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Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is a globally important oil crop. Web blotch is one of the most important foliar diseases affecting peanut, which results in serious yield losses worldwide. Breeding web blotch-resistant peanut varieties is the most effective and economically viable method for minimizing yield losses due to web blotch. In the current study, a bulked segregant analysis with next-generation sequencing was used to analyze an F2:3 segregating population and identify candidate loci related to web blotch resistance. Based on the fine-mapping of the candidate genomic interval using kompetitive allele-specific PCR (KASP) markers, we identified a novel web blotch resistance-related locus spanning approximately 169 kb on chromosome 16. This region included four annotated genes, of which only Arahy.35VVQ3 had a non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphism in the coding region between the two parents. Two markers (Chr.16.12872635 and Chr.16.12966357) linked to this gene were shown to be co-segregated with the resistance of peanut web blotch by 72 randomly selected recombinant inbred lines (RIL), which could be used in marker-assisted breeding of resistant peanut varieties.

ABSTRACT: Avian feather color is a fascinating trait, and the genetic mechanism of duck plumage formation is still in the preliminary stage. In this study, feather color of Liancheng White ducks was analyzed by determination of melanin content and RNA-seq analysis. In this research, 9 ducks from Mallards (n = 3), Liancheng White (n = 3) and Pekin ducks (n = 3) were used by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and Masson-Fontana staining to reveal the difference of feather melanin content. RNA-seq from 11 hair follicle tissues (1- and 8-wk-old) of Liancheng White ducks (n = 5) and Pekin ducks (n = 7) was used to analyze the candidate genes for the feather melanin synthesis, and Immunofluorescence experiment was used to show the protein expression in 6 black- and white-feathered ducks. Pectorale, skin, liver, fat, brain, heart, kidney, lung, spleen of an 8-wk-old black-feathered Mallard were collected for candidate gene expression. The results showed that the contents of feathers, beak, web melanin in Liancheng White ducks were higher than in Pekin ducks (p < 0.05). Melanin within hair follicles was located in the barb ridge and hair matrix of black feather duck, also we found that TYRP1, TYR, SOX10 genes were differentially expressed between Liancheng White and Pekin ducks (p < 0.05), and these genes were mainly expressed showed in duck skin tissues. This study revealed the unique feather color phenotype of Liancheng White duck shedding light on the transcriptome that underlies it.

Abstract Background Bacterial wilt caused by Ralstonia solanacearum severely affects peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) yields. The breeding of resistant cultivars is an efficient means of controlling plant diseases. Therefore, identification of resistance genes effective against bacterial wilt is a matter of urgency. The lack of a reference genome for a resistant genotype severely hinders the process of identification of resistance genes in peanut. In addition, limited information is available on disease resistance-related pathways in peanut. Results Full-length transcriptome data were used to generate wilt-resistant and -susceptible transcript pools. In total, 253,869 transcripts were retained to form a reference transcriptome for RNA-sequencing data analysis. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis of differentially expressed genes revealed the plant-pathogen interaction pathway to be the main resistance-related pathway for peanut to prevent bacterial invasion and calcium plays an important role in this pathway. Glutathione metabolism was enriched in wilt-susceptible genotypes, which would promote glutathione synthesis in the early stages of pathogen invasion. Based on our previous quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping results, the genes arahy.V6I7WA and arahy.MXY2PU, which encode nucleotide-binding site-leucine-rich repeat receptor proteins, were indicated to be associated with resistance to bacterial wilt. Conclusions This study identified several pathways associated with resistance to bacterial wilt and identified candidate genes for bacterial wilt resistance in a major QTL region. These findings lay a foundation for investigation of the mechanism of resistance to bacterial wilt in peanut.

Reinforcement learning algorithms can cooperate with trajectory planning idea to improve the training efficiency in the field of autonomous driving for the fixed geometric constraints of the road and limited dynamics. In this study, we propose a Dynamic Waypoint Proximal Policy Optimization (DW-PPO) framework for the merging into a platoon scenario, in which the target location is constantly changing as the platoon travels. Specifically, we set up a waypoint generator based on Bezier curve to aid in the composition of the state space and reward calculation. Moreover, we refine the waypoint tracking reward in terms of both distance and direction and add an additional merging reward to complete the merging task. We test our model on three dimensions: learning performance, control performance, and generalization performance and compare with baseline model. Experimental results show that our proposed method has better training efficiency, control stability and generalization ability.

To address the problem of autonomous lane-changing maneuvers for automated vehicle platoons on highways, a novel platoon lane-changing (PLC) tracking control framework based on the multi-agent Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient (MA-DDPG) and adaptive model predictive control (AMPC) is presented. Currently, the classic platoon cooperative control method is complex in structure and necessitates the establishment of an accurate vehicle dynamics model, so a fully decentralized MA-DDPG algorithm is proposed to realize the longitudinal following control, handling nonlinear systems and continuous state space. The agents associated with each following vehicle stay in communication via the predecessor-leader following (PLF) or predecessor following (PF) communication topology, training locally. Secondly, the traditional MPC is prone to large fluctuations in the early stage of solving and its tracking performance deteriorates with varied longitudinal speed. Therefore, an AMPC controller whose prediction time domain changes with the longitudinal speed is combined with the quintic polynomial curve to complete the lateral control, and a fuzzy controller is introduced for compensation of front wheel steering angles. The results of the joint Carsim/Simulink simulation demonstrate that the AMPC controller can achieve lateral tracking control under working conditions of 50 km/h, 100 km/h, and variable speed, and the front wheel steering angles are also stable. The MA-DDPG algorithm can achieve effective following control when the longitudinal expected speed is 25 m/s. The framework proposed in this study can both track effectively and smooth the longitudinal velocity profile compared with algorithm combinations 1: CACC with AMPC and 2: CACC with PID.

Abstract Background Pod shell thickness (PST) is an important agronomic trait of peanut because it affects the ability of shells to resist pest infestations and pathogen attacks, while also influencing the peanut shelling process. However, very few studies have explored the genetic basis of PST. Results An F2 segregating population derived from a cross between the thick-shelled cultivar Yueyou 18 (YY18) and the thin-shelled cultivar Weihua 8 (WH8) was used to identify the quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for PST. On the basis of a bulked segregant analysis sequencing (BSA-seq), four QTLs were preliminarily mapped to chromosomes 3, 8, 13, and 18. Using the genome resequencing data of YY18 and WH8, 22 kompetitive allele-specific PCR (KASP) markers were designed for the genotyping of the F2 population. Two major QTLs (qPSTA08 and qPSTA18) were identified and finely mapped, with qPSTA08 detected on chromosome 8 (0.69-Mb physical genomic region) and qPSTA18 detected on chromosome 18 (0.15-Mb physical genomic region). Moreover, qPSTA08 and qPSTA18 explained 31.1–32.3% and 16.7–16.8% of the phenotypic variation, respectively. Fifteen genes were detected in the two candidate regions, including three genes with nonsynonymous mutations in the exon region. Two molecular markers (Tif2_A08_31713024 and Tif2_A18_7198124) that were developed for the two major QTL regions effectively distinguished between thick-shelled and thin-shelled materials. Subsequently, the two markers were validated in four F2:3 lines selected. Conclusions The QTLs identified and molecular markers developed in this study may lay the foundation for breeding cultivars with a shell thickness suitable for mechanized peanut shelling.

Introduction: The Euchromatic Histone Methyl Transferase Protein 2 (EHMT2), also known as G9a, deposits transcriptionally repressive chromatin marks that play pivotal roles in the maturation and homeostasis of multiple organs. Recently, we have shown that Ehmt2 inactivation in the mouse pancreas alters growth and immune gene expression networks, antagonizing Kras-mediated pancreatic cancer initiation and promotion. Here, we elucidate the essential role of Ehmt2 in maintaining a transcriptional landscape that protects organs from inflammation.Methods: Comparative RNA-seq studies between normal postnatal and young adult pancreatic tissue from Ehmt2 conditional knockout animals (Ehmt2fl/fl) targeted to the exocrine pancreatic epithelial cells (Pdx1-Cre and P48Cre/+), reveal alterations in gene expression networks in the whole organ related to injury-inflammation-repair, suggesting an increased predisposition to damage. Thus, we induced an inflammation repair response in the Ehmt2fl/fl pancreas and used a data science-based approach to integrate RNA-seq-derived pathways and networks, deconvolution digital cytology, and spatial transcriptomics. We also analyzed the tissue response to damage at the morphological, biochemical, and molecular pathology levels.Results and discussion: The Ehmt2fl/fl pancreas displays an enhanced injury-inflammation-repair response, offering insights into fundamental molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in this process. More importantly, these data show that conditional Ehmt2 inactivation in exocrine cells reprograms the local environment to recruit mesenchymal and immunological cells needed to mount an increased inflammatory response. Mechanistically, this response is an enhanced injury-inflammation-repair reaction with a small contribution of specific Ehmt2-regulated transcripts. Thus, this new knowledge extends the mechanisms underlying the role of the Ehmt2-mediated pathway in suppressing pancreatic cancer initiation and modulating inflammatory pancreatic diseases.

At the crucial period of addressing climate change, especially to the carbonization of land use change, it is vital that relevant actions are taken to enable two ambitious dual-carbon goals, namely, ensuring that carbon emissions peak before 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality before 2060. This research investigates the impacts of land use changes on carbon emissions using a novel approach that integrates Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) with Geographic Information System (GIS). This approach is innovative due to its high quality three-dimensional representation to quantified exact carbon stock and forest emissions occurring due to specific land-use change. Therefore, through actual LiDAR, this research helps demarcate the pattern emitting different land-use measures, including deforestation, urban programs, agricultural differences, and forest and land changes, over historical change records and verified carbonization formulas. Similar qualitative levels between LiDAR and GIS analysis help determine the varying degrees of carbonization occurring due to enhanced deforestation, urban additions, and agricultural contributions while reporting the possible procedural carbons acquired during reforestation and other measurements. The results helped clarify that the most distinct level of land utilization shows the least level of carbon sent into the air. Therefore, the implication is that strategic land use measures and better working conditions can curb carbon indications. These signals support land-use policy and preparedness goals in a low carbon level. This study creates valuable records for the land utilization and cartograph, created through the power of LiDAR and GIS analysis.

[0.94(Bi0.5Na0.5)TiO3-0.06BaTiO3]0.98-(LiNbO3)0.02 (BNBTLN) piezoelectric ceramic coating was fabricated by thermal spray process on stainless steel substrates with thermal barrier coating (TBC) as an intermediary layer. The morphology, structure, and electrical properties of the thermal-sprayed BNBTLN coatings after furnace heat treatment (F-HT) and plasma torch heat treatment (P-HT) were studied, respectively. The BNBTLN coatings after F-HT and P-HT both had the coexisting rhombohedral and tetragonal perovskite phases and exhibited excellent electrical properties, with an effective piezoelectric coefficient d33 of 68 p.m./V and 40 p.m./V, respectively. These results reveal that high quality piezoelectric coatings can be achieved by the P-HT method, which is promising for scaling up the fabrication of piezoelectric ceramic coatings.

Fe–Mn–xAl–C steel ingots have been fabricated by vacuum melting with Al compositions varied from x = 0 to 3 and 5 wt.%, respectively. After properly hot-forging and hot-rolling as well as solution heat treatments, impact toughness tests were carried out at 77 K using a standard full-size of Charpy impact V-notch configuration. It was found that the addition of Al element is more conducive to enhance the cryogenic toughness. The relationship between the cryogenic toughness and the Al composition has been revealed through detailed microstructural studies by electron back scatter diffraction and transmission-electron microscopy. The stack fault energy (SFE) increases with the increase of Al content at various temperature. The plastic deformation is dominated by deformation bands which are dominated by deformation twins (DTs) and ε-martensite at x = 0 and DTs at x = 3 and 5%, respectively. The DTs near fracture the notch-tip area increased in the order of the 0Al, 3Al, and 5Al steel. The DTs with high density, together with their contented dislocations, significantly contributed to the high cryogenic toughness of the studied high manganese steel with higher Al content. Banded ε-martensite will deterioration cryogenic toughness due to its large size compared to DTs at 0Al steel.

Abstract The premetastatic niches (PMN) formed by primary tumor‐derived molecules regulate distant organs and tissues to further favor tumor colonization. Targeted PMN therapy may prevent tumor metastasis in the early stages, which is becoming increasingly important. At present, there is a lack of in‐depth understanding of the cellular and molecular characteristics of the PMN. Here, we summarize current research advances on the cellular and molecular characteristics of the PMN. We emphasize that PMN intervention is a potential therapeutic strategy for early prevention of tumor metastasis, which provides a promising basis for future research and clinical application.

Ultrafast laser technology has moved from ultrafast to ultra-strong due to the development of chirped pulse amplification technology. Ultrafast laser technology, such as femtosecond lasers and picosecond lasers, has quickly become a flexible tool for processing brittle and hard materials and complex micro-components, which are widely used in and developed for medical, aerospace, semiconductor applications and so on. However, the mechanisms of the interaction between an ultrafast laser and brittle and hard materials are still unclear. Meanwhile, the ultrafast laser processing of these materials is still a challenge. Additionally, highly efficient and high-precision manufacturing using ultrafast lasers needs to be developed. This review is focused on the common challenges and current status of the ultrafast laser processing of brittle and hard materials, such as nickel-based superalloys, thermal barrier ceramics, diamond, silicon dioxide, and silicon carbide composites. Firstly, different materials are distinguished according to their bandgap width, thermal conductivity and other characteristics in order to reveal the absorption mechanism of the laser energy during the ultrafast laser processing of brittle and hard materials. Secondly, the mechanism of laser energy transfer and transformation is investigated by analyzing the interaction between the photons and the electrons and ions in laser-induced plasma, as well as the interaction with the continuum of the materials. Thirdly, the relationship between key parameters and ultrafast laser processing quality is discussed. Finally, the methods for achieving highly efficient and high-precision manufacturing of complex three-dimensional micro-components are explored in detail.

A flash tempering process has been demonstrated for low-carbon low-alloy lath martensite, which includes heating the sample to 750 °C (Ac1: 752 °C), dwelling at 750 °C for 2 s, and quenching directly to room temperature. The high temperature accelerated the spread of the supersaturated carbon atoms in the lath martensite, activated the dislocation migrations and thus their combining and annihilation, and promoted the mass recrystallisation. The reduced dwelling time inhibited the coarsening of the martensitic laths and suppressed the growth of the recrystallized structures. The combination of higher temperature and the shorter dwelling period, so-called flash tempering, gives rise to the same microstructure and mechanical properties as those obtained by the conventional tempering process (i.e., dwelling at 600 °C for 1 h). The high efficient flash tempering, possessing significantly reduced energy and time consumptions, may have important consequence in industrialization of tempering process.

Decades of studies on thermoelectric materials have enabled the design of high‐performance materials based on basic materials properties, such as bandgap engineering. In general, bandgap energies correspond to the temperature at which the peak thermoelectric performance occurs. For instance, CuGaTe2 with a relatively wide bandgap of 1.2 eV has its peak zT > 1 at > 900 K. On the other hand, the zT is usually very low (

Herein, a real‐time, fast, tightly coupled simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) system is proposed. The deep neural network is used to segment the point cloud semantically to construct the point cloud semantic map descriptor, and the global navigation satellite system real‐time kinematic position is used to detect the loop closure. Finally, a factor‐graph model is used for global optimization. The working principle of the SLAM system is introduced in detail, including the construction of the factor graph, the generation of the point cloud semantic graph descriptor, the generation of the ring graph, the loop‐closure detection process, and the global optimization. Indoor and outdoor experiments are conducted to validate the performance of overall trajectory estimation and loop‐closure detection. Compared to traditional methods, the proposed method offers improved accuracy and real‐time performance in trajectory estimation. It effectively addresses issues such as limited feature constraints, large computational consumption, and subpar real‐time performance, allowing for quick and accurate loop‐closure detection. Moreover, the method demonstrates a time consumption reduction of two‐thirds compared to traditional approaches while exhibiting superior overall loop‐closure detection performance.

If and how non-bonding ligands mediate the electronic states of metal sites is interesting yet remains to be explored. Here the authors show that a non-covalent phenanthroline can promote the population of Co4+ and induce polaron-like Co sites for improved water oxidation.

The capability of embryogenic callus induction is a prerequisite for in vitro plant regeneration. However, embryogenic callus induction is strongly genotype-dependent, thus hindering the development of in vitro plant genetic engineering technology. In this study, to examine the genetic variation in embryogenic callus induction rate (CIR) in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) at the seventh, eighth, and ninth subcultures (T7, T8, and T9, respectively), we performed genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for CIR in a population of 353 peanut accessions. The coefficient of variation of CIR among the genotypes was high in the T7, T8, and T9 subcultures (33.06%, 34.18%, and 35.54%, respectively), and the average CIR ranged from 1.58 to 1.66. A total of 53 significant single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were detected (based on the threshold value −log10(p) = 4.5). Among these SNPs, SNPB03-83801701 showed high phenotypic variance and neared a gene that encodes a peroxisomal ABC transporter 1. SNPA05-94095749, representing a nonsynonymous mutation, was located in the Arahy.MIX90M locus (encoding an auxin response factor 19 protein) at T8, which was associated with callus formation. These results provide guidance for future elucidation of the regulatory mechanism of embryogenic callus induction in peanut.

Abstract Meat is among the most consumed foods worldwide and has a unique flavor and high nutrient density in the human diet. However, the genetic and biochemical bases of meat nutrition and flavor are poorly understood. Here, 3431 metabolites and 702 volatiles in 423 skeletal muscle samples are profiled from a gradient consanguinity segregating population generated by Pekin duck × Liancheng duck crosses using metabolomic approaches. The authors identified 2862 metabolome‐based genome‐wide association studies (mGWAS) signals and 48 candidate genes potentially modulating metabolite and volatile levels, 79.2% of which are regulated by cis‐regulatory elements. The level of plasmalogen is significantly associated with TMEM189 encoding plasmanylethanolamine desaturase 1. The levels of 2‐pyrrolidone and glycerophospholipids are regulated by the gene expression of AOX1 and ACBD5, which further affects the levels of volatiles, 2‐pyrrolidone and decanal, respectively. Genetic variations in GADL1 and CARNMT2 determine the levels of 49 metabolites including L‐carnosine and anserine. This study provides novel insights into the genetic and biochemical basis of skeletal muscle metabolism and constitutes a valuable resource for the precise improvement of meat nutrition and flavor.

Abstract Phase change materials (PCMs) are promising thermal energy storage materials due to their high specific latent heat. Conventional PCMs typically exploit the solid–liquid (s–l) transition. However, leakage and leaching are common issues for solid–liquid PCMs, which have to be addressed before usage in practical applications. In contrast, solid–solid (s–s) PCMs would naturally overcome these issues due to their inherent form stability and homogeneity. In this study, we report a new type of s–s PCM based on chemically linked polyethylene glycol (PEG, the PCM portion) with polylactic acid (PLA, the support portion) in the form of a block co‐polymer. Solid‐solid latent heat of up to 56 J/g could be achieved, with melting points of between 44 °C and 55 °C. For comparison, PEG was physically mixed into a PLA matrix to form a PEG:PLA composite. However, the composite material saw leakage of up to 9% upon heating, with a corresponding loss in thermal storage capacity. In contrast, the mPEG/PLA block co‐polymers were found to be completely homogeneous and thermally stable even when heated above its phase transition temperature, with no observable leakage, demonstrating the superiority of chemical linking strategies in ensuring form stability.

Negative thermally expanded (NTE) (KMg)xSc2-x (WO4)3 (0 = x ≤ 1.5) ceramics have been prepared via solid-state reaction. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis reveals that (KMg)xSc2-x (WO4)3 undergoes a composition-induced phase transition as the (KMg)3+-substitution content increases. For x = 0.25, both hexagonal (KMg)xSc2-x (WO4)3 and orthorhombic Sc2(WO4)3 coexisted in the sample. For 0.25

Rice grassy stunt virus (RGSV), a typical negative single-stranded RNA virus, invades rice and generates several disease signs, including dwarfing, tillering, and sterility. Previous research has revealed that RGSV-encoded proteins can force the host’s ubiquitin-proteasome system to utilize them for viral pathogenesis. However, most of the studies were limited to a single omics level and lacked multidimensional data collection and correlation analysis on the mechanisms of RGSV-rice interactions. Here, we performed a comprehensive association analysis of genome-wide methylation sequencing, transcriptome sequencing, and histone H3K9me3 modification in RGSV-infested as well as non-infested rice leaves, and the levels of all three cytosine contexts (CG, CHG and CHH) were found to be slightly lower in RGSV-infected rice leaves than in normal rice. Large proportions of DMRs were distributed in the promoter and intergenic regions, and most DMRs were enriched in the CHH context, where the number of CHH hypo-DMRs was almost twice as high as that of hyper-DMRs. Among the genes with down-regulated expression and hypermethylation, we analyzed and identified 11 transcripts involved in fertility, plant height and tillering, and among the transcribed up-regulated and hypermethylated genes, we excavated 7 transcripts related to fertility, plant height and tillering. By analyzing the changes of histone H3K9me3 modification before and after virus infestation, we found that the distribution of H3K9me3 modification in the whole rice genome was prevalent, mainly concentrated in the gene promoter and gene body regions, which was distinctly different from the characteristics of animals. Combined with transcriptomic data, H3K9me3 mark was found to favor targeting highly expressed genes. After RGSV infection, H3K9me3 modifications in several regions of CTK and BR hormone signaling-related genes were altered, providing important targets for subsequent studies.

Abstract Al-alloy/carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) joint systems offer exceptionally lightweight, superior fatigue behaviour and impact resistance for aerospace applications. Nevertheless, the galvanic corrosion at the joint interfaces accelerates the adhesive failure and strength damage. In this work, oxidation of Al 7075 alloy was studied by employing plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) and thin film sulphuric acid anodizing (TFSAA) methods, addressing their galvanic corrosion (GC) protection performance in contact with CFRP. Structural and electrochemical characterisations were carried out in tandem with varied oxidation process parameters, revealing that high voltage PEO resulted in crystallized compact ceramic coating and thus improved GC protection. A decrease in the GC current by ~ 90% has been achieved by using the PEO coating at 700 V compared with the ~ 12% current reduction of commercial TFSAA coating. Further microstructure studies revealed that the improved GC protection of the crystallized PEO coating was realized by suppressing the initiation and propagation of localized pitting due to the improved electrical isolation between the Al-alloy/CFRP interfaces. A high voltage PEO process provides sufficient energy to produce uniform and crystalline ceramic coating consisting of Al2O3 and mullite, which give rise to improved corrosion protection.

Soil organic carbon (SOC) fractions are influenced by inputs of nitrogen (N) from globally rising N deposition; however, the mechanisms of how soil microbiological properties are influenced by N deposition and its impact on the fractional distribution and stability of SOC remain unclear. In this study, we assessed the effects on SOC fraction distribution and stability from four aspects of soil microbiological properties: soil microbial biomass (SMB), soil microbial activity, structure diversity, and functional diversity of soil microbial community in a Pinus tabuliformis plantation, which received four N addition levels (0 g N m−2 y−1 (N0), 3 g N m−2 y−1 (N3, low N addition), 6 g N m−2 y−1 (N6, mid-N addition), and 9 g N m−2 y−1 (N9, high N addition)) for 2 years. The N inputs did significantly affect some soil microbiological properties, like SMB, soil phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA), and soil microbial functional diversity. Mid- and high N addition decreased the richness (HPLFA) and evenness (EPLFA) index of the soil microbial community, from 3.24 to 2.91 and 0.93 to 0.87, respectively. In addition, the low N addition promoted the carbon management index (CMI) to 141.35, i.e., higher than the CMIs in the mid- and high-level treatments. The SOC stability also showed significant differences among N addition treatments, and SOC could be the most stable at the mid-N addition level. Regarding the effects of the four soil microbiological attributes on the CMI and stability, SMB and soil respiration positively impacted the CMI, but did not significantly affect the stability. In addition, EPLFA had positive effects, but EBIOLOG had negative effects on CMI and lability. Our findings indicate that soil microbiological properties are essential in SOC fractional distributions and stability. Further identification and study of soil microbial species used to change SOC fractions would help to clarify the detailed mechanisms involved.

Soft matter is something between the ideal solid and liquid. For the gelled waxy crude oil has the specific and complicated mechanical behavior of the soft matters, learning from the rheological research methods for soft matters is an efficient approach to further investigate the rheological behaviors of waxy crude oil. Herein, the specific mechanical behavior of soft matters was introduced with reference to the rheological behaviors of the waxy crude oils. The controversies in present studies for the yielding behaviors were systematically demonstrated in terms of the concept of yield stress, its measurement, the matter of yield strain, and the viscoelastic response prior to macroflow arising. The rheological behavior during the viscoelasticity-to-yielding transition process after loading was also analyzed. In addition, considering that the rheological measurement is the main means to investigate the complicated structural characteristics of the soft matters, the main research methods of the rheological behaviors of soft matters were illustrated, including the steady shear, creep and large amplitude oscillatory shear, and the appropriate data analysis methods were also summarized, further providing guidance to the in-depth study of the rheological behavior of the waxy crude oil.

Abstract Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common cause of cancer mortality worldwide. Recent studies have shown that the polytopic enzyme membrane associated ring-CH-type finger 6 (MARCH6) participates in tumorigenesis, but its function in HCC development needs to be investigated. This study aimed to explore the role of MARCH6 in HCC. Methods Expression of MARCH6 in human HCC samples was checked by immunohistochemical staining assay. Clinical relevance of MARCH6 and activating transcription factor 2 (ATF2) was analyzed from TCGA database. CCK-8, EdU staining, colony formation and transwell were performed to assess cell proliferation, growth and migration. Xenografted tumorigenesis was used to examine in vivo role MARCH6. Immunoblotting was applied to detect protein abundance. Results We found that MARCH6 expression was elevated in human HCC samples. Over-expression of MARCH6 was associated with poor prognosis of HCC patients. Up-expression of MARCH6 promoted cell growth and migration of HCC cells. In contrast, the HCC cell growth and migration were suppressed by MARCH6 knockdown. Furthermore, the DNA synthesis was enhanced by MARCH6. The expression of ATF2 was potentiated by MARCH6 over-expression, while it was suppressed by MARCH6 silencing. TCGA database showed positive correlation between the expression of MARCH6 and ATF2. Importantly, ATF2 expression contributed to the oncogenic function of HCC cells. Conclusion Our findings suggest that MARCH6-mediated ATF2 up-regulation contributes to HCC development. MARCH6 may be a promising target for the diagnosis and treatment of HCC.

Pod size is one of the most important agronomic features of peanuts, which directly affects peanut yield. Studies on the regulation mechanism underpinning pod size in cultivated peanuts remain hitherto limited compared to model plant systems. To better understand the molecular elements that underpin peanut pod development, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of chronological transcriptomics during pod development in four peanut accessions with similar genetic backgrounds, but varying pod sizes. Several plant transcription factors, phytohormones, and the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways were significantly enriched among differentially expressed genes (DEGs) at five consecutive developmental stages, revealing an eclectic range of candidate genes, including PNC, YUC, and IAA that regulate auxin synthesis and metabolism, CYCD and CYCU that regulate cell differentiation and proliferation, and GASA that regulates seed size and pod elongation via gibberellin pathway. It is plausible that MPK3 promotes integument cell division and regulates mitotic activity through phosphorylation, and the interactions between these genes form a network of molecular pathways that affect peanut pod size. Furthermore, two variant sites, GCP4 and RPPL1, were identified which are stable at the QTL interval for seed size attributes and function in plant cell tissue microtubule nucleation. These findings may facilitate the identification of candidate genes that regulate pod size and impart yield improvement in cultivated peanuts.

Knowledge of plant photosynthesis, biomass, and stress resistance could contribute to exploring the growth and restoration of vegetation. However, the response of these plant traits to plant–soil interactions at different successional stages remains poorly understood, which limits the understanding of secondary succession. A greenhouse experiment was designed to test the effects of rhizosphere soils collected from early- (EarlySoil), mid- (MidSoil), and late-successional (LateSoil) plant communities on plant traits of early-, mid-, and late-successional species (EarlySp, MidSp, and LateSp, respectively). We found that plant traits reacted in a specific direction to plant–soil interactions at different successional stages. Specifically, compared with treatments of plants growing in their own soil, the net photosynthetic rate and single-photon avalanche diode significantly increased in LateSp–EarlySoil (treatment of plants growing in soil) (20%–31%) and LateSp–MidSoil (10%–18%); the maximum quantum efficiency of photosystem II increased in MidSp–EarlySoil (1%) and LateSp–MidSoil (4%); belowground soluble sugar concentrations decreased in LateSp–EarlySoil (33%) and LateSp–MidSoil (45%); leaf, stem, and root biomass increased in MidSp–EarlySoil (76%–123%), LateSp–EarlySoil (180%–342%), and LateSp–MidSoil (83%–137%), and in turn they decreased in EarlySp–MidSoil (40%–73%) and EarlySp–LateSoil (53%–67%). The results indicated that soil conditioned by pre-successional species (early- or mid-successional species) would be conducive to plant functional traits of subsequent successional species (mid- or late-successional species). Constrained redundancy analysis and path analysis suggested that water-soluble ammonium N, total N, and available N concentrations were key soil factors affecting early-, mid-, and late-successional species, respectively. Our findings confirm the directionality of succession and provide new information for plant population dynamics during secondary succession.

Scanning of a high-power laser beam on the surface of martensitic stainless steel (SS420) has been studied, addressing the effect of scanning rate V on integrity modifications in the near-surface regions. Structural, compositional, and crystallographic characterizations revealed the presence of ablations, surface melting/resolidification, surface oxidations, and austenite ( γ -phase) precipitations when V ≤ 20 mm s ^−1 . Melt pool (MP), heat affected zone (HAZ), and base material have been clearly distinguished at the cross-section of the slow-scanned samples. Adjacent MPs partially overlapped when V = 5 mm s ^−1 . The γ -phase precipitations solely occurred in the MPs, i.e., of ∼ 400 μ m deep for V = 5 mm s ^−1 , while oxidations dominantly occurred in the surface regions of shallower than ∼30 μ m within the MPs. Compositional analysis revealed increased Cr-, Mn-, and Si-to-Fe ratios at the laser-scanned surface but without variations along the surface normal direction. The enhanced surface hardness has been achieved up to 805 HV, and the hardness monotonically decreased when moving deeper (i.e., ∼1000 μ m) into the base material. These observations shed new light on surface engineering of metallic alloys via laser-based direct energy treatments.

As a new type of short distance commuting, the station-free sharing bike effectively alleviates urban traffic congestion. Thus, they are deployed in a large scale in many cities. However, various complex factors, including spatial, temporal, and other external information, result in serious imbalance of supply and demand between regions, which makes accurate prediction a challenging issue. In this study, our primary objective is to accurately forecast supply and demand by leveraging multi-source datasets. Based on the visual analysis about spatial-temporal characteristics of GPS data in Shanghai, we presented the innovative methods of Area of Interest grading and Traffic Analysis Zone division of bike-sharing, and revealed the distribution characteristics of sharing bike trips. A multi-block hybrid model where three blocks were separately modeled according to different data types was proposed. Moreover, eight state-of-the-art models and two variant models were developed as benchmarks to compare and evaluate the proposed model. The results suggested that MBH outperforms ten baselines with the highest accuracy. In addition, we conducted practical application of prediction results to validate that the proposed model could provide effective information for scheduling and rebalancing of bike-sharing system.

Abstract Background Lung cancer frequently occurs in the clinic, leading to poor prognosis and high mortality. Markers for early diagnosis of lung cancer are scarce, and further potential therapeutic targets are also urgently needed. Method We established a new mouse model in which the specific gene HNRNPK (heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein K) was downregulated after administration of doxycycline. The lung metastatic nodules were investigated using bioluminescence imaging, micro‐CT, and autopsy quantification. Results Compared with the short hairpin negative control group, less lung metastatic nodules were formed in the short hairpin RNA group. Conclusion Downregulation of HNRNPK in cancer cells can inhibit lung metastasis.

Background: Stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD) is a significant global health problem. It is urgent to identify reliable predictors and establish a potential prognostic model.Methods: RNA-sequencing expression data of patients with STAD were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Gene expression profiling and survival analysis were performed to investigate differentially expressed genes (DEGs) with significant clinical prognosis value. Overall survival (OS) analysis and univariable and multivariable Cox regression analyses were performed to establish the prognostic model. Protein–protein interaction (PPI) network, functional enrichment analysis, and differential expression investigation were also performed to further explore the potential mechanism of the prognostic genes in STAD. Finally, nomogram establishment was undertaken by performing multivariate Cox regression analysis, and calibration plots were generated to validate the nomogram.Results: A total of 229 overlapping DEGs were identified. Following Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis, 11 genes significantly associated with prognosis were screened and five of these genes, including COL10A1, MFAP2, CTHRC1, P4HA3, and FAP, were used to establish the risk model. The results showed that patients with high-risk scores have a poor prognosis, compared with those with low-risk scores (p = 0.0025 for the training dataset and p = 0.045 for the validation dataset). Subsequently, a nomogram (including TNM stage, age, gender, histologic grade, and risk score) was created. In addition, differential expression and immunohistochemistry stain of the five core genes in STAD and normal tissues were verified.Conclusion: We develop a prognostic-related model based on five core genes, which may serve as an independent risk factor for survival prediction in patients with STAD.

Abstract Neutral zinc‐air batteries (ZABs) are promising candidates for the next‐generation power devices with considerably elongated lifetime comparing to conventional alkaline ZABs. However, neutral cathodic oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is seriously limited by the mass transfer efficiency of hydroxyl due to insufficient interfacial chemical potential‐gradient between catalytic layer and electrolyte. Herein, we highlight that electrochemical oxidation‐induced surface microenvironment optimization could realize optimal chemical potential‐gradient around catalytic sites and bring outstanding neutral ORR activity. The electrodeposited sub‐nano Pt decorated surface‐microenvironment‐optimized Co2N samples (denoted as Pt‐SMO‐Co2N NWs) possessed 92 and 338 mV higher half‐wave potential than commercial Pt/C and pristine Co2N in 0.2 M PBS. As for neutral ZABs, Pt‐SMO‐Co2N NWs cathode delivers a power density of 67.9 mW*cm−2 and displays negligible decay after nearly 80 h stability test at 20 mA*cm−2. In‐depth characterization proposes that remarkable performance improvement originates from optimized microenvironment, which increases the surface chemical potential gradient and facilitates proton coupled electron transfer during ORR. We anticipated that such synergetic optimization of microenvironment and intrinsic activity of active sites is an effective strategy which may be extended to the catalytic reactions beyond ORR. Key points We demonstrated surface microenvironment optimization via in‐situ electrochemical oxidation as an effective way to design highly active ORR catalysts. Surface microenvironment optimization realized significantly enhanced ORR and Zn‐air battery performance in neutral media. Based on ideal material platform, the key role of activating H2O and facilitating proton transfer process in ORR catalysis was revealed.

Natriuretic peptide receptor 1 (NPR1) serves as a modulator of vascular endothelial homeostasis. Interactions between monocytes and endothelial cells may initiate endothelium dysfunction, which is known as an early hallmark of atherosclerosis. In this study, we performed RNA-sequencing analysis for the aorta of Npr1 knockout (Npr1+/−) mice and found that differentially expressed genes were significantly related to cell adhesion. This result was supported by an increased expression of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) in the aortic endothelium of Npr1+/− mice. Moreover, we observed that the knockdown of NPR1 increased ICAM-1 expression and promoted THP-1 monocyte adhesion to human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). NPR1 overexpression decreased ICAM-1 expression and inhibited the adhesion of monocytes to HUVECs treated by TNF-α (a cell adhesion inducer). Further analysis showed that adhesion-related genes were enriched in the focal adhesion signaling pathway, in which integrin beta 4 (Itgb4) was determined as a key gene. Notably, ITGB4 expression increased in vascular endothelium of Npr1+/− mice and in NPR1-knockdown HUVECs. The deficiency of ITGB4 decreased ICAM-1 expression and attenuated monocyte adhesion to NPR1-knockdown endothelial cells. Additionally, a reduced NPR1 and an increased ITGB4 expression level were found in an atherosclerosis mouse model. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that NPR1 deficiency increases vascular endothelial cell adhesion by stimulating ITGB4 expression, which may contribute to the development of atherosclerosis.

Maternal origins based on the bovine mitochondrial D-loop region are proven to have two main origins: Bos taurus and Bos indicus. To examine the association between the maternal origins of bovine and reproductive traits, the complete mitochondrial D-loop region sequences from 501 Chinese Holstein cows and 94 individuals of other breeds were analyzed. Based on the results obtained from the haplotype analysis, 260 SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphism), 32 indels (insertion/deletion), and 219 haplotypes were identified. Moreover, the nucleotide diversity (π) and haplotype diversity (Hd) were 0.024 ± 0.001 and 0.9794 ± 0.003, respectively, indicating the abundance of genetic resources in Chinese Holstein cows. The results of the median-joining network analysis showed two haplogroups (HG, including HG1 and HG2) that diverged in genetic distance. Furthermore, the two haplogroups were significantly (p < 0.05) correlated with the antral follicle (diameter ≥ 8 mm) count, and HG1 individuals had more antral follicles than HG2 individuals, suggesting that these different genetic variants between HG1 and HG2 correlate with reproductive traits. The construction of a neighbor-joining phylogenetic tree and principal component analysis also revealed two main clades (HG1 and HG2) with different maternal origins: Bos indicus and Bos taurus, respectively. Therefore, HG1 originating from the maternal ancestors of Bos indicus may have a greater reproductive performance, and potential genetic variants discovered may promote the breeding process in the cattle industry.

Endothelial cell senescence has a vital implication for vascular dysfunction, leading to age-related cardiovascular disease, especially hypertension and atherosclerosis. E2F transcription factor 2 (E2F2) plays a critical role in cell proliferation, differentiation, and DNA damage response. Up to date, no study has ever connected E2F2 to vascular endothelial cell senescence. Here, we demonstrate that E2F2 is involved in endothelial cellular senescence. We found that E2F2 expression is decreased during the replicative senescence of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and the aortas of aged mice. The knockdown of E2F2 in young HUVECs induces premature senescence characterized by an increase in senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) activity, a reduction in phosphorylated endothelial nitric oxide synthase (p-eNOS) and sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), and the upregulation of senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) IL-6 and IL-8. The lack of E2F2 promoted cell cycle arrest, DNA damage, and cell proliferation inhibition. Conversely, E2F2 overexpression reversed the senescence phenotype and enhanced the cellular function in the senescent cells. Furthermore, E2F2 deficiency downregulated downstream target genes including CNNA2, CDK1, and FOXM1, and overexpression restored the expression of these genes. Our findings demonstrate that E2F2 plays an indispensable role in endothelial cell senescence.

The Booroola fecundity (FecB) gene is a major fertility-related gene first identified in Booroola sheep. Numerous studies have investigated whether the FecB gene is a major fecundity gene in goats or whether there are other genes that play a critical role in goat fertility. Nevertheless, little attention has been paid to the role of the FecB gene in the body morphometric traits of goats, despite the positive relationship discerned between litter size and growth. We identified five copy number variations (CNVs) within the FecB gene in 641 goats, including 318 Shaanbei white cashmere (SBWC) goats, 203 Guizhou Heima (GZHM) goats, and 120 Nubian goats, which exhibited different distributions among these populations. Our results revealed that these five CNVs were significantly associated with goat morphometric traits (p < 0.05). The normal type of CNV3 was the dominant type and displayed superior phenotypes in both litter size and morphometric traits, making it an effective marker for goat breeding. Consequently, LD blocks in the region of 10 Mb upstream and downstream from FecB and potential transcription factors (TFs) that could bind with the CNVs were analyzed via bioinformatics. Although no significant LD block was detected, our results illustrated that these CNVs could bind to growth-related TFs and indirectly affect the growth development of the goats. We identified potential markers to promote litter size and growth, and we offer a theoretical foundation for further breeding work.

Cardiac aging is a critical determinant of cardiac dysfunction, which contributes to cardiovascular disease in the elderly. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 6 (PCSK6) is a proteolytic enzyme important for the maintenance of cardiac function and vascular homeostasis. To date, the involvement of PCSK6 in cardiac aging remains unknown. Here we report that PCSK6 expression decreased in the hearts of aged mice, where high levels cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor 2A (P16) and cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor 1A (P21) (senescence markers) were observed. Moreover, PCSK6 protein expression was significantly reduced in senescent rat embryonic cardiomyocytes (H9c2) induced by D-galactose. Pcsk6 knockdown in H9c2 cells increased P16 and P21 expression levels and senescence-associated beta-galactosidase activity. Pcsk6 knockdown also impaired cardiomyocyte function, as indicated by increased advanced glycation end products, reactive oxygen species level, and apoptosis. Overexpression of PCSK6 blunted the senescence phenotype and cellular dysfunction. Furthermore, RNA sequencing analysis in Pcsk6-knockdown H9c2 cells identified the up-regulated DNA-damage inducible transcript 3 (Ddit3) gene involved in endoplasmic reticulum (ER) protein processing. Additionally, DDIT3 protein levels were remarkably increased in aged mouse hearts. In the presence of tunicamycin, an ER stress inducer, DDIT3 expression increased in Pcsk6-deficient H9c2 cells but reduced in PCSK6-overexpressing cells. In conclusion, our findings indicate that PCSK6 modulates cardiomyocyte senescence possibly via DDIT3-mediated ER stress.

In this work, a high-density alumina layer with high chemical stability was successfully developed by controlling the hydrolysis of hexafluorosilicate (SiF62−) anions through the addition of various concentrations of sodium citrate (SCi) into the electrolyte of plasma electrolysis (PE). To achieve this aim, the substrate samples were anodized in alkaline aluminate–SiF62−-based electrolytes with 0, 5, and 10 g/L of SCi. The presence of SCi anions in the electrolyte led to the formation of a thick adsorbed electrochemical double layer (EDL) on the substrate surface. The EDL not only affected the movement of SiF62− anions towards the anode but also influenced their hydrolysis reaction, which in turn led to a controllable sealing of structural defects with the hydrolysis products, namely SiO2 and AlF3. Among three different oxide layers, the oxide layer obtained from the electrolyte with 5 g/L SCi showed the highest chemical stability in a corrosive solution, which was linked to the fact that a considerable increase in the compactness of the oxide layers was obtained by the incorporation of SiO2 and AlF3. The mechanism underlying the effects of SCi on triggering the hydrolysis of SiF62− anions and factors affecting chemical stability are discussed based on the experimental data and computational analysis.

Although polymeric platinum(IV) (Pt(IV)) prodrugs can reduce the side effects of cisplatin, the efficacy of the prodrug is still limited by its non-targeted distribution, poor penetration in deep tumor tissue, and low cytotoxicity in tumor cells. To improve the clinical potential of polymeric prodrug micelle, we synthesized amphiphilic polymeric Pt(IV) with high Pt content (22.5%), then developed a theranostic nanocomplex by integrating polymeric Pt(IV) with superparamagnetic Mn0.6Zn0.4Fe2O4 via simple self-assembly. Due to the high content of Mn0.6Zn0.4Fe2O4 (41.7% w/w), the theranostic nanocomplex showed high saturation magnetization (103.1 emu g−1) and excellent magnetocaloric effect (404 W g−1), both of them indicating its advantages in efficient magnetic targeting (MT), magnetic hyperthermia (MH), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In vitro, in combination with MH, the theranostic nanocomplex showed as high cytotoxicity as cisplatin because of a significant increase in platinum of cellular uptake. In vivo, the accumulation of theranostic nanocomplex in tumors was increased by MT and confirmed by MRI. Furthermore, MH improved penetration of theranostic nanocomplex in tumors as expanding blackened area in tumors was observed by MRI. Based on these properties, the theranostic nanocomplex, under the assistance of MT and MH, showed the highest tumor growth inhibition rate (88.38%) after different treatments, while the body weight of mice increased slightly, indicating low side effects compared to those of cisplatin. The study provided an advanced theranostic nanocomplex with low toxicity and high efficacy, indicating a great clinical potential of polymeric Pt(IV).

Thermoelectrics can convert waste heat to electricity and vice versa. The energy conversion efficiency depends on materials figure of merit, zT, and Carnot efficiency. Due to the higher Carnot efficiency at a higher temperature gradient, high-temperature thermoelectrics are attractive for waste heat recycling. Among high-temperature thermoelectrics, silicon-based compounds are attractive due to the confluence of light weight, high abundance, and low cost. Adding to their attractiveness is the generally defect-tolerant nature of thermoelectrics. This makes them a suitable target application for recycled silicon waste from electronic (e-waste) and solar cell waste. In this review, we summarize the usage of high-temperature thermoelectric generators (TEGs) in applications such as commercial aviation and space voyages. Special emphasis is placed on silicon-based compounds, which include some recent works on recycled silicon and their thermoelectric properties. Besides materials design, device designing considerations to further maximize the energy conversion efficiencies are also discussed. The insights derived from this review can be used to guide sustainable recycling of e-waste into thermoelectrics for power harvesting.

Although surface effects play an important role in the mechanical properties of ultra-thin films, the nonlinear vibrations of ultra-thin films influenced by surface effects have not been fully understood. This paper develops an analytical framework for studying the nonlinear vibrations of simply supported ultra-thin films with surface effects. The framework is based on the modified Kirchhoff plate theory. The surface stress effects are treated by the Gurtin–Murdoch surface elasticity model and the motion equations include the effects of curvature and classical inertia. The dimensionless frequency of forcibly vibrated ultra-thin films with a simple support and surface effects is explicitly deduced through a series of perturbation procedure. Finally, the surface effects are evaluated in two numerical examples. In these demonstrations, the surface effects significantly influenced the dimensionless frequency when the film thickness reduced to one micrometer or less.

ObjectiveTo estimate the prevalence of disability and anxiety in Covid-19 survivors at discharge from hospital and analyze relative risk by exposures.DesignMulti-center retrospective cohort study.SettingTwenty-eight hospitals located in eight provinces of China.MethodsA total of 432 survivors with laboratory-confirmed SARS CoV-2 infection participated in this study. At discharge, we assessed instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) with Lawton's IADL scale, dependence in activities of daily living (ADL) with the Barthel Index, and anxiety with Zung's self-reported anxiety scale. Exposures included comorbidity, smoking, setting (Hubei vs. others), disease severity, symptoms, and length of hospital stay. Other risk factors considered were age, gender, and ethnicity (Han vs. Tibetan).ResultsPrevalence of at least one IADL problem was 36.81% (95% CI: 32.39-41.46). ADL dependence was present in 16.44% (95% CI: 13.23-20.23) and 28.70% (95% CI: 24.63-33.15) were screened positive for clinical anxiety. Adjusted risk ratio (RR) of IADL limitations (RR 2.48, 95% CI: 1.80-3.40), ADL dependence (RR 2.07, 95% CI 1.15-3.76), and probable clinical anxiety (RR 2.53, 95% CI 1.69-3.79) were consistently elevated in survivors with severe Covid-19. Age was an additional independent risk factor for IADL limitations and ADL dependence; and setting (Hubei) for IADL limitations and anxiety. Tibetan ethnicity was a protective factor for anxiety but a risk factor for IADL limitations.ConclusionA significant proportion of Covid-19 survivors had disability and anxiety at discharge from hospital. Health systems need to be prepared for an additional burden resulting from rehabilitation needs of Covid-19 survivors.

Background The major landscape in the hilly-gully region of the Loess Plateau is greatly affected by vegetation rehabilitation on abandoned cropland. Although many studies have shown that the rehabilitation have greatly improved soil conditions and protected them from erosion, these effectiveness were not always in consensus possibly due to the land type of vegetation or to the rehabilitation time. To close this gap, we conducted a long term experiment as follows. Methods In this study, we analysed four land types of vegetation rehabilitation (shrub land, woodland, naturally revegetated grassland, and orchard land) with different rehabilitation times and investigated the mechanical composition and erodibility of the soil. Areas of slope croplandand natural forest were selected as controls. Results The results showed that soil depth, rehabilitation time and rehabilitation land type had strong impacts on soil mechanical composition, micro-aggregation and erodibility. Following rehabilitation, naturally revegetated grassland and shrub land had lower fractal dimensions of particle size distribution (fractal dimensions of PSD), fractal dimensions of micro-aggregation, and erodibility (K factor) than did cropland. Compared to the positive effects of rehabilitation mainly happened in the topsoil layer at other rehabilitation land type, that of woodland happened in the deeper soil layer. Besides, the indispensable rehabilitation time for the significant improvement of soil condition was shorter at naturally revegetated grassland than that at shrub land and woodland. Discussion Although rehabilitation time was more influential than was rehabilitation land type or soil depth, the differences among the rehabilitation land types showed that naturally revegetated grassland with native plants is the most time-saving rehabilitation vegetation for the Loess Plateau in the conversion from slope cropland. The success of rehabilitation in this forestry practice was mainly contributed by the suited species of rehabilitation land type to the local climate and soil. Based on the differences of rehabilitation effectiveness resulting from land type, we should be cautious to choose land types for the rehabilitation of soil conditions in the Loess Plateau.

B-double is one kind of vehicle combinations with three vehicle units structurally and widely applied in cargo transport, so its directional stability analysis is crucial but more complex than a car. Directional stability was related with vehicle operating conditions and structure parameters. A basic linear dynamic model with four degrees of freedom for B-double was developed with a special method for simplification in a calculation process. The method was verified from the simulation results with MATLAB. The step input is tractor's steering wheel angle, so the steady-state yaw rate gains with understeer gradient for three vehicle units were solved. Steady-state relative gain was also derived and has an impact on directional stability, which could be influenced by the structure parameters, such as body mass (cargo weight), tire cornering stiffness of rear axle, location of mass center, wheelbase, and location of articulated point. The results indicate that increasing body mass and tire cornering stiffness of rear axle appropriately, moving backward mass center, and moving forward articulated points could increase the understeer gradient, which results in the improvement of directional stability. It is theoretical basis for the stability tests and structure design of B-double.

Influenza virus has a significant impact on the respiratory system. The mechanism of how influenza virus impairs the fluid transport in airway is not fully understood. We examined its effects on epithelial sodium channels (ENaC), which are very important for water and salt transport in the respiratory system. We focused on the impacts of influenza virus on ENaC activity in mouse tracheal epithelial cells (MTECs) and applied Ussing chamber apparatus for recording the short-circuit currents in primary cultured MTECs. Expressions of α and γ-ENaC were measured at the protein and mRNA levels by western blot and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, respectively. Roles of the with-no-lysine-kinase-4 (WNK4) pathway were considered in participating influenza virus-involved ENaC regulation by using siRNA to knockdown WNK4 and the physical properties of airway surface liquid (ASL) were detected by confocal microscopy. Our results showed that influenza virus reduced ENaC activity, and the expressions of α and γ-ENaC were decreased at the protein and mRNA levels, respectively. WNK4 expression increased time-dependently at the protein level after influenza virus infection, while knockdown of WNK4 rescued the impact of influenza virus on ENaC and ASL height increased obviously after MTECs were treated with influenza virus. Taken together, these results suggest that influenza virus causes the changes of biophysical profile in the airway by altering the ENaC activity at least partly via facilitating the expression of WNK4.

Zr2MoP2O12/ZrO2 composites were successfully synthesized by the solid state method in attempt to fabricate the near-zero thermal expansion ceramics. The phase composition, micromorphology and thermal expansion behavior of the Zr2MoP2O12/ZrO2 composites with different mass ratios were investigated using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and thermal mechanical analysis. Results indicate that Zr2MoP2O12/ZrO2 composites can be prepared by pre-sintering at 500°C for 3 h and then sintering at 1050°C for 6 h. The resulting Zr2MoP2O12/ZrO2 composites consisted of orthorhombic Zr2MoP2O12 and monoclinic ZrO2. With increasing content of Zr2MoP2O12, the Zr2MoP2O12/ZrO2 ceramics became more compact and the coefficient of thermal expansion decreased gradually. Zr2MoP2O12/ZrO2 composites show an adjustable coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) from 5.57 × 10−6 K−1 to −5.73 × 10−6 K−1 by changing the mass ratio of Zr2MoP2O12 and ZrO2. The Zr2MoP2O12/ZrO2 composite with a mass ratio of 2:1 showed near zero thermal expansion, and the average linear thermal expansion coefficient is measured to be 0.0065 × 10−6 K−1 in the temperature range from 25 to 700°C.

Zr2WP2O12/ZrO2 composites were fabricated by solid state reaction with the goal of tailoring the thermal expansion coefficient. XRD, SEM and TMA were used to investigate the composition, microstructure, and thermal expansion behavior of Zr2WP2O12/ZrO2 composites with different mass ratio. Relative densities of all the resulting Zr2WP2O12/ZrO2 samples were also tested by Archimedes' methods. The obtained Zr2WP2O12/ZrO2 composites were comprised of orthorhombic Zr2WP2O12 and monoclinic ZrO2. As the increase of the Zr2WP2O12, the relative densities of Zr2WP2O12/ZrO2 ceramic composites increased gradually. The coefficient of thermal expansion of the Zr2WP2O12/ZrO2 composites can be tailored from 4.1 × 10−6 K−1 to −3.3 × 10−6 K−1 by changing the content of Zr2WP2O12. The 2:1 Zr2WP2O12/ZrO2 specimen shows close to zero thermal expansion from 25 to 700°C with an average linear thermal expansion coefficient of −0.09 × 10−6 K−1. These adjustable and near zero expansion ceramic composites will have great potential application in many fields.