The oriental armyworm, Mythimna separata (Walker), is a highly migratory pest known for its sudden larval outbreaks, which result in severe crop losses. These unpredictable surges pose significant challenges for timely and accurate monitoring, as conventional methods are labour-intensive and prone to errors. To address these limitations, this study investigates the use of machine learning for automated and precise identification of M. separata larval instars. A total of 1577 larval images representing different instar were analysed for geometric, colour, and texture features. Additionally, larval weight was predicted using 13 regression models. Instar identification was conducted using Support Vector Classifier (SVC), Random Forest, and Multi-Layer Perceptron. Key feature contributing to classification accuracy were subsequently identified through permutation feature importance analysis. The results demonstrated the potential of machine learning for automating instar identification with high efficiency and accuracy. Predicted larval weight emerged as a key feature, significantly enhancing the performance of all identification models. Among the tested approaches, BaggingRegressor exhibited the best performance for larval weight prediction (R2 = 98.20%, RMSE = 0.2313), while SVC achieved the highest instar identification accuracy (94%). Overall, the integration of larval weight with other image-derived features proved to be a highly effective strategy. This study demonstrates the efficacy of machine learning in enhancing pest monitoring systems by providing a scalable and reliable framework for precise pest management. The proposed methodology significantly improves larval instar identification accuracy and efficiency, offering actionable insights for implementing targeted biological and chemical control strategies.

This work investigates the spatio-temporal evolution of coherent structures in the wake of a generic high-speed train, based on a three-dimensional database from large eddy simulation. Spectral proper orthogonal decomposition (SPOD) is used to extract energy spectra and energy ranked empirical modes for both symmetric and antisymmetric components of the fluctuating flow field. The spectrum of the symmetric component shows overall higher energy and more pronounced low-rank behaviour compared with the antisymmetric one. The most dominant symmetric mode features periodic vortex shedding in the near wake, and wave-like structures with constant streamwise wavenumber in the far wake. The mode bispectrum further reveals the dominant role of self-interaction of the symmetric component, leading to first harmonic and subharmonic triads of the fundamental frequency, with remarkable deformation of the mean field. Then, the stability of the three-dimensional wake flow is analysed based on two-dimensional local linear stability analysis combined with a non-parallelism approximation approach. Temporal stability analysis is first performed for both the near-wake and the far-wake regions, showing a more unstable condition in the near-wake region. The absolute frequency of the near-wake eigenmode is determined based on spatio-temporal analysis, then tracked along the streamwise direction to find out the global mode growth rate and frequency, which indicate a marginally stable global mode oscillating at a frequency very close to the most dominant SPOD mode. The global mode wavemaker is then located, and the structural sensitivity is calculated based on the direct and adjoint modes derived from a local spatial analysis, with the maximum value localized within the recirculation region close to the train tail. Finally, the global mode shape is computed by tracking the most spatially unstable eigenmode in the far wake, and the alignment with the SPOD mode is computed as a function of streamwise location. By combining data-driven and theoretical approaches, the mechanisms of coherent structures in complex wake flows are well identified and isolated.

EXOSC10 is an exosome-associated ribonuclease that degrades and processes a wide range of transcripts in the nucleus. The initial segment (IS) of the epididymis is crucial for sperm transport and maturation in mice by affecting the absorption and secretion that is required for male fertility. However, the role of EXOSC10 ribonuclease-mediated RNA metabolism within the IS in the regulation of gene expression and sperm maturation remains unknown. Herein, we established an Exosc10 conditional knockout (Exosc10 cKO) mouse model by crossing Exosc10F/F mice with Lcn9-Cre mice which expressed recombinase in the principal cells of IS as early as post-natal day 17. Morphological and histological analyses revealed that Exosc10 cKO males had normal spermatogenesis and development of IS. Moreover, the sperm concentration, morphology, motility, and frequency of acrosome reactions in the cauda epididymides of Exosc10 cKO mice were comparable with those of control mice. Thus, Exosc10 cKO males had normal fertility. Collectively, our genetic mouse model and findings demonstrate that loss of EXOSC10 in the IS of epididymis is dispensable for sperm maturation and male fertility.

In order to establish a compact all-optical Thomson scattering source, experimental studies were conducted on the 45 TW Ti: sapphire laser facility. By including a steel wafer, mixed gas, and plasma mirror into a double-exit jet, several mechanisms, such as shock-assisted ionization injection, ionization injection, and driving laser reflection, were integrated into one source. So, the source of complexity was remarkably reduced. Electron bunches with central energy fluctuating from 90 to 160 MeV can be produced. Plasma mirrors were used to reflect the driving laser. The scattering of the reflected laser on the electron bunches led to the generation of X-ray photons. Through comparing the X-ray spots under different experimental conditions, it is confirmed that the X-ray photons are generated by Thomson scattering. For further application, the energy spectra and source size of the Thomson scattering source were measured. The unfolded spectrum contains a large amount of low-energy photons besides a peak near 67 keV. Through importing the electron energy spectrum into the Monte Carlo simulation code, the different contributions of the photons with small and large emitting angles can be used to explain the origin of the unfolded spectrum. The maximum photon energy extended to about 500 keV. The total photon production was 107/pulse. The FWHM source size was about 12 μm.

The flying wing is an aerodynamic configuration with high efficiency, but the lack of lateral-directional stability has always been an obstacle that limits its application. In this study, the wing rock motion of a 65° swept flying-wing aircraft is studied via wind tunnel experiments and numerical simulations at a low speed, and various unsteady motion phenomena are focused on. Both the experimental and numerical results show that the flying wing has a bicyclic ${C_l}$–$\phi $ hysteresis loop during its wing rock, different from the slender delta wing, rectangular wing, generic aircraft configuration, etc., which have a tricyclic hysteresis loop. This form of hysteresis loop implies a different energy exchange manner of the flying wing in the wing rock oscillation. Further analysis shows that the flying wing forms a unilateral leading-edge vortex (LEV) under a high roll angle, with its wing rock oscillation driven by the ‘vortex–shear-layer’ structure, which is different from that of slender and non-slender delta wings. Moreover, the quantitative dynamic hysteresis characteristics of the LEV's strength and location for the flying wing and the slender delta wing are also different. These results have proven the existence of a wing rock mode which is different from previous investigations, which enriches the understanding of self-induced oscillation. Present discoveries are also conducive to the aerodynamic shape design and flight manipulation of a flying-wing aircraft, which is significant for its wider application.

Fast neutron absorption spectroscopy is widely used in the study of nuclear structure and element analysis. However, due to the traditional neutron source pulse duration being of the order of nanoseconds, it is difficult to obtain a high-resolution absorption spectrum. Thus, we present a method of ultrahigh energy-resolution absorption spectroscopy via a high repetition rate, picosecond duration pulsed neutron source driven by a terawatt laser. The technology of single neutron count is used, which results in easily distinguishing the width of approximately 20 keV at 2 MeV and an asymmetric shape of the neutron absorption peak. The absorption spectroscopy based on a laser neutron source has one order of magnitude higher energy-resolution power than the state-of-the-art traditional neutron sources, which could be of benefit for precisely measuring nuclear structure data.

Straightplasma channels are widely used to guide relativistic intense laser pulses over several Rayleigh lengths for laser wakefield acceleration. Recently, a curved plasma channel with gradually varied curvature was suggested to guide a fresh intense laser pulse and merge it into a straight channel for staged wakefield acceleration [Phys. Rev. Lett. 120, 154801 (2018)]. In this work, we report the generation of such a curved plasma channel from a discharged capillary. Both longitudinal and transverse density distributions of the plasma inside the channel were diagnosed by analyzing the discharging spectroscopy. Effects of the gas-filling mode, back pressure and discharging voltage on the plasma density distribution inside the specially designed capillary are studied. Experiments show that a longitudinally uniform and transversely parabolic plasma channel with a maximum channel depth of 47.5 μm and length of 3 cm can be produced, which is temporally stable enough for laser guiding. Using such a plasma channel, a laser pulse with duration of 30 fs has been successfully guided along the channel with the propagation direction bent by 10.4°.

The timely identification of the high-risk groups for nosocomial infections (NIs) plays a vital role in its prevention and control. Therefore, it is crucial to investigate whether the ABO blood group is a risk factor for NI. In this study, patients with NI and non-infectionwere matched by the propensity score matching method and a logistic regression model was used to analyse the matched datasets. The study found that patients with the B&AB blood group were susceptible to Escherichia coli (OR = 1.783, p = 0.039); the A blood group were susceptible to Staphylococcus aureus (OR = 2.539, p = 0.019) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (OR = 5.724, p = 0.003); the A&AB blood group were susceptible to Pseudomonas aeruginosa (OR = 4.061, p = 0.008); the AB blood group were vulnerable to urinary tract infection (OR = 13.672, p = 0.019); the B blood group were susceptible to skin and soft tissue infection (OR = 2.418, p = 0.016); and the B&AB blood group were vulnerable to deep incision infection (OR = 4.243, p = 0.043). Summarily, the patient’s blood group is vital for identifying high-risk groups for NIs and developing targeted prevention and control measures for NIs.

During a dynamic stall process, various flow structures leave their pressure footprints on a wing surface, through which it is possible to understand the development of different flow stages and predict the critical flow events. Based on a classical airfoil ramp-up pitching motion, proper orthogonal decomposition analysis of pressure on the suction surface is carried out in this study. Accordingly, the surface pressure evolution during dynamic stall is summarized into three basic physical schemas, based on which several real-time critical indicators for predicting the flow events related to the dynamic stall vortex (DSV) are constructed. These critical indicators include the spatial distribution coefficient of pressure (SDCP), the high-order central moment of pressure (HCMP), the location of peak pressure (LPP) and the modulated location of peak pressure (MLPP). These indicators can predict the formation of laminar separation bubbles, DSV initiation, DSV centre position and the detachment of DSV. Therefore, the real-time whole-life monitoring of DSV has been realized. Moreover, the effectiveness of these indicators has also been confirmed under different parameters, and testing using wind tunnel experimental data proves their noise robustness. Studies show that the SDCP and HCMP may also be effective even if only two transducers are used. Finally, a modification method of SDCP based on Z-score standardized pressure is proposed. It is found that the modified SDCP can effectively reduce sensitivity to kinematic parameters and the Reynolds number. The critical indicators in this study can be used as a reference for the standardized mathematical and physical description of DSV evolution, thus laying a foundation for constructing a universal theoretical framework of dynamic stall.

Turner syndrome is a clinical syndrome caused by autosomal abnormalities in women. It is often accompanied by congenital cardiovascular malformations commonly including a bicuspid aortic valve malformation and aortic coarctation, but the presence of multiple pulmonary venous abnormalities is extremely rare. We present a 27-year-old woman who was diagnosed with Turner syndrome. She was revealed an anomalous right upper pulmonary venous connection, left upper pulmonary vein obstruction, and varicose vein malformations of the left pulmonary veins by a series of examination. Cardiac catheterisation and selective pulmonary angiography can further confirm the diagnosis, morphological characteristics, haemodynamic significance and provide a reference for the next step of treatment.

China accounts for 17% of the global disease burden attributable to mental, neurological and substance use disorders. As a country undergoing profound societal change, China faces growing challenges to reduce the disease burden caused by psychiatric disorders. In this review, we aim to present an overview of progress in neuroscience research and clinical services for psychiatric disorders in China during the past three decades, analysing contributing factors and potential challenges to the field development. We first review studies in the epidemiological, genetic and neuroimaging fields as examples to illustrate a growing contribution of studies from China to the neuroscience research. Next, we introduce large-scale, open-access imaging genetic cohorts and recently initiated brain banks in China as platforms to study healthy brain functions and brain disorders. Then, we show progress in clinical services, including an integration of hospital and community-based healthcare systems and early intervention schemes. We finally discuss opportunities and existing challenges: achievements in research and clinical services are indispensable to the growing funding investment and continued engagement in international collaborations. The unique aspect of traditional Chinese medicine may provide insights to develop a novel treatment for psychiatric disorders. Yet obstacles still remain to promote research quality and to provide ubiquitous clinical services to vulnerable populations. Taken together, we expect to see a sustained advancement in psychiatric research and healthcare system in China. These achievements will contribute to the global efforts to realize good physical, mental and social well-being for all individuals.

Modified sericite mica was prepared by combining the intercalation of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) through ion exchange and surface modification of 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (KH550) with the following steps: high-temperature activation of sericite mica, acid activation, sodium modification, LiNO3 treatment, the ion-exchange intercalation of the cetyltrimethylammonium cation (CTA+) and surface modification of KH550. High-temperature activation was the most critical step for the modified sericite mica, and the number of hydroxyl groups of mica under high temperature directly affected the surface modification of KH550. The effects of various activation temperatures on the surface modification of sericite mica were investigated. The structure of activated sericite mica was intact when activation temperature was 600°C or 700°C, and the surface modification of sericite mica was not affected. The structure of activated sericite mica was partially destroyed at 800°C. The optimal temperature for activating sericite mica was 700°C. The structure and morphology of modified sericite mica were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis and loose bulk volume. The KH550 could not only chemically graft onto the surface of sericite mica, but also enter into the interlayer through electrostatic attraction after its end amino group was protonated. The interlayer spacing of modified sericite mica increased to 3.22 nm, indicating that it might be an excellent layered silicate for preparing clay–polymer nanocomposites.

The FNDC5 gene encodes the fibronectin type III domain-containing protein 5 that is a membrane protein mainly expressed in skeletal muscle, and the FNDC5 rs3480 polymorphism may be associated with liver disease severity in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We investigated the influence of the FNDC5 rs3480 polymorphism on the relationship between sarcopenia and the histological severity of NAFLD. A total of 370 adult individuals with biopsy-proven NAFLD were studied. The association between the key exposure sarcopenia and the outcome liver histological severity was investigated by binary logistic regression. Stratified analyses were undertaken to examine the impact of FNDC5 rs3480 polymorphism on the association between sarcopenia and the severity of NAFLD histology. Patients with sarcopenia had more severe histological grades of steatosis and a higher prevalence of significant fibrosis and definite non-alcoholic steatohepatitis than those without sarcopenia. There was a significant association between sarcopenia and significant fibrosis (adjusted OR 2·79, 95 % CI 1·31, 5·95, P = 0·008), independent of established risk factors and potential confounders. Among patients with sarcopenia, significant fibrosis occurred more frequently in the rs3480 AA genotype carriers than in those carrying the FNDC5 rs3480 G genotype (43·8 v. 17·2 %, P = 0·031). In the association between sarcopenia and liver fibrosis, there was a significant interaction between the FNDC5 genotype and sarcopenia status (P value for interaction = 0·006). Sarcopenia is independently associated with significant liver fibrosis, and the FNDC5 rs3480 G variant influences the association between sarcopenia and liver fibrosis in patients with biopsy-proven NAFLD.

Continuous hBN films have been grown by means of a radio-frequency-sputtering technology, and their material properties have been investigated. The prepared hBN films can achieve good smoothness in a large area. The surface morphologies and compositions of the hBN films on Si substrate and Al film have been characterized, indicating that there is no difference. The 101-phase peak of hBN film is the strongest, and the optical band gap of the fabricated film is 5.84 eV. An attempt on the fabrication of the hBN based resistive switching (RS) device has been made by using an Ag/hBN/Al structure, leading to the observation of a clear and stable RS behavior. The device exhibits a resistance window (high-resistivity state/low-resistivity state) of around 102, and the RS behaviors of hBN film prepared by sputtering were first observed. It has been found that the opening voltage for the device is changed when a different cycle voltage is applied because of the built-in electric field increasing with the increase of applied cycle voltage. The mechanism of the RS behavior has been analyzed, which lay a foundation for the application of hBN as RS material in resistive random access memory to improve the storage density.

Sugarcane brown rust, caused by Puccinia melanocephala, is one of the main diseases of sugarcane in China. The identification and discovery of new resistance genes have important theoretical and practical significance for preventing outbreaks of brown rust and ensuring the sustainable production of sugarcane. To screen for polymorphic simple-sequence repeat (SSR) molecular markers for localization of brown rust resistance genes, we used two populations that are suitable for genetic linkage map construction and mapping of new resistance genes to construct resistant and susceptible genetic pools. We then screened 449 pairs of primers to identify polymorphic SSR markers in the parental lines and the resistant/susceptible genetic pools. The results showed that 25 pairs of primers directed amplification of polymorphic DNA fragments between the parents of the cross combination ‘Yuetang 03-393’ × ‘ROC 24’, and 16 pairs of primers amplified polymorphic fragments between the parents of the cross combination ‘Liucheng 03-1137’ × ‘Dezhe 93-88’. Four pairs of primers (SMC236CG, SCESSR0928, SCESSR0636 and SCESSR2551) amplified polymorphic DNA fragments between the parental lines and the resistant/susceptible genetic pools in ‘Yuetang 03-393’ × ‘ROC 24’. The results of this study will establish a solid foundation for the mapping of new brown rust resistance genes, genetic linkage map construction and the development of closely-associated molecular markers in sugarcane.