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Hyriopsis cumingii is an important species for freshwater pearl cultivation in China. In terms of pearl production, males have larger pearls and better glossiness than females, but there are few reports focusing on the sex of H. cumingii . In this study, six mRNA and six microRNA (miRNA) libraries were prepared from ovaries and testes. Additionally, 28,502 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 32 differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) were identified. Compared with testis, 14,360 mRNAs and 20 miRNAs were up-regulated in ovary, 14,142 mRNAs and 12 miRNAs were down-regulated. In DEGs, the known genes related to sex determinism and/or differentiation were also identified, such as DMRT1 , SOX9 , SF1 for males, FOXL2 for females, and other potentially significant candidate genes. Three sex-related pathways have also been identified, which are Wnt, Notch, and TGF-beta. In 32 DEMs, the three miRNAs (miR-9-5p, miR-92, miR-184) were paid more attention, they predicted 28 target genes, which may also be candidates for sex-related miRNAs and genes. Differential miRNAs target genes analysis reveals the pathway associated with oocyte meiosis and spermatogenesis. Overall, the findings of the study provide significant insights to enhance our understanding of sex differentiation and/or sex determination mechanisms for H. cumingii .

With the increasing demand of rare earth metals in functional materials, recovery of rare earth elements (REEs) from secondary resources has become important for the green economy transition. Molten salt electrolysis has the advantages of low water consumption and low hazardous waste during REE recovery. This review systematically summarizes the separation and electroextraction of REEs on various reactive electrodes in different molten salts. It also highlights the relationship between the formed alloy phases and electrodeposition parameters, including applied potential, current, and ion concentration. Moreover, the feasibility of using LiF-NaF-KF electrolyte to recover REEs is evaluated through thermodynamic analysis. Problems related to REE separation/recovery the choice of electrolyte are discussed in detail to realize the low-energy and high current efficiency of practical applications.

The migration and predation of grasshoppers inspire the grasshopper optimization algorithm (GOA). It can be applied to practical problems. The binary grasshopper optimization algorithm (BGOA) is used for binary problems. To improve the algorithm’s exploration capability and the solution’s quality, this paper modifies the step size in BGOA. The step size is expanded and three new transfer functions are proposed based on the improvement. To demonstrate the availability of the algorithm, a comparative experiment with BGOA, particle swarm optimization (PSO), and binary gray wolf optimizer (BGWO) is conducted. The improved algorithm is tested on 23 benchmark test functions. Wilcoxon rank-sum and Friedman tests are used to verify the algorithm’s validity. The results indicate that the optimized algorithm is significantly more excellent than others in most functions. In the aspect of the application, this paper selects 23 datasets of UCI for feature selection implementation. The improved algorithm yields higher accuracy and fewer features.

Background Insomnia disorder (ID) is one of the most common sleep problems, usually accompanied by anxiety and depression symptoms. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study suggests that both poor sleep quality and negative emotion are linked to the dysregulation of brain network related to emotion processing in ID patients. Acupuncture therapy has been proven effective in improving sleep quality and mood of ID patients, but the involved neurobiological mechanism remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the modulation effect of acupuncture on resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) of the emotional network (EN) in patients experiencing insomnia. Methods A total of 30 healthy controls (HCs) and 60 ID patients were enrolled in this study. Sixty ID patients were randomly assigned to real and sham acupuncture groups and attended resting-state fMRI scans before and after 4 weeks of acupuncture treatment. HCs completed an MRI/fMRI scan at baseline. The rsFC values within EN were calculated, and Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA), Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Hyperarousal Scale (HAS), and actigraphy data were collected for clinical efficacy evaluation. Results Resting-state FC analysis showed abnormalities in rsFC centered on the thalamus and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex within EN of ID patients compared to HCs. After real acupuncture treatment, rsFC of the anterior cingulate cortex, hippocampus, and amygdala were increased compared with the sham acupuncture group ( p  < 0.05, FDR corrected). In real acupuncture group, the rsFC value was decreased between left amygdala and left thalamus after 4 weeks of treatment compared with baseline. A trend of correlation was found that the increased rsFC value between the right amygdala and left hippocampus was positively correlated with the decreased HAMA scores across all ID patients, and the decreased left amygdala rsFC value with the left thalamus was negatively correlated with the increased sleep efficiency in the real acupuncture group. Conclusion Our findings showed that real acupuncture could produce a positive effect on modulating rsFC within network related to emotion processing in ID patients, which may illustrate the central mechanism underlying acupuncture for insomnia in improving sleep quality and emotion regulation. Trial registration http://www.chictr.org.cn ., ChiCTR1800015282, 20/03/2018.

Xiong'an New Area boasts abundant geothermal resources, with widespread Jixianian geothermal reservoirs serving as key targets for exploration and development. Zoning geothermal resources helps characterize their distribution and attributes, offering critical guidance for their sustainable exploitation and utilization. This study integrates data from drilling and production tests across 21 geothermal wells to analyze the Jixianian strata, including depth, thickness, temperature, single-well water yield, Groundwater Level Depth (GWD), and Total Dissolved Solids (TDS). Employing fuzzy mathematics, a zoning analysis was performed, yielding quantitative evaluation scores and delineating favorable zones for development. Key findings include: (1) Geothermal reservoirs in the Rongcheng and Niutuozhen uplifts exhibit shallow burial depths, substantial thicknesses, high productivity, and relatively low temperatures, making them highly suitable for large-scale geothermal exploitation; (2) Zones with high resource potential but uncertain conditions require further exploration to mitigate development risks; (3) Areas near the Rongcheng fault or Jixianian strata buried deeper than 4,000 m are recommended for deferred exploitation; (4) Comprehensive evaluation reveals that the Jixianian carbonate geothermal reservoirs in Xiong'an New Area manifest geothermal resources of 5,370.31×1016 J, geothermal fluid reserves of 101.17×108 m3, and recoverable fluid reserves of 93.41×104 m3/d under balanced extraction and reinjection. Recoverable geothermal heat amounts to 9.36×1016 J/a, equivalent to 319.4×104 t/a of standard coal. This study provides valuable insights into the exploration and sustainable exploitation of deep geothermal reservoirs in Xiong'an New Area, enhancing resource utilization and contributing to the development of a green and sustainable Xiong'an New Area.

This study presents a comprehensively analysis of geothermal characteristics in the Xianshuihe geothermal area along the Sichuan-Tibet Railway, using temperature logging, temperature monitoring and thermal conductivity measurement, and regional geothermal geological survey data. The research focuses on the geothermal background, geothermal field, and their potential impact on the surrounding tunnels. The investigation reveals that the average heat flow value in the study area is approximately 73.0 mW/m2, significantly higher than the average terrestrial heat flow in mainland China (​​62.5 mW/m2). This high terrestrial heat flow signifies a distinct thermal background in the area. In addition, geothermal anomalies in the area are found to be closely associated with the distribution of hot springs along NW faults, indicating a strong control by the Xianshuihe fault zone. The study concludes that the region's favorable conditions for geothermal resources are attributed to the combination of high terrestrial heatflow background and water-conducting faults. However, these conditions also pose a potential threat of heat damage to the tunnels along the Sichuan-Tibet Railway. To evaluate the risk, the research takes into account the terrestrial heat flow, thermal conductivity of the tunnel surrounding rocks, characteristics of the regional constant temperature layer, as well as the distribution of hot springs and faults. The analysis specifically focuses on the thermal damage risk of Kangding 1# tunnel and 2# tunnel passing through the study area. Based on the findings, it is determined that Kangding 1# tunnel and 2# tunnel have relatively low risk of heat damage, as they have avoided most of the high temperature anomaly areas. However, several sections of the tunnels do traverse zones with low to medium temperatures, where surface rock temperatures can reach up to 45°C. Therefore, these regions should not be neglected during the construction and operation of the tunnel project, and mitigation measures may be necessary to address the potential heat-related challenges in the area.

HighlightsA virus-like nanoparticle (reBiosome) was developed via site-specific codon mutation for displaying unnatural amino acid (Azi) on virus envelope protein at a rational site, followed by conjugating weak acid-responsive polyethylene glycol polymer on Azi via bioorthogonal chemistry. The reBiosome exhibited reduced virus-like immunogenicity, prolonged blood circulation and enhanced delivery to weakly acidic disease foci. The reBiosome enabled efficient delivery of gene editing and gene silencing system, demonstrating remarkable therapeutic efficacy in breast cancer and arthritis, respectively.Gene therapy offers potentially transformative strategies for major human diseases. However, one of the key challenges in gene therapy is developing an effective strategy that could deliver genes into the specific tissue. Here, we report a novel virus-like nanoparticle, the bioorthgonal engineered virus-like recombinant biosome (reBiosome), for efficient gene therapies of cancer and inflammatory diseases. The mutant virus-like biosome (mBiosome) is first prepared by site-specific codon mutation for displaying 4-azido-L-phenylalanine on vesicular stomatitis virus glycoprotein of eBiosome at a rational site, and the reBiosome is then prepared by clicking weak acid-responsive hydrophilic polymer onto the mBiosome via bioorthogonal chemistry. The results show that the reBiosome exhibits reduced virus-like immunogenicity, prolonged blood circulation time and enhanced gene delivery efficiency to weakly acidic foci (like tumor and arthritic tissue). Furthermore, reBiosome demonstrates robust therapeutic efficacy in breast cancer and arthritis by delivering gene editing and silencing systems, respectively. In conclusion, this study develops a universal, safe and efficient platform for gene therapies for cancer and inflammatory diseases.

Guanzhong Basin is a typical medium-low temperature geothermal field mainly controlled by geo-pressure in the west of China. The characteristics of hydrogen and oxygen isotopes were used to analyze the flow and storage modes of geothermal resources in the basin. In this paper, the basin was divided into six geotectonic units, where a total of 121 samples were collected from geothermal wells and surface water bodies for the analysis of hydrogen-oxygen isotopes. Analytical results show that the isotopic signatures of hydrogen and oxygen throughout Guanzhong Basin reveal a trend of gradual increase from the basin edge areas to the basin center. In terms of recharge systems, the area in the south edge belongs to the geothermal system of Qinling Mountain piedmont, while to the north of Weihe fault is the geothermal system of North mountain piedmont, where the atmospheric temperature is about 0.2℃-1.8℃ in the recharge areas. The main factors that affect the geothermal water δ18O drifting include the depth of geothermal reservoir and temperature of geothermal reservoir, lithological characteristics, water-rock interaction, geothermal reservoir environment and residence time. The δ18O-δD relation shows that the main source is the meteoric water, together with some sedimentary water, but there are no deep magmatic water and mantle water which recharge the geothermal water in the basin. Through examining the distribution pattern of hydrogen-oxygen isotopic signatures, the groundwater circulation model of this basin can be divided into open circulation type, semi-open type, closed type and sedimentary type. This provides some important information for rational exploitation of the geothermal resources.

IntroductionMild cognitive impairment (MCI) is considered the intermediate phase between normal age-related cognitive decline and dementia. Moxibustion has gained increased popularity for the management of MCI in China.This study aimed to evaluate the effects and safety of moxibustion on symptoms of MCI.Methods and analysisFour English databases and six Chinese databases will be searched from their inception to October 2019: Embase, MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Allied and Complementary Medicine Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chongqing VIP Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database, Wanfang Database, SinoMed, China Doctoral Dissertations Full-text Database and the China Master’s Theses Full-text Database. Only clinical randomised controlled trials and the first period in randomised cross-over trial related to moxibustion for MCI will be included. The primary outcomes include the improvement of cognitive function, as measured by validated assessment tools. The secondary outcomes include changes in the activity of daily living scale, effective rate and the incidences of adverse events. The selection of studies, data extraction and risk of bias assessment will be carried out by two independent reviewers. Review Manager V.5.3 software will be used for statistical analyses. Heterogeneity test, data synthesis and subgroup analysis will be performed if necessary. The risk of bias of included studies will be assessed by the Cochrane Handbook risk of bias tool. Evidence quality will be evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation system.Ethics and disseminationEthics approval is not required as no private information from individuals are collected. The results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal or disseminated in relevant conferences.Trial registration numberCRD42018112657.

Sm extraction from a LiCl-KCl melt was carried out by forming alloys on various electrodes, including Al, Ni, Cu, and liquid Zn, and the electrochemical behaviors of the resultant metal products were investigated using different electrochemical techniques. While Sm metal deposition via the conventional two-step reaction process was not noted on the inert electrode, underpotential deposition was observed on the reactive electrodes because of the latter’s depolarization effect. The depolarization effects of the reactive electrodes on Sm showed the order Zn > Al > Ni > Cu. Sm-M (M = Al, Ni, Cu, Zn) alloys were deposited by galvanostatic and potentiostatic electrolysis. The products were fully characterized by X-ray diffractometry (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM)-energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS), and the stability of the obtained M-rich compounds was determined. Finally, the relationship between the electrode potential and type of Sm-M intermetallic compounds formed was assessed on the basis of the observed electrochemical properties and electrodeposits.