HOMOGENIZATION,SYMMETRY,AND PERIODIZATION IN DIFFUSIVE RANDOM MEDIA

We present a systematic study of homogenization of diffusion in random me- dia with emphasis on tile-based random microstructures. We give detailed examples of several such media starting from their physical descriptions, then construct the associated probability spaces and verify their ergodicity. After a discussion of material symmetries of random media, we derive criteria for the isotropy of the homogenized limits in tile-based structures. ~rthermore, we study the periodization Mgorithm for the numerical approxi- mation of the homogenized diffusion tensor and study the algorithm＇s rate of convergence. For one dimensional tile-based media, we prove a central limit result, giving a concrete rate of convergence for periodization. We also provide numerical evidence for a similar central limit behavior in the case of two dimensional tile-based structures.

The neutrophil–osteogenic cell axis promotes bone destruction in periodontitis

The immune-stromal cell interactions play a key role in health and diseases. In periodontitis, the most prevalent infectious disease in humans, immune cells accumulate in the oral mucosa and promote bone destruction by inducing receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) expression in osteogenic cells such as osteoblasts and periodontal ligament cells. However, the detailed mechanism underlying immune–bone cell interactions in periodontitis is not fully understood. Here, we performed single-cell RNAsequencing analysis on mouse periodontal lesions and showed that neutrophil–osteogenic cell crosstalk is involved in periodontitis-induced bone loss. The periodontal lesions displayed marked infiltration of neutrophils, and in silico analyses suggested that the neutrophils interacted with osteogenic cells through cytokine production. Among the cytokines expressed in the periodontal neutrophils, oncostatin M (OSM) potently induced RANKL expression in the primary osteoblasts, and deletion of the OSM receptor in osteogenic cells significantly ameliorated periodontitis-induced bone loss. Epigenomic data analyses identified the OSM-regulated RANKL enhancer region in osteogenic cells, and mice lacking this enhancer showed decreased periodontal bone loss while maintaining physiological bone metabolism. These findings shed light on the role of neutrophils in bone regulation during bacterial infection, highlighting the novel mechanism underlying osteoimmune crosstalk.

Preweaning period is a critical window for rumen microbial regulation of average daily gain in Holstein heifer calves

Background Rumen bacterial groups can affect growth performance,such as average daily gain(ADG),feed intake,and efficiency.The study aimed to investigate the inter-relationship of rumen bacterial composition,rumen fermentation indicators,serum indicators,and growth performance of Holstein heifer calves with different ADG.Twelve calves were chosen from a trail with 60 calves and divided into higher ADG(HADG,high pre-and post-weaning ADG,n=6)and lower ADG(LADG,low pre-and post-weaning ADG,n=6)groups to investigate differences in bacterial composition and functions and host phenotype.Results During the preweaning period,the relative abundances of propionate producers,including g_norank_f_Butyricicoccaceae,g_Pyramidobacter,and g_norank_f_norank_o_Clostridia_vadin BB60_group,were higher in HADG calves(LDA>2,P<0.05).Enrichment of these bacteria resulted in increased levels of propionate,a gluconeogenic precursor,in preweaning HADG calves(adjusted P<0.05),which consequently raised serum glucose concentrations(adjusted P<0.05).In contrast,the relative abundances of rumen bacteria in post-weaning HADG calves did not exert this effect.Moreover,no significant differences were observed in rumen fermentation parameters and serum indices between the two groups.Conclusions The findings of this study revealed that the preweaning period is the window of opportunity for rumen bacteria to regulate the ADG of calves.

Multiple enrichment mechanisms of organic matter in the Fengcheng Formation of Mahu Sag,Junggar Basin,NW China

Based on core and thin section data,the source rock samples from the Fengcheng Formation in the Mahu Sag of the Junggar Basin were analyzed in terms of zircon SIMS U-Pb geochronology,organic carbon isotopic composition,major and trace element contents,as well as petrology.Two zircon U-Pb ages of(306.0±5.2)Ma and(303.5±3.7)Ma were obtained from the first member of the Fengcheng Formation.Combined with carbon isotopic stratigraphy,it is inferred that the depositional age of the Fengcheng Formation is about 297-306 Ma,spanning the Carboniferous-Permian boundary and corresponding to the interglacial period between C4 and P1 glacial events.Multiple increases in Hg/TOC ratios and altered volcanic ash were found in the shale rocks of the Fengcheng Formation,indicating that multiple phases of volcanic activity occurred during its deposition.An interval with a high B/Ga ratio was found in the middle of the second member of the Fengcheng Formation,associated with the occurrence of evaporite minerals and reedmergnerite,indicating that the high salinity of the water mass was related to hydrothermal activity.Comprehensive analysis suggests that the warm and humid climate during the deposition of Fengcheng Formation is conducive to the growth of organic matter such as algae and bacteria in the lake,and accelerates the continental weathering,driving the input of nutrients.Volcanic activities supply a large amount of nutrients and stimulate primary productivity.The warm climate and high salinity are conducive to water stratification,leading to water anoxia that benefits organic matter preservation.The above factors interact and jointly control the enrichment of organic matter in the Fengcheng Formation of Mahu Sag.

Perioperative cardiac risks in myasthenia gravis

Myasthenia gravis(MG)is an autoimmune disorder that affects the neuromuscular junction.The primary pathology in MG involves the presence of autoantibodies to acetylcholine receptors(AChRs),which results in qualitative and quantitative reductions in the availability of functional AChRs.Cardiac muscles are also affected,resulting in various perioperative cardiac complications.Antistriational antibodies are commonly reported in MG cases with cardiac involvement.In the presence of thymoma,the prevalence of cardiac manifestations in patients with MG increases to approximately 10%-15%.Cardiac involvement in MG may range from asymptomatic electrocardiogram changes to ventricular tachycardia,myocarditis,conduction disorders,heart failure,and sudden death.Increased incidence of atrial fibrillation,ventricular and supraventricular extra systoles,and prolonged QTc have also been reported in patients with MG.Clinicians should consider the evaluation of autonomic dysfunction and risk of cardiovascular disease in patients with MG.

ON THE STABILITY OF PERIODIC SOLUTIONS OF PIECEWISE SMOOTH PERIODIC DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS

In this paper,we address the stability of periodic solutions of piecewise smooth periodic differential equations.By studying the Poincarémap,we give a sufficient condition to judge the stability of a periodic solution.We also present examples of some applications.

Tim4 deficiency reduces CD301b+macrophage and aggravates periodontitis bone loss

Periodontitis is a common chronic inflammatory disease that causes the periodontal bone destruction and may ultimately result in tooth loss.With the progression of periodontitis,the osteoimmunology microenvironment in periodontitis is damaged and leads to the formation of pathological alveolar bone resorption.CD301b^(+)macrophages are specific to the osteoimmunology microenvironment,and are emerging as vital booster for conducting bone regeneration.However,the key upstream targets of CD301b^(+)macrophages and their potential mechanism in periodontitis remain elusive.In this study,we concentrated on the role of Tim4,a latent upstream regulator of CD301b^(+)macrophages.We first demonstrated that the transcription level of Timd4(gene name of Tim4)in CD301b^(+)macrophages was significantly upregulated compared to CD301b^(-) macrophages via high-throughput RNA sequencing.Moreover,several Tim4-related functions such as apoptotic cell clearance,phagocytosis and engulfment were positively regulated by CD301b^(+)macrophages.The single-cell RNA sequencing analysis subsequently discovered that Cd301b and Timd4 were specifically co-expressed in macrophages.The following flow cytometric analysis indicated that Tim4 positive expression rates in total macrophages shared highly synchronized dynamic changes with the proportions of CD301b^(+)macrophages as periodontitis progressed.Furthermore,the deficiency of Tim4 in mice decreased CD301b^(+)macrophages and eventually magnified alveolar bone resorption in periodontitis.Additionally,Tim4 controlled the p38 MAPK signaling pathway to ultimately mediate CD301b^(+)macrophages phenotype.In a word,Tim4 might regulate CD301b^(+)macrophages through p38 MAPK signaling pathway in periodontitis,which provided new insights into periodontitis immunoregulation as well as help to develop innovative therapeutic targets and treatment strategies for periodontitis.

A molecular insight into coke formation process of vacuum residue in thermal cracking reaction

Understanding the coking behaviors has been considered to be really essential for developing better vacuum residue processing technologies.A battery of thermal cracking tests of typical vacuum residue at 410℃ with various reaction time were performed to evaluate the coke formation process.The total yields of ideal components including naphtha,atmospheric gas oil(AGO)and vacuum gas oil(VGO)of thermal cracking reactions increased from 10.89%to 40.81%,and the conversion ratios increased from8.05%to 43.33%with increasing the reaction time from 10 to 70 min.The asphaltene content increased from 12.14%to a maximum of 22.39%and then decreased,and this maximum of asphaltene content occurred at the end of the coking induction period.The asphaltenes during the coking induction period,at the end and after coking induction period of those tested thermal cracking reactions were characterized to disclose the structure changing rules for coke formation process,and the coke formation pathways were discussed to reveal the coke formation process at molecular level.

Tuning Second Chern Number in a Four-Dimensional Topological Insulator by High-Frequency Time-Periodic Driving

Floquet engineering has attracted considerable attention as a promising approach for tuning topological phase transitions.We investigate the effects of high-frequency time-periodic driving in a four-dimensional(4D)topological insulator,focusing on topological phase transitions at the off-resonant quasienergy gap.The 4D topological insulator hosts gapless three-dimensional boundary states,characterized by the second Chern number C_(2).We demonstrate that the second Chern number of 4D topological insulators can be modulated by tuning the amplitude of time-periodic driving.This includes transitions from a topological phase with C_(2)=±3 to another topological phase with C_(2)=±1,or to a topological phase with an even second Chern number C_(2)=±2,which is absent in the 4D static system.Finally,the approximation theory in the high-frequency limit further confirms the numerical conclusions.

Further study on the genesis of lamellar calcite veins in lacustrine black shale--A case study of Paleogene in Dongying Depression, China

Lamellar calcite veins are prevalent in carbonate-rich,lacustrine dark shale.The formation mechanisms of these veins have been extensively debated,focusing on factors such as timing,depth,material source,and driving forces.This paper examines dark lacustrine shale lamellar calcite veins in the Paleogene strata of Dongying Depression,using various analytical techniques:petrography,isotope geochemistry,cathodoluminescence,inclusion thermometry,and electron probe micro-analysis.Two distinct types of calcite veins have been identified:granular calcite veins and sparry calcite veins.These two types differ significantly in color,grain structure,morphology,and inclusions.Through further investigation,it was observed that vein generation occurred from the shallow burial period to the maturation of organic matter,with a transition from granular calcite veins to sparry calcite veins.The granular calcite veins exhibit characteristics associated with the shallow burial period,including plastically deformed laminae and veins,the development of strawberry pyrite,the absence of oil and gas,weak fractionation in oxygen isotopes,and their contact relationship with sparry calcite veins.These granular calcite veins were likely influenced by the reduction of sulfate bacteria.On the other hand,sparry calcite veins with fibrous grains are antitaxial and closely linked to the evolution and maturation of organic matter.They contain oil and gas inclusions and show a distribution range of homogenization temperature between 90℃ and 120℃ and strong fractionation in oxygen isotopes,indicating formation during the hydrocarbon expulsion period.The carbon isotope analysis of the surrounding rocks and veins suggests that the material for vein formation originates from the shale itself,specifically authigenic micritic calcite modified by the action of methanogens.The opening of horizontal fractures and vein formation is likely driven by fluid overpressure resulting from undercompaction and hydrocarbon expulsion.Veins may form rapidly or through multi-stage composite processes.Early veins are predominantly formed in situ,while late veins are a result of continuous fluid migration and convergence.Furthermore,the veins continue to undergo modification even after formation.This study emphasizes that the formation of lamellar calcite veins in shale is a complex diagenetic process influenced by multiple factors:biology,organic matter,and inorganic processes,all operating at various stages throughout the shale's diagenetic history.

Repeated inoculation with rumen fluid accelerates the rumen bacterial transition with no benefit on production performance in postpartum Holstein dairy cows

Background The dairy cow’s postpartum period is characterized by dramatic physiological changes,therefore imposing severe challenges on the animal for maintaining health and milk output.The dynamics of the ruminal microbiota are also tremendous and may play a crucial role in lactation launch.We aim to investigate the potential benefits of early microbial intervention by fresh rumen microbiota transplantation(RMT)and sterile RMT in postpartum dairy cows.Twelve fistulated peak-lactation dairy cows were selected to be the donors for rumen fluid collection.Thirty postpartum cows were divided into 3 groups as the transplantation receptors respectively receiving 10 L fresh rumen fluid(FR),10 L sterile rumen fluid(SR),or 10 L saline(CON)during 3 d after calving.Results Production performance,plasma indices,plasma lipidome,ruminal microbiome,and liver transcriptome were recorded.After fresh and sterile RMT,we found that the molar proportion of propionic acid was increased on d 7 in the FR and SR groups and the bacterial composition was also significantly changed when compared with the CON group.A similarity analysis showed that the similarities between the CON group and FR or SR group on d 7 were 48.40%or 47.85%,whereas the similarities between microbiota on d 7 and 21 in the FR and SR groups were 68.34%or 66.85%.Dry matter intake and feed efficiency were not affected by treatments.Plasmaβ-hydroxybutyrate concentration in the FR group was decreased and significantly different lipids mainly included phosphatidylcholine and lysophosphatidylcholine containing polyunsaturated fatty acids.Hepatic transcriptomics analysis indicated acutephase response pathways were upregulated in the SR group.Conclusions Our study suggests that RMT can shorten the transition process of the ruminal microbiota of postpartum dairy cows with no benefit on dry matter intake or feed efficiency.Inoculation with rumen fluid may not be a useful approach to promote the recovery of postpartum dairy cows.

Structural color of metallic glass through picosecond laser

The alteration in surface color of metallic glasses(MGs)holds great significance in the context of microstructuredesign and commercial utility.It is essential to accurately describe the structures that are formed during the laser and colorseparation processes in order to develop practical laser coloring applications.Due to the high oxidation sensitivity of Labasedmetallic glass,it can broaden the color range but make it more complex.Structure coloring by laser processing on thesurface of La-based metallic glass can be conducted after thermoplastic forming.It is particularly important to clarify therole of structure and composition in the surface coloring process.The aim is to study the relationship between amorphoussurface structural color,surface geometry,and oxide formation by laser processing in metallic glasses.The findings revealedthat the periodic structure primarily determines the surface color at laser energy densities below 1.0 J/mm^(2).In contrast,thesurface color predominantly depends on the proportion of oxides that are formed when energy densities exceed 1.0 J/mm^(2).Consequently,this study provides a novel concept for the fundamental investigation of laser coloring and establishes a newavenue for practical application.

Sinensetin protects against periodontitis through binding to Bach1 enhancing its ubiquitination degradation and improving oxidative stress

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory and immune reactive disease induced by the subgingival biofilm.The therapeutic effect for susceptible patients is often unsatisfactory due to excessive inflammatory response and oxidative stress.Sinensetin(Sin)is a nature polymethoxylated flavonoid with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities.Our study aimed to explore the beneficial effect of Sin on periodontitis and the specific molecular mechanisms.We found that Sin attenuated oxidative stress and inflammatory levels of periodontal ligament cells(PDLCs)under inflammatory conditions.Administered Sin to rats with ligation-induced periodontitis models exhibited a protective effect against periodontitis in vivo.By molecular docking,we identified Bach1 as a strong binding target of Sin,and this binding was further verified by cellular thermal displacement assay and immunofluorescence assays.Chromatin immunoprecipitation-quantitative polymerase chain reaction results also revealed that Sin obstructed the binding of Bach1 to the HMOX1 promoter,subsequently upregulating the expression of the key antioxidant factor HO-1.Further functional experiments with Bach1 knocked down and overexpressed verified Bach1 as a key target for Sin to exert its antioxidant effects.Additionally,we demonstrated that Sin prompted the reduction of Bach1 by potentiating the ubiquitination degradation of Bach1,thereby inducing HO-1 expression and inhibiting oxidative stress.Overall,Sin could be a promising drug candidate for the treatment of periodontitis by targeting binding to Bach1.

Solitons and Their Biperiodic Pulsation in Ultrafast Fiber Lasers Based on CB/GO

The carbon black(CB)is introduced to manufacture CB/graphene oxide(GO)composite material to mitigate limitations of GO as a saturable absorber with the excellent performance in ultrafast fiber lasers.At a central wavelength of 1555.5 nm,the stable mode-locked pulse with width of 656 fs,repetition rate of 20.16 MHz,and high signal-to-noise ratio of 82.07 dB is experimentally obtained.Additionally,experimental observations for pulsation phenomena of vector biperiodic solitons combining period-1 and period-17,period-2 and period-32,period-3 and period-36 are verified via simulations.

Periodic signal extraction of GNSS height time series based on adaptive singular spectrum analysis

Singular spectrum analysis is widely used in geodetic time series analysis.However,when extracting time-varying periodic signals from a large number of Global Navigation Satellite System(GNSS)time series,the selection of appropriate embedding window size and principal components makes this method cumbersome and inefficient.To improve the efficiency and accuracy of singular spectrum analysis,this paper proposes an adaptive singular spectrum analysis method by combining spectrum analysis with a new trace matrix.The running time and correlation analysis indicate that the proposed method can adaptively set the embedding window size to extract the time-varying periodic signals from GNSS time series,and the extraction efficiency of a single time series is six times that of singular spectrum analysis.The method is also accurate and more suitable for time-varying periodic signal analysis of global GNSS sites.

Photoinduced Floquet higher-order Weyl semimetal in C_(6) symmetric Dirac semimetals

Topological Dirac semimetals are a parent state from which other exotic topological phases of matter, such as Weyl semimetals and topological insulators, can emerge. In this study, we investigate a Dirac semimetal possessing sixfold rotational symmetry and hosting higher-order topological hinge Fermi arc states, which is irradiated by circularly polarized light. Our findings reveal that circularly polarized light splits each Dirac node into a pair of Weyl nodes due to the breaking of time-reversal symmetry, resulting in the realization of the Weyl semimetal phase. This Weyl semimetal phase exhibits rich boundary states, including two-dimensional surface Fermi arc states and hinge Fermi arc states confined to six hinges.Furthermore, by adjusting the incident direction of the circularly polarized light, we can control the degree of tilt of the resulting Weyl cones, enabling the realization of different types of Weyl semimetals.

Optimal design for rubber concrete layered periodic foundations based on the analytical approximations of band gaps and mapping relations

The seismic performance of rubber concrete-layered periodic foundations are significantly influenced by their design,in which the band gaps play a paramount role.Aiming at providing better designs for these foundations,this study first proposes and validates the analytical formulas to approximate the bounds of the first few band gaps.In addition,the mapping relations linking the frequencies of different band gaps are presented.Furthermore,an optimal design method for these foundations is developed,which is validated through an engineering example.It is demonstrated that ensuring the superstructure’s resonance zones are completely covered by the corresponding periodic foundation’s band gaps can achieve satisfactory vibration attenuation effects,which is a good strategy for the design of rubber concrete layered periodic foundations.

Elastic wave insulation and propagation control based on the programmable curved-beam periodic structure

Curved-beams can be used to design modular multistable metamaterials(MMMs)with reprogrammable material properties,i.e.,programmable curved-beam periodic structure(PCBPS),which is promising for controlling the elastic wave propagation.The PCBPS is theoretically equivalent to a spring-oscillator system to investigate the mechanism of bandgap,analyze the wave propagation mechanisms,and further form its geometrical and physical criteria for tuning the elastic wave propagation.With the equivalent model,we calculate the analytical solutions of the dispersion relations to demonstrate its adjustability,and investigate the wave propagation characteristics through the PCBPS.To validate the equivalent system,the finite element method(FEM)is employed.It is revealed that the bandgaps of the PCBPS can be turned on-and-off and shifted by varying its physical and geometrical characteristics.The findings are highly promising for advancing the practical application of periodic structures in wave insulation and propagation control.

An early scoring system to predict mechanical ventilation for botulism: a single-center-based study

BACKGROUND: Early identification of patients requiring ventilator support will be beneficial for the outcomes of botulism. The present study aimed to establish a new scoring system to predict mechanical ventilation(MV) for botulism patients.METHODS: A single-center retrospective study was conducted to identify risk factors associated with MV in botulism patients from 2007 to 2022. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to screen out risk factors for constructing a prognostic scoring system. The area under the receiver operating characteristic(ROC) curve was calculated.RESULTS: A total of 153 patients with botulism(66 males and 87 females, with an average age of 43 years) were included. Of these, 49 patients(32.0%) required MV, including 21(13.7%) with invasive ventilation and 28(18.3%) with non-invasive ventilation. Multivariate analysis revealed that botulinum toxin type, pneumonia, incubation period, degree of hypoxia, and severity of muscle involvement were independent risk factors for MV. These risk factors were incorporated into a multivariate logistic regression analysis to establish a prognostic scoring system. Each risk factor was scored by allocating a weight based on its regression coefficient and rounded to whole numbers for practical utilization([botulinum toxin type A: 1], [pneumonia: 2], [incubation period ≤1 day: 2], [hypoxia <90%: 2], [severity of muscle involvement: grade Ⅱ, 3;gradeⅢ, 7;grade IV, 11]). The scoring system achieved an area under the ROC curve of 0.82(95% CI 0.75–0.89, P<0.001). At the optimal threshold of 9, the scoring system achieved a sensitivity of 83.7% and a specificity of 70.2%.CONCLUSION: Our study identified botulinum toxin type, pneumonia, incubation period, degree of hypoxia, and severity of muscle involvement as independent risk factors for MV in botulism patients. A score ≥9 in our scoring system is associated with a higher likelihood of requiring MV in botulism patients. This scoring system needs to be validated externally before it can be applied in clinical settings.

Effects of drive imbalance on the particle emission from a Bose-Einstein condensate in a one-dimensional lattice

Time-periodic driving has been an effective tool in the field of nonequilibrium quantum dynamics,which enables precise control of the particle interactions.We investigate the collective emission of particles from a Bose-Einstein condensate in a one-dimensional lattice with periodic drives that are separate in modulation amplitudes and relative phases.In addition to the enhancement of particle emission,we find that amplitude imbalances lead to energy shift and band broadening,while typical relative phases may give rise to similar gaps.These results offer insights into the specific manipulations of nonequilibrium quantum systems with tone-varying drives.