The underlying mechanism of variety–water–nitrogen–stubble damage interactions on yield formation in ratoon rice with low stubble height under mechanized harvesting

Agronomic measures are the key to promote the sustainable development of ratoon rice by reducing the damage from mechanical crushing to the residual stubble of the main crop, thereby mitigating the impact on axillary bud sprouting and yield formation in ratoon rice. This study used widely recommended conventional rice Jiafuzhan and hybrid rice Yongyou 2640 as the test materials to conduct a four-factor block design field experiment in a greenhouse of the experimental farm of Fujian Agricultural and Forestry University, China from 2018 to 2019.The treatments included fertilization and no fertilization, alternate wetting and drying irrigation and continuous water flooding irrigation, and plots with and without artificial crushing damage on the rice stubble. At the same time, a 13C stable isotope in-situ detection technology was used to fertilize the pot experiment. The results showed significant interactions among varieties, water management, nitrogen application and stubble status.Relative to the long-term water flooding treatment, the treatment with sequential application of nitrogen fertilizer coupled with moderate field drought for root-vigor and tiller promotion before and after harvesting of the main crop, significantly improved the effective tillers from low position nodes. This in turn increased the effective panicles per plant and grains per panicle by reducing the influence of artificial crushing damage on rice stubble and achieving a high yield of the regenerated rice. Furthermore, the partitioning of 13C assimilates to the residual stubble and its axillary buds were significantly improved at the mature stage of the main crop, while the translocation rate to roots and rhizosphere soil was reduced at the later growth stage of ratooning season rice. This was triggered by the metabolism of hormones and polyamines at the stem base regulated by the interaction of water and fertilizer at this time. We therefore suggest that to achieve a high yield of ratoon rice with low stubble height under mechanized harvesting, the timely application of nitrogen fertilizer is fundamental,coupled with moderate field drying for root-vigor preservation and tiller promotion before and after the mechanical harvesting of the main crop.

Deformation mechanism and roof pre-splitting control technology of gob-side entry in thick hard main roof full-mechanized longwall caving panel

This paper explores the deformation mechanism and control technology of roof pre-splitting for gob-side entries in hard roof full-mechanized longwall caving panel(LTCC).The investigation utilizes a comprehensive approach that integrates field monitoring,theoretical analysis,and numerical simulation.Theoretical analysis has illuminated the influence of the length of the lateral cantilever beam of the main roof(LCBM)above the roadway on the stability of the gob-side entry behind the panel.Numerical simulations have further revealed that the longer LCBM results in heightened vertical stress within the coal pillar,developed cracks around the roadway,and more pronounced damage to the roadway.Moreover,numerical simulations also demonstrate the potential of roof pre-splitting technology in optimizing the fracture position of the hard roof.This technology significantly reduces the length of the LCBM,thereby alleviating stress concentration in the coal pillars and integrated coal rib while minimizing the destruction of the gob-side entry.Therefore,this manuscript first proposes the use of roof pre-splitting technology to control roadway deformation,and automatically retain the entry within a hard roof LTCC panel.Field implementation has demonstrated that the proposed automatically retained entry by roof pre-splitting technology effectively reduces gob-side entry deformation and achieves automatically retained entry.

An ecological value evaluation method based on ecological restoration:A case study of the Saihanba Mechanized Forest Farm in Chengde City

As China continues to develop its ecological civilization,it is crucial to quantitatively assess the ecological value to understand its potential impact on regional sustainable development.While previous studies have highlighted the importance of ecological value,they have not fully reflected the value of ecological restoration work or considered social costs and benefits,lacking a people-centered approach.Hence,this study analyzes the essence of ecological value from the perspective of sustainable development.By studying emblematic ecological restoration areas such as the Saihanba Mechanized Forest Farm in Chengde City,it aims to identify the significance of ecological restoration efforts in enhancing regional sustainable development capacity.The results underscore the necessity of comprehensively considering the value chain from ecological construction to ecological output,highlighting the value of ecological restoration in the ecological construction process as well as the well-being of people in the ecological output process.This approach assigns more economic and humanistic attributes to ecological value,thereby better serving the development of ecological restoration areas.

Contribution of mechanical forces to structural synaptic plasticity:insights from 3D cellular motility mechanisms

Cells,tissues,and organs are constantly subjected to the action of mechanical forces from the extracellular environment-and the nervous system is no exception.Cell-intrinsic properties such as membrane lipid composition,abundance of mechanosensors,and cytoskeletal dynamics make cells more or less likely to sense these forces.Intrinsic and extrinsic cues are integrated by cells and this combined information determines the rate and dynamics of membrane protrusion growth or retraction(Yamada and Sixt,2019).Cell protrusions are extensions of the plasma membrane that play crucial roles in diverse contexts such as cell migration and neuronal synapse formation.In the nervous system,neurons are highly dynamic cells that can change the size and number of their pre-and postsynaptic elements(called synaptic boutons and dendritic spines,respectively),in response to changes in the levels of synaptic activity through a process called plasticity.Synaptic plasticity is a hallmark of the nervous system and is present throughout our lives,being required for functions like memory formation or the learning of new motor skills(Minegishi et al.,2023;Pillai and Franze,2024).

Gut-brain axis as a bridge in obesity and depression:Mechanistic exploration and therapeutic prospects

A recent study by Wang et al,published in the World Journal of Psychiatry,provided preventative and therapeutic strategies for the comorbidity of obesity and depression.The gut-brain axis,which acts as a two-way communication system between the gastrointestinal tract and the central nervous system,plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of these conditions.Evidence suggests that metabolic byproducts,such as short-chain fatty acids,lipopolysaccharide and bile acids,which are generated by the gut microbiota,along with neurotransmitters and inflammatory mediators within the gut-brain axis,modulate the host's metabolic processes,neuronal regulation,and immune responses through diverse mechanisms.The interaction between obesity and depression via the gut-brain axis involves disruptions in the gut microbiota balance,inflammatory immune responses,and alterations in the neuroendocrine system.Modulating the gut-brain axis,for example,through a ketogenic diet,the use of probiotics,and the supplementation of antioxidants,offers new remedial approaches for obesity and depression.Future research that explores the mechanisms of the gut-brain axis is needed to provide more evidence for clinical treatment.

Robust interface and excellent as-built mechanical properties of Ti–6Al–4V fabricated through laser-aided additive manufacturing with powder and wire

The feasibility of manufacturing Ti-6Al-4V samples through a combination of laser-aided additive manufacturing with powder(LAAM_(p))and wire(LAAM_(w))was explored.A process study was first conducted to successfully circumvent defects in Ti-6Al-4V deposits for LAAM_(p) and LAAM_(w),respectively.With the optimized process parameters,robust interfaces were achieved between powder/wire deposits and the forged substrate,as well as between powder and wire deposits.Microstructure characterization results revealed the epitaxial prior β grains in the deposited Ti-6Al-4V,wherein the powder deposit was dominated by a finerα′microstructure and the wire deposit was characterized by lamellar α phases.The mechanisms of microstructure formation and correlation with mechanical behavior were analyzed and discussed.The mechanical properties of the interfacial samples can meet the requirements of the relevant Aerospace Material Specifications(AMS 6932)even without post heat treatment.No fracture occurred within the interfacial area,further suggesting the robust interface.The findings of this study highlighted the feasibility of combining LAAM_(p) and LAAM_(w) in the direct manufacturing of Ti-6Al-4V parts in accordance with the required dimensional resolution and deposition rate,together with sound strength and ductility balance in the as-built condition.

Effects of the extrusion parameters on microstructure,texture and room temperature mechanical properties of extruded Mg-2.49Nd-1.82Gd-0.2Zn-0.2Zr alloy

Microstructure,texture,and mechanical properties of the extruded Mg-2.49Nd-1.82Gd-0.2Zn-0.2Zr alloy were investigated at different extrusion temperatures(260 and 320℃),extrusion ratios(10:1,15:1,and 30:1),and extrusion speeds(3 and 6 mm/s).The experimental results exhibited that the grain sizes after extrusion were much finer than that of the homogenized alloy,and the second phase showed streamline distribution along the extrusion direction(ED).With extrusion temperature increased from 260 to 320℃,the microstructure,texture,and mechanical properties of alloys changed slightly.The dynamic recrystallization(DRX)degree and grain sizes enhanced as the extrusion ratio increased from 10:1 to 30:1,and the strength gradually decreased but elongation(EL)increased.With the extrusion speed increased from 3 to 6 mm/s,the grain sizes and DRX degree increased significantly,and the samples presented the typical<2111>-<1123>rare-earth(RE)textures.The alloy extruded at 260℃ with extrusion ratio of 10:1 and extrusion speed of 3 mm/s showed the tensile yield strength(TYS)of 213 MPa and EL of 30.6%.After quantitatively analyzing the contribution of strengthening mechanisms,it was found that the grain boundary strengthening and dislocation strengthening played major roles among strengthening contributions.These results provide some guidelines for enlarging the industrial application of extruded Mg-RE alloy.

Curcumin in gastric cancer treatment:A commentary on mechanistic insights and future directions

The study by Yang et al presents a comprehensive investigation into the thera-peutic potential of curcumin for gastric cancer(GC).Using network pharma-cology,the researchers identified 48 curcumin-related genes,31 of which overlap with GC targets.Key genes,including ESR1,EGFR,CYP3A4,MAPK14,CYP1A2,and CYP2B6,are linked to poor survival in GC patients.Molecular docking con-firmed strong binding affinity of curcumin to these genes.In vitro experiments demonstrated that curcumin effectively inhibits the growth and proliferation of BGC-823,suggesting its therapeutic potential in GC through multiple targets and pathways.

Decoding molecular mechanisms:brain aging and Alzheimer's disease

The complex morphological,anatomical,physiological,and chemical mechanisms within the aging brain have been the hot topic of research for centuries.The aging process alters the brain structure that affects functions and cognitions,but the worsening of such processes contributes to the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders,such as Alzheimer's disease.Beyond these observable,mild morphological shifts,significant functional modifications in neurotransmission and neuronal activity critically influence the aging brain.Understanding these changes is important for maintaining cognitive health,especially given the increasing prevalence of age-related conditions that affect cognition.This review aims to explore the age-induced changes in brain plasticity and molecular processes,differentiating normal aging from the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease,thereby providing insights into predicting the risk of dementia,particularly Alzheimer's disease.

Pyroptosis,ferroptosis,and autophagy in spinal cord injury:regulatory mechanisms and therapeutic targets

Regulated cell death is a form of cell death that is actively controlled by biomolecules.Several studies have shown that regulated cell death plays a key role after spinal cord injury.Pyroptosis and ferroptosis are newly discovered types of regulated cell deaths that have been shown to exacerbate inflammation and lead to cell death in damaged spinal cords.Autophagy,a complex form of cell death that is interconnected with various regulated cell death mechanisms,has garnered significant attention in the study of spinal cord injury.This injury triggers not only cell death but also cellular survival responses.Multiple signaling pathways play pivotal roles in influencing the processes of both deterioration and repair in spinal cord injury by regulating pyroptosis,ferroptosis,and autophagy.Therefore,this review aims to comprehensively examine the mechanisms underlying regulated cell deaths,the signaling pathways that modulate these mechanisms,and the potential therapeutic targets for spinal cord injury.Our analysis suggests that targeting the common regulatory signaling pathways of different regulated cell deaths could be a promising strategy to promote cell survival and enhance the repair of spinal cord injury.Moreover,a holistic approach that incorporates multiple regulated cell deaths and their regulatory pathways presents a promising multi-target therapeutic strategy for the management of spinal cord injury.

Dynamic Interaction Analysis of Coupled Axial-Torsional-Lateral Mechanical Vibrations in Rotary Drilling Systems

Maintaining the integrity and longevity of structures is essential in many industries,such as aerospace,nuclear,and petroleum.To achieve the cost-effectiveness of large-scale systems in petroleum drilling,a strong emphasis on structural durability and monitoring is required.This study focuses on the mechanical vibrations that occur in rotary drilling systems,which have a substantial impact on the structural integrity of drilling equipment.The study specifically investigates axial,torsional,and lateral vibrations,which might lead to negative consequences such as bit-bounce,chaotic whirling,and high-frequency stick-slip.These events not only hinder the efficiency of drilling but also lead to exhaustion and harm to the system’s components since they are difficult to be detected and controlled in real time.The study investigates the dynamic interactions of these vibrations,specifically in their high-frequency modes,usingfield data obtained from measurement while drilling.Thefindings have demonstrated the effect of strong coupling between the high-frequency modes of these vibrations on drilling sys-tem performance.The obtained results highlight the importance of considering the interconnected impacts of these vibrations when designing and implementing robust control systems.Therefore,integrating these compo-nents can increase the durability of drill bits and drill strings,as well as improve the ability to monitor and detect damage.Moreover,by exploiting thesefindings,the assessment of structural resilience in rotary drilling systems can be enhanced.Furthermore,the study demonstrates the capacity of structural health monitoring to improve the quality,dependability,and efficiency of rotary drilling systems in the petroleum industry.

Mechanized Seed Production of Xinhunyou No.6 through Mixed Seeding of Parents' Seeds

Hybrid rice Xinhunyou No. 6 could be cultivated by mixing male and fe- male parents and performing seedling raising followed by transplanting, mechanical planting or mechanical direct seeding according to the production methods of com- mercial rice. During flowering stage, leaf cutting, application of ＂920＂ and pollination were conducted; after pollination, bentazon with a certain concentration was sprayed to kill the male parent; and the hybrid rice was harvested mechanically. Before storage, color separation was performed to remove little remaining male parent, thereby achieving whole-process mechanization of hybrid rice seed production. This study introduced mechanized seed production of Xinhunyou No. 6 through mixed- seeding from the aspects including mechanical direct seeding, seeding raising fol- lowed by transplanting and mechanical planting.

Strategies and Suggestions for the Development of Mechanized Rapeseed Production in Sichuan

Mechanization is the future direction of rapeseed production in Sichuan. A series of technology tests for rapeseed mechanized production have been carried out in terms of variety selection, key agronomic measures and machinery in the main production area of Sichuan in recent years. In the research, the agronomic techniques, including variety selection for mechanical production, key agronomic measures and mechanical harvesting were analyzed. Based on the present condi- tions, strategy and suggestions for the development of mechanized rapeseed produc- tion in Sichuan also were presented.

Research Progress on Mechanized Mixed Sowing Seed Production Technology of Hybrid Rice

Hybrid rice planting has been widely popularized and applied in the world. However, the high cost of seed production and the complicated procedures have become a bottleneck in the development of hybrid rice. The research progress on mixed sowing seed production techniques of hybrid rice was introduced from the aspects of rice resources creation, breeding, sowing seed technology research and cost benefit analysis. The production technology of the new mixed seeding combina- tion ＂Xinhunyou 6＂ was investigated, including the research and validation of benta- zon treatment period and dosage, mixing ratio of male and female parents, and the comparative test of different different sowing methods, which revealed that the mechanization technology of seed production of hybrid rice was mature and feasible and would be one of the most important development trend of technological devel- opment of hybrid rice production.

Breeding and Mechanized Cultivation of the New Bulk Purple Yam Variety Suyu 2

The new bulk purple yam variety Suyu 2,which had high quality,efficiency and was suitable for production in a highly mechanized cultivation,was bred by special and was suitable for whole-course mechanized cultivation.Integrated with agricultural machinery and agricultural trait,four kinds of machines produced by two factories from Jiangsu and Shandong could complete 10 kinds of main production processes,including rotary tillage,ridging,sowing,intertillage,topdressing,drug delivery,weeding,hilling,vine cutting and harvest.The work efficiency of single machine was 4-5 hm^2/d,and the production pattern got the cost saving and effectiveness increasing in the main yam producing area.The benefit reached over RMB 37500 yuan/hm^2 in special vegetable area.It was simple,feasible and easy to popularize the mechanization cultivation technique.

Effects of Mechanized Transplanting and Fertilization Mode on Population Growth and Development of Male Parent in Seed Production of Hybrid Rice

In order to study the effects of mechanized transplanting and fertilization mode on population growth and development of the male parent in seed production of hybrid rice, three male parents, Huazhan, Shuhui 527 and R9311 were selected as materials. The male parents were transplanted by rice transplanter with two kinds of line spacing design, six lines with equal row spacing （20/25 cm x 30 cm） and wide and narrow spacing （20/25 cm x 40, 20 cm）, and artificial transplanting with equal row spacing （20/25 cm x 30 cm） was set as the control. The three fer- tilization modes were applying for one, two and three times. The flowering stage and panicle-spikelet structure of the male parent were investigated. The results showed that the effects of mechanized transplanting and fertilization mode were little on the duration from seeding to heading; the panicles and spikelets of the three male parents were significantly increased by mechanized transplanting. The tiller number was increased by mechanized transplanting and fertilizing for two and three times. Wide and narrow spacing by machine planting and fertilizing for three times were suitable for Huazhan, which significantly increased the number of spikelets per unit area. Furthermore, the number of spikelets per unit area of Shuhui 527 and R9311 were significantly increased by mechanized transplanting and fertilizing for three times.

Effects of Farming and Seedling-raising Methods on Population Growth and Grain Yield of Mechanized Transplanting Rice

The effects of farming method, rice variety and seedling-raising method were studied on the population growth quality and grain yield of the mechanized transplanting rice by way of three-factor split plot design. The results showed that the no-tillage mechanical transplanting treatment was poorer than the conventional mechanical transplanting treatment in transplanting quality in general, but the former was similar to the latter in population growth quality. In regard to grain yield, the no-tillage mechanical transplanting treatment was lower than the conventional me- chanical transplanting treatment. Raising both pot-mat seedling and plastic-tray seedling did not make much difference in population growth and grain yield of mechanized transplanting rice, so both of the seedling-raising methods can be adopted according to practical conditions.

Effects of Key Agricultural Measures of Mechanized Direct Seeding Technology on Rapeseed Yield in Chengdu Plain

Mechanized direct sowing of rapeseed is a labor-saving and highly-efficient culture technique. In order to explore high-yield cultivation techniques suitable for Chengdu Plain, effects of several key agronomic measures＇, such as sowing date, density and N fertilizers, on development and yield formation were studied by strip and split plot experiment of three factors. The research showed that optimal condi- tions for direct seeding technology can be achieved provided with scientific sowing date, density and appropriate N fertilizers, and the research showed that rapeseed yield reached the peak at 320 g/m2, when sowing date was on September 3th, sow- ing density was 30 plant/m2, and nitrogen fertilizer was 27 g/m2.

Comparison of yield traits in rice among three mechanized planting methods in a rice-wheat rotation system

Understanding the differences in yield traits of rice among pothole seedling of mechanical transplanting （PSMT）, carpet seedling of mechanical transplanting （CSMT） and mechanical direct seeding （MDS） is of great importance not only for rice scientists but also for rice farmers to develop a high-yield production system under mechanical conditions in a rice-wheat rotation system. However, such traits are yet to be studied among rice varieties ofjaponica-indica hybrid rice （JIHR）,japonica conventional rice （JCR） and indica hybrid rice （IHR）. Field experiments were conducted in 2014 and 2015, where six cultivars of the three rice types JIHR, JCR and IHR were grown individually with PSMT, CSMT and MDS methods, under respective managements for each method to achieve the maximum attainable yield. Results showed that （i） the PSMT significantly increased grain yield of JIHR by 22.0 and 7.1%, of JCR by 15.6 and 3.7% and of I HR by 22.5 and 7.4%, compared to MDS and CSMT on average across the two years, respectively. The highest yield was produced by the combination of JIHR and PSMT; （ii） high yield under PSMT was mainly attributed to large sink capacity and high-efficient dry matter accumulation. With sufficient panicles per hectare, the increase of spikelet number per panicle, especially the increase in spikelet number of the secondary rachis-branches was determined to be the optimal approach for developing a large sink capacity for rice under PSMT. The optimal tillers development, large leaf area index at heading stage, and high leaf area duration, crop growth rate and net assimilation rate during grain-filling phase could be the cause of sufficient dry matter accumulation for rice under PSMT; （iii） moreover, the PSMT favored plant growth as well as enriched the stems plus sheaths during grain-filling phase, as compared with CSMT and MDS. These results suggest that PSMT may be an alternative approach to increasing grain yield in a rice-wheat rotation system in the lower reaches of the Yangtze River in China.

Development and prospect on fully mechanized mining in Chinese coal mines

Fully mechanized mining(FMM)technology has been applied in Chinese coal mines for more than 40 years.At present,the output of a FMM face has reached 10-million tons with Chinese-made equipment.In this study,the new developments in FMM technology and equipment in Chinese coal mines during past decades are introduced.The automatic FMM technology for thin seams,complete sets of FMM technology with ultra large shear height of 7 m for thick seams,complete sets of fully mechanized top coal caving technology with large shear height for ultra-thick seams of 20 m,complete sets of FMM technology for complex and difficult seams,including steeply inclined seams,soft coal seams with large inclination angle,and the mechanized filling mining technology and equipment are presented.Some typical case studies are also introduced.Finally,the existing problems with the FMM technology are discussed,and prospect of FMM technology and equipment applied in Chinese coal mines is put forward.