The study-to-study variability of bedload flux measurements in turbulent sediment transport borders an order of magnitude, even for idealised laboratory conditions. This uncertainty stems from physically poorly supported, empirical methods to account for channel geometry effects in the determination of the transport-driving bed shear stress, and from study-to-study grain-shape variations. Here, we derive a universal method of bed shear stress determination. It consists of a granular-physics-based definition of the bed surface and a channel sidewall correction based on linking Reynolds stress to bulk flow properties via Kolmogorov’s theory of turbulence. Application of this method to bedload transport of spherical grains – to rule out grain-shape effects – collapses data from existing laboratory measurements and grain-resolved computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and discrete element method (DEM) simulations for various channel geometries onto a single curve. In contrast, classical sidewall corrections, as well as an alternative bed surface definition, are unable to universally capture these data, especially those from shallow or very narrow channel flows. We then apply our method to an extended grain-shape-controlled data compilation, complemented by literature data for non-spherical grains and from grain-unresolved CFD-DEM simulations. This compilation covers a very diverse range of transport conditions, ranging from very narrow to infinitely wide channels, from shallow to deep channel flows, from mild to steep bed slopes, and from weak to intense transport. We generalise an existing physical bedload flux model to account for grain-shape effects, and show that it explains almost all the compiled data within a factor of only $1.3$.

Childhood adversity impairs well-being, yet psychological resilience may buffer its impact. Using resting-state fMRI in 94 rural Chinese children (ages 10–14), we examined whether psychological resilience protects brain network connectivity from adversity and its relevance to psychological well-being. Psychological resilience significantly moderated the impact of abuse, but not neglect, on limbic connectivity. Low-resilience children exposed to abuse showed heightened limbic-somatomotor and limbic-ventral attention connectivity, which predicted greater somatization and depression at baseline and more severe levels of anxiety six months later. These associations were absent in high-resilience children. Our findings reveal that psychological resilience specifically shields against the neurotoxic effects of abuse by modulating networks involved in emotion regulation, salience, and sensorimotor processing. Targeted interventions should consider adversity dimensions and psychological resilience capacity to mitigate long-term mental health risks.

This study systematically investigated the effects of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (Lp), cellulase (CE), and their combination (CELp) on the fermentation quality, fiber degradation, and microbial community in rapeseed straw silage. This research was carried out with a completely randomized design, and rapeseed straw was inoculated with L. plantarum (1.0 × 10⁶ colony-forming units [CFU]/g), CE (50,000 U/g), or CELp and fermented in vacuum-sealed bags at 25°C for 60 days. Results demonstrated that the CELp co-treatment yielded superior outcomes, significantly increasing lactic acid content, accelerating acidification, and effectively degrading neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, and hemicellulose compared to individual treatments. Microbial community analysis demonstrated that the CELp co-treatment effectively enriched functional bacterial treatments represented by Lactobacillus and Xanthomonas while significantly enhancing the activities of core enzymes, including L-lactate dehydrogenase, xylanase, and β-glucosidase. The CELp co-treatment intensified homolactic fermentation and structural carbohydrate decomposition, with correlation analysis revealing tight links among microbial composition, enzyme activities, and silage quality. In conclusion, the microbial–enzyme synergistic approach effectively improved the fermentation quality of rapeseed straw silage by directionally modulating the microbial community structure and enhancing core enzyme activities. These findings provide a novel theoretical basis for the efficient utilization of lignocellulosic agricultural by-products.

It remains unclear how language and cognitive control networks interact to support second language (L2) proficiency in the bilingual brain. Our study used gradient network and dynamic causal modelling (DCM) to investigate the brain activity flow in these two brain networks underlying L2 proficiency with sixty-one Chinese-English bilinguals. We found that the gradient values of the right calcarine gyrus and the left supramarginal gyrus were positively correlated with L2 proficiency. However, multivariate pattern and region-of-interest analyses suggested that L2 proficiency may not significantly modulate the brain activity flow of these two networks in global network gradients. Meanwhile, DCM findings demonstrated that L2 proficiency development increased inhibitory effects from the language network to the cognitive control network, indicating that L2 learning would modulate the cognitive control system. In summary, our study provides further insights into how language and cognitive control networks interact to establish a smooth bilingual system underlying L2 proficiency.

We study a robust optimal reinsurance and investment problem for an ambiguity-averse insurer, where decisions are influenced by past capital flows (delay). The insurer’s surplus is modelled via diffusion approximation, and the financial market comprises a risk-free asset and a risky asset following geometric Brownian motion. To capture ambiguity aversion toward both insurance and financial risks, we employ the alpha-max/min mean-variance criterion, which generalizes the classical mean-variance approach by weighting worst-case and best-case scenarios under model uncertainty. Incorporating a time-delay structure into the wealth dynamics leads to an infinite dimensional stochastic control problem. Using stochastic control theory for delay systems, we derive an extended Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman equation and a verification theorem. Explicit, closed-form solutions for the robust optimal time-consistent reinsurance and investment strategies, along with the equilibrium value function, are obtained. Key findings include: (i) the equilibrium reinsurance strategy becomes more conservative as ambiguity aversion increases; (ii) the impact of ambiguity aversion of an individual on the investment strategy depends on the correlation between insurance and financial risks. When this dependence is weak, higher ambiguity aversion leads to a more conservative investment strategy. However, if the insurance market is highly ambiguous, a more ambiguity-averse insurer may surprisingly adopt a more aggressive investment strategy to diversify overall portfolio risk. Numerical analyses illustrate the effects of crucial parameters such as the ambiguity aversion coefficient, delay parameters and market coefficients of the optimal strategies, providing further economic interpretation and validation.

Biomphalaria straminea (Gastropoda: Planorbidae) and Physa acuta (Gastropoda: Physidae), both invasive species in southern China, are important vectors for zoonotic diseases. However, the lack of information on the infection dynamics of Angiostrongylus cantonensis in these snails leaves gaps in understanding the compatibility mechanisms between the snails and the parasite. This study aims to reveal differences in A. cantonensis infection between B. straminea and P. acuta from Guangdong, southern China, and to investigate the potential interaction mechanisms between A. cantonensis and P. acuta. We found that both phenotypic color variants of B. straminea snails were highly susceptible to A. cantonensis (100%). The load of the L3 larvae ranged from 243 to 765 per snail, and it was positively correlated with the infection dosage. Based on the comparison of third-stage larvae quantities, B. straminea is more suitable than P. acuta for establishing the life cycle of A. cantonensis in the laboratory. In contrast, geographic isolates of P. acuta exhibited variable susceptibility (13–91%) and markedly lower parasite loads, with 6–32 third-stage larvae per snail. Diverse strains of P. acuta exhibit distinct immune responses to A. cantonensis, characterized by varied expression patterns of immune-related genes such as TEP1, HSP70, FREP2, Cu-Zn_SOD1, Fe-Mn_SOD2, MIF and Galectin. Our findings establish B. straminea as both a high-risk vector and a laboratory model for studying the life cycle of A. cantonensis, while highlighting P. acuta as a model for investigating parasite-snail interactions, thereby enhancing our understanding of snail-parasite dynamics in southern China.

We demonstrate a high-power, flexibly tunable dual-pulse laser via temporal modulation techniques to overcome conventional systems’ fixed pulse width and temporal interval constraints, enhancing precision micro/nanofabrication and nonlinear photonics applications. By combining dispersion-engineered seed pulse shaping for adjustable pulse widths (5.6 ps and 0.38–0.47 ns) with optical-delay synchronized interval tuning (from –4 to 12.5 ns), the system achieves wide flexibility in pulse configuration. Furthermore, detailed nonlinear dynamics studies reveal the picosecond component exhibits reduced amplifier efficiency versus the nanosecond component, primarily due to peak-power-driven irreversible energy transfer to Raman-shifted wavelengths. This unique combination of features enables remarkable performance: 1092 W average power at 16 MHz with precisely tailored 15.9 ps/0.44 ns pulse widths and 4.2 ns temporal interval. This high-power tunability establishes a transformative material processing paradigm from precision machining to photonics, advancing fundamental nonlinear pulse science and setting new industrial laser standards.

Energy inefficiency and environmental damages caused by this inefficiency are increasingly common in developing countries. As the largest developing country, China is experiencing a rapid growth in outward foreign direct investment (OFDI). Do OFDI firms have higher energy efficiency in the same sector? After OFDI, how does the energy efficiency of the firms change? In this study, we employ the data from Chinese industrial firms to empirically investigate these questions. Our results show that OFDI firms have higher energy efficiency and total factor energy efficiency (TFEE) relative to non-OFDI firms in the same sector. After OFDI, firms improve energy efficiency and TFEE through expanding output scale. In addition, these effects are found to be heterogeneous in terms of energy types as well as OFDI motivations and destinations. In general, this study provides some initial evidence for the relationship between OFDI and energy performance at the firm level.

Western Zhou Dynasty (ca. 1046–771 BC) was established soon after conquering the Shang Dynasty (ca. 1600–1046 BC) and brought about the earliest enfeoffment system in Chinese history. Yan was one of the vassal states of the same clan as Zhou. According to historical records, the capital of Yan state was located near Yan mountain, which is now known as the Liulihe site in the Fangshan District, Beijing. This study carries out the high-precision dating of two newly discovered Western Zhou Dynasty noble tombs at the Liulihe site. The man in tomb M1902 participated in the groundbreaking ceremony of Yan’s capital according to inscriptions on the bronze vessel found in this tomb. Samples of different materials, especially different parts of human skeletons from the tombs, were selected to form a sample series in chronological order. Wiggle-matching models were established in OxCal program based on the growth and development time of different teeth and bones of human skeletons. More accurate ages were acquired for the death of the individuals. The results indicate that the most probable distribution range of the death date of the individual in M1902 is about 1045–1010 BC. The radiocarbon dates of M1902 give important chronological information about the founding of Yan state, and they are very close to those of the year in which King Wu of Zhou conquered the Shang Dynasty.

This paper introduces a novel fiber-based picosecond burst-mode laser system capable of operating at high power and high repetition rates. A pulse-circulating fiber ring was developed as a burst generator, achieving an intra-burst repetition rate of 469 MHz without the need for a high-repetition-rate seed source. This design also allows for flexible adjustment of the number of sub-pulses, burst repetition rate and burst shape. In addition, a master oscillator power amplifier was employed to analyze the amplification characteristics of bursts. The system demonstrated a maximum average power of 606 W, with a measured sub-pulse duration of 62 ps and the highest sub-pulse peak power of 980 kW. To the best of our knowledge, this marks the highest average power obtained in burst-mode ultrafast lasers. Such a laser system holds potential for applications in precision manufacturing, high-speed imaging, high-precision ranging and other diverse domains.

The influence of the SNP rs174575 (C/G) within the fatty acid desaturase 2 gene on the levels of long-chain PUFA was determined through statistical meta-analysis. Six databases were searched to retrieve the relevant literature. Original data were analysed using Stata 17·0, encompassing summary statistics, tests for heterogeneity, assessment of publication bias, subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis. A total of ten studies were identified and grouped into twelve trials. Our results showed that individuals who carried the minor G allele of rs174575 had significantly higher dihomo-γ-linolenic acid levels (P = 0·005) and lower arachidonic acid levels (P = 0·033) than individuals who were homozygous for the major allele. The subgroup analysis revealed that the G-allele carriers of rs174575 were significantly positively correlated with linoleic acid (P = 0·002) and dihomo-γ-linolenic acid (P < 0·001) and negatively correlated with arachidonic acid (P = 0·004) in the European populations group. This particular SNP showed a potential association with higher concentrations of dihomo-γ-linolenic acid (P = 0·050) and lower concentrations of arachidonic acid (P = 0·030) within the breast milk group. This meta-analysis has been registered in the PROSPERO database (ID: CRD42023470562).

This study aimed to explore the combined association between the dietary antioxidant quality score (DAQS) and leisure-time physical activity on sleep patterns in cancer survivors. Data of cancer survivors were extracted from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys database in 2007–2014 in this cross-sectional study. Weighted multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate OR and 95 % CI for the association of DAQS and leisure-time physical activity on sleep patterns. The combined association was also assessed in subgroups of participants based on age and use of painkillers and antidepressants. Among the eligible participants, 1133 had unhealthy sleep patterns. After adjusting for covariates, compared with low DAQS level combined with leisure-time physical activity level < 600 MET·min/week, high DAQS level combined with leisure-time physical activity ≥ 600 MET·min/week was associated with lower odds of unhealthy sleep patterns (OR = 0·41, 95 % CI: 0·23, 0·72). Additionally, the association of high DAQS level combined with high leisure-time physical activity with low odds of unhealthy sleep patterns was also significant in < 65 years old (OR = 0·30, 95 % CI: 0·13, 0·70), non-painkiller (OR = 0·39, 95 % CI: 0·22, 0·71), non-antidepressant (OR = 0·49, 95 % CI: 0·26, 0·91) and antidepressant (OR = 0·11, 95 % CI: 0·02, 0·50) subgroups. DAQS and leisure-time physical activity had a combined association on sleep patterns in cancer survivors. However, the causal associations of dietary nutrient intake and physical activity with sleep patterns in cancer survivors need further clarification.

We construct a new stochastic interest rate model with two stochastic factors, by introducing a stochastic long-run equilibrium level into the Vasicek interest rate model which follows another Ornstein–Uhlenbeck process. With the interest rate under the Black–Scholes model being assumed to follow the newly proposed model, a closed-form representation of European option prices is successfully presented, when the analytical characteristic function of the underlying log-price under a forward measure is derived. To assess the model performance, a preliminary empirical study is conducted using S&P 500 index and its options, with the Vasicek model and an alternative two-factor Vasicek model taken as benchmarks.

The literature investigates trade-environment relationship at the firm level, but does not focus on the environmental effect of trade policy uncertainty. In the context of de-globalization and Sino-US trade friction, trade policy uncertainty significantly increases. How does trade policy uncertainty affect firms’ pollution emissions? In this study, we incorporate energy, pollution, and trade policy uncertainty into Melitz’s (2003) framework and construct a theoretical model to reveal the relationship between trade policy uncertainty and pollution emissions. Then, we employ the event that the USA granted permanent normal trade relationship to China as a quasi natural experiment. We use difference-in-difference-in-difference model and the data of Chinese manufacturing firms for empirical analysis. Our results indicate that the decrease in trade policy uncertainty reduces emission intensity of exporting firms, but has no significant impact on emission levels. Given that these firms do not aggravate emission levels under the condition of expanding output scale, we conclude that the decrease in trade policy uncertainty can improve environmental performance. Mechanism analysis shows an interesting finding that the decrease in trade policy uncertainty reduces emission intensity mainly by improving energy efficiency rather than improving abatement technology and optimizing energy structure. In addition, pollution reductions mainly occur in pollution-intensive and capital-intensive industries as well as coastal regions. Altogether, this study contributes to the literature on trade-environment relationship and trade policy uncertainty.

Buckminsterfullerene (C60) is one of the most important carbon-based nanoparticles (CNPs). Industrial-scale production of C60 has reached the level of tons; release to the environment has been confirmed (Tremblay, 2002; Qiao et al., 2007). The present study was devoted to study of the effect of clay minerals on the migration process of C60. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were used to study the interaction of CNPS with clay minerals through study of the adsorption of C60 on various surfaces of kaolinite and pyrophyllite in vacuum and aqueous environments. Two kinds of surfaces, hydrophobic siloxane surfaces and hydrophilic hydroxyl surfaces, were investigated. C60 is mainly adsorbed onto the vacancy of the six-membered ring, composed of SiO4 tetrahedra or AlO6 octahedra, on clay-mineral surfaces. A single adsorption layer consisting of C60 molecules with an ordered hexagonal arrangement is presented for all surfaces in vacuum. In aqueous environments, however, the monolayer appears on the siloxane surfaces only, while a cluster of C60 molecules is formed on the hydroxyl surfaces. Free energies prove that the attachment of two C60 molecules is stronger than the adsorption of C60 onto the hydroxyl surface in water, which is the reason for unfavorable formation of C60 monolayer. On the other hand, the adsorption free energy is more negative on the hydrophobic siloxane surface, explaining the monolayer formation. The existence of water, which forms hydration layers on the surfaces of clay minerals, produces energy barriers, and reduces the adsorption affinity to some extent. Because clay minerals act as geosorbents in the environment, the present study is significant in terms of understanding the migration and fate of CNPS in nature.