provides a comprehensive analysis of PM2.5 trends and highlights the critical role of natural and human factors, contributing valuable insights for policymakers and researchers aiming to improve air quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Double shell capsule can provide a potential low-convergence to fusion ignition at relatively low temperature (∼3 keV). One of the main sources of degrading double shell implosion performance is the low-mode asymmetries. Recently, the experiments on the evolution of low-mode asymmetries introduced by x-ray P2 drive asymmetry during double shell implosions were carried out on the SG facility, where the outer shell and inner shell shapes were measured through the backlit radiography, and the fuel shape near stagnation was measured by core x-ray self-emission imaging. The time-dependent x-ray flux symmetry was controlled by varying the inner cone fraction, defined as the ratio of the inner cone power to the total laser power, while keeping the drive temperature histories same across experiments. Both the hohlraum radiation and the capsule implosions were analyzed using a two-dimensional radiation-hydrodynamics code. Comparing the experimental radiographs and self-emission images to the simulations, it is found that the simulated outer shell, inner shell and hot spot shapes are in qualitative agreement with experiments, especially, the symmetry swings of the hot spot shape near stagnation are observed from both experimental and simulation results. Further, the effect of x-ray drive asymmetries on double shell implosion performance is preliminarily investigated using numerical simulations. We find that the azimuthal variations in radial velocity caused by drive asymmetries can generate azimuthal mass flow of the inner shell, thus kinetic energy of the inner shell would be not converted into fuel internal energy with high efficiency, and the mass-averaged ion temperature of the fuel at stagnation would be reduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transition metal carbide shows excellent performance in selective hydrogenation of acetylene, however, the carburization of Pd-based intermetallic compounds remains infeasible. Here we report the successful synthesis of an unprecedented Pd3ZnCx intermetallic carbide, via co-infiltration of zinc and carbon in one-step carburization by syngas. Utilizing state-of-the-art in situ characterizations and theoretical calculation, we unveil the dynamic evolution of Pd3ZnCx during carburization, forming a Pd3Zn like cubic phase carbide structure. A unique transitional state (Pdt) with low content of Zn/C co-infiltration is clearly identified facilitating phase transition and sustain incorporation of carbon and zinc at elevated temperatures. The Pd3ZnCx carbide shows by far the best catalytic performance in the selective hydrogenation of acetylene with a high selectivity (>90%) even at a high H2/C2H2 ratio. Our results therefore provide a co-infiltration strategy and dynamic insights for the one-step synthesis of Pd based intermetallic carbides, towards high-performance intermetallic compound for selective hydrogenation of acetylene. Transition metal carbides exhibit outstanding performance in the selective hydrogenation of acetylene, but carburizing Pd-based intermetallic compounds has been challenging. Here, the authors present a successful synthesis of Pd3ZnCx intermetallic carbide for selective hydrogenation of acetylene through a one-step co-infiltration of zinc and carbon using syngas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Inhibitors of the anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene mutation are first-line treatments in patients with ALK-positive lung cancer. The FDA label warns of the risk of interstitial lung disease (ILD) in patients receiving ALK TKIs. However, ILD associated with ALK TKIs is not fully understood. The aim of this study was to characterize the features of ALK TKI-related ILD and to explore risk factors for ALK TKI-related ILD. Methods: FDA's Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) reports from 2011 Q1 to 2023 Q2 were extracted and combined. Standardized MedDRA queries (SMQs) were used to search for AEs at the preferred term (PT) level. Four algorithms were employed to quantify the signals of ILD associated with ALK TKIs. The risk of ILD was further analyzed using logistic regression. Results: A total of 20,064 reports of ALK TKIs and 640 (3.2%) reports of ILD AEs were extracted. Significant disproportionality was detected in all five ALK TKIs. Interstitial lung disease and pneumonitis were the most common lung toxicities induced by ALK TKIs. Results of further analyses revealed a different spectrum of lung toxicity among the various TKIs. The median time to onset of ILD related to ALK TKIs was 53 days (Q1:12, Q3:209), and more than 70% of AEs occurred within the first 2 months. Logistic regression analysis and risk prediction model both showed that different ALK TKIs and their combination with PPIs, amlodipine, and magnesium oxide were independent risk factors for ILD (p <0.05). Conclusion: ALK TKIs have different safety profiles regarding lung toxicity, which normally occurs within the first 2 months. Administration in combination with PPIs, amlodipine, and magnesium oxide significantly increases the risk of ILD. These results provide risk prediction for ILD related to ALK TKIs and support pharmacovigilance to promote safe prescribing in oncology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: Teosinte branched1/Cycloidea/Proliferating cell nuclear antigen factors (TCPs) are plant-specific transcription factors involved in leaf development, flowering, branching, hormone signaling, and stress responses. Prunus a key temperate fruit tree with ornamental spring blooms, still lacks comprehensive TCP gene studies across many species. Methods: We identified 154 TCP genes in eight Prunus species: 19 in Prunus tenella var. tenella, 19 in P. amygdalus, 17 in P. armeniaca 'Rojo Pasion', 19 in P. mira, 20 in P. jamasakura var. jamasakura, 19 in P. fruticosa, 19 in P. mume var. tortuosa, and 22 in P. × yedoensis 'Somei-yoshino'. These genes were classified into PCF, CIN, and CYC/TB1 groups. We examined segmental duplication, conserved motifs, and cis-acting elements. Expression patterns of 12 TCPs in P. tenella var. tenella were tested under low-temperature stress (25 °C, 5 °C, −5 °C, and −10 °C), and PtTCP9's subcellular localization was determined. Results: TCP genes within the same groups showed similar motifs and cis-acting elements. Cold stress analysis identified multiple low-temperature-responsive elements in gene promoters. Four genes (PtTCP2, PtTCP6, PtTCP14, and PtTCP16) increased expression under cold stress, while six genes (PtTCP1, PtTCP5, PtTCP8, PtTCP9, PtTCP17, and PtTCP19) decreased. PtTCP9 was localized to the nucleus. Conclusions: This was the first genome-wide study of the TCP gene family in these eight Prunus species, providing valuable insights into the characteristics and functions of TCP genes within this important genus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This study explores the genetic variation and trait correlations within a collection of 52 'Shiqian Taicha' tea germplasms originating from Shiqian County, Guizhou Province, China. The 'Shiqian Taicha' landraces exhibit substantial genetic diversity and are characterized by unique morphological and biochemical attributes. The Shannon-Weaver diversity index (H') values for the morphological traits ranged from 0.37 to 2.06, with an average value of 1.02, which suggests a greater level of genetic diversity than those of other domestic tea germplasms. The biochemical analysis demonstrated considerable variation, with coefficients of variation (CVs) for biochemical components ranging from 3.73 to 54.05% (mean CV: 20.35%). In addition, 25 germplasms had epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) contents ≥ 10%. The correlation analysis revealed significant associations between morphological traits and biochemical components, with particularly positive correlations between the leaf texture and key biochemical components such as total catechins (TC) and EGCG (p < 0.01). The clustering analysis, which was based on morphological and biochemical profiles, further categorized the tea germplasms into distinct groups. Notably, SWD-G, SLD005, SWXD005, and SWD004 were identified as superior germplasms with comprehensive biochemical qualities and high EGCG contents. These unique resources have potential for the cultivation of specific tea varieties with regional characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractChina’s urbanization has relocated many rural families, but it remains unclear if such changes undermine patriarchy. This study draws on survey and interview data in northwestern China to examine what prevailing principles families draw on in dividing the newly acquired family wealth (1) between parents and children, (2) between elder and younger children, and (3) between sons and daughters. These family decisions are not triggered by life course changes but are induced by a sudden increase in family wealth, which may differ from what usually happens in rural families. Quantitative comparison and qualitative case analysis suggest the accelerated downstream transfers from parents and the mixed desires to prioritize sons’ housing needs, care for each child’s entitlement, compensate less privileged children, and secure parents’ elderly care. The persisting values and rising desires, as reflected by multiple principles of altruism, exchange, entitlement, son preference, and need, contributed to the persisting gender effect and the ambiguous generation and parity effects—parents and elder children did not have apparent advantages in family property structures when rural families were relocated or enclosed into urban areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long afterglow materials with excellent optical properties and stable performance are urgently required, particularly in the fields of anti-counterfeiting and encryption. Nowadays, glass ceramics are promising candidates for afterglow, due to their good ability to capture photons and robust chemical stability. Here, a series of Tb3+/Sm3+ co-doped gallosilicate glass precursors were prepared via a high-temperature melting method, forming transparent glass ceramics containing LiGa5O8 nanocrystals by heat-treatment. The afterglow phenomenon was observed in these samples after turning off UV irradiation, and subsequent investigation showed that, by controlling the concentration of two rare earth ions Tb3+ and Sm3+, the afterglow could be transitioned from green (LiGa5O8:Tb3+) to orange (LiGa5O8:Sm3+) and then to yellow (LiGa5O8:Tb3+,Sm3+). Structural analysis reveals that Tb3+ and Sm3+ ions have occupied the octahedral sites (Ga sites) in the LiGa5O8 anti-spinel structure, which makes them close to intrinsic defects beneficial for the afterglow. Furthermore, the process of energy transfer from Tb3+ to Sm3+ ions and the sharing of oxygen vacancy defects are importantly outlined in order to elucidate the mechanism behind the multi-color afterglow phenomenon. The tunable afterglow-emitting glass ceramics provide a novel approach for optical anti-counterfeiting and information encryption, thereby enriching the visual diversity of displayed information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tea, the world's second most traded commodity, significantly impacts the economies of producing countries. However, prolonged cultivation leads to soil degradation, particularly through acidification and the depletion of essential nutrients, which adversely affects tea quality. This study investigates the effects of biomass materials—biochar, organic fertilizer, and bio-organic fertilizer—on both tea quality and soil properties. The results revealed that all biomass treatments improved the catechin quality index (CQI) of tea, with bio-organic fertilizer (BOF) yielding the highest CQI at 629.41, followed closely by biochar (624.16) and organic fertilizer (581.34). Soil analysis indicated that biochar increased soil pH from 4.53 to 5.54, total carbon by 194.6% (from 12.61 g kg−1 to 24.42 g kg−1), and nitrogen levels by 11.7% (from 14.91 mg kg−1 to 16.17 mg kg−1), while reducing soluble salts significantly. Furthermore, biomass treatments enhanced enzyme activities, with urease and acid phosphatase increasing by up to 136.6% and 149.5%, respectively. Correlation analysis revealed significant positive relationships, with tea amino acid content correlating with soil total nitrogen (r = 0.62, p < 0.05) and tea polyphenols positively correlating with available potassium (r = 0.60, p < 0.05). This study demonstrates that integrating biomass materials into tea cultivation not only enhances tea quality but also contributes to soil health, supporting sustainable tea garden management practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]