Advanced microgrid optimization using price-elastic demand response and greedy rat swarm optimization for economic and environmental efficiency.

In this paper, a comprehensive energy management framework for microgrids that incorporates price-based demand response programs (DRPs) and leverages an advanced optimization method-Greedy Rat Swarm Optimizer (GRSO) is proposed. The primary objective is to minimize the generation cost and environmental impact of microgrid systems by effectively scheduling distributed energy resources (DERs), including renewable energy sources (RES) such as solar and wind, alongside fossil-fuel-based generators. Four distinct demand response models-exponential, hyperbolic, logarithmic, and critical peak pricing (CPP)-are developed, each reflecting a different price elasticity of demand.

Transcriptome and DNA methylation analysis of the goat pineal gland during puberty.

Previous studies have confirmed that methylation regulates gene transcription in the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis during puberty initiation, but little is known about the regulation of DNA methylation on gene expression in the pineal gland. To screen pineal gland candidate genes related to the onset of goat puberty and regulated by genome methylation, we collected pineal glands from prepubertal and pubertal female goats, then, determined the DNA methylation profile by whole genome bisulfite sequencing and the transcriptome by RNA sequencing on Illumina HiSeqTM2500. We analyzed differentially expressed genes between the Pre group and Pub group using the DESeq2 software (version 1.

A synthesis method for zero-sum mean-payoff asynchronous probabilistic games.

The traditional synthesis problem aims to automatically construct a reactive system (if it exists) satisfying a given Linear Temporal Logic (LTL) specifications, and is often referred to as a qualitative problem. There is also a class of synthesis problems aiming at quantitative properties, such as mean-payoff values, and this type of problem is called a quantitative problem. For the two types of synthesis problems, the research on the former has been relatively mature, and the latter also has received huge amounts of attention.

Study on influencing factors and prevention measures of coal-rock-gas compound dynamic disaster in deep coal mine mining.

Because coal seam mining with high geostress and high gas pressure is prone to coal-rock-gas compound dynamic disasters, a disaster energy equation considering the influence of roof elastic energy is established, and a disaster energy criterion considering the influence of roof elastic energy is derived and introduced into COMSOL software to conduct numerical simulations of coal seam mining under different geostress and gas pressures. The study revealed that the increase of ground stress reduces the gas pressure required for disaster occurrence. When the gas pressure reaches a certain value, the disaster will occur even if the ground stress is very small.

Molecular dynamics simulation of film water thickness and properties at different interfaces in partially saturated frozen soil systems.

The film water, with an exceptional capacity to maintain a premelting, liquid-like state even under subzero conditions, provides a potential dynamic conduit for the movement of water in frozen soils. However, the distinctive structural and dynamic characteristics of film water have not been comprehensively elucidated. In this study, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were conducted to examine the freezing of a system containing ice, water, silica, and gas.

Cola beverage reduces risk of lead poisoning from accidental ingestion of contaminated soil particles in rat and swine models.

Accidental ingestion of lead (Pb)-contaminated soils represents a major route of Pb exposure for both adults and children, and the development of accessible and cost-effective solutions to reduce Pb poisoning is urgently required. Here, we present an effective and straightforward technique, involving the consumption of cola beverages, for the purpose of lowering blood Pb levels following the ingestion of contaminated soils in animal models. This method facilitated the direct passage of Pb in contaminated soil through the digestive system, enhancing its elimination without absorption into systemic circulation.

COph100: A comprehensive fundus image registration dataset from infants constituting the "RIDIRP" database.

Retinal image registration is vital for diagnostic therapeutic applications within the field of ophthalmology. Existing public datasets, focusing on adult retinal pathologies with high-quality images, have limited number of image pairs and neglect clinical challenges. To address this gap, we introduce COph100, a novel and challenging dataset known as the Comprehensive Ophthalmology Retinal Image Registration dataset for infants with a wide range of image quality issues constituting the public "RIDIRP" database.

A Global Relationship Between Genome Size and Encoded Carbon Metabolic Strategies of Soil Bacteria.

Microbial traits are critical for carbon sequestration and degradation in terrestrial ecosystems. Yet, our understanding of the relationship between carbon metabolic strategies and genomic traits like genome size remains limited. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted a global-scale meta-analysis of 2650 genomes, integrated whole-genome sequencing data, and performed a continental-scale metagenomic field study.

Enhancing Catalytic Removal of Autoexhaust Soot Particles via the Modulation of Interfacial Oxygen Vacancies in Cu/CeO Catalysts.

The purification efficiency of autoexhaust carbon strongly depends on the heterogeneous interface structure between active metal and oxide, which can modulate the local electronic structure of defect sites to promote the activation of reactant molecules. Herein, the high-dispersion CuO clusters supported on the well-defined CeO nanorods were prepared using the complex deposition slow method. The formation of heteroatomic Cu-O-Ce interfacial structural units as active sites can capture electrons to achieve activation of the NO and O molecules.

Biomimetic Confined Assembly of Plasmonic CuS from Electronic Waste for Rapid Photothermal Disinfection.

Photothermal disinfection (PTD) offers promising potential for water purification due to its sustainable and broad-spectrum bactericidal properties, although it is hindered by slow charge separation in photosensitizers. Herein, we present a plasma-mediated PTD technique utilizing an efficient localized heating effect induced by incident light at specific wavelengths for rapid bacterial inactivation. A metallic CuS photosensitizer, derived from electronic waste through a biomimetic transmembrane confined-assembled strategy, facilitates collective and coherent oscillation of free electrons around Cu atoms in the near-infrared range.

Logic Circuits for Intelligent Microcystin Monitoring Based on Aptamer Recognition and Toehold-Mediated Hairpin DNA Self-Assembly.

A sensitive fluorescence biosensor was developed for microcystin-LR (MC-LR) detection using H1, H2, and H3 DNA probes as sensing elements. The aptamer in H1 can recognize the target. H2 was labeled with FAM and BHQ.

Manganese Intercalation Enabling High-Performance Aqueous Fe-VO Batteries.

The aqueous iron ion batteries (AIIBs) are an attractive option for large-scale energy storage applications. However, the inadequate plating and stripping of Fe ions underscore the need to explore more suitable cathode materials. Herein, we optimize the structure of tunnel-like VO nanosheets by introducing Mn ion intercalation as a cathode material to enhance their performance in AIIBs.

NME7 maintains primary cilium assembly, ciliary microtubule stability, and Hedgehog signaling.

NME7 (nucleoside diphosphate kinase 7), a lesser studied member of the non-metastatic expressed (NME) family, has been reported as a potential subunit of the γ-tubulin ring complex (γTuRC). However, its role in the cilium assembly and function remains unclear. Our research demonstrated that NME7 is located at the centrosome, including at the spindle poles during metaphase and at the basal bodies during cilium assembly.

Yak milk inhibits osteoclast differentiation by suppressing TRPV5 expression.

Yak milk is a potential nutrient for improving osteoporosis. However, the effect of yak milk on the expression of Caion channel TRPV5 during osteoclast (OC) differentiation is still unclear. This study used ruthenium red as a control to investigate the effect of yak milk on osteoclast differentiation and activity.

Facile and green fabrication of biodegradable aerogel from chitosan derivatives/modified gelatin as absorbent for oil removal.

Frequent oil spills have caused increasingly severe pollution of marine water bodies. As a result, exploring green and efficient aerogels to tackles oil pollution is in high demand. In this work, a unique strategy for preparing all-biomass aerogel was innovatively proposed.

Quercetin-functionalized nanomaterials: Innovative therapeutic avenues for Alzheimer's disease management.

Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a major global health challenge, largely due to its complex pathology and the limited effectiveness of existing treatments. Quercetin, a bioactive compound belonging to the flavonoid class, its promising antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects in addressing AD. However, its therapeutic potential is hindered by challenges such as low bioavailability, instability, and restricted permeability across the blood-brain barrier (BBB).

Fructose-Driven glycolysis supports synaptic function in subterranean rodent - Gansu Zokor (Eospalax cansus).

Several studies indicate that fructose can be used as an energy source for subterranean rodents. However, how subterranean rodents utilize fructose metabolism with no apparent physiological drawbacks remains poorly understood. In the present study, we measured field excitatory postsynaptic potentials (fEPSPs) in hippocampal slices from Gansu zokor and SD rats hippocampi before and 60 min after replacement of 10 mM glucose in the artificial cerebrospinal fluid (ACSF) with 10 mM fructose (gassed with 95 % O and 5 % CO).

Wet deposition of atmospheric Hg in a typical inland city in North China: Sources, influencing factors, and health risk assessment.

Understanding the composition of mercury (Hg) in the atmosphere is important for confirming its sources and to preventing and reduce the production. To explore the morphological distribution characteristics of wet Hg concentrations in Xi'an Shaanxi Province, China, total Hg (THg), dissolved Hg (DTHg), reactive Hg (RTHg) and particulate-bound Hg (PTHg) (Hg insoluble in water) were measured at 72 precipitation in Xi'an from September 2020 to July 2022, and their average concentrations were 3.035 ± 3.

Microbially degradable phenolic foams based on depolymerized kraft lignin for hydrophilic applications.

Hydrophilic phenol-formaldehyde (PF) foams, widely used in floral and hydroponic applications, are produced using phenol typically derived from non-renewable petroleum-based resources. This study examines the potential of depolymerized Kraft lignin (DKL) as a sustainable substitute for phenol in the synthesis of hydrophilic biobased foams. At 50 % DKL substitution, the foams demonstrated excellent water absorption capacities (up to 2557 %), relatively low densities (∼62 kg/m), and nearly 100 % open-cell content.

Impact of carrier capacitance on Geobacter enrichment and direct interspecies electron transfer under anaerobic conditions.

Direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) enhances anaerobic digestion by facilitating electron exchange between electroactive bacteria and methanogenic archaea. While Geobacter species are recognized for donating electrons to methanogens via DIET, they are rarely detected in mixed microbial communities. This study examined various non-electrode biological carriers (zeolite, carbon cloth, activated carbon and biochar) to promote Geobacter cultivation under anaerobic conditions and identify pivotal factors influencing their symbiosis with methanogens.

Spatial Distribution Patterns, Hotspots of Contaminants of Emerging Concern and Driving Factors in a River Network of Xizang Plateau.

This study encompasses the explication of systematic spatial distribution patterns and identification of hotspots of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) across the network of rivers, including Yarlung Tsangpo River and its tributaries in Xizang Plateau. A total of 16 CECs were detected in wide range of frequencies and concentrations ranging from below limit of detection (BLD) - 163.13 ng/L across the river network, indicating widespread spatial heterogeneity.

Kill two birds with one stone: Biochar immobilised polydopamine coated compound bacterial agent for remediation of dibutyl phthalate contaminated soil.

The severe contamination of the plasticiser dibutyl phthalate (DBP) in agriculture soils is often accompanied by a decrease in nutrient utilisation. Though the combined application of a variety of microorganisms can simultaneously address the problems of soil contamination and nutrient deprivation, the activity and function of microorganisms can be severely inhibited by DBP, and studies on their protection under DBP contamination are almost non-existent. In this study, a compound bacterial agent KPSB was prepared by optimising with FeO-modified biochar loaded with DBP-degrading bacterium Enterobacterium sp.

Working-memory load decoding model inspired by brain cognition based on cross-frequency coupling.

Working memory, a fundamental cognitive function of the brain, necessitates the evaluation of cognitive load intensity due to limited cognitive resources. Optimizing cognitive load can enhance task performance efficiency by preventing resource waste and overload. Therefore, identifying working memory load is an essential area of research.

Hydrochemical fingerprints and health risk assessment of groundwater contamination in the Bohai Sea region, China.

Seawater intrusion and human activities have significantly impacted coastal groundwater quality in many regions worldwide. This study systematically assessed groundwater chemistry, its suitability for drinking and irrigation (sample size, n = 3034), and exposure risks (n = 2863) across three key sub-regions of the Bohai Sea area: Bohai Bay, Liaodong Bay, and Laizhou Bay. Significant seasonal variations observed in groundwater chemistry at different depths in Bohai Bay region, with severe contamination from salinity-alkalinity and nitrogen-fluoride.