Browse Articles

Synergistic evolution of soil microaggregates biogeochemical processes driven by elevation gradients in Tongbai Mountain

The altitudinal gradient in mountainous areas triggers significant changes in landscape, climate, and vegetation, which in turn affect the vertical differentiation of soil type and their properties. Located in the transitional zone between the northern and southern climates of East Asia, Tongbai Mountain is of great geographical and ecological significance and is highly sensitive to global changes. However, systematic research on soil biogeochemical processes in the vertical zonation of mountainous areas in this transitional zone is still lacking. In this study, a sampling strategy based on altitude gradients was used, combined with a variety of advanced analytical techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), to comprehensively characterize the mineral composition, soil organic carbon (SOC), and heavy metal element distribution of soils at different altitudes in Mount Tongbai. The results showed that the mineral composition of the soil exhibited a clear gradient based on altitude. The Quartz content was higher at low and high altitudes, while the feldspar mineral content was highest in the middle altitudes. Illite increased with increasing altitude. SOC content increased significantly with increasing altitude, and hydroxyl, amino and aliphatic organic matter were enriched in high altitudes. Heavy metal elements such as Fe, Ti, Cu, and Zn increased in high altitudes, and the microstructure of soil aggregates in high altitudes was more complex and stable. Through a comprehensive analysis, MgO, Zr, 2929 cm⁻¹, 3423 cm⁻¹, and Cu were selected as sensitive biogeochemical factors in the vertical band spectrum. This study reveals for the first time the mechanism behind the coordinated evolution of soil minerals, SOC, and heavy metal elements driven by the altitude gradient. This deepens our understanding of biogeochemical processes in the vertical band spectrum of mountains in the climatic transition zone between North and South East Asia, and provides a scientific basis to formulate management strategies for mountain ecosystems in the climatic transition zone.

Fertility desire in northeast China amid population shrinkage differential identification and influence mechanisms

Conserved domains and structural motifs that differentiate closely related Rex1 and Rex3 DEDDh exoribonucleases are required for their function in yeast

The DEDD family of exonucleases has expanded through evolution whilst retaining a conserved catalytic domain. One subgroup with closely related catalytic DEDD domain sequences includes the yeast enzymes Rex1 (RNA exonuclease 1) and Rex3, the metazoan REXO1 (RNA exonuclease 1 homologue) and Rexo5 proteins, and the plant protein Sdn5 (small RNA degrading nuclease). Comparison of protein structure models and sequence analyses revealed that this group can be differentiated into two distinct clades consisting of Rex1, Rexo5 and Sdn5 on the one hand, and Rex3 and REXO1 on the other. The catalytic domain of Rex1-related proteins is inserted within a conserved, discontinuous alkaline phosphatase (AlkP) domain. The AlkP domain of yeast Rex1 contains three surface loops that are modelled to be directed towards the DEDD domain, one of which forms an extended helical arch that is found in homologues across fungi and plants. We show that this arch and an adjacent loop are required for Rex1-mediated processing of 5S rRNA and tRNA in Saccharomyces cerevisiae . Rex3-related proteins, including REXO1, lack the AlkP domain but contain a KIX domain (CREB kinase-inducible domain (KID) interacting domain) and a cysteine- and histidine-rich domain (CHORD) adjacent to a C-terminal DEDD domain. Deletion of the N-terminal region within yeast Rex3 spanning the KIX domain blocked its function in RNase MRP processing. In contrast to Rex1, Rex3 proteins are found in metazoans and fungi but not in plants or algae. This work identifies evolutionarily conserved structural hallmarks within Rex1 and Rex3 proteins and demonstrates that specific features are required for Rex1- and Rex3-mediated RNA processing pathways in vivo.

Effect of nano carbonate calcium on the low temperature performance of bitumen and asphalt mixtures in acidic and alkaline moisture

Spatiotemporal patterns and drivers of soil organic carbon in black soil landscapes of Northeast China

Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) is crucial for soil health, agricultural productivity, and climate regulation. This study examines the temporal and spatial changes in SOC over a decade (2013–2023) in the Tongken River Basin, a key area within the black soil region of Northeast China. Using machine learning techniques and advanced spatial mapping techniques, the study identified temperature, precipitation, and soil managements as key drivers of SOC dynamics. The results revealed a significant increase in SOC content from 2.99% to 3.25%, and SOC density rose from 7.08 kg/m² to 7.72 kg/m², with precipitation exerting the strongest positive influence. These findings highlight the potential of climate-smart land-use strategies to enhance SOC storage and mitigate soil degradation. This research provides valuable insights for sustainable soil management and climate adaptation efforts in vulnerable agricultural regions.

Out-of-distribution reject option method for dataset shift problem in early disease onset prediction

Assessing changes to the fecal microbiota in dogs undergoing elective orthopedic surgery: A preliminary investigation

Background Studies assessing the impact of surgery on the canine gut microbiota are limited. This study assessed the fecal microbiota before and up to 3 months after elective orthopedic surgery. Methods Fourteen client-owned dogs >1 year of age undergoing elective orthopedic surgery were recruited. Dogs received perioperative antibiotics only (perioperative cefazolin, n = 7) or were discharged with oral cephalexin following surgery for 5–7 days (n = 7) in conjunction with perioperative antibiotics. Fecal samples were collected at baseline and at recheck 1 (13–50 days post-operatively) and recheck 2 (55–90 days post-operatively). The fecal microbiota was analyzed using 16S amplicon sequencing. Alpha diversity was assessed with the Sobs Index, Shannon Diversity Index, and Inverse Simpson Index, whereas beta diversity was assessed with the Bray-Curtis Index and Jaccard Index. Results In the perioperative and post-operative antibiotic groups, the Inverse Simpson and Shannon Diversity Index differed between baseline and recheck 1 (p < 0.05), baseline and recheck 2 (p < 0.05), but not between recheck 1 and recheck 2 (p > 0.05). The Sobs Index was only significantly different between baseline and recheck 1 (p = 0.02) in both groups. The Bray-Curtis and Jaccard Index were significantly different at rechecks 1 and 2 compared to baseline (p > 0.05) in the post-operative antibiotic group but not in dogs that received only perioperative antibiotics. Both the Bray Curtis and Jaccard Index were significantly different between the antibiotic prescription types (p = 0.001) although measures of alpha diversity were not (p > 0.05). Conclusions Alterations in community structure, richness, and diversity were identified in dogs undergoing elective orthopedic surgery, with many changes persisting at least 2–3 months post-operatively in dogs receiving perioperative and/or post-operative antibiotics.

Real-time static unbalance evaluation of the Cardan shaft equipped in high-speed train based on nonzero frequency filter

Social support and physical exercise: The mediating role of achievement emotions, and the moderating role of exercise motivation and feedback literacy

Objective While research on physical exercise has predominantly focused on rational decision-making behaviors related to health benefits, comparatively less attention has been paid to achievement emotion and its role in promoting physical exercise. Building upon dual-system theory (DST), this study examines whether achievement emotion mediates between social support and physical exercise, integrating expected value and information processing theories. It also explores how this mediation effect depends on sports motivation and feedback literacy. Methods A questionnaire survey was conducted among 534 college students (281 male, 253 female). Data were analysed using hierarchical regression procedures in terms of moderated mediation. Results The results show that achievement emotion partially mediates the relationship between social support and physical exercise. Specifically, the interaction of social support × sports motivation indicates that the strength of the relationship between social support and achievement emotion increases linearly with higher levels of sports motivation; similarly, the interaction of social support × feedback literacy indicates that the strength of the relationship between social support and physical exercise also increases linearly through feedback literacy level. Finally, the interaction of achievement emotion × feedback literacy indicates that the strength of the relationship between achievement emotion and physical exercise increases linearly through feedback literacy level. Conclusions These findings suggest that attention should be paid to achievement emotion, sports motivation, and feedback literacy when designing social support interventions to promote physical exercise. This research provides a theoretical reference for improving levels of physical exercise among college students.

Integrated lncRNA and mRNA analysis reveals the immune modulatory mechanisms of antimicrobial peptide BSN-37 in mouse peritoneal macrophages

Image based fog density estimation

Although the application of image-based fog density estimation brings excellent convenience and low-cost methods, the accuracy of such methods still needs to be improved, and further research is encouraged on accuracy evaluation methods. To improve the accuracy and computational efficiency of fog density estimation in images, we first construct three image features based on the image dark channel information, the image saturation information, and the proportion of gray noise points, respectively. Then, we use a feature fusion method to estimate fog density in the images. In addition, two indicators have been constructed to evaluate the accuracy of various fog density estimation methods. These two indicators are the sequential error indicator and the proportional error indicator, which are calculated using fog image sequences with known density values. These two new indicators enable the evaluation of any fog density estimation method in terms of the ability to maintain order and ratio values. The experimental results show that the proposed method can effectively estimate the fog densities of images and display the best performance among the eight latest image-based methods for estimating fog density; the three features used in the proposed method significantly impact the effectiveness of image-based fog density estimation. The proposed method has been illustrated for fog density analysis of indoor and outdoor surveillance videos. The source code is available at https://github.com/Dai-MR/ImageFogDensityEsitmation.

Downregulation of cGAS/STING expression in tumor cells by cancer-associated fibroblasts in colorectal cancer

Abstract The tumor cell-intrinsic cyclic GMP–AMP synthase (cGAS)–stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway is critical for activating anti-tumor immunity and enhancing immune checkpoint blockade therapy in colorectal cancer (CRC). Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), key components of the CRC tumor microenvironment, negatively regulate the anti-tumor immune response. However, their impact on tumor cell-intrinsic cGAS–STING expression remains unclear. In the present study, we investigated whether CAFs can downregulate cGAS–STING expression in CRC. We found that cGAS–STING expression in tumor cells inversely correlated with stromal expression of versican (VCAN), an immunosuppressive CAF marker, in CRC tissues. Co-culture experiments using primary human CAFs derived from CRC tissues revealed that CAFs downregulated cGAS and/or STING expression in CRC cell lines (WiDr, LoVo, HCT116). Furthermore, CAFs expressing VCAN and fibronectin 1 appeared to mediate this suppression. These findings suggest that immunosuppressive CAFs contribute to the downregulation of tumor cell-intrinsic cGAS–STING expression in CRC. Therefore, targeting CAFs to restore cGAS–STING expression may represent a promising strategy to enhance the efficacy of CRC treatment.

Comparative repeatome analysis of Pyrgomorphidae and Acrididae (Orthoptera: Caelifera) revealed the contribution of repetitive DNA in genome gigantism

Eukaryotic genomes are often rich in DNA repetitive elements, involving both transposable elements (TE) and tandemly repeated satellite DNA. Grasshopper species, known for their large genome sizes, comprising relatively a high proportion of genomic repeats. This study aimed to identify and perform a comparative analysis of DNA repetitive content in eight grasshopper species from the Pyrgomorphidae and Acrididae families. We utilized unassembled low-coverage Illumina paired-end short reads in the RepeatExplorer2 pipeline to identify genomic repeats, and RepeatMasker to estimate their abundance and divergence activity. Flow cytometry estimated genome sizes, ranging from 1C = 7.670 pg to 18.612 pg, with Aularches miliaris (18.612 pg) being the second largest insect genome reported to date. The repeat content ranged from 51% to 74%, with a mean value of 64.26% of the total genome. The major identified repeat elements included LINE, Ty3_Gypsy, Penelope, Ty1-copia, Helitron, Maverick, and satellite repeats, with LINE elements being the most abundant, constituting 24% to 54% of the total repetitive content in Apalacris varicornis and A. miliaris, respectively. The positive correlation of repetitive content and TEs with genome size suggests that their expansion has contributed to the large genome sizes observed. Satellite DNA analysis identified 65 satDNA families across the eight species. Additionally, phylogenetic analysis of TE protein domains revealed that consensus sequences from the same domain cluster together, suggesting domain-specific evolutionary pathways for TEs in the genome. This study reveals new dynamics into the role of repetitive DNA in genome gigantism as well as other evolutionary mechanisms in the Pyrgomorphidae and Acrididae families of Orthoptera.

Lowering electron injection barrier via stepwise transport layer for high-performance blue inverted ZnSeTe QLEDs

All-solution processed inverted quantum dot light-emitting diodes (QLEDs) have shown great promise for applications in lighting and display technologies. However, the practical deployment of eco-friendly blue inverted QLEDs remains a significant challenge, particularly in enhancing their luminous efficiency and operational stability. Herein, we report an eco-friendly, all-solution processed inverted blue QLEDs based on ZnSeTe quantum-dots, incorporating a ZnO interlayer within the electron transport layer to establish a stepwise double-layer electron transport structure. The ZnO interlayer effectively reduces the electron injection barrier between ITO and ZnMgO layers, thereby enhancing electron injection efficiency, promoting carrier recombination, and ultimately improving device performance. The experimental results reveal that ZnSeTe-based all-solution inverted blue QLEDs with the ZnO interlayer achieved a maximum external quantum efficiency of 6.1%, a peak brightness of 1862 cd m−2, and a T50 lifetime of 6.7 h at 1000 cd m−2. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of ZnO interlayer in improving the performance of eco-friendly all-solution inverted QLEDs and provides valuable insights for advancing eco-friendly QLED technology.

Potential surrogate endpoint for B-cell hematologic malignancy: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Coupling Zn²⁺ Ferrying Effect With Anion–π Interaction to Mitigate Space Charge Layer Enables Ultra‐High Utilization Rate Zn Anode

AbstractA major dilemma faced by Zn anodes at a high zinc utilization rate (ZUR) is the insufficient supply of ionic carriers that initiate the space charge layer (SCL) subject to the rampant growth of Zn dendrites. Herein, an “anion–cation co‐regulation” strategy, associated with a fundamental principle for screening potential electrolyte additives coupling the Zn2+ ferrying effect with anion‐retention capability, is put forward to construct dendrite‐free, high‐ZUR Zn anode. Taking ninhydrin‐modified ZnSO4 system as a proof‐of‐concept, the multiple zincophilic polar groups of ninhydrin facilitate the transport of Zn2+ ions, while its electron‐deficient aromatic ring retains SO42− counterions via anion–π interaction, constructing an ion‐rich interface that minimizes the SCL‐driven Zn deterioration. Consequently, the Zn anode can endure ∼240 h continuous cycling at an ultrahigh ZUR of 87.3%. The superiority brought by ninhydrin is further reflected by the ultralong cycling durability of Zn‐I2 batteries (over 100 000 cycles). Even at an ultralow N/P ratio of 1.1 (∼90.6% ZUR), the battery with a capacity of ∼5.27 mAh cm−2 can still sustain for 350 cycles, which has been hardly achieved in aqueous Zn batteries. Furthermore, the effectiveness of this strategy is fully validated by a series of additives sharing similar fundamentals.

Optimizing low-carbon strategies in dual-channel supply chains: A quantum game perspective

The carbon emission management and resource allocation optimization of dual-channel supply chain are of great significance for promoting low-carbon economy and improving supply chain efficiency. In contrast to conventional game theory, Quantum game theory can describe the cooperation and competition of online and offline channels more flexibly through quantum entanglement, so as to overcome the limitations of traditional game theory. We study the application of quantum game theory in low-carbon economy and pricing strategies, and explore how to optimize pricing strategies and improve the low-carbon levels under different entanglement. Therefore, considering consumers’ preference for low-carbon products, this paper establishes a quantum game model to encourage low-carbon actions in the dual-channel supply chain. We discuss three models of centralized decision making, decentralized decision and quantum equilibrium, and analyze the optimal strategies of manufacturers under different entanglement. The results show that quantum game theory has significant advantages in low-carbon dual-channel supply chains. With the increase of quantum entanglement, the low-carbon production level and corporate profitability in the supply chain have been significantly improved, especially under the decentralized decision-making framework, quantum game equilibrium can promote low-carbon behavior and improve profits more than traditional game models. When the degree of entanglement approaches infinity, the total profit of supply chain enterprises using quantum strategy exceeds the profit of supply chain enterprises with centralized decision-making. It is important to note that quantum entanglement can significantly reduce the optimal wholesale and online sales prices for manufacturers. At the same time, the impact of quantum game on manufacturers’ decision-making is more significant than that on retailers, indicating that quantum entanglement shows different sensitivities in influencing the pricing and profitability strategies of different supply chain participants. This finding provides a new theoretical perspective and practical guidance for pricing strategies, firm cooperation and competition in low-carbon supply chains.

Antiferromagnetic dynamics of Mn2Au driven by spin current pulses with perpendicular spin polarization

Antiferromagnets hold promise for ultrafast coherent switching of magnetic order. This study uses atomistic-level dynamic simulations to investigate the ultrafast spin dynamics of Mn2Au under current pulses, incorporating the effects of polarized spin-current attenuation across Mn layers. Stable, coherent spin precession is achieved above a critical current density, with terahertz frequencies that scale linearly with current strength. Additionally, 90° or 180° Néel vector switching within 1 ps, influenced by current density and pulse duration, demonstrates the possibility of precise control of spin dynamics. These results offer atomic-level insight into ultrafast dynamics in antiferromagnetic spintronic structures.

MET exon 14 skipping mutations in non-small-cell lung cancer a 3 years screening experience

A novel enhanced competition of tribes and cooperation of members algorithm for global optimization

The competition of tribes and cooperation of members algorithm (CTCM) is a novel swarm intelligence algorithm, which increases the diversity of the population to a certain extent through tribal competition and member cooperation mechanisms. However, when dealing with certain complex optimization problems, the algorithm may converge to a local optimal solution prematurely, thereby failing to reach the global optimal solution. To enhance the algorithm’s global optimization capabilities and stability, an enhanced CTCM (CTCMKT) is proposed, which integrates a joint strategy of Kent chaotic mapping and t- distribution mutation. This integration effectively prevents premature convergence to local optimal solutions, ensuring that the algorithm does not miss the global optimal solution during the optimization process and the algorithm’s stability is significantly enhanced. CEC2021 and 23 benchmark functions are used to test the effectiveness and feasibility of the CTCMKT. By minimizing the fitness value, the CTCMKT is contrasted with other algorithms. Experimental results reveal that the CTCMKT has a superior global optimization ability compared to these algorithms. It can efficiently balance exploration and exploitation to reach the optimal solution. Additionally, the CTCMKT can effectively boost the convergence speed, calculation accuracy, and stability. Engineering application results show that the improved CTCMKT algorithm can solve practical application problems.