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Energy evolution law and catastrophic failure prediction of Luohe formation sandstone during rupture process experienced one freeze-thaw cycle

To explore the energy damage evolution law and catastrophic failure characteristics of sandstone in Luohe Formation after thawing, the uniaxial compression tests on sandstone after one freeze-thaw cycle with different freezing temperatures were conducted. The mechanical properties and failure mode of thawed sandstone were analyzed. Furthermore, the energy evolution and its sensitivity to freezing temperature during deformation and failure were investigated. Subsequently, a model was proposed to predict the catastrophic failure time of the thawed sandstone in the Luohe Formation. The results showed that the peak strength and elastic modulus of thawed sandstone decrease with the decrease of freezing temperature. The failure modes of the thawed sandstone can be classified into axial splitting failure, shear failure, and tensile-shear mixed failure. Additionally, with the decrease of freezing temperature, the strain energy release rate and dissipation energy growth rate of rock samples decrease. Energy damage process of the Luohe Formation sandstone after thawing is divided into stages of minor damage, deceleration damage, damage steadily increase, damage accelerated increase, and damage sharply increase. The thawed sandstone catastrophic failure presents a clear critical power-law singularity behavior, and its critical singularity characteristic value β is roughly 0.7±0.1. The proposed catastrophic failure prediction method yields a prediction time of imminent rock failure (tf p=4.356 min) that is very close to the actual failure time (tf=4.376 min) at freezing temperature of -10 °C, and the prediction results are good and stable.

Morphologic changes of the no-touch saphenous vein as Y-composite versus aortocoronary grafts (CONFIG Trial)

Objective This randomized controlled trial was aimed to compare 1-year morphologic changes of the no-touch saphenous vein graft as Y-composite (Composite group) versus aortocoronary (Aorta group) configurations in coronary artery bypass grafting. Methods The primary endpoint was intima-media thickness of the saphenous vein graft as measured by intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) at the 1-year angiographic evaluation. Recruitment of 25 patients in each group was necessary based on a superiority design. Among the 50 patients, IVUS data were obtained in 22 and 24 patients from the Composite and Aorta groups, respectively. Results Mean age was 64.8 ± 9.2 years, and the proportion of females was 20.0%. The numbers of distal anastomoses per saphenous vein graft were 2.7 ± 1.1 and 2.6 ± 0.8 in the Composite and Aorta groups, respectively. The intima-media thickness of the saphenous vein graft 1 year after surgery were 0.25 ± 0.04 mm and 0.24 ± 0.06 mm in the Composite and Aorta groups, respectively (P for superiority = .99). Other IVUS parameters of saphenous vein grafts, including vessel diameter, luminal diameter, and the ratio of intima-media thickness to vessel diameter, also demonstrated no differences between the groups. No neointimal hyperplasia or plaque formation was detected using IVUS. All study patients underwent 1-year angiographic evaluation, and the patency rates were 94.7%(89 out of 94 anastomoses) and 100.0%(90 out of 90 anastomoses) in the Composite and Aorta groups, respectively. Conclusions The intima-media thickness of the saphenous vein graft 1 year after surgery demonstrated no significant difference between the Y-composite and aortocoronary configurations (NCT04782492). Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04782492.

Editorial Expression of Concern: Essential roles of PI(3)K–p110β in cell growth, metabolism and tumorigenesis

The use of protein supplements in children with cerebral palsy: A scoping literature review

The aim of this scoping review was to examine the literature regarding the use of protein supplements to improve macroscopic muscle properties in a pediatric population in general, and more specifically in children with cerebral palsy. Based on our prospectively registered protocol (https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/8DM9G), a systematic literature search was performed in five databases and two clinical registers. Studies were selected by two independent reviewers using predefined selection criteria, and data were summarized using a data extraction form. A broader search on adults with cerebral palsy and the general pediatric population was considered to be relevant due to the limited number of studies conducted in children with cerebral palsy. After deduplication, 5207 records were identified and screened. A total of 18 publications were included in the current review. Two studies were performed in individuals with cerebral palsy, eight in healthy children, two in children with respiratory problems, one in critically ill children, one in children with end-stage liver disease, one in children and adolescents undergoing treatment for a pediatric malignancy, one in children with Pompe disease and two in children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The different muscle parameters reported were muscle volume, muscle mass, fat-free mass and fat-free mass index, lean body mass and lean body mass percentage, arm muscle area and muscle cross-sectional area of the arm, thigh and calf. The heterogeneity of the included studies and their moderate quality level made it difficult to draw solid overall conclusions. More research is needed on the use of protein supplements in children with cerebral palsy. However, supplementation with branched-chain amino acids, in particular leucine, might be promising.

Beneficial effect of consuming milk containing only A2 beta-casein on gut microbiota: A single-center, randomized, double-blind, cross-over study

Cow milk contains essential nutrients, with β-casein existing in A1 and A2 forms. Studies suggest that A2 milk (containing only A2 β-casein) may offer gastrointestinal (GI) benefits compared to A1/A2 milk (containing both forms). This study investigated the effects of A2 milk consumption on the gut microbiota of South Korean cohort experiencing GI discomfort after consuming A1/A2 milk. Thirty-five participants with GI discomfort after milk consumption were included. Stool DNA was analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing before and after consuming either A1/A2 or A2 milk. Beta diversity analysis using the generalized UniFrac distance method revealed a significant shift in gut microbiota composition after A2 milk consumption (p = 0.04), but no significant change after consuming A1/A2 milk. Significant differences in gut microbiota composition were found between A1/A2 and A2 milk drinkers after milk consumption (p = 0.031). Alpha diversity indices remained unchanged. Notable increases in beneficial microbes, including Bifidobacterium and Blautia, were observed after A2 milk intake. Linear discriminant analysis Effect Size (LEfSe) analysis identified significant enrichment of Actinobacteria, particularly Bifidobacterium longum and Blautia wexlerae, in the A2 group. Phylogenetic Investigation of Communities by Reconstruction of Unobserved States (PICRUSt) analysis highlighted enriched transport systems related to energy, peptides, sugars, and raffinose family oligosaccharides in the A2 group. Spearman correlation showed significant associations between Bifidobacterium, Blautia, and enhanced transport systems exclusively in the A2 group. Two weeks of A2 milk consumption led to significant alterations in gut microbiota, promoting beneficial microbes and related functions. A2 milk could be a suitable alternative for subjects who experience milk-intake-related GI discomfort.

Risk factors for cardiovascular disease among Saudi students: Association with BMI, current smoking, level of physical activity, and dietary habits

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, including poor diet, lack of physical activity (PA), smoking, and obesity, are associated with unhealthy lifestyle choices and contribute significantly to the global disease burden. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of behavioral risk factors associated with overweight/obesity, PA, smoking, and eating habits among Saudi students and explores how these vary by region, age, gender, relationship status, and income. A total of 968 participants (285 males and 681 females), aged 18–50, were recruited from bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and other university programs across the Eastern, Riyadh, and Western provinces. Each participant completed the Saudi Food Frequency Questionnaire (SFFQ). The risk of CVD was assessed by summing individual risk factors related to BMI, tobacco use, PA level, glycemic load (GL) of ingested foods, and consumption of saturated fats (SF), processed meats, oily fish, nuts, and cereal fiber (CF). Participants were classified into minimal, medium, or high-risk categories based on their total scores. A high prevalence of CVD risk factors was observed, with 93.6% of participants having three or more risk factors. After adjusting for demographic variables, living in Riyadh was associated with a 12% lower probability of CVD risk. Conversely, students aged 46–50 showed a five- to nine-fold increase in CVD risk. Significant factors influencing CVD risk included BMI (Exp(β) = 11.70), smoking status (Exp(β) = 6.54), PA (Exp(β) = 7.61), SF intake (Exp(β) = 4.79), GL (Exp(β) = 7.00), CF intake (Exp(β) = 24.58), and oily fish consumption (Exp(β) = 2.99). Low CF intake and high BMI were the most prominent risk factors. Lifestyle interventions targeting overweight/obesity, physical inactivity, smoking, high GL and SF intake, and promoting CF and oily fish consumption could improve CV health among participants. Addressing these modifiable risk factors is essential for effective prevention.

Editorial Expression of Concern: A melanocyte lineage program confers resistance to MAP kinase pathway inhibition

Feedback algorithms for intelligent reflecting surfaces: Phase shift matrix and single-bit feedback

This paper introduces two innovative feedback algorithms—phase shift matrix (PSM)-based and single-bit feedback (SBF)-based—that improve the efficiency of phase adjustments in intelligent reflecting surfaces (IRS). In the PSM-based algorithm, the IRS phase shift vector is selected from a predefined PSM to maximize the output signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) at the receiver. The receiver then sends back only the index of the optimal phase shift vector to the transmitter. In contrast, the SBF algorithm adjusts the IRS elements using single-bit feedback. Here, the transmitter makes a minor random alteration in the phase of each IRS element at each iteration; simultaneously, the receiver transmits an SBF, indicating whether the SNR improved or deteriorated after the current iteration. The transmitter keeps the “good” phase adjustment and throws away the “bad” ones. Simulation results are produced to compare the performance of both algorithms in terms of average bit error rate, and results show that SBF-based phase adjustment of IRS elements is better than PSM-based phase adjustment.

Regulation of interpersonal distance in virtual reality: Implications for socio-emotional functioning in late adulthood

Objective Accurately interpreting emotional states from facial expressions is crucial for effective social interactions. This study investigates age-related differences in interpersonal distance (IPD) regulation and emotion recognition using a virtual reality (VR) environment. We examined how younger and older adults adjust their IPD in response to emotional expressions from virtual agents. Methods Eighty participants, divided into older adults (OA) and younger adults (YA), took part in the study. Participants were immersed in a VR setup where they engaged in social interactions with happy or angry looking virtual agents. This behavioral task was complemented by a standardized emotion recognition task (ERT). Results Results showed that both YA and OA preferred larger distances from angry-looking virtual agents compared to happy ones. No significant differences in IPD were found between the age groups. However, older adults were less accurate in recognizing facial expressions. Conclusion These findings suggest that older adults can effectively regulate their social distance despite potential challenges in emotion recognition. The study underscores the importance of considering cognitive, perceptual, and motivational factors when examining the dynamics of emotional recognition and interpersonal distance in social contexts.

Major European institutes join race to save US science data

Dynamic cytoskeletal regulation of cell shape supports resilience of lymphatic endothelium

Abstract Lymphatic capillaries continuously take up interstitial fluid and adapt to resulting changes in vessel calibre1–3. The mechanisms by which the permeable monolayer of loosely connected lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs)4 maintains mechanical stability remain elusive. Here we identify dynamic cytoskeletal regulation of LEC shape, induced by isotropic stretch, as crucial for the integrity and function of dermal lymphatic capillaries. We found that the oak leaf-shaped LECs showed a spectrum of VE-cadherin-based junctional configurations at the lobular intercellular interface and a unique cytoskeletal organization, with microtubules at concave regions and F-actin at convex lobes. Multispectral and longitudinal intravital imaging of capillary LEC shape and actin revealed dynamic remodelling of cellular overlaps in vivo during homeostasis and in response to interstitial fluid volume increase. Akin to puzzle cells of the plant epidermis5,6, LEC shape was controlled by Rho GTPase CDC42-regulated cytoskeletal dynamics, enhancing monolayer stability. Moreover, cyclic isotropic stretch increased cellular overlaps and junction curvature in primary LECs. Our findings indicate that capillary LEC shape results from continuous remodelling of cellular overlaps that maintain vessel integrity while preserving permeable cell–cell contacts compatible with vessel expansion and fluid uptake. We propose a bellows-like fluid propulsion mechanism, in which fluid-induced lumen expansion and shrinkage of LEC overlaps are countered by actin-based lamellipodia-like overlap extension to aid vessel constriction.

Validating Atlantic salmon (Salmo Salar) scale reading by genetic parent assignment and PIT-tagging

Understanding changes in abundance and survival in Atlantic salmon populations requires knowledge of growth rates and age. Salmon are typically aged through scale reading, but such estimates are rarely validated against age-verified fish from the wild. Here, we present a unique dataset of scales from 254 PIT-tagged Atlantic salmon with known sea-age. In addition, the freshwater age is known for 81 of these fish, through genetic parent-offspring identification. This dataset was used to estimate precision and bias in age readings and back-calculated length, as estimated by three independent experienced salmon scale readers. Overall, readers had an accuracy of 97.1% for sea-age and 71.7% for freshwater-age. For sea-age, scale reading was less accurate for salmon that had spent 2 or more years at sea than for salmon that had spent 1 year at sea. Freshwater age did however not affect scale reading accuracy. None of the scale readers erroneously misclassified freshwater- or sea-age with more than one year, and there was no significant pattern of misclassified ages to be under- or overestimate by the scale readers. Back-calculated smolt length was significantly different to length when measured as a smolt prior to seaward migration: it was shorter than the measured body-length for small smolts and longer for large smolts. This unique dataset, including the age-validated images of all scales, is now made openly available providing an important resource for training and testing salmon scale readers globally.

Effects of dual-task training on cognitive-motor learning and cortical activation: A non-randomized clinical trial in healthy young adults

Dual-task (DT) training, which involves the simultaneous execution of cognitive and motor tasks, has been shown to influence task performance and cortical activation, yet evidence on the effects of DT training and cortical activation for complex postural control tasks remains limited. This study investigated the immediate and retention effects of a one-week DT training program on DT learning, performance in DT and single-task conditions, and activation in bilateral prefrontal (PFC) and vestibular cortices in healthy young adults. Eighteen individuals (age = 22.39 ± 1.73 years) participated in the study. The DT paradigm involved a dynamic stability platform (motor task) paired with either a simple or complex auditory reaction time (RT) task (cognitive). Participants completed 20–25 minutes of DT training (18 trials/day) across five consecutive days. DT performance was measured by the duration participants maintained the stability platform within 3 degrees of the horizontal while responding to auditory stimuli. Single-task motor and cognitive performances were also assessed. Cortical activation in the PFC and vestibular cortices was measured using functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), tracking changes in oxygenated hemoglobin (HbO) concentrations. Pre-training, post-training, and one-week follow-up testing was conducted. The results demonstrate that DT training significantly improves and retains DT performance, likely due to a reduction in cognitive-motor interference. Additionally, DT training led to decreased activation in the bilateral PFC and vestibular cortices, specifically for complex DT condition, suggesting enhanced attentional resource allocation and optimized vestibular input processing, indicative of neural efficiency. Notably, these training effects also transferred to single-task cognitive and motor performances, with corresponding reductions in PFC and vestibular cortex activation, despite the lack of direct training on these tasks. This study advances our understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying DT training and underscores the critical role of practice in optimizing cognitive-motor efficiency.

Science sleuths flag hundreds of papers that use AI without disclosing it

Spongy moths from Europe and Asia: Who could have higher invasion risk in North American?

North American forest systems are significantly impacted by spongy moths (Lymantria dispar Linnaeus). It is unclear, nevertheless, how are the invasion risks of spongy moths from Asia and Europe in North American relative to each other. In this study, we compared the potential ranges of spongy moths from Asia (ASM) and those from Europe (ESM) in North America, and investigated the range shifts between spongy moths in North America (NASM) and ASM and ESM. ASM and ESM would occupy larger potential ranges in North America than NASM, i.e., 7.16 and 6.98 times, respectively. Thus, one should not undervalue the invasive potential posed by spongy moths from Asia and Europe. Compared to ESM, ASM displayed larger ranges in North America. It is likely due to ASM’s tolerance of more variable climates. Consequently, even though ASM was more recently introduced to North America than ESM, it’s possible that the former has higher invasion risk in North American.

Ultrasonic deterrents provide no additional benefit over curtailment in reducing bat fatalities at an Ohio wind energy facility

Wind energy is important for achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions but also contributes to global bat mortality. Current strategies to minimize bat mortality due to collision with wind-turbine blades fall broadly into two categories: curtailment (limiting turbine operation during high-risk periods) and deterrence (discouraging bat activity near turbines). Recently, there has been interest in combining these strategies to achieve greater reductions in bat fatalities than either strategy might achieve in isolation. To investigate the effectiveness of combining curtailment with ultrasonic deterrent minimization strategies, we deployed six ultrasonic deterrents at nacelle height on 16 experimental turbines at Avangrid Renewables’ Blue Creek Wind Energy Facility. We rotated between four conditions (normal operations, curtailment only, deterrent only, curtailment and deterrent) randomly assigned to four wind turbines each night between 15 June and 3 October 2017. We found that bat mortality at wind turbines was independent of wind speed. The effectiveness of ultrasonic acoustic deterrents varied between high-frequency-calling species (eastern red bats) and low-frequency-calling species (hoary bats, silver-haired bats, and big brown bats). When deterrents were active, mortality was twice as high for eastern red bats compared to the control. Conversely, deterrents had a weak dampening effect on bat mortality for low-frequency species. We found no additive effects on mortality reduction for turbines operating both curtailment and deterrents compared to either approach in isolation. Our findings suggest that ultrasonic acoustic deterrents may not be effective for both high and low frequency echolocating bats. The increase in fatalities of eastern red bats is alarming and underscores the importance of considering site- and species-specific effects of minimization solutions.

Research on the oil retention effect of pneumatic oil barriers under current and wave action

The pneumatic oil barrier is a novel device that intercepts oil spills by releasing high-pressure gas underwater to form a curtain of bubbles. However, its performance can be affected by both internal factors and external influences like water flow and waves, leading to varying degrees of oil interception failure and reduced effectiveness. This study combines physical experiments with numerical simulations to analyze the impact of nozzle parameters, arrangement, flow velocity, and wave effects on oil interception loss and effective containment distance under uniform flow and wave conditions. The findings establish relationships between these factors and interception efficiency, revealing reasons for changes in effective containment distance through flow field analysis. The research indicates that the pneumatic oil barrier is effective for floating oil with flow velocities below 0.15 m/s; the optimal nozzle diameter is 1.5 mm, as increasing it affects the stability of horizontal flow and oil layers. Additionally, a dual-pipe arrangement produces a wider and more stable horizontal flow on the water surface, enhancing oil interception effectiveness, while waves can destabilize oil layers, reducing effective containment distance.

Relationship between insulin resistance surrogate markers with diabetes and dyslipidemia: A Bayesian network analysis of Korean adults

Insulin resistance (IR) can be optimally assessed using the euglycemic clamp, but practical clinical limitations necessitate surrogate markers. This study leveraged the Bayesian network analysis to evaluate three established IR markers: the Homeostatic Model Assessment of IR (HOMA-IR) using insulin level and fasting blood glucose (FBG), TG-Glucose (TyG) index using triglycerides (TG) and FBG, and TG-to-HDL ratio (TG/HDL ratio) using TG and high-density lipoprotein (HDL), based on the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data (2019–2021). Our analysis revealed a sequential association pattern (TG/HDL ratio → TyG index → HOMA-IR), positioning the TyG index as a central connecting marker. The HOMA-IR exhibited strong predictive power for diabetes, while the TG/HDL ratio was most effective for assessing dyslipidemia. However, both had limited crossover utility. In contrast, the TyG index bridged this gap, demonstrating robust predictive capability for both conditions. The Markov blanket analysis illuminated the distinctive metabolic signatures of each marker: The TyG index displayed balanced glucose-lipid metabolic contributions, the HOMA-IR predominantly reflected glucose metabolism and obesity characteristics, and the TG/HDL ratio emphasized lipid metabolism. Notably, the TyG index’s predictive performance showed significant enhancement when integrated with obesity information, contrasting with the HOMA-IR’s minimal response owing to its inherent incorporation of obesity characteristics. These findings position the TyG index as a superior clinical marker, offering both comprehensive predictive capability and enhanced performance through synergistic integration with obesity measures. While each marker demonstrated reliability, the TyG index’s unique combination of versatility and scalability establishes it as an effective tool for comprehensive metabolic risk assessment.

Factors and prediction of carbon emissions based on PSO-BP neural network model under the development of digital economy

The Yellow River Economic Belt, where the degree of digital economy development is uneven, is the first research object used in this study. It then suggests a way to measure the degree of digital economy development and carbon emissions in order to address the problem of effectively controlling carbon emissions in the rapidly developing digital economy. Finally, a genetic method is presented to further enhance the backpropagation neural network model’s update process, which was improved utilizing the particle swarm optimization technique. According to the findings, this research identified three primary elements: digital industrialization, digital finance, and digital ecological environment. According to the findings, this research identified three primary elements: digital industrialization, digital finance, and digital ecological environment. With the use of digital technology, the digital ecological environment fosters a peaceful coexistence between people and the natural world. In addition to encouraging the advancement of digital technology, it may also help to integrate digital transformation and green development. The use of digital technology in ecological environment governance can assist accomplish sustainable development goals, improve resource allocation, and encourage intelligent and green production and life. In order to change conventional financial service models, the financial sector known as “digital finance” makes use of digital technologies and data components. It has the potential to be very important in encouraging industrial upgrading and propelling the growth of new industries. Additionally, the whole credit structure of the industrial chain may be improved by digital credit and risk management, which will support the economic structure’s optimization. The use of digital technology to a variety of sectors, encouraging their digital transformation and modernization, is known as digital industrialization. It is a key component of a contemporary industrial system that may drive new industries and formats, support the intelligent and information-based transformation of established industries, and improve the economic structure. At the same time, the associated carbon emissions dropped by 0.0439 units for every unit rise in the study area’s digital economy’s degree of growth. The region’s overall population, energy consumption, sophisticated industrial structure, and industrial structure rationalization all positively promote carbon emissions, whilst other variables have the opposite impact. The final study approach had the highest predictive performance, with a high goodness of fit of 0.9936 and an average absolute error of 16.971. The aforementioned study results demonstrate that the methodology can effectively evaluate the level of carbon emissions and the development of the digital economy across different regions and provide targeted solutions to lower carbon emissions in line with local conditions, thus fostering the vibrancy of the digital economy.

Mechanical response characteristics of full depth reclaimed pavement based on 3D-move model

The mechanical properties of full-depth reclamation of pavements with Portland cement (FDR-PC) provide a theoretical basis for seeking the structural design of reclaimed pavements and selecting specific technical solutions. Relying on the typical reclaimed pavement structure, this paper applies 3D-Move Analysis to construct a numerical model of full-depth reclaimed pavement. It dynamically analyzes the mechanical properties of FDR-PC in four aspects: plane, spatial, speed, and temperature. The study shows that: in the plane direction, only the mechanical response at the center of the wheel track can be investigated; the maximum vertical strain along the depth direction from the road surface to the top of the residual layer occurs at the top of the residual layer of the old road; the speed is within a certain range, and the faster the vehicle travels, the smaller the influence on the mechanical response; when the temperature increases, the individual mechanical response increases to different degrees.