Optimization is the key to obtaining efficient utilization of resources in structural design.Due to the complex nature of truss systems,this study presents a method based on metaheuristic modelling that minimises stru...Optimization is the key to obtaining efficient utilization of resources in structural design.Due to the complex nature of truss systems,this study presents a method based on metaheuristic modelling that minimises structural weight under stress and frequency constraints.Two new algorithms,the Red Kite Optimization Algorithm(ROA)and Secretary Bird Optimization Algorithm(SBOA),are utilized on five benchmark trusses with 10,18,37,72,and 200-bar trusses.Both algorithms are evaluated against benchmarks in the literature.The results indicate that SBOA always reaches a lighter optimal.Designs with reducing structural weight ranging from 0.02%to 0.15%compared to ROA,and up to 6%–8%as compared to conventional algorithms.In addition,SBOA can achieve 15%–20%faster convergence speed and 10%–18%reduction in computational time with a smaller standard deviation over independent runs,which demonstrates its robustness and reliability.It is indicated that the adaptive exploration mechanism of SBOA,especially its Levy flight–based search strategy,can obviously improve optimization performance for low-and high-dimensional trusses.The research has implications in the context of promoting bio-inspired optimization techniques by demonstrating the viability of SBOA,a reliable model for large-scale structural design that provides significant enhancements in performance and convergence behavior.展开更多
To synergistically recover alumina and alkali from red mud(RM),the structural stability and conversion mechanism of hydroandradite(HA)from hydrogarnet(HG)were investigated via the First-principles,XRF,XRD,PSD and SEM ...To synergistically recover alumina and alkali from red mud(RM),the structural stability and conversion mechanism of hydroandradite(HA)from hydrogarnet(HG)were investigated via the First-principles,XRF,XRD,PSD and SEM methods,and a novel hydrothermal process based on the conversion principle was finally proposed.The crystal structure simulation shows that the HA with varied silicon saturation coefficients is more stable than HG,and the HA with a high iron substitution coefficient is more difficult to be converted from HG.The(110)plane of Fe_(2)O_(3) is easier to combine with HG to form HA,and the binding energy is 81.93 kJ/mol.The effects of raw material ratio,solution concentration and hydrothermal parameters on the conversion from HG to HA were revealed,and the optimal conditions for the alumina recovery were obtained.The recovery efficiencies of alumina and Na_(2)O from the RM are 63.06%and 97.34%,respectively,and the Na_(2)O content in the treated RM is only 0.13%.展开更多
The effect of adding hydroxycinnamic acids(caffeic acid,sinapic acid,p-coumaric acid and chlorogenic acid)in Cabernet Sauvignon dry red wine before and after fermentation was investigated,taking into account the color...The effect of adding hydroxycinnamic acids(caffeic acid,sinapic acid,p-coumaric acid and chlorogenic acid)in Cabernet Sauvignon dry red wine before and after fermentation was investigated,taking into account the color parameters,anthocyanin content,and overall polyphenol levels in the wine samples.The copigmentation effect of malvidin-3-Oglucoside and sinapic acid was further explored in model solution and through theoretical calculations.The results indicated that the addition of hydroxycinnamic acids significantly enhanced the wine's color with sinapic acid(before the fermentation)showing the most pronounced color protection effect.Compared to control samples,the addition of hydroxycinnamic acids resulted in a 36%increase in total phenolic content and a 28% increase in total anthocyanin content.Thermodynamic analysis revealed that the interaction between sinapic acid and malvidin-3-O-glucoside was spontaneous and exothermic.Theoretical studies identified hydrogen bonding(HB)and dispersion forces as the main primary stabilizing forces,with the carboxyl group of sinapic acid playing a critical role while the anthocyanin backbone also influenced the interaction.展开更多
Plants constitute nearly 80%of the planet’s total biomass(Bar-On et al.,2018);however,this vital group is experiencing severe threats,and recent evaluations indicate that approximately 45%of the world's described...Plants constitute nearly 80%of the planet’s total biomass(Bar-On et al.,2018);however,this vital group is experiencing severe threats,and recent evaluations indicate that approximately 45%of the world's described plant species are at risk of extinction(Bachman et al.,2024).The number of plant extinctions has increased by 60%in the last 100 years(Di Marco et al.,2017).Over the past 250 years,571 plant species have gone extinct—more than twice the combined total of extinct birds,mammals,and amphibians(217 species)(Briggs,2019).展开更多
Understanding the shakedown behavior of fill material is paramount to estimate the deformation stability of railway subgrade.Especially for red mudstone fill material(RMF),the noticeable overestimation of bearing capa...Understanding the shakedown behavior of fill material is paramount to estimate the deformation stability of railway subgrade.Especially for red mudstone fill material(RMF),the noticeable overestimation of bearing capacity would be encountered if the conventional strength method is used.This paper presents the shakedown analysis on RMF,with a specific emphasis on the effect of water content.A series of cyclic triaxial tests with 50,000 loading cycles was conducted.Two-stage behavior of permanent deformation and dissipated energy responses was clearly characterized,from which an energy-based criterion was proposed to determine the shakedown limits.The proposed energy-based criterion was validated by examining its performance to various geomaterials including cohesive soils and unbound granular materials(UGMs).By applying the proposed method to RMF,the S-shape evolution curve was obtained in terms of shakedown limits with initial suction.Microfabric difference was believed as the main consequence of the S-shape mode.Demonstration was confirmed by the mercury intrusion porosimetry(MIP)and scanning electron microscope(SEM)analyses.By applying the proposed method to different geomaterials,an extensive comparison was made between the shakedown limits and the static shear strength.The ratio of shakedown limits to the static shear strength for saturated RMF specimen fell within the range of soft clays,while that of unsaturated specimen lies within the range of UGMs.展开更多
Understanding plant responses under low-pressure conditions is important for developing closed cultivation systems that simulate space environments.This study aimed to assess the effects of different pressure levels o...Understanding plant responses under low-pressure conditions is important for developing closed cultivation systems that simulate space environments.This study aimed to assess the effects of different pressure levels on growth,photosynthesis,and secondary metabolite accumulation in red leaf lettuce(Lactuca sativa L.var.‘Super Caesar’s Red’).Plants were cultivated for three weeks in sealed chambers under 101 kPa(atmospheric pressure),66 kPa(moderate low pressure),and 33 kPa(severe low pressure).Growth analysis showed that leaf length and leaf area decreased significantly with reduced pressure,while chlorophyll content and SPAD values increased gradually.Photosynthetic measurements indicated lower transpiration and stomatal conductance under low pressure relative to atmospheric conditions,consistent with reduced stomatal size and density observed by SEM.Secondary metabolite analysis showed strong induction of anthocyanins(41.3%at 66 kPa and 190.8%at 33 kPa),with significant increases in phenolic and flavonoid contents.Thus,low-pressure conditions may suppress morphological growth but promote secondary metabolite contents,offering potential advantages for quality-oriented cultivation strategies.This study provides fundamental insights into physiological adaptation under low pressure and practical implications for crop selection and management in space agriculture and other controlled environments.展开更多
Red mud(RM)is a solid waste generated in the aluminum industry after the extraction of alumina oxide;its multiple elements and higher pH value likely pose a severe threat to the environment after treatment.However,RM&...Red mud(RM)is a solid waste generated in the aluminum industry after the extraction of alumina oxide;its multiple elements and higher pH value likely pose a severe threat to the environment after treatment.However,RM's higher concentrations of metal components,particularly Fe_(2)O_(3)and rare earth elements(REEs),render RM promising for catalytic application.Hence,this work showed an efficient high-speed RM to catalyze electrocatalytic nitrate-to-ammonia reduction reaction(NARR).RM calcined at 500℃(RM-500)exhibited excellent catalytic performance.Faradaic efficiency of ammonia(FENH_(3))in an electrolyte solution containing 1 mol·L^(-1)NO_(3)-achieved a maximum value of 92.3%at-0.8 V(vs.RHE).Additionally,24-h cycle testing and post-reaction PXRD and SEM indicated that the RM-500 electrocatalyst is stable during NARR.The RM-500 demonstrated a high FE of NH_(3)-to-NO_(3)-of 89.7%at 1.85 V(vs.RHE),showing great potential in the ammonia fuel cells technology and achieving the nitrogen cycle.展开更多
To investigate the effect of saturation on the storage-dissipation properties and failure characteristics of red sandstone,as well as the energy mechanism of rockburst prevention by water,a series of uniaxial compress...To investigate the effect of saturation on the storage-dissipation properties and failure characteristics of red sandstone,as well as the energy mechanism of rockburst prevention by water,a series of uniaxial compression and uniaxial loading–unloading tests were conducted under five saturation levels.The effect of saturation on the mechanical properties and elastic energy density was analyzed,and a method for obtaining peak energy density was proposed.The effect of saturation on the energy evolution was examined,and the energy mechanism of water in preventing rockburst was revealed.The results indicate that an increase in saturation of red sandstone decreases the input energy density,elastic energy density,dissipated energy density,peak strength and peak strain;the compaction phase of the stress–strain curve becomes shorter;the failure mode transitions from X-conjugate oblique shear to single oblique shear;the variation in the debris ejection trajectory is as follows:radiation→X-ray→oblique upward parabola→horizontal parabola→oblique downward parabola;the degree of failure intensity and fragmentation is decreased gradually.Elastic energy density is interconnected with both saturation and stress but independent of the loading path.Saturation exhibits a dual effect on the energy storage property,i.e.,increasing saturation increases the energy storage efficiency and reduces the energy storage capacity.The ratio of peak elastic energy density to peak input energy density remains constant irrespective of saturation levels.Water prevents rockburst by decreasing the energy storage capacity of surrounding rock,alleviating the stress of surrounding rock to reduce energy storage,and elevating the energy release threshold of high-energy surrounding rock.The findings of this study contribute to understanding the effect of water on rock failure from an energy perspective,as well as provide theoretical guidance for rockburst prevention by water in deep tunnels.展开更多
Understanding the levels,causes,and sources of fluoride in groundwater is critical for public health,effective water resource management,and sustainable utilization.This study employs multivariate statistical methods,...Understanding the levels,causes,and sources of fluoride in groundwater is critical for public health,effective water resource management,and sustainable utilization.This study employs multivariate statistical methods,hazard quotient assessment,and geochemical analyses,such as mineral saturation index,ionic activities,and Gibbs diagrams,to investigate the hydrochemical characteristics,causes,and noncarcinogenic risks of fluoride in Red bed groundwater and geothermal water in the Guang'an area and neighboring regions.Approximately 9%of the Red bed groundwater samples contain fluoride concentrations exceeding 1 mg·L^(-1).The predominant water types identified are Cl-Na and HCO_(3)-Na,primarily influenced by evapotranspiration.Low-fluoride groundwater and high-fluoride geothermal water exhibit distinct hydrochemical types HCO_(3)-Ca and SO_(4)-Ca,respectively,which are mainly related to the weathering of carbonate,sulfate,and fluorite-containing rocks.Correlation analysis reveals that fluoride content in Red bed groundwater is positively associated with Na^(+),Cl^(-),SO_(4)^(2-),and TDS(r^(2)=0.45-0.64,p<0.01),while in geothermal water,it correlates strongly with pH,K^(+),Ca^(2+),and Mg^(2+)(r^(2)=0.52-0.80,p<0.05).Mineral saturation indices and ionic activities indicate that ion exchange processes and the dissolution of minerals such as carbonatite and fluorite are important sources of fluoride in groundwater.The enrichment of fluorine in the Red bed groundwater is linked to evaporation,cation exchange and dissolution of fluorite,caused by the lithologic characteristics of the red bed in this area.However,it exhibits minimal correlation with the geothermal water in the adjacent area.The noncarcinogenic health risk assessment indicates that 7%(n=5)of Red bed groundwater points exceed the fluoride safety limit for adults,while 12%(n=8)exceed the limit for children.These findings underscore the importance of avoiding highly fluoridated red bed groundwater as a direct drinking source and enhancing groundwater monitoring to mitigate health risks associated with elevated fluoride levels.展开更多
The effects of major veins severing on morphological and physiological features of sweetgum （Liquidambar styraciflua L.） leaves were investigated by observing leaf color change and measuring leaf temperature, green/...The effects of major veins severing on morphological and physiological features of sweetgum （Liquidambar styraciflua L.） leaves were investigated by observing leaf color change and measuring leaf temperature, green/luminance （G/L） value of half-lobes, leaf stomata conductance, and water content in Yamaguchi University, Japan. The palmately veined leaves of sweetgum （Liquidambar styraciflua L.） were found more sensitive to the major vein severing than that of other species Major veins severing resulted in serious water stresses, as indicated by the persistent reddening and/or advanced reddening of local leaf, lower leaf stomatal conductance, and higher leaf temperature, etc. Severed leaf can be clearly divided into non-severed area, transitional area, and stressed area, which the three areas have different colours and temperature. The major vein barrier can also be seen clearly. The persistent reddening and advanced reddening seem consistent with the phenomenon of red crown top of some sweetgum trees and may have similar mechanism.展开更多
The large-scale accumulation of industrial solid waste,including red mud and coal gangue,coupled with goafs left by under-ground mining activities,poses significant challenges to sustainable human development.In this ...The large-scale accumulation of industrial solid waste,including red mud and coal gangue,coupled with goafs left by under-ground mining activities,poses significant challenges to sustainable human development.In this study,red mud,coal gangue,and othersolid wastes were used to prepare underground backfilling materials.The utilization rate of the total solid waste reached 95%,with redmud accounting for approximately 40wt% of the total.The unconfined compressive strength,setting time,and slump tests were conduc-ted to evaluate the mechanical properties of the material.At the optimal ratio,the 7-and 28-d strengths reach 4.4 and 6.9 MPa,respect-ively.The initial and final setting times were 200 and 250 min,respectively,whereas the initial and 1-h slump exceed 250 and 210 mm,respectively.X-ray diffraction(XRD),Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR),and scanning electron microscopy(SEM)wereemployed to explore the microstructure,phase composition,and chemical bonding within the material.Needle-like,clustered,and granu-lar hydration products were observed,and the primary crystalline structures were identified as ettringite,gmelinite,C-A-S-H,andC-S-H.In addition,a thorough environmental risk assessment was conducted,complemented by detailed economic cost and carbonemission calculations.During the creation of backfill material,hazardous elements from solid waste are immobilized through adsorption,precipitation,and incorporation into the crystal lattice.The immobilization efficiencies for Ni,Al,Cr^(6+),and As were 97.03%,94.32%,86.43%,and 84.22%,respectively,at a pH of 8.49.Moreover,the use of solid waste as a raw material results in considerable cost savingsand marked reduction in carbon emissions.This study innovatively promotes the green cycle of alumina production in the bauxite miningindustry.展开更多
BACKGROUND As red blood cell distribution width(RDW)and albumin have been shown to be independent predictors of mortality from various diseases,this study aimed to investigate the effect of the RDW to albumin ratio(RA...BACKGROUND As red blood cell distribution width(RDW)and albumin have been shown to be independent predictors of mortality from various diseases,this study aimed to investigate the effect of the RDW to albumin ratio(RA)as an independent predictor of the prognosis of patients admitted to the coronary care unit(CCU).AIM To use the RDW and albumin level to predict the prognosis of patients in the CCU.METHODS Data were obtained from the Medical Information Mart Intensive Care III database.The primary outcome was 365-day all-cause mortality,whereas the secondary outcomes were 30-and 90-day all-cause mortality,hospital length of stay(LOS),and CCU LOS.Cox proportional hazards regression model,propen-sity score matching,and receiver operating characteristic curve analyses were used.RESULTS The hazard ratio(95%confidence interval)of the upper tertile(RA>4.66)was 1.62(1.29 to 2.03)when compared with the reference(RA<3.84)in 365-day all-cause mortality.This trend persisted after adjusting for demographic and clinical variables in the propensity score-matching analysis.Similar trends were observed for the secondary outcomes of hospital and CCU LOS.Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed by combining the RA and sequential organ failure assessment(SOFA)scores,and the C-statistic was higher than that of the SOFA scores(0.733 vs 0.702,P<0.001).CONCLUSION RA is an independent prognostic factor in patients admitted to the CCU.RA combined with the SOFA score can improve the predictive ability of the SOFA score.However,our results should be verified in future prospective studies.展开更多
On 19 May 2022, an outbreak of 105 red sprites that occurred over South Asia was fortuitously recorded by two amateurs from a site in the southern Tibetan Plateau(TP), marking the highest number captured over a single...On 19 May 2022, an outbreak of 105 red sprites that occurred over South Asia was fortuitously recorded by two amateurs from a site in the southern Tibetan Plateau(TP), marking the highest number captured over a single thunderstorm in South Asia. Nearly half of these events involved dancing sprites, with an additional 16 uncommon secondary jets and at least four extremely rare green emissions called “ghosts” observed following the associated sprites. Due to the absence of the precise timing needed to identify parent lightning, a method based on satellite motion trajectories and star fields is proposed to infer video frame timestamps within an error of less than one second. After verifying 95 sprites from two videos, our method identified the parent lightning for 66 sprites(~70%). The sprite-producing strokes, mainly of positive polarity with peak currents exceeding +50 k A, occurred in the stratiform region of a mesoscale convective complex(MCC)that spanned the Ganges Plain to the southern TP, with a cloud area over 200 000 km2 and a minimum cloud-top black body temperature near 180 K. This observation confirms that thunderstorms in South Asia, akin to mesoscale convective systems(MCSs) in the Great Plains of the United States or coastal thunderstorms in Europe, can produce numerous sprites,including complex species. Our analysis bears important implications for characterizing thunderstorms above the southern TP and examining their physical and chemical effects on the adjacent regions, as well as the nature of the coupling between the troposphere and middle-upper atmosphere in this region.展开更多
Assessing the threat status of species in response to global change is critical for biodiversity monitoring and conservation efforts.However,current frameworks,even the IUCN Red List,often neglect critical factors suc...Assessing the threat status of species in response to global change is critical for biodiversity monitoring and conservation efforts.However,current frameworks,even the IUCN Red List,often neglect critical factors such as genetic diversity and the impacts of climate and land-use changes,hindering effective conservation planning.To address these limitations,we developed an enhanced extinction risk assessment framework using Diploderma lizards as a model.This framework incorporates long-term field surveys,environmental data,and land-use information to predict distributional changes for 10 recently described Diploderma species on the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau,which hold ecological significance but remain underassessed in conservation assessment.By integrating the distribution data and genetically inferred effective population sizes(Ne),we conducted scenario analyses and used a rank-sum approach to calculate Risk ranking scores(RRS)for each species.This approach revealed significant discrepancies with the IUCN Red List assessments.Notably,D.yangi and D.qilin were identified as facing the highest extinction risk.Furthermore,D.vela,D.batangense,D.flaviceps,D.dymondi,D.yulongense,and D.laeviventre,currently classified as“Least Concern”,were found to warrant reclassification as“Vulnerable”due to considerable threat from projected range contractions.Exploring the relationship between morphology and RRS revealed that traits such as snout-vent length and relative tail length could serve as potential predictors of extinction risk,offering preliminary metrics for assessing species vulnerability when comprehensive data are unavailable.This study enhances the precision of extinction risk assessment frameworks and demonstrates their capacity to refine and update risk assessments,especially for lesser-known taxa.展开更多
The presence of heavy metals in soil negatively impacts its mechanical properties.Reactive MgO carbonation presents a promising approach to enhance the solidification of Pb-contaminated sandy soils.However,the mechani...The presence of heavy metals in soil negatively impacts its mechanical properties.Reactive MgO carbonation presents a promising approach to enhance the solidification of Pb-contaminated sandy soils.However,the mechanical properties and structural behavior of contaminated soils during carbonation can vary significantly due to differences in soil composition.This study examines the potential application and underlying mechanisms of reactive MgO carbonation in improving the mechanical properties of Pb-contaminated red clay.The findings demonstrate that Pb-contaminated red clay transitions from a plastic to a brittle state following reactive MgO carbonation.After 1 h of treatment,the strength of the red clay exceeded 3 MPa,even at high Pb^(2+)concentrations.The deformation modulus to unconfined compressive strength(UCS)ratio was calculated to be 37.761,with the failure strain primarily ranging from 1.5%to 4.0%.A strength prediction model for the reactive MgO-stabilized Pb-contaminated red clay was proposed,which showed good predictive accuracy.Furthermore,reactive MgO carbonation significantly reduced the Pb leaching concentration in the high-level Pb-contaminated soil to below 0.1 mg/L.Microscopic analysis revealed that an optimal amount of hydrated magnesium carbonates(HMCs)formed a stable and compact structure with the soil particles.However,long-term carbonation causes red clay particles to become sandy,and excessive HMCs can harm the soil structure.Therefore,to maximize the strength improvement while avoiding structural damage,the carbonation time should be controlled to 1 h.展开更多
文摘Optimization is the key to obtaining efficient utilization of resources in structural design.Due to the complex nature of truss systems,this study presents a method based on metaheuristic modelling that minimises structural weight under stress and frequency constraints.Two new algorithms,the Red Kite Optimization Algorithm(ROA)and Secretary Bird Optimization Algorithm(SBOA),are utilized on five benchmark trusses with 10,18,37,72,and 200-bar trusses.Both algorithms are evaluated against benchmarks in the literature.The results indicate that SBOA always reaches a lighter optimal.Designs with reducing structural weight ranging from 0.02%to 0.15%compared to ROA,and up to 6%–8%as compared to conventional algorithms.In addition,SBOA can achieve 15%–20%faster convergence speed and 10%–18%reduction in computational time with a smaller standard deviation over independent runs,which demonstrates its robustness and reliability.It is indicated that the adaptive exploration mechanism of SBOA,especially its Levy flight–based search strategy,can obviously improve optimization performance for low-and high-dimensional trusses.The research has implications in the context of promoting bio-inspired optimization techniques by demonstrating the viability of SBOA,a reliable model for large-scale structural design that provides significant enhancements in performance and convergence behavior.
基金the financial support from the National Key R&D Program of China(No.2022YFC2904405)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.22078055,51774079)。
文摘To synergistically recover alumina and alkali from red mud(RM),the structural stability and conversion mechanism of hydroandradite(HA)from hydrogarnet(HG)were investigated via the First-principles,XRF,XRD,PSD and SEM methods,and a novel hydrothermal process based on the conversion principle was finally proposed.The crystal structure simulation shows that the HA with varied silicon saturation coefficients is more stable than HG,and the HA with a high iron substitution coefficient is more difficult to be converted from HG.The(110)plane of Fe_(2)O_(3) is easier to combine with HG to form HA,and the binding energy is 81.93 kJ/mol.The effects of raw material ratio,solution concentration and hydrothermal parameters on the conversion from HG to HA were revealed,and the optimal conditions for the alumina recovery were obtained.The recovery efficiencies of alumina and Na_(2)O from the RM are 63.06%and 97.34%,respectively,and the Na_(2)O content in the treated RM is only 0.13%.
基金supported by the Key R&D Program of Shaanxi Province,China(2024NC-YBXM-146)the Xi’an Agricultural Technology Research and Development Project,China(24NYGG0048)+1 种基金the Key R&D Program of Xianyang,China(L2024-ZDYF-ZDYF-NY-0028)the National Foreign Expert Project of China(G2023172002L)。
文摘The effect of adding hydroxycinnamic acids(caffeic acid,sinapic acid,p-coumaric acid and chlorogenic acid)in Cabernet Sauvignon dry red wine before and after fermentation was investigated,taking into account the color parameters,anthocyanin content,and overall polyphenol levels in the wine samples.The copigmentation effect of malvidin-3-Oglucoside and sinapic acid was further explored in model solution and through theoretical calculations.The results indicated that the addition of hydroxycinnamic acids significantly enhanced the wine's color with sinapic acid(before the fermentation)showing the most pronounced color protection effect.Compared to control samples,the addition of hydroxycinnamic acids resulted in a 36%increase in total phenolic content and a 28% increase in total anthocyanin content.Thermodynamic analysis revealed that the interaction between sinapic acid and malvidin-3-O-glucoside was spontaneous and exothermic.Theoretical studies identified hydrogen bonding(HB)and dispersion forces as the main primary stabilizing forces,with the carboxyl group of sinapic acid playing a critical role while the anthocyanin backbone also influenced the interaction.
基金support of the ORG.one project of Oxford Nanopore Technologies(ONT),the Rufford Grants(45249-1)the Idea Wild Grants(Project ID-KJOSINDI0125-00)the Mohamed Bin Zyed Species Conservation(MBZ)(GEF Grant no-240535253)Funds in our efforts to conserve threatened trees in the Western Ghats Biodiversity Hotspot Forest regions.
文摘Plants constitute nearly 80%of the planet’s total biomass(Bar-On et al.,2018);however,this vital group is experiencing severe threats,and recent evaluations indicate that approximately 45%of the world's described plant species are at risk of extinction(Bachman et al.,2024).The number of plant extinctions has increased by 60%in the last 100 years(Di Marco et al.,2017).Over the past 250 years,571 plant species have gone extinct—more than twice the combined total of extinct birds,mammals,and amphibians(217 species)(Briggs,2019).
基金support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.52278432 and 52478475)the Science and Technology Research and Development Plan of China National Railway Group Co.,Ltd.(Grant No.K2023G033)were greatly appreciated.
文摘Understanding the shakedown behavior of fill material is paramount to estimate the deformation stability of railway subgrade.Especially for red mudstone fill material(RMF),the noticeable overestimation of bearing capacity would be encountered if the conventional strength method is used.This paper presents the shakedown analysis on RMF,with a specific emphasis on the effect of water content.A series of cyclic triaxial tests with 50,000 loading cycles was conducted.Two-stage behavior of permanent deformation and dissipated energy responses was clearly characterized,from which an energy-based criterion was proposed to determine the shakedown limits.The proposed energy-based criterion was validated by examining its performance to various geomaterials including cohesive soils and unbound granular materials(UGMs).By applying the proposed method to RMF,the S-shape evolution curve was obtained in terms of shakedown limits with initial suction.Microfabric difference was believed as the main consequence of the S-shape mode.Demonstration was confirmed by the mercury intrusion porosimetry(MIP)and scanning electron microscope(SEM)analyses.By applying the proposed method to different geomaterials,an extensive comparison was made between the shakedown limits and the static shear strength.The ratio of shakedown limits to the static shear strength for saturated RMF specimen fell within the range of soft clays,while that of unsaturated specimen lies within the range of UGMs.
基金supported by the National Research Foundation(NRF)funded by the Korean government(MSIT)(No.RS-2024-00459463).
文摘Understanding plant responses under low-pressure conditions is important for developing closed cultivation systems that simulate space environments.This study aimed to assess the effects of different pressure levels on growth,photosynthesis,and secondary metabolite accumulation in red leaf lettuce(Lactuca sativa L.var.‘Super Caesar’s Red’).Plants were cultivated for three weeks in sealed chambers under 101 kPa(atmospheric pressure),66 kPa(moderate low pressure),and 33 kPa(severe low pressure).Growth analysis showed that leaf length and leaf area decreased significantly with reduced pressure,while chlorophyll content and SPAD values increased gradually.Photosynthetic measurements indicated lower transpiration and stomatal conductance under low pressure relative to atmospheric conditions,consistent with reduced stomatal size and density observed by SEM.Secondary metabolite analysis showed strong induction of anthocyanins(41.3%at 66 kPa and 190.8%at 33 kPa),with significant increases in phenolic and flavonoid contents.Thus,low-pressure conditions may suppress morphological growth but promote secondary metabolite contents,offering potential advantages for quality-oriented cultivation strategies.This study provides fundamental insights into physiological adaptation under low pressure and practical implications for crop selection and management in space agriculture and other controlled environments.
基金supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (22178339)2023 Innovation-driven Development Special Foundation of Guangxi(AA23023021)the Hundred Talents Program (A) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences
文摘Red mud(RM)is a solid waste generated in the aluminum industry after the extraction of alumina oxide;its multiple elements and higher pH value likely pose a severe threat to the environment after treatment.However,RM's higher concentrations of metal components,particularly Fe_(2)O_(3)and rare earth elements(REEs),render RM promising for catalytic application.Hence,this work showed an efficient high-speed RM to catalyze electrocatalytic nitrate-to-ammonia reduction reaction(NARR).RM calcined at 500℃(RM-500)exhibited excellent catalytic performance.Faradaic efficiency of ammonia(FENH_(3))in an electrolyte solution containing 1 mol·L^(-1)NO_(3)-achieved a maximum value of 92.3%at-0.8 V(vs.RHE).Additionally,24-h cycle testing and post-reaction PXRD and SEM indicated that the RM-500 electrocatalyst is stable during NARR.The RM-500 demonstrated a high FE of NH_(3)-to-NO_(3)-of 89.7%at 1.85 V(vs.RHE),showing great potential in the ammonia fuel cells technology and achieving the nitrogen cycle.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(52104133,52304227)the Natural Science Foundation of Hunan Province(2021JJ40465,2023JJ40548)the Opening Foundation of the State Key Laboratory of Mining Response and Disaster Prevention and Control in Deep Coal Mines(SKLMRDPC20KF03).
文摘To investigate the effect of saturation on the storage-dissipation properties and failure characteristics of red sandstone,as well as the energy mechanism of rockburst prevention by water,a series of uniaxial compression and uniaxial loading–unloading tests were conducted under five saturation levels.The effect of saturation on the mechanical properties and elastic energy density was analyzed,and a method for obtaining peak energy density was proposed.The effect of saturation on the energy evolution was examined,and the energy mechanism of water in preventing rockburst was revealed.The results indicate that an increase in saturation of red sandstone decreases the input energy density,elastic energy density,dissipated energy density,peak strength and peak strain;the compaction phase of the stress–strain curve becomes shorter;the failure mode transitions from X-conjugate oblique shear to single oblique shear;the variation in the debris ejection trajectory is as follows:radiation→X-ray→oblique upward parabola→horizontal parabola→oblique downward parabola;the degree of failure intensity and fragmentation is decreased gradually.Elastic energy density is interconnected with both saturation and stress but independent of the loading path.Saturation exhibits a dual effect on the energy storage property,i.e.,increasing saturation increases the energy storage efficiency and reduces the energy storage capacity.The ratio of peak elastic energy density to peak input energy density remains constant irrespective of saturation levels.Water prevents rockburst by decreasing the energy storage capacity of surrounding rock,alleviating the stress of surrounding rock to reduce energy storage,and elevating the energy release threshold of high-energy surrounding rock.The findings of this study contribute to understanding the effect of water on rock failure from an energy perspective,as well as provide theoretical guidance for rockburst prevention by water in deep tunnels.
基金supported by the China Geological Survey Project(Nos.DD20220864 and DD20243077).
文摘Understanding the levels,causes,and sources of fluoride in groundwater is critical for public health,effective water resource management,and sustainable utilization.This study employs multivariate statistical methods,hazard quotient assessment,and geochemical analyses,such as mineral saturation index,ionic activities,and Gibbs diagrams,to investigate the hydrochemical characteristics,causes,and noncarcinogenic risks of fluoride in Red bed groundwater and geothermal water in the Guang'an area and neighboring regions.Approximately 9%of the Red bed groundwater samples contain fluoride concentrations exceeding 1 mg·L^(-1).The predominant water types identified are Cl-Na and HCO_(3)-Na,primarily influenced by evapotranspiration.Low-fluoride groundwater and high-fluoride geothermal water exhibit distinct hydrochemical types HCO_(3)-Ca and SO_(4)-Ca,respectively,which are mainly related to the weathering of carbonate,sulfate,and fluorite-containing rocks.Correlation analysis reveals that fluoride content in Red bed groundwater is positively associated with Na^(+),Cl^(-),SO_(4)^(2-),and TDS(r^(2)=0.45-0.64,p<0.01),while in geothermal water,it correlates strongly with pH,K^(+),Ca^(2+),and Mg^(2+)(r^(2)=0.52-0.80,p<0.05).Mineral saturation indices and ionic activities indicate that ion exchange processes and the dissolution of minerals such as carbonatite and fluorite are important sources of fluoride in groundwater.The enrichment of fluorine in the Red bed groundwater is linked to evaporation,cation exchange and dissolution of fluorite,caused by the lithologic characteristics of the red bed in this area.However,it exhibits minimal correlation with the geothermal water in the adjacent area.The noncarcinogenic health risk assessment indicates that 7%(n=5)of Red bed groundwater points exceed the fluoride safety limit for adults,while 12%(n=8)exceed the limit for children.These findings underscore the importance of avoiding highly fluoridated red bed groundwater as a direct drinking source and enhancing groundwater monitoring to mitigate health risks associated with elevated fluoride levels.
文摘The effects of major veins severing on morphological and physiological features of sweetgum （Liquidambar styraciflua L.） leaves were investigated by observing leaf color change and measuring leaf temperature, green/luminance （G/L） value of half-lobes, leaf stomata conductance, and water content in Yamaguchi University, Japan. The palmately veined leaves of sweetgum （Liquidambar styraciflua L.） were found more sensitive to the major vein severing than that of other species Major veins severing resulted in serious water stresses, as indicated by the persistent reddening and/or advanced reddening of local leaf, lower leaf stomatal conductance, and higher leaf temperature, etc. Severed leaf can be clearly divided into non-severed area, transitional area, and stressed area, which the three areas have different colours and temperature. The major vein barrier can also be seen clearly. The persistent reddening and advanced reddening seem consistent with the phenomenon of red crown top of some sweetgum trees and may have similar mechanism.
基金financially supported by the National Nature Science Foundation of China(No.U23A20557)the Young Elite Scientists Sponsorship Program by China Association for Science and Technology(No.2022QNRC001)Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities,China(No.00007720)。
文摘The large-scale accumulation of industrial solid waste,including red mud and coal gangue,coupled with goafs left by under-ground mining activities,poses significant challenges to sustainable human development.In this study,red mud,coal gangue,and othersolid wastes were used to prepare underground backfilling materials.The utilization rate of the total solid waste reached 95%,with redmud accounting for approximately 40wt% of the total.The unconfined compressive strength,setting time,and slump tests were conduc-ted to evaluate the mechanical properties of the material.At the optimal ratio,the 7-and 28-d strengths reach 4.4 and 6.9 MPa,respect-ively.The initial and final setting times were 200 and 250 min,respectively,whereas the initial and 1-h slump exceed 250 and 210 mm,respectively.X-ray diffraction(XRD),Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR),and scanning electron microscopy(SEM)wereemployed to explore the microstructure,phase composition,and chemical bonding within the material.Needle-like,clustered,and granu-lar hydration products were observed,and the primary crystalline structures were identified as ettringite,gmelinite,C-A-S-H,andC-S-H.In addition,a thorough environmental risk assessment was conducted,complemented by detailed economic cost and carbonemission calculations.During the creation of backfill material,hazardous elements from solid waste are immobilized through adsorption,precipitation,and incorporation into the crystal lattice.The immobilization efficiencies for Ni,Al,Cr^(6+),and As were 97.03%,94.32%,86.43%,and 84.22%,respectively,at a pH of 8.49.Moreover,the use of solid waste as a raw material results in considerable cost savingsand marked reduction in carbon emissions.This study innovatively promotes the green cycle of alumina production in the bauxite miningindustry.
文摘BACKGROUND As red blood cell distribution width(RDW)and albumin have been shown to be independent predictors of mortality from various diseases,this study aimed to investigate the effect of the RDW to albumin ratio(RA)as an independent predictor of the prognosis of patients admitted to the coronary care unit(CCU).AIM To use the RDW and albumin level to predict the prognosis of patients in the CCU.METHODS Data were obtained from the Medical Information Mart Intensive Care III database.The primary outcome was 365-day all-cause mortality,whereas the secondary outcomes were 30-and 90-day all-cause mortality,hospital length of stay(LOS),and CCU LOS.Cox proportional hazards regression model,propen-sity score matching,and receiver operating characteristic curve analyses were used.RESULTS The hazard ratio(95%confidence interval)of the upper tertile(RA>4.66)was 1.62(1.29 to 2.03)when compared with the reference(RA<3.84)in 365-day all-cause mortality.This trend persisted after adjusting for demographic and clinical variables in the propensity score-matching analysis.Similar trends were observed for the secondary outcomes of hospital and CCU LOS.Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed by combining the RA and sequential organ failure assessment(SOFA)scores,and the C-statistic was higher than that of the SOFA scores(0.733 vs 0.702,P<0.001).CONCLUSION RA is an independent prognostic factor in patients admitted to the CCU.RA combined with the SOFA score can improve the predictive ability of the SOFA score.However,our results should be verified in future prospective studies.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No.42394122)CAS Project of Stable Support for Youth Team in Basic Research Field (YSRR-018)+1 种基金the National Key R&D Program of China (2023YFC3007703)the Chinese Meridian Project, and the International Partnership Program of Chinese Academy of Sciences (183311KYSB20200003)。
文摘On 19 May 2022, an outbreak of 105 red sprites that occurred over South Asia was fortuitously recorded by two amateurs from a site in the southern Tibetan Plateau(TP), marking the highest number captured over a single thunderstorm in South Asia. Nearly half of these events involved dancing sprites, with an additional 16 uncommon secondary jets and at least four extremely rare green emissions called “ghosts” observed following the associated sprites. Due to the absence of the precise timing needed to identify parent lightning, a method based on satellite motion trajectories and star fields is proposed to infer video frame timestamps within an error of less than one second. After verifying 95 sprites from two videos, our method identified the parent lightning for 66 sprites(~70%). The sprite-producing strokes, mainly of positive polarity with peak currents exceeding +50 k A, occurred in the stratiform region of a mesoscale convective complex(MCC)that spanned the Ganges Plain to the southern TP, with a cloud area over 200 000 km2 and a minimum cloud-top black body temperature near 180 K. This observation confirms that thunderstorms in South Asia, akin to mesoscale convective systems(MCSs) in the Great Plains of the United States or coastal thunderstorms in Europe, can produce numerous sprites,including complex species. Our analysis bears important implications for characterizing thunderstorms above the southern TP and examining their physical and chemical effects on the adjacent regions, as well as the nature of the coupling between the troposphere and middle-upper atmosphere in this region.
基金supported by the Second Tibetan Plateau Scientific Expedition and Research Program (STEP,2019QZKK0402)Science and Technology Plan Project of Xizang Autonomous Region to Y.Q. (XZ202201ZY0030G)National Natural Science Foundation of China (32201424 to Z.Y.L.and 31872233 to Y.Q.)。
文摘Assessing the threat status of species in response to global change is critical for biodiversity monitoring and conservation efforts.However,current frameworks,even the IUCN Red List,often neglect critical factors such as genetic diversity and the impacts of climate and land-use changes,hindering effective conservation planning.To address these limitations,we developed an enhanced extinction risk assessment framework using Diploderma lizards as a model.This framework incorporates long-term field surveys,environmental data,and land-use information to predict distributional changes for 10 recently described Diploderma species on the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau,which hold ecological significance but remain underassessed in conservation assessment.By integrating the distribution data and genetically inferred effective population sizes(Ne),we conducted scenario analyses and used a rank-sum approach to calculate Risk ranking scores(RRS)for each species.This approach revealed significant discrepancies with the IUCN Red List assessments.Notably,D.yangi and D.qilin were identified as facing the highest extinction risk.Furthermore,D.vela,D.batangense,D.flaviceps,D.dymondi,D.yulongense,and D.laeviventre,currently classified as“Least Concern”,were found to warrant reclassification as“Vulnerable”due to considerable threat from projected range contractions.Exploring the relationship between morphology and RRS revealed that traits such as snout-vent length and relative tail length could serve as potential predictors of extinction risk,offering preliminary metrics for assessing species vulnerability when comprehensive data are unavailable.This study enhances the precision of extinction risk assessment frameworks and demonstrates their capacity to refine and update risk assessments,especially for lesser-known taxa.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(Grant No.2023YFC3707900)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.42030710 and 42472337).
文摘The presence of heavy metals in soil negatively impacts its mechanical properties.Reactive MgO carbonation presents a promising approach to enhance the solidification of Pb-contaminated sandy soils.However,the mechanical properties and structural behavior of contaminated soils during carbonation can vary significantly due to differences in soil composition.This study examines the potential application and underlying mechanisms of reactive MgO carbonation in improving the mechanical properties of Pb-contaminated red clay.The findings demonstrate that Pb-contaminated red clay transitions from a plastic to a brittle state following reactive MgO carbonation.After 1 h of treatment,the strength of the red clay exceeded 3 MPa,even at high Pb^(2+)concentrations.The deformation modulus to unconfined compressive strength(UCS)ratio was calculated to be 37.761,with the failure strain primarily ranging from 1.5%to 4.0%.A strength prediction model for the reactive MgO-stabilized Pb-contaminated red clay was proposed,which showed good predictive accuracy.Furthermore,reactive MgO carbonation significantly reduced the Pb leaching concentration in the high-level Pb-contaminated soil to below 0.1 mg/L.Microscopic analysis revealed that an optimal amount of hydrated magnesium carbonates(HMCs)formed a stable and compact structure with the soil particles.However,long-term carbonation causes red clay particles to become sandy,and excessive HMCs can harm the soil structure.Therefore,to maximize the strength improvement while avoiding structural damage,the carbonation time should be controlled to 1 h.
