As the development of new power systems accelerates and the impacts of high renewable energy integration and extreme weather intensify,grid-alternative energy storage is garnering increasing attention for its grid-int...As the development of new power systems accelerates and the impacts of high renewable energy integration and extreme weather intensify,grid-alternative energy storage is garnering increasing attention for its grid-interaction benefits and clear business models.Consequently,assessing the value of grid-alternative energy storage in the systemtransition has become critically important.Considering the performance characteristics of storage,we propose a value assessment frame-work for grid-alternative energy storage,quantifying its non-wires-alternative effects from both cost and benefit perspectives.Building on this,we developed a collaborative planning model for energy storage and transmission grids,aimed at maximizing the economic benefits of storage systems while balancing investment and operational costs.The model considers regional grid interconnections and their interactions with system operation.By participating in system operations,grid-alternative energy storage not only maximizes its own economic benefits but also generates social welfare transfer effects.Furthermore,based on multi-regional interconnected planning,grid-alternative energy storage can reduce system costs by approximately 35%,with the most significant changes observed in generation costs.Multi-regional coordinated planning significantly enhances the sys-tem’s flexibility in regulation.However,when the load factor of interconnection lines between regions remains constant,system operational flexibility tends to decrease,leading to a roughly 28.9%increase in storage investment.Additionally,under regional coordinated planning,the greater the disparity in wind power integration across interconnected regions,the more noticeable the reduction in system costs.展开更多
A new report from Jeanologia highlights theurgent need for the denim industry to adopt saferalternatives to harmful chemicals.The study alsostresses reducing excessive water use in garmentfinishing.The report,compiled...A new report from Jeanologia highlights theurgent need for the denim industry to adopt saferalternatives to harmful chemicals.The study alsostresses reducing excessive water use in garmentfinishing.The report,compiled in 2024,analyzed datafrom more than ll5,000 dentm finishing processes.lt found that 24%of denim finishing processes stilluse hazardous chemicals,posing risks to both theenvironment and the health of workers.展开更多
Single-pixel imaging(SPI)enables efficient sensing in challenging conditions.However,the requirement for numerous samplings constrains its practicality.We address the challenge of high-quality SPI reconstruction at ul...Single-pixel imaging(SPI)enables efficient sensing in challenging conditions.However,the requirement for numerous samplings constrains its practicality.We address the challenge of high-quality SPI reconstruction at ultra-low sampling rates.We develop an alternative optimization with physics and a data-driven diffusion network(APD-Net).It features alternative optimization driven by the learned task-agnostic natural image prior and the task-specific physics prior.During the training stage,APD-Net harnesses the power of diffusion models to capture data-driven statistics of natural signals.In the inference stage,the physics prior is introduced as corrective guidance to ensure consistency between the physics imaging model and the natural image probability distribution.Through alternative optimization,APD-Net reconstructs data-efficient,high-fidelity images that are statistically and physically compliant.To accelerate reconstruction,initializing images with the inverse SPI physical model reduces the need for reconstruction inference from 100 to 30 steps.Through both numerical simulations and real prototype experiments,APD-Net achieves high-quality,full-color reconstructions of complex natural images at a low sampling rate of 1%.In addition,APD-Net’s tuning-free nature ensures robustness across various imaging setups and sampling rates.Our research offers a broadly applicable approach for various applications,including but not limited to medical imaging and industrial inspection.展开更多
The ring-opening alternating copolymerization(ROAC)of 3,4-dihydrocoumarin(DHC)/epoxides has been successfully developed using an imidazolium salt of 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride(EMIMCl)as a catalyst.The result...The ring-opening alternating copolymerization(ROAC)of 3,4-dihydrocoumarin(DHC)/epoxides has been successfully developed using an imidazolium salt of 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride(EMIMCl)as a catalyst.The resulting copolymer has a molecular weight of 13.7kg·mol^(-1),a narrow molecular weight distribution of 1.03 and a strictly alternating structure.The MALDI-TOF MS characterization and DFT calculations including electrostatic potential(ESP),hydrogen-atom abstraction(HAA),independent gradient model based on hirshfeld partition(IGMH)and atoms-in-molecules(AIM)analysis were used to investigate the metal-free catalytic process.The synergistic effect of anions and cations of EMIMCl for ROAC of DHC and epoxides was demonstrated.This study provides a metal-free catalytic system for the facile synthesis of alternating polyesters from DHC.展开更多
Prefabricated twinning represents an effective strategy for optimizing the microstructure of extruded forming components and facilitating changes in texture.The study examines the incorporation of[10-12]twins into an ...Prefabricated twinning represents an effective strategy for optimizing the microstructure of extruded forming components and facilitating changes in texture.The study examines the incorporation of[10-12]twins into an AZ31 magnesium alloy billet via cold pre-upsetting deformation before alternating forward extrusion(CUAFE).The experimental results indicate that the initial presence of[10-12]twins is advantageous for the development of[10-10]and[11-20]texture components during the extrusion process.In addition,different DRX mechanisms have different influences on the evolution of basal texture.The CDRX grains tend to preferentially select the[11-20]texture orientation,weakening the[10-10]texture and enhancing the[11-20]texture.However,most DDRX grains deviate significantly from the orientation of their surrounding original grain and do not have a preferred orientation.This is reflected in the mechanical properties of the CUAFE part.The tensile strength is 323.5 MPa,while the elongation is as high as 20.1%.展开更多
The results of the study of the effect of partial substitution of Fe by Mn in the La Fe_(11.2-x)Mn_(x)Co_(0.7)Si_(1.1)system on magnetization,specific heat,magnetostriction and magnetocaloric effect are presented.Dire...The results of the study of the effect of partial substitution of Fe by Mn in the La Fe_(11.2-x)Mn_(x)Co_(0.7)Si_(1.1)system on magnetization,specific heat,magnetostriction and magnetocaloric effect are presented.Direct measurements of the adiabatic temperature change(ΔT_(ad))were carried out in alternating magnetic fields(AMF)using the magnetic field modulation method.Partial substitution of Fe atoms by Mn atoms leads to a shift in the Curie temperature(T_(C))towards lower temperatures without a noticeable deterioration in magnetic properties.A correlation was found between the structural component of the magnetocaloric effect and the stability of the frequency of theΔT_(ad)in the AMFs—an increase in the manganese concentration leads to a decrease in magnetostriction and to a lower dependence ofΔT_(ad)on the frequency of the magnetic field.Estimates of the specific cooling power Q_(C)as a function of the frequency of the AMF showed that the highest value of Q_(C)at f=20 Hz in a magnetic field of 12k Oe is 26.3 W g^(-1)and is observed for the composition with x=0.1.This value is higher than that of Gd,for which,under the same conditions,Q_(C)=21.6 W g^(-1).All the samples studied show stability of the value ofΔT_(ad)without any sign of deterioration of the effect up to 60,000cycles of switching on/off of the magnetic field of 12 k Oe.The discovered frequency and cyclic stability ofΔT_(ad)of the studied samples increase their prospects for application in magnetic cooling technology.展开更多
Caspases,which play key roles in cell apoptosis,undergo alternative splicing to form different splicing variants that can regulate the apoptotic process.Lepidopteran insect caspases undergo alternative splicing,althou...Caspases,which play key roles in cell apoptosis,undergo alternative splicing to form different splicing variants that can regulate the apoptotic process.Lepidopteran insect caspases undergo alternative splicing,although the functions of their splicing variants are still unclear.The Spodoptera exigua caspase-5(SeCaspase-5)gene was cloned and found to produce four different splicing variants with different gene sequences and protein functional domains,which were named SeCaspase-5a,SeCaspase-5b,SeCaspase-5c and SeCaspase-5d.Overexpression of these variants in S.exigua cells(Se-3)showed that SeCaspase-5a had a proapoptotic function,whereas SeCaspase-5b,SeCaspase-5c and SeCaspase-5d did not.Semi-qPCR analysis revealed that the expression of the SeCaspase-5 variants significantly differed during Autographa californica multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus(AcMNPV)infection.Furthermore,the SeCaspase-5 variants were constructed into the AcMNPV bacmid and transfected into Se-3 cells,which revealed that SeCaspase-5a promoted cell apoptosis and reduced virus production,whereas SeCaspase-5b,SeCaspase-5c and SeCaspase-5d did not promote cell apoptosis but instead increased virus production.Moreover,an analysis of the interactions between the SeCaspase-5 variants revealed that SeCaspase-5a directly interacted with SeCaspase-5b,SeCaspase-5c and SeCaspase-5d.Coexpression of these variants in Se-3 cells also revealed that SeCaspase-5b,SeCaspase-5c and SeCaspase-5d inhibited the proapoptotic function of SeCaspase-5a,resulting in a reduction in the percentage of apoptotic cells by about 20%.These results indicate that SeCaspase-5 undergoes alternative splicing and is involved in regulating the apoptosis induced by baculovirus infection.These findings increase our understanding of the functions of lepidopteran insect caspases and provide new insights into the mechanism of host-cell apoptosis induced by baculoviruses.展开更多
Background With the global expansion of aquaculture and the increasing demand for fish meal,identifying appropriate and sustainable alternative protein sources for aquafeeds has become essential.Single-cell protein(SC...Background With the global expansion of aquaculture and the increasing demand for fish meal,identifying appropriate and sustainable alternative protein sources for aquafeeds has become essential.Single-cell protein(SCP),derived from methanotrophic bacteria,presents a promising alternative by converting methane into protein,potentially addressing both the need for alternative protein sources and reducing industrial greenhouse gas emissions.This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different levels of SCP inclusion(0%,25%,50%,and 75%fish meal replacement)on the health,gene expression,and gut microbiome of yellowtail kingfish(YTK,Seriola lalandi)following a 35-day growth trial.Results The study found that SCP inclusion at the highest level of fishmeal replacement(75%)induced a mild inflammatory response in the hindgut of the fish.However,micromorphological assessments of the hindgut,serum biochemistry,and gene expression analyses revealed no significant detrimental effects from SCP replacement.Notably,there were indications of improved lipid digestibility with SCP.Furthermore,SCP inclusion significantly enhanced microbial richness and altered the composition of the gut microbiome,introducing beneficial bacterial taxa that may contribute to improved gut health and resilience.Conclusions This study highlights SCP as a viable and sustainable alternative to fish meal in YTK diets.The findings suggest that SCP can be included in YTK diets without adverse health effects at moderate levels and may even offer benefits in terms of lipid digestibility and gut microbiome diversity.These results contribute to the advancement of more sustainable aquaculture practices.展开更多
The number of newborns born with diseases is increasing recently.Thyroid hormones(THs)are closely related to the growth and development of the newborn in the mother's womb and to the carriage of related diseases a...The number of newborns born with diseases is increasing recently.Thyroid hormones(THs)are closely related to the growth and development of the newborn in the mother's womb and to the carriage of related diseases after birth.Environmental endocrine-disrupting compounds(EDCs)have been proven to harm THs in newborns.Phthalates(PAEs),a typical class of EDCs,are commonly used in toys,childcare materials,and food contact materials,which have been closely connected with neonatal thyroid dysfunction and thyroid-related diseases.As restrictions on PAEs becomemore stringent in neonatal field,numerous PAE alternatives are emerging.Associations between exposure to PAEs and their alternatives and dysfunctions in THs have been explored.Hence,we summarized the body burdens and regional characteristics of PAEs and their alternatives in neonatal urine,cord blood,and meconium.Subsequently,the influences of PAEs and their alternatives on thyroid dysfunction,prematurity,low birth weight,fetal growth restriction,respiratory dysfunction,immune disorders,neurological disorders,and reproductive disorders in newborns were evaluated.Furthermore,we scrutinized the effects of PAEs and their alternatives on the neonatal thyroid from signaling,substance transport,and hormone production to explore the underlying mechanisms of action on neonatal thyroid and thyroid-related disorders.As the declining global trends of healthy newborns and the potential impacts of PAEs and their alternatives on thyroid function,a more comprehensive study is needed to discuss their effects on newborns and their underlying mechanisms.This review facilitates attention to the effects of PAEs and their alternatives on thyroid and thyroid-related disorders in newborns.展开更多
With the continuous advancement of electronic devices,flexible thin films with both thermal manage-ment functions and excellent electromagnetic interference(EMI)shielding properties have received much attention.Hence,...With the continuous advancement of electronic devices,flexible thin films with both thermal manage-ment functions and excellent electromagnetic interference(EMI)shielding properties have received much attention.Hence,inspired by Janus,a CNF/MXene/ZnFe2O4@PANI composite film with an asymmetric gradient alternating structure was successfully prepared by adjusting the filler content of the conduc-tive and magnetic layers using a vacuum-assisted filtration method.Benefiting from the magnetic reso-nance and hysteresis loss of ZnFe2O4@PANI,conductive loss and dipole polarization of MXene,as well as the exclusive"absorption-reflection-reabsorption"shielding feature in the alternating multilayered films,CM&CZFP-4 G film has superior EMI shielding performance,with an EMI SE of up to 45.75 dB and shield-ing effectiveness of 99.99%.Surprisingly,the composite film maintains reliable EMI shielding properties even after prolonged erosion in harsh environments such as high/low temperatures,high humidity,acids and alkalis.Furthermore,the CM&CZFP-4 G responded quickly within about 50 s and reached a maximum steady-state temperature of 235.8℃ at an applied voltage of 9.0 V,indicating the obtained film acquired outstanding and controllable Joule heating performance.This result was attributed to the homogeneous dispersion of MXene to build up a conductive network and endow the CNF/MXene with high conduc-tivity.Meanwhile,the fire resistance of CM&CZFP-4 G was significantly improved compared to pure CNF,which guaranteed fire safety during its application.Additionally,contributed by long fiber entanglement of CNF,extensive hydrogen-bonding interactions and multilayer structural design,the CM&CZFP-4 G film exhibits excellent mechanical characteristics,with the tensile strength and fracture strain of 27.74 MPa and 6.21%,separately.This work offers a creative avenue to prepare multifunctional composite films with electromagnetic shielding and Joule heating for various application environments.展开更多
Heat stress is a major threat to maize(Zea mays L.)production worldwide.Heat shock transcription factors(HSFs)play vital roles in plant responses to heat stress.However,the molecular and genetic mechanisms underlying ...Heat stress is a major threat to maize(Zea mays L.)production worldwide.Heat shock transcription factors(HSFs)play vital roles in plant responses to heat stress.However,the molecular and genetic mechanisms underlying HSF-meditated thermotolerance in maize remain largely unexplored.In this study,we demonstrate that the alternative splicing of ZmHsf23 modulates heat stress tolerance in maize.Hsf23 produced two functional transcripts,Hsf23L and Hsf23S,which differ by the presence of a cryptic mini-exon in Hsf23L that is spliced out in Hsf23S.Both transcripts were strongly induced by heat stress.Mutants lacking Hsf23L alone(hsf23l)or both Hsf23L and Hsf23S(hsf23l23s)exhibited increased susceptibility to heat stress,whereas overexpression of Hsf23S enhanced heat stress tolerance in maize.Subsequently,we found that Hsf23S positively regulates heat stress tolerance by directly activating the transcription of three sHSP genes(Hsp16.9,Hsp17.2,and Hsp18a)and TIL1 gene.In addition,Hsf23L physically interacted with Hsf23S and enhanced the transcriptional activation of Hsf23S on the sHSPs and TIL1 promoters.Notably,genetic analysis suggested that co-overexpression of Hsf23L and Hsf23S further improves heat tolerance of the transgenic plants.Taken together,these results reveal two splicing variants of ZmHsf23 cooperatively regulate maize heat tolerance,thus highlighting potential value of ZmHsf23 in breeding heat-tolerant maize varieties.展开更多
Somatic variants in the cancer genome influence gene expression through diverse mechanisms depending on their specific locations.However,a systematic evaluation of the effects of somatic variants located in 3'untr...Somatic variants in the cancer genome influence gene expression through diverse mechanisms depending on their specific locations.However,a systematic evaluation of the effects of somatic variants located in 3'untranslated regions(3'UTRs)on alternative polyadenylation(APA)of m RNA remains lacking.In this study,we analyze 10,199 tumor samples across 32 cancer types and identify 1333 somatic single nucleotide variants(SNVs)associated with abnormal 3'UTR APA.Mechanistically,these 3'UTR SNVs can alter cisregulatory elements,such as the poly(A)signal and UGUA motif,leading to changes in APA.Minigene assays confirm that 3'UTR SNVs in multiple genes,including RPS23 and CHTOP,induce aberrant APA.Among affected genes,62 exhibit differential stability between tandem 3'UTR isoforms,including HSPA4and UCK2,validated by experimental assays.Finally,we establish that SNV-related abnormal APA usage serves as an additional layer of expression regulation for tumor-suppressor gene HMGN2 in breast cancer.Collectively,this study reveals 3'UTR APA as a critical mechanism mediating the functional impact of somatic noncoding variants in human cancers.展开更多
Moistube irrigation is a newly-developed irrigation technique that utilizes a semipermeable membrane to release water slowly and continuously into the plant root zone.Alternate Moistube Irrigation(AMI)is a combination...Moistube irrigation is a newly-developed irrigation technique that utilizes a semipermeable membrane to release water slowly and continuously into the plant root zone.Alternate Moistube Irrigation(AMI)is a combination of alternative irrigation and moistube irrigation.In order to investigate the effects of AMI on plant growth,greenhouse experiments were conducted on spinach(Spinacia oleracea)and water spinach(Ipomoea aquatica)plants at different time.We measured soil water content at a depth of 20 cm in the planting boxes,and also determined seed emergence rate,plant height,largest leaf area,fresh weight per plant,yield,and irrigation water productivity(IWP)for both spinach and water spinach.The results showed that the AMI treatments had significantly higher soil water content than the conventional surface irrigation control(CK).The emergence rates of spinach and water spinach were significantly higher in the AMI treatments than in the CK,and the plant height,largest leaf area,and fresh weight during the middle and late stages of spinach and water spinach growth were also significantly higher than those of the CK.Both spinach and water spinach grew well and produced high yield with high IWP under AMI with a high water head pressure of 1.5 m at tube spacing of 20 or 30 cm.We found that AMI with a suitable combination of head pressure and tube spacing can promote plant growth and increase yield and IWP under controlled conditions.展开更多
The 2025 U.S.-China Trade War has intensified the vulnerability of China's oil supply chain due to heavy reliance on soybean imports,posing serious challenges to food security.This study examines soybean dependenc...The 2025 U.S.-China Trade War has intensified the vulnerability of China's oil supply chain due to heavy reliance on soybean imports,posing serious challenges to food security.This study examines soybean dependency risks and evaluates substitution strategies through diversified oilseed use,including palm-based alternatives.Findings show that high reciprocal tariffs caused a 75%drop in U.S.soybean exports to China.Palm oil,with high yield efficiency and cost-effectiveness,offers a viable supplement to fill supply chain gaps.Promoting oil palm cultivation through northward expansion and cooperation with Belt and Road countries is recommended.Additionally,multi-omics,gene editing,tissue culture,and precision agriculture are crucial to address technical bottlenecks.The study concludes that palm and soybean oils will form a complementary system,and that policy and technology investments are essential to strengthen China's oilseed supply chain resilience and sustainability.展开更多
Invasive macroalgae are recognized as one of the greatest threats to local marine ecology and economy.Chaetomorpha valida is an invasive species in China,originally found in Dalian City,Liaoning Province,and has now i...Invasive macroalgae are recognized as one of the greatest threats to local marine ecology and economy.Chaetomorpha valida is an invasive species in China,originally found in Dalian City,Liaoning Province,and has now invaded southward to seas such as Rongcheng City,Shandong Province.Its overgrowth has seriously damaged the local mariculture industry.Based on two strains of C.valida isolated in our previous study,this study explores the effects of temperature and irradiance on their growth and reproduction under laboratory conditions.The results show that the suitable temperature ranges are primarily 21−29℃.The optimal temperature is 25℃for gametophytic growth and sporophytic asexual reproduction,and 29℃for sporophytic growth and gametophytic sexual reproduction.And there is no significant effect of irradiance on their growth and reproduction.Meanwhile,the suitable temperature ranges and optimum irradiance for the growth and reproduction of both strains are largely similar,with only slight differences in the suitable ones for sporophytic asexual reproduction and gametophytic growth.Accordingly,the effect of temperature on the isomorphic generation alternation in C.valida was analyzed,as well as the dynamics of its generation alternation and invasive potential for its environmental adaptation in the northern and southern seas of China.This will help to understand its dynamic pattern spreading from the north to south in China,and also be an important reference for understanding the generation alternation characteristics,invasions and prevention of the outbreaks of other green tidal algae.展开更多
The slow phase transition from formⅡto formⅠhas always been an important factor that restricts the processing and application of polybutene-1(PB-1).After extensive efforts,a set of effective methods for promoting th...The slow phase transition from formⅡto formⅠhas always been an important factor that restricts the processing and application of polybutene-1(PB-1).After extensive efforts,a set of effective methods for promoting the phase transition rate in PB-1 was established by adjusting the crystallization,nucleation,and growth temperatures.Nevertheless,low-molecular-weight PB-1(LMWPB-1)faces challenges because this method requires a low crystallization temperature,which is difficult to achieve during extrusion processing.In this study,we attempted to increase the phase transition rate in PB-1 by changing the annealing temperature after processing rather than the crystallization temperature in the classical scheme.The results indicated that regardless of low-or high-molecular-weight PB-1,repeated annealing between 0 and 90℃could also promote formⅡto formⅠphase transition.The initial content of formⅠincreased with the heating and cooling cycles.The half-time of the phase transition(t_(1/2))was also shortened after heating/cooling.After 100 heating/cooling cycles,t_(1/2) was reduced to one-quarter of that without annealing,which had almost the same effect as the crystallization temperature at 25℃in promoting the phase transition.This study indicates that annealing after processing is also an important factor affecting the phase transition of PB-1,and should receive sufficient attention.展开更多
Agricultural production(especially intensive rice production)is a primary income source for over 2.0×10^(7) people in the Vietnamese Mekong River Delta.However,adverse climate change impacts,socio-economic change...Agricultural production(especially intensive rice production)is a primary income source for over 2.0×10^(7) people in the Vietnamese Mekong River Delta.However,adverse climate change impacts,socio-economic change,and high dependence on farm inputs for intensive production constrain the longer-term sustainability of rice systems.Government and agribusiness actors are encouraging more farmers to grow non-rice crops and supporting the upscaling of alternative crops to paddy rice.We used a qualitative approach to investigate the value chain characteristics,as well as constraints and opportunities of alternative crops via two case studies(baby corn and honeydew melon)in An Giang and Hau Giang provinces,Vietnam.Data collection involved focus group discussions with local farmers and interviews with farmers and industry experts.Thematic analysis was used to compile the findings,and the results were validated with local government staff.The baby corn value chain featured on-going and stable market demand(including value-addition)and better vertical coordination(e.g.,written contracts and financial support).The honeydew melon value chain featured positive relationships between farmers and traders despite less-developed vertical coordination.There are opportunities for value chain engagement through product quality certification,value-addition,and accessing high-value domestic and export markets.However,farmers require crop-specific and generic support from private and public sectors.Increased labour requirements and limited access to finance and credit limit value chain participation.Upscaling and marketing alternative crops can enhance farmer profitability and support non-farming agricultural business establishment,economic growth,and community development.Efficient value chains will be critical to ensure the adoption of alternative crops and development of crop-specific agribusiness models.These findings can inform policy-makers and change facilitators in designing targeted interventions to support the adoption of alternative crops in the study area as well as in Vietnam and globally.展开更多
The predominant causal agent of poplar leaf blight is the pathogenic fungus Alternaria alternata (Fr.) Keissl., which exhibits host specificity toward Populus species. To elucidate the molecular response mechanisms of...The predominant causal agent of poplar leaf blight is the pathogenic fungus Alternaria alternata (Fr.) Keissl., which exhibits host specificity toward Populus species. To elucidate the molecular response mechanisms of A. alternata under fludioxonil fungicide stress, the fungus was cultured at the half-maximal effective concentration (EC₅₀) of fludioxonil. Transcriptomic and metabolomic profiles were analyzed using mycelia harvested under these conditions. Comparative analysis revealed 1,001 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the resistant strain (RS) relative to the wild-type strain (WT), comprising 628 upregulated and 373 downregulated genes. Concurrently, 524 differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) were identified, with 336 upregulated and 188 downregulated metabolites. KEGG pathway enrichment demonstrated pronounced upregulation in glycerophospholipid metabolism, α-linolenic acid metabolism, nucleic acid biosynthesis, and glycosylation processes. Conversely, arachidonic acid and galactose metabolism pathways were suppressed. Significant downregulation was observed in phosphatidylinositol signaling, aflatoxin biosynthesis, and cutin/suberin/wax biosynthesis pathways. Transcriptomic profiling further indicated that upregulated DEGs were predominantly associated with amino sugar/nucleotide sugar metabolism, ABC transporters, aflatoxin biosynthesis, and purine metabolism, while downregulated DEGs were enriched in N-glycan biosynthesis, endoplasmic reticulum protein processing, steroid biosynthesis, and riboflavin metabolism. Fludioxonil exerted substantial inhibitory effects on fungal growth, pathogenicity, and metabolic activity. Mechanistically, A. alternata counteracted fungicide-induced stress through modulation of its antioxidant defense system. This integrative multi-omics study delineates the dynamic gene expression and metabolic reprogramming in A. alternata under fludioxonil exposure, providing novel insights into potential molecular targets and informing the development of next-generation fungicidal strategies for phytopathogen control.展开更多
The application of multi-material topology optimization affords greater design flexibility compared to traditional single-material methods.However,density-based topology optimization methods encounter three unique cha...The application of multi-material topology optimization affords greater design flexibility compared to traditional single-material methods.However,density-based topology optimization methods encounter three unique challenges when inertial loads become dominant:non-monotonous behavior of the objective function,possible unconstrained characterization of the optimal solution,and parasitic effects.Herein,an improved Guide-Weight approach is introduced,which effectively addresses the structural topology optimization problem when subjected to inertial loads.Smooth and fast convergence of the compliance is achieved by the approach,while also maintaining the effectiveness of the volume constraints.The rational approximation of material properties model and smooth design are utilized to guarantee clear boundaries of the final structure,facilitating its seamless integration into manufacturing processes.The framework provided by the alternating active-phase algorithm is employed to decompose the multi-material topological problem under inertial loading into a set of sub-problems.The optimization of multi-material under inertial loads is accomplished through the effective resolution of these sub-problems using the improved Guide-Weight method.The effectiveness of the proposed approach is demonstrated through numerical examples involving two-phase and multi-phase materials.展开更多
BACKGROUND Working memory serves as a fundamental cognitive function that substantially impacts performance in various cognitive tasks.Extensive neurophysiological research has established that theta oscillations(4-8 ...BACKGROUND Working memory serves as a fundamental cognitive function that substantially impacts performance in various cognitive tasks.Extensive neurophysiological research has established that theta oscillations(4-8 Hz)play an essential role in supporting working memory operations.Theta-band transcranial alternating current stimulation(tACS)offers a potential mechanism for working memory enhancement through direct modulation of these fundamental neural oscillations.Nevertheless,current empirical evidence shows substantial variability in the observed effects of theta-tACS across studies.AIM To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the effects of thetatACS on working memory performance in healthy adults.METHODS A systematic literature search was performed on PubMed,EMBASE,and Web of Science up to March 10,2025.Effect sizes were computed using Hedges’g with 95%confidence intervals(CIs),with separate meta-analyses for all included studies and for distinct working memory paradigms[n-back and delayed matchto-sample(DMTS)tasks]to examine potential task-specific effects.Subgroup analyses and meta-regression were performed to evaluate the influence of key moderating variables.RESULTS The systematic review included 21 studies(67 effect sizes).Initial meta-analysis showed theta-tACS moderately improved working memory(Hedges’g=0.405,95%CI:0.212-0.598).However,this effect became nonsignificant after correcting for publication bias(trim-and-fill adjusted Hedges’g=0.082,95%CI:-0.052 to 0.217).Task-specific analyses revealed significant benefits in n-back tasks(Hedges’g=0.463,95%CI:0.193-0.733)but not in DMTS tasks(Hedges’g=0.257,95%CI:-0.186 to 0.553).Moderator analyses showed that performance in n-back tasks was influenced by stimulation frequency(P=0.001),concurrent status(P=0.014),task modality(P=0.005),and duration(P=0.013),whereas only the region of targeted stimulation(P=0.012)moderated DMTS tasks.CONCLUSION Theta-tACS enhances working memory in healthy adults,with effects modulated by the task type and protocol parameters,offering dual implications for cognitive enhancement and clinical interventions.展开更多
基金funded by the Technology Project of State Grid Jibei Electric Power Supply Co.,Ltd.(Grant Number:52018F240001).
文摘As the development of new power systems accelerates and the impacts of high renewable energy integration and extreme weather intensify,grid-alternative energy storage is garnering increasing attention for its grid-interaction benefits and clear business models.Consequently,assessing the value of grid-alternative energy storage in the systemtransition has become critically important.Considering the performance characteristics of storage,we propose a value assessment frame-work for grid-alternative energy storage,quantifying its non-wires-alternative effects from both cost and benefit perspectives.Building on this,we developed a collaborative planning model for energy storage and transmission grids,aimed at maximizing the economic benefits of storage systems while balancing investment and operational costs.The model considers regional grid interconnections and their interactions with system operation.By participating in system operations,grid-alternative energy storage not only maximizes its own economic benefits but also generates social welfare transfer effects.Furthermore,based on multi-regional interconnected planning,grid-alternative energy storage can reduce system costs by approximately 35%,with the most significant changes observed in generation costs.Multi-regional coordinated planning significantly enhances the sys-tem’s flexibility in regulation.However,when the load factor of interconnection lines between regions remains constant,system operational flexibility tends to decrease,leading to a roughly 28.9%increase in storage investment.Additionally,under regional coordinated planning,the greater the disparity in wind power integration across interconnected regions,the more noticeable the reduction in system costs.
文摘A new report from Jeanologia highlights theurgent need for the denim industry to adopt saferalternatives to harmful chemicals.The study alsostresses reducing excessive water use in garmentfinishing.The report,compiled in 2024,analyzed datafrom more than ll5,000 dentm finishing processes.lt found that 24%of denim finishing processes stilluse hazardous chemicals,posing risks to both theenvironment and the health of workers.
基金upported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.62305184)the Major Key Project of Pengcheng Laboratory(Grant No.PCL2024A1)+1 种基金the Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation of Guangdong Province(Grant No.2023A1515012932)the Science,Technology and Innovation Commission of Shenzhen Municipality(Grant No.WDZC20220818100259004).
文摘Single-pixel imaging(SPI)enables efficient sensing in challenging conditions.However,the requirement for numerous samplings constrains its practicality.We address the challenge of high-quality SPI reconstruction at ultra-low sampling rates.We develop an alternative optimization with physics and a data-driven diffusion network(APD-Net).It features alternative optimization driven by the learned task-agnostic natural image prior and the task-specific physics prior.During the training stage,APD-Net harnesses the power of diffusion models to capture data-driven statistics of natural signals.In the inference stage,the physics prior is introduced as corrective guidance to ensure consistency between the physics imaging model and the natural image probability distribution.Through alternative optimization,APD-Net reconstructs data-efficient,high-fidelity images that are statistically and physically compliant.To accelerate reconstruction,initializing images with the inverse SPI physical model reduces the need for reconstruction inference from 100 to 30 steps.Through both numerical simulations and real prototype experiments,APD-Net achieves high-quality,full-color reconstructions of complex natural images at a low sampling rate of 1%.In addition,APD-Net’s tuning-free nature ensures robustness across various imaging setups and sampling rates.Our research offers a broadly applicable approach for various applications,including but not limited to medical imaging and industrial inspection.
基金financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.22161040)Natural Science Foundation of Gansu(No.24JRRA125)Science Research Project of Northwest Normal University(No.NWNU-LKZD2021-3)。
文摘The ring-opening alternating copolymerization(ROAC)of 3,4-dihydrocoumarin(DHC)/epoxides has been successfully developed using an imidazolium salt of 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride(EMIMCl)as a catalyst.The resulting copolymer has a molecular weight of 13.7kg·mol^(-1),a narrow molecular weight distribution of 1.03 and a strictly alternating structure.The MALDI-TOF MS characterization and DFT calculations including electrostatic potential(ESP),hydrogen-atom abstraction(HAA),independent gradient model based on hirshfeld partition(IGMH)and atoms-in-molecules(AIM)analysis were used to investigate the metal-free catalytic process.The synergistic effect of anions and cations of EMIMCl for ROAC of DHC and epoxides was demonstrated.This study provides a metal-free catalytic system for the facile synthesis of alternating polyesters from DHC.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.52475341).
文摘Prefabricated twinning represents an effective strategy for optimizing the microstructure of extruded forming components and facilitating changes in texture.The study examines the incorporation of[10-12]twins into an AZ31 magnesium alloy billet via cold pre-upsetting deformation before alternating forward extrusion(CUAFE).The experimental results indicate that the initial presence of[10-12]twins is advantageous for the development of[10-10]and[11-20]texture components during the extrusion process.In addition,different DRX mechanisms have different influences on the evolution of basal texture.The CDRX grains tend to preferentially select the[11-20]texture orientation,weakening the[10-10]texture and enhancing the[11-20]texture.However,most DDRX grains deviate significantly from the orientation of their surrounding original grain and do not have a preferred orientation.This is reflected in the mechanical properties of the CUAFE part.The tensile strength is 323.5 MPa,while the elongation is as high as 20.1%.
基金financially supported by Russian Science Foundation(No.24-43-00156,https://rscf.ru/en/project/24-43-00156/)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.52171169)the State Key Laboratory for Advanced Metals and Materials(No.2023-ZD01)。
文摘The results of the study of the effect of partial substitution of Fe by Mn in the La Fe_(11.2-x)Mn_(x)Co_(0.7)Si_(1.1)system on magnetization,specific heat,magnetostriction and magnetocaloric effect are presented.Direct measurements of the adiabatic temperature change(ΔT_(ad))were carried out in alternating magnetic fields(AMF)using the magnetic field modulation method.Partial substitution of Fe atoms by Mn atoms leads to a shift in the Curie temperature(T_(C))towards lower temperatures without a noticeable deterioration in magnetic properties.A correlation was found between the structural component of the magnetocaloric effect and the stability of the frequency of theΔT_(ad)in the AMFs—an increase in the manganese concentration leads to a decrease in magnetostriction and to a lower dependence ofΔT_(ad)on the frequency of the magnetic field.Estimates of the specific cooling power Q_(C)as a function of the frequency of the AMF showed that the highest value of Q_(C)at f=20 Hz in a magnetic field of 12k Oe is 26.3 W g^(-1)and is observed for the composition with x=0.1.This value is higher than that of Gd,for which,under the same conditions,Q_(C)=21.6 W g^(-1).All the samples studied show stability of the value ofΔT_(ad)without any sign of deterioration of the effect up to 60,000cycles of switching on/off of the magnetic field of 12 k Oe.The discovered frequency and cyclic stability ofΔT_(ad)of the studied samples increase their prospects for application in magnetic cooling technology.
基金funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32202393)the Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province,China(ZR2021QC190)+1 种基金the Science and Technology Benefiting the People Demonstration Project of Qingdao,China(24-1-8-xdny-10-nsh)the Qingdao Agricultural University High-level Talent Fund,China(663/1120101)。
文摘Caspases,which play key roles in cell apoptosis,undergo alternative splicing to form different splicing variants that can regulate the apoptotic process.Lepidopteran insect caspases undergo alternative splicing,although the functions of their splicing variants are still unclear.The Spodoptera exigua caspase-5(SeCaspase-5)gene was cloned and found to produce four different splicing variants with different gene sequences and protein functional domains,which were named SeCaspase-5a,SeCaspase-5b,SeCaspase-5c and SeCaspase-5d.Overexpression of these variants in S.exigua cells(Se-3)showed that SeCaspase-5a had a proapoptotic function,whereas SeCaspase-5b,SeCaspase-5c and SeCaspase-5d did not.Semi-qPCR analysis revealed that the expression of the SeCaspase-5 variants significantly differed during Autographa californica multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus(AcMNPV)infection.Furthermore,the SeCaspase-5 variants were constructed into the AcMNPV bacmid and transfected into Se-3 cells,which revealed that SeCaspase-5a promoted cell apoptosis and reduced virus production,whereas SeCaspase-5b,SeCaspase-5c and SeCaspase-5d did not promote cell apoptosis but instead increased virus production.Moreover,an analysis of the interactions between the SeCaspase-5 variants revealed that SeCaspase-5a directly interacted with SeCaspase-5b,SeCaspase-5c and SeCaspase-5d.Coexpression of these variants in Se-3 cells also revealed that SeCaspase-5b,SeCaspase-5c and SeCaspase-5d inhibited the proapoptotic function of SeCaspase-5a,resulting in a reduction in the percentage of apoptotic cells by about 20%.These results indicate that SeCaspase-5 undergoes alternative splicing and is involved in regulating the apoptosis induced by baculovirus infection.These findings increase our understanding of the functions of lepidopteran insect caspases and provide new insights into the mechanism of host-cell apoptosis induced by baculoviruses.
基金Fisheries Research Development Corporation,Grant/Award Number:2017-030.
文摘Background With the global expansion of aquaculture and the increasing demand for fish meal,identifying appropriate and sustainable alternative protein sources for aquafeeds has become essential.Single-cell protein(SCP),derived from methanotrophic bacteria,presents a promising alternative by converting methane into protein,potentially addressing both the need for alternative protein sources and reducing industrial greenhouse gas emissions.This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different levels of SCP inclusion(0%,25%,50%,and 75%fish meal replacement)on the health,gene expression,and gut microbiome of yellowtail kingfish(YTK,Seriola lalandi)following a 35-day growth trial.Results The study found that SCP inclusion at the highest level of fishmeal replacement(75%)induced a mild inflammatory response in the hindgut of the fish.However,micromorphological assessments of the hindgut,serum biochemistry,and gene expression analyses revealed no significant detrimental effects from SCP replacement.Notably,there were indications of improved lipid digestibility with SCP.Furthermore,SCP inclusion significantly enhanced microbial richness and altered the composition of the gut microbiome,introducing beneficial bacterial taxa that may contribute to improved gut health and resilience.Conclusions This study highlights SCP as a viable and sustainable alternative to fish meal in YTK diets.The findings suggest that SCP can be included in YTK diets without adverse health effects at moderate levels and may even offer benefits in terms of lipid digestibility and gut microbiome diversity.These results contribute to the advancement of more sustainable aquaculture practices.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.22225605)the National Key Research and Development Program of China(No.2023YFC3706600)the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(No.XDB0750200).
文摘The number of newborns born with diseases is increasing recently.Thyroid hormones(THs)are closely related to the growth and development of the newborn in the mother's womb and to the carriage of related diseases after birth.Environmental endocrine-disrupting compounds(EDCs)have been proven to harm THs in newborns.Phthalates(PAEs),a typical class of EDCs,are commonly used in toys,childcare materials,and food contact materials,which have been closely connected with neonatal thyroid dysfunction and thyroid-related diseases.As restrictions on PAEs becomemore stringent in neonatal field,numerous PAE alternatives are emerging.Associations between exposure to PAEs and their alternatives and dysfunctions in THs have been explored.Hence,we summarized the body burdens and regional characteristics of PAEs and their alternatives in neonatal urine,cord blood,and meconium.Subsequently,the influences of PAEs and their alternatives on thyroid dysfunction,prematurity,low birth weight,fetal growth restriction,respiratory dysfunction,immune disorders,neurological disorders,and reproductive disorders in newborns were evaluated.Furthermore,we scrutinized the effects of PAEs and their alternatives on the neonatal thyroid from signaling,substance transport,and hormone production to explore the underlying mechanisms of action on neonatal thyroid and thyroid-related disorders.As the declining global trends of healthy newborns and the potential impacts of PAEs and their alternatives on thyroid function,a more comprehensive study is needed to discuss their effects on newborns and their underlying mechanisms.This review facilitates attention to the effects of PAEs and their alternatives on thyroid and thyroid-related disorders in newborns.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.22005277,52474256 and 52074247)the Natural Science Foundation of Hubei Province(No.2024AFB662)+1 种基金the Young Top-notch Talent Cultivation Program of Hubei Province,Opening Foundation of State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites,Beijing University of Chemical Technology(No.oic-202401012)the Fundamental Research Funds for National Universities,China University of Geosciences(No.2024XLA93).
文摘With the continuous advancement of electronic devices,flexible thin films with both thermal manage-ment functions and excellent electromagnetic interference(EMI)shielding properties have received much attention.Hence,inspired by Janus,a CNF/MXene/ZnFe2O4@PANI composite film with an asymmetric gradient alternating structure was successfully prepared by adjusting the filler content of the conduc-tive and magnetic layers using a vacuum-assisted filtration method.Benefiting from the magnetic reso-nance and hysteresis loss of ZnFe2O4@PANI,conductive loss and dipole polarization of MXene,as well as the exclusive"absorption-reflection-reabsorption"shielding feature in the alternating multilayered films,CM&CZFP-4 G film has superior EMI shielding performance,with an EMI SE of up to 45.75 dB and shield-ing effectiveness of 99.99%.Surprisingly,the composite film maintains reliable EMI shielding properties even after prolonged erosion in harsh environments such as high/low temperatures,high humidity,acids and alkalis.Furthermore,the CM&CZFP-4 G responded quickly within about 50 s and reached a maximum steady-state temperature of 235.8℃ at an applied voltage of 9.0 V,indicating the obtained film acquired outstanding and controllable Joule heating performance.This result was attributed to the homogeneous dispersion of MXene to build up a conductive network and endow the CNF/MXene with high conduc-tivity.Meanwhile,the fire resistance of CM&CZFP-4 G was significantly improved compared to pure CNF,which guaranteed fire safety during its application.Additionally,contributed by long fiber entanglement of CNF,extensive hydrogen-bonding interactions and multilayer structural design,the CM&CZFP-4 G film exhibits excellent mechanical characteristics,with the tensile strength and fracture strain of 27.74 MPa and 6.21%,separately.This work offers a creative avenue to prepare multifunctional composite films with electromagnetic shielding and Joule heating for various application environments.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2021YFF1000301)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31771805)。
文摘Heat stress is a major threat to maize(Zea mays L.)production worldwide.Heat shock transcription factors(HSFs)play vital roles in plant responses to heat stress.However,the molecular and genetic mechanisms underlying HSF-meditated thermotolerance in maize remain largely unexplored.In this study,we demonstrate that the alternative splicing of ZmHsf23 modulates heat stress tolerance in maize.Hsf23 produced two functional transcripts,Hsf23L and Hsf23S,which differ by the presence of a cryptic mini-exon in Hsf23L that is spliced out in Hsf23S.Both transcripts were strongly induced by heat stress.Mutants lacking Hsf23L alone(hsf23l)or both Hsf23L and Hsf23S(hsf23l23s)exhibited increased susceptibility to heat stress,whereas overexpression of Hsf23S enhanced heat stress tolerance in maize.Subsequently,we found that Hsf23S positively regulates heat stress tolerance by directly activating the transcription of three sHSP genes(Hsp16.9,Hsp17.2,and Hsp18a)and TIL1 gene.In addition,Hsf23L physically interacted with Hsf23S and enhanced the transcriptional activation of Hsf23S on the sHSPs and TIL1 promoters.Notably,genetic analysis suggested that co-overexpression of Hsf23L and Hsf23S further improves heat tolerance of the transgenic plants.Taken together,these results reveal two splicing variants of ZmHsf23 cooperatively regulate maize heat tolerance,thus highlighting potential value of ZmHsf23 in breeding heat-tolerant maize varieties.
基金financially supported by the National Key R&D Program of China(2023YFC3603300,2021YFA0909300)National Natural Science Foundation of China(92249302,32370592,32400437)China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(BX20230073 and 2023M740709)。
文摘Somatic variants in the cancer genome influence gene expression through diverse mechanisms depending on their specific locations.However,a systematic evaluation of the effects of somatic variants located in 3'untranslated regions(3'UTRs)on alternative polyadenylation(APA)of m RNA remains lacking.In this study,we analyze 10,199 tumor samples across 32 cancer types and identify 1333 somatic single nucleotide variants(SNVs)associated with abnormal 3'UTR APA.Mechanistically,these 3'UTR SNVs can alter cisregulatory elements,such as the poly(A)signal and UGUA motif,leading to changes in APA.Minigene assays confirm that 3'UTR SNVs in multiple genes,including RPS23 and CHTOP,induce aberrant APA.Among affected genes,62 exhibit differential stability between tandem 3'UTR isoforms,including HSPA4and UCK2,validated by experimental assays.Finally,we establish that SNV-related abnormal APA usage serves as an additional layer of expression regulation for tumor-suppressor gene HMGN2 in breast cancer.Collectively,this study reveals 3'UTR APA as a critical mechanism mediating the functional impact of somatic noncoding variants in human cancers.
基金Supported by Key Research and Development Program of Shanxi Province(202302140601009).
文摘Moistube irrigation is a newly-developed irrigation technique that utilizes a semipermeable membrane to release water slowly and continuously into the plant root zone.Alternate Moistube Irrigation(AMI)is a combination of alternative irrigation and moistube irrigation.In order to investigate the effects of AMI on plant growth,greenhouse experiments were conducted on spinach(Spinacia oleracea)and water spinach(Ipomoea aquatica)plants at different time.We measured soil water content at a depth of 20 cm in the planting boxes,and also determined seed emergence rate,plant height,largest leaf area,fresh weight per plant,yield,and irrigation water productivity(IWP)for both spinach and water spinach.The results showed that the AMI treatments had significantly higher soil water content than the conventional surface irrigation control(CK).The emergence rates of spinach and water spinach were significantly higher in the AMI treatments than in the CK,and the plant height,largest leaf area,and fresh weight during the middle and late stages of spinach and water spinach growth were also significantly higher than those of the CK.Both spinach and water spinach grew well and produced high yield with high IWP under AMI with a high water head pressure of 1.5 m at tube spacing of 20 or 30 cm.We found that AMI with a suitable combination of head pressure and tube spacing can promote plant growth and increase yield and IWP under controlled conditions.
基金financially sponsored by Hainan Provincial Natural Science Foundation(324QN360)Project of Sanya Yazhou Bay Sci-ence and Technology City(SCKJ-JYRC-2024-35).
文摘The 2025 U.S.-China Trade War has intensified the vulnerability of China's oil supply chain due to heavy reliance on soybean imports,posing serious challenges to food security.This study examines soybean dependency risks and evaluates substitution strategies through diversified oilseed use,including palm-based alternatives.Findings show that high reciprocal tariffs caused a 75%drop in U.S.soybean exports to China.Palm oil,with high yield efficiency and cost-effectiveness,offers a viable supplement to fill supply chain gaps.Promoting oil palm cultivation through northward expansion and cooperation with Belt and Road countries is recommended.Additionally,multi-omics,gene editing,tissue culture,and precision agriculture are crucial to address technical bottlenecks.The study concludes that palm and soybean oils will form a complementary system,and that policy and technology investments are essential to strengthen China's oilseed supply chain resilience and sustainability.
基金The National Natural Science Foundation of China under contract Nos 32270219 and 31970216.
文摘Invasive macroalgae are recognized as one of the greatest threats to local marine ecology and economy.Chaetomorpha valida is an invasive species in China,originally found in Dalian City,Liaoning Province,and has now invaded southward to seas such as Rongcheng City,Shandong Province.Its overgrowth has seriously damaged the local mariculture industry.Based on two strains of C.valida isolated in our previous study,this study explores the effects of temperature and irradiance on their growth and reproduction under laboratory conditions.The results show that the suitable temperature ranges are primarily 21−29℃.The optimal temperature is 25℃for gametophytic growth and sporophytic asexual reproduction,and 29℃for sporophytic growth and gametophytic sexual reproduction.And there is no significant effect of irradiance on their growth and reproduction.Meanwhile,the suitable temperature ranges and optimum irradiance for the growth and reproduction of both strains are largely similar,with only slight differences in the suitable ones for sporophytic asexual reproduction and gametophytic growth.Accordingly,the effect of temperature on the isomorphic generation alternation in C.valida was analyzed,as well as the dynamics of its generation alternation and invasive potential for its environmental adaptation in the northern and southern seas of China.This will help to understand its dynamic pattern spreading from the north to south in China,and also be an important reference for understanding the generation alternation characteristics,invasions and prevention of the outbreaks of other green tidal algae.
基金financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.22175183)。
文摘The slow phase transition from formⅡto formⅠhas always been an important factor that restricts the processing and application of polybutene-1(PB-1).After extensive efforts,a set of effective methods for promoting the phase transition rate in PB-1 was established by adjusting the crystallization,nucleation,and growth temperatures.Nevertheless,low-molecular-weight PB-1(LMWPB-1)faces challenges because this method requires a low crystallization temperature,which is difficult to achieve during extrusion processing.In this study,we attempted to increase the phase transition rate in PB-1 by changing the annealing temperature after processing rather than the crystallization temperature in the classical scheme.The results indicated that regardless of low-or high-molecular-weight PB-1,repeated annealing between 0 and 90℃could also promote formⅡto formⅠphase transition.The initial content of formⅠincreased with the heating and cooling cycles.The half-time of the phase transition(t_(1/2))was also shortened after heating/cooling.After 100 heating/cooling cycles,t_(1/2) was reduced to one-quarter of that without annealing,which had almost the same effect as the crystallization temperature at 25℃in promoting the phase transition.This study indicates that annealing after processing is also an important factor affecting the phase transition of PB-1,and should receive sufficient attention.
基金funded by the 2022-2023 Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research(ACIAR)Alumni Research Support Facility(ARSF)programme:“Farmers’adaptive capacity and agricultural transformation in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta:understanding and supporting value chain engagement”the ACIAR-funded project“Farmer options for crops under saline conditions(FOCUS)in the Mekong River Delta,Vietnam”(SLaM/2018/144)to this study.
文摘Agricultural production(especially intensive rice production)is a primary income source for over 2.0×10^(7) people in the Vietnamese Mekong River Delta.However,adverse climate change impacts,socio-economic change,and high dependence on farm inputs for intensive production constrain the longer-term sustainability of rice systems.Government and agribusiness actors are encouraging more farmers to grow non-rice crops and supporting the upscaling of alternative crops to paddy rice.We used a qualitative approach to investigate the value chain characteristics,as well as constraints and opportunities of alternative crops via two case studies(baby corn and honeydew melon)in An Giang and Hau Giang provinces,Vietnam.Data collection involved focus group discussions with local farmers and interviews with farmers and industry experts.Thematic analysis was used to compile the findings,and the results were validated with local government staff.The baby corn value chain featured on-going and stable market demand(including value-addition)and better vertical coordination(e.g.,written contracts and financial support).The honeydew melon value chain featured positive relationships between farmers and traders despite less-developed vertical coordination.There are opportunities for value chain engagement through product quality certification,value-addition,and accessing high-value domestic and export markets.However,farmers require crop-specific and generic support from private and public sectors.Increased labour requirements and limited access to finance and credit limit value chain participation.Upscaling and marketing alternative crops can enhance farmer profitability and support non-farming agricultural business establishment,economic growth,and community development.Efficient value chains will be critical to ensure the adoption of alternative crops and development of crop-specific agribusiness models.These findings can inform policy-makers and change facilitators in designing targeted interventions to support the adoption of alternative crops in the study area as well as in Vietnam and globally.
基金supported by the Northeast Asia Biodiversity Research Center(grant number 411147021003).
文摘The predominant causal agent of poplar leaf blight is the pathogenic fungus Alternaria alternata (Fr.) Keissl., which exhibits host specificity toward Populus species. To elucidate the molecular response mechanisms of A. alternata under fludioxonil fungicide stress, the fungus was cultured at the half-maximal effective concentration (EC₅₀) of fludioxonil. Transcriptomic and metabolomic profiles were analyzed using mycelia harvested under these conditions. Comparative analysis revealed 1,001 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the resistant strain (RS) relative to the wild-type strain (WT), comprising 628 upregulated and 373 downregulated genes. Concurrently, 524 differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) were identified, with 336 upregulated and 188 downregulated metabolites. KEGG pathway enrichment demonstrated pronounced upregulation in glycerophospholipid metabolism, α-linolenic acid metabolism, nucleic acid biosynthesis, and glycosylation processes. Conversely, arachidonic acid and galactose metabolism pathways were suppressed. Significant downregulation was observed in phosphatidylinositol signaling, aflatoxin biosynthesis, and cutin/suberin/wax biosynthesis pathways. Transcriptomic profiling further indicated that upregulated DEGs were predominantly associated with amino sugar/nucleotide sugar metabolism, ABC transporters, aflatoxin biosynthesis, and purine metabolism, while downregulated DEGs were enriched in N-glycan biosynthesis, endoplasmic reticulum protein processing, steroid biosynthesis, and riboflavin metabolism. Fludioxonil exerted substantial inhibitory effects on fungal growth, pathogenicity, and metabolic activity. Mechanistically, A. alternata counteracted fungicide-induced stress through modulation of its antioxidant defense system. This integrative multi-omics study delineates the dynamic gene expression and metabolic reprogramming in A. alternata under fludioxonil exposure, providing novel insights into potential molecular targets and informing the development of next-generation fungicidal strategies for phytopathogen control.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.52172356)the Hunan Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.2022JJ10012).
文摘The application of multi-material topology optimization affords greater design flexibility compared to traditional single-material methods.However,density-based topology optimization methods encounter three unique challenges when inertial loads become dominant:non-monotonous behavior of the objective function,possible unconstrained characterization of the optimal solution,and parasitic effects.Herein,an improved Guide-Weight approach is introduced,which effectively addresses the structural topology optimization problem when subjected to inertial loads.Smooth and fast convergence of the compliance is achieved by the approach,while also maintaining the effectiveness of the volume constraints.The rational approximation of material properties model and smooth design are utilized to guarantee clear boundaries of the final structure,facilitating its seamless integration into manufacturing processes.The framework provided by the alternating active-phase algorithm is employed to decompose the multi-material topological problem under inertial loading into a set of sub-problems.The optimization of multi-material under inertial loads is accomplished through the effective resolution of these sub-problems using the improved Guide-Weight method.The effectiveness of the proposed approach is demonstrated through numerical examples involving two-phase and multi-phase materials.
基金Supported by Shanghai Municipal Health Commission’s Special Clinical Research Project for the Hygiene Industry,No.20244Y0041Youth Initiation Fund of Naval Medical University,No.2023QN028 and No.2023QN030。
文摘BACKGROUND Working memory serves as a fundamental cognitive function that substantially impacts performance in various cognitive tasks.Extensive neurophysiological research has established that theta oscillations(4-8 Hz)play an essential role in supporting working memory operations.Theta-band transcranial alternating current stimulation(tACS)offers a potential mechanism for working memory enhancement through direct modulation of these fundamental neural oscillations.Nevertheless,current empirical evidence shows substantial variability in the observed effects of theta-tACS across studies.AIM To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the effects of thetatACS on working memory performance in healthy adults.METHODS A systematic literature search was performed on PubMed,EMBASE,and Web of Science up to March 10,2025.Effect sizes were computed using Hedges’g with 95%confidence intervals(CIs),with separate meta-analyses for all included studies and for distinct working memory paradigms[n-back and delayed matchto-sample(DMTS)tasks]to examine potential task-specific effects.Subgroup analyses and meta-regression were performed to evaluate the influence of key moderating variables.RESULTS The systematic review included 21 studies(67 effect sizes).Initial meta-analysis showed theta-tACS moderately improved working memory(Hedges’g=0.405,95%CI:0.212-0.598).However,this effect became nonsignificant after correcting for publication bias(trim-and-fill adjusted Hedges’g=0.082,95%CI:-0.052 to 0.217).Task-specific analyses revealed significant benefits in n-back tasks(Hedges’g=0.463,95%CI:0.193-0.733)but not in DMTS tasks(Hedges’g=0.257,95%CI:-0.186 to 0.553).Moderator analyses showed that performance in n-back tasks was influenced by stimulation frequency(P=0.001),concurrent status(P=0.014),task modality(P=0.005),and duration(P=0.013),whereas only the region of targeted stimulation(P=0.012)moderated DMTS tasks.CONCLUSION Theta-tACS enhances working memory in healthy adults,with effects modulated by the task type and protocol parameters,offering dual implications for cognitive enhancement and clinical interventions.
