Search Results (485)

High-enthalpy geothermal resources in volcanic settings often lack clear surface manifestations, requiring integrated, data-driven approaches to identify hidden reservoirs. In this study, we apply a multivariate clustering technique—genetic K-Means clustering (GKMC)—to a comprehensive soil gas dataset collected from 1050 sampling sites across the ~100 km² Garehagua mining license, located in the southern rift zone of Tenerife (Canary Islands). The survey included diffuse CO₂ flux measurements and concentrations of key soil gases (He, H₂, CH₄, O₂, N₂, Ar isotopes, and ²²²Rn, among others). Statistical-graphical analysis using the Sinclair method allowed for an objective classification of geochemical anomalies relative to background populations. The GKMC algorithm segmented the dataset into geochemically coherent clusters. One cluster, defined by elevated CO₂, helium, and ²²²Rn levels, showed a clear spatial correlation with inferred tectonic lineaments in the southern rift zone. These anomalies are interpreted as structurally controlled conduits for the ascent of deep magmatic-hydrothermal fluids. The findings support the presence of a concealed geothermal system structurally constrained in the southern region of Tenerife. This study demonstrates that integrating GKMC clustering with soil gas geochemistry offers a robust methodology for detecting hidden geothermal anomalies. By enhancing anomaly detection in areas with subtle or absent surface expression, this approach contributes to reducing exploration risk and provides a valuable decision-support tool for targeting future drilling operations in volcanic terrains. Full article

Osteoarthritis is a disabling condition with highly complex overall management and persistent shortcomings, contributing significantly to the global disease burden. Although research in the field has grown considerably in recent years alongside technological advancements, a cohesive and structured understanding of the evolution of the scientific literature, particularly regarding clinical management and outcome evaluation, remains insufficiently developed. To date, most bibliometric analyses in osteoarthritis have focused narrowly on specific subdomains, leaving a notable gap in comprehensive assessments of the broader clinical framework. This study addresses that gap through an integrated, structured, and visual approach using multiple bibliometric techniques targeting osteoarthritis diagnosis and management, aiming to guide future research and improve strategic development. Scientific publication in osteoarthritis has expanded exponentially, peaking in 2024 with 1234 documents. The United States led in both output and citation impact, while China showed rapid growth. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage emerged as the most influential journal. Australian institutions, especially the University of Sydney, demonstrated a remarkable ascent. Five global research clusters were identified, with the U.S. as the central node and Australia serving as a bridge between Western and Asian collaborations. Research themes evolved toward integrated models connecting biological mechanisms, therapeutic strategies, and patient-centered outcomes. This bibliometric assessment underscores exponential growth in osteoarthritis research and highlights the urgent need for more personalized, multidimensional evaluation strategies to enhance clinical translation. Full article

The internal growth patterns and surface micromorphology of diamonds provide a record of their multi-stage evolution, from initial formation within the mantle to their eventual ascent to the Earth’s surface via deeply derived kimberlite magmas. In this study, gemological microscopic examination, Diamond View^TM, Raman spectroscopy, and electron probe analysis were employed to analyze the surface features, internal patterns, and inclusions of the Tancheng alluvial diamonds in Shandong Province, China. The results show that surface features of octahedra with triangular and sharp edges, thick steps with irregular contours or rounded edges, and thin triangular or serrated layers are developed on diamonds during deep-mantle storage, as well as during the growth process of diamonds, when they are not subjected to intense dissolution. The rounding of octahedral and cubic diamond edges and their transformation into tetrahedral (THH) shapes are attributed to resorption in kimberlitic magma. These characteristics indicate that the Tancheng diamonds were commonly resorbed by carbonate–silicate melts during mantle storage. Abnormal birefringence phenomena, including irregular extinction patterns, petaloid and radial extinction patterns, and banded birefringence, were formed during the diamond growth stage. In contrast, fine grid extinction patterns and composite superimposed extinction patterns are related to later plastic deformation. The studied diamonds mainly contain P-type inclusions of olivine and graphite, with a minority of E-type inclusions, including coesite and omphacite. The pressure of entrapment of olivine inclusions within the Tancheng diamonds ranges from 4.3 to 5.9 GPa, which is consistent with that of coesite inclusions, which yield pressure ranging from 5.2 to 5.5 GPa, and a temperature range of 1083–1264 °C. Overall, the evidence suggests that Tancheng diamonds probably originated from hybrid mantle sources metasomatized by the subduction of ancient oceanic lithosphere. Full article

In this article, I begin with the topic of “circulations”, conducting a comparative analysis of the similarities and differences in Emerson’s and Zhuangzi’s philosophies regarding “circulations” as the mode of cosmic generation and operation, as well as the relationship between “circulations” and self-transcendence. Furthermore, I explore the practical paths to achieve self-transcendence via circulations based on these two aspects. Specifically, both Emerson and Zhuangzi regard “circulations” as the fundamental way of cosmic generation and operation. However, Emerson emphasizes the directionality of “circulations”, where God generates all things through “emanation”, and all things return to God through “ascent”. In contrast, Zhuangzi emphasizes the characteristics of the Dao in generating all things, including its “cyclic repetition” (xun huan wang fu 循环往复) and “creating myriad forms” (zhi qi wan shu 制器万殊). The “Dao” that generates these “circulations” itself does not possess morality or divinity. Both of them believe that individuals can achieve self-transcendence by aligning with “circulations”. Regarding the specific practical paths, Emerson suggests that we can return to God through revelation, specifically via nature, poets, art, and vocation. On the other hand, Zhuangzi believes that we can achieve unity with the Dao by “following the Dao”, specifically through the life-nurturing method of “following the Du as a principle” (yuan du yi wei jing 缘督以为经) and the spiritual cultivation methods of “emptiness of mind-heart and selflessness” (xinzhai 心斋) and “sitting in oblivion” (zuowang 坐忘). Full article

Zircon serves as a robust tracer for crustal recycling processes owing to its wide stability under diverse geological conditions. Its cryptic occurrence within ophiolites offers valuable insights into regional paleotectonic evolution. In this study, we identify a few zircon xenocrysts in both peridotite and basalt units from the Neoproterozoic South Anhui Ophiolite (SAO) in the southeastern Yangtze Block, South China. Zircon xenocrysts within the peridotite yield U-Pb ages ranging from ca. 2.7 to 1.0 Ga (n = 21), with three peaks of 2.8–2.5 Ga, 2.2–1.8 Ga, and 1.2–1.0 Ga. Comparative analysis of age spectra suggests these xenocrysts likely originated from recycled subducted continental materials within the Yangtze Block. In the basaltic rocks, zircon xenocrysts exhibit ages of ca. 2.1–0.9 Ga (n = 27), with peaks of 1.1–0.9 Ga, 1.5–1.4 Ga, and 2.1–1.7 Ga. These zircons are interpreted to have been inherited from wall rocks through crustal contamination during magma ascent, as their age spectra closely resemble those of the surrounding basement strata. Collectively, these findings support that the SAO possibly formed in a back-arc basin setting, characterized by significant crust–mantle interactions. Full article

Background: Infections of the biliary tract are found frequently in pathologically or surgically altered bile ducts. Mostly these infections result from the ascent of bacteria or fungi from the small bowel, although hematogeneous infections of the biliary system may also occur. The biliary sphincter and the continuous flow of bile are thought to prevent or limit ascending infections. Obstructive alterations in the biliary system are the most frequent indication of endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC). The aim of this study was to analyze the spectrum and frequency of microbes within the bile, and discover the influence of earlier sphincterotomy. Methods: In our department, we routinely aspirate bile for microbiologic culture during ERC. For this study, all ERC performed in 2014–2018 were retrospectively analyzed, including all microbiological reports. Indications for the endoscopic examination were also recorded. In addition, the findings were correlated with whether or not a sphincterotomy had been previously performed, and whether or not there had been antibiotic treatment prior to the examination. Results: A total of 2253 successful standard ERC procedures were performed between 2014 and 2016. In 486 cases, bile was aspirated and sent for microbiologic culture. In total, 1220 bile samples were analyzed, and bacteria or fungi were found in 1029 (86.0%). Enterococci and Enterobacter were found most commonly, but E. coli, streptococci, klebsiella, and staphylococci were also found. In 11.2% of positive cultures, multiresistant pathogens were identified. In up to 29% Candida spp., most commonly, Candida albicans (68%) were also found, either alone or in conjunction with bacteria. Neither prior sphincterotomy nor the use of peri-interventional antibiotics had a major influence on the frequency with which positive bile cultures were detected. Conclusions: Aspiration of bile during ERC is of high clinical relevance, because microbiological analysis reveals the frequent presence of bacteria and fungi, knowledge of which may be useful for deciding on anti-infective treatment. Full article

Polymer co-extrusion experiments are described simulating the dynamics of two different magmas (e.g., silicic and mafic having different viscosities) flowing simultaneously in a vertical volcanic pipe or conduit which results in the effusion of composite lava domes on the surface. These experiments, involving geologically realistic conduit length-to-diameter aspect ratios of 130:1 or 380:1, demonstrate that co-extrusion of magmas having different viscosities can explain not only the observed normal zoning observed in planar dikes and the pipelike conduits that evolve from dikes but also the compositional layering of effused lava domes. The new results support earlier predictions, based on observations of induced core-annular flow (CAF), that dike and conduit zoning along with dome layering are found to depend on the viscosity contrast of the non-Newtonian (shear-thinning) magmas. Any magma properties creating viscosity differences, such as crystal content, bubble content, water content and temperature may also give rise to the CAF regime. Additionally, codependent flow behavior involving the silicic and mafic magmas may play a significant role in modifying the nature of volcanic eruptions. For example, lubrication of the flow by an annulus of a more mafic, lower-viscosity component allows a more viscous but more volatile-charged magma to be injected rapidly to greater vertical distances along a dike into a lower pressure regime that initiates exsolving of a gas phase, further assisting ascent to the surface. The rapid ascent of magmas exsolving volatiles in a dike or conduit is associated with explosive silicic eruptions. Full article

The Shionomisaki Igneous Complex is part of the Mid Miocene igneous province developed within the Shimanto Accretionary Complex in front of the volcanic front in SW Japan. The igneous rocks in this province mostly have silicic compositions. New U-Pb ages obtained for two samples from the Shionomisaki Complex at the southern tip of the Kii Peninsula (14.6 ± 0.4 Ma and 14.9 ± 0.4 Ma) fall into the range of previous age determinations (14.6 ± 0.2 to 15.4 ± 0.3 Ma). Hf isotopic compositions obtained for co-magmatic zircon (εHf(t) = −0.7 to +4.8) lie between typical values obtained for mantle-derived magmas and values obtained for old crustal rocks. They are thus consistent with previous interpretations that the magmas are mixtures of mantle and crustally derived magmas. In the modelling of the isotopic characteristics of the magmas, the sediments of the Shimanto belt are taken as the protolith of the silicic magmas. Xenocrystal zircon (i.e., zircon picked up during ascent and emplacement of the magma) found in the silicic igneous rocks exhibits a similar age pattern as detrital zircon of the Shimanto sediments. However, the age pattern obtained in this study for zircon cores, which are considered to be restitic zircon (i.e., zircon derived from the source of the anatectic melt), shows little semblance with the age pattern of Shimanto sediments. It is, therefore, tentatively suggested that the source area of the silicic magmas may not be identical with the sediments of the Shimanto Accretionary Complex. Full article

Yellow rice wine is susceptible to aflatoxinB₁ (AFB₁) contamination, yet existing detection technologies suffer from limitations such as high false-positive rates, cumbersome operational protocols, or elevated costs, rendering them inadequate for large-scale screening requirements. Consequently, the development of a highly sensitive and rapid detection method for AFB₁ is urgently needed to provide technical support for quality supervision and risk assessment of yellow rice wine. In this study, AFB₁ detection was performed using time-resolved fluorescence immunoassay technology, with quantitative analysis based on the ratio of the T signal value of the detection line to the C signal value of the quality control line and the natural logarithmic value of the standard solution concentration. Statistical experimental designs were used to optimize the process of this rapid detection of AFB₁ in yellow rice wine. The most important factors influencing recovery rate (p < 0.05), as identified by a two-level Plackett-Burman design with 11 variables, were methanol-water volume fraction, sample to extraction solvent ratio, heating temperature, and heating time. The steepest ascent method was employed to identify the optimal regions for these four key factors. Central composite design (CCD) coupled with response surface methodology (RSM) was subsequently utilized to further explore the interactive effects among variables and determine their optimal values that maximize the recovery rate. The analysis results indicated that interactions between methanol-water volume fraction and other three factors–sample to extraction solvent ratio, heating temperature, heating time–affected the response variable (recovery rate) significantly. The predicted results showed that the maximum recovery rate of AFB₁ (97.35%) could be obtained under the optimum conditions of a methanol-water volume fraction of 78%, a sample to extraction solvent ratio of 1:3.2, a heating temperature of 34 °C, and a heating time of 6.4 min. These predicted values were further verified by validation experiments. The excellent correlation between predicted and experimental values confirmed the validity and practicability of this statistical optimum strategy. Optimal conditions obtained in this experiment laid a good foundation for further use of time-resolved fluorescence immunoassay for rapid detection of AFB₁ in yellow rice wine, demonstrating broad application prospects. Full article

The process of spacecraft entry, deceleration, landing, and ascent requires high specific impulse, high reliability, and high-precision thrust adjustments for the power system. The new hybrid rocket motor adopts a complex-shaped grain and high-energy propellant, offering high-energy characteristics, continuously adjustable thrust, a relatively simple oxidant delivery system, and high reliability, making it an ideal power choice for the above systems. However, due to changes in the characteristic structure of the three-dimensional complex flame surface degradation process, it is difficult to accurately predict the motor performance. In this study, changes in the flow field structure and performance parameters during the operation of the cross-shaped grain hybrid rocket motor are presented using fuel surface reconstruction technology based on a dynamic mesh. The spatial distribution of the fuel surface is analyzed, and the accuracy of the model is verified via firing tests. The results show that the deviations of combustion chamber pressure and thrust are less than 0.6% and 1.7%, respectively. After the test, the deviation between the simulated port area and the CT-scanned port area is less than 3.5%. The accuracy of this model is verified in terms of the above two aspects, establishing a solid foundation for predicting the performance of future hybrid rocket motors with more complex-shaped grains. Full article

This study presents a systematic calibration of discrete element model (DEM) parameters for fermented grains (19.4% moisture) using the Hertz–Mindlin with JKR contact model to optimize robotic end-effector design in liquor distillation. By integrating cylinder lift experiments and response surface methodology, we identified three critical parameters (JKR surface energy, restitution, and rolling friction coefficients) through Plackett–Burman screening and steepest ascent optimization. The Box–Behnken design derived optimal values of 0.0429 J/m² surface energy, 0.183 restitution coefficient, and 0.216 rolling friction coefficient. The validation results demonstrated excellent agreement between the simulated and experimental angles of repose (AORs), with a simulated AOR of 36.805° and an experimental value of 36.412°, corresponding to a 1.08% error. The geometric congruence of the deposition morphology and the notable symmetrical distribution characteristics of the left and right angles of repose confirm the robustness of the parameter calibration methodology. This study provides a theoretical basis for the kinematic parameter optimization of the end-effector distribution mechanism in fermented grain-loading robots, providing critical insights for advancing automated control in solid-state liquor distillation processes. Full article

Microbially synthesized postbiotics have unique properties and advantages; however, systematic studies on the efficient production and biological functions of postbiotics from Bacillus subtilis are limited, which greatly restricts their applications. In this study, we obtained a novel crude exopolysaccharide (EPS) postbiotic from Bacillus subtilis H4. We systematically optimized the EPS production strategy using single-factor analysis, Plackett–Burman design, the path of steepest ascent method, and response surface methodology. The optimized EPS yield was significantly improved, with a maximum yield of 15.01 g/L under the addition of 4.12% soy peptone, 8.99% sucrose, and 0.06% MnSO₄. We found that EPS is a neutral, heterogeneous polysaccharide with a pyranose ring, with a molecular weight of 44,304.913 kDa and a melting point of 218 °C. It consists of glucose, galactose, arabinose, glucosamine, and mannose at a molar ratio of 58.85:19.81:14.75:10.89:6.58. EPS exhibits strong antioxidant capacities, scavenging ABTS and DPPH radicals with IC50 values of 1 and 6 mg/mL, respectively. Moreover, it shows notable anti-inflammatory properties, dramatically inhibiting the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced elevation of nitric oxide (NO) levels and over-activation of the TLR4-NF-κB signaling pathway. These findings highlight the potential of EPS as a multifunctional bioactive compound, offering great promise for its application in the food, clinical, and feed industries. Full article

Benefiting from the progress of the germanium (Ge) epitaxy process on silicon (Si) substrates, waveguide-integrated Ge-on-Si photodetectors (PDs) have demonstrated decent performances in short-wave infrared (SWIR) detection. By lowering the operating temperature, theses PDs can meet the stringent signal-to-noise requirements for high-sensitivity detection. We systematically investigated the dark current characteristics and optical response in the 1500–1600 nm wavelength range of the waveguide-integrated Ge-on-Si PDs operated at low temperatures (200 K to 300 K). Under a −3 V bias, the PD exhibits a room-temperature dark current of 4.62 nA and a responsivity of 0.87 A/W at 1550 nm. When the temperature was reduced to 200 K, the dark current decreased to 93.69 pA, and the responsivity dropped to 0.34 A/W. Using finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) and technology computer-aided design (TCAD) simulations, we extracted the absorption coefficients of epitaxial Ge on Si at low temperatures. At room temperature, the absorption coefficient at the wavelength of 1550 nm was approximately 1100 cm⁻¹, while at 200 K, the absorption coefficient decreased to 248 cm⁻¹. The outcomes of this work pave the way for the high-performance low-temperature Si photonic systems in the future. Full article

This article presents fault-tolerant dynamic allocation strategies designed to mitigate propulsion and actuation failures in launch vehicles using a clustered engine configuration. In particular, it addresses engine thrust loss and thrust vector control (TVC) jamming faults during the atmospheric ascent flight of a five-engine launch vehicle. Three different strategies are introduced: a fault-tolerant pseudo-inverse solution, a convex optimization-based approach, and a constrained nonlinear optimization one. These approaches are analyzed and compared at a linear design point and further evaluated using a nonlinear simulator of the launcher. The results demonstrate that these three dynamic allocation techniques are able to provide successful recovery from engine thrust loss failures (up to a certain level depending on the engine throttling capability), TVC actuator jamming failures, and simultaneous engine and actuator failures. Full article

Weather balloons are a popular tool to obtain atmospheric data. One of the biggest advantages of using this type of vehicle for scientific research is their inexpensiveness, as they are only composed of an inflated envelope, a parachute, and a sonde. However, their flight is dependent on the atmospheric conditions, and their life cycle is short. Thus, altitude control for weather balloons, along with trajectory planning, is a major area of interest, as it would allow one to mitigate the disadvantages while maintaining the benefits. This article presents a novel, efficient, lightweight, and cost-effective framework for weather balloon control and path planning. The proposed solution integrates a P-D cascade controller for altitude control, adapted specifically to the dynamics and actuation constraints of weather balloons, with a wind-based trajectory planner built on the A* algorithm. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this planner is the first to incorporate wind constraints in a grid-based search tailored for weather balloon navigation. By commanding the ballast release for ascent and helium venting for descent, the developed control solution proves efficient and robust in simulation, guiding the balloon to reach defined goals while traveling through predetermined waypoints. However, it demonstrates limitations in maintaining the balloon over a fixed area. Full article