Pleistocene terrestrial warming trend in East Asia linked to Antarctic ice sheets growth.

How terrestrial mean annual temperature (MAT) evolved throughout the past 2 million years (Myr) remains elusive, limiting our understanding of the patterns, mechanisms, and impacts of past temperature changes. Here we report a ~2-Myr terrestrial MAT record based on fossil microbial lipids preserved in the Heqing paleolake, East Asia. The increased amplitude and periodicity shift of glacial-interglacial changes in our record align with those in sea surface temperature (SST) records.

Measuring the synergy between technological and management innovation in megaprojects: Empirical evidence from China.

In the national innovation system, the synergistic development of technological and management innovation in megaprojects plays a critical role in achieving high-quality project delivery. This study aims to develop a quantifiable three-dimensional coordination measurement framework to explore the collaborative mechanisms between technological and management innovation and validate practical applicability. First, key influencing factors of both technological and management innovation are identified through a systematic literature review and expert interviews.

Enhanced catalytic oxidative depolymerization of lignin to aromatic compounds by activated carbon-supported polyoxometalate-ionic liquid catalysts.

Lignin, a major component in renewable plant biomass, serves as a potential source of high-value aromatic chemicals. However, efficiently decomposing lignin while maintaining its aromaticity for fossil fuel substitution remains a significant challenge. This study synthesized a [VimAm]Br@POM@AC catalyst, composed of a Keggin-type polyoxometalate (POM) modified by ionic liquid ([VimAm]Br) and supported on activated carbon (AC).

Pollution characteristics, ecological risk and microbial response to combined heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in soil-groundwater system of the blown-sand region.

Systematic revelation on the interaction relationships and environmental behavior of composite pollutants in soil-groundwater systems is essential but still paucity. This paper integrated geochemistry, statistical analysis and microbiology to progressively analyze the pollution characteristics of heavy metals (HMs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), potential ecological risks and microbial response mechanisms in the blown-sand region. The results indicate that the soil was compound-contaminated by HMs and PAHs.

Mechanistic study of soot reduction in Fe-MOFs modified alcohol-based fuel based on optical experiments and BO-GPR predictive modeling.

This research addresses the soot emission challenges of conventional internal combustion engines by incorporating Fe-based metal-organic frameworks (Fe-MOFs) into alcohol-based fuel. In a constant volume combustion chamber, optical diagnostic methods were employed to examine the spray properties, combustion dynamics, and emission profiles of fuel mixtures with Fe-MOFs concentrations of 20 ppm, 40 ppm, and 60 ppm. Additionally, a BO-GPR algorithm was employed to predict emission outcomes.

Dual-Layer Flexible Liquid Metal Fiber for Plantar Pressure Monitoring and Synchronous Wound Electrotherapy.

Plantar wounds, particularly diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs), impose significant burdens on patients' quality of life and healthcare systems. Personalized wound management demands real-time monitoring of biomechanical parameters and effective therapeutic interventions to prevent exacerbations. Here, a dual-layer flexible liquid metal fiber (LMF) capable of simultaneous plantar pressure sensing and electrical stimulation for accelerated wound healing is presented.

Molecular Orbital Level Micro-Electric Field in Green Fenton-Like Chemistry for Water Treatment: From Mechanism Understanding to Scale-Up Applications.

Fenton-like systems utilizing micro-electric field-engineered catalysts have emerged as a promising technology for water remediation, demonstrating distinctive advantages via their efficient electron transport networks. This innovative approach not only significantly reduces oxidant consumption but also enables thorough mineralization of contaminants. However, current research faces critical challenges in fundamental mechanistic understanding, particularly regarding reactor scale-up strategies and biological synergy mechanisms, where a cohesive theoretical framework remains to be established.

An integrated genetic algorithm-machine learning approach for morphological optimization of high-rise residential districts in Yulin.

The pursuit of global carbon neutrality necessitates addressing the dual challenge of enhancing solar energy utilization while improving thermal comfort in high-rise residential areas, particularly in Yulin, northern Shaanxi, China, where abundant solar resources exist but maximizing solar acquisition often compromises summer thermal environment quality. This resource-comfort contradiction highlights the need for balanced architectural strategies in regions with pronounced seasonal variations. Building morphological parameter optimization is crucial for balancing annual solar energy capture against summer overheating risks, yet research remains insufficient.

Consecutive Hybrid Bioprinting of Microfiber-Reinforced Living Muscle Constructs with Highly-Aligned Cellular Organizations.

Replicating the highly-organized extracellular matrix microfibrillar networks and directional cellular organization of native skeletal muscles is essential for engineering functional muscle constructs. Here, we propose a consecutive hybrid bioprinting (CHB) strategy to fabricate living composite constructs with polymeric microfibers, sacrificial gelatin and cell-laden fibrin hydrogels by combining electrohydrodynamic (EHD) printing and extrusion-based bioprinting, which enables the engineering of mechanically-matched and highly-aligned porous muscle constructs. The bioprinted hydrogel components provide a smooth and dynamically-rising conductive surface for stable EHD printing of well-organized microfibers with centimeter height, which conversely provides mechanical support to ensure the structural integrity of the resultant composite constructs.

[Finite element modeling and simulation study of solid-liquid biphase fiber-reinforced lumbar intervertebral disc].

The lumbar intervertebral disc exhibits a complex physiological structure with interactions between various segments, and its components are extremely complex. The material properties of different components in the lumbar intervertebral disc, especially the water content (undergoing dynamic change as influenced by age, degeneration, mechanical loading, and proteoglycan content) - critically determine its mechanical properties. When the lumbar intervertebral disc is under continuous pressure, water seeps out, and after the pressure is removed, water re-infiltrates.

[Effects of elastic modulus of the metal block on the condylar-constrained knee prosthesis tibial fixation stability].

Although metal blocks have been widely used for reconstructing uncontained tibial bone defects, the influence of their elastic modulus on the stability of tibial prosthesis fixation remains unclear. Based on this, a finite element model incorporating constrained condylar knee (CCK) prosthesis, tibia, and metal block was established. Considering the influence of the post-restraint structure of the prosthesis, the effects of variations in the elastic modulus of the block on the von Mises stress distribution in the tibia and the block, as well as on the micromotion at the bone-prosthesis fixation interface, were investigated.

Understanding nitrogen removal mechanisms of microbial fuel cells with different air-cathodes: pathways and microbial community analysis.

Single-chamber air-cathode microbial fuel cells (SA-MFCs) are an aeration-free, energy-positive technology for nitrogen removal, which is critical for environmental protection. However, existing studies on nitrogen removal mechanisms in SA-MFCs are conflicting, hindering further development. Focusing on removal mechanisms, this study comprehensively investigated three potential nitrogen removal pathways (ammonia volatilisation, electrochemical oxidation and biological conversion) using both conventional hand-made and 3D-printed air cathodes.

A novel data-driven multi-agent pedestrian flow risk assessment framework for avoiding stampede incident.

This paper addresses the critical issue of monitoring high-density crowds in public spaces like transportation hubs to prevent accidents from overcrowding. It highlights the limitations of prevailing simulation tools in dealing with real-world challenges such as diverse pedestrian destinations, multi-directional flows, and the medley space designs in communal areas. The paper aims to introduce a data-driven, multi-agent framework that assesses crowd dynamics and early warning conditions in different spatial layouts.

Pollution characteristics, pollution sources and driving factors of hexavalent chromium in groundwater: A case study in Xianyang region, China.

Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) is a recognized carcinogen that poses significant risks to public health. The Xianyang area in China is characterized by groundwater Cr(VI) pollution. In this study, a coupled framework was developed by incorporating hydrochemical method, geo-statistical analysis, correlation analysis, principal component analysis (PCA), positive matrix factorization (PMF) and the geo-detector model to identify pollution characteristics, pollution sources and associated driving factor of Cr(VI) in groundwater.

Integrated Additive Manufacturing of TGV Interconnects and High-Frequency Circuits via Bipolar-Controlled EHD Jetting.

Electrohydrodynamic (EHD) printing offers mask-free, high-resolution deposition across a broad range of ink viscosities, yet combining void-free filling of high-aspect-ratio through-glass vias (TGVs) with ultrafine drop-on-demand (DOD) line printing on the same platform requires balancing conflicting requirements: for example, high field strengths to drive ink into deep and narrow vias; sufficiently high ink viscosity to prevent gravity-induced leakage; and stable meniscus dynamics to avoid satellite droplets and charge accumulation on the glass surface. By coupling electrostatic field analysis with transient level-set simulations, we establish a dimensionless regime map that delineates stable cone-jetting regime; these predictions are validated by high-speed imaging and surface profilometry. Operating within this window, the platform achieves complete, void-free filling of 200 µm × 1.

Predictive Analysis of the Mechanical Properties of Biopolymer-Fiber-Reinforced Composite-Stabilized Soil Based on Genetic Algorithm-Optimized Back Propagation Neural Networks.

The limitations imposed by the inherent complexity of multi-component composition ratios in biological polymer-stabilized soils have hindered rapid and accurate performance prediction. To enhance the predictive accuracy for biopolymer-fiber-stabilized soils, an optimized GA-driven backpropagation (BP) neural network was developed. Three key factors influencing mechanical strength (guar gum (GG), xanthan gum (XG), and polybutylene succinate (PBS)) were identified.

Study on the Filler Composition Optimization and Performance Evaluation of Cold-Patch Asphalt Mixture.

Filler dramatically affects the rheology of cold-patched asphalt (CPA) slurry, as well as the related mechanical properties; its physical and chemical properties will also affect the road performance of cold-patch asphalt mixture (CPAM). In order to optimize the filler composition ratio for CPAM, this study uses an orthogonal test to determine the optimal ratio of bentonite to cement, partially substituting mineral powder. Additionally, a performance verification test suitable for CPAM is designed and performed.

Study on Compression Properties and Construction Applications of Loess Filling Materials for High Embankments Along G85 Expressway in Eastern Gansu Province.

Based on the G85 high-fill subgrade project in east Gansu Province, this study conducts one-dimensional compression tests in the laboratory on both disturbed and in situ-compacted loess. Through the combination of the test results of remolded soil, compaction standards for each layer of the subgrade fill are established, and quality inspections of the compacted subgrade are performed. The experimental results demonstrate that the compression deformation of remolded loess exhibits a positive correlation with compaction degree and a negative correlation with moisture content.

Evolution of Pore Structure and Damage Mechanism Analysis of Cement-Silt-Modified Eolian Sand Under Freeze-Thaw Cycles.

This paper explores how freeze-thaw cycles affect the mechanical properties and pore structure in cement-silt-modified eolian sand. The study addresses freeze-thaw durability issues for cold, arid region engineering. We tested samples with 5% and 8% cement content at a 3:7 silt-to-sand ratio using freeze-thaw cycling, unconfined compression tests, and an SEM.

Study on the Adaptability of FBG Sensors Encapsulated in CNT-Modified Gel Material for Asphalt Pavement.

To prolong the service life of asphalt pavement and reduce its maintenance cost, a fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensor encapsulated in carboxylated carbon nanotube (CNT-COOH)-modified gel material suitable for strain monitoring of asphalt pavement was developed. Through tensile and bending tests, the effects of carboxylated carbon nanotubes on the mechanical properties of gel materials under different dosages were evaluated and the optimal dosage of carbon nanotubes was determined. Infrared spectrometer and scanning electron microscopy were used to compare and analyze the infrared spectra and microstructure of carbon nanotubes before and after carboxyl functionalization and modified gel materials.

Responses of lipid metabolism in Rana chensinensis tadpoles under lead (Pb) stress.

Lead (Pb) is a toxic contaminant ubiquitously present in aquatic ecosystems. Unfortunately, studies on the effects of Pb on lipid metabolism and gene expression in amphibians are limited. Here, lipidomic and hepatic transcriptomic analyses were performed on Rana chensinensis tadpoles exposed to 20 and 200 μg/L Pb.

Recent Advances on Eco-Friendly Techniques on Separating Active Materials from Current Collectors in Spent Lithium-Ion Batteries.

Recycling treatments of spent Li-ion batteries (LIBs) have become a global focus. However, traditional industrial recycling methods would result in high energy consumption and significant pollution. Eco-friendly techniques can improve resource recovery efficiency, simplify subsequent processes, and enhance product quality.

The Development of Hexagonal Boron Nitride Crystal Growth Technologies and Their Applications in Neutron Detection.

Hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN), a wide-bandgap semiconductor with excellent thermal stability, high electrical resistivity, and strong neutron absorption capacity, has attracted growing interest in the field of solid-state neutron detection. This review summarizes the progress in h-BN crystal growth technologies, including HPHT, CVD, and flux methods, highlighting their advantages and limitations. Among them, flux growth stands out for its simplicity and scalability in producing high-quality, large-area single crystals.

Behavior of unsaturated sandy loess under high-frequency unilateral cyclic loading.

Sandy loess, which is distinguished by its granular composition dominated by sand particles and minimal clay, is vulnerable to structural destabilization under cyclic loading. This report focuses on recurrent geotechnical failures in the hydrocarbon extraction zones of China's Loess Plateau. The investigation employs cyclic triaxial testing to evaluate the moisture-dependent and frequency-governed mechanical behaviors of unsaturated sandy loess, particularly in the context of the Maliancheng Village landslide event.

Brain-Inspired In-Memory Data Pruning and Computing with TaO Mem-Selectors.

The selective attention mechanisms inherent in the human visual system provide a promising framework for developing edge systems that can simultaneously prune and process critical information from visual input. However, conventional complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor-based edge vision systems rely on complex digital logic for data pruning, alongside the physical separation of pruning, memory, and processing. This increases both power consumption and latency.