Search Results (3,374)

This study systematically investigates the effect and mechanism of a TiO₂ nano-lubricant on edge cracking and surface quality during the rolling of Mg/Al composite foils. Initial friction and wear tests identified an optimal nano-lubricant concentration of 3.0 wt.%, at which the system achieved a minimum average coefficient of friction of 0.067. Subsequent rolling tests using this concentration showed that the nano-lubricant reduced rolling force by 5.39–7.54% compared to dry conditions. It also significantly suppressed the initiation and propagation of edge cracks. Furthermore, the surface roughness parameters Ra and Rz were reduced by 16.5% to 24.0%, and the height profile fluctuation range was reduced by 33% to 45%, resulting in a smoother and more uniform surface morphology. The analysis of the underlying mechanism indicates that the superior performance originates from the synergistic effects of the rolling effect, the mending effect, the polishing effect, and the protective film effect. This work establishes that the use of a 3.0 wt.% TiO₂ nano-lubricant is a viable strategy for fabricating high-quality Mg/Al composite foils with minimal defects. It thereby offers both theoretical and practical guidance for the advanced rolling of bimetallic composites. Full article

In 2023, the detection rate of porcine rotavirus (PoRV) surpassed that of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) for the first time, establishing PoRV as the predominant pathogen responsible for viral diarrhea in pigs. To systematically investigate the epidemiology and molecular characteristics of PoRV in Southwest China, a total of 196 diarrheal clinical samples were collected from 29 large-scale pig farms across the region during 2024–2025. RT-qPCR results revealed a high PoRV positivity rate of 57.14% (112/196) with group A porcine rotavirus (PoRVA) being the most prevalent at 46.43%, representing the predominant group. Genotyping and phylogenetic analysis of the VP4 and VP7 genes indicated that the P genotype P[13] was most prevalent (77.78%, 21/27), while the major G genotypes were G4 (39.28%) and G9 (35.71%). The most common G/P combinations were G9P[13] and G4P[13]. Furthermore, a PoRV strain was successfully isolated and identified through whole-genome sequencing, indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The isolate was designated RVA/Pig-wt/SCLS-JW/2024/G1P[7], with a whole-genome constellation of G1-P[7]-I5-R1-C1-M1-A8-N1-T1-E1-H1. The structural proteins VP1-4 and VP6-7, along with nonstructural genes NSP1 and NSP5, shared high sequence identity with porcine strains, whereas the nonstructural genes NSP2–NSP4 clustered more closely with human rotaviruses. These findings indicate a higher prevalence of PoRV in southwestern China compared to other regions; the dominant circulating genotypes have shifted to G9 and G4; the isolated G1P[7] strain is relatively rare in China and might be a genetic recombinant of human and porcine rotaviruses. This study provides valuable data and theoretical support for understanding the current epidemiology of PoRV, and facilitates vaccine development and the formulation of prevention and control strategies. Full article

As urban spaces and cultural contexts continue to evolve, the conservation of immovable cultural heritage faces increasing challenges. This study adopts museumification as an extension of the living heritage continuity approach and examines how a religious monument can be re-embedded in contemporary social life. Using the Jin dynasty Sansheng (Three Saints) Pagoda in Qinyang City, Henan Province, as a case study, it analyzes the mechanisms through which museumification reshapes heritage value and public engagement. A three-dimensional analytical framework—field, space, and society—was developed, and data were collected through field observation, 205 questionnaire responses, and in-depth interviews with museum staff. The results show that museumification has enhanced the pagoda’s public visibility and symbolic meaning, strengthened local identity, and supported the transmission of historical knowledge. Visitors reported cultural pride, historical immersion, and emotional connection, demonstrating the museum’s role in maintaining the living continuity of the site. However, challenges such as limited exhibition space, insufficient narrative coherence, and the tendency for emotional experience to outweigh knowledge acquisition remain. Overall, the study offers empirical insights into the contemporary transformation of religious heritage and provides practical implications for conservation strategies based on museumification. Full article

In recent years, with the deepening of mining and tunnel excavation operations, the incidence of rock burst has also increased, prompting people to attracting increasing attention to microseismic monitoring technology. The location algorithm of microseismic events is the core of microseismic monitoring. In this study, a hybrid optimization algorithm, BP-GA-GN, which combines genetic algorithm (GA), BP neural network (BP) and Gauss-Newton method (GN), is introduced. The BP-GA-GN algorithm optimizes the initial weights and thresholds of the BP neural network through GA to avoid local optimum. The BP neural network is used to learn the nonlinear mapping between the sensor arrival time difference and the source position. Combined with the physical model constraints of GN, fine convergence is performed. We prove the robustness of the BP-GA-GN algorithm through a large number of numerical simulations. Compared with the traditional single algorithm, the algorithm shows excellent performance. Subsequently, the high precision and high efficiency of the method are further highlighted in the field data test of mine environment and tunnel environment. The average errors are 0.42 m and 2.54 m, respectively, rendering it a valuable tool for real-time microseismic monitoring. This study overcomes the limitations of traditional positioning methods. The algorithm can achieve high-speed training and high precision, thus significantly improving the early warning effect of rockburst risk. Full article

Infertility affects about 17.5% of couples, with male factors accounting for approximately 50% of cases. Cytoskeletal remodeling is increasingly recognized as a critical component of male reproductive function, particularly in the regulation of testosterone synthesis by Leydig cells. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly defined. Rho-associated coiled-coil-containing kinase (ROCK), a key cytoskeletal regulator, influences actin dynamics, impacting intracellular trafficking. In this study, we investigated the roles of ROCK1 and ROCK2 in Leydig cells using the TM3 cell model. Pharmacological inhibition of ROCK activity with Y-27632 impaired actin cytoskeleton organization, reduced the phosphorylation of LIMK, COFILIN, and MLC2, and disrupted the colocalization of F-actin with StAR and cholesterol, thereby decreasing testosterone production. Furthermore, RNA-seq revealed that hCG promotes transcription of steroidogenesis-related genes, while ROCK inhibition reverses this effect. Silencing of ROCK1 via siRNA mimicked the effects of ROCK-i, suppressing steroidogenic gene expression and testosterone synthesis. In contrast, ROCK2 knockdown enhanced testosterone secretion, promoted F-actin remodeling, and increased traffic of cholesterol targeting mitochondria. These opposing effects triggered distinct responses in the SCAP–SREBP2 axis, indicating a feedback mechanism regulating cholesterol homeostasis. Collectively, our findings uncover the isoform-specific roles of ROCK1 and ROCK2 in coordinating cytoskeletal dynamics and steroidogenic activity, providing new insights into the regulation of male reproductive endocrinology and identifying potential therapeutic targets for androgen deficiency and male infertility. Full article

This paper examines how air pollution affects the distribution of labor income within firms. We build a within-firm incentive model and show that air pollution, treated as an exogenous shock, reduces production efficiency and increases operating uncertainty. In response, firms compress both employee and executive compensation. Because executive pay carries a larger weight on performance- and equity-based components and is therefore more sensitive to profit volatility, it declines by more, mechanically narrowing within-firm pay dispersion. At the same time, rank-and-file wages display downward rigidity. The result is a “synchronized decline with sharper cuts at the top,” a form of spurious equality. Using 2014–2022 data on non-financial A-share listed firms in China, we find that a 1% increase in air pollution is associated with a 0.37% average decline in labor income. Effects are stronger in labor-intensive firms and in firms with weaker unions. Two-stage least squares estimates indicate real consequences: talent outflows and reduced innovation. By linking air quality to wage setting, human capital, and innovation, our results reveal a sustainability channel through which pollution undermines decent work and inclusive growth—issues of global relevance for urban economies. The mechanisms we document are likely to generalize beyond China and inform integrated policies that combine environmental regulation with labor-market and innovation policy to support a just and sustainable transition. Full article

Significant fluctuations in reservoir water levels occur seasonally during the flood period, adversely affecting the stability of bank slopes. In this paper, a modified mechanical model for the flexural toppling of anti-dip rock slopes under water level fluctuations is established, and an actual deflection equation for rock slabs is derived. The critical length for the flexural toppling failure of rock slabs is calculated, which can be used to evaluate slope stability. Multiple linear regression analysis reveals the relative degree of the influence of each parameter (such as rock slab thickness, rock layer dip angle, water level height, etc.) on the critical length. The results indicate that rock slab thickness plays a controlling role in slope stability. The failure mechanisms of the slope under the influence of water level fluctuations are revealed through fluid–solid coupling numerical simulations. The results indicate that the rise in water level reduces the strength of the rock mass in the submerged zone and generates significant water pressure on the rock mass at the slope toe, leading to its cracking. A rapid drop in water level generates seepage forces detrimental to slope stability and carries away fractured rock particles at the slope toe, ultimately causing slope failure. Finally, the reliability and applicability of the proposed method are validated through numerical simulations, case studies, and comparisons with existing analytical solutions. Full article

Adolescents are underprioritized in tuberculosis (TB) control, and the effect of TB preventive therapy (TPT) in this group is unstudied in China. This study evaluated the protective effect of TPT in Chinese adolescents during TB outbreaks. Data on TB outbreaks and contact screening in six cities (2019–2021) were collected. Adolescents eligible for TPT were identified via tuberculin skin test or interferon-gamma assay and grouped by TPT. Follow-up until 31 December 2023, tracked TB onset. The protective effect was analyzed using KM survival curves and COX models. From January 2019 to December 2021, 136 school TB outbreaks were reported, involving 10,837 adolescent contacts. Among these, 624 adolescent contacts met the criteria for TPT (latent TB infection) at baseline; 277 (44.4%) initiated a 3-month isoniazid plus rifampicin preventive therapy (TPT group), while 347 (55.6%) did not receive TPT (non-TPT group). By 31 December 2023, 11 of these 624 adolescent contacts developed active TB, with 1 patient in the TPT group and 10 patients in the non-TPT group. The cumulative incidence of TB was 0.36% in the TPT group vs. 2.88% in the non-TPT group (χ² = 5.65, p = 0.017). This corresponds to an approximate 87% reduction in TB incidence among adolescent contacts who received TPT compared to those who did not. TPT reduced TB incidence by ~90% among adolescent contacts. Timely, comprehensive, and standardized TPT is recommended to minimize TB risks in educational settings and achieve a TB-free campus. Full article

Driven by the urgent reduction in industrial energy consumption and nitrogen oxide (NO_x) emissions, numerical simulation becomes a significant tool to understand the internal working process and optimize the structure of the combustion chamber in coke oven. However, conventional numerical simulation is computationally expensive and impractical for real-time monitoring or multi-parameter optimization. To address this challenge, this study proposes a novel parameter fusion convolutional network (PFCN) to rapidly reconstruct the spatial temperature distribution in the combustion chamber of a coke oven. The key innovation of PFCN is its dual-stream encoding mechanism, which processes structural parameters (1 × 5 vector) and spatial coordinates (25 × 200 matrix) separately via dedicated encoders, followed by a cross-modal fusion to effectively integrate these heterogeneous inputs. Furthermore, a support vector machine (SVM) is coupled downstream of the PFCN to estimate the exhaust NO_x emissions based on the predicted physical information. This coupled PFCN–SVM framework allows universal applicability across different combustion chamber configurations. Based on this framework, parametric influence analysis and co-optimization of five key structural parameters are conducted for a three-stage air-supply coke oven. The results reveal that both the air staging ratio and staging height significantly affect combustion performance. Compared to the basecase, the optimized design simultaneously improves temperature homogeneity by 15.2% and reduces NO_x emissions by 8%, with negligible computational cost. This integrated data-driven approach demonstrates considerable potential for combustion chamber optimization, transient process predictions, multi-physics coupling analyses, and online control implementations. Full article

Terrestrial water storage includes soil water storage, groundwater storage, surface water storage, snow water equivalent, plant canopy water storage, biological water storage, etc., which can comprehensively reflect the total change in water volume during processes such as precipitation, evapotranspiration, runoff, and human water use in the basin hydrological cycle. The Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellite provides a powerful tool and a new approach for observing changes in terrestrial water storage and groundwater storage. The North China Plain (NCP) is a major agricultural region in the northern arid area of China, and long-term overexploitation of groundwater has led to increasingly prominent ecological vulnerability issues. This study uses GRACE and Global Land Data Assimilation System (GLDAS) hydrological model data to assess the spatiotemporal patterns of groundwater drought in the NCP and its various sub-regions from 2003 to 2022, identify the locations, occurrence probabilities, and confidence intervals of seasonal and trend mutation points, quantify the complex interactive effects of multiple climate factors on groundwater drought, and reveal the propagation time from groundwater drought to agricultural drought. The results show that: (1) from 2003 to 2022, the linear tendency rate of groundwater drought index (GDI) was −0.035 per 10 years, indicating that groundwater drought showed a gradually worsening trend during the study period; (2) on an annual scale, the most severe groundwater drought occurred in 2021 (GDI = −1.59). In that year, the monthly average GDI in the NCP ranged from −0.58 to −2.78, and the groundwater drought was most severe in July (GDI = −2.02); (3) based on partial wavelet coherence, the best univariate, bivariate for groundwater drought were soil moisture (PASC = 19.13%); and (4) in Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei, the propagation time was mainly concentrated in 1–5 months, with average lag times of 2.87, 3.20, and 2.92 months, respectively. This study can not only reduce and mitigate the harm of groundwater drought to agricultural production, social life, and ecosystems by monitoring changes in groundwater storage, but also provide a reference for the quantitative identification of the dominant factors of groundwater drought. Full article

In recent years, differential synthetic aperture radar interferometry (DInSAR) has been widely used to monitor ground deformation induced by mineral resource exploitation. Compared with conventional DInSAR, InSAR time series (TS-InSAR) techniques offer significantly improved monitoring accuracy. However, their results still remain strongly influenced by atmospheric delays. To address this and discuss the applicability of tropospheric delay correction methods over mining areas, this study applied multiple correction strategies to distributed scatterer InSAR (DS-InSAR), including the Linear, ERA5, GACOS, spatio-temporal filtering method, and their adaptive weighted fusion approach. Meanwhile, an improved Common Scene Stacking (CSS) InSAR tropospheric delay correction method has been proposed. These methods’ performance have been evaluated by the quantitative comparisons of the corrected interferometric phases and by in situ measurements. The results indicated that the adaptive fusion method outperformed any individual model included, where spatio-temporal filtering should be applied with caution, as it may undermine part of the deformation signal. The effectiveness of ERA5 and GACOS is limited due to their resolution mismatch with that of the SAR images. On the other hand, the improved CSS method achieved the best results over the study area, with an average reduction of 32.22% in the RMSE of the interferometric phase, resulting in an RMSE below 8 mm on average and as low as 5 mm over certain areas. Thus, over local mining areas with large-magnitude and ground deformation, the improved CSS outperforms all the other compared methods, where it can effectively mitigate atmospheric delays while preserving the deformation signals. Full article

Populus qamdoensis cuttings were treated with transparent colorless film (WF), blue film (BF), and green film (GF), and the leaf physiological indices were measured and transcriptome sequencing was performed. The results showed that BF treatment significantly inhibited the height growth, leaf length, and leaf width of P. qamdoensis, while significantly increasing the thickness of leaf palisade tissue, upper epidermis, and the density of leaf structure. The GF treatment increased stomatal conductance (Gs) and intercellular CO₂ concentration (Ci), while the BF treatment enhanced water use efficiency (WUE). Both BF and GF increased the contents of chlorophyll b (Chl b) and carotenoids (Car). BF treatment increased the content of total soluble sugars but decreased the contents of sucrose and starch. Transcriptome analysis revealed that under BF treatment, most genes in the sucrose and starch metabolism pathways were up-regulated, and the AUX/IAA, GH3, and SAUR genes in the auxin pathway also showed an up-regulated trend. In contrast, under GF treatment, most genes in the porphyrin and chlorophyll metabolic pathway were up-regulated, and most genes in the gibberellin pathway also showed up-regulation. Analysis of photoreceptor gene expression showed that GF treatment significantly up-regulated the expression of HYH, COP1, CRY1, HY5, and PIF4 genes, while BF treatment had the opposite effect. These results provide a theoretical basis for revealing the evolutionary mechanisms underlying the adaptation of plants to different light environments. Full article

Background: The 2023 Delphi consensus defined metabolic and alcohol-associated liver disease (MetALD), distinguishing between alcohol abuse and moderate consumption. Although alcohol abuse is known to accelerate fatty liver disease progression, the health effects of chronic moderate alcohol intake under different dietary conditions remain unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of moderate alcohol consumption on metabolic phenotypes and gut microbiota/metabolites in lean and obese mice and to propose a model approximating MetALD features. Methods: C57BL/6J mice were fed either a low-fat diet (LFD) or a high-fat diet (HFD) for 12 weeks, with access to 10% (v/v) alcohol in drinking water. Systemic metabolic parameters, liver histopathology, inflammatory and fibrotic markers, gut microbiota composition, and the fecal metabolome were assessed. Results: In LFD-fed mice, 10% alcohol intake induced multiple metabolic alterations, including elevated serum triglycerides, reduced fasting blood glucose, and changes in hepatic lipid metabolism along with steatosis and inflammation—though further studies are required to confirm causality. When combined with HFD, alcohol did not significantly exacerbate most glucose/lipid metabolic disorders but markedly increased hepatic inflammatory cell infiltration and fibrosis progression. Alcohol consistently increased gut microbial α-diversity in both dietary groups, while downregulating beneficial metabolites such as amino acids (e.g., glutamine, histidine), their derivatives, and short-chain fatty acids. Correlation analyses associated these microbial and metabolic changes with altered amino acid/cholesterol metabolism and inflammatory/fibrotic phenotypes, particularly under HFD conditions. Conclusions: These findings suggest that chronic moderate alcohol intake presents distinct risks in lean and obese individuals with different dietary structures. Full article

Polygonum cuspidatum is a well-known and versatile medicinal plant. In Taiwan, P. cuspidatum is typically found in central mountainous regions. Once acclimated, it can also thrive in flat areas, where it is known as flatland P. cuspidatum. Flatland P. cuspidatum has several advantages over alpine P. cuspidatum; for example, flatland P. cuspidatum grows faster and has larger leaves. This study enhanced the functionality of different parts of flatland P. cuspidatum (flowers, leaves, and rhizomes) by using microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) technology and Box–Behnken response surface methodology. Experiments revealed that the combination of MAE parameters that yielded optimal results was influenced by which plant part was used as input material. Regarding whitening activity, the extracts were ranked as follows: leaf > rhizome > flower. Leaf extracts had higher total flavonoid content, and rhizome extracts had higher total phenolic content. Regarding antiaging activity, the extracts were ranked as follows: rhizome > leaf > flower. The rankings for antimicrobial activity were as follows: leaf > rhizome > flower. Regarding anti-inflammatory activity, the extracts were ranked as follows: flower > rhizome > leaf. The rhizome extract exhibited slight cytotoxicity. UHPLC-UV-Q-TOF-HRMS/MS analysis identified 27, 34, and 37 bioactive compounds in the leaf, rhizome, and flower extracts, respectively. Given the relatively low pharmacological activity observed in the MAE-optimized flower extract, fermentation with Aspergillus oryzae was employed to enhance its efficacy. This process significantly enhanced the extract’s pharmacological properties, including its whitening, antiaging, and antimicrobial properties. Increased levels of 3-O-caffeoylquinic acid, decursin, quercetin, quercitrin, kaempferol, resveratrol, epicatechin gallate, resveratrol-3-O-D-(2-galloyl)-glucopyranoside, resveratrol-4′-O-β-D-glucoside, apigenin, emodin-8-O-(6′-O-malonyl)-glucoside, physcion, emodin, and torachrysone in the fermented flower extract likely contributed to its enhanced pharmacological activities. The results of this study indicate that the newly developed flatland P. cuspidatum extracts can be considered viable substitutes for alpine P. cuspidatum extracts. Full article

Nanocellulose–graphene derivative (NC–GD) composite membranes have attracted increasing attention as sustainable separation materials with high specific surface area, mechanical strength, and controllable interfacial chemistry. This review contextualizes the development of NC–GD composite membranes within advanced membrane technologies and summarizes recent progress in their structural design, interfacial mechanisms, and water purification applications. The synthesis and assembly of nanocellulose and graphene derivatives are analyzed, focusing on how surface functionalization regulates interfacial compatibility and transport pathways. Comparative evaluation of fabrication approaches—including vacuum filtration, layer-by-layer assembly, and solution casting—highlights their influence on structural uniformity and permeability. Key findings indicate that hydrogen bonding, electrostatic coupling, and π–π interactions govern the layer stability of composite membranes and the synergistic formation of nanochannels (by NC and GDs), thereby enabling efficient water permeation, selective separation, and fouling resistance. Overall, NC–GD membranes exhibit outstanding performance in heavy metal adsorption, dye removal, oil–water separation, and antibacterial treatment, representing a promising platform for next-generation sustainable water purification systems. Full article