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Abstract Qarhan Salt Lake, located in the Qaidam Basin on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau in northwestern China, is the largest potash production base in China. The main potash deposit in Qarhan Salt Lake is a comprehensive deposit in which the liquid potassium resources dominated by potassium-rich and lithium-rich brine coexist with the low-grade solid potassium salt deposit composed of solid potash minerals (polyhalite, carnallite, sylvite). Polyhalite is one of the representative potassium minerals, widely distributed in the Bieletan area of Qarhan Salt Lake, coexisting with halite, and its deposition indicates that the paleo-temperature of brine in this area once fluctuated obviously. Twenty core samples from two boreholes in the Bieletan area of the Qarhan Salt Lake were subjected to fluid inclusions thermometry, and homogenization temperatures reflecting the brine temperatures during the precipitation of evaporite minerals in the Salt Lake were obtained, ranging from 12.4 to 28.9 °C and 9.2 to 19.8 °C, respectively. By scanning electron microscopy, acicular polyhalite and pompom-like aggregate of polyhalite have been identified in the sampling layer, indicating that evaporite deposition have reached the stage of potassium salt deposition. The temperature fluctuations of the fluid inclusions and the elemental chemical data are compared vertically, and the sections with significant temperature fluctuations are close to the layers where polyhalite were deposited. It shows that the paleo-temperature fluctuation impact the sedimentary environment of brine, and then affected the polyhalite deposition of Qarhan Salt Lake.

Abstract Salt deposits are indicative of relatively extreme climate events. However, due to insufficient independent temperature proxies, paleotemperature records obtained from salt deposition are still lack. The Paleocene evaporite sequence deposited in the Hongze Depression of Subei Basin of eastern China provides an important terrestrial sediment record during this period. In this study we present total of 488 homogenization temperature (Th) data of halite fluid inclusions from drilling core with different stratigraphic depth after detailed petrological observation. The obtained Th ranged from 17.7 °C to 52.3 °C, with the mean Th value of 34.1 °C that in good agreement with the previous studies of climatic proxies. Our study shows that primary fluid inclusions of halite can serve as a robust tool to construct the ancient earth surface temperature.

Abstract Background Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) has emerged as a promising biomarker for noninvasive cancer diagnostics, particularly in the context of metastatic non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Detecting targetable variants through ctDNA analysis offers the potential to guide treatment decisions, especially in cases where tissue samples are insufficient or unavailable. Method In this study, we developed and validated a next‐generation sequencing panel targeting 101 cancer‐related genes (101‐test) to detect somatic variants in ctDNA from a large cohort of Chinese patients with metastatic NSCLC. The performance of the 101‐test was assessed by evaluating its limit of detection (LOD), accuracy, and precision in identifying molecular variants. Additionally, the concordance between ctDNA and tissue samples for detecting targetable variants was analyzed in 904 patients. Results The 101‐test demonstrated a LOD of 0.38% for single‐nucleotide variants (SNVs), 0.33% for insertions and deletions (InDels), and 0.33% for fusions. Sensitivity was 98.3% for SNVs, 100% for InDels, and 100% for fusions when compared to digital droplet PCR (ddPCR)/breakpoint PCR reference methods. The by‐variant sensitivity for somatic variants was 97.5%, with a specificity of 99.9% between tumor‐only and tumor‐normal analyses. In a real‐world cohort, the concordance between ctDNA and tissue samples for identifying targetable variants was 72.2% (457/633). Notably, the EGFR S768I variant, recently recommended by clinical guidelines, achieved an 80% concordance rate. Furthermore, 4.3% of patients (27/633) with targetable variants were identified exclusively through ctDNA testing. Conclusion The ctDNA‐based 101‐test is a highly sensitive and specific tool for detecting targetable variants in metastatic NSCLC, particularly in cases with insufficient tissue samples. The findings support the use of ctDNA testing as a reliable and complementary method to traditional tissue‐based molecular analysis, enhancing the precision of treatment strategies for NSCLC patients.

Emergency bridges are crucial to providing emergency relief supplies to those isolated residents affected by natural disasters. To increase the bridge’s load-bearing capacity and adaptability for different obstacles in military or natural disaster relief, a novel Bi-Plane V (BPV) shaped prestressed unbonded retrofit cable system was applied to reinforce an emergency bridge assembled using glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) rectangular tubes and steel components. The reinforcing system can prestress steel wire cables by adjusting the length of the vertical brace without using a hydraulic jack or any surface preparation. A pre-tightened teeth connection (PTTC) was efficaciously devised for fastening pultruded GFRP rectangular tubes and steel sleeves. All the parts including the prestressed system and bridge modules can be assembled and disassembled rapidly through single lug and yoke plate joints. Bending tests were conducted to investigate the structural responses under three different conditions. Results demonstrated that the novel prestressed cable system enhanced the overall stiffness of the bridge, improving the mechanical performance and stress state of the GFRP tubes in bridge modules. The dynamic parameter identification test results indicated that by applying about 9.85 kN cable force in each trackway, the first-order natural vibration frequency increased about 37.5 %. Vehicle-through load test results showed that the bridge had the bearing capacity of medium-sized cars, and the corresponding impact factors at about 5 km/h are within the limit of the code.

Abstract This study aimed to investigate the relationship between platelet count (PC) and mortality in patients with hemorrhagic stroke (HS). The research reviewed data from 10,466 patients hospitalized in 208 hospitals in the United States from January 1, 2014, to December 31, 2015. Of these, 3262 HS patients were included in the primary analysis for those admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). The average age of these patients was 67.05 years, with 52.79% being male. The median PC was (221.67 ± 73.78) × 109/L. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that PC was a protective factor for mortality in HS patients (OR = 0.98, 95% CI 0.97–1.00, P

Abstract Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) is the most common complication of chimeric antigen receptor redirected T cells (CAR-T) therapy. CAR-T toxicity management has been greatly improved, but CRS remains a prime safety concern. Here we follow serum cytokine levels and circulating immune cell transcriptomes longitudinally in 26 relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma patients receiving the CAR-T product, ciltacabtagene autoleucel, to understand the immunological kinetics of CRS. We find that although T lymphocytes and monocytes/macrophages are the major overall cytokine source in manifest CRS, neutrophil activation peaks earlier, before the onset of severe symptoms. Intracellularly, signaling activation dominated by JAK/STAT pathway occurred prior to cytokine cascade and displayed regular kinetic changes. CRS severity is accurately described and potentially predicted by temporal cytokine secretion signatures. Notably, CAR-T re-expansion is found in three patients, including a fatal case characterized by somatic TET2-mutation, clonal expanded cytotoxic CAR-T, broadened cytokine profiles and irreversible hepatic toxicity. Together, our findings show that a latent phase with distinct immunological changes precedes manifest CRS, providing an optimal window and potential targets for CRS therapeutic intervention and that CAR-T re-expansion warrants close clinical attention and laboratory investigation to mitigate the lethal risk.

Abstract Cross-country sit-skiers use double poling (DP) technique to drive the slide. The aim of this study is to analyze how poling camber angle affect the capacity of power output and biomechanical parameters of the DP process. Twenty-four non-disabled college students (24.67 ± 1.46 years old) were recruited to perform three successive 30-s maximal effort tests with different poling camber angles of 0°, 15°, 24° and 30° using a sit-skiing ergometer. The biomechanical parameters, output power and muscle activation of the subjects were analyzed. The results showed that DP output power increased with the increase of poling camber angle at 15° (597.78 ± 150.31 J), 24° (610.94 ± 158.96 J, P = 0.011) and 30° (629.10 ± 168.78 J, P

The geological characteristics and enrichment laws of the shale oil in the third submember of the seventh member of Triassic Yanchang Formation (Chang 73) in the Ordos Basin were analyzed by using the information of core observations, experiments and logging, and then the exploration potential and orientation of the Chang 73 shale oil were discussed. The research findings are obtained in three aspects. First, two types of shale oil, i.e. migratory-retained and retained, are recognized in Chang 73. The former is slightly better than the latter in quality. The migratory-retained shale oil reservoir is featured with the frequent interbedding and overlapping of silty–sandy laminae caused by sandy debris flow and low-density turbidity current and semi-deep–deep lacustrine organic-rich shale laminae. The retained shale oil reservoir is composed of black shale with frequent occurrence of bedding and micro-laminae. Second, high-quality source rocks provide a large quantity of hydrocarbon-rich high-quality fluids with high potential energy. The source-reservoir pressure difference provides power for oil accumulation in thin interbeds of organic-poor sandstones with good seepage conditions and in felsic lamina, tuffaceous lamina and bedding fractures in shales. Hydrocarbon generation-induced fractures, bedding fractures and microfractures provide high-speed pathways for oil micro-migration. Frequent sandstone interlayers and felsic laminae provide a good space for large-scale hydrocarbon accumulation, and also effectively improve the hydrocarbon movability. Third, sand-rich areas around the depression are the main targets for exploring migratory-retained shale oil. Mature deep depression areas are the main targets for exploring retained oil with medium to high maturity. Theoretical research and field application of in-situ conversion in low-mature deep depression areas are the main technical orientations for exploring retained shale oil with low to medium maturity.

Based on the combination of core observation, experimental analysis and testingand geological analysis, the main controlling factors of shale oil enrichment in the Lower Permian Fengcheng Formation in the Mahu Sag of the Junggar Basin are clarified, and a shale oil enrichment model is established. The results show that the enrichment of shale oil in the Fengcheng Formation in the Mahu Sag is controlled by the organic abundance, organic type, reservoir capacity and the amount of migration hydrocarbon in shale. The abundance of organic matter provides the material basis for shale oil enrichment, and the shales containing types I and II organic matters have good oil content. The reservoir capacity controls shale oil enrichment. Macropores are the main space for shale oil enrichment in the Fengcheng Formation, and pore size and fracture scale directly control the degree of shale oil enrichment. The migration of hydrocarbons in shale affects shale oil enrichment. The shale that has expelled hydrocarbons has poor oil content, while the shale that has received hydrocarbons migrated from other strata has good oil content. Lithofacies reflect the hydrocarbon generation and storage capacity comprehensively. The laminated felsic shale, laminated lime-dolomitic shale and thick-layered felsic shale have good oil content, and they are favorable lithofacies for shale oil enrichment. Under the control of these factors, relative migration of hydrocarbons occurred within the Fengcheng shale, which leads to the the difference in the enrichment process of shale oil. Accordingly, the enrichment mode of shale oil in Fengcheng Formation is established as “in-situ enrichment” and “migration enrichment”. By superimposing favorable lithofacies and main controlling factors of enrichment, the sweet spot of shale oil in the Fengcheng Formation can be selected which has great significance for the exploration and development of shale oil.

Abstract Wearable robots have been growing exponentially during the past years and it is crucial to quantify the performance effectiveness and to convert them into practical benchmarks. Although there exist some common metrics such as metabolic cost, many other characteristics still needs to be presented and demonstrated. In this study, we developed an integrated evaluation (IE) approach of wearable exoskeletons of lower limb focusing on human performance augmentation. We proposed a novel classification of trial tasks closely related to exoskeleton functions, which were divided into three categories, namely, basic trial at the preliminary phase, semi-reality trial at the intermediate phase, and reality trial at the advanced phase. In the present study, the IE approach has been exercised with a subject who wore an active power-assisted knee (APAK) exoskeleton with three types of trial tasks, including walking on a treadmill at a certain angle, walking up and down on three-step stairs, and ascending in 11-storey stairs. Three wearable conditions were carried out in each trial task, i.e. with unpowered exoskeleton, with powered exoskeleton, and without the exoskeleton. Nine performance indicators (PIs) for evaluating performance effectiveness were adopted basing on three aspects of goal-level, task-based kinematics, and human–robot interactions. Results indicated that compared with other conditions, the powered APAK exoskeleton make generally lesser heart rate (HR), Metabolic equivalent (METs), biceps femoris (BF) and rectus femoris (RF) muscles activation of the subject at the preliminary phase and intermediate phase, however, with minimal performance augmentation at advanced phase, suggesting that the APAK exoskeleton is not suitable for marketing and should be further improved. In the future, continuous iterative optimization for the IE approach may help the robot community to attain a comprehensive benchmarking methodology for robot-assisted locomotion more efficiently.

Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum (Fov) is a common soilborne fungal pathogen that causes Fusarium wilt (FW) disease in cotton. Although considerable progress has been made in cotton disease-resistance breeding against FW in China, and the R gene conferring resistance to Fov race 7 (FOV) in Upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) has been identified, knowledge regarding the evolution of fungal pathogenicity and virulence factors in Fov remains limited. In this study, we present a reference-scale genome assembly and annotation for FOV7, created through the integration of single-molecule real-time sequencing (PacBio) and high-throughput chromosome conformation capture (Hi-C) techniques. Comparative genomics analysis revealed the presence of six supernumerary scaffolds specific to FOV7. The genes or sequences within this region can potentially serve as reliable diagnostic markers for distinguishing Fov race 7. Furthermore, we conducted an analysis of the xylem sap proteome of FOV7-infected cotton plants, leading to the identification of 19 proteins that are secreted in xylem (FovSIX). Through a pathogenicity test involving knockout mutants, we demonstrated that FovSIX16 is crucial for the full virulence of FOV7. Overall, this study sheds light on the underlying mechanisms of Fov’s pathogenicity and provides valuable insights into potential management strategies for controlling FW.

Objective: Objectively and efficiently measuring physical activity is a common issue facing the fields of medicine, public health, education, and sports worldwide. In response to the problem of low accuracy in predicting energy consumption during human motion using accelerometers, a prediction model for asynchronous energy consumption in the human body is established through various algorithms, and the accuracy of the model is evaluated. The optimal energy consumption prediction model is selected to provide theoretical reference for selecting reasonable algorithms to predict energy consumption during human motion.Methods: A total of 100 subjects aged 18–30 years participated in the study. Experimental data for all subjects are randomly divided into the modeling group (n = 70) and validation group (n = 30). Each participant wore a triaxial accelerometer, COSMED Quark pulmonary function tester (Quark PFT), and heart rate band at the same time, and completed the tasks of walking (speed range: 2 km/h, 3 km/h, 4 km/h, 5 km/h, and 6 km/h) and running (speed range: 7 km/h, 8 km/h, and 9 km/h) sequentially. The prediction models were built using accelerometer data as the independent variable and the metabolic equivalents (METs) as the dependent variable. To calculate the prediction accuracy of the models, root mean square error (RMSE) and bias were used, and the consistency of each prediction model was evaluated based on Bland–Altman analysis.Results: The linear equation, logarithmic equation, cubic equation, artificial neural network (ANN) model, and walking-and-running two-stage model were established. According to the validation results, our proposed walking-and-running two-stage model showed the smallest overall EE prediction error (RMSE = 0.76 METs, Bias = 0.02 METs) and the best performance in Bland–Altman analysis. Additionally, it had the lowest error in predicting EE during walking (RMSE = 0.66 METs, Bias = 0.03 METs) and running (RMSE = 0.90 METs, Bias < 0.01 METs) separately, as well as high accuracy in predicting EE at each single speed.Conclusion: The ANN-based walking-and-running two-stage model established by separating walking and running can better estimate the walking and running EE, the improvement of energy consumption prediction accuracy will be conducive to more accurate to monitor the energy consumption of PA.

Source rocks of the Dongying Formation are widely distributed in the Bozhong Sag. It is of great significance to clarify the characteristics and paleoenvironment of the source rocks to promote conventional and unconventional oil and gas exploration in the Bozhong Sag. In this study, organic and inorganic geochemical experiments were carried out on the source rock samples collected from the Dongying Formation in the Bozhong Sag, with aims to analyze the quality and paleoenvironment and compare it with the Shahejie Formation. The results show that: ①the characteristics of source rocks in different layers of the Dongying Formation are significantly different from those in Es1-2.The abundance of organic matter in the lower and third members of the Dongying Formation (Ed2L and Ed3) is high and has reached the mature-high maturity stage. The organic matter of the Dongying Formation is mainly type Ⅱ. ②According to the Pr/nC17-Ph/nC18 charts, the source of organic matter in the Dongying Formation is mixed type, which is obviously different from the low algae of Es1-2.③The paleoenvironment during the formation of source rocks was analyzed by combining the contents or ratios of 16 elements, such as Sr/Cu, Mn/Fe, Pr/Ph and the gammacerane index. Different from the strong reduction-salinized lacustrine basin in the arid climate of Es1-2, the Dongying Formation was formed in a warm and humid climate, accompanied by strong terrigenous input, and controlled in a weakly oxidized freshwater environment. Longitudinally, the paleoclimate changes little from Ed3 to Ed1, and the water salinity is basically the same, but the water depth becomes shallower and the water oxidation conditions show a trend of increasing gradually.④Using Co and La contents to quantitatively restore the paleo-water depth during the deposition of the Dongying Formation, and suggests that Ed3 (50.4 m)>Ed2 (35.7 m)≈Es1-2(33.2 m)≈Ed1(31.7 m). The calculated results are consistent with the previous qualitative results of paleo-water depth.

Pore structure is the key element of tight sandstone reservoirs, which restricts the accumulate and flow of oil and gas in reservoirs. The pore structure is one of the key and difficult point of unconventional oil and gas exploration and development. In this paper, ten dense core samples from the Upper Triassic Yanchang Group 7 section in the Heshui area of the Ordos Basin are selected to carry out experiments, including high-pressure mercury pressure and X-diffraction. Fractal theory is used to analyze the characteristics of pore throats, then the relationship between fractal dimension and reservoir physical properties, pore structure and mineral content is analyzed. The results show that according to the mercury pressure curve and pore structure, the reservoir is divided into categories Ⅰ, Ⅱ and Ⅲ, its reservoir performance and seepage capacity decrease in turn, and the microheterogeneity is enhanced. Different types of reservoirs have different fractal characteristics: according to the inflection points of fractal curves 0.05 and 0.02 μm. The pore size of class Ⅰ reservoirs is divided into large pores (> 50 nm) and medium pores (50-6 nm) by combining the actual situation with the standard of pore size division proposed by IUPAC. According to the inflection point, the reservoirs of classes Ⅱ and Ⅲ can be divided into medium pores a (50-20 nm) and mesoporous B (20-6 nm). The average fractal dimension increased, which was 2.619 3, 2.745 4 and 2.852 6, respectively, and the heterogeneity gradually increased. The main permeability is contributed by fewer large pores, and the fractal dimension mainly reflects the heterogeneity of pore size. The fractal dimension is related to some minerals. Mineral composition and content are the internal factors that determine the fractal dimension and then affect the quality and pore structure of reservoirs.

BackgroundAtrial fibrill ation (AF) is a predominant public health concern in older adults. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the global, regional, and national burden of AF in older adults aged 60–89 between 1990 and 2019.MethodsThe morbidity, mortality, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), and age-standardized rates of AF were refined from the Global Burden of Diseases study 2019. The epidemiological characteristics were assessed based on numerical values, age-standardized rates per 100,000 person-years, and estimated annual percentage changes (EAPC).ResultsGlobally, a total of 33.31 million AF cases, 219.4 thousand deaths, and 65.80 million DALYs were documented in 2019. There were no appreciable changes in EAPC from 1990 to 2019. The disease burden of AF differed significantly across different territories and countries. At the national level, China exhibited the highest number of incident cases [818,493 (562,871–1,128,695)], deaths [39,970 (33,722–46,387)], and DALYs [1,383,674 (1,047,540–1,802,516)]. At the global level, high body mass index (BMI) and high systolic blood pressure (SBP) were two predominant risk factors contributing to the proportion of AF-related deaths.ConclusionAF in older adults remains a major public health concern worldwide. The burden of AF varies widely at both national and regional levels. From 1990 to 2019, the cases of incidences, deaths, and DALYs have shown a global increase. The ASIR, ASMR, and ASDR have declined in the high-moderate and high SDI regions; however, the burden of AF increased promptly in the lower SDI regions. Special attention should be paid to the main risk factors for high-risk individuals with AF, which can help control systolic blood pressure and body mass index within normal limits. Over all, it is necessary to illustrate the features of the global AF burden and develop more effective and targeted prevention and treatment strategies.

With the rapid development of unconventional oil and gas resources, the demand for corresponding evaluation methods is increasing. At present, the evaluation methods for unconventional oil and gas resources are divided into analogy, statistical and genetic method. While constantly innovating evaluation methods, how to improve conventional methods and apply them to unconventional resource evaluation is also a focus and difficulty in current research. Taking a well as an unit and the EUR of the well as the unit's oil or gas reserves, a Pareto distribution model was established, and a program was compiled according to the principle of random sampling and skew sampling to analyze the sensitivity of number N, shape parameter and exploration coefficient E to the model. This method was applied to the shale oil resource evaluation in the X230 well block in Heshui area of Ordos Basin. Results show that the number of discoveries affects the size and dispersion of the parameters for oilfield distribution. The distribution model tends to be stable when the number is more than 300. Exploration coefficient has little influence on the sensitivity of distribution model, which is the limitation of taking EUR as evaluation unit. According to the variation of number N with shape parameter β, the number corresponding to cut-off point can be determined, that is, the sum of EUR of all wells is the recoverable resource of the area, which is 6.72×106 t. The result is consistent with the evaluation of oil and gas resource abundance. This method can provide guidance for unconventional oil and gas resources evaluation.

The total organic carbon (TOC) content is an important parameter for the evaluation of abundance of organic matter in source rocks, and its predicting accuracy is of great significance to oil and gas exploration and development. At present, TOC prediction is mainly based on statistical analysis methods such as ΔlogR method and multiple regression analysis, problems such as weak generalization ability and strong subjectivity exist. The introduction of machine learning methods can effectively solve these problems of instability, nonlinearity, and high complexity. However, current research remains at the level of method comparison and selection with no indepth analysis of good models and their applicability. In this paper, a Support Vector Machine (SVM) model with better application effects was used to predict TOC contents of source rocks with different salinity degrees. As source rocks of freshwater lacustrine facies, the Paleogene Dongying Formation in the Bozhong Sag of Bohai Bay Basin and Paleogene source rocks in the Shizigou area of the western Qaidam Basin as saline lacustrine facies source rocks were selected to test and compare the effectiveness of the model. Through correlation analysis and XGBoost feature importance analysis, the logging sonic differential time (DT), volume density (DEN), spontaneous potential (SP), Gamma ray (GR) and depth were selected as the input layer, while the TOC was used as the output layer to establish a TOC prediction model based on SVM. Results show a strong generalization ability when applied to different sedimentary environments. It can adapt to the geological characteristics of different regions. The sensitivity of logging curves to the abundance of organic matter in source rocks varies in different sedimentary environments, which makes the model more relevant when applying to the fresh water lacustrine facies area in the Bohai Bay Basin.

Pore structure restricts the reservoir capacity and flow capacity of oil and gas in the reservoir, which is the key factor of studying tight sandstone reservoir, and also the key and difficult problem of current research. Taking the Chang 7 tight reservoir of Upper Triassic Yanchang Formation in Heshui area of Ordos Basin as an example, the relationship between pore structure and movable fluid parameters was studied by combining high-pressure mercury injection and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis techniques. The main results are as follows: ① when using the conventional method and linear least square method to convert the NMR T2 spectrum into pore radius, the pore structure can be divided into two parts, The correlation coefficient is (0.87-0.98)/0.92. The inflection point of the mercury injection curve is calculated by fractal theory, and the corresponding T2 is converted. The T2 spectrum is converted by segments. After the conversion, the curve has a high degree of overlap, and the number of phase relations is (0.97-0.99)/0.98. ② By analyzing the influencing factors of fluid mobility, it is found that there is a direct relationship between rock physical properties, in which porosity is more suitable to characterize the size of reservoir space, the correlation is 0.9, and the correlation with movable fluid saturation is better; The characteristic parameters of pore structure have a good correlation with the parameters of movable fluid, and the tight pore structure restricts the mobility of fluid. The proportion of dead pores is related to SMFS φ The negative correlation coefficients of MFS were 0.5371 and 0.3775, respectively φ MFS has little effect, but it has no effect φ MFS is more suitable to characterize the micro pore structure.

A novel N-doped activated carbon (NAC) derived from shaddock peel was investigated to remove norfloxacin (NFX) from aqueous solution. The Box-Behnken central composite design (BBD) was used to optimize the preparation conditions of NAC. The specific surface area of NAC was 2,481.81 m2 g−1, which was obtained at 1,106 K activation temperature, 2.4 h residence time, and 2.3:1 mass ratio of KOH to hydrochar. Moreover, the equilibrium data were perfectly represented by Langmuir and Koble-Corrigan isotherms, and the adsorption process was precisely described by the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Besides, the adsorption of NFX on NAC was mainly controlled by π-π electron-donor-acceptor (EDA) interaction, hydrophobic effect, hydrogen-bonding, electrostatic interaction and Lewis acid-base effect. The maximum monolayer adsorption capacity of NFX was 746.29 mg g−1 at 298 K, implying that NAC was a promising adsorbent for the removal of NFX from aqueous solution. HIGHLIGHTS The specific surface area of N-doped activated carbon prepared by hydrothermal carbonization and KOH activation is as high as 2481.81 m2 g−1.; The maximum monolayer adsorption capacity of norfloxacin on NAC-1106 was 746.29 mg g−1 at 298 K.; The adsorption mechanism of NFX on NAC was investigated by XPS, Raman, FTIR and so on.;

Abstract The double poling (DP) technique in cross-country sit-skiing is primarily considered as an upper-body exercise. The upper limb muscle strength and motion economy are important factors accounting for DP performance in cross-country sit-skiing. The present study investigates how upper limb muscle strength predicts DP performance in cross-country sit-skiing. A total of 19 female non-disabled college students (age 23.2 ± 0.8 years, BMI 20.4 ± 2.2) performed 30-s and 3-min DP performance tests using a sit-skiing ergometer. Isokinetic muscle strength of the shoulder and elbow extensor were measured at the angular velocity of 30°/s, 60°/s, and 120°/s with an ISOMED2000 isokinetic system. A medium correlation was found between DP output power and isokinetic upper limb muscle strength (shoulder strength at all speeds, r = 0.39–0.74, p ≤ 0.1). Multiple regression analyses which were employed to predict power production in the 30-s and 3-min tests showed that shoulder extension strength at 60°/s accounted for 34% of the variation in the 30-s test, and 40% of the variance in the 3-min test. Muscle strength and biomechanical analysis of DP process indicated that upper limb extensor muscle strength and muscle coordination were important factors for the power output generation in sit-skiing DP. These results may use to guide special physical fitness training for paralympic cross-country sit-skiing.

Furfural residue (FR), a solid waste, was applied as the precursor to prepare activated carbon by steam activation. The Box-Behnken design (BBD) approach-based response surface methodology (RSM) was utilized to optimize the preparation conditions to evaluate their effects on the performance of activated carbon from furfural residue (FRAC). The optimum preparation conditions of FRAC were found as follows: activation temperature of 922 °C, activation time of 62 min, and the mass ratio of char to H2O of 1:4.5, resulting in 1,501.84 mg/g of iodine adsorption capacity and 1,662.41 m2/g of specific surface area. The FRAC was characterized and then the adsorption performance of bisphenol S (BPS) on FRAC was investigated. Langmuir and Koble-Corrigan isotherm models were well fitted to the experimental data, and the adsorption kinetics process was perfectly described by the pseudo-second-order model. Thermodynamic parameters showed that the adsorption of BPS was a spontaneous exothermic process. Besides, the regeneration efficiency of FRAC was over 97% after five consecutive cycles. The maximum monolayer adsorption capacity of FRAC for BPS was 3.2848 mmol/g at 298 K, indicating that the FRAC was an excellent adsorbent for the removal of BPS from aqueous solutions. HIGHLIGHTS Activated carbon derived from solid waste furfural residue (FRAC) by steam activation displayed high surface area up to 1662.41 m2/g.; Response surface methodology (RSM) based on Box-Behnken Design (BBD) was applied to optimize the preparation conditions of FRAC.; The maximum adsorption capacity of FRAC for Bisphenol S (BPS) was 3.2848 mmol/g at 298 K.;

The area from the northwestern Qaidam Basin to Yiliping is large and the exploration degree of proved petroleum reserves is low. It is of great significance for future petroleum resource assessment to recover the thickness of eroded formation. In this paper, several methods including stratigraphic trend extension, interval transit time, vitrinite reflectivity and Easy%Ro optimization were used to calculate the formation erosion thickness during the late tectonic movement in the study area, and its significance for hydrocarbon accumulation was quantitatively discussed. The Quaternary and Pliocene Shizigou Formation (N23) in the study area were generally eroded, with a maximum erosion thickness of about 1 000 m on the top of some local structures. The Upper Youshashan Formation (N22) was eroded on the top of some structures such as Youquanzi, and the Lower Youshashan Formation (N21) was eroded only at the periphery of the basin. The Yingxiongling structural belt, the top of each structure and the Altun foreland are the areas experienced the most serious erosion, generally more than 500 m of thickness. The erosion thickness in the depression and the eastern part of the study area is relatively smaller, usually less than 500 m, and the tectonic activities here are relatively stable. The distribution of petroleum reservoirs and hydrocarbon shows are closely related to the erosion thickness of sedimentary strata. The erosion thickness with appropriate strength (300-1 500 m) is conducive to the formation of oil and gas reservoirs, while an erosion thickness over 1 500 m is easy to cause damage to oil and gas reservoirs.

Abstract Background COVID-19 is an infectious disease characterized by multiple respiratory and extrapulmonary manifestations, including gastrointestinal symptoms. Although recent studies have linked gut microbiota to infectious diseases such as influenza, little is known about the role of the gut microbiota in COVID-19 pathophysiology. Methods To better understand the host-gut microbiota interactions in COVID-19, we characterized the gut microbial community and gut barrier function using metagenomic and metaproteomic approaches in 63 COVID-19 patients and 8 non-infected controls. Both immunohematological parameters and transcriptional profiles were measured to reflect the immune response in COVID-19 patients. Results Altered gut microbial composition was observed in COVID-19 patients, which was characterized by decreased commensal species and increased opportunistic pathogenic species. Severe illness was associated with higher abundance of four microbial species (i.e., Burkholderia contaminans, Bacteroides nordii, Bifidobacterium longum, and Blautia sp. CAG 257), six microbial pathways (e.g., glycolysis and fermentation), and 10 virulence genes. These severity-related microbial features were further associated with host immune response. For example, the abundance of Bu. contaminans was associated with higher levels of inflammation biomarkers and lower levels of immune cells. Furthermore, human-origin proteins identified from both blood and fecal samples suggested gut barrier dysfunction in COVID-19 patients. The circulating levels of lipopolysaccharide-binding protein increased in patients with severe illness and were associated with circulating inflammation biomarkers and immune cells. Besides, proteins of disease-related bacteria (e.g., B. longum) were detectable in blood samples from patients. Conclusions Our results suggest that the dysbiosis of the gut microbiome and the dysfunction of the gut barrier might play a role in the pathophysiology of COVID-19 by affecting host immune homeostasis.

This study is aimed to delineate the subsurface structural elements using geophysical techniques in the Haraza area of Pakistan. We investigated the Oghi and Battal thrust faults, sedimentary and metasedimentary wedge, and the absolute crustal thickness based on terrestrial gravity data. Unlike seismic survey relying on wave propagation, magnetic survey is based on both attraction and repulsion, and electrical and electromagnetics on induction. The attractive gravity field produces relatively simpler patterns of anomalies, like a series of highs and lows over regions with undulating basements and buried structures. A qualitative interpretation of gravity data reveals a good deal of information. During the collision of Indian and Eurasian Plates, compressional structures were developed in the Lesser Himalayas or northwest of the Hazara Kashmir Syntaxis. The study mainly focuses on the western limb of the Hazara Kashmir Syntaxis. The regional and local Bouguer anomalies were incorporated to delineate the regional structural units. The gravity model is computed through geophysical technique along with profile A-A' from Mansehra to the Battal area that demarcates the blind Oghi Thrust and emergent Battal Thrust. Tanol Formation of Precambrian age demarcates the Oghi Thrust near Kotli Pine while the Battal Thrust is demarcated within the Mansehra Granite of Cambrian to Ordovician age near Battal. Along with the Battal Thrust, fault gouge and breccias have been observed during the field studies. The total thickness of the sedimentary/metasedimentary wedge in the Mansehra and Battal areas was estimated to be 13.6 km and 14.2 km. In comparison, the total thickness of crust in the Mansehra and Battal areas was 51.6 km and 52.2 km, respectively.

Elevated mental workload (MWL) experienced by pilots can result in increased reaction times or incorrect actions, potentially compromising flight safety. This study aims to develop a functional system to assist administrators in identifying and detecting pilots’ real-time MWL and evaluate its effectiveness using designed airfield traffic pattern tasks within a realistic flight simulator. The perceived MWL in various situations was assessed and labeled using NASA Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) scores. Physiological features were then extracted using a fast Fourier transformation with 2-s sliding time windows. Feature selection was conducted by comparing the results of the Kruskal-Wallis (K-W) test and Sequential Forward Floating Selection (SFFS). The results proved that the optimal input was all PSD features. Moreover, the study analyzed the effects of electroencephalography (EEG) features from distinct brain regions and PSD changes across different MWL levels to further assess the proposed system’s performance. A 10-fold cross-validation was performed on six classifiers, and the optimal accuracy of 87.57% was attained using a multi-class K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN) classifier for classifying different MWL levels. The findings indicate that the wireless headset-based system is reliable and feasible. Consequently, numerous wireless EEG device-based systems can be developed for application in diverse real-driving scenarios. Additionally, the current system contributes to future research on actual flight conditions.

The Shanxi Formation layers in the northeast of the Zhoukou Depression, Southern North China Basin, mainly consist of dark mudstone interbed with tight stone and widely developed coal seam, which is a promising target for unconventional oil and gas exploration. A series of geochemical and geological methods were used to analyze the characterization and controls of the pores structural heterogeneity in low-thermal-maturity shale. These methods include the Rock-Eval analysis, total organic carbon (TOC) analysis, scanning electron microscope observation with an energy-dispersive spectrometer (SEM-EDS), X-ray diffraction, and low-pressure N2 adsorption. Based on these measurements, the pore diameter, specific surface area (SSA), and fractal dimension (D) were calculated, and then, the pore structure heterogeneity was analyzed. The result shows the pores of Shanxi Formation shale are mainly interparticle pores with low porosity and low permeability, and the pore structure is highly complex. The average fractal dimension of the micropore and the macropore are both 2.77, but that of the mesopore is 2.65, indicating a less-complex mesopore structure than the micropore and macropore. The S2, S1, and TOC exhibit no clear correlation with SSA and fractal dimension of pores, which proved the little impact of organic matter on the heterogeneity of pore structure in the low-maturity shale of the research area. The illite has a strong effect on the pore structural heterogeneity of Shanxi Formation shale. The samples with high content of illite show higher SSA, better physical properties, and low fractal dimension, reflecting low pore structural heterogeneity. However, the quartz and clay minerals show a slight correlation with SSA and no obvious relationship with the fractal dimension, indicating a little effect of them on the pore structure heterogeneity. The pore structural heterogeneity decreases along with the increase in porosity, while the permeability influenced by a variety of reasons under the compaction shows a poor relationship with SSA and fractal dimension. On the whole, the pore structural heterogeneity decreases for low-thermal-maturity shale with high content of illite and high porosity, which should be considered to be the better unconventional oil and gas reservoir in the research area.

Abstract The output and grade of liquid potash minerals in Qarhan Salt Lake are decreasing year by year, which has become the main problem restricting the sustainable production of potassium fertilizer. The exploitation and utilization of low-grade solid potash ore, which is in the strata of the Qarhan Salt Lake, represents the fundamental framework for the sustainable development of Qarhan Salt Lake’s potash fertilizer. PHREEQC is a simulation software for hydrogeochemistry. In this paper, PHREEQC was applied to simulate temperature, pH value and solvent chemical characteristics which affect the dissolution process of low-grade solid potash minerals. The simulation results indicate that the optimum temperature for ore dissolution is around 25 °C, because, around this temperature, the dissolving ability of solvents to low-grade solid potash minerals is enhanced, while the dissolving ability to halite remains basically unchanged, which is conducive to selective dissolution of low-grade solid potash. It is recommended the temperature is between 20 and 30 ℃. The simulation results show that, when the pH value of solvents is more than 9, although it is advantageous to selective dissolution of low-grade solid potash minerals, the solvent becomes strong alkali solution, which will cause environmental pollution and seriously corrode materials and equipment in actual production, so it is recommended the pH value of the solvent is adjusted between 6 and 8. The simulation results show that, when the values of K+, Na+, Mg2+, Ca2+, Cl− and SO4 2− in the solvent are 0.1%, 2.9%, 3.77%, 0.05%, 15.72% and 0.13% respectively, the solubility of low-grade solid potash ores is stronger, which is more conducive to selective ore dissolution. It is suggested that in actual production, the chemical composition of solvents prepared with old brine and fresh water should be as close as possible to the above chemical composition characteristics.

Abstract Bromine contents of a 17-cm halite core from drilling hole of K203 in the Khorat Basin were analysed at 1 cm intervals (17 samples in total). The Br contents range from 99 to 184 ppm with a rapid variation. The K/Mg ratios of halite samples are tens of times higher than those of primary halite fluid inclusions. There is no positive correlation between Mg and Br contents, suggesting that fluid inclusions impose very little or negligible influence on Br contents of halites. The Br contents are not controlled by potash minerals either because the SEM examination shows no potash minerals and there is no relationship between K and Br contents. The Br contents of halite are thus primarily controlled by the Br concentrations of parent brines. The rapid variation of Br contents of halite within this section suggests a shallow saline pan wherein the giant Khorat evaporites were formed. This is contradictory to previous Br profiles of the Lower Salt Member which showed relatively stable and continuously increasing trends. The shallow saline pan model evidenced by high-resolution Br profile is consistent with sedimentary facies and salt mineral textures.

Maintaining normal cellular behavior is essential for the survival of organisms. One of the main mechanisms to control cellular behavior is protein phosphorylation. The process of protein phosphorylation is reversible under the regulation of protein kinases and protein phosphatases. The importance of kinases in numerous cellular processes has been well recognized. In recent years, protein phosphatases have also been demonstrated to function actively and specifically in various cellular processes and thus have gained more and more attention from researchers. In the animal kingdom, regeneration frequently occurs to replace or repair damaged or missing tissues. Emerging evidence has revealed that protein phosphatases are crucial for organ regeneration. In this review, after providing a brief overview of the classification of protein phosphatases and their functions in several representative developmental processes, we highlight the critical roles that protein phosphatases play in organ regeneration by summarizing the most recent research on the function and underlying mechanism of protein phosphatase in the regeneration of the liver, bone, neuron, and heart in vertebrates.

The Cenozoic in the western Qaidam Basin is rich in oil and gas resources and has good prospects for exploration. The maturity, sedimentary environment, and biological source of the crude oil in the western Qaidam Basin are discussed based on the composition characteristics of biomarkers in crude oil and source rocks. The above is performed to classify the genetic types of crude oil and determine the oil source relationship. It is found that the crude oil shows the characteristics of low mature–mature and is formed in the reducing environment with high salinity. The organic matter is from the mixed source with dominant aquatic plants input. According to the sedimentary environment, parent material types, and maturity characteristics, the crude oil in the western Qaidam Basin can be classified into four types. (1) Type I is from the Shizigou-Yuejin areas, which have a high content of gammacerane, a low value of Pr/Ph, C27 sterane predominance, and “tail-upwarping” phenomenon. (2) Type II is from the Qiekelike-Zhahaquan and Nanyishan-Youquanzi areas, which have C27 sterane predominance and no “tail-upwarping” phenomenon. Its content of gammacerane is lower than type I. (3) Type III is from the Dafengshan and Huangguamao areas, which have C29 sterane predominance and no “tail-upwarping” phenomenon. (4) Type IV is from the Kaitemilike area, which has a C27 sterane predominance, no “tail-upwarping” phenomenon, and lower content of gammacerane than that of others. The result of the oil-source correlation shows that the crude oil is dominantly derived from source rocks of the lower Ganchaigou Formation (E3) and the upper Ganchaigou Formation (N1).

Pilot factor is worth considering when analyzing the causes of civil aviation accidents. This study introduces a data-driven Bayesian network (BN) approach to investigating the joint causal effects of pilot and other factors on civil aviation safety. A total number of 163 individual pilot-related accidents in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) aviation accident database from 2008 to 2020 are analyzed, focusing on eliciting the causal effects of various potential risk factors, including pilot factors, on civil aviation accidents. The modeling of the interdependency among the risk influencing factors (RIFs) and their causal contributory effect on the accident outcome is structured by a tree augmented network (TAN) and validated by sensitivity analysis. The novelty of this study is to incorporate pilot factors derived from the civil aviation accident database into risk analysis, combined with other external factors. The results indicate that weather conditions and flight phases are more correlated with casualty types of civil aviation accidents than pilot action and decision, and three other pilot factors only contribute to fatal injury in civil aviation accidents.

The choice of fecal collection method is essential for studying gut microbe-human interactions in large-scale population-based research. In this study, we examined the effects of fecal collection methods and storage time at ambient temperature on variations in the gut microbiome community composition; microbial diversity metrics at the species, gene, and pathway levels; antibiotic resistance genes; and metabolome profiling.

Background: This multicenter study aimed to reveal the genetic spectrum of colorectal cancer (CRC) with deficient mismatch repair (dMMR) and build a screening model for Lynch syndrome (LS). Methods: Through the immunohistochemical (IHC) screening of mismatch repair protein results in postoperative CRC patients, 311 dMMR cases, whose germline and somatic variants were detected using the ColonCore panel, were collected. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed on the clinical characteristics of these dMMR individuals, and a clinical nomogram, incorporating statistically significant factors identified using multivariate logistic regression analysis, was constructed to predict the probability of LS. The model was validated externally by an independent cohort. Results: In total, 311 CRC patients with IHC dMMR included 95 identified MMR germline variant (LS) cases and 216 cases without pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants in MMR genes (non-Lynch-associated dMMR). Of the 95 individuals, approximately 51.6%, 28.4%, 14.7%, and 5.3% cases carried germline MLH1 , MSH2 , MSH6 , and PMS2 pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants, respectively. A novel nomogram was then built to predict the probability of LS for CRC patients with dMMR intuitively. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve informed that this nomogram-based screening model could identify LS with a higher specificity and sensitivity with an area under curve (AUC) of 0.87 than current screening criteria based on family history. In the external validation cohort, the AUC of the ROC curve reached 0.804, inferring the screening model’s universal applicability. We recommend that dMMR-CRC patients with a probability of LS greater than 0.435 should receive a further germline sequencing. Conclusion: This novel screening model based on the clinical characteristic differences between LS and non-Lynch-associated dMMR may assist clinicians to preliminarily screen LS and refer susceptible patients to experienced specialists.

Background The classification of large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) has generated considerable debate and has been revised since its recognition as a separate entity. Although it shares clinical features with small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) and was classified with SCLC in the 2015 World Health Organization classification system, numerous studies have revealed inferior treatment outcomes of LCNEC when it was treated as SCLC. Because the incidence of LCNEC is rare, its mutational landscape has not been comprehensively interrogated. Methods We performed capture‐based ultra‐deep targeted sequencing on tumor samples of LCNEC, large cell carcinoma (LCC), and SCLC to elucidate its biological relationship with these subtypes and to identify potentially targetable molecular alterations. Results Our data revealed a molecular signature, consisting of RUNX1, ERBB4, BRCA1, and EPHA3, that is distinctively mutated in LCNEC. A majority (60%) of LCNEC patients harbored copy number variations (CNVs). Interestingly, there were no common CNVs shared among the three subtypes: NFкBIA amplification was shared between LCNEC and LCC, while AKT2 amplification was shared between LCNEC and SCLC. Furthermore, genetic alterations in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway were enriched in all three subtypes. Conclusion Despite the histological and/or morphological similarities among LCNEC, LCC, and SCLC, our data revealed a molecular signature, consisting of RUNX1, ERBB4, BRCA1, and EPHA3, that is distinctively mutated in LCNEC, which has the potential to be used as a panel of biomarkers to distinguish LCNEC from a molecular perspective. Furthermore, the molecular distinction among the three subtypes can also be reflected from CNV events.

This paper introduces three types of status information based on the current environmental perception and the information computing power of connected and automated vehicles (CAVs) and proposes an energy-efficient dynamic route planning algorithm without starting and stopping for the CAVs. The information types include real-time road traffic flow, traffic light and vehicle driving status (driving velocity and direction). The algorithm aims to minimize both time and energy consumption for the route. For this study, the feasibility of this energy-efficient route planning algorithm was first theoretically deduced. After introducing traffic light and driving energy consumption elements, a velocity-space-time three-dimensional network (VSTN) model was mathematically formulated to describe a dynamic route in addition to the design of the shortest route searching algorithm in VSTN. Two experimental road networks were then constructed to test and compare the energy efficiency. The first test scenario is a line road with two road conditions and various signal cycles and initial phases. The experiment shows that the cumulative energy consumption of the energy-efficient route under various scenarios is no greater than the normal route, ranging from 5.18% to 16.4%. The second test scenario involves a network located in the Jing'an district of Shanghai and is intended to verify the route searching function and energy efficiency. Compared to the traditional driving method, the new route reduces energy consumption by 10.36%. This study demonstrates that the energy efficiency does not correlate with the signal cycle or initial phase, and it appears to be random. The new algorithm proposed in this paper can be applied to dynamic route planning by CAVs and the goal of saving energy can be achieved in various road networks.

The sampled-data stabilization of a fractional continuous linear system under arbitrary sampling periods was first investigated in this paper wherein novel co-designed sampled-data controllers were constructed based on the compensation of scaling gains. With the help of fractional difference approximation, sufficient and necessary conditions for global asymptotic stability were first presented in the discrete-time domain, and then co-designed sampled-data controllers were constructed with only the “newest” or “oldest” state information available for controller design. Due to the compensation scheme between scaling gains and sampling periods, much more flexibility on selecting different sampling periods was provided in the sampled-data stabilization of the fractional continuous linear system which is significantly preferred for digital implementation. Numerical studies are also presented to illustrate the effectiveness of our co-designed sampled-data controllers under different sampling periods.

Passengers would like to choose the most suitable train based on their travel preferences, expenses, and train timetable in the high-speed railway corridor. Meanwhile, the railway department will constantly adjust the train timetable according to the distribution of passenger flows during a day to achieve the optimal operation cost and energy consumption saving plan. The question is how to meet the differential travel needs of passengers and achieve sustainable goals of service providers. Therefore, it is necessary to design a demand-oriented and environment-friendly high-speed railway timetable. This paper formulates the optimization of train timetable for a given high-speed railway corridor, which is based on the interests of both passengers and transportation department. In particular, a traveling time-space network with virtual departure arc is constructed to analyze generalized travel costs of passengers of each origin-destination (OD), and bilevel programming model is used to optimize the problem. The upper integer programming model regards the minimization of the operating cost, which is simplified to the minimum traveling time of total trains, as the goal. The lower level is a user equilibrium model which arranges each OD passenger flow to different trains. A general advanced metaheuristic algorithm embedded with the Frank–Wolfe method is designed to implement the bilevel programming model. Finally, a real-world numerical experiment is conducted to verify the effectiveness of both the model and the algorithm.

The Kuqa Basin is an important potentially potash-bearing basin in China, and thick salt-bearing strata were deposited under the influence of multistage Tethyan transgression-regression cycles during the Eocene. At present, research on the process of potash formation in the Kuqa Basin has mostly focused on traditional salt mineralogy, whole-rock geochemistry, and evaporite sedimentary evolution characteristics. However, research on the original ore-forming parent fluid directly related to potash formation has not yet been carried out, directly hindering further evaluation of potash mineralization. Therefore, this paper takes the internal factors controlling potash formation as the starting point and analyzes the physical and chemical properties, such as the homogenization temperatures (Th) and chemical compositions, of primary halite fluid inclusions. A total of 220 Th data from fluid inclusions were obtained, and the temperatures ranged from 9.4 to 54.1°C, indicating a high-temperature brine environment conducive to the rapid deposition of the potash deposit. In total, 22 halite fluid inclusions were analyzed for chemical components. The highest KCl content reached 0.59%, which was higher than the lowest industrial grade of potassium-rich brine (0.5%), indicating that the brine experienced a high degree of evaporation and concentration during the salt-forming period and reached the potash precipitation stage. This paper provides quantitative data on the evolution of the sedimentary environment in the Kuqa Basin and supports future potash exploration.

The centimeter-scale halite rhythmites in the first member of the Shahejie Formation in the Shulu Sag of the Bohai Bay Basin are investigated, and the Eocene to early Oligocene paleoenvironmental characteristics of a typical saline lake basin are restored by reconstructing the temperature and compositional information of ancient brines. The obtained homogenization temperatures (Th) of fluid inclusions range from 6.5 to 49.2 °C, with a relative lower Th from transparent halite samples than from gray halite samples. This suggests different temperature conditions and a probable association with seasonal changes. The ion contents of halite fluid inclusions reveal the lake brine is a Na-Mg-K-Ca-Cl type and reached the initial stage of halite deposition. The transparent halite samples plotted within different phase regions than the gray halite samples on plots of ion contents and showed significant change within phase regions. Combined with the observed cm-scale rhythm in the evaporite sequences of the Shulu Sag, these results suggest a shallow water environment and frequent dilution by inflows of fresher water caused by seasonal climate change. The gray halite formed under higher temperatures and increased inflow conditions, and the transparent halite formed under lower temperatures and decreased inflow conditions. Compared with the Jiangling Sag in Hubei Province in southern China, the Shulu Sag may have been less affected by igneous rocks in the Es1 Formation due to the material source, and the concentration of trace elements such as lithium, strontium and boron in the ancient salt lake brine was lower.

For many physical systems, the fractional-order system can describe the dynamics more accurately comparing with the integer-order system. However, its parameters, which include not only the identification of model coefficients but also the estimation of fractional orders, are more difficult to be identified. This paper proposes a modified quantum bacterial foraging algorithm (MQBFA) for parameters identification of the fractional-order system, and the MQBFA algorithm is a relatively new issue in recent years with strong engineering backgrounds. Not only does the proposed MQBFA algorithm apply the real number encoding of the single gene to effectively perform encoding, but it also utilizes a continuously varying rotation angle to update the rotation gate. First, a real number encoding of the single gene is designed to improve the searching efficiency of the algorithm. Second, an improved quantum rotation angle is applied to update the rotation angle continuously and adaptively. Third, the modificatory factor of probability amplitude is introduced to enrich the population diversity. In addition, to prevent the generation of invariant solutions in the early stage of quantum evolution, probability of optimal rotation angle is presented. Furthermore, the convergence of the proposed algorithm is analyzed. Based on several benchmark functions and parameters identification of the fractional-order system, simulation results and comparisons demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed MQBFA algorithm.

The larch looper, Erannis ankeraria Staudinger (Lepidoptera: Geometridae), is one of the major insect pests of larch forests, widely distributed from southeastern Europe to East Asia. A naturally occurring baculovirus, Erannis ankeraria nucleopolyhedrovirus (EranNPV), was isolated from E. ankeraria larvae. This virus was characterized by electron microscopy and by sequencing the whole viral genome. The occlusion bodies (OBs) of EranNPV exhibited irregular polyhedral shapes containing multiple enveloped rod-shaped virions with a single nucleocapsid per virion. The EranNPV genome was 125,247 bp in length with a nucleotide distribution of 34.9% G+C. A total of 131 hypothetical open reading frames (ORFs) were identified, including the 38 baculovirus core genes and five multi-copy genes. Five homologous regions (hrs) were found in the EranNPV genome. Phylogeny and pairwise kimura 2-parameter analysis indicated that EranNPV was a novel group II alphabaculovirus and was most closely related to Apocheima cinerarium NPV (ApciNPV). Field trials showed that EranNPV was effective in controlling E. ankeraria in larch forests. The above results will be relevant to the functional research on EranNPV and promote the use of this virus as a biocontrol agent.

This paper investigates the containment control problem of discrete-time first-order multi-agent system composed of multiple leaders and followers, and we propose a proportional-integral (PI) coordination control protocol. Assume that each follower has a directed path to one leader, and we consider several cases according to different topologies composed of the followers. Under the general directed topology that has a spanning tree, the frequency-domain analysis method is used to obtain the sufficient convergence condition for the followers achieving the containment-rendezvous that all the followers reach an agreement value in the convex hull formed by the leaders. Specially, a less conservative sufficient condition is obtained for the followers under symmetric and connected topology. Furthermore, it is proved that our proposed protocol drives the followers with unconnected topology to converge to the convex hull of the leaders. Numerical examples show the correctness of the theoretical results.

In this study, we recovered the complete mitochondrial genome of Stratiolaelaps scimitus through Illumina sequencing data. The circularized mitogenome is 16,009 in length, which consists of 37 genes (13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, and 2 ribosomal RNA genes). The overall base composition is 35.4% for A, 40.1% for T, 16.8% for G, 7.7% for C, demonstrating an extreme bias of high AT content (75.5%). The whole mitogenome of S. scimitus and other Acari mitogenomes (10 species, in total) were used for phylogenetic analysis, and the result showed that the relationship of S. scimitus was close to Varroa destructor in the same Superfamily Dermanyssoidea.

Incorporation of impurities in CuAlO _2 provides an opportunities to modulate its electronic and optical properties, which can be exploited for the applications of optoelectronic devices. Among the various elements doped of CuAlO _2 , research on the codoping magnesium (Mg) with nitrogen (N) which may be a promising way for fabricating p-type CuAlO _2 is still limited. Here, the first-principles calculation based on density functional theory was used to investigate the electronic and optical properties of Mg-doped, N-doped and Mg–N codoped CuAlO _2 . Compared with the undoped CuAlO _2 , the lattice parameters a and c of the Mg–N codoped CuAlO _2 become larger and smaller, respectively. The acceptor level induced by 2 p state of N in N-doped CuAlO _2 is very deep. The undoped and Mg-doped CuAlO _2 has indirect band gap. Whether the deep acceptor level or the indirect band gap, it is unfavorable to p -type doping or light emission. Due to the hybridization of 3 p state of Mg and 2 p state of N on the top of the valence band, the Mg–N codoped CuAlO _2 not only has a direct band gap, but also has a shallower acceptor level (about 0.24 eV above the top of the valence band). The optical properties of CuAlO _2 changes obviously after Mg–N codoping in the area of low energy. These results suggest that the possibility of enhancing the hole concentration in CuAlO _2 by Mg–N dual-acceptor codoping which will be beneficial to the application of CuAlO _2 in optoelectronic devices.

Evaporites are widely distributed within continental “red beds” in the Lanping–Simao Basin, west Yunnan, China. Sr (Strontium), S (Sulfur), and O (Oxygen) isotope compositions have been measured on 54 sulfate or/and sulfate-bearing samples collected from Lanping, Nuodeng, Jinggu, Mengyejing, Baozang throughout the Lanping–Simao Basin. The 87Sr/86Sr ratios of all samples (0.708081 to 0.710049) are higher than those of contemporaneous seawater, indicating a significant continental contribution to the drainage basin. Sulfates in the Lanping Basin have higher 87Sr/86Sr ratios (0.709406 to 0.710049) than those (0.708081 to 0.709548) in the Simao Basin. Nevertheless, the δ34S values of gypsums (13.4‰ to 17.6‰) in Lanping and Baozang fall within the range of Cretaceous seawater. Gypsums from a single section in Baozang have trends of decreasing δ34S values and increasing 87Sr/86Sr ratios from base to top, indicating continental input played an increasingly significant role with the evaporation of brines. High δ34S values (20.5‰ to 20.7‰) of celestites in Lanping are probably caused by bacterial sulfate reduction (BSR) process in which 34S were enriched in residual sulfates and/or recycling of Triassic evaporites. The reduced δ34S values of gypsums (9.5‰ to 10.4‰) in Nuodeng could have been caused by oxidation of sulfides weathered from Jinding Pb-Zn deposit. The complex O isotope compositions indicate that sulfates in the Lanping–Simao Basin had undergone sulfate reduction, re-oxidation, reservoir effects, etc. In conclusion, the formation of continental evaporites was likely derived from seawater due to marine transgression during the Cretaceous period. Meanwhile, non-marine inflows have contributed to the basin significantly.

The Tethys Sea extended into the Kuqa Depression from the Paleocene to the late Eocene and provided an abundant provenance for the deposition of evaporite sequences. Until now, detailed research on the history of transgressions during the late Paleocene-early Eocene in the Kuqa Depression has been limited. Therefore, in this study, we took the upper Paleocene Talak section and the lower Eocene Xiaokuzibai section in the western part of the Depression as the research objects and analyzed the petrology, the carbon and oxygen isotopes of carbonate rocks, and the sulfur and strontium isotopes of gypsum rocks to systematically study the above issues. The δ13C, δ18O and δ34S values of the upper Paleocene evaporite sequences were determined to be between 4.2‰ and 5.7‰, between −5.2‰ and 2.4‰, and between 16.5‰ and 17.9‰, respectively. The δ13C, δ18O, δ34S, and 87Sr/86Sr values of the lower Eocene evaporite sequences were determined to be between −6.9‰ and −2.0‰, between −9.0‰ and −4.5‰, between 10.5‰ and 17.0‰, and between 0.708642 and 0.709883, respectively. The analysis results show that the evaporite sequence of the upper Paleocene was formed by transgression. The deposition of the evaporite sequence changed from continental to marine deposition, and then gradually transitioned to continental during the Early Eocene. This paper is of great significance for reconstructing the history of transgressions in the Tethys tectonic realm during this period.

As important gas-bearing strata, Proterozoic–Paleozoic marine carbonate successions in the Sichuan Basin have experienced a long diagenetic history and multiphase hydrothermal activities. Some hydrothermal fluids were closely linked to reservoir dolomitization, which dramatically affected the physical properties of the Proterozoic–Paleozoic marine carbonates in the region. Based on comprehensive petrology, mineralogy, and geochemistry analyses, as well as analyses of the structural and depositional settings, we took as study objects three sets of typical saddle dolomites from the Upper Sinian, Middle-Upper Cambrian, and Middle Permian to understand the mechanism of hydrothermal dolomitization during the Proterozoic–Paleozoic. First, we analyzed the dolomitization stages and mineral characteristics. Then, we performed comprehensive geochemical analyses to discriminate between different saddle dolomites and utilized a fluid reconstruction method to reveal the formation mechanisms of different hydrothermal dolomitizations. We present the three sets of saddle dolomites as being characterized by obviously different lithologies, diversified mineral features, varying paragenetic mineral combinations, and distinguishable horizontal distributions. The Upper Sinian saddle dolomites originated from mantle-derived materials of high temperature and high salinity and experienced continuous and stable crystallization. Moreover, their hydrothermal dolomitization was related to the hydrothermalism of rock intrusion resulting from stress transformation during the Caledonian–Hercynian. The Middle Permian saddle dolomites originated from multisource fluids of moderate-high temperature and high salinity, and their hydrothermal dolomitization was linked to the hydrothermalism of extrusive rocks during the main body of the Hercynian. The Middle-Upper Cambrian saddle dolomites originated from fluid of moderate-low temperature and moderate salinity, and instead of hypomagma activity, their hydrothermal dolomitization might be related to the differential compaction of bottom mudstone rich in hydrothermal minerals during the diagenetic period. In summary, in this paper, we clarify the fluid characteristics and mechanisms of three-stage hydrothermal dolomitization and provide theoretical support for the exploration of hydrothermally dolomitized reservoirs of the Proterozoic–Paleozoic marine carbonate successions, which can also be used as reference for investigations of the multiple mechanisms of hydrothermal dolomitization.

Through the study of fabric characteristics, mechanical characteristics, crack and microstructure characteristics of shale, the micro-mechanism, controlling factors and fracture modes of shale macro-fracture are revealed. The macro-fracture of shale is affected by fabric characteristics, coring direction, confining pressure etc, and occurs when the pores and micro-cracks extend, merge and link up. Macroscopic failure modes include shear fracture, tensile fracture and slip rupture. Microscopically, the micro-crack failure mainly includes shear slip type (type II) and tensile type (type I). In essence, the shear rupture and slip fracture of shale are all caused by shear slip rupture of micro-cracks, but due to different shale structure, the failure takes on different modes. The tensile fracture is caused by the tensile extension of micro-cracks. In addition, during the macro-fracture, the shear and tensile fracture of micro-cracks co-exist, but make different contribution to the macro-fracture. Finally, shale fracture patterns, namely shear, tensile rupture and slip burst are set up, and the microscopic mechanism of macro-fracture is explained from the microscopic viewpoint. Key words: shale, macro-fracture mode, micro-fracture mechanism, microcrack, shear fracture, tension fracture

This study aimed to estimate the role of phosphatidylethanolamine binding protein 1 (PEBP1) in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury and the underlying mechanisms. Middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) model in adult male Sprague Dawley rats (250–280 g) were established and cultured neurons were exposed to oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) to mimic I/R injury in vitro. Expression vectors encoding wild-type PEBP1 and PEBP1 with Ser153Ala mutation (S153A), PEBP1 specific siRNAs, and human recombinant PEBP1 (rhPEBP1) were administered intracerebroventricularly. Endogenous PEBP1 level and its phosphorylation at Ser153 were increased within penumbra tissue and cultured neurons after I/R, accompanied by decreased interaction between PEBP1 and Raf-1. There was a trend toward increased Raf-1/MEK/ERK/NF-κB signaling pathway and phosphatidylcholine-phospholipase C (PC-PLC) activity after I/R, which was enhanced by wild-type PEBP1overexpression and rhPEBP1 treatment and inhibited by PEBP1 (S153A) overexpression. And PEBP1 (S153A) overexpression increased its interaction with Raf-1, reduced infarct size, neuronal death and inflammation, and improved neurological function after I/R, while wild-type PEBP1overexpression exerted opposite effects, suggesting that phosphorylation at Ser153 may exert as a functional switch of PEBP1 by switching PEBP1 from Raf-1 inhibition to PC-PLC activation following I/R. Compared with PEBP1 knockdown, PEBP1 (S153A) overexpression exerted a better rescue effect on I/R injury, which further proved that PEBP1 may be a good protein gone bad with phosphorylation at S153 as a functional switch following I/R. Collectively, our findings suggest that PEBP1 contributed to neuronal death and inflammation after I/R. Selective inhibition of PEBP1 phosphorylation may be a novel approach to ameliorate I/R injury.