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The integrity and resilience of our environment are confronted with unprecedented challenges, stemming from the escalating pressures of urban expansion and the need for ecological preservation. This study proposes an Improved Remote Sensing Ecological Index (IRSEI), which employs humidity (WET), the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Land Surface Temperature (LST), a standardized Building–Bare Soil Index (NDBSI), aerosol optical depth (AOD), and the comprehensive salinity index (CSI). The IRSEI model was utilized to assess the ecological quality of Hangzhou over the period from 2003 to 2023. Additionally, the random forest model was employed to analyze the factors driving ecological quality. Furthermore, the gradient effect in the horizontal direction away from the urban center was examined using the buffer zone method. Our analysis reveals the following: (1) approximately 95% of the alterations in ecological quality observed from 2003 to 2023 exhibited marginal improvements, declines, or were negligible; (2) the transformations in IRSEI during this period, including variations in surface temperature and transportation networks, exhibited strong correlations (0.85) with human activities. Moreover, the influence of AOD and the comprehensive salinity index on IRSEI demonstrated distinct spatial disparities; (3) the IRSEI remained generally stable up to 30 km outside the city center, indicating a trend of agglomeration in the center and significant areas in the surroundings. The IRSEI serves as a robust framework for bolstering the assessment of regional ecological health, facilitating ecological preservation and rejuvenation efforts, and fostering coordinated sustainable regional development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aimed to elucidate the connection between osteoclastic forkhead transcription factor O1 (FoxO1) and periodontitis and explore the underlying mechanism by which FoxO1 knockdown regulates osteoclast formation. Materials and Methods: A conventional ligature‐induced periodontitis model was constructed to reveal the alterations in the proportion of osteoclastic FoxO1 in periodontitis via immunofluorescence staining. Additionally, RNA sequencing (RNA‐seq) was performed to explore the underlying mechanisms of FoxO1 knockdown‐mediated osteoclastogenesis, followed by western blotting, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Results: FoxO1+ osteoclasts were enriched in the alveolar bone in experimental periodontitis. Moreover, FoxO1 knockdown led to impaired osteoclastogenesis with low expression of osteoclast differentiation‐related genes, accompanied by an insufficient osteoclast maturation phenotype. Mechanistically, RNA‐seq revealed that the nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) and nucleotide‐binding oligomerization domain‐like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome signaling pathways were inhibited in FoxO1‐knockdown osteoclasts. Consistent with this, MCC950, an effective inhibitor of the NLRP3 inflammasome, substantially attenuated osteoclast formation. Conclusions: FoxO1 knockdown contributed to the inhibition of osteoclastogenesis by effectively suppressing NF‐κB signaling and NLRP3 inflammasome activation. This prospective study reveals the role of FoxO1 in mediating osteoclastogenesis and provides a viable therapeutic target for periodontitis treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban land is the primary location for manufacturing and services, facilitating the expansion and interconnectedness of economic activities and factor flows to shape various urban land-use performances (ULUP). Exploring these spatial linkages of urban land-use performance can play a crucial role in fostering cohesive urban development. Taking 109 prefecture-level cities as research samples, this paper explores the characteristics and influencing factors of the spatial network associated with ULUP in the Yangtze River Economic Belt through modified gravity model, network analysis and QAP analysis. The analysis shows that ULUP has shown an N-shaped trend over the past two decades. It has formed a network of correlations, with Chongqing, Shanghai, and Wuhan emerging as central nodes. Notably, the correlation predominantly occurs between geographically adjacent cities, with weaker links between the Yangtze River Economic Belt's upstream, midstream, and downstream regions. The network can be divided into four distinct types: main inflow plate, main outflow plate, agent plate, and bidirectional spillover plate. Geographic location is the most significant factor influencing network formation, followed by resource mismatch, economic development, and openness. The study provides theoretical guidance and empirical support for improving the utilisation of urban land and promoting coordinated development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Direct-acting relief valves are important pressure-control components in hydraulic systems; however, noise problems are now common. This study aimed to reduce and numerically analyze the valve cavitation and noise using the Zwart–Gerber–Belamri (ZBG) model with the Ffowcs Williams and Hawkings (FW–H) model to optimize the design based on the sound field perspective. First, a direct-acting relief valve flow field model was established to determine the relationship between the seat structure and the degree of cavitation through a CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) simulation. Second, sound field analysis was conducted based on the cavitation and non-cavitation flow fields, respectively, and the resulting noise levels were compared. Finally, prototypes of the relief valve were manufactured, and noise levels between the original and optimized valves were compared. The results revealed that cavitation within the relief valve generated noise while optimizing the valve seat cone angle suppressed this phenomenon, thereby reducing the noise emitted by the optimized valve by 18.2 dB compared to the original valve. These findings can serve as a guide for designing and optimizing direct-acting relief valves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]