Passive exoskeletons offer several advantages, including lightweight design, simple structure, and inherent energy efficiency. Most existing passive exoskeletons rely on clutch mechanisms to control spring-based energy storage and release, typically focusing only on recovering biomechanical energy during the stance phase of gait. In this study, we propose and analyze a lightweight passive ankle exoskeleton capable of harvesting and releasing energy during both the stance and swing phases of walking. The device aims to enhance gait assistance while maintaining structural simplicity and minimizing weight. By integrating the optimal stiffness ratio between the stance and swing phases, derived from musculoskeletal model simulations, with previously established optimal stance-phase stiffness parameters, we determined a suitable stiffness coefficient for the swing-phase spring. To validate the design, we conducted comparative experiments on participants walking with exoskeletons configured with different stiffness coefficients. Spatiotemporal parameters, metabolic energy cost, and muscle activation patterns were analyzed to evaluate performance. The results demonstrate that the proposed exoskeleton effectively reduces Soleus muscle activation while increasing tibialis anterior activity, leading to a 6.84% reduction in walking energy cost compared to a nonassistive condition. Furthermore, energy recovery during the swing phase alone contributes an additional 1.67% reduction in energy expenditure, improving overall walking efficiency. The proposed design also eliminates complex clutch components, significantly simplifying manufacturing and reducing costs, thereby enhancing the applicability of passive exoskeletons in daily mobility and rehabilitation scenarios.

For a subgroup A of $(\mathbb {R},+)$ and a real x, define $A+xA=\{ a + x b : a, b \in A \}$ and $X_A=\{x\in \mathbb {R}:A + x A=\mathbb {R}\}$. We show that there is an $F_\sigma $ subgroup A of $(\mathbb {R},+)$ such that $\mathrm {dim_H} (A) \le \frac {1}{2}$ and $X_A \neq \emptyset $. However, if $A \subseteq \mathbb {R}$ is a subring of $\mathbb {R}$ and $X_A \neq \emptyset $, then $A =\mathbb {R}$. Moreover, assuming the continuum hypothesis, there is a subgroup A of $(\mathbb {R},+)$ with $\mathrm {dim_H} (A) = 0$ such that $X_A =\mathbb {R}\backslash \mathbb {Q}$. The proof of this theorem combines several techniques in recursion theory and algorithmic dimension. Several other theorems on analytic subgroups and subfields of the reals are presented. We also discuss some of these results in the p-adics.

The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau faces a critical shortage of superior forage germplasm resources, and existing dual-purpose varieties require substantial improvements in both yield and quality. In this study, we conducted cluster analysis and comprehensive evaluation of 12 important agronomic and quality traits from 189 globally sourced rye (Secale cereale L.) landraces over a three-year field experiment. Our objective was to identify rye landraces with preferable traits for pre-breeding and to provide foundational materials for broadening the genetic basis of forage varieties and breeding high-yield, superior-quality crops adapted to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The genetically diverse rye accessions exhibited abundant phenotypic variation in grain traits, offering rich and excellent parental materials for superior germplasm identification. Accessions with outstanding single or comprehensive traits were successfully screened: those with high thousand-kernel weight, elevated grain protein content, or combined high yield and superior quality can serve as key parental or basic materials for rye breeding programs. The three accessions with the highest comprehensive evaluation scores should be prioritized as core materials for breeding. In the cluster analysis of grain traits, clusters II and III emerged as optimal selection regions for high-yield and quality materials. The high-quality germplasm and key clusters identified in this study provide specific resource support for forage genetic improvement and sustainable development of grassland animal husbandry on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, addressing the gap in systematic screening of rye landraces with preferable traits.

Dual-wavelength fiber lasers (DWFLs) hold broad promise for industrial, sensing, telecommunications and biomedical fields due to their flexible dual-wavelength emission. In this work, a DWFL architecture was numerically modeled and systematically optimized to enhance output performance. Simulation results indicated that optimizing pump power distribution, the length of the ytterbium-doped fiber and the wavelength combination can significantly improve the output characteristics. Furthermore, the incorporation of a chirped and tilted fiber Bragg grating and wider fiber Bragg gratings yields a 2.5-fold power enhancement. Guided by theoretical and experimental analysis, an output power of 31 W at 1060 nm wavelength and 840 W at 1080 nm wavelength were achieved with a signal-to-noise ratio of 32 dB. To the best of our knowledge, these represent the highest output powers reported for a DWFL to date. Our work provides valuable design insights for the development of compact, high-power DWFL systems.

The current study examines the interaction between a pitching foil and sediment-laden flows, focusing on how particles affect propulsion performance and the sediment dynamics. We show that the presence of particles weakens vortex formation, reduces flow flux and alters the pressure distribution, leading to a decrease in propulsion efficiency. Additionally, sediment deformation and particle suspension under the flow are observed, driven by fluid–structure coupling rather than direct contact with the foil. The coupled dynamics between the foil’s motion, sediment evolution and particle transport creates a feedback loop that influences both the wake structure and sedimentary patterns. Our results underscore the importance of considering the interactions between the foil, flow and particles for a comprehensive understanding of bio-inspired propulsion in sediment-laden environments. This work provides insights for optimising the design and performance of hydrofoils in real-world granular flows and highlights the need for further investigation into the effects of particle types, concentrations and foil motion modes on propulsion efficiency.

An experimental study of the equation of state for metallic powders under impact loading was carried out at a high-energy laser facility. A laser-ablatable micro-target was obtained to satisfy the laser equation of state for experimental study, and the precise characterization of the initial density was realized. The technique boosts the pressure of copper powder to 1400 GPa. The data consistency can effectively distinguish the data trends under different initial densities (~4.05 and 4.50 g/cm3). Experimental data can effectively distinguish the differences between the high-pressure Thomas–Fermi model and the Thomas–Fermi–Kirzhnits model, providing strong support for the WEOS-Pα model of the Institute of Applied Physics and Computational Mathematics, which is more in line with the actual state description of the material. This experimental technique can be extended to study the high-pressure physical properties of other powder particles.

This study aims to explore the feasibility and accuracy of utilizing large language models (LLMs) to assess the risk of bias (ROB) in cohort studies. We conducted a pilot and feasibility study in 30 cohort studies randomly selected from reference lists of published Cochrane reviews. We developed a structured prompt to guide the ChatGPT-4o, Moonshot-v1-128k, and DeepSeek-V3 to assess the ROB of each cohort twice. We used the ROB results assessed by three evidence-based medicine experts as the gold standard, and then we evaluated the accuracy of LLMs by calculating the correct assessment rate, sensitivity, specificity, and F1 scores for overall and item-specific levels. The consistency of the overall and item-specific assessment results was evaluated using Cohen’s kappa (κ) and prevalence-adjusted bias-adjusted kappa. Efficiency was estimated by the mean assessment time required. This study assessed three LLMs (ChatGPT-4o, Moonshot-v1-128k, and DeepSeek-V3) and revealed distinct performance across eight assessment items. Overall accuracy was comparable (80.8%–83.3%). Moonshot-v1-128k showed superior sensitivity in population selection (0.92 versus ChatGPT-4o’s 0.55, P < 0.001). In terms of F1 scores, Moonshot-v1-128k led in population selection (F = 0.80 versus ChatGPT-4o’s 0.67, P = 0.004). ChatGPT-4o demonstrated the highest consistency (mean κ = 96.5%), with perfect agreement (100%) in outcome confidence. ChatGPT-4o was 97.3% faster per article (32.8 seconds versus 20 minutes manually) and outperformed Moonshot-v1-128k and DeepSeek-V3 by 47–50% in processing speed. The efficient and accurate assessment of ROB in cohort studies by ChatGPT-4o, Moonshot-v1-128k, and DeepSeek-V3 highlights the potential of LLMs to enhance the systematic review process.

Asian corn borer, Ostrinia furnacalis Guenée (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), is a major pest in corn production, and its management remains a significant challenge. Current control methods, which rely heavily on synthetic chemical pesticides, are environmentally detrimental and unsustainable, necessitating the development of eco-friendly alternatives. This study investigates the potential of the entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema carpocapsae as a biological control agent for O. furnacalis pupae, focusing on its infection efficacy and the factors influencing its performance. We conducted a series of laboratory experiments to evaluate the effects of distance, pupal developmental stage, soil depth, and light conditions on nematode attraction, pupal mortality and sublethal impacts on pupal longevity and oviposition. Results demonstrated that S. carpocapsae exhibited the highest attraction to pupae at a 3 cm distance, with infection declining significantly at greater distances. Younger pupae (<12 h old), were more attractive to nematodes than older pupae, and female pupae were preferred over males. Nematode infection was highest on the head and thorax of pupae, with a significant reduction in infection observed after 24 h. Infection caused 100% mortality in pupae within 2 cm soil depth, though efficacy was reduced under light conditions. Sublethal effects included a significant reduction in the longevity of infected adults and a decrease in the number of eggs laid by infected females compared to controls. These findings underscore the potential of S. carpocapsae as an effective biocontrol agent for sustainable pest management in corn production, offering a viable alternative to chemical pesticides.

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between serum folate levels and the risk of psoriasis by integrating observational study with Mendelian Randomisation (MR) analysis. We firstly conducted an observational study using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Subsequently, genetic instruments were selected for two-sample MR analyses to investigate the causal relationship between serum folate levels and the risk of psoriasis. The observational study showed no significant association between serum folate levels and psoriasis. In the fully adjusted model, neither serum folate level as a continuous variable (OR = 0·99, 95 % CI: 0·98, 1·00, P = 0·071) nor serum folate quartiles Q4 compared to Q1 (OR = 0·83, 95 % CI: 0·58, 1·19, P = 0·309) showed statistical significance. The MR analysis revealed that higher genetically predicted serum folate levels from Icelandic and Danish populations were significantly associated with a reduced risk of psoriasis (OR = 0·63, 95 % CI: 0·45, 0·88, P = 0·005). Similarly, higher genetically predicted serum folate levels from South Asian populations were significantly associated with a lower risk of psoriasis (OR = 0·84, 95 % CI: 0·72, 0·98, P = 0·025). Integrating observational study with MR analysis suggests that serum folate levels are protective factors against psoriasis, indicating that higher serum folate levels may help prevent the onset of the disease.

Prehistoric humans seem to have preferred inhabiting small river basins, which were closer in distance to most settlements compared to larger rivers. The Holocene landscape evolution is considered to have played a pivotal role in shaping the spatiotemporal patterns of these settlements. In this study, we conducted comprehensive research on the relationship between landscape evolution and settlement distribution within the Huangshui River basin, which is a representative small river in Central China with numerous early settlements, including a prehistoric city known as the Wangjinglou site (WJL). Using geoarchaeological investigations, optically stimulated luminescence dating, pollen analysis, and grain-size analysis, we analyzed the characteristics of the Holocene environment. The results indicate the presence of two distinct geomorphic systems, namely the red clay hills and the river valley. The red clay hills, formed in the Neogene, represent remnants of the Songshan piedmont alluvial fan that was eroded by rivers. There are three grades of terraces within the river valley. T3 is a strath terrace and formed around 8.0 ka. Both T2 and T1 are fill terraces, which were developed around 4.0 ka and during the historical period, respectively. The sedimentary features and pollen analysis indicate the existence of an ancient lake-swamp on the platform during 11.0–9.0 ka. This waterbody gradually shrank during 9.0–8.0 ka, and ultimately disappeared after 8.0 ka. Since then, the development of large-scale areas of water ceased on the higher geomorphic units. River floods also cannot reach the top of these high geomorphic units, where numerous prehistoric settlements are located, including the Xia–Shang cities of the WJL site. Our research demonstrates that landscape stability supported the long-term and sustainable development of ancient cultures and facilitated the establishment of the WJL ancient cities in the region.

Double-cone ignition [Zhang et al., Phil. Trans. R. Soc. A 378, 20200015 (2020)] was proposed recently as a novel path for direct-drive inertial confinement fusion using high-power lasers. In this scheme, plasma jets with both high density and high velocity are required for collisions. Here we report preliminary experimental results obtained at the Shenguang-II upgrade laser facility, employing a CHCl shell in a gold cone irradiated with a two-ramp laser pulse. The CHCl shell was pre-compressed by the first laser ramp to a density of 3.75 g/cm3 along the isentropic path. Subsequently, the target was further compressed and accelerated by the second laser ramp in the cone. According to the simulations, the plasma jet reached a density of up to 15 g/cm3, while measurements indicated a velocity of 126.8 ± 17.1 km/s. The good agreements between experimental data and simulations are documented.

This paper retrospectively analysed the prevalence of macrolide-resistant Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MRMP) in some parts of China. Between January 2013 and December 2019, we collected 4,145 respiratory samples, including pharyngeal swabs and alveolar lavage fluid. The highest PCR-positive rate of M. pneumoniae was 74.5% in Beijing, the highest resistance rate was 100% in Shanghai, and Gansu was the lowest with 20%. The highest PCR-positive rate of M. pneumoniae was 74.5% in 2013, and the highest MRMP was 97.4% in 2019; the PCR-positive rate of M. pneumoniae for adults in Beijing was 17.9% and the MRMP was 10.48%. Among the children diagnosed with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), the PCR-positive and macrolide-resistant rates of M. pneumoniae were both higher in the severe ones. A2063G in domain V of 23S rRNA was the major macrolide-resistant mutation, accounting for more than 90%. The MIC values of all MRMP to erythromycin and azithromycin were ≥ 64 μg/ml, and the MICs of tetracycline and levofloxacin were ≤ 0.5 μg/ml and ≤ 1 μg/ml, respectively. The macrolide resistance varied in different regions and years. Among inpatients, the macrolide-resistant rate was higher in severe pneumonia. A2063G was the common mutation, and we found no resistance to tetracycline and levofloxacin.

Accurately predicting neurosyphilis prior to a lumbar puncture (LP) is critical for the prompt management of neurosyphilis. However, a valid and reliable model for this purpose is still lacking. This study aimed to develop a nomogram for the accurate identification of neurosyphilis in patients with syphilis. The training cohort included 9,504 syphilis patients who underwent initial neurosyphilis evaluation between 2009 and 2020, while the validation cohort comprised 526 patients whose data were prospectively collected from January 2021 to September 2021. Neurosyphilis was observed in 35.8% (3,400/9,504) of the training cohort and 37.6% (198/526) of the validation cohort. The nomogram incorporated factors such as age, male gender, neurological and psychiatric symptoms, serum RPR, a mucous plaque of the larynx and nose, a history of other STD infections, and co-diabetes. The model exhibited good performance with concordance indexes of 0.84 (95% CI, 0.83–0.85) and 0.82 (95% CI, 0.78–0.86) in the training and validation cohorts, respectively, along with well-fitted calibration curves. This study developed a precise nomogram to predict neurosyphilis risk in syphilis patients, with potential implications for early detection prior to an LP.

Semantic and affective priming have long been treated separately in psycholinguistic studies. Recently, however, the question of whether and how these two primings interact has become controversial, especially in cross-language contexts where such discussions are rare. In the present study, four mixed-design experiments were conducted with Chinese EFL learners to investigate cross-language semantic-affective interactions: 3 (prime valence: negative, positive, neutral) × 2 (semantic relatedness: related, unrelated). Results show that semantic priming effects occurred in the L1L1 and L1L2 conditions, whereas affective priming effects were observed in the L2L2 condition. In the L2L1 priming condition, only emotion primes induced cross-language priming. These results suggest that semantic and emotional accesses are activated automatically and separately, but can facilitate cross-language word processing mutually. The results support the hierarchical representation of semantic features of emotion words from L1 to L2 in the unbalanced bilingual mental lexicon, while affective attributes are spread across a distributed network.