Advancing Open Science

Under the combined effects of vibrations from train operations and wind loads, the dynamic response monitoring data of masonry partition walls in subway stations are often contaminated with high-frequency noise, which hinders the accurate identification of the structure’s true dynamic characteristics. To tackle this problem, this paper proposes employing a Butterworth low-pass filter to process the on-site monitoring data. The paper initially elaborates on the monitoring theory grounded in the pulsation method, followed by a detailed explanation of the rationale for selecting the Butterworth filter, as well as data processing techniques such as Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) and self-power spectrum analysis. By incorporating a field monitoring case from a subway station in Guangzhou, the paper compares and analyzes the acceleration time-history curves before and after filtering. Additionally, finite element analysis is performed to assess the mechanical response of the masonry wall under wind loads, train-induced vibrations, and their combined effects. The results demonstrate that after applying a 4th-order Butterworth low-pass filter with a 46 Hz cutoff frequency, the high-frequency noise in the data is effectively suppressed, thereby accentuating the main trend and low-frequency vibration characteristics of the signal. This provides a reliable data foundation for subsequent precise analysis of the dynamic response and fatigue performance of the masonry walls.

This study proposes Optimized Skewness and Kurtosis Transformation (OSKT), a novel moment-targeting normality transformation that corrects asymmetry and peakedness in non-normal data. OSKT employs a transformation function derived from the Tukey g–h distribution, incorporating skewness and kurtosis parameters, and is optimized by minimizing a single objective function based on the Anderson–Darling test statistic. The optimization process uses L-BFGS-B to tune the transformation parameters to find the best fit for the standard normal distribution. OSKT ensures a balance between symmetry and tail behavior by minimizing deviations from theoretical normality. It has highly competitive performance compared to the alternative, Box–Cox, Yeo–Johnson transformations, including their robust variants and moment-matching Lambert W method, for normalizing complex distributions. According to our analysis, OSKT also achieves superior normalization for highly non-Gaussian data, successfully transforming highly resistant distributions, including approximately symmetric bimodal datasets, where other methods fail.

In the present study, vertebral bone tissues derived from Chongming crucian carp (Carassius carassius), a dominant species during the summer and autumn seasons on Chongming Island in the lower Yangtze River, were used to establish and characterize a Carassius carassius osteoblast cell line (COBC). The established COBCs were assessed using chromosome analysis, osteocalcin enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and osteogenesis-related gene expression analysis. Additionally, cellular responses to environmental stress were assessed. The results showed that COBC exhibited optimal proliferation in L-15 medium supplemented with 20% fetal bovine serum at 28 °C. The histochemical staining assay results were all positive, thereby confirming that the isolated cells display typical osteoblast characteristics. Quantitative PCR analysis revealed that osteogenic marker genes, including runx2a and runx2b, were expressed at significantly higher levels in COBCs than in fish tissues. Under hypoxic stress, COBCs exhibited morphological changes, an increase in cell death, significant alterations in gene expression, and variations in antioxidant enzyme activity. These responses facilitate adaptation to hypoxic stress. This study established the first osteoblast cell line of the Chongming crucian carp and characterized its biological properties and response to hypoxic stress. These findings offer a valuable in vitro cell model and technical support for research on fish bone tissue biology and the assessment of environmental stress effects.

Variations in the groundwater chemical environment are a critical factor affecting the mechanical property degradation and structural alteration of coal measure strata. Addressing the engineering challenges commonly encountered in coal mining areas of Northwest China, where groundwater with varying pH leads to difficulties in controlling surrounding rock in underground spaces, this study established a comprehensive experimental methodology integrating mechanical loading, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) quantitative pore analysis, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) microstructural characterization. The study revealed the mechanical degradation mechanisms and microstructural evolution characteristics of coal measure coarse sandstone under groundwater environments with different pH values (6–10). With prolonged immersion time, the peak strength and elastic modulus of the coarse sandstone exhibited exponential decay across all pH environments. NMR analysis revealed that the porosity evolved through a path of “increase–decrease–re-increase,” while the macroscopic mechanical failure mode shifted from brittle to brittle-ductile and finally to ductile characteristics. Micropores continuously transformed into medium and large pores, and the macroscopic failure mode exhibited a transition from brittle to brittle-ductile. The findings indicate that groundwater with varying acidity/alkalinity systematically alters the integrity and load-bearing capacity of coal measure coarse sandstone through the complex mechanism of “mineral dissolution (acidic H⁺ corrosion, alkaline OH⁻ hydrolysis)—structural damage—pore/fracture evolution—mechanical degradation.” This mechanism not only reveals the essence of progressive rock damage in weak acid to moderately strong alkaline environments but also provides important insights for the integrity, sealing capacity, and permeability modification of various underground engineering applications, such as CO₂ geological storage, unconventional natural gas development, and underground space utilization.

To explore the mechanism of action of CBS-derived H₂S in inducing cerebral vasodilation and activating BK_Ca channels. Sprague–Dawley (SD) rat middle cerebral arteries (MCA) were isolated from rat brains, and a pressure myography system was used to measure the effects of different concentrations of L-cysteine (L-Cys, 1 × 10^−5.5 to 1 × 10^−3.5 mol/L), a substrate for cystathionine-β-synthase (CBS)—a hydrogen sulfide (H₂S)-producing enzyme. Additionally, the effects of pretreatment with the CBS inhibitor amino-oxoacetate (AOAA, 1 mmol/L), the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 inhibitor semaxanib (SU5416, 10 μmol/L), and the large-conductance calcium-activated potassium (BK_Ca) channel blocker iberiotoxin (IBTX, 100 nmol/L) were investigated to determine their impacts on CBS-derived H₂S-induced vasodilation. Acute digestion of rat vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) was performed, and whole-cell patch-clamp techniques were used to measure current changes in neurons or astrocytes (ASTs), as well as acutely digested VSMCs, in the presence of L-Cys, AOAA (1 mmol/L), SU5416 (10 μmol/L), and IBTX (100 nmol/L). Additionally, neurons or ASTs were co-cultured with VSMCs to determine CBS-derived H₂S levels. Neurons or ASTs co-incubated with blood vessels and then treated with L-Cys produced H₂S, which exhibited a concentration-dependent dilatory effect on middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCA) pre-contracted with 100 nmol/L U46619 (p < 0.01). However, the addition of AOAA significantly attenuated this dilatory effect (p < 0.01). SU5416 and IBTX significantly inhibited cerebral vascular dilation (p < 0.01). H₂S produced by adding L-Cys after co-incubation of neurons or ASTs with VSMCs significantly increased BK_Ca channel current (p < 0.01). However, this effect was significantly attenuated after adding AOAA (p < 0.01). SU5416 and IBTX significantly inhibited the activation of BK_Ca channels (p < 0.01). Wild-type rat neurons or astrocytes (ASTs) were co-cultured with CSE(Cystathionine γ-lyase)-knockout vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs-CSE KO); the addition of L-Cys significantly increased hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) levels in the co-culture system (p < 0.01), while the addition of AOAA reduced H₂S production (p < 0.01). However, the addition of SU5416 had no statistical significance. Neurogenic H₂S, the H₂S produced by neurons and ASTs, could induce cerebral vasodilation in rats via VEGFR₂(Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor 2)-mediated activation of BK_Ca channels in the smooth muscle cells.

Compost-derived humic acids (HAs) and fulvic acids (FAs) play an essential role in enhancing soil microbial diversity and activity by facilitating metabolic processes through electron transfer. Herein, the effect of bioleaching dewatered sludge (BDS) in comparison with filter press dewatered sludge (FDS) on the electron transfer capacity (ETC) of humic substances during composting was investigated as a novel attempt. A variety of characterization methods including UV-Vis, FTIR, 3D-EEM, and electrochemical measurements, were used to explore the change in humic substances during composting. The results indicated that bioleaching treatment significantly influenced the organic matter composition and hindered the accumulation of redox-active functional groups during composting. Notably, the ETC of HA increased by 24.07% in the FDS group but declined by 40.62% in the BDS group. This divergence stemmed from the organic matter loss during bioleaching, leading to reduced quinone-like and tryptophan-like substances associated with electron transfer in HA during composting. Furthermore, BDS showed lower pH, water content, and organic matter, but higher concentrations of ammonium nitrogen (${\mathrm{NH}}_4^{+}\text{-}\mathrm{N}$) and ammonia nitrogen ${\mathrm{NH}}_3^{-}\text{-}\mathrm{N}$, all of which potentially influenced humification efficiency. These findings not only clarify the electron-transfer dynamics of humic fractions but also highlight the importance of optimizing sludge pretreatment for improved composting performance and resource recovery.

Solanum rostratum is a globally regulated invasive species, known for its detrimental impacts on local biodiversity, human and livestock health, and agricultural productivity. This study employed the Biomod2 ensemble modeling framework to analyze the geographic distribution of S. rostratum in China, identify key environmental factors limiting its spread, and provide a scientific basis for its management and control. By integrating species distribution data with multiple environmental variables, we predicted the potential geographic distribution of this species. Pearson correlation analysis and variance inflation factor (VIF) testing were applied to identify significant environmental variables constraining its spread, including precipitation seasonality (bio15), mean temperature of the wettest quarter (bio8), precipitation of the warmest quarter (bio18), isothermality (bio3), precipitation of the driest month (bio14), and human footprint. Three Biomod2-based ensemble models (EMmean, EMca and EMwmean) were based on the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC), true skill statistic (TSS), and Kappa coefficient. Of these, EMca demonstrated the highest predictive accuracy. The model identified highly suitable habitats for S. rostratum primarily in semi-arid and semi-humid regions with high human activity, including the Northeast Plain, bounded by the Greater Khingan, Lesser Khingan, and Changbai Mountains; the northern North China Plain extending to the Shandong Hills and Yellow River basin; and the Junggar Basin extending to the Altai Mountains. These regions should be prioritized for future monitoring and control efforts. This study provides both empirical data and theoretical insights to accurately delineate potential invasion zones of S. rostratum, enhancing surveillance and guiding effective prevention and control strategies.

Background/Objectives: Epidemiological studies have proven that coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) is the major virus that causes acute and chronic myocarditis and pancreatitis. Currently, there are no antiviral therapeutic drugs or vaccines that are available for use as clinical therapeutics or vaccines. Subunit polypeptides-based vaccines, especially when combined with adjuvants, represent safe and effective vaccine platforms because they are considered to be better immunogens. The viral capsid protein VP1 of CVB3 is the most immunogenic viral polypeptide, providing opportunities for its use in designing subunit polypeptide vaccines. In the present study, we designed and produced a CVB3 vaccine candidate based on the recombinant expression of the major immunogenic viral protein VP1 of a wild-type CVB3 strain. Methods: We assessed its induced humoral and cellular immune responses and then evaluated its protective immunity against pathogenic CVB3 strain challenges in a Balb/c mouse model. Neutralizing specific antibodies and cytokine interferon gamma (INF-γ) production were determined in the sera of both prime- and prime-boost-immunized mice with the vaccine candidate. Results: Our results demonstrate that the recombinant rVP1 expressed in a eukaryotic insect cell baculovirus vector system elicited cellular and humoral immune responses, protecting Balb/c mice from lethal challenges. Conclusions: Hence, the vaccine produced based on the recombinant expression of VP1 is a promising and potential candidate against natural CVB3 infections.