Unraveling the functional complexity of the locus coeruleus-norepinephrine system: insights from molecular anatomy to neurodynamic modeling.

The locus coeruleus (LC), as the primary source of norepinephrine (NE) in the brain, is central to modulating cognitive and behavioral processes. This review synthesizes recent findings to provide a comprehensive understanding of the LC-NE system, highlighting its molecular diversity, neurophysiological properties, and role in various brain functions. We discuss the heterogeneity of LC neurons, their differential responses to sensory stimuli, and the impact of NE on cognitive processes such as attention and memory.

A wireless sensor network for coal mine safety powered by modified localization algorithm.

Coal mining industry is one of the main source for economy of every nations, whereas safety in the underground coal mining area is still doubtful. According to some reports, there is heavy loss of life and money due to the occasional accidents in the coal mining area. Some existing researchers has been addressed this issue and approached their method.

Deamination mechanism of modified magnesium slag using wet aging and its performance evolution as backfill material.

The purpose of this study is to solve the problem of ammonia (NH) release when modified magnesium slag (MMS) is used as coal mine backfill cementitious material, and to explore its chemical mechanism and put forward effective solutions. Uniaxial compressive strengths (UCS) hydration kinetics, scanning electron microscope (SEM), and thermogravimetric analysis-derivative thermogravimetry (TG-DTG), X-ray diffractometer (XRD) and other testing methods were used to study the evolution of the properties of MMS-based backfill material, which provided a scientific basis for the safe utilization of MMS. First, the chemical mechanism underlying the release of NH from MMS was identified, and it was confirmed that MgN and LiN are the main nitrogen sources.

An Effective Approach to Get Aluminum Foam Sandwich with High and Stable Interfacial Properties.

The interfacial mechanical characteristics of sandwich structures are crucial in defining the comprehensive mechanical performance of the whole structure. Nevertheless, in practical applications, the interface often emerges as the weakest segment due to potential defects in the interface of porous metal sandwich plates (PMSP). This study aims to explore the regulatory mechanisms influencing the mechanical characteristics of nano-SiO-reinforced aluminum foam sandwich structure (AFS) interfaces and to propose an effective strategy to achieve AFS interfaces with superior and stable mechanical properties.

An Embodied Intelligence System for Coal Mine Safety Assessment Based on Multi-Level Large Language Models.

Artificial intelligence (AI), particularly through advanced large language model (LLM) technologies, is reshaping coal mine safety assessment methods with its powerful cognitive capabilities. Given the dynamic, multi-source, and heterogeneous characteristics of data in typical mining scenarios, traditional manual assessment methods are limited in their information processing capacity and cost-effectiveness. This study addresses these challenges by proposing an embodied intelligent system for mine safety assessment based on multi-level large language models (LLMs) for multi-source sensor data.

Co-Optimization Operation of Distribution Network-Containing Shared Energy Storage Multi-Microgrids Based on Multi-Body Game.

Under the carbon peaking and carbon neutrality target background, efficient collaborative scheduling between distribution networks and multi-microgrids is of great significance for enhancing renewable energy accommodation and ensuring stable system operation. Therefore, this paper proposes a collaborative optimization method for the operation of distribution networks and multi-microgrids with shared energy storage based on a multi-body game. The method is modeled and solved in two stages.

An End-To-End Speech Recognition Model for the North Shaanxi Dialect: Design and Evaluation.

The coal mining industry in Northern Shaanxi is robust, with a prevalent use of the local dialect, known as "Shapu", characterized by a distinct Northern Shaanxi accent. This study addresses the practical need for speech recognition in this dialect. We propose an end-to-end speech recognition model for the North Shaanxi dialect, leveraging the Conformer architecture.

Distributed Fiber Optic Strain Sensing Technology for Monitoring Soil Deformation Induced by Leakage in Buried Water Pipelines: A Model Test Study.

Water pipelines in water diversion projects can leak, leading to soil deformation and ground subsidence, necessitating research into soil deformation monitoring technology. This study conducted model tests to monitor soil deformation around leaking buried water pipelines using distributed fiber optic strain sensing (DFOSS) technology based on optical frequency domain reflectometry (OFDR). By arranging strain measurement fibers in a pipe-soil model, we investigated how leak location, leak size, pipe burial depth, and water flow velocity affect soil strain field monitoring results.

The Influence of Alkali Metals on the Sintering Mineralization Process of Iron Ore.

To investigate the influence of alkali metal compounds in different forms on the sintering mineralization process of iron ore, the basic sintering characteristics of iron ore with alkali metal contents ranging from 0 to 4% were measured using the micro-sintering method, and the influence mechanism was analyzed using thermodynamic analysis and first-principles calculations. The results showed that (1) the addition of KCl/NaCl increased the lowest assimilation temperature (LAT) and the index of liquid-phase fluidity (ILF), while that of KCO/NaCO decreased the LAT but increased the ILF of iron ore. (2) The pores formed by the volatilization of KCl/NaCl suppressed the diffusion of Fe and Ca, which inhibited the formation of silico-ferrite of calcium and aluminum (SFCA).

A Negative Capacitance Field-Effect Transistor with High Rectification Efficiency for Weak-Energy 2.45 GHz Microwave Wireless Transmission.

This paper proposes and designs a silicon-based negative capacitance field effect transistor (NCFET) to replace conventional MOSFETs as the rectifying device in RF-DC circuits, aiming to enhance the rectification efficiency under low-power density conditions. By combining theoretical analysis with device simulations, the impacts of the ferroelectric material anisotropy, ferroelectric layer thickness, and active region doping concentration on the device performance were systematically optimized. The proposed NCFET structure is tailored for microwave wireless power transmission applications.

Highly Sensitive Non-Dispersive Infrared Gas Sensor with Innovative Application for Monitoring Carbon Dioxide Emissions from Lithium-Ion Battery Thermal Runaway.

The safety of power batteries in the automotive industry is of paramount importance and cannot be emphasized enough. As lithium-ion battery technology continues to evolve, the energy density of these batteries increases, thereby amplifying the potential risks linked to battery failures. This study explores pivotal safety challenges within the electric vehicle sector, with a particular focus on thermal runaway and gas emissions originating from lithium-ion batteries.

Metasurface-Coated Liquid Microlens for Super Resolution Imaging.

Inspired by metasurfaces' control over light fields, this study created a liquid microlens coated with a layer of Au@TiO, Core-Shell nanospheres. Utilizing the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) effect of Au@TiO, Core-Shell nanospheres, and the formation of photonic nanojets (PNJs), this study aimed to extend the imaging system's cutoff frequency, improve microlens focusing, enhance the capture capability of evanescent waves, and utilize nanospheres to improve the conversion of evanescent waves into propagating waves, thus boosting the liquid microlens's super-resolution capabilities. The finite difference time domain (FDTD) method analyzed the impact of parameters including nanosphere size, microlens sample contact width, and droplet's initial contact angle on super-resolution imaging.

Preparation and Gas-Sensitive Properties of SnO@BiO Core-Shell Heterojunction Structure.

The SnO@BiO core-shell heterojunction structure was designed and synthesized via a hydrothermal method, and the structure and morphology of the synthesized samples were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Based on the conclusions from XRD and SEM, it can be observed that as the hydrothermal temperature increases, the content of BiO coated on the surface of SnO spheres gradually increases, and the diameter of BiO nanoparticles also increases. At a hydrothermal temperature of 160 °C, the SnO spheres are fully coated with BiO nanoparticles.

Preparation and Gas-Sensitive Properties of Square-Star-Shaped Leaf-Like BiVO Nanomaterials.

In this study, square-star-shaped leaf-like BiVO nanomaterials were successfully synthesized using a conventional hydrothermal method. The microstructure, elemental composition, and gas-sensing performance of the materials were thoroughly investigated. Morphological analysis revealed that BiVO prepared at different reaction temperatures exhibited square-star-shaped leaf-like structures, with the most regular and dense structures formed at 150 °C, exhibiting a large specific surface area of 2.

The Metabolome Characteristics of Aerobic Endurance Development in Adolescent Male Rowers Using Polarized and Threshold Model: An Original Research.

Objective: This study aimed to explore the molecular response mechanisms of differential blood metabolites before and after 8 weeks of threshold and polarized training models using metabolomics technology combined with changes in athletic performance.

Methods: Twenty-four male rowers aged 14-16 were randomly divided into a THR group and a POL group (12 participants each). The THR group followed a threshold training model (72%, 24%, and 4% of training time in low-, moderate-, and high-intensity zones, respectively), while the POL group followed a polarized training model (78%, 8%, and 14% training-intensity distribution).

Electro-Conductive Modification of Polyvinylidene Fluoride Membrane for Electrified Wastewater Treatment: Optimization and Antifouling Performance.

Electro-conductive membranes coupled with a low-voltage electric field can enhance pollutant removal and mitigate membrane fouling, demonstrating significant potential for electrified wastewater treatment. However, efficient fabrication of conductive membranes poses challenges. An in situ oxidative polymerization approach was applied to prepare PVDF-based conductive membranes (PVDF-CMs) and response surface methodology (RSM) was adopted to optimize modification conditions enhancing membrane performance.

Ameliorated Chameleon Algorithm-Based Shape Optimization of Disk Wang-Ball Curves.

The shape design and optimization of complex disk curves is a crucial and intractable technique in computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM). Based on disk Wang-Ball (DWB) curves, this paper defines a novel combined disk Wang-Ball (CDWB) curve with constrained parameters and investigates the shape optimization of CDWB curves by using the multi-strategy ameliorated chameleon swarm algorithm (MCSA). Firstly, in order to meet the various shape design requirements, the CDWB curves consisting of DWB curves are defined, and the G and G geometric continuity conditions for the curves are derived.

Flexible Threshold Quantum Homomorphic Encryption on Quantum Networks.

Currently, most quantum homomorphic encryption (QHE) schemes only allow a single evaluator (server) to accomplish computation tasks on encrypted data shared by the data owner (user). In addition, the quantum computing capability of the evaluator and the scope of quantum computation it can perform are usually somewhat limited, which significantly reduces the flexibility of the scheme in quantum network environments. In this paper, we propose a novel (t,n)-threshold QHE (TQHE) network scheme based on the Shamir secret sharing protocol, which allows k(t≤k≤n) evaluators to collaboratively perform evaluation computation operations on each qubit within the shared encrypted sequence.

Unveiling the electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction mechanism in heteroatom-decorated-MoCS-MXene: the synergistic effect of single-atom Fe and heteroatom.

Conversion of nitrogen (N) to ammonia (NH) is a significant process that occurs in environment and in the field of chemistry, but the traditional NH synthesis method requires high energy and pollutes the environment. In this work, the charge, orbital and spin order of the single-atom Fe loaded on heteroatom (X) doped-MoCS (X = B, N, O, F, P and Se) and its synergistic effect on electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (eNRR) were investigated using well-defined density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Results revealed that the X-element modified the charge loss capability of Fe atoms and thereby introduced a net spin through heteroatom doping, resulting in the magnetic moment modulation of Fe.

Color fundus photograph-based diabetic retinopathy grading via label relaxed collaborative learning on deep features and radiomics features.

Introduction: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) has long been recognized as a common complication of diabetes, making accurate automated grading of its severity essential. Color fundus photographs play a crucial role in the grading of DR. With the advancement of artificial intelligence technologies, numerous researchers have conducted studies on DR grading based on deep features and radiomic features extracted from color fundus photographs.

Constructing Robust Interfaces in CoSe/Nitrogen-Doped Carbon for Superior Long-Life Sodium-Ion Storage.

Robust interfaces in anodes play a crucial role in boosting sodium-ion battery (SIB) performance. However, the fragile interfaces constructed by a two-step synthesis or artificial stack are prone to be destroyed during the charging/discharging processes, which significantly reduces the lifetime of SIBs. Here, a facile construction strategy is developed to produce robust interfaces in hollow sphere-like CoSe/nitrogen-doped carbon (HS-CoSe/NC) using intrinsic Co, N, C in metal-organic framework as precursors, which enhance the electron/ion diffusion kinetics.

Advanced treatment of first flush roof runoff via a dry-wet polymorphic constructed wetland system: Performance and mechanistic insights.

Controlling runoff pollution is crucial to improving ecological environments in the context of urbanization and climate change. However, a significant research gap remains in the treatment and reuse of roof runoff, particularly during the first flush. To address this, a novel dry-wet polymorphic constructed wetland (DWP-CW) system was developed to purify first flush runoff efficiently and reliably.

Simultaneous removal of nitrate, carbamazepine, and copper by fulvic acid and ferric chloride composite modified ceramsite assembled fixed biofilter reactor: Performance and microbial community response.

The complex pollution and nutrient-poor characteristics of surface waters result in the limited ability of conventional reactors to remove pollutants. In this study, a novel modified ceramsite material, modified with trivalent iron (Fe(III)) and fulvic acid (FA) to form ceramsite@Fe(III)@FA (HC), was used for the first time as a biocarrier to immobilize strain Cupriavidus sp. W12, constructing a biofilter to enhance nitrate (NO-N) removal in micro-polluted water.

Enhancing sulfide mitigation via the synergistic dosing of calcium peroxide and ferrous ions in gravity sewers: Efficiency and mechanism.

Chemical dosing constitutes an effective strategy for sulfide control in sewers; however, its efficacy requires further optimization and enhancement. In this study, a novel dosing strategy using the synergistic dosing of calcium peroxide (CaO) and ferrous ions (Fe) for sulfide control was proposed, and its efficacy in controlling sulfides was evaluated using a long-term laboratory-scale reactor. The results showed that adding CaO-Fe improves the effect of sulfide control.

A modelling approach to characterise the interaction between behavioral response and epidemics: A study based on COVID-19.

During epidemic outbreaks, human behavior is highly influential on the disease transmission and hence affects the course, duration and outcome of the epidemics. In order to examine the feedback effect between the dynamics of the behavioral response and disease outbreak, a simple SIR- type model is established by introducing the independent variable of effective contact rate, characterizing how human behavior interacts with disease transmission dynamics and allowing for the feedback changing over time along the progress of epidemic and population's perception of risk. By a particle swarm optimization algorithm in the solution procedures and time series of COVID-19 data with different shapes of infection peaks, we show that the proposed model, together with such behavioral change mechanism, is capable of capturing the trend of the selected data and can give rise to oscillatory prevalence of different magnitude over time, revealing how different levels of behavioral response affect the waves of infection as well as the evolution of the disease.