American silk moth, Antheraea polyphemus Cramer 1775 (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae), native to North America, has potential significance in sericulture for food consumption and silk production. To date, the phylogenetic relationship and divergence time of A. polyphemus with its Asian relatives remain unknown. To end these issues, two mitochondrial genomes (mitogenomes) of A. polyphemus from the USA and Canada respectively were determined. The mitogenomes of A. polyphemus from the USA and Canada were 15,346 and 15,345 bp in size, respectively, with only two transitions and five indels. The two mitogenomes both encoded typical mitochondrial 37 genes. No tandem repeat elements were identified in the A+T-rich region of A. polyphemus. The mitogenome-based phylogenetic analyses supported the placement of A. polyphemus within the genus Antheraea, and revealed the presence of two clades for eight Antheraea species used: one included A. polyphemus, A. assamensis Helfer, A. formosana Sonan and the other contained A. mylitta Drury, A. frithi Bouvier, A. yamamai Guérin-Méneville, A. proylei Jolly, and A. pernyi Guérin-Méneville. Mitogenome-based divergence time estimation further suggested that the dispersal of A. polyphemus from Asia into North America might have occurred during the Miocene Epoch (18.18 million years ago) across the Berling land bridge. This study reports the mitogenome of A. polyphemus that provides new insights into the phylogenetic relationship among Antheraea species and the origin of A. polyphemus.

The incorporation of trace metals into land snail shells may record the ambient environmental conditions, yet this potential remains largely unexplored. In this study, we analyzed modern snail shells (Cathaica sp.) collected from 16 sites across the Chinese Loess Plateau to investigate their trace metal compositions. Our results show that both the Sr/Ca and Ba/Ca ratios exhibit minimal intra-shell variability and small inter-shell variability at individual sites. A significant positive correlation is observed between the shell Sr/Ca and Ba/Ca ratios across the plateau, with higher values being recorded in the northwestern sites where less monsoonal rainfall is received. We propose that shell Sr/Ca and Ba/Ca ratios, which record the composition of soil solution, may be controlled by the Rayleigh distillation in response to prior calcite precipitation. Higher rainfall amounts may lead to a lower degree of Rayleigh distillation and thus lower shell Sr/Ca and Ba/Ca ratios. This is supported by the distinct negative correlation between summer precipitation and shell Sr/Ca and Ba/Ca ratios, enabling us to reconstruct summer precipitation amounts using the Sr/Ca and Ba/Ca ratios of Cathaica sp. shells. The potential application of these novel proxies may also be promising for other terrestrial mollusks living in the loess deposits globally.

A novel entomopathogenic nematode (EPN) species, Steinernema tarimense n. sp., was isolated from soil samples collected in a Populus euphratica forest located in Yuli County within the Tarim Basin of Xinjiang, China. Integrated morphological and molecular analyses consistently place S. tarimense n. sp. within the ‘kushidai-clade’. The infective juvenile (IJ) of new species is characterized by a body length of 674–1010 μm, excretory pore located 53–80 μm from anterior end, nerve ring positioned 85–131 μm from anterior end, pharynx base situated 111–162 μm from anterior end, a tail length of 41–56 μm, and the ratios D% = 42.0–66.6, E% = 116.2–184.4, and H% = 25.5–45.1. The first-generation male of the new species is characterized by a curved spicule length of 61–89 μm, gubernaculum length of 41–58 μm, and ratios D% = 36.8–66.2, SW% = 117.0–206.1, and GS% = 54.8–82.0. Additionally, the tail of first-generation female is conoid with a minute mucron. Phylogenetic analyses of ITS, 28S, and mt12S sequences demonstrated that the three isolates of S. tarimense n. sp. are conspecific and form a sister clade to members of the ‘kushidai-clade’ including S. akhursti, S. anantnagense, S. kushidai, and S. populi. Notably, the IJs of the new species exhibited faster development at 25°C compared to other Steinernema species. This represents the first described of an indigenous EPN species from Xinjiang, suggesting its potential as a novel biocontrol agent against local pests.

Yiyang Dahegu rice (YyDHG) is an important agricultural specialty of Yiyang County, Jiangxi Province, and it is also a significant component of the local cultural and economic development. In this experiment, 89 samples of Dahegu rice (DHG) were collected from Jiangxi Province, including 52 samples of YyDHG and 37 samples of DHG from other regions within Jiangxi Province (oDHG). Comprehensive analysis was conducted using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, field phenotypic observation, population structure analysis and quality analysis. The results of variety identification indicated that the 89 samples actually comprised 52 distinct varieties, including 19 varieties of YyDHG. Population analysis has revealed rich genetic diversity among DHG varieties within Jiangxi Province, yet no significant subpopulation differentiation was observed between YyDHG and oDHG. Quality experiments demonstrated that YyDHG exhibits significant differences in appearance quality from oDHG, but no notable differences in milling quality or cooked taste and flavour. This suggests that the competitiveness of YyDHG in the market may not entirely depend on its unique quality characteristics, but rather more on its cultural value and brand effect. This experiment conducted a comprehensive analysis of the variety characteristics, genetic diversity and quality traits of YyDHG. Not only does it provide a scientific basis for the breeding and germplasm resource conservation of YyDHG, but it also holds positive implications for promoting the development of its industry.

A type of signal-interference fourth-order dual-band bandpass filter (BPF) with multiple out-of-band transmission zeros (TZs) is reported. A second-order dual-band BPF block is firstly discussed, which is composed of two microstrip-to-slotline vertical transitions that are back-to-back connected by means of an in-parallel asymmetrical microstrip-line-based closed loop. It exhibits spectrally symmetrical passbands regarding the design frequency fD and three TZs at the inter-band region. Subsequently, by using stepped-impedance-line segments at the longest path of the transversal signal-interference closed loop, its dual-band BPF counterpart with second-order spectrally asymmetrical dual passbands is presented. Next, in order to increase the filter order as well as the number of out-of-band TZs for augmented stopband attenuation, a fourth-order dual-band BPF circuit is conceived. To this aim, two Y-shaped stepped-impedance microstrip stubs are loaded at the input and output ports of the previously devised second-order frequency-symmetrical dual-band BPF block. The RF operational principles of all these dual-band BPFs are detailed through their associated transmission-line-based equivalent circuits. Moreover, for experimental-demonstration purposes, a 1.154-/2.818-GHz two-layer microstrip proof-of-concept prototype of a fourth-order sharp-rejection dual-band BPF is designed, simulated, and characterized. It features inter-band power-rejection levels higher than 28.68 dB and lower-/upper-stopband attenuation levels above 40.92 dB from DC to 4.64 GHz.

Overnutrition during before and pregnancy can cause maternal obesity and raise the risk of maternal metabolic diseases during pregnancy, and in offspring. Lentinus edodes may prevent or reduce obesity. This study aimed to to assess Lentinus edodes fermented products effects on insulin sensitivity, glucose and lipid metabolism in maternal and offspring, and explore its action mechanism. A model of overnutrition during pregnancy and lactation was developed using a 60 % kcal high-fat diet in C57BL6/J female mice. Fermented Lentinus edodes (FLE) was added to the diet at concentrations of 1 %, 3 %, and 5 %. The results demonstrated that FLE to the gestation diet significantly reduced serum insulin levels and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) in pregnant mice. FLE can regulate maternal lipid metabolism and reduce fat deposition. Meanwhile, the hepatic phosphoinositide-3-kinase-protein kinase (PI3K/AKT) signaling pathway was significantly activated in the maternal mice. There is a significant negative correlation between maternal FLE supplementation doses and offspring body fat percentage and visceral fat content. Furthermore, FLE supplementation significantly increased offspring weaning litter weight, significantly reduced fasting glucose level, serum insulin level, HOMA-IR and serum glucose level, significantly activated liver PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in offspring, and upregulated the expression of liver lipolytic genes adipose triglyceride lipase, hormone-sensitive lipase and carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 mRNA. Overall, FLE supplementation can regulate maternal lipid metabolism and reduce fat deposition during pregnancy and lactation, and it may improve insulin sensitivity in pregnant mothers and offspring at weaning through activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

This study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes of using refrigerated versus pre-warmed media for preparing time-lapse dishes in in vitro fertilization (IVF). Patients undergoing their first IVF/ICSI cycle were divided into two groups. The control group used pre-warmed culture media, while the experimental group used refrigerated culture media. The osmotic pressure of the culture droplets in both groups was tested. No statistical differences were found between the two groups’ basic data. The proportion of air microbubbles affecting imaging significantly decreased (4.55% vs. 37.97%, P < 0.001) when using pre-warmed media. However, the blastocyst formation rate (56.62% vs. 49.70%, P = 0.046) and total high-quality embryo rate (22.26% vs. 17.06%, P = 0.047) were significantly higher in the refrigerated media group compared to the pre-warmed media group. The higher rate of high-quality embryos in the refrigerated media group might result in a higher single embryo transfer rate (45.10% vs. 18.52%, P = 0.020) and implantation rate (58.23% vs. 34.69%, P = 0.010). From day –1 to day 1, osmolality increased, with the P-3.5 group showing a significant elevation compared to the other three groups. After 5 days of incubation, the osmotic pressure of group R-4.0 was significantly lower than that of groups P-3.5, P-4.0 and P-3.5. In conclusion, refrigerated culture media dishes helped stabilize the osmotic pressure of the culture microenvironment and reduce water evaporation. The refrigerated group showed a higher rate of high-quality embryos and live births, although pre-warmed culture media effectively reduced the occurrence of air microbubbles that affect embryo imaging in the next day’s dishes.

We investigate the dynamics of circular self-propelled particles in channel flow, modelled as squirmers using a two-dimensional lattice Boltzmann method. The simulations explore a wide range of parameters, including channel Reynolds numbers ($\textit{Re}_c$), squirmer Reynolds numbers ($\textit{Re}_s$) and squirmer-type factors ($\beta$). For a single squirmer, four motion regimes are identified: oscillatory motion confined to one side of the channel, oscillatory crossing of the channel centreline, stabilisation at a lateral equilibrium position with the squirmer tilted and stable upstream swimming near the channel centreline. For two squirmers, interactions produce not only these four corresponding regimes but also three additional ones: continuous collisions with repeated position exchanges, progressive separation and drifting apart and, most notably, the formation of a stable wedge-like conformation (regime D). A key finding is the emergence of regime D, which predominantly occurs for weak pullers ($\beta = 1$) and at moderate to high $\textit{Re}_c$ values. Hydrodynamic interactions align the squirmers with streamline bifurcations near the channel centreline, enabling stability despite transient oscillations. Additionally, the channel blockage ratio critically affects the range of $\textit{Re}_s$ values over which this regime occurs, highlighting the influence of geometric confinement. This study extends the understanding of squirmer dynamics, revealing how hydrodynamic interactions drive collective behaviours. The findings also offer insights into the design of self-propelled particles for biomedical applications and contribute to the theoretical framework for active matter systems. Future work will investigate three-dimensional effects and the stability conditions for spherical squirmers forming stable wedge-like conformations, further generalising these results.

The whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) is economically one of the most threatening pests in tomato cultivation, which not only causes direct damage but also transmits many viruses. Breeding whitefly-resistant tomato varieties is a promising and environmentally friendly method to control whitefly populations in the field. Accumulating evidence from tomato and other model systems demonstrates that flavonoids contribute to plant resistance to herbivorous insects. Previously, we found that high flavonoid-producing tomato line deterred whitefly oviposition and settling behaviours, and was more resistant to whiteflies compared to the near-isogenic low flavonoid-producing tomato line. The objective of the current work is to describe in detail different aspects of the interaction between the whitefly and two tomato lines, including biochemical processes involved. Electrical penetration graph recordings showed that high flavonoid-producing tomato reduced whitefly probing and phloem-feeding efficiency. We also studied constitutive and induced plant defence responses and found that whitefly induced stronger reactive oxygen species accumulation through NADPH oxidase in high flavonoid-producing tomato than in low flavonoid-producing tomato. Moreover, whitefly feeding induced the expression of callose synthase genes and resulted in callose deposition in the sieve elements in high flavonoid-producing tomato but not in low flavonoid-producing tomato. As a consequence, whitefly feeding on high flavonoid-producing tomato significantly decreased uptake of phloem and reduced its performance when compared to low flavonoid-producing tomato. These results indicate that high flavonoid-producing tomato provides phloem-based resistance against whitefly infestation and that the breeding of such resistance in new varieties could enhance whitefly management.

Emission line galaxies (ELGs) are crucial for cosmological studies, particularly in understanding the large-scale structure of the Universe and the role of dark energy. ELGs form an essential component of the target catalogue for the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI), a major astronomical survey. However, the accurate selection of ELGs for such surveys is challenging due to the inherent uncertainties in determining their redshifts with photometric data. In order to improve the accuracy of photometric redshift estimation for ELGs, we propose a novel approach CNN–MLP that combines convolutional neural networks (CNNs) with multilayer perceptrons (MLPs). This approach integrates both images and photometric data derived from the DESI Legacy Imaging Surveys Data Release 10. By leveraging the complementary strengths of CNNs (for image data processing) and MLPs (for photometric feature integration), the CNN–MLP model achieves a $\sigma_{\mathrm{NMAD}}$ (normalised median absolute deviation) of 0.0140 and an outlier fraction of 2.57%. Compared to other models, CNN–MLP demonstrates a significant improvement in the accuracy of ELG photometric redshift estimation, which directly benefits the target selection process for DESI. In addition, we explore the photometric redshifts of different galaxy types (Starforming, Starburst, AGN, and Broadline). Furthermore, this approach will contribute to more reliable photometric redshift estimation in ongoing and future large-scale sky surveys (e.g. LSST, CSST, and Euclid), enhancing the overall efficiency of cosmological research and galaxy surveys.

Active wake control (AWC) has emerged as a promising strategy for enhancing wind turbine wake recovery, but accurately modelling its underlying fluid mechanisms remains challenging. This study presents a computationally efficient wake model that provides end-to-end prediction capability from rotor actuation to wake recovery enhancement by capturing the coupled dynamics of wake meandering and mean flow modification, requiring only two inputs: a reference wake without control and a user-defined AWC strategy. The model combines physics-based resolvent modelling for large-scale coherent structures and an eddy viscosity modelling for small-scale turbulence. A Reynolds stress model is introduced to account for the influence of both coherent and incoherent wake fluctuations, so that the time-averaged wake recovery enhanced by the AWC can be quantitatively predicted. Validation against large-eddy simulations (LES) across various AWC approaches and actuating frequencies demonstrates the model’s predictive capability, accurately capturing AWC-specific and frequency-dependent mean wake recovery with less than 8 % error from LES while reducing computational time from thousands of central-processing-unit hours to minutes. The efficiency and accuracy of the model makes it a promising tool for practical AWC design and optimization of large-scale wind farms.