Major Breakthroughs in Geological Theory, Key Techniques and Exploration of Tight Oil in China

In recent years,U.S.tight oil exploration and development have achieved significant progress,with rapidly increasing production,which has significantly changed the U.S.A.energy supply pattern（Fig.1）.Compared with the North American marine to marginal marine-continental transitional facies,China’s tight oil（Fig.1）

The Security Governance and Strategic Stability Challenges of Artificial Intelligence amid Major-Power Competition

The rapid development of artificial intelligence(AI),especially the breakthroughs in generative AI technology,has pushed AI to the forefront of the information technology revolution and made the impacts of AI development and its governance model an issue of great concern to the world.In November 2023,the first global AI Safety Summit held at Bletchley Park of the UK released the Bletchley Declaration signed by 28 countries and regional organizations.

The Application of Analytical Techniques to Alpha-Synuclein in Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor symptoms such as tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia, as well as non-motor symptoms including cognitive impairment and mood disorders. A hallmark of PD is the accumulation of alpha-synuclein, a presynaptic neuronal protein that aggregates to form Lewy bodies, leading to neuronal dysfunction and cell death. The study of alpha-synuclein and its pathological forms is crucial for understanding the etiology of PD and developing effective diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Analytical techniques play a pivotal role in elucidating the structure, function, and aggregation mechanisms of alpha-synuclein. Biochemical methods such as Western blotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) are employed to detect and quantify alpha-synuclein in biological samples, offering insights into its expression levels and post-translational modifications. Imaging techniques like immunohistochemistry and positron emission tomography (PET) allow for the visualization of alpha-synuclein aggregates in tissue samples and in vivo, respectively, facilitating the study of its spatial distribution and progression in PD Spectroscopic methods, including nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and mass spectrometry, provide detailed structural information on alpha-synuclein and its isoforms, aiding in the identification of conformational changes associated with aggregation. Emerging techniques such as cryo-electron microscopy (Cryo-EM) and single-molecule fluorescence enable high-resolution structural analysis and real-time monitoring of alpha-synuclein aggregation dynamics, respectively. The application of these analytical techniques has significantly advanced our understanding of the pathophysiological role of alpha-synuclein in PD. They have contributed to the identification of potential biomarkers for early diagnosis and the evaluation of therapeutic interventions targeting alpha-synuclein aggregation. Despite technical limitations and challenges in clinical translation, ongoing advancements in analytical methodologies hold promise for improving the diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of Parkinson’s disease through a deeper understanding of alpha-synuclein pathology.

Epileptic brain network mechanisms and neuroimaging techniques for the brain network

Epilepsy can be defined as a dysfunction of the brain network,and each type of epilepsy involves different brain-network changes that are implicated diffe rently in the control and propagation of interictal or ictal discharges.Gaining more detailed information on brain network alterations can help us to further understand the mechanisms of epilepsy and pave the way for brain network-based precise therapeutic approaches in clinical practice.An increasing number of advanced neuroimaging techniques and electrophysiological techniques such as diffusion tensor imaging-based fiber tra ctography,diffusion kurtosis imaging-based fiber tractography,fiber ball imagingbased tra ctography,electroencephalography,functional magnetic resonance imaging,magnetoencephalography,positron emission tomography,molecular imaging,and functional ultrasound imaging have been extensively used to delineate epileptic networks.In this review,we summarize the relevant neuroimaging and neuroelectrophysiological techniques for assessing structural and functional brain networks in patients with epilepsy,and extensively analyze the imaging mechanisms,advantages,limitations,and clinical application ranges of each technique.A greater focus on emerging advanced technologies,new data analysis software,a combination of multiple techniques,and the construction of personalized virtual epilepsy models can provide a theoretical basis to better understand the brain network mechanisms of epilepsy and make surgical decisions.

Pretreatment and analysis techniques development of TKIs in biological samples for pharmacokinetic studies and therapeutic drug monitoring

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors(TKIs)have emerged as the first-line small molecule drugs in many cancer therapies,exerting their effects by impeding aberrant cell growth and proliferation through the modulation of tyrosine kinase-mediated signaling pathways.However,there exists a substantial inter-individual variability in the concentrations of certain TKIs and their metabolites,which may render patients with compromised immune function susceptible to diverse infections despite receiving theoretically efficacious anticancer treatments,alongside other potential side effects or adverse reactions.Therefore,an urgent need exists for an up-to-date review concerning the biological matrices relevant to bioanalysis and the sampling methods,clinical pharmacokinetics,and therapeutic drug monitoring of different TKIs.This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the advancements in pretreatment methods,such as protein precipitation(PPT),liquid-liquid extraction(LLE),solid-phase extraction(SPE),micro-SPE(μ-SPE),magnetic SPE(MSPE),and vortex-assisted dispersive SPE(VA-DSPE)achieved since 2017.It also highlights the latest analysis techniques such as newly developed high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC)and high-resolution mass spectrometry(HRMS)methods,capillary electrophoresis(CE),gas chromatography(GC),supercritical fluid chromatography(SFC)procedures,surface plasmon resonance(SPR)assays as well as novel nanoprobes-based biosensing techniques.In addition,a comparison is made between the advantages and disadvantages of different approaches while presenting critical challenges and prospects in pharmacokinetic studies and therapeutic drug monitoring.

Advances in the application of auxiliary imaging techniques in parathyroid diseases

Hypoparathyroidism is one of the main complications after total thyroidectomy,severely affecting patients’quality of life.How to effectively protect parathyroid function after surgery and reduce the incidence of hypoparathyroidism has always been a key research area in thyroid surgery.Therefore,precise localization of parathyroid glands during surgery,effective imaging,and accurate surgical resection have become hot topics of concern for thyroid surgeons.In response to this clinical phenomenon,this study compared several different imaging methods for parathyroid surgery,including nanocarbon,indocyanine green,near-infrared imaging techniques,and technetium-99m methoxyisobutylisonitrile combined with gamma probe imaging technology.The advantages and disadvantages of each method were analyzed,providing scientific recommendations for future parathyroid imaging.In recent years,some related basic and clinical research has also been conducted in thyroid surgery.This article reviewed relevant literature and provided an overview of the practical application progress of various imaging techniques in parathyroid surgery.

Discrete Choice Models and Artificial Intelligence Techniques for Predicting the Determinants of Transport Mode Choice--A Systematic Review

Forecasting travel demand requires a grasp of individual decision-making behavior.However,transport mode choice(TMC)is determined by personal and contextual factors that vary from person to person.Numerous characteristics have a substantial impact on travel behavior(TB),which makes it important to take into account while studying transport options.Traditional statistical techniques frequently presume linear correlations,but real-world data rarely follows these presumptions,which may make it harder to grasp the complex interactions.Thorough systematic review was conducted to examine how machine learning(ML)approaches might successfully capture nonlinear correlations that conventional methods may ignore to overcome such challenges.An in-depth analysis of discrete choice models(DCM)and several ML algorithms,datasets,model validation strategies,and tuning techniques employed in previous research is carried out in the present study.Besides,the current review also summarizes DCM and ML models to predict TMC and recognize the determinants of TB in an urban area for different transport modes.The two primary goals of our study are to establish the present conceptual frameworks for the factors influencing the TMC for daily activities and to pinpoint methodological issues and limitations in previous research.With a total of 39 studies,our findings shed important light on the significance of considering factors that influence the TMC.The adjusted kernel algorithms and hyperparameter-optimized ML algorithms outperform the typical ML algorithms.RF(random forest),SVM(support vector machine),ANN(artificial neural network),and interpretable ML algorithms are the most widely used ML algorithms for the prediction of TMC where RF achieved an R2 of 0.95 and SVM achieved an accuracy of 93.18%;however,the adjusted kernel enhanced the accuracy of SVM 99.81%which shows that the interpretable algorithms outperformed the typical algorithms.The sensitivity analysis indicates that the most significant parameters influencing TMC are the age,total trip time,and the number of drivers.

Suggestions on Improving China’s Breakthrough Therapy Designation System

Objective To analyze the characteristics of breakthrough therapy designation(BTD)and its implementation in China,and to provide reference for the optimization of BTD system.Methods A comparative research method was used to study the content and implementation effect of BTD system in China and the relevant policies and implementation of the same procedures of drug regulatory authorities in the United States,Japan and the European Union.Then,the differences in policies and implementation results among these countries were analyzed to provide suggestions for the implementation and optimization of this system in China.Results and Conclusion China’s BTD system is implemented late and a small number of drugs has been approved.At the same time,there are problems such as insufficient guidance and communication from the agency to applicants,a broad application condition,single review mode,and lack of full-time personnel.Both the agencies and the applicants have limited experience due to the short implementation time of BTD system in China.There are still some problems despite we have learned a lot from the experience of other drug regulatory agencies.Therefore,based on our national conditions,we should strengthen the guidance of evaluation agency to applicants,optimize the eligibility criteria of BTD system,introduce the rolling review,and increase the number of professional liaisons,which can accelerate the development and marketing process of drugs with obvious clinical value,and finally to address unmet medical need.

A Review of the Research on the Influencing Factors of Enterprise Key Core Technology Breakthrough

The breakthrough of key core technology is a theoretical and practical strategic issue to realize the rise of the country.This paper analyzes the concept of key core technology and its breakthrough and analyzes its characteristics.Based on the perspective of participants,this paper summarizes the influencing factors of key core technology breakthroughs in enterprises:internal and external enterprises,universities and scientific research institutions,and government.This paper expands the relevant research on key core technology breakthroughs and provides inspiration for enterprises to carry out key core technology research and breakthrough practices.

Two-point Dixon and six-point Dixon magnetic resonance techniques in the detection,quantification and grading of hepatic steatosis

BACKGROUND Hepatic steatosis is a very common problem worldwide.AIM To assess the performance of two-and six-point Dixon magnetic resonance(MR)techniques in the detection,quantification and grading of hepatic steatosis.METHODS A single-center retrospective study was performed in 62 patients with suspected parenchymal liver disease.MR sequences included two-point Dixon,six-point Dixon,MR spectroscopy(MRS)and MR elastography.Fat fraction(FF)estimates on the Dixon techniques were compared to the MRS-proton density FF(PDFF).Statistical tests used included Pearson’s correlation and receiver operating characteristic.RESULTS FF estimates on the Dixon techniques showed excellent correlation(≥0.95)with MRS-PDFF,and excellent accuracy[area under the receiver operating characteristic(AUROC)≥0.95]in:(1)Detecting steatosis;and(2)Grading severe steatosis,(P<0.001).In iron overload,two-point Dixon was not evaluable due to confounding T2*effects.FF estimates on six-point Dixon vs MRS-PDFF showed a moderate correlation(0.82)in iron overload vs an excellent correlation(0.97)without iron overload,(P<0.03).The accuracy of six-point Dixon in grading mild steatosis improved(AUROC:0.59 to 0.99)when iron overload cases were excluded.The excellent correlation(>0.9)between the Dixon techniques vs MRSPDFF did not change in the presence of liver fibrosis(P<0.01).CONCLUSION Dixon techniques performed satisfactorily for the evaluation of hepatic steatosis but with exceptions.

Effects of Three Major Tobacco Curing Techniques on Raw Tobaccos

[Objective] The aim was to compare effects of three curing techniques （Chinese tobacco curing-method for improving tobacco quality and fragrance, Chi-nese （three-phase） tobacco curing technique, and Zimbabwe tobacco curing tech-nique） on quality of tobacco and to select optimal curing method. [Method] In Peng-shui county in Chongqing, tobacco variety K326 was chosen as test materials to conduct tobacco curing tests as per three techniques to analyze key components of raw tobacco, grade quality and evaluation quality. [Result] The content of starch in tobacco was reduced by Chinese tobacco curing-method for improving tobacco quality and fragrance, and the ratio of middle and high quality grade tobaccos improved by 1.8%-7.95%; average price increased by 1.64-3.21 yuan/kg; evaluation grade grew by 1.5-4.4. The technique is proved in enhancing tobacco fragrance quality and quantity as wel as improving and adjusting fragrance, taste and flavor. [Conclusion] Chinese （three-phase） tobacco curing technique improves tobacco quality and provides references for production demonstration areas of tobacco curing.

Effect of Different Flue-curing Techniques on the Taste and Aroma Substances of Tobacco Leaves

[Objective]This study aimed to optimize the conditions for curing tobacco leaf, so as to improve its flavor and quality. [Method] Leaves of Yuanyan 87 were col ected and cured by three different techniques （moderate-intensity conditions throughout the curing course; high-intensity conditions at leaf yel owing and wilting stages, moderate-intensity conditions at leaf drying and vein drying stages; high-in-tensity conditions throughout the curing course）, and then the contents of 48 aroma substances and taste indices of the finished tobacco leaves were measured. [Result] The contents of 28 aroma substances in the tobacco leaves cured under high-inten-sity conditions throughout the course were higher and the taste indices of these to-bacco leaves were better, compared with those flue-cured by the other two tech-niques. The contents of the other 20 aroma substances were not significantly af-fected by the curing techniques. The second best technique was high-intensity con-ditions at leaf yel owing and wilting stages and moderate-intensity conditions at leaf drying and vein drying stages. Curing tobacco leaves at moderate-intensity condi-tions throughout the course was the worst one. [Conclusion] Compared with the oth-er two methods, the contents of aroma substances and taste indices of the tobacco leaves cured under high-intensive conditions throughout the course were the best.

Water Surface Landscaping Techniques and Theoretic Research of Four Famous Gardens in China

With Summer Resort,Clear Ripples Garden,Humble Administrator's Garden and Lingering Garden as the study subjects,the paper had focused on researches on water surface landscaping techniques and relevant theories of four famous gardens in China.Water bodies in Summer Resort aimed to manifest the sentimental appeal of lower reaches of Yangtze River,and water surface treatment techniques were based on local characteristics which were dense river network,sandbars and islands surrounded by water and scattered distribution of rivers.Sandbars,islands,banks and bridges were utilized to divide water surface,so as to display basic natural feature of water surface at lower reaches of Yangtze River.Water bodies in Clear Ripples Garden aimed to imitate the artistic concept of West Lake.As for its water surface treatment technique,divided "west dyke" and branch dykes had been used to separate water surface,so as to endow it with the ideological content of "fairy court" and "telepathy between human and nature".Water bodies in Humble Administrator's Garden and Lingering Garden aimed to realize "all rivers and lakes" with "one scoop of water",so that people could associate the artistic conception of a vase expanse of water.The study could provide reference for designers of landscape architecture to conduct water surface design.

The Application of Modern Art Techniques in T.S. Eliot's The Waste Land

The literature in 20th century is mainly characterized by irrationalism presented in modernism. Under the background, this paper aims to explore how Eliot attempts to use modern art techniques in The Waste Land to reveal a real life to readers.

Exploration to the writing techniques of Wuthering Heights

Wuthering Heights has been one of the most famous novels in English literature. Emily's writing skills are worth the exploration. She can successfully handle the events out of chronological order; she can master the multiple narrator technique; she can create such repetitions of plots and she can design many meaningful symbols. No wonder why Wuthering Heights is in the a high position in the world literature.

Clinical diagnostic advances in intestinal anastomotic techniques:Hand suturing,stapling,and compression devices

The development of intestinal anastomosis techniques,including hand suturing,stapling,and compression anastomoses,has been a significant advancement in surgical practice.These methods aim to prevent leakage and minimize tissue fibrosis,which can lead to stricture formation.The healing process involves various phases:hemostasis and inflammation,proliferation,and remodeling.Mechanical staplers and sutures can cause inflammation and fibrosis due to the release of profibrotic chemokines.Compression anastomosis devices,including those made of nickel-titanium alloy,offer a minimally invasive option for various surgical challenges and have shown safety and efficacy.However,despite advancements,anastomotic techniques are evaluated based on leakage risk,with complications being a primary concern.Newer devices like Magnamosis use magnetic rings for compression anastomosis,demonstrating greater strength and patency compared to stapling.Magnetic technology is also being explored for other medical treatments.While there are promising results,particularly in animal models,the realworld application in humans is limited,and further research is needed to assess their safety and practicality.

Predictive modeling for postoperative delirium in elderly patients with abdominal malignancies using synthetic minority oversampling technique

BACKGROUND Postoperative delirium,particularly prevalent in elderly patients after abdominal cancer surgery,presents significant challenges in clinical management.AIM To develop a synthetic minority oversampling technique(SMOTE)-based model for predicting postoperative delirium in elderly abdominal cancer patients.METHODS In this retrospective cohort study,we analyzed data from 611 elderly patients who underwent abdominal malignant tumor surgery at our hospital between September 2020 and October 2022.The incidence of postoperative delirium was recorded for 7 d post-surgery.Patients were divided into delirium and non-delirium groups based on the occurrence of postoperative delirium or not.A multivariate logistic regression model was used to identify risk factors and develop a predictive model for postoperative delirium.The SMOTE technique was applied to enhance the model by oversampling the delirium cases.The model’s predictive accuracy was then validated.RESULTS In our study involving 611 elderly patients with abdominal malignant tumors,multivariate logistic regression analysis identified significant risk factors for postoperative delirium.These included the Charlson comorbidity index,American Society of Anesthesiologists classification,history of cerebrovascular disease,surgical duration,perioperative blood transfusion,and postoperative pain score.The incidence rate of postoperative delirium in our study was 22.91%.The original predictive model(P1)exhibited an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.862.In comparison,the SMOTE-based logistic early warning model(P2),which utilized the SMOTE oversampling algorithm,showed a slightly lower but comparable area under the curve of 0.856,suggesting no significant difference in performance between the two predictive approaches.CONCLUSION This study confirms that the SMOTE-enhanced predictive model for postoperative delirium in elderly abdominal tumor patients shows performance equivalent to that of traditional methods,effectively addressing data imbalance.

Exploring battery material failure mechanisms through synchrotron X-ray characterization techniques

Rechargeable battery cycling performance and related safety have been persistent concerns.It is crucial to decipher the capacity fading induced by electrode material failure via a range of techniques.Among these,synchrotron-based X-ray techniques with high flux and brightness play a key role in understanding degradation mechanisms.In this comprehensive review,we summarize recent advancements in degra-dation modes and mechanisms that were revealed by synchrotron X-ray methodologies.Subsequently,an overview of X-ray absorption spectroscopy and X-ray scattering techniques is introduced for charac-terizing failure phenomena at local coordination atomic environment and long-range order crystal struc-ture scale,respectively.At last,we envision the future of exploring material failure mechanism.

Recent advances in cobalt phosphide-based materials for electrocatalytic water splitting:From catalytic mechanism and synthesis method to optimization design

Electrochemical water splitting has long been considered an effective energy conversion technology for trans-ferring intermittent renewable electricity into hydrogen fuel,and the exploration of cost-effective and high-performance electrocatalysts is crucial in making electrolyzed water technology commercially viable.Cobalt phosphide(Co-P)has emerged as a catalyst of high potential owing to its high catalytic activity and durability in water splitting.This paper systematically reviews the latest advances in the development of Co-P-based materials for use in water splitting.The essential effects of P in enhancing the catalytic performance of the hydrogen evolution reaction and oxygen evolution reaction are first outlined.Then,versatile synthesis techniques for Co-P electrocatalysts are summarized,followed by advanced strategies to enhance the electrocatalytic performance of Co-P materials,including heteroatom doping,composite construction,integration with well-conductive sub-strates,and structure control from the viewpoint of experiment.Along with these optimization strategies,the understanding of the inherent mechanism of enhanced catalytic performance is also discussed.Finally,some existing challenges in the development of highly active and stable Co-P-based materials are clarified,and pro-spective directions for prompting the wide commercialization of water electrolysis technology are proposed.

ODE CONVERSION TECHNIQUES AND THEIR APPLICATIONS IN COMPUTATIONAL MECHANICS

In this paper,a number of ordinary differential equation(ODE)conversion techniques for trans- formation of nonstandard ODE boundary value problems into standard forms are summarised,together with their applications to a variety of boundary value problems in computational solid mechanics,such as eigenvalue problem,geometrical and material nonlinear problem,elastic contact problem and optimal design problems through some simple and representative examples,The advantage of such approach is that various ODE bounda- ry value problems in computational mechanics can be solved effectively in a unified manner by invoking a stand- ard ODE solver.