Search Results (712)

The NSUN family is essential for RNA 5-methylcytosine modification (m5C) in eukar-yotes. However, no NSUN genes have been identified in maize, and the characteristics of ZmNSUN genes remain unexplored. Here, we performed a comprehensive in-vestigation of NSUN genes across seven Poaceae species. Our analysis identified a total of 63 Poaceae NSUN genes, including eight ZmNSUN genes in maize. Phylogenetic and feature analyses classified the Poaceae NSUNs into six subgroups (SGs), suggest-ing that the divergence of these SGs may have occurred prior to the divergence between plants and animals. Expression profiling indicated that ZmNSUN genes are generally repressed by heat stress. Co-expression network analysis suggested potential roles of ZmNSUN genes in maize development, and expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) analysis results demonstrated that expression levels of multiple ZmNSUN genes are significantly associated with maize agronomic traits. Collectively, these findings provide novel insights into the evolutionary dynamics of the NSUN family and highlight specific ZmNSUN genes as promising candidates for molecular breeding to improve maize yield and stress adaptability. Full article

Geometric accuracy assessment is a fundamental prerequisite for the application of high-resolution optical satellite imagery, yet it remains particularly challenging in the absence of ground control points. This study proposes a consistency-driven accuracy assessment framework for ZY-3 satellite imagery that systematically bridges the conventional separation between block adjustment and accuracy evaluation. The framework is built upon a unified geometric error model that accommodates both inter-image consistency assessment and absolute accuracy evaluation within a common mathematical formulation. Recognizing the inherent uncertainties of publicly available reference data, a hierarchical validation chain is established: the Google Earth (GE) and Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) datasets are first validated against WorldView imagery to bound their intrinsic errors, and subsequently employed as references for ZY-3 accuracy assessment. This design enables the simultaneous evaluation of planimetric accuracy, vertical accuracy, and inter-image consistency without reliance on ground control points. Experimental validation conducted on 1368 ZY-3 scenes covering a study area of 1.9 million km² yields a planimetric RMSE of 3.33 m and a vertical RMSE of 4.27 m. The results demonstrate that higher inter-image consistency empirically correlates with improved absolute positioning accuracy, and that the proposed framework not only reliably evaluates geometric quality but also provides diagnostic insights that can inform proactive adjustment strategies. The proposed method thus offers a practical and transparent solution for the geometric accuracy detection and enhancement of large-area ZY-3 satellite imagery. Full article

Members of the yellow gene family encode conserved Yellow proteins with diverse roles in insect pigmentation, cuticle formation, and reproduction, making them promising targets for RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated pest control strategies. However, little is known about their phylogeny and functions in the brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens), a devastating rice pest that serves as a vector for viral rice diseases. Here, we identified and characterized 11 yellow genes in N. lugens, which showed distinct structures and expression profiles. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that N. lugens has retained orthologs of yellow-y, -b, -d, -e, -g, -g2, -h, and -x but lacks those of yellow-c and -f, suggesting lineage-specific gene loss. Nine of the eleven NlYellow genes were localized to chromosome 8, with several positioned in close genomic proximity. The clustering of these loci suggests that tandem duplication events contributed to the expansion of the NlYellow gene family. NlYellow-b exhibited the highest transcript levels among all identified NlYellow genes, particularly in the female ovipositor, and functional characterization via RNAi revealed that it is essential for molting, wing development, and female fertility. Knockdown of NlYellow-b in fourth-instar nymphs caused lethal molting defects and wing malformation and significantly reduced offspring production. These findings highlight the dual roles of NlYellow-b in development and reproduction, advance our understanding of yellow gene function in insects and highlight NlYellow-b as a candidate for RNAi-based management of N. lugens. Full article

Aerospace die forgings are safety-critical structural products whose service performance is governed by coupled microstructural evolution across multiple length scales rather than by any single descriptor. This review critically synthesizes recent progress in multiscale characterization and process–structure–property analysis of aerospace die forgings, with emphasis on forged titanium alloys, wrought nickel-based superalloys, and high-strength aluminum alloys. A practical framework is first established by linking macroscale metal-flow integrity and defect control with mesoscale gradients, microscale grain-boundary and texture evolution, and nanoscale precipitation, segregation, and interface states. The principal characterization routes are then discussed, including X-ray diffraction, EBSD/3D-EBSD, TEM/STEM, atom probe tomography, tomography-based defect evaluation, and correlative workflows. The alloy-specific sections are organized around mechanisms and property consequences rather than isolated micrographs. Finally, the review discusses how multiscale descriptors can support crystal-plasticity, phase-field, cellular-automata, and ICME-oriented modeling, and identifies future priorities in three-dimensional characterization, quantitative descriptor extraction, uncertainty-aware modeling, environmental degradation assessment, and closed-loop process optimization. Overall, the performance of aerospace die forgings is shown to depend on coordinated control of phase stability, grain-boundary network evolution, precipitation state, defect population, and location-dependent heterogeneity across the full manufacturing route. Full article

Fast-charging graphite-based lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are limited by sluggish Li⁺ desolvation, interfacial charge transfer, and solid-state diffusion in graphite (Gr). Herein, a salt-concentration-regulated lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI) in 1,3-dioxolane (DOL) and fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC) electrolyte is developed to construct an anion-involved solvation structure for fast-charging graphite-based LIBs. At an appropriate LiTFSI concentration, TFSI⁻ is incorporated into the primary Li⁺ solvation sheath, forming a contact-ion-pair (CIP)-dominated solvation structure. The optimized electrolyte exhibits a Li⁺ transference number of 0.76 and an exchange current density of 0.28 mA cm⁻², indicating accelerated Li⁺ transport and interfacial charge transfer. Furthermore, a more uniform interfacial Li⁺ flux distribution is obtained, contributing to suppressed localized Li growth. As a result, Gr||Li half cells deliver 168 mAh g⁻¹ at 10 C (1 C = 370 mAh g⁻¹). LFP||Gr full cells with an LiFePO₄ (LFP) areal capacity of 4 mAh cm⁻² deliver 115 mAh g⁻¹ at 2 C and retain 69% capacity after 200 cycles. This work highlights moderate salt-concentration regulation in DOL/FEC electrolytes as an effective strategy for fast graphite lithiation without relying on fluorinated ether solvents or localized high-concentration formulations. Full article

This study investigates earthworm cocoons as key vectors for the vertical transmission of symbiotic bacteria, a process that profoundly shapes the gut microbiota of offspring and influences their environmental adaptability. However, systematic knowledge of the internal microbiome communities within earthworm cocoons remains limited. Here, we characterized the composition and functional potential of bacterial communities within cocoons of earthworms collected from three composting systems (fermented coffee grounds, cow manure, and residual sludge) using high-throughput sequencing, together with diversity analyses, dominant taxa identification, and FAPROTAX-based functional prediction. Our results indicated that the composting system significantly affects bacterial diversity and community structure. The fermented coffee grounds system supported the highest species richness, whereas the cow manure system exhibited the greatest diversity and evenness. At the phylum level, Pseudomonadota, Actinomycetota, and Bacteroidota predominated across all systems, with Pseudomonadota being particularly abundant (62.01–81.41%). At the genus level, Verminephrobacter and Agromyces were consistently dominant, with Verminephrobacter showing particularly high relative abundance, ranging from 22.42% to 51.51%. Although the composition and abundance of dominant phyla and genera varied among systems, the shared OTUs accounted for a substantial proportion of the relative abundance in each sample (54.65–91.84%). Functional predictions revealed chemoorganoheterotrophy as the predominant metabolic function, with relative abundances ranging from 23.87% to 45.42%. Collectively, these findings provide insights into how composting environments shape the bacterial communities within earthworm cocoons, offering a theoretical foundation for understanding the ecological functions of earthworms and their potential applications in ecological restoration and sustainable agriculture. Full article

Reliable radio coverage is essential for the deployment of 5G for railway (5G-R) communication systems in complex railway-line environments. Previous simulation- and measurement-based studies have mainly focused on main-track railway scenarios, while the propagation characteristics in railway-side obstructed environments remain insufficiently characterized. To address this gap, this paper investigates large-scale propagation characteristics using passive synchronization signal reference signal received power (SS-RSRP) measurements collected from a 5G-R test network. Typical railway-line scenarios, including open line-of-sight (LOS) propagation, building-obstructed railway-side sections, viaduct-blocked regions, and depot-like environments, are analyzed to reveal the influence of railway-side structures on large-scale signal behavior. A floating-intercept (FI) model is adopted to characterize scenario-dependent path loss, and a height-corrected FI refinement is further introduced for building-obstructed sections. The results show that local railway-side structures introduce distinct and quantifiable excess propagation loss beyond conventional distance-dependent path loss. The obtained model parameters can support large-scale propagation modeling, link-budget margin design, coverage-hole identification, and wireless coverage evaluation for 2100 MHz 5G-R systems in obstructed railway-side environments. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study evaluated the effects of a compound probiotic fermented feed (CPFF) containing Lactobacillus plantarum, Bacillus subtilis, yeast, and Aspergillus niger on rumen in vitro fermentation, in situ feed degradation, and growth performance in beef cattle. Methods: We established a control group (CON) and experimental groups with 2%, 4%, and 8% CPFF supplementation for in vitro fermentation. Results: The results indicated that the NH₃-N concentration in the 4% CPFF group was significantly higher than in the other groups (p < 0.001). Similarly, microbial crude protein (MCP) production was significantly greater in the 4% CPFF group compared to the CON group (p = 0.016). The molar proportions of acetate, butyrate, isobutyrate, and valerate were significantly higher in the 2% and 4% CPFF groups than in the control group (p < 0.001), while propionate levels were significantly lower (p < 0.001). After 48 h, gas production was highest in the 4% CPFF group. Based on improvements in gas production, MCP synthesis, and fermentation intensity, the 4% inclusion level was determined to be optimal for further studies. We conducted an in situ degradation trial using 4% CPFF. Results showed that at 12 h, the neutral detergent fiber (NDF) degradation rate in the 4% CPFF group was significantly higher than in the CON group at 4, 8, 12, and 48 h (p < 0.05). At 48 h, the acid detergent fiber (ADF) degradation rate in the 4% CPFF group was also significantly higher than in the CON group (p < 0.001), and this group exhibited a significant increase in crude protein (CP) degradation (p = 0.030). We analyzed rumen fluid samples from both the CON and 4% CPFF groups after in vitro fermentation using 16S rRNA sequencing and untargeted metabolomics. Microbial community analysis revealed significantly increased abundances of functional bacterial groups such as Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group, Christensenellaceae_R-7_group, and UCG-002 in the 4% CPFF group (p < 0.05). Differential metabolites were primarily involved in pathways related to tryptophan metabolism, and tyrosine metabolism signaling. A feeding trial was conducted by adding 4% CPFF to the diet of Angus growing cattle. The results indicated that average daily gain (ADG) (p = 0.004) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) (p = 0.001) were significantly higher in the CPFF group than in the CON group. Conclusions: In conclusion, our results demonstrate that CPFF enhances rumen fermentation activity, optimizes the microbiota and metabolic profiles of rumen fluid, and improves the average daily gain of beef cattle. This research provides a valuable theoretical basis for applying CPFF in beef cattle breeding. Full article

Tethered unmanned surface vehicle (USV) and remotely operated vehicle (ROV) systems are widely used in deep-sea inspection, observation, and intervention tasks. During cooperative operations, the USV must follow the mission trajectory of the ROV while avoiding surface obstacles and maintaining a prescribed tether-related safety envelope. This study proposes a multi-objective nonlinear model predictive control (NMPC) framework for USV-side cooperative tracking and dynamic obstacle avoidance in tethered USV-ROV operations. The framework integrates the predicted three-dimensional ROV trajectory, USV nonholonomic motion, surface-obstacle avoidance, straight-line tether-length-related geometric constraints, and control-smoothness regulation into a unified receding-horizon optimization problem. Sequential Least Squares Programming is used to compute the online control sequence. Numerical simulations include obstacle-free tracking under bounded ocean-current disturbances and heterogeneous surface–underwater obstacle scenarios. The results show that the proposed controller provides improved tracking performance and maintains the straight-line tether-length proxy below the prescribed limit in the tested simulations. The current-disturbance results further indicate preliminary disturbance-rejection capability under bounded time-varying ocean currents. The study provides a controller-level numerical framework for cooperative tracking and surface obstacle avoidance in tethered USV-ROV operations. Full article

In this work, fast-recovery characteristics of high-power GaN Schottky barrier diode (SBD) limiters are investigated through a parallel-resonator-assisted topology and a circuit-level transient simulation method for recovery-process analysis. By introducing a parallel resonant unit, composed of the diode junction capacitance and short-circuited stubs, into a conventional shunt limiter topology, the high-frequency passband characteristics of the traditional shunt topology under large-size GaN SBD conditions are improved, and the transient response after high-power excitation is reshaped, thereby shortening the recovery time from the large-signal limiting state to the small-signal steady-state operation. Based on the ADS platform, a combined excitation scheme using a high-power pulse signal and a low-power continuous-wave signal is adopted to perform circuit-level transient simulation of the limiter recovery process. Simulation results show that, under a 50-W input power condition, the recovery time is reduced from 16.3 ns to 11.2 ns after introducing the parallel resonant unit in the C-band. These results indicate that circuit topology significantly affects the recovery behavior of high-power GaN SBD limiters, and the proposed approach provides a useful reference for circuit-level design and transient analysis of fast-recovery microwave limiters. Full article

Forging is a key manufacturing route for high-performance structural components, but its process design, quality prediction, and adaptive control still rely heavily on empirical rules, offline simulations, and fragmented production data. This review examines intelligent forging from the perspective of mechanism–data–knowledge fusion, with emphasis on forging-specific process chains, real alloy systems, model validation, and industrial maturity. To improve methodological traceability, a structured literature search was conducted using Web of Science Core Collection, Scopus, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, and Google Scholar, covering studies published from 1996 to 2026. The screened literature was organized around process perception, mechanism-based modeling, data-driven learning, hybrid modeling, knowledge representation, digital twins, online prediction, and adaptive regulation. Representative cases are discussed for closed-die forging, open-die/large forging, multistage forging, radial forging, and forging of aluminum alloys, titanium alloys, steels, and Ni-based superalloys. Particular attention is given to how specific models are validated, including independent experiments, finite-element benchmarks, industrial datasets, new geometries, sensor noise, and cross-material or cross-equipment transfer. The review further distinguishes consolidated technologies, such as FEM-based process simulation and die/preform optimization, from methods still under validation, including hybrid digital twins, sensor-updated models, and adaptive control. Large-model-assisted forging is considered a prospective direction mainly for information retrieval, case recovery, diagnostic support, and engineer-supervised recommendation rather than unsupervised real-time control. This review provides a more process-specific and critically assessed reference for developing explainable, validated, and deployable intelligent forging systems. Full article

To determine the optimal water temperature range for artificial breeding and early development of Osteochilus salsburyi, six water temperature gradients (14, 18, 22, 26, 30, and 34 °C) were set to systematically investigate the effects of water temperature on artificial reproduction efficiency, embryonic development, the morphology of newly hatched larvae, larval growth performance, and the timing of organ development in O. salsburyi. The results showed that the spawning induction rate of O. salsburyi reached 100% at 14–30 °C. The fertilization rate and hatching rate peaked at 18–22 °C, and no fertilization was completed at 34 °C. The malformation rates of embryos and larvae showed a U-shaped change, with the lowest malformation rate at 18 °C, and the teratogenic effect of high-temperature stress was more significant. The embryonic development rate was significantly negatively correlated with water temperature, and the development duration was significantly shortened with increasing water temperature. Embryonic development was arrested and all embryos died at 34 °C, while hatching could be completed at 14 °C but with an excessively long cycle. The morphological indicators of newly hatched larvae showed differentiated sensitivity to water temperature; total length, pre-anal length, and body height were highly sensitive indicators, and larvae exhibited balanced and robust morphological development at 18–22 °C. The larval survival rate first increased and then decreased with increasing water temperature, reaching the highest rate at 22–26 °C. The absolute growth increment, relative growth increment, and specific growth rate (SGR) continued to increase with increasing water temperature. The timing of larval organ differentiation and behavioral development was significantly advanced with increasing water temperature. Late organ development of larvae was blocked at 14 °C, only early development was completed at 34°C, and the internal and external organs of larvae developed completely and in an orderly manner at 18–30 °C. In summary, the optimal water temperature for artificial breeding and early development of O. salsburyi is 18–26 °C, among which 18–22 °C is the best for artificial reproduction and 22–26 °C is optimal for larval rearing. The results can provide a scientific basis for the precise regulation of water temperature in large-scale seedling production of O. salsburyi. Full article

Hydrogenation reactor shells are safety-critical thick-section pressure-bearing components in petrochemical hydroprocessing equipment. Long-term exposure to elevated temperature, high pressure, and hydrogen-bearing media requires not only adequate strength, but also toughness, tempering stability, hydrogen-damage resistance, and through-thickness property uniformity. 12Cr2Mo1V steel, a Chinese Cr-Mo-V reactor steel closely related to vanadium-modified 2.25Cr-1Mo-0.25V steels, is widely used for large-shell forgings because its alloy design supports bainitic transformation, carbide stability, and elevated-temperature performance. This review critically synthesizes studies on 12Cr2Mo1V shell forgings, related Cr-Mo-V reactor steels, and heavy free-forged products. The discussion is organized around alloy design, ingot-derived defect inheritance, defect closure during free forging, bainite–grain–carbide evolution during forging and heat treatment, and the resulting strength, toughness, and hydrogen-service performance. Particular emphasis is placed on the process–defect–microstructure–property linkage in super-thick sections. The review shows that free forging is not merely a forming route, but a decisive metallurgical operation for densification, strain penetration, and precursor-structure conditioning. Future work should integrate casting, free forging, and heat treatment with multiscale characterization and data-enhanced predictive quality control. To further reduce descriptive comparison, this review summarizes standardized quantitative indicators for evaluating forging-route design, heat-treatment response, and prediction-method reliability. Full article

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), a key grain food crop worldwide, faces increasing threats from combined abiotic stresses exacerbated by climate change. However, the comprehensive effects of drought, salinity, and high-temperature pressure on wheat seedlings remain poorly understood. Using the cultivar “Yannong 1212”, we conducted hydroponic experiments to investigate the physiological, morphological, antioxidant, osmoregulatory, membrane lipid peroxidation, and molecular responses of wheat seedlings to single and combined stresses, and then conducted multivariate statistical analyses. The results showed that drought or salt stress inhibited seed germination in a concentration-dependent manner. However, the combined stresses significantly inhibited germination and seedling growth, leading to leaf chlorosis, chlorophyll degradation, stomatal closure, and chloroplast damage. Physiologically, the combined effect of multiple stresses induced excessive ROS and MDA accumulation, promoted proline and soluble sugar synthesis, and triggered the dynamic responses of antioxidant enzymes. Drought stress increased SOD, POD, and CAT activities, whereas salt stress had the opposite effect, and combined stresses further increased SOD and POD activities, but reduced CAT activity. Additionally, stress-responsive genes were rapidly upregulated. Multivariate analyses confirmed that the combined stress of drought and heat was the most damaging. These findings explain the synergistic damage mechanisms of combined stresses, providing a theoretical basis for genetic improvement of wheat’s stress tolerance. Full article

The Indonesian Throughflow (ITF) is a critical conduit connecting the tropical western Pacific Ocean and the Indian Ocean, constituting an essential component of the global ocean circulation and exerting a significant influence on its large-scale balance. Under the backdrop of global warming, both the magnitude of ITF transport and its relationships with El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) are expected to undergo substantial changes. Using the SODA3.15.2 reanalysis as an observational benchmark, this study evaluates the ability of 14 CMIP6 models to simulate ITF volume transport. Following a systematic performance assessment, four poorly performing models were excluded, and the remaining 10-model ensemble was employed to construct a multi-model ensemble mean (MME). The MME is then employed to investigate the long-term trends in ITF transport during the historical period (1850–2014) and under two future emissions scenarios, SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5 (2015–2100). During the historical period, ITF transport exhibits a transition from a weak strengthening to a weak weakening trend around 1934–1935, detected by both the sliding t-test and the Pettitt test, with relatively modest overall change. Under SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5 scenarios, ITF transport weakens at rates of 0.318 Sv decade⁻¹ and 0.466 Sv decade⁻¹, respectively, with projected declines of approximately 3 Sv (27%) and 4 Sv (36%) by 2100. Reductions during boreal winter and spring exceed those in summer, indicating a pronounced seasonal asymmetry in the ITF response to future warming. The interannual variability of ITF is predominantly driven by ENSO, while the IOD also exerts an independent yet weaker modulating influence. Full article