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Abstract Recent research has demonstrated a relationship between fruit and vegetable intake and gastrointestinal cancers, but the causality of these associations remains uncertain. This investigation sought to elucidate whether there is a potential causal relationship between the intake of fruits and vegetables and the risk of gastrointestinal cancers. Employing two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR), this research explored the causative influence of consuming fruits (fresh and dried) and vegetables (salads/raw and cooked) on the susceptibility to gastrointestinal cancers. The UK Medical Research Council-Integrative Epidemiology Unit (MRC-IEU) provided the summary statistics for these exposure variables, while the summary statistics for outcome data came from four other data sources. Univariable and multivariable MR were performed using inverse variance-weighted (IVW), MR-Egger, weighted media (WM), and Lasso model methods. Besides, multiple methods were employed for sensitivity analyses to guarantee the robustness of the findings, including MR-Egger intercept, Cochran’s Q test, and MR-PRESSO. Furthermore, the Phenoscanner V2 database was employed to identify possible confounders. The main analysis of univariable MR found that dried fruit consumption provided protection against pancreatic and oral cavity/pharyngeal cancers. However, this correlation becomes non-significant when potential confounders such as smoking, drinking, and body mass index (BMI) are accounted for. Furthermore, neither univariate nor multivariate MR analyses revealed enough data to prove a causal relationship between the intake of fresh fruit, vegetables (including salad/raw and cooked), and gastrointestinal cancers. There is insufficient evidence for a causal association between the consumption of fruits and vegetables and the occurrence of gastrointestinal cancers. Further empirical research is needed to corroborate these dietary factors’ role in the etiology of gastrointestinal cancers.

Abstract LiNi x Co y Mn1-x-y O2 (0 < x, y

The fatigue of adhesive joints in offshore wind turbine blades is a critical and widespread challenge, necessitating an urgent focus on adhesive bond reliability. Given the constraints of full-scale testing, this research explores the fatigue endurance of carbon fiber–epoxy adhesive composites, integral to blade construction. Recognizing the fatigue characteristics’ sensitivity to environmental factors and joint dimensions, an innovative approach to fatigue modelling and evaluation is introduced. This method incorporates the influence of different environmental stresses and size effects. Specifically, a degradation coefficient and size impact factor (SIF) are introduced into the cyclic cohesive zone model, and a simulation-based analytic approach is proposed for analyzing adhesive fatigue. Furthermore, we introduce a reliability modelling procedure that integrates performance degradation theory to address the deteriorative characteristics inherent in adhesive fatigue. Subsequently, the specimens’ damage accumulation increased by 75% because of the stresses and escalated to 85% with adhesive joint size effects, causing carbon fiber Reinforced Polymer/epoxy adhesive joints to fail interfacially rather than in a mixed-mode manner. This study provides valuable insights for the safety analysis and assessment of adhesive joint performance in offshore wind turbine blades.

Abstract LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 (NMC811) is a popular cathode material for Li-ion batteries, yet degradation and side reactions at the cathode-electrolyte interface pose significant challenges to their long-term cycling stability. Coating LiNixMnyCo1−x−yO2 (NMC) with refractory materials has been widely used to improve the stability of the cathode-electrolyte interface, but mixed results have been reported for Al2O3 coatings of the Ni-rich NMC811 materials. To elucidate the role and effect of the Al2O3 coating, we have coated commercial-grade NMC811 electrodes with Al2O3 by the atomic layer deposition (ALD) technique. Through a systematic investigation of the long-term cycling stability at different upper cutoff voltages, the stability against ambient storage, the rate capability, and the charger transfer kinetics, our results show no significant differences between the Al2O3-coated and the bare (uncoated) electrodes. This highlights the contentious role of Al2O3 coating on Ni-rich NMC cathodes and calls into question the benefits of coating on commercial-grade electrodes.

Accurate predictions of species distribution and coexistence in response to environmental changes depend on a thorough understanding of how functional traits relate to environmental conditions. However, there is still limited evidence regarding the sources of functional trait variation and the environmental mechanisms that regulate these traits in tropical forests. This study focuses on Dacrydium pectinatum de Laub., a crucial and endangered species native to the tropical mountain forests of Hainan Island, China. We gathered functional trait data from 68 permanent plots of D. pectinatum situated in three regions: Bawangling (163 tree species), Diaoluoshan (127 tree species), and Jianfengling (175 tree species). Nine functional traits were measured at the species level, and their variation patterns and sources were analyzed using linear mixed-effects models and variance decomposition methods. Our findings reveal that environmental pressures cause variations in trait relationships across different site conditions at the species level. Typically, inter-specific trait variation exceeds intra-specific variation, particularly for leaf area (LA) and specific leaf area (SLA). This indicates that trait variability is influenced by how species adapt to and balance specific environmental conditions. Site conditions significantly impact trait variation, especially for SLA, leaf dry matter content (LDMC), and wood density (WD). Additionally, intraspecific variation is notable for certain traits, reflecting individual responses to environmental heterogeneity. At the community level, eight out of nine traits exhibit significant changes in community-weighted mean (CWM) across various site conditions and environmental gradients. For instance, LA's CWM increases with soil fertility, whereas SLA, leaf nitrogen content (LNC), and leaf phosphorus content (LPC) show differences between site conditions. LDMC and WD decrease significantly in high-fertility environments, suggesting a transition from resource conservation to resource acquisition strategies within communities as soil fertility rises. Geographic variables play a crucial role in trait distributions across different community levels, with elevation and soil factors also contributing significantly to trait variation. Overall, our study provides direct evidence of how environmental filtering influences plant functional trait distributions and community assembly. Future research should explore the mechanisms driving these trait-environment relationships and their responses across various ecological contexts.

ABSTRACT: Two basic plumage color patterns are observed in adult geese: solid grey (G) or colorless white (W). However, a Chinese indigenous breed, the Wugangtong goose (WGT), continues to be subject to selective breeding efforts as it displays segregation of plumage colors, including G, W, and a novel color pattern designated Wb (G with white breast circles). The underlying genetic mechanisms responsible for the Wb phenotype are yet to be determined. The current study employed the population differentiation index (FST) to analyze 90 geese exhibiting diverse plumage colors, identifying the fifth intron of EDNRB2 as a particularly noteworthy region with the highest FST values. Sanger sequencing of the region surrounding the EDNRB2 gene identified a 14-bp insertion within exon 3 as the causal mutation. The heterozygosity of this 14-bp insertion and wild-type alleles was completely associated with the Wb phenotype, thereby substantiating the codominant nature of the G and W phenotypes. An inter-species corroborated this finding cross between the graylag (no 14-bp insertion) and the swan goose (homozygous for the 14-bp insertion) breeds, as hybrids from this cross exhibited the Wb phenotype. Transcriptomes from white breast patches and gray dorsal skins of 4 Wb geese were compared. A significant downregulation of genes involved in melanin synthesis and melanocyte development was observed, including EDRNB2 and MLANA. The downregulation of MLANA indicated that the mutated EDNRB2 resulted in melanocyte loss in specific body regions, as MLANA is a marker gene for melanocytes. The findings were corroborated by melanin staining using the Mansson-Fontana method, which revealed no melanin particles deposited in the white breast patches. In summary, the gray plumage color was codominant to the white color in WGT geese, and plumage color variations were controlled by EDNRB2. The findings of our study offer valuable and practical guidance for the purification of plumage colors among WGT, whether through traditional phenotype selection or molecular breeding methods.

To improve the welding performance of aluminum alloys, a thermal source model of an irregular weld seam was established. COMSOL software was used for numerical simulation of the weld seam geometry effect on the temperature and stress fields in laser welding, which results were experimentally validated. The results show that the ellipsoidal laser welding melted micropool exhibited quasi-steady-state temperature field characteristics. The temperature gradient and thermal stress showed an increase followed by a decline. The temperature fluctuation amplitude of the square-tooth-shaped weld seam exceeded that of the arc-toothshaped one. The temperature evolution of the broken line tooth-shaped weld seam showed a slightly increasing trend, except for the inflection point. The experimental average tensile strength of the weld seam was the highest, reaching about 210 MPa, i.e., roughly 85% of the base material (245 MPa), which coincided with the COMSOL-based temperature field simulation results. With increasing deformation amplitude and transition radius, the maximum tensile force, tensile strength, and elongation at fracture showed an increasing trend. However, the deformation amplitude should be below a certain limit because its increase elongates the welding path and reduces the distance between weld seams, resulting in serious heat accumulation. The tensile fracture morphology of the 6063-T6 base material was curved shear, with shallow toughness pits, small tearing edges at the edges, and small granular objects, indicating small plastic deformation during the fracture process. The tensile fracture of the welded part spanned the weld seam and the base material, and the fracture occurred along the tangent direction of the weld seam. The fracture surface was smooth, the tearing edges at the edge of the toughness pit shifted along the weld seam direction, forming many co-directional slip bands, with highly pronounced plastic deformation.

In PPP projects, there is a tendency for investors to follow the government’s excessive behavior, which is not conducive to controlling the behavior risks of the project. Due to the differences in conformity purposes, it is important to determine the form and tendency of investor conformity to understand the reasons for conformity and propose control suggestions. Referring to the research of Song et al., the study constructs an initial scale that investor’s rational conformity to the government’s excessive behavior. 269 and 244 data are used for the pre-test and validation of the scale, respectively. After adjusting the scale and analyzing reliability and validity by using SPSS and AMOS, the forms of investor conformity are divided into abidance, compliance, and obedience. Meanwhile, the measurement scales of three conformity tendencies are determined. These findings are conducive to quantitatively evaluating the risk level of investors’ conformity and deepening managers’ understanding of rational investor conformity, which is beneficial for reducing the risk of investor conformity and thus reducing the risk of the government’s excessive behavior.

As a new mode of marine industry, marine ranching is gradually becoming an important means to promote the high-quality development of marine economy. Meanwhile, the technological innovation of marine ranching enterprises (MREs) can enhance the economic and ecological functions of marine ranching. This paper builds an evolutionary game model including MREs, government and consumers to analyze strategic choices. The results show that: (1) The government’s incentive policies play a key role in the initial period of MREs, while the government can gradually eliminate the policies in the mature period of MREs. (2) Government’s incentive policies consist of subsidy and tax policies. The subsidy amount should be moderate in order to avoid financial burdens, and the tax policy should be adaptation to different types of MREs. (3) Consumers’ preference significantly affects the strategy of MREs innovation. Government subsidies for consumers with different preferences can guide market demand and provide market signals for MREs. This study provides an important reference for MREs to formulate technological innovation strategy and the government to formulate relevant policies

Liquid–liquid separation, commonly referred to as oiling-out, frequently can occurs during crystallization, especially the anti-solvent crystallization process of phosphoryl compounds, and poses potential hurdle for high-quality product. Efficiently regulating oiling-out during crystallization remains a significant challenge. Among various techniques, ultrasound emerges as a green and effective approach to enhance the crystallization process. However, there is a dearth of in-depth research exploring the microscopic mechanisms of this process. Therefore, our research focused on the fructose-1,6-diphosphate (FDP), a typical phosphoryl compound, to gain a deeper understanding of how ultrasound influences the oiling-out process. The focused beam reflectance measurement (FBRM) technology was used to investigate the oiling-out phenomenon of FDPNa3 across various solvent ratios. In addition, the influence of ultrasound on the induction time was studied and the nucleation energy barrier was calculated. Finally, to further unravel the microscopic mechanisms, we utilized molecular simulation techniques to analyze the impact of ultrasound power on the dissolution-precipitation process. Our observations revealed a consistent oiling-out process that attainted a stable state regardless of the solvent employed. Notably, the results of the oiling-out induction time experiments indicated that ultrasound significantly reduced helped lower the nucleation energy barrier of FDP3- ions, thereby dismantling FDP3-clusters in solution. Thus, in turn, shortened the reduced induction time and promoted crystallization. Furthermore, ultrasound reduced the interactions between FDP3-ions and water molecules as well as FDP3- ions themselves. As simulated field intensity increased, these interaction forces gradually diminished, the thickness of the hydration layer surrounding the FDP3- clusters facilitating the disruption of clusters, ultimately enhancing the crystallization process.

Abstract Baicalein is a natural flavonoid abundant in various foods and dietary plants, including Tuber aestivum and Oroxylum indicum. In this study, we investigated the role of baicalein in enhancing the insulin‐sensitizing effect of metformin in mice with prediabetes. Baicalein, when combined with 25% of normal‐dose metformin, achieved a diabetes‐reversion rate of 80%, which was 1.86‐fold that of normal‐dose metformin. Mechanistically, baicalein enhanced the insulin‐sensitizing effect of metformin on lipid metabolism by inhibiting de novo lipogenesis through the AMP‐activated protein kinase/SREBP‐1c/FASN pathway and by inducing fatty‐acid β‐oxidation through the upregulation of ACSL1, CPT1A, EHHADH, and acyl‐CoA dehydrogenases (ACADL/ACADM/ACADS). Meanwhile, baicalein enhanced the insulin‐sensitizing effect of metformin via the modulation of the gut microenvironment by enriching probiotics, especially Akkermansia by 53.4‐fold, depleting opportunistic pathogens, and strengthening the intestinal barrier. The improved gut microenvironment led to the alleviation of chronic endotoxemia, as evidenced by decreased levels of lipopolysaccharide and proinflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, baicalein enhanced the effect of metformin on decreasing the circulating level of branched‐chain amino acids (BCAAs), which further improved insulin sensitivity by normalizing the mTORC1/p70S6K/IRS1 signaling pathway and de novo lipogenesis. Moreover, the role of baicalein in enhancing the insulin‐sensitizing effect of metformin was verified by an oleic acid‐induced steatosis model and a BCAA‐induced insulin resistance model in hepatocytes. Our study laid a theoretical foundation for developing baicalein into a dietary supplement for diabetes prevention. The diverse mechanisms of food‐derived flavonoids can be applied in the development of dietary supplements to enhance the efficacy of oral hyperglycemic agents currently used in clinics.

Abstract As the core component of solid-state batteries, neither current inorganic solid-state electrolytes nor solid polymer electrolytes can simultaneously possess satisfactory ionic conductivity, electrode compatibility and processability. By incorporating efficient Li+ diffusion channels found in inorganic solid-state electrolytes and polar functional groups present in solid polymer electrolytes, it is conceivable to design inorganic-organic hybrid solid-state electrolytes to achieve true fusion and synergy in performance. Herein, we demonstrate that traditional metal coordination compounds can serve as exceptional Li+ ion conductors at room temperature through rational structural design. Specifically, we synthesize copper maleate hydrate nanoflakes via bottom-up self-assembly featuring highly-ordered 1D channels that are interconnected by Cu2+/Cu+ nodes and maleic acid ligands, alongside rich COO− groups and structural water within the channels. Benefiting from the combination of ion-hopping and coupling-dissociation mechanisms, Li+ ions can preferably transport through these channels rapidly. Thus, the Li+-implanted copper maleate hydrate solid-state electrolytes shows remarkable ionic conductivity (1.17 × 10−4 S cm−1 at room temperature), high Li+ transference number (0.77), and a 4.7 V-wide operating window. More impressively, Li+-implanted copper maleate hydrate solid-state electrolytes are demonstrated to have exceptional compatibility with both cathode and Li anode, enabling long-term stability of more than 800 cycles. This work brings new insight on exploring superior room-temperature ionic conductors based on metal coordination compounds.

In this study, we propose a novel lightweight detection model for rebar counting, which is rectified mobilenet lightweight feature pyramid network based on YOLO (RM-LFPN-YOLO). The model incorporates a lightweight backbone network that integrates the coordinate attention (CA) mechanism, a lightweight feature pyramid network (LFPN), and a loss function that combines focal loss and efficient intersection over union (EIOU) loss, all meticulously designed to enhance the model’s performance. Experimental results demonstrate that our improved algorithm, with a mere 25.08M parameters, computes efficiently at 7.60G with an input size of 416 pixels. Additionally, it achieves an impressive average precision (AP) of 99.03% at an IOU of 0.5. The proposed lightweight model can be deployed on embedded devices and achieve efficient rebar detection and counting performance.

ObjectiveTo explore the influence of maternal exposure to chlorpyrifos during pregnancy on neuro-developmental abnormalities of children at age of 2 years for health risk assessment and control of maternal chlorpyrifos exposure. MethodsThe participants of the study were 893 healthy mother-infant pairs enrolled in the Health Baby Birth Cohort in Wuhan municipality, Hubei province from January 2014 through June 2017. Urine samples (n = 2679) were collected from all the surveyed mothers at first, second, and third trimester of pregnancy for detection of 3, 5, 6-trichloro-2-pyridinol (TCPy, a specific metabolite of chlorpyrifos) by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry to evaluate internal exposure of chlorpyrifos. The mental development index (MDI) and psychomotor development index (PDI) of surveyed children at age of 2 years were measured using domestically modified Bayley Scales of Infant Development (BSID-CR). The correlation between the children′s neurodevelopmental abnor-malities and maternal chlorpyrifos exposure during pregnancy was analyzed. ResultsThe mean scores of MDI and PDI were 110.0 ± 21.7 and 111.0 ± 17.1 for all the 2-year-old children and 99 (11.1%) and 23 (2.58%) of the children were assessed as having abnormal mental and psychomotor development (with the MDI or PDI score of less than 80), respectively. The median (25th percentile, 75th percentile) of urine specific gravity adjusted concentration (ng/mL) of TCPy for urine samples the mothers in the first, second, and third trimesters were 2.02 (1.30, 3.38), 1.58 (0.98, 2.45), and 1.29 (0.79, 2.05), with the detection rate of 99.4%, 98.8%, and 95.9%, respectively. After adjusting for age at delivery, pre-pregnancy body mass index, maternal education, passive smoking during pregnancy, folic acid supplementation during pregnancy, child sex, parity, breastfeeding duration, and season of urine sample collection, the results of the multifactorial generalized estimating equation analysis indicated that each two-fold increase in maternal urinary TCPy concentration at first trimester was associated with the increased risks of mental and psychomotor developmental abnormalities for all the mothers′ children of 2-year-old, with the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95%CI) of 1.15 (95%CI: 1.01 – 1.32) and 1.34 (95%CI: 1.04 – 1.73); while, for the mother′s boys of 2-year-old, each two-fold increase in maternal urinary TCPy concentration at first trimester was correlated with increased risk of psychomotor developmental abnormality (OR = 1.47, 95%CI: 1.09 – 1.99). ConclusionMaternal exposure to chlorpyrifos during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, could lead to neurodevelopmental abnormalities in children at age of 2 years, with a more pronounced effect on the neurodevelopment of boys.

Abstract Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) and pyogenic liver abscess (PLA) due to Klebsiella pneumoniae infection can trigger life-threatening malignant consequences, however, there are few studies on the strain-associated clinical pathogenic mechanisms between VAP and PLA. A total of 266 patients consist of 129 VAP and 137 PLA were included for analysis in this study. We conducted a comprehensive survey for the two groups of K. pneumoniae isolates, including phenotypic experiments, clinical epidemiology, genomic analysis, and instrumental analysis, i.e., to obtain the genomic differential profile of K. pneumoniae strains responsible for two distinct infection outcomes. We found that PLA group had a propensity for specific underlying diseases, especially diabetes and cholelithiasis. The resistance level of VAP was significantly higher than that of PLA (78.57% vs. 36%, P

The quality and reliability of wind turbine blades, as core components of wind turbines, are crucial for the operational safety of the entire system. Carbon fiber is the primary material for wind turbine blades. However, during the manufacturing process, manual intervention inevitably introduces minor defects, which can lead to crack propagation under complex working conditions. Due to limited understanding and measurement capabilities of the input variables of structural systems, the distribution parameters of these variables often exhibit uncertainty. Therefore, it is essential to assess the impact of distribution parameter uncertainty on the fatigue performance of carbon-fiber structures with initial cracks and quickly identify the key distribution parameters affecting their reliability through global sensitivity analysis. This paper proposes a sensitivity analysis method based on surrogate sampling and the Kriging model to address the computational challenges and engineering application difficulties in distribution parameter sensitivity analysis. First, fatigue tests were conducted on carbon-fiber structures with initial cracks to study the dispersion of their fatigue life under different initial crack lengths. Next, based on the Hashin fatigue failure criterion, a simulation analysis method for the fatigue cumulative damage life of cracked carbon-fiber structures was proposed. By introducing uncertainty parameters into the simulation model, a training sample set was obtained, and a Kriging model describing the relationship between distribution parameters and fatigue life was established. Finally, an efficient input variable sampling method using the surrogate sampling probability density function was introduced, and a Sobol sensitivity analysis method based on surrogate sampling and the Kriging model was proposed. The results show that this method significantly reduces the computational burden of distribution parameter sensitivity analysis while ensuring computational accuracy.

In the entire wind turbine system, the blade acts as the central load-bearing element, with its stability and reliability being essential for the safe and effective operation of the wind power unit. Carbon fiber, known for its high strength-to-weight ratio, high modulus, and lightweight characteristics, is extensively utilized in blade manufacturing due to its superior attributes. Despite these advantages, carbon fiber composites are frequently subjected to cyclic loading, which often results in fatigue issues. The presence of internal manufacturing defects further intensifies these fatigue challenges. Considering this, the current study focuses on carbon fiber composites with multiple pre-existing cracks, conducting both static and fatigue experiments by varying the crack length, the angle between cracks, and the distance among them to understand their influence on the fatigue life under various conditions. Furthermore, this study leverages the advantages of Paris theory combined with the Extended Finite Element Method (XFEM) to simulate cracks of arbitrary shapes, introducing a fatigue simulation method for carbon fiber composite laminates with multiple cracks to analyze their fatigue characteristics. Concurrently, the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm is employed to determine the optimal weight configuration, and the Backpropagation neural network (BP) is used to train and adjust the weights and thresholds to minimize network errors. Building on this foundation, a surrogate model for predicting the fatigue life of carbon fiber composite laminates with multiple cracks under conditions of physical parameter uncertainty has been constructed, achieving modeling and assessment of fatigue reliability. This research offers theoretical insights and methodological guidance for the utilization of carbon fiber-reinforced composites in wind turbine blade applications.

As urbanization advances, the issue of urban heat islands (UHIs) grows increasingly serious, with UHIs gradually transitioning into regional urban heat islands. There is still a lack of research on the evolution and drivers of the thermal environment in urban agglomerations; therefore, in this study, we used trend analysis methods and spatial statistical analysis tools to investigate these issues in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei (BTH) urban agglomeration. The results demonstrated the following: (1) The land surface temperature (LST) exhibited low fluctuation, while the relative land surface temperature (RLST) fluctuated significantly. In Zhangjiakou and Chengde, the LST and RLST evolution trends were complex, and the results differed between daytime and nighttime, as well as between the annual and seasonal scales. In other regions, the trends of LST and RLST evolution were more obvious. (2) During the daytime, the high UHI clusters centered on “BJ–TJ–LF” and “SJZ–XT–HD” formed gradually; during the nighttime, the high UHI clusters were mainly observed in built-up areas. The distribution range and direction of UHIs showed greater degrees of evolution during the daytime in summer. (3) The total UHI area showed an increasing trend, and the intensity of heat stress suffered by the BTH agglomeration was increasing. (4) In BTH and Hebei, aerosol optical depth, surface solar radiation, population density, and gross domestic product were the dominant factors influencing UHIs; moreover, in Beijing and Tianjin, all factors showed an basically equal impact. The methodology and findings of this study hold significant implications for guiding urban construction, optimizing urban structure, and improving urban thermal comfort in the BTH urban agglomeration.

Abstract Silicon (Si)‐based solid‐state batteries (Si‐SSBs) are attracting tremendous attention because of their high energy density and unprecedented safety, making them become promising candidates for next‐generation energy storage systems. Nevertheless, the commercialization of Si‐SSBs is significantly impeded by enormous challenges including large volume variation, severe interfacial problems, elusive fundamental mechanisms, and unsatisfied electrochemical performance. Besides, some unknown electrochemical processes in Si‐based anode, solid‐state electrolytes (SSEs), and Si‐based anode/SSE interfaces are still needed to be explored, while an in‐depth understanding of solid–solid interfacial chemistry is insufficient in Si‐SSBs. This review aims to summarize the current scientific and technological advances and insights into tackling challenges to promote the deployment of Si‐SSBs. First, the differences between various conventional liquid electrolyte‐dominated Si‐based lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) with Si‐SSBs are discussed. Subsequently, the interfacial mechanical contact model, chemical reaction properties, and charge transfer kinetics (mechanical–chemical kinetics) between Si‐based anode and three different SSEs (inorganic (oxides) SSEs, organic–inorganic composite SSEs, and inorganic (sulfides) SSEs) are systemically reviewed, respectively. Moreover, the progress for promising inorganic (sulfides) SSE‐based Si‐SSBs on the aspects of electrode constitution, three‐dimensional structured electrodes, and external stack pressure is highlighted, respectively. Finally, future research directions and prospects in the development of Si‐SSBs are proposed.

Abstract Recent analyses of public microbial genomes have found over a million biosynthetic gene clusters, the natural products of the majority of which remain unknown. Additionally, GNPS harbors billions of mass spectra of natural products without known structures and biosynthetic genes. We bridge the gap between large-scale genome mining and mass spectral datasets for natural product discovery by developing HypoRiPPAtlas, an Atlas of hypothetical natural product structures, which is ready-to-use for in silico database search of tandem mass spectra. HypoRiPPAtlas is constructed by mining genomes using seq2ripp, a machine-learning tool for the prediction of ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs). In HypoRiPPAtlas, we identify RiPPs in microbes and plants. HypoRiPPAtlas could be extended to other natural product classes in the future by implementing corresponding biosynthetic logic. This study paves the way for large-scale explorations of biosynthetic pathways and chemical structures of microbial and plant RiPP classes.

The identification and restoration of damaged ecosystems are key to achieving ecological conservation and sustainable. Hainan Island is experiencing a serious crisis of biodiversity and habitat degradation. Therefore, its ecological conservation has become a priority and challenge for China. This study aimed to construct a multi-level ecological security pattern (ESP) based on the synergy of multiple ecosystem service functions and identify important ecological elements and ecological restoration areas. Based on the InVEST model, the circuit theory model, and a series of GIS spatial analysis methods, the importance of ecosystem functions (biodiversity maintenance, water conservation, carbon sequestration, and soil conservation) was evaluated, and ecological sources, ecological corridors, ecological pinch points, and ecological barrier points were identified. The results are as follows: 1) The best habitats in Hainan Island were distributed in the central mountainous area with diverse ecosystems, with an area of 10982.5 km2, accounting for 34.25% of the total suitable habitats. Low-level habitats are mainly distributed on tableland and coastal zones. Human disturbance is the direct cause of landscape patch fragmentation in low-level habitat areas. 2) A total of 65 large ecological sources with a total area of 8238.23 km2 were identified, which were concentrated in the biodiversity and water conservation areas in the central part of the island. 3) Crucial areas in Hainan Island mainly comprised forests and water bodies. Ecological corridors radiated across the entire area in the form of a spider web and connected all important ecological patches, including 138 ecological corridors (73 primary ecological corridors and 65 secondary ecological corridors), 222 ecological pinch points, and 198 ecological barrier points. In addition, the identified areas for restoration are primary areas in urgent need of protection and restoration. In general, the ecological pinch points are natural conservation areas supplemented by anthropogenic restoration, and the ecological barrier points demand equal attention for anthropogenic restoration and nature conservation. The ecosystem protection plan developed in this study will enrich the theoretical achievements of territorial spatial ecological planning in Hainan Island, and provides clear guidance for alleviating the contradiction between land use and economic development in Hainan Island.

A novel fiber sensor for the refractive index sensing of seawater based on a Mach–Zehnder interferometer has been demonstrated. The sensor consisted of a single-mode fiber (SMF)–no-core fiber (NCF)–single-mode fiber structure (shortened to an SNS structure) with a large lateral offset spliced between the two sections of a multimode fiber (MMF). Optimization studies of the multimode fiber length, offset SNS length, and vertical axial offset distance were performed to improve the coupling efficiency of interference light and achieve the best extinction ratio. In the experiment, a large lateral offset sensor was prepared to detect the refractive index of various ratios of saltwater, which were used to simulate seawater environments. The sensor’s sensitivity was up to −13,703.63 nm/RIU and −13,160 nm/RIU in the refractive index range of 1.3370 to 1.3410 based on the shift of the interference spectrum. Moreover, the sensor showed a good linear response and high stability, with an RSD of only 0.0089% for the trough of the interference in air over 1 h.

Abstract Biometrics are the among most popular authentication methods due to their advantages over traditional methods, such as higher security, better accuracy and more convenience. The recent COVID‐19 pandemic has led to the wide use of face masks, which greatly affects the traditional face recognition technology. The pandemic has also increased the focus on hygienic and contactless identity verification methods. The forearm is a new biometric that contains discriminative information. In this paper, we proposed a multimodal recognition method that combines the veins and geometry of a forearm. Five features are extracted from a forearm Near‐Infrared (Near‐Infrared) image: SURF, local line structures, global graph representations, forearm width feature and forearm boundary feature. These features are matched individually and then fused at the score level based on the Improved Analytic Hierarchy Process‐entropy weight combination. Comprehensive experiments were carried out to evaluate the proposed recognition method and the fusion rule. The matching results showed that the proposed method can achieve a satisfactory performance.

Summary: Marine group II (MGII) is the most abundant planktonic heterotrophic archaea in the ocean. The evolutionary history of MGII archaea is elusive. In this study, 13 new MGII metagenome-assembled genomes were recovered from surface to the hadal zone in Challenger Deep of the Mariana Trench; four of them from the deep ocean represent a novel group. The optimal growth temperature (OGT) of the common ancestor of MGII has been estimated to be at about 60°C and OGTs of MGIIc, MGIIb, and MGIIa at 47°C–50ºC, 37°C–44ºC, and 30°C–37ºC, respectively, suggesting the adaptation of these species to different temperatures during evolution. The estimated OGT range of MGIIc was supported by experimental measurements of cloned β-galactosidase that showed optimal enzyme activity around 50°C. These results indicate that MGIIc may have originated from a common ancestor that lived in warm or even hot marine environment, such as hydrothermal vents.

Karst areas are sensitive to environmental changes due to their fragile ecological environments. It is imperative to explore the temporal and spatial variations in the characteristics of vegetation net primary productivity (NPP) and evaluate the influence of different driving factors on NPP. Taking three karst provinces in southwest China as the study area, where the historical vegetation changes and the mechanisms influencing these changes remain unclear; therefore, the present study used vegetation NPP data from 1981 to 2019 to analyze the temporal and spatial variations in the characteristics of vegetation NPP using slope trend analyses and the sequential Mann-Kendall test. The influence of each driving factor on vegetation NPP and the interaction between each driving factor were investigated using the optimal parameters-based geographic detector (OPGD) model. The results were as follows: (1) The annual variation of the total NPP in the study area from 1981 to 2019 showed a fluctuating growth trend, with a slow growth rate before 2005 followed by a rapid increase. (2) The annual fluctuations in the seasonal NPP in the study area were generally upward, and the total NPP of vegetation in summer was the highest, but the growth rate of NPP in autumn was the fastest, and the area with the largest increase in NPP in autumn was the largest. (3) NPP was related to natural factors, with slope being the primary influencing factor at the annual scale. However, at the seasonal scale, there were differences in the explanatory power of the influencing factors on vegetation NPP. The highest explanatory power was observed for surface soil moisture in spring, air temperature in summer, and precipitation in autumn and winter. (4) The spatiotemporal evolution of NPP characteristics was affected by the interaction among various natural factors. At the annual and seasonal scales, the interaction between each climatic factor and slope greatly enhanced the explanatory power of individual climatic factors. Taken together, the interaction between slope and precipitation contributes the most to NPP.

Urban cold island effects have become increasingly relevant with accelerating climate change. However, the relationship between such effects and their causal variables remains unclear. In the present study, we analyzed the relationship between blue-green space variables and land surface temperature (LST) and park cooling intensity (PCI) in central Zhengzhou City using a random forest regression model. Cool urban areas corresponded to the location of blue-green spaces. The average temperatures of these spaces were 2 °C and 1 °C lower than those of the built-up areas and the full study region, respectively. Blue-green spaces also had a maximum temperature that was 8 °C lower than those of the built-up areas and the study region. The three primary variables determining LST were blue space proportion and area and vegetation cover, whereas the three variables determining PCI were blue-green space width, vegetation cover, and patch density. At a width of 140 m, blue-green spaces caused a PCI peak, which further improved at 310 m. The proportion of blue space had a stepwise effect on PCI. A vegetation coverage of 56% represented the lower threshold of LST and the higher threshold of PCI. These results reflect a nonlinear relationship between blue-green variables and urban cold islands. In conclusion, the study provides data that could inform the efficient use of blue-green spaces in urban construction and renewal.

Abstract Background Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the top ten global public health challenges. However, given the lack of a comprehensive assessment of worldwide AMR status, our objective is to develop a One Health-based system-wide evaluation tool on global AMR. Methods We have further developed the three-hierarchical Global One Health Index (GOHI)-AMR indicator scheme, which consists of five key indicators, 17 indicators, and 49 sub-indicators, by incorporating 146 countries’ data from diverse authoritative databases, including WHO's Global Antimicrobial Resistance and Use Surveillance System (GLASS) and the European CDC. We investigated the overall- or sub-rankings of GOHI-AMR at the international/regional/national levels for data preprocessing and score calculation utilizing the existing GOHI methodology. Additionally, a correlation analysis was conducted between the GOHI-AMR and other socioeconomic factors. Results The average GOHI-AMR score for 146 countries is 38.45. As expected, high-income countries (HICs) outperform the other three income groups on overall rankings and all five key indicators of GOHI-AMR, whereas low-income countries unexpectedly outperform upper-middle-income countries and lower-middle-income countries on the antibiotics-resistant key indicator (ARR) and ARR-subordinate indicators, including carbapenem-, β-lactam-, and quinolone resistance, and even HICs on aminoglycoside resistance. There were no significant differences among the four groups on the environmental-monitoring indicator (P > 0.05). GOHI-AMR was positively correlated with gross domestic product, life expectancy, and AMR-related publications, but negatively with natural growth rate and chronic respiratory disease. In contrast to Cyprus, the remarkably lower prevalence of "ESKAPE pathogens" in high-scoring Sweden and Denmark highlights Europe's huge gaps. China and Russia outperformed the other three BRICS countries on all key indicators, particularly India's ARR and Brazil's AMR laboratory network and coordination capacity. Furthermore, significant internal disparities in carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) prevalence were observed between China and the USA, with MRSA prevalence both gradually declining, whereas CRKP prevalence has been declining in the USA but increasing in China, consistent with higher carbapenems-related indicator’ performance in USA. Conclusions GOHI-AMR is the most comprehensive tool currently available for the assessment of AMR status worldwide. We discovered unique features impacting AMR in each country and offered precise recommendations to improve the capacity to tackle AMR in low-ranking countries. Graphical Abstract

Cost effective device fabrication of powerful hydrogel sensors remains challenging. Here, the authors propose a cost-effective and structure-specialized direct ink writing technique for the fabrication of two-dimensional MXene bonded hydrogel sensors with excellent strain and temperature sensing performance.

Cardamine violifolia, a species belonging to the Brassicaceae family, is a novel vegetable crop that is rich in glucosinolates. However, the specific glucosinolate profiles in this species remain unknown. In the present study, four parts of C. violifolia were collected including central leaves (CLs), outer leaves (OLs), petiole (P), and root (R). The highest level of total glucosinolate was observed in the R. A total of 19 glucosinolates were found in C. violifolia. The predominant glucosinolate compounds were 3-methylbutyl glucosinolate, 6-methylsulfinylhexyl glucosinolate, Indol-3-ylmethyl glucosinolate, 4-methoxyglucobrassicin, and neoglucobrassicin. A transcriptome analysis showed that 16 genes, including BCAT1, BCAT3-6, CYP79A2, CYP79B2-3, CYP83A1, CYP83B1, and SOT17-18, and nine metabolites, such as valine, tryptophan, and 1-methylpropyl glucosinolate, were enriched in the glucosinolate biosynthesis pathway. These genes may be involved in the regulation of glucosinolate accumulation among the four parts. A weighted gene co-expression analysis showed that five genes were predicted to regulate glucosinolate accumulation, including ABC transporter G family member 19, 3-ketoacyl-CoA synthase 19, and pyruvate decarboxylase 1. This study deepens our understanding of the nutrient quality of C. violifolia and provides insights into the regulatory mechanism of glucosinolate accumulation in C. violifolia.

A lithium‐ion battery's maximum charge rate and energy density are intrinsically limited by the ion diffusion rate in the electrolyte. Most research focuses on materials science solutions to this problem, with gradual improvement over the years. A mechanical solution is proposed to integrate an MHz‐order frequency surface acoustic wave (SAW) device into an existing 1.8 Ah multilayered Li‐ion pouch cell to enhance the ion diffusion rate and the overall battery performance. Both the charging rate and cycling lifetime are improved from SAW. At a 6C (10 min) charge and C/3 discharge rate, typical of electric vehicle applications, integrating SAW into the Li‐ion cell doubles the energy density and maintains at least 72% of the battery's initial capacity after 2000 cycles. Moreover, using SAW quantifiably reduces battery degradation in these conditions as determined by optical imaging, scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and neutron diffraction. The use of SAW appears to offer a method to avoid undesirable Li metal plating on the graphite anode during charging, and leads to a much longer battery lifetime and good charge capacity, all despite rapid charging.

Abstract Potassium‐ion batteries (PIBs) are considered promising alternatives to lithium‐ion batteries owing to cost‐effective potassium resources and a suitable redox potential of −2.93 V (vs. −3.04 V for Li+/Li). However, the exploration of appropriate electrode materials with the correct size for reversibly accommodating large K+ ions presents a significant challenge. In addition, the reaction mechanisms and origins of enhanced performance remain elusive. Here, tetragonal FeSe nanoflakes of different sizes are designed to serve as an anode for PIBs, and their live and atomic‐scale potassiation/depotassiation mechanisms are revealed for the first time through in situ high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy. We found that FeSe undergoes two distinct structural evolutions, sequentially characterized by intercalation and conversion reactions, and the initial intercalation behavior is size‐dependent. Apparent expansion induced by the intercalation of K+ ions is observed in small‐sized FeSe nanoflakes, whereas unexpected cracks are formed along the direction of ionic diffusion in large‐sized nanoflakes. The significant stress generation and crack extension originating from the combined effect of mechanical and electrochemical interactions are elucidated by geometric phase analysis and finite‐element analysis. Despite the different intercalation behaviors, the formed products of Fe and K2Se after full potassiation can be converted back into the original FeSe phase upon depotassiation. In particular, small‐sized nanoflakes exhibit better cycling performance with well‐maintained structural integrity. This article presents the first successful demonstration of atomic‐scale visualization that can reveal size‐dependent potassiation dynamics. Moreover, it provides valuable guidelines for optimizing the dimensions of electrode materials for advanced PIBs.

Narrowband internet of things (NB-IoT) technology is widely used in data communications for a large number of low-speed and low-power devices, but it is diff cult to provide services for remote areas that cannot be covered by terrestrial networks.With its global coverage and low cost, the LEO satellite constellation can supplement and expand the terrestrial NB-IoT infrastructure, providing an eff ective solution for the space-based internet of things.Facing the application requirements of space-based internet of things, on the basis of reviewing the NB-IoT system architecture, the challenges of channel environment high dynamic delay and frequency off set faced by the application of NB-IoT technology in the LEO satellite constellation scenario were analyzed.For the uplink random access process, an eff ective user detection and timing synchronization method was designed, which had the advantages of high performance and low complexity, and provided an eff cient receiving method for the LEO satellite NB-IoT uplink random access synchronization.

To achieve directional solidification repair of damaged aviation turbine blades, the directional growth repair layer was prepared using a Nd:YAG laser on the surface of superalloy DZ-22. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to observe the microstructure. The element distribution was analyzed and the microhardness of the sample was measured. The results showed that primary dendrite size was proportional to the current and the pulse-width, and inversely proportional to the scanning speed. No obvious macrosegregation of the repair zone was evident. The zone exhibited a finer microstructure than the substrate and had a smaller columnar crystal size, which was approximately two orders of magnitude smaller than the substrate. The micro-segregation between the centers and the edges of the dendrites and in between adjacent dendrites and a decrease in microhardness from the repair zone (455 HV) to the substrate also were observed.

Abstract Exploring vegetation distribution spatial patterns facilitates understanding how biodiversity addresses the potential threat of future climate variability, especially for highly diverse and threatened tropical plant communities, but few empirical studies have been performed. Dacrydium pectinatum is a constructive and endangered species in the tropical mountain forests of Hainan Island, China. In this study, sixty‐eight 30 m × 30 m permanent plots of D. pectinatum were investigated, and species‐based and phylogenetic‐based methods were used to analyze the α‐ and β‐diversity pattern variation and its key drivers. Our study showed that species and phylogenetic α‐diversity patterns are different on a local scale. However, on a regional scale, the variations in the two α‐diversity patterns tend to converge, and they decrease with increasing elevation. The phylogenetic structure changes from overdispersion to convergence with increasing elevation. Soil (SOM, TP, AP), topography (EL, SL), and stand (CD) factors and α‐diversity showed close correlations. Species and phylogenetic β‐diversity have significant positive correlations with changing environmental distance and geographical distance; however, as a representative form of habitat heterogeneity, elevation distance has a greater impact on β‐diversity changes than geographical distance. In conclusion, the α‐ and β‐diversity patterns of the D. pectinatum community are mainly related to habitat filtering, especially in high‐elevation areas, and the colonization history of various regions also affects the formation of diversity patterns. Species‐based and phylogenetic‐based methods robustly demonstrated the key role of the habitat filtering hypothesis in community assembly. We believe that more plant diversity patterns need to be explored to understand the biodiversity formation mechanisms in tropical forests. We also recommend strengthening the construction and management of nature reserves to help address the biodiversity loss crisis in endangered tropical plant communities.

FFor the directional solidification repair of blade damage in an aviation turbine, a directional-growth repair layer on the surface of a nickel-based superalloy was prepared using an Nd:YAG laser. The microstructure of the directional-growth repair layer was investigated using scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Its phase composition and corrosion resistance were also analyzed and tested. The results indicate that the grains in the repair zone solidified in the same direction as the substrate and formed continuous columnar crystals, which were arranged in an orderly manner. A small number of secondary dendritic cells were dispersed in the transverse direction of the columnar crystals. The phase composition was mainly composed of the α′-based phase, β-precipitated strengthening phase, MC carbide, and interdendritic α′/β eutectic phase. The corrosion kinetic curve of the repair zone changed linearly. The oxide film was uniform and dense, and was mainly composed of continuous granular oxide. The corrosion kinetic curve of the substrate conformed to the parabolic law. The oxide film was composed of loose and bulky granular grains, which were stacked in the shape of regular polyhedra and distributed in the form of an island.

Dendrobium officinale polysaccharide (DOP), which serves as a prebiotic, exhibits a variety of biological activities, including hypoglycemic activities. However, the effects of DOP on diabetes prevention and its hypoglycemic mechanisms are still unclear. In this study, the effects of DOP treatment on the prediabetic mice model were studied and the mechanism was investigated. The results showed that 200 mg/kg/d of DOP reduced the relative risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) from prediabetes by 63.7%. Meanwhile, DOP decreased the level of LPS and inhibited the expression of TLR4 by regulating the composition of the gut microbiota, consequently relieving the inflammation and alleviating insulin resistance. In addition, DOP increased the abundance of SCFA (short chain fatty acid)-producing bacteria in the intestine, increased the levels of intestinal SCFAs, promoted the expression of short-chain fatty acid receptors FFAR2/FFAR3, and increased the secretion of the intestinal hormones GLP-1 and PYY, which helped to repair islet damage, suppress appetite, and improve insulin resistance. Our results suggested that DOP is a promising functional food supplement for the prevention of T2DM.

Low-moisture (20~40%) and high-moisture (40~80%) textured vegetable proteins (TVPs) can be used as important components of plant-based lean meat, while plant-based fat can be characterized by the formation of gels from polysaccharides, proteins, etc. In this study, three kinds of whole-cut plant-based pork (PBP) were prepared based on the mixed gel system, which were from low-moisture TVP, high-moisture TVP, and their mixtures. The comparisons of these products with commercially available plant-based pork (C-PBP1 and C-PBP2) and animal pork meat (APM) were studied in terms of appearance, taste, and nutritional qualities. Results showed the color changes of PBPs after frying were similar to that of APM. The addition of high-moisture TVP would significantly improve hardness (3751.96~7297.21 g), springiness (0.84~0.89%), and chewiness (3162.44~6466.94 g) while also reducing the viscosity (3.89~10.56 g) of products. It was found that the use of high-moisture TVP led to a significant increase in water-holding capacity (WHC) from 150.25% to 161.01% compared with low-moisture TVP; however, oil-holding capacity (OHC) was reduced from 166.34% to 164.79%. Moreover, essential amino acids (EAAs), the essential amino acids index (EAAI), and biological value (BV) were significantly increased from 272.68 mg/g, 105.52, and 103.32 to 362.65 mg/g, 141.34, and 142.36, respectively, though in vitro protein digestibility (IVPD) reduced from 51.67% to 43.68% due to the high-moisture TVP. Thus, the high-moisture TVP could help to improve the appearance, textural properties, WHC, and nutritional qualities of PBPs compared to animal meat, which was also better than low-moisture TVP. These findings should be useful for the application of TVP and gels in plant-based pork products to improve the taste and nutritional qualities.

Abstract 3D hosts are promising to extend the cycle life of lithium metal anodes but have rarely been implemented with lean electrolytes thus impacting the practical cell energy density. To overcome this challenge, a 3D host that is lightweight and easy to fabricate with optimum pore size that enables full utilization of its pore volume, essential for lean electrolyte operations, is reported. The host is fabricated by casting a VGCF (vapor‐grown carbon fiber)‐based slurry loaded with a sparingly soluble rubidium nitrate salt as an additive. The network of fibers generates uniform pores of ≈3 µm in diameter with a porosity of 80%, while the nitrate additive enhances lithiophilicity. This 3D host delivers an average coulombic efficiency of 99.36% at 1 mA cm−2 and 1 mAh cm−2 for over 860 cycles in half‐cell tests. Full cells containing an anode with 1.35‐fold excess lithium paired with LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 (NMC811) cathodes exhibit capacity retention of 80% over 176 cycles at C/2 under a lean electrolyte condition of 3 g Ah−1. This work provides a facile and scalable method to advance 3D lithium hosts closer to practical lithium‐metal batteries.

Air-stability is a critical challenge faced by layered sodium transition metal oxide cathodes. Here, the authors depict a general and in-depth model of the structural/chemical evolution of P2-type layered oxides in air and propose an evaluation rule for the air-stability of layered sodium cathodes.

Abstract Microbial community structure and metabolic activities have profound impacts on biogeochemical processes in marine sediments. Functional bacteria such as nitrate- and sulfate-reducing bacteria respond to redox gradients by coupling specific reactions amenable to relevant energy metabolisms. However, similar functional patterns have not been observed for sedimentary archaea (except for anaerobic methanotrophs and methanogens). We coupled taxonomic composition with comprehensive geochemical species to investigate the participation of distinct bacteria and archaea in sedimentary geochemical cycles in a sediment core (300 cm) from Pearl River Estuary (PRE). Geochemical properties (NO3 −, dissolved Mn and Fe, SO4 2+, NH4 +; dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), δ13CDIC, dissolved organic carbon (DOC), total organic carbon (TOC), δ13CTOC, and fluorescent dissolved organic matter (FDOM)) exhibited strong depth variability of different trends. Bacterial 16S rRNA- and dsrB gene abundance decreased sharply with depth while archaeal and bathyarchaeotal 16S rRNA gene copies were relatively constant. This resulted in an increase in relative abundance of archaea from surface (11.6%) to bottom (42.8%). Network analysis showed that bacterial groups of Desulfobacterales, Syntrophobacterales and Gammaproteobacteria were significantly (P

Land surface temperature (LST) is an important driving factor in the land-atmosphere energy cycle. To examine the spatiotemporal patterns of LST changes and the internal mechanisms driven by multiple factors, we used a trend analysis method on TRIMS LST data from 2000 to 2020 in the Qingling-Daba Mountains. The optimal parameter geographic detector (OPGD) model was used to detect the influence of twelve factors, including elevation, precipitation, albedo, relative humidity (RH) and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), on the spatial distribution of LST, as well as to explore the dominant factors affecting LST differentiation in the study area. The results showed that: (1) From 2000 to 2020, the average annual LST of the Qinling-Daba Mountains was 18.17 °C. The warming trend was obvious (0.034 °C/a), and the warming effect at nighttime (0.066 °C/a) was stronger than that during daytime (0.0004 °C/a). The difference between day and night temperature (DIF) was decreasing. (2) The seasonal changes in LST and DIF in the Qinling-Daba Mountains were significant, and the spatial distribution of their average values in the summer was slightly larger and fluctuated more than in the other seasons. (3) Elevation was the main driving factor affecting the spatial distribution of LST, with the contribution scores of 62.9% in the daytime and 92.7% in the nighttime. The controlling effects of these factors were generally stronger in the nighttime than in the daytime. (4) Nighttime elevation had the strongest interaction with precipitation (contribution score of 95%), while daytime elevation had the strongest interaction with albedo (contribution rate of 83%). We revealed the temporal and spatial variation in LST in the Qinling-Daba Mountains since 2000 and explored the main driving factors involved, thereby improving our understanding of LST changes in the Qinling-Daba Mountains. This study can provide a scientific basis for distinguishing dominant drivers of LST dynamics in the Qinling-Daba Mountains.

ABSTRACT Salinity is an important abiotic stress affecting plant growth. We have known that plants can recruit beneficial microbes from the surrounding soil. However, the ecological functions of the core microbiome in salt-tolerant plants, together with their driving factors, remain largely unexplored. Here, we employed both amplicon and shotgun metagenomic sequencing to investigate the microbiome and function signatures of bulk soil and rhizocompartment samples from three salt-tolerant plants (legumes Glycine soja and Sesbania cannabina and nonlegume Sorghum bicolor). Strong filtration effects for microbes and functional genes were found in the rhizocompartments following a spatial gradient. The dominant bacteria belonged to Ensifer for legumes and Bacillus for S. bicolor. Although different salt-tolerant plants harbored distinct bacterial communities, they all enriched genes involved in cell motility, Na+ transport, and plant growth-promoting function (e.g., nitrogen fixation and phosphate solubilization) in rhizoplane soils, implying that the microbiome assembly of salt-tolerant plants might depend on the ecological functions of microbes rather than microbial taxa. Moreover, three metagenome-assembled genomes affiliated to Ensifer were obtained, and their genetic basis for salt stress alleviation were predicted. Soil pH, electrical conductivity, and total nitrogen were the most important driving factors for explaining the above microbial and functional gene selection. Correspondingly, the growth of an endophyte, Ensifer meliloti CL09, was enhanced by providing root exudates, suggesting that root exudates might be one of factors in the selection of rhizosphere and endosphere microbiota. Overall, this study reveals the ecological functions of the populations inhabiting the root of salt-tolerant plants. IMPORTANCE Salinity is an important but little-studied abiotic stressor affecting plant growth. Although several previous reports have examined salt-tolerant plant microbial communities, we still lack a comprehensive understanding about the functional characteristics and genomic information of this population. The results of this study revealed the root-enriched and -depleted bacterial groups, and found three salt-tolerant plants harbored different bacterial populations. The prediction of three metagenome-assembled genomes confirmed the critical role of root dominant species in helping plants tolerate salt stress. Further analysis indicated that plants enriched microbiome from soil according to their ecological functions but not microbial taxa. This highlights the importance of microbial function in enhancing plant adaptability to saline soil and implies that we should pay more attention to microbial function and not only to taxonomic information. Ultimately, these results provide insight for future agriculture using the various functions of microorganisms on the saline soil.

Plant growth is affected by various abiotic stresses, including water, temperature, light, salt, and heavy metals. Selenium (Se) is not an essential nutrient for plants but plays important roles in alleviating the abiotic stresses suffered by plants. This article summarizes the Se uptake and metabolic processes in plants and the functions of Se in response to water, temperature, light, salt, and heavy metal stresses in plants. Se promotes the uptake of beneficial substances, maintains the stability of plasma membranes, and enhances the activity of various antioxidant enzymes, thus alleviating adverse effects in plants under abiotic stresses. Future research directions on the relationship between Se and abiotic stresses in plants are proposed. This article will further deepen our understanding of the relationship between Se and plants.

Cardamine violifolia, a species belonging to the Brassicaceae family, is a selenium hyperaccumulator and a nutritious leafy vegetable. Our previous study showed that C. violifolia leaves are rich in total phenolic acids, but the composition and corresponding genes remain unknown. In this study, we investigated the phenolic acid compounds and potential gene regulation network in the outer leaves (OL) and central leaves (CL) of C. violifolia using transcriptome and metabolome analyses. Results showed that the OL contained a higher total phenolic acid content than the CL. Metabolome analysis revealed a total of 115 phenolic acids, 62 of which (e.g., arbutin, rosmarinic acid, hydroxytyrosol acetate, and sinapic acid) were differentially accumulated between the CL and OL of C. violifolia. Transcriptome analysis showed that the differentially expressed genes were significantly enriched in the pathways of secondary metabolite biosynthesis and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis. Conjoint analysis of the transcriptome and metabolome indicated that seven genes (CYP84A1, CYP84A4, CADH9, SGT1, UGT72E1, OMT1, and CCR2) and eight phenolic acids (sinapic acid, sinapyl alcohol, 5-O-caffeoylshikimic acid, sinapoyl malate, coniferin, coniferyl alcohol, L-phenylalanine, and ferulic acid) constituted a possible regulatory network. This study revealed the phenolic acid compounds and possible regulatory network of C. violifolia leaves and deepened our understanding of its nutrient value.

Abstract Climate change has direct impacts on wildlife and future biodiversity protection efforts. Vulnerability assessment and habitat connectivity analyses are necessary for drafting effective conservation strategies for threatened species such as the Tibetan brown bear (Ursus arctos pruinosus). We used the maximum entropy (MaxEnt) model to assess the current (1950–2000) and future (2041–2060) habitat suitability by combining bioclimatic and environmental variables, and identified potential climate refugia for Tibetan brown bears in Sanjiangyuan National Park, China. Next, we selected Circuit model to simulate potential migration paths based on current and future climatically suitable habitat. Results indicate a total area of potential suitable habitat under the current climate scenario of approximately 31,649.46 km2, of which 28,778.29 km2 would be unsuitable by the 2050s. Potentially suitable habitat under the future climate scenario was projected to cover an area of 23,738.6 km2. Climate refugia occupied 2,871.17 km2, primarily in the midwestern and northeastern regions of Yangtze River Zone, as well as the northern region of Yellow River Zone. The altitude of climate refugia ranged from 4,307 to 5,524 m, with 52.93% lying at altitudes between 4,300 and 4,600 m. Refugia were mainly distributed on bare rock, alpine steppe, and alpine meadow. Corridors linking areas of potentially suitable brown bear habitat and a substantial portion of paths with low‐resistance value were distributed in climate refugia. We recommend various actions to ameliorate the impact of climate change on brown bears, such as protecting climatically suitable habitat, establishing habitat corridors, restructuring conservation areas, and strengthening monitoring efforts.

Abstract Damage to homesteads by brown bears (Ursus arctos) has become commonplace in Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Science‐based solutions for preventing damages can contribute to the establishment of mechanisms that promote human–bear coexistence. We examined the spatial distribution patterns of house break‐ins by Tibetan brown bears (U. a. pruinosus) in Zhiduo County of the Sanjiangyuan region in China. Occurrence points of bear damage were collected from field surveys completed from 2017 to 2019. The maximum entropy (MaxEnt) model was then used to assess house break‐in risk. Circuit theory modeling was used to simulate risk diffusion paths based on the risk map generated from our MaxEnt model. The results showed that (a) the total risk area of house break‐ins caused by brown bears was 11,577.91 km2, accounting for 29.85% of Zhiduo County, with most of the risk areas were distributed in Sanjiangyuan National Park, accounting for 58.31% of the total risk area; (b) regions of alpine meadow located in Sanjiangyuan National Park with a high human population density were associated with higher risk; (c) risk diffusion paths extended southeast to northwest, connecting the inside of Sanjiangyuan National Park to its outside border; and (d) eastern Suojia, southern Zhahe, eastern Duocai, and southern Jiajiboluo had more risk diffusion paths than other areas examined, indicating higher risk for brown bear break‐ins in these areas. Risk diffusion paths will need strong conservation management to facilitate migration and gene flow of brown bears and to alleviate bear damage, and implementation of compensation schemes may be necessary in risk areas to offset financial burdens. Our analytical methods can be applied to conflict reduction efforts and wildlife conservation planning across the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau.

There has recently been a considerable and dramatic change in the system design of some future aircraft. The use of electrical energy has led to a demand for rapid technology development in the environment control system (ECS). Extracting energy from the aero-engine in the form of compressed air and electric power to drive the ECS directly affects aero-engine fuel economy. There is an urgent demand for a task-level energy efficiency evaluation method to guide energy and heat sink scheduling. This paper takes the F22 Raptor fighter jet as the research object and analyzes the influence of bleed air and electric power on the thrust and thrust-specific fuel consumption (TSFC) based on the exergy analysis method. First, a two-step TSFC surrogate model is constructed, and a task-level energy efficiency evaluation method is proposed. The error of the TSFC surrogate model is less than 5%, which means the accuracy of the model is sufficient to meet the needs of engineering. Then, the task-level energy efficiency evaluation results show that the vapor cycle has significant fuel economy when the cooling capacity is large, while the air cycle has certain advantages with a small cooling capacity. The method of TSFC surrogate model reduces computational complexity of evaluation with enough accuracy, which can provide a reference for selecting ECS type and guide the optimization of the cooling capacity distribution of the air cycle and vapor cycle.

The actin depolymerizing factor (ADF) gene family, which is conserved in eukaryotes, is important for plant development, growth, and stress responses. Cold stress restricts wheat growth, development, and distribution. However, genome-wide identification and functional analysis of the ADF family in wheat is limited. Further, because of the promising role of ADF genes in cold response, there is need for an understanding of the function of this family on wheat under cold stress. In this study, 25 ADF genes (TaADFs) were identified in the wheat genome and they are distributed on 15 chromosomes. The TaADF gene structures, duplication events, encoded conversed motifs, and cis-acting elements were investigated. Expression profiles derived from RNA-seq data and real-time quantitative PCR analysis revealed the tissue- and temporal-specific TaADF expression patterns. In addition, the expression levels of TaADF13/16/17/18/20/21/22 were significantly affected by cold acclimation or freezing conditions. Overexpression of TaADF16 increased the freezing tolerance of transgenic Arabidopsis, possibly because of enhanced ROS scavenging and changes to the osmotic regulation in cells. The expression levels of seven cold-responsive genes were up-regulated in the transgenic Arabidopsis plants, regardless of whether the plants were exposed to low temperature. These findings provide fundamental information about the wheat ADF genes and may help to elucidate the regulatory effects of the encoded proteins on plant development and responses to low-temperature stress.

Exploring natural regeneration facilitates a better understanding of the mechanisms of community assembly and biodiversity formation. However, convincing data on tree regeneration in threatened tropical plant communities are lacking. Dacrydium pectinatum is a constructive and endangered species in tropical montane forests of Hainan Island. This study aims to identify the seedling regeneration patterns of D. pectinatum formation and their key drivers. A total of 204 seedling plots were investigated in the northwest (Bawangling, 90 plots), southwest (Jianfengling, 90 plots) and southeast (Diaoluoshan, 24 plots) of Hainan Island. We examined the variations in the seedling/adult composition, density and richness along local scales and elevation gradients and analyzed the relationships between biotic/abiotic variables and seedling regeneration. The seedling distribution pattern changed with environmental gradients, and the seedling density and richness decreased from low to high latitudes and from low to high elevations. Additionally, the adult density and total base area also showed consistent trends. At the community and species levels, the biotic neighborhood variables had a primary impact on the seedling density and richness. Multiple environmental factors (such as the canopy density, elevation, slope, soil organic matter, and soil total nitrogen) also showed significant correlations with the seedling density and richness. Our study supports conspecific negative density dependence and niche filtering as the general mechanisms of natural regeneration of D. pectinatum formations. Both biotic and abiotic factors might affect the survival and growth of seedlings, and their relative importance varies with environmental gradients and species. We conclude that enclosing forests with moderate stand densities in low-elevation areas to reduce human interference will help optimize the community structure. However, for high-elevation areas and high-density forests, appropriate thinning, manual regeneration and open gaps are needed to improve the light environment and soil nutrients, thereby promoting the natural regeneration of D. pectinatum formations.