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The genus Striglina is the most species-rich genus in the subfamily Striglininae, which includes about 80 species and subspecies and it has always been a popular research taxon within Thyrididae.Two new species of the genus Striglina Guenée, 1877, S. whalleyi sp. nov. and S. pararubricans sp. nov. from China are described and illustrated. Striglina whalleyi sp. nov. is similar to S. irresecta obscura Whalley, 1976, but its wing ground colour is lighter and the sacculus process is shorter. Striglina pararubricans sp. nov. is similar to S. rubricans, but the fore-wing is narrower, the uncus processes and sacculus process are longer. Holotypes are deposited in the Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou.

Abstract Background Gemcitabine is a cornerstone drug for the treatment of all stages of pancreatic cancer and can prolong the survival of patients with pancreatic cancer, but resistance to gemcitabine in pancreatic cancer patients hinders its efficacy. The overexpression of Early growth response 1(EGR1) in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma as a mechanism of gemcitabine chemoresistance in pancreatic cancer has not been explored. The major mechanisms of gemcitabine chemoresistance are related to drug uptake, metabolism, and action. One of the common causes of tumor multidrug resistance (MDR) to chemotherapy in cancer cells is that transporter proteins increase intracellular drug efflux and decrease drug concentrations by inducing anti-apoptotic mechanisms. It has been reported that gemcitabine binds to MDR1 with high affinity. The purpose of this research was to investigate the potential mechanisms by which EGR1 associates with MDR1 to regulate gemcitabine resistance in pancreatic cancer cells. Methods The following in vitro and in vivo techniques were used in this research to explore the potential mechanisms by which EGR1 binds to MDR1 to regulate gemcitabine resistance in pancreatic cancer cells. Cell culture; in vitro and in vivo study of EGR1 function by loss of function analysis. Binding of EGR1 to the MDR1 promoter was detected using the ChIP assay. qRT-PCR, Western blot assays to detect protein and mRNA expression; use of Annexin V apoptosis detection assay to test apoptosis; CCK8, Edu assay to test cell proliferation viability. The animal model of pancreatic cancer subcutaneous allograft was constructed and the tumours were stained with hematoxylin eosin and Ki-67 expression was detected using immunohistochemistry. Findings We revealed that EGR1 expression was increased in different pancreatic cancer cell lines compared to normal pancreatic ductal epithelial cells. Moreover, gemcitabine treatment induced upregulation of EGR1 expression in a dose- and time-dependent manner. EGR1 is significantly enriched in the MDR1 promoter sequence.Upon knockdown of EGR1, cell proliferation was impaired in CFPAC-1 and PANC-1 cell lines, apoptosis was enhanced and MDR1 expression was decreased, thereby partially reversing gemcitabine chemoresistance. In animal experiments, knockdown of EGR1 enhanced the inhibitory effect of gemcitabine on tumor growth compared with the sh-NC group. Conclusions Our study suggests that EGR1 may be involved in the regulation of MDR1 to enhance gemcitabine resistance in pancreatic cancer cells. EGR1 could be a novel therapeutic target to overcome gemcitabine resistance in pancreatic cancer.

The transmission of manure- and wastewater-borne antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) to plants contributes to the proliferation of antimicrobial resistance in agriculture, necessitating effective strategies for preventing the spread of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) from ARB in the environment to humans. Nanomaterials are potential candidates for efficiently controlling the dissemination of ARGs. The present study investigated the abundance of ARGs in hydroponically grown garlic (Allium sativum L.) following nano-CeO2 (nCeO2) application. Specifically, root exposure to nCeO2 (1, 2.5, 5, 10 mg L−1, 18 days) reduced ARG abundance in the endosphere of bulbs and leaves. The accumulation of ARGs (cat, tet, and aph(3’)-Ia) in garlic bulbs decreased by 24.2–32.5 % after nCeO2 exposure at 10 mg L−1. Notably, the lignification extent of garlic stem-disc was enhanced by 10 mg L−1 nCeO2, thereby accelerating the formation of an apoplastic barrier to impede the upward transfer of ARG-harboring bacteria to garlic bulbs. Besides, nCeO2 upregulated the gene expression related to alliin biosynthesis and increased allicin content by 15.9–16.2 %, promoting a potent antimicrobial defense for reducing ARG-harboring bacteria. The potential exposure risks associated with ARGs and Ce were evaluated according to the estimated daily intake (EDI). The EDI of ARGs exhibited a decrease exceeding 95 %, while the EDI of Ce remained below the estimated oral reference dose. Consequently, through stimulating physical and chemical defenses, nCeO2 contributed to a reduced EDI of ARGs and Ce, highlighting its potential for controlling ARGs in plant endosphere within the framework of nano-enabled agrotechnology.

The southeastern Sichuan Basin is one of the key targets for shale gas exploration in China. Currently, the exploration has gradually been delved into deep and ultra-deep formation fields. However, due to various constraint factors such as drilling and earthquakes, research on the tectonic characteristics and shale gas preservation conditions in this area is inadequate. In order to find out the tectonic deformation characteristics of Qijiang high-steep complex tectonic belt in southeast Sichuan and its impact on the enrichment law of deep shale gas, and to provide a basis for subsequent exploration deployment, a high-steep structural model is established based on the analysis of tectonic deformation characteristics and practice drilling data, and the quantitative evaluation of the main controlling factors of differences in preservation conditions is carried out on the basis of the model. The research results show that: (1) Qijiang high-steep structure has the layered deformation feature of "steep upper part and flat lower part + dominated by gypsolyte + steep front"; (2)There is a widely developed Cambrian gypsum salt layer in the Qijiang area, whose plastic deformation controls the uplift of the overlying structure; (3) The factors affecting the preservation conditions of shale gas in the study area include active deformation strength, fracture system, normal stress of fault plane, angle between structure and geostress, roof detachment layer and other factors. The interaction of multiple factors leads to obvious differences in the preservation conditions in the study area. According to the analysis results, the evaluation criteria for the preservation conditions of Qijiang high-steep structures are established, and it is defined that the Longsheng-Taozidang tectonic belt has single tectonic stress, low active deformation intensity and well-closed structure, which is the main favorable target for the next exploration.

In order to clarify the genesis of "low resistivity and low gas content" in the shale of Wufeng-Longmaxi formations and effectively guide the next step of shale gas exploration in Sichuan Basin, a detailed study on the problem based on a large number of drilling surveys, dissections, and analysis of laboratory test results in the entire area was carried out herein. Low-resistivity wells of Longmaxi Formation shale in this area can be divided into two types based on their electrical and geological characteristics, which are less than 1 Ω·m and 1-10 Ω·m. Shale gas wells with resistivity less than 1 Ω·m are basically gas-free and mostly dry wells with relatively concentrated distribution areas, mainly located in southwestern Sichuan and western Changning. The resistivity curve of the shale exhibits a "thin neck" characteristic, with a Raman reflectance generally above 3.70% and a high amplitude graphite peak. In addition, the variation range of resistance values in rock electrical experiments under different states is small, and they all exhibit extremely low to low resistance characteristics, indicating that the conductivity of the rock skeleton caused by graphitization is the main factor affecting this type of shale. The drilling distribution area of shale with resistivity in the range of 1-10 Ω·m is relatively wider, mainly with slight gas content, distributed both inside and outside the basin. The characteristics exhibited by its electrical properties, laser Raman, and rock electrical experiments are significantly different from those of shale less than 1 Ω·m. The resistance curve of this type of shale exhibits a "gradual" characteristic, with a measured Raman reflectance of around 3.50% by laser Raman spectroscopy. The laser Raman spectrum also does not show obvious graphite peak characteristics. This type of shale undergoes a wide range of changes in rock electrical experiments under two states: dry water and saturated water, with a change in shale resistivity of 7 to 20 times before and after drying, and exhibits medium to high electrical resistance characteristics, revealing a significant impact of shale water content on shale resistivity. Based on actual drilling data, it is believed that the deterioration of shale gas preservation conditions and the increase in water content are the main reasons for this type of low-resistivity well.

Fruitful achievements have been made in shale gas exploration in the middle and deep areas from the Upper Ordovician Wufeng Formation to the Lower Silurian Longmaxi Formation in the southeastern Sichuan Basin, and in the research on shale reservoir characteristics and main controlling factors. As the key direction of current shale exploration, the deep and ultra-deep areas are limited by drilling and other factors, and the research on reservoir development characteristics and differences with the middle and deep shale reservoirs is insufficient. In order to clarify the characteristics of the deep and ultra-deep shale reservoirs of the Wufeng-Longmaxi formatiosns, four typical shale gas wells at the depth of 2 000-6 000 m in the southeastern Sichuan exploration area were selected to systematically carry out a comparative study of deep and ultra-deep shale reservoir development characteristics and differences, and the causes of pore development were discussed. The results show that: (1) With a burial depth of less than 6 000 m, the shale reservoirs of the Wufeng-Longmaxi formations are effective reservoirs with high porosity, and the porosity has no obvious change with the change of burial depth. However, there are certain differences in the morphology, structure and connectivity of organic matter pores, that is, with the increase of burial depth, the size of organic matter pores relatively decreases, and the pore connectivity deteriorates; (2) It has been clarified that biogenic silica is the foundation of pore development, and fluid overpressure is the key to maintaining reservoir pores. Under the combined action of biogenic silica and biogenic silica, the deep and ultra-deep shale reservoirs with high porosity and high quality can be developed and maintained; (3) Based on the research of reservoir development, shale gas exploration will be extended to 6 000 m, which provides a clear direction for shale gas exploration in the next step. It is preliminarily assessed that the deep and ultra-deep shale gas (buried depth of 4 000-5 000 m) resources in the Wufeng-Longmaxi formations in the Sichuan Basin and its surrounding areas exceed 2×1012 m3.

Abstract Background Zinc finger and BTB domain-containing protein 4 (ZBTB4) belongs to the zinc finger protein family, which has a role in regulating epigenetic inheritance and is associated with cell differentiation and proliferation. Previous studies have identified aberrant ZBTB4 expression in cancer and its ability to modulate disease progression, but studies on the immune microenvironment, immunotherapy and its role in cancer are still lacking. Methods Human pan-cancer and normal tissue transcriptome data were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas. The pan-cancer genomic alteration landscape of ZBTB4 was investigated with the online tool. The Kaplan–Meier method was used to evaluate the prognostic significance of ZBTB4 in pancreatic cancer. In parallel, ZBTB4 interacting molecules and potential functions were analyzed by co-expression and the correlation between ZBTB4 and immune cell infiltration, immune modulatory cells and efficacy of immune checkpoint therapy was explored. Next, we retrieved the Gene Expression Omnibus database expression datasets of ZBTB4 and investigated ZBTB4 expression and clinical significance in pancreatic cancer by immunohistochemical staining experiments. Finally, cell experiments were performed to investigate changes in pancreatic cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion following overexpression and knockdown of ZBTB4. Findings ZBTB4 showed loss of expression in the majority of tumors and possessed the ability to predict cancer prognosis. ZBTB4 was closely related to the tumor immune microenvironment, immune cell infiltration and immunotherapy efficacy. ZBTB4 had good diagnostic performance for pancreatic cancer in the clinic, and ZBTB4 protein expression was lost in pancreatic cancer tumor tissues. Cell experiments revealed that overexpression of ZBTB4 inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of pancreatic cancer cells, while silencing ZBTB4 showed the opposite effect. Conclusions According to our results, ZBTB4 is present in pancreatic cancer with aberrant expression and is associated with an altered immune microenvironment. We show that ZBTB4 is a promising marker for cancer immunotherapy and cancer prognosis and has the potential to influence pancreatic cancer progression.

Theanine, polyphenols, and caffeine not only affect the flavor of tea, but also play an important role in human health benefits. However, the specific regulatory mechanism of Se NMs on fat-reducing components is still unclear. In this study, the synthesis of fat-reducing components in Fuding Dabai (FDDB) tea was investigated. The results indicated that the 100-bud weight, theanine, EGCG, total catechin, and caffeine contents of tea buds were optimally promoted by 10 mg·L−1 Se NMs in the range of 24.3%, 36.2%, 53.9%, 67.1%, and 30.9%, respectively. Mechanically, Se NMs promoted photosynthesis in tea plants, increased the soluble sugar content in tea leaves (30.3%), and provided energy for the metabolic processes, including the TCA cycle, pyruvate metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and the glutamine/glutamic acid cycle, ultimately increasing the content of amino acids and antioxidant substances (catechins) in tea buds; the relative expressions of key genes for catechin synthesis, CsPAL, CsC4H, CsCHI, CsDFR, CsANS, CsANR, CsLAR, and UGGT, were significantly upregulated by 45.1–619.1%. The expressions of theanine synthesis genes CsTs, CsGs, and CsGOGAT were upregulated by 138.8–693.7%. Moreover, Se NMs promoted more sucrose transfer to the roots, with the upregulations of CsSUT1, CsSUT2, CsSUT3, and CsSWEET1a by 125.8–560.5%. Correspondingly, Se NMs enriched the beneficial rhizosphere microbiota (Roseiarcus, Acidothermus, Acidibacter, Conexicter, and Pedosphaeraceae), enhancing the absorption and utilization of ammonium nitrogen by tea plants, contributing to the accumulation of theanine. This study provides compelling evidence supporting the application of Se NMs in promoting the lipid-reducing components of tea by enhancing its nitrogen metabolism.

Terrestrial shale strata generally has frequent and strong heterogeneity characteristics, thus affecting shale gas enrichment and target selection. In this study, samples from the Da’anzhai Member of Well A in Yuanba area have performed a series of experiments including total organic carbon ( TOC ) content measurement, rock pyrolysis, organic petrology, vitrinite reflectance ( R o ), whole-rock mineral composition, thin section analysis, focused ion beam scanning electron microscope, high-pressure Hg injection, nitrogen (N 2 ) adsorption, and methane (CH 4 ) isothermal adsorption. The results show that: (1) Da'anzhai (J 1 da) Member is a set of mixed sediments with various lithology, which consists of black shale and well-developed siltstone and carbonate rocks interlayers. The second section of the Da'anzhai Member (J 1 da 2 ) has relatively greater organic matter abundance (1.24% TOC ), better organic matter type dominated by type III and II, as well as higher maturity (1.67% R o ), which is the most favorable section of J 1 da. (2) J 1 da 2 shale strata can be divided into three shale lithofacies types, two interlayer lithofacies types, and three macro-lithofacies assemblage types. Among them, mudstone–limestone lithofacies assemblage (type AB-I) has preferable hydrocarbon generation conditions, better reservoir properties, and more developed shell limestone interlayers with better fracturing performance, is thought the most favorable interval. (3) The optimal interval and horizontal target of J 1 da 2 are further selected based on the source–reservoir coupling relationship, corresponding to the depth is 3909–3914 m, which imply the optimal horizontal target window for Well A. This study has application values not only for the identification of “sweet intervals” and well location deployment of J 1 da but also supports the later systematic studies of shale gas accumulation mechanism and enrichment regularity in Yuanba area.

Well Taiye 1 in the Fuling area of the eastern Sichuan Basin has obtained a high-yield industrial gas flow (7.5 × 104 m3/d gas and 9.8 m3/d oil) from the Middle Jurassic Lianggaoshan Formation, presenting a good test production effects, which means the realization of a major breakthrough in the exploration of Jurassic lacustrine shale oil and gas in the Sichuan Basin. In order to further determine the exploration potential of lacustrine shale oil and gas in this area and realize the large-scale efficient development and utilization of lacustrine shale oil and gas, this paper analyzes the geological conditions for the accumulation of lacustrine shale oil and gas in this area by using the drilling data of 10 key wells, such as wells Taiye 1 and Fuye 10. Then, the main factors controlling the enrichment of lacustrine shale oil and gas are discussed, and the exploration potential and favorable target zones of Jurassic lacustrine shale oil and gas in the Fuling area are defined. And the following research results are obtained. First, the quality Jurassic semi-deep lake shale in the Fuling area is characterized by high organic matter abundance, high porosity and high gas content, and it is the geological base of shale oil and gas enrichment. Second, the developed large wide and gentle syncline, good preservation condition and higher pressure coefficient (generally >1.2) are the key to the enrichment and high yield of shale oil and gas. Third, the developed microfractures in lacustrine shale are conducive to the enrichment and later fracturing of shale oil and gas. In conclusion, the Lianggaoshan Formation lacustrine shale in the Fuling area is widely distributed with moderate burial depth, developed microfractures and moderate thermal evolution, and its shale gas resource extent and shale oil resource extent are 1 922 × 108 m3 and 2800 × 104 t, respectively, indicating greater potential of shale oil and gas exploration, so shale oil and gas is the important field of oil and gas reserves and production increase in this area in the following stage.

Various types of sedimentary facies were developed during the Longtan period of the Late Permian, Sichuan Basin. To discover the shale gas exploration potential of belts with different sedimentary facies, a systematic analysis of shale gas generation conditions was carried out on the basis of different typical wells. The organic-rich shale developed in the Sichuan Basin during the Late Permian Longtan period was mainly distributed in tidal flat-lagoon and shelf facies. With complex lithological combinations, the tidal flat-lagoon facies shale was distributed in the Ziyang-Yongchuan-Qijiang areas. Mudstone, shale, and argillaceous carbonate rocks were interbedded with varying thickness and coal seams were also developed in all sections. Furthermore, it has the characteristics of "high TOC, clay and gas contents, and high porosity". The main organic matter type is type Ⅲ. The shallow water, mixed shelf facies in the Longtan Formation was mainly distributed in the Guang'an-Changshou-Nanchuan area, with reduced coal seams and increased ash content. Coal seams were barely developed in the second member of the Longtan Formation. Its organic matter type is Ⅱ2-Ⅱ1, with stable thickness as well as medium TOC and brittle mineral contents. Gas logging was anomalous. The deep-water shelf facies in the Wujiaping Formation were mainly distributed in Shizhu-Wanxian and Guangyuan-Liangping. Coal seams were only developed at the bottom of the Wujiaping Formation. Moreover, the second member of the Wujiaping Formation is composed of siliceous shale and mudstone, which has the characteristics of "high TOC content, high brittle mineral content, high porosity, high gas content, and high gas saturation". Its organic matter type is Ⅱ1, with widespread organic pores. It is currently the main strata for the exploration and development of Permian shale gas in the Sichuan Basin.

Given the rapid development of nanotechnology, it is crucial to understand the effects of nanoparticles on living organisms. However, it is laborious to perform toxicological tests on a case-by-case basis. Quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) is an effective computational technique because it saves time, costs, and animal sacrifice. Therefore, this review presents general procedures for the construction and application of nano-QSAR models of metal-based and metal-oxide nanoparticles (MBNPs and MONPs). We also provide an overview of available databases and common algorithms. The molecular descriptors and their roles in the toxicological interpretation of MBNPs and MONPs are systematically reviewed and the future of nano-QSAR is discussed. Finally, we address the growing demand for novel nano-specific descriptors, new computational strategies to address the data shortage, in situ data for regulatory concerns, a better understanding of the physicochemical properties of NPs with bioactivity, and, most importantly, the design of nano-QSAR for real-life environmental predictions rather than laboratory simulations.

Strategies to reduce the risk of drought damage are urgently needed as intensified climate change threatens agricultural production. One potential strategy was using nanomaterials (NMs) to enhance plant resistance by regulating various physiological and biochemical processes. In the present study, 10 mg kg−1 manganese ferrite (MnFe2O4) NMs had the optimal enhancement to elevate the levels of biomass, photosynthesis, nutrient elements, and polysaccharide in rice by 10.9–525.0%, respectively, under drought stress. The MnFe2O4 NMs were internalized by rice plants, which provided the possibility for rice to better cope with drought. Furthermore, as compared with drought control and equivalent ion control, the introduction of MnFe2O4 NMs into the roots significantly upregulated the drought-sensing gene CLE25 (29.4%) and the receptor gene NCED3 (59.9%). This activation stimulated downstream abscisic acid, proline, malondialdehyde, and wax biosynthesis by 23.3%, 38.9%, 7.2%, and 26.2%, respectively. In addition, 10 mg·kg−1 MnFe2O4 NMs significantly upregulated the relative expressions of OR1, AUX2, AUX3, PIN1a, and PIN2, and increased IAA content significantly, resulting in an enlarged root angle and a deeper and denser root to help the plant withstand drought stresses. The nutritional quality of rice grains was also improved. Our study provides crucial insight for developing nano-enabled strategies to improve crop productivity and resilience to climate change.

The direct uptake of extracellular DNA (eDNA) via transformation facilitates the dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in the environment. CeO2 nanoparticles (NPs) have potential in the regulation of conjugation-dominated ARGs propagation, whereas their effects on ARGs transformation remain largely unknown. Here, CeO2 NPs at concentrations lower than 50 mg L−1 have been applied to regulate the transformation of plasmid-borne ARGs to competent Escherichia coli (E. coli) cells. Three types of exposure systems were established to optimize the regulation efficiency. Pre-incubation of competent E. coli cells with CeO2 NPs at 0.5 mg L−1 inhibited the transformation (35.4%) by reducing the ROS content (0.9-fold) and cell membrane permeability (0.9-fold), thereby down-regulating the expression of genes related to DNA uptake and processing (bhsA, ybaV, and nfsB, 0.7–0.8 folds). Importantly, CeO2 NPs exhibited an excellent binding capacity with the plasmids, decreasing the amounts of plasmids available for cellular uptake and down-regulating the gene expression of DNA uptake (bhsA, ybaV, and recJ, 0.6–0.7 folds). Altogether, pre-exposure of plasmids with CeO2 NPs (10 and 25 mg L−1) suppressed the transformation with an efficiency of 44.5–51.6%. This study provides a nano-strategy for controlling the transformation of ARGs, improving our understanding on the mechanisms of nanomaterial-mediated ARGs propagation.

Rock pyrolysis, organic petrology, vitrinite reflectance, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis, and biomarker compound analysis were performed to comprehensively analyze the organic geochemical characteristics of the Jurassic Da’anzhai Member (J1da) shale strata in Yuanba and Puguang areas in the northeastern Sichuan Basin. Then the organic matter provenance and sedimentary environment were further analyzed. Finally, the significance of oil and gas exploration in J1da shale strata was discussed. Results show that the second section of the Da’anzhai Member (J1da2) has relatively high organic matter abundance (1.24%TOC), type Ⅱ-dominated organic matter type, which is the most favorable section of wells Y1 and T1 in the study area. The organic matter maturity and the hydrocarbon phases are quite different, which is 1.01%Ro dominated by oil generation in Puguang area, while it is 1.67%Ro dominated by gas generation in Yuanba area. Content and chromatograms of biomarkers including n-alkanes, tricyclic terpanes, C24 tetracyclic terpanes, and C27-C28-C29 regular steranes show that the organic matters of J1da shale strata derive from both terrestrial higher plants and lower aquatic organisms, with slightly differentiated mixed ratio of each sublayer. Characteristics of Pr/Ph, γ-cerane and hopanes compounds indicate that the overall depositional environment of J1da is a freshwater lacustrine environment, with saline lake deposits in local areas and intervals in the study area. The rapid changes of sedimentary environment have resulted in obvious stratification of water body, frequent interbeds, and strong heterogeneity of J1da shale strata. Comprehensive analysis shows the shale/mud microfacies in the semi-deep lake subfacies and shale/mud interbedded with siltstone and shell bank microfacies in the shallow lake subfacies are the most favorable sedimentary facies for J1da hydrocarbon enrichment. Deeper burial depth and higher maturity make for oil and gas enrichment with higher gas/oil ratio (GOR); moreover, the thicker intervals with organic-rich shale are favorable targets for geochemical evaluation.

With the continuing shale gas exploration and development in China, it is necessary to establish a scientific method to evaluate shale gas resources. This paper focuses on considering the heterogeneity of shale gas resource distribution and the impact of preservation conditions. On the basis of identifying the main influencing factors of shale gas "pressure coefficient", the study area is divided into A-type area (pressure coefficient >1.2), B-type area (pressure coefficient 1.0-1.2) and C-type area (pressure coefficient 0.8-1.0). By dissecting the shale gas calibrated area of Upper Ordovician Wufeng-Lower Silurian Longmaxi formations in Fuling, the resource volume is obtained as a key parameter for analog calculation, and the shale gas resources are evaluated by analogy. Comprehensive calculation of the total shale gas resources in the southeastern Sichuan area is 5.52×1012 m3, 4.04×1012 m3 of which is accounted for between 4 500-6 000 m depth, indicating that shale gas with a burial depth greater than 4 500 m in this area has a greater shale gas exploration potential.

Flavonoids contribute to fruit sensorial and nutritional quality. They are also highly beneficial for human health and can effectively prevent several chronic diseases. There is increasing interest in developing alternative food sources rich in flavonoids, and nano-enabled agriculture provides the prospect for solving this action. In this study, triiron tetrairon phosphate (Fe7(PO4)6) nanomaterials (NMs) were synthesized and amended in soils to enhance flavonoids accumulation in tomato fruits. 50 mg kg−1 of Fe7(PO4)6 NMs was the optimal dose based on its outstanding performance on promoting tomato fruit flavonoids accumulation. After entering tomato roots, Fe7(PO4)6 NMs promoted auxin (IAA) level by 70.75 and 164.21% over Fe-EDTA and control, and then up-regulated the expression of genes related to PM H+ ATPase, leading to root proton ef-flux at 5.87 pmol cm−2 s−1 and rhizosphere acidification. More Mg, Fe, and Mn were thus taken up into plants. Subsequently, photosynthate was synthesized, and transported into fruits more rapidly to increase flavonoid synthesis potential. The metabolomic and transcriptomic profile in fruits further revealed that Fe7(PO4)6 NMs regulated sucrose metabolism, shi-kimic acid pathway, phenylalanine synthesis, and finally enhanced flavonoid biosynthesis. This study implies the potential of NMs to improve fruit quality by enhancing flavonoids synthesis and accumulation.

A number of wells in the Sichuan Basin of China have tested industrial gas flow pressure arising from the shale of the Da’anzhai section of the Ziliujing Formation, revealing good exploration potential. Microfractures in shales affect the enrichment and preservation of shale gas and are important storage spaces and seepage channels for gas. In order to increase productivity and to reduce the risks associated with shale gas exploration, the types, connectivity, and proportion of microfractures in the Da’anzhai Member have been studied in this work by core and thin section observations, micro-CT, scanning electron microscopy, nitrogen adsorption, and high-pressure mercury intrusion. The results show that four types of fractures have developed in the shale of the Da’anzhai section: microfractures caused by tectonic stress, diagenetic shrinkage fractures of clay minerals, marginal shrinkage fractures of organic matter, and microfractures inside mineral particles. Among these, structural fractures and organic matter contraction fractures are the main types and are significant for shale reservoirs and seepage. The structural microfractures are mainly opened and are well-developed in the shale, with a straight shape, mainly between bedding, with the fracture surface being curved, fully opened, and mainly tensile. Organic matter fractures often develop on the edge of the contact between organic matter and minerals, presenting a slit-like appearance. The fractures related to bedding in the shale are particularly developed, with larger openings, wider extensions, intersecting and expanding, and forming a three-dimensional interconnected pore-fracture system. Based on image recognition, generally speaking, microfractures account for about 20% of the total pore volume. However, the degree of the microfractures’ development varies greatly, depending upon the structural environment, with the proportion of microfractures in fault-wrinkle belts and high-steep zones reaching 40% to 90% of the total pore space. On the other hand, micro-fractures in areas with underdeveloped structures account for about 10% of the total pore space.

In order to study the variation of shale gas composition as well as the carbon isotopic fractionation characteristics of terrestrial shale in the Ordos Basin, and ultimately establish a prediction model for shale gas production in order to monitor production capacity and effectively manage the development of shale gas, selected core samples from production wells were obtained for desorption analyses of their corresponding gas composition and carbon isotope. The desorption results showed that the methane content of the desorption gas is relatively low, the drying coefficient (C1/C1–5) ranges from 0.6 to 0.8, and the carbon isotope is relatively negative compared to other places. By means of the increasing desorption and production time, the drying coefficient and carbon isotope values of such samples show obvious carbon fractionation during gas adsorption/diffusion processes. The changes are more evident with increasing heavy hydrocarbons (C2+) and heavier carbon isotope values. The drying coefficient shows good correlation (R2 > 0.8) with the content of shale gas desorption per unit mass. A gas production prediction model was proposed to predict gas production throughout the life of the production well based on the relationship between the drying coefficients and gas production volume in the Ordos Basin.

The Upper Paleozoic strata of the Tarim Basin have abundant resources of marine oil and gas. In the Tahe area, Halahatang area, and Tazhong area of the basin, many large-scale oilfields have been found. These oilfields have a confirmed oil and gas reserves worth more than 2.5 billion tons and have completed the annual output of more than 14 million tons of marine oil and gas equivalent. The belief that the only main hydrocarbon source rocks are of the Cambrian or Ordovician is still controversial. Chemists have made significant progress and have effectively lead the oil and gas exploration in Tarim Basin. Due to the complexity of the basin and the limitation of samples, the research work, and fine contrast is restricted. In this article, we investigated the Cambrian strata outcrop of Tarim Basin in detail. By analyzing a lot of outcrops, high-quality hydrocarbon source rocks of Yuertusi Formation have been found in more than 10 outcrop points in Aksu region. The source rocks' lithology is black shale with total organic carbon (TOC) content that ranges between 2% and 16%. Total organic carbon (TOC) of the black shale layer could be as much as 4%–16%, especially in the outcrops of the Yutixi and Shiairike. This by far is the best marine hydrocarbon source rock that was found in China. The source rocks were distributed consistently in the Aksu region, the thickness of which is about 10–15 m. It was formed in a sedimentary environment of a middle gentle slope to a low gentle slope. Organic matter enrichment is controlled by the upwelling currents. The thick strata of dolostone that developed in the Xiaoerblak Formation are considered to be good reservoirs of the beach and microbial reef in the upper strata of Yuertusi Formation. No hydrocarbon source rocks have been found in the outcrop of Xiaoerblak Formation. The thick strata of gyprock and mudstone development are a set of satisfactory cap layer in the Lower Cambrian. This hydrocarbon accumulation combination has great exploration potential.

The detail enhancement and dynamic range compression of infrared (IR) images is an important issue and a necessary practical application in the domain of IR image processing. This paper provides a novel approach to displaying high dynamic range infrared images on common display equipment with appropriate contrast and clear detail information. The steps are chiefly as follows. First, in order to protect the weak global details in different regions of the image, we adjust the original normalized image into multiple brightness levels by adaptive Gamma transformation. Second, each brightness image is decomposed into a base layer and several detail layers by the multiscale guided filter. Details in each image are enhanced separately. Third, to obtain the image with global details of the input image, enhanced images in each brightness are fused together. Last, we filter out the outliers and adjust the dynamic range before outputting the image. Compared with other conventional or cutting-edge methods, the experimental results demonstrate that the proposed approach is effective and robust in dynamic range compression and detail information enhancement of IR image.