Analysis Of Distribution Research Articles

Effect of different addition orders of petrochemical by-product-based mixed collectors on coal flotation

ABSTRACT An effective collector is crucial for enhancing coal flotation efficiency. The effect of a mixed collector based on petrochemical by-products on coal flotation was investigated. The investigation included various addition orders and was conducted using flotation tests, particle size distribution analysis, GC-MS, FTIR and contact angle measurements. The Mixed addition order exhibited superior performance in flotation compared to the K+Y and Y+K orders at all tested dosages. Particle size distribution analyses revealed that the mixed collector offered better dispersion in water than individual the Y-oil and K-oil, with droplet sizes below 100 µm. FTIR and contact angle measurements indicated that coal treated with the Mixed addition order demonstrated optimal reagent adsorption and the highest level of surface hydrophobicity. Aromatic compounds in the collector interacted with the hydrophobic areas of the coal surface, while partially covering some of the hydrophilic regions between these hydrophobic sites. Conversely, heteropolar components engaged with the hydrophilic regions on the coal surface to enhance adsorption. Despite these improvements, some hydrophilic sites remained after treatments with the Y+K and K+Y orders, which continued to affect the coal flotation properties.

XUV yield optimization of two-color high-order harmonic generation in gases

Abstract We perform an experimental two-color high-order harmonic generation study in argon with the fundamental of an ytterbium ultrashort pulse laser and its second harmonic. The intensity of the second harmonic and its phase relative to the fundamental are varied while keeping the total intensity constant. We extract the optimum values for the relative phase and ratio of the two colors which lead to a maximum yield enhancement for each harmonic order in the extreme ultraviolet spectrum. Within the three-step model, the yield maximum can be associated with a flat electron return time versus return energy distribution. An analysis of different distributions allows to predict the required relative two-color phase and ratio for a given harmonic order, total laser intensity, fundamental wavelength, and ionization potential.

Analysis of Temperature and Stress Distribution on the Bond Properties of Hybrid Tailored Formed Components

Processing of hybrid materials is particularly challenging due to the different physical properties and requires extensive knowledge to produce defect‐free components. When serially combining steel and aluminum through rotary friction welding and subsequent cup backward extrusion in Tailored Forming, the strongly different yield stresses are a decisive factor. The following study analyzes the temperature and stress distribution after the compensatory heating step with additional cooling and during cup backward extrusion within a preform of a hybrid hollow shaft using experimental heating tests and finite element simulations. The influence on the bond strength is quantified by uniaxial tensile tests along the interface. Compared to uncooled samples, local cooled samples exhibit higher compressive stresses in the joining zone and hence higher forming resistance due to higher temperature gradients. Therefore, delamination and cracks can be prevented. While areas at the edge or in the center indicate reduced strengths overall, areas with high surface enlargement do not fail in the joining zone, but in the base material of the aluminum. To further enhance process stability and process control measures, a preliminary concept for the implicit determination of component temperatures using integrated sensor systems on the handling system is presented.

Ultrasonic-Assisted alkali and polyvinyl alcohol treatment for enhancing the mechanical of sisal fiber and interfacial properties with starch

ABSTRACT Sisal fibers treated with alkali and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) through ultrasonic impregnation yield various modified fibers with enhanced properties. In this study, the influence of PVA adhesion on the tensile strength, water absorption and thermal stability of individual fiber and the change of interfacial shear strength with starch were investigated. The fiber was characterized by infrared spectroscopy and electron microscope. Results reveal that PVA not only coats the surface but also penetrates the fibers, significantly improving tensile strength. Weibull distribution analysis showed that the tensile strength of ASF increased by 42.99% and the interfacial shear strength increased by 140.5%. The tensile strength of the PSF-1.0, analyzed using Weibull distribution, increased by 50.1%, and the interfacial shear strength improved by 112.9%. The study confirms that alkali and PVA treatment is a cost-effective, biodegradable method to enhance the tensile and interfacial binding properties of natural fibers, making them suitable for reinforced starch-based composites.

Finite Element Analysis of Stress Distribution in Cancellous Bone During Dental Implant Pilot Drilling

Background/Objectives: This study investigates stress distribution in cancellous bone during pilot drilling for dental implants using the Cowper–Symonds model. Understanding the biomechanical effects of drilling parameters on bone health is essential for optimizing implant stability and longevity. Methods: A finite element analysis (FEA) approach was employed to simulate the pilot drilling process in cancellous bone. A three-dimensional jawbone model was developed from CT scan data, processed using 3D Slicer, and refined with CAD tools. The drilling simulation incorporated a rigid pilot drill and flexible cancellous bone, utilizing explicit dynamic methods. Stress distribution was evaluated for drilling depths ranging from 6 mm to 16 mm, with mesh density and strain rate effects considered to ensure accuracy. Results: The results showed an increase in stress levels with drilling depth, with maximum stress recorded at 16 mm. Initial contact stress was 17.3 MPa, rising to 228.9 MPa at deeper penetration due to increased interaction between the drill and bone. Stress distribution patterns emphasized the critical role of drilling depth and design parameters in mitigating bone damage. Conclusions: This study highlights the importance of optimized drilling protocols and pilot drill design to reduce stress and preserve bone integrity. The findings provide valuable insights into improving implant procedures and demonstrate the utility of FEA as a robust tool for evaluating biomechanical impacts during implant placement. Future research should incorporate cortical bone and thermal effects for a comprehensive analysis.

The Spatial Distribution of Globular Cluster Systems in Early-type Galaxies: Estimation Procedure and Catalog of Properties for Globular Cluster Systems Observed with Deep Imaging Surveys

Abstract We present an analysis of the spatial distribution of globular cluster (GC) systems of 118 nearby early-type galaxies in the Next Generation Virgo Cluster Survey and Mass Assembly of early-Type GaLAxies with their fine Structures survey programs, which both used MegaCam on the Canada–France–Hawaii Telescope. We describe the procedure used to select GC candidates and fit the spatial distributions of GCs to a two-dimensional Sérsic function, which provides effective radii (half number radii) and Sérsic indices, and estimate background contamination by adding a constant term to the Sérsic function. In cases where a neighboring galaxy affects the estimation of the GC spatial distribution in the target galaxy, we fit two two-dimensional Sérsic functions, simultaneously. We also investigate the color distributions of GCs in our sample by using Gaussian mixture modeling. For GC systems with bimodal color distributions, we divide the GCs into blue and red subgroups and fit their respective spatial distributions with Sérsic functions. Finally, we measure the total number of GCs based on our fitted Sérsic function, and calculate the GC specific frequency.

Trench MOS Schottky Diodes: A Physics-Based Analytical Model Approach to Charge Sharing

Trench MOS Barrier Schottky (TMBS) rectifiers offer superior static and dynamic electrical characteristics when compared with planar Schottky rectifiers for a given active die size. The unique structure of TMBS devices allows for efficient manipulation of the electric field, enabling higher doping concentrations in the drift region and thus achieving a lower forward voltage drop (VF) and reduced leakage current (IR) while maintaining high breakdown voltage (BV). While the use of trenches to push electric fields away from the mesa surface is a widely employed concept for vertical power devices, a significant gap exists in the analytical modeling of this effect, with most prior studies relying heavily on computationally intensive numerical simulations. This paper introduces a new physics-based analytical model to elucidate the behavior of electric field and potential in the mesa region of a TMBS rectifier in reverse bias. Our model leverages the concept of shared charge between the Schottky and MOS junctions, capturing how electric field distribution is altered in response to trench geometry and bias conditions. This shared charge approach not only simplifies the analysis of electric field distribution but also reveals key design parameters, such as trench depth, oxide thickness, and doping concentration, that influence device performance. This model employs the concept of shared charge between the vertical Schottky and MOS junction. Additionally, it provides a detailed view of the electric field suppression mechanism in the TMBS device, highlighting the significant effects of the inversion charge on the MOS interface. By comparing our analytical results with TCAD simulations, we demonstrate strong agreement, underscoring the model’s accuracy and its potential to serve as a more accessible alternative to resource-intensive simulations. This work contributes to a valuable tool for TMBS device design, offering insights into electric field management that support high-efficiency, high-voltage applications, including power supplies, automotive electronics, and renewable energy systems.

Pathogenic potential of ornithogenic <i>Escherichia coli</i> strains detected in the Earth's polar regions

Introduction. Pathogenic strains of Escherichia coli are an important object of surveillance within the One Health concept in the wild, agriculture and human society. Migratory bird colonies and high latitude avian colonies may be points of active intraspecies and interspecies contact between different animal species, accompanied by the spread of pathogens. At the same time, the phylogeography of E. coli in relation to the presence of natural foci of colibacillosis in polar regions remains virtually unstudied. The aim of this study was to assess the pathogenic potential of E. coli strains from the polar regions of the Earth, based on the analysis of the genomes of these bacteria from typical ornithogenic ecosystems of the Arctic and Antarctic. Materials and methods. The study used collections of E. coli isolated from ornithogenic biological material during expeditions to high latitude areas of the Arctic (archipelagos of Novaya Zemlya, Franz Josef Land, Svalbard) and Antarctic (Haswell Archipelago). 16 cultures associated with avian E. coli (12 polar and 4 temperate strains) were selected for genome-wide sequencing using BGI technology. The annotation of the genomes focused on the identification of genes for pathogenicity factors and antimicrobial resistance, as well as the identification of strains belonging to individual genetic lineages using the cgMLST method. Results. The annotation of the genomes allowed their assignment to different sequence types in the multilocus sequencing typing and genome-wide sequencing typing schemes. The analysis of the geographical distribution of the sequence types of polar E. coli strains determined by the cgMLST method showed their global representation in geographically distant regions of the planet. For example, cgST 133718 was observed in Antarctica (strain 17_1myr) and in the UK, and sequence 11903, to which strain 32-1 from the northernmost point of Novaya Zemlya belonged, was previously identified in the USA. All strains studied were characterized by the presence of extensive virulence. Among the pathogenicity factors identified were haemolysins A, E, F, siderophores, including the yersiniabactin gene cluster, a number of adhesion, colonization and invasion factors, as well as the thermostable enterotoxin EAST-1 and genes that characterize enteroaggregative strains of E. coli (the virulence regulator gene eilA and enteroaggregative protein (air)). One of the Arctic strains (33-1) had determinants of antibiotic resistance, in particular the extended-spectrum beta-lactamase gene TEM-1b and the Tn1721 transposon, including tetracycline resistance genes (tetA-TetR), were detected in its genome. Conclusion. The results of the study indicate the circulation of E. coli strains with strong pathogenic potential in high-latitude Arctic and Antarctic ornithogenic ecosystems. The analysis of genomic data indicates the presence of geographically widespread genetic lineages in these regions, which justifies the importance of monitoring epidemic clones of E. coli, along with monitoring for other pathogens, in bird colonies in high-latitude areas.

Analysis of Electric Field Distribution on Primary Windings of High-Voltage High-Frequency Transformers with Variables Characteristics

This research aims to present a study of the effects of the Tesla transformer in order to find the proper dimensions. We created a design of the Tesla transformer to reduce the high-voltage electric field-stress problem that happens between primary winding and secondary winding. Because the Tesla transformer is used to induce voltage between these two windings through the air, problems with insulation occur. The winding that has space is dielectric; while there is high voltage in a transformer, it causes flashover voltage between the high-voltage winding and low-voltage winding, which damages the transformer and other devices. Research process: Research was conducted to study the laydown model (positioning) of the two windings in the transformer. By considering this, we induced a proper Tesla transformer that was reproduced by using the FEMLAB program. Moreover, we compared the Tesla transformer reproduction, which created a voltage of 120 kV and a frequency of 120 kHz. The result from the comparison is a proper laydown position of the primary winding and voltage, which has been designed without the flashover. The whorl coil has to be wound at a 60-degree angle relative to the floor and can induce more voltage than other models. The voltage and corresponding electric field stress were measured for the primary winding at various angles relative to the floor (0-, 30-, 45-, 60-, and 90-degree angles) to determine the configuration. The results from the reproduction using the FEMLAB program and testing demonstrated that no flashover occurred between the high-voltage winding to the low-voltage winding when the primary winding was positioned at a 60-degree angle.

Quantitative susceptibility mapping of iron deposition in sporadic cerebral cavernous malformation-related epilepsy.

To evaluate iron deposition patterns in patients with cerebral cavernous malformation-related epilepsy (CRE) using quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) for detailed analysis of iron distribution associated with a history of epilepsy and severity. This study is part of the Quantitative Susceptibility Biomarker and Brain Structural Property for Cerebral Cavernous Malformation Related Epilepsy (CRESS) cohort, a prospective multicenter study. QSM was used to quantify iron deposition in patients with sporadic cerebral cavernous malformation (CCMs). Lesions were segmented into intralesional, perilesional, and extralesional areas, with mean susceptibility values calculated for each subregion and analyzed in relation to epilepsy severity and duration. Among the 46 patients studied, those with a history of epilepsy had significantly higher iron deposition values in the perilesional (p =.012) and extralesional areas (p =.01), as well as a greater extent of iron deposition (p <.001) compared to those without epilepsy. The extent of iron deposition effectively distinguished patients with and without epilepsy, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.901 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.816-0.985). Among patients with epilepsy, iron deposition in the extralesional area was positively correlated with the severity of epilepsy (r2 = 0.181, p =.043), and the extent of iron deposition was positively correlated with the duration of epilepsy (r2 =.214, p =.026). This study highlights QSM as a non-invasive tool for assessing iron deposition in CRE, identifying distinct subregional iron deposition patterns linked to epilepsy status and severity.

Dynamics Analysis of Spatial Distribution and Landscape Pattern of Wetlands in the Weihe River Basin from 1980 to 2020

The wetland ecosystem is one of the most important carbon sinks on Earth, the most biodiverse ecological landscape in nature, and one of the most important living environments for human beings. The Weihe River wetland is located in the Guanzhong Plain urban agglomeration, with extreme climate and urban expansion having a great impact on its dynamic changes. Revealing the characteristics of and trends in wetland dynamics in the Weihe River Basin is the key to protecting and maintaining the healthy development of the Weihe River wetlands. This paper analyzed the changing characteristics of land use types and landscape patterns in the wetlands of the Weihe River Basin using wetland land use data from six periods in the Weihe River wetland from 1980 to 2020 and explored the spatial and temporal distribution characteristics and dynamic changes in wetlands in the Weihe River Basin. The results showed the following: (1) Wetlands in the Weihe River Basin, dominated by rivers, saw area fluctuations with an initial decline followed by an increase. Land use changes followed a slow–fast–slow trend. (2) From 1980 to 2020, frequent conversions among wetland types were observed. The primary transformation was the conversion of marshes into lakes (18.05 km2) and reservoirs/ponds (17.98 km2). Approximately 0.06 km2 of lakes were transformed into canals/channels. (3) River patches have the largest area, while canals/channels have the smallest. The patch density (PD) and landscape shape index (LSI) of wetlands fluctuate significantly, and the reduction in area leads to a 3.46% decrease in aggregation index (AI). Shannon’s diversity index (SHDI) has decreased by 5.41%. (4) The centroid of marshes experiences significant changes, while river changes are complex. The centroid changes in reservoirs/ponds are located along the southeast–northwest line. Canals/watercourses remain stable. Lakes exhibit the longest migration. This study provides robust scientific support for wetland ecological protection, policy formulation, and social sustainable development by conducting an in-depth analysis of the dynamic change characteristics of wetlands in the Weihe River Basin.

Intraspecific genetic variation in the lymphatic filariasis vector Mansonia dives (Diptera: Culicidae) in Thailand: Hidden species or genetically divergent populations?

Mansonia dives is recognized as a vector for brugian filariasis in Thailand. A recent study analyzing the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene revealed two distinct clades within the Ma. dives population in Thailand. This study aimed to examine the genetic diversity and structure of Ma. dives using the COI gene and the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) region to determine the presence of distinct species or genetically divergent populations. We analyzed 60 COI and 60 ITS2 sequences from Ma. dives populations in Narathiwat, Ranong, Tak, and Trat. The results showed a nucleotide diversity of 0.019 and a haplotype diversity of 0.979 for the COI gene, while the ITS2 region displayed a nucleotide diversity of 0.005 and a haplotype diversity of 0.545. Phylogenetic and haplotype network analyses of the COI gene identified two genetic lineages: one confined to Trat and another encompassing the other sites. However, species delimitation methods suggested that these genetic differences were insufficient to classify the lineages as distinct species. In contrast, the ITS2 analysis indicated a uniform genetic pattern across all populations. We conducted neutrality tests and mismatch distribution to examine the demographic history. For the COI gene, Tajima's D was slightly positive and non-significant (0.014), while Fu's Fs was negative (-9.750), indicating a potential expansion phase. Conversely, for the ITS2 region, Tajima's D and Fu's Fs were positive and non-significant, suggesting that the population might be in equilibrium or undergoing contraction. Moreover, the mismatch distribution analysis for the ITS2 region was inconclusive. The apparent discrepancies between these markers indicate the presence of genetically divergent populations, rather than distinct species.

Percolation analysis of spatiotemporal distribution of population in Seoul and Helsinki

Percolation analysis of spatiotemporal distribution of population in Seoul and Helsinki

Phytochemicals Withanolide N and Dryobalanolide as Potential Bioactive Leads for Developing Anticancer Drugs Targeting Tyrosine-Protein Kinase Mer.

There is a growing interest in harnessing natural compounds and bioactive phytochemicals to accelerate drug discovery and development, including in the treatment of human cancers. Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) are critical regulators of many fundamental cellular processes and have been implicated in cancer pathogenesis as well as targets for anticancer drug development. The members of TAM, Tyro3, Axl, and MERTK subfamily RTKs, especially Mer, affect immune homeostasis in the tumor microenvironment. Hence, tyrosine-protein kinase Mer has emerged as one of the key factors in cancer susceptibility and metastasis and, by extension, as a potential target of relevance for cancer drug resistance. Here, we report, using an integrated virtual screening and simulation of phytochemicals from the IMPPAT 2.0 library, phytochemicals withanolide N and dryobalanolide as potential bioactive leads for developing anticancer drugs targeting tyrosine-protein kinase Mer. The study employed an integrated design, including physicochemical property analyses, binding affinity calculations, pan-assay interference compounds filtering, absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity, and PASS analyses, in silico molecular dynamics simulations, followed by principal component analysis and free energy landscape. We call for further evaluation, validation, and translational medical research on these two phytochemicals in vitro and invivo, with an eye to their putative therapeutic efficacy and safety in the field of oncology and anticancer drug discovery and development.

Insecticidal and Bactericidal Activities of Cassia nigricans Vahl and Molecular Docking Analysis of Insect Acetylcholinesterase.

This study focused on the phytochemical, insecticidal, and bactericidal activities of Cassia nigricans Vahl, as well as molecular docking analysis of an acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor as a promising natural insecticide. The leaves of C. nigricans were successively extracted with n-hexane, acetone, and methanol. Silica gel column chromatography of the methanol extract yielded compound 1. The insecticidal properties of the extracts and compound 1 were evaluated in terms of contact toxicity against Sitophilus zeamais. Bactericidal activity was achieved by photodynamic inactivation of fecal coliforms (FCs) and enterococci in water using extracts and compound one as natural photosensitizers. Compound 1 was analyzed for physicochemical and pharmacokinetic parameters and molecular docking against the AChE protein (6XYU). Compound 1 was characterized as emodin (1,3,8-trihydroxy-6-methylanthracene-9,10-dione) using 1D-2D-1H-13C nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry. Insecticidal properties showed that emodin exhibited the highest toxicity with an lethal concentration 50 (LC50) = 5.00 mg/mL compared with all extracts. The n-hexane extract showed the highest insecticidal activity (LC50 = 177.48 mg/mL) compared with the methanol (LC50 = 195.08 mg/mL) and acetone (LC50 = 374.14 mg/mL) extracts. Complete inhibition of fecal enterococci by photosensitization was observed after 60 min of light exposure to emodin-treated water at all concentrations (1-5 mg/mL) and 120 minutes for FCs under the same conditions. Based on the docking score, the binding energy of emodin (-6.38 kcal/mol) was close to that of the marketed insecticide pirimiphos-methyl (-6.25 kcal/mol). In addition, emodin was subjected to insecticide probability prediction and absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity analysis and was found to be satisfactory as a natural insecticide. Emodin is a promising candidate for insecticidal pest control.

Demographic inequities and cumulative environmental burdens within communities near superfund sites on Long Island, New York.

Nassau and Suffolk Counties of Long Island, New York are densely populated and contain 34 federally-designated and 449 state-designated Superfund sites, potentially exposing communities to toxic releases. We conducted a distributive justice analysis assessing proximity to Superfund sites, community socio-demographics, and other environmental burdens. Socio-demographic and environmental variables for 665 census tracts were obtained from the United States Census and Environmental Protection Agency's Environmental Justice Screening and Mapping Tool. Hierarchical Bayesian spatial Poisson regression models evaluated the relationship between socio-demographic and environmental variables and counts of Superfund sites per census tract. Analyses were further stratified by county and site type (Federal versus State). A 10% increase in low-income residents was associated with a 47% increase in Superfund sites (Risk Ratio [RR]: 1.47; 95% credible interval (CI): 1.20-1.81). A 10% increase in Hispanic/Latino residents was associated with a 20% increase (RR: 1.20; 95%CI: 1.02-1.42). Higher PM2.5 concentrations (RR:1.64, 95% CI: 1.09-2.48), higher toxic air releases (RR: 1.27, 95%CI: 1.03-1.61), and greater proximity to underground gas storage tanks (RR: 1.27, 95%CI: 1.09-1.48) were associated with increases in Superfund counts. Stratified analyses revealed that low-income residents are concentrated near state not federal Superfund sites. County stratification found that only Suffolk County residents near Superfund sites have increased lead exposure potential, and Black residents in Suffolk (not Nassau) were more likely to live near Superfund sites. We observed localized distributive inequities in community demographics near Superfund sites on Long Island, and communities near Superfund sites are more likely to experience other environmental burdens.

Structural Dynamics of the Slide Helix of Inactive/Closed Conformation of KirBac1.1 in Micelles and Membranes: A Fluorescence Approach.

Inward rectifying potassium (Kir) channels play a critical role in maintaining the resting membrane potential and cellular homeostasis. The high-resolution crystal structure of homotetrameric KirBac1.1 in detergent micelles provides a snapshot of the closed state. Similar to micelles, KirBac1.1 is reported to be in the inactive/closed conformation in POPC membranes. The slide helix of KirBac1.1 is an important structural motif that regulates channel gating. Despite the importance of slide helix in lipid-dependent gating, conflicting models have emerged for the location of slide helix and its structural dynamics in membrane mimetics is poorly understood. Here, we monitored the structural dynamics of the slide helix (residues 46-57) of KirBac1.1 in both DM micelles and POPC membranes utilizing various site-directed fluorescence approaches. We show, using ACMA-based liposome-flux assay, the cysteine mutants of the slide helix are not functional, ensuring the inactive/closed conformation in POPC membranes similar to wild-type channel. Time-resolved fluorescence and water accessibility measurements of NBD-labeled single-cysteine mutants of slide-helix residues suggest that the location of the slide helix at the interfacial region might be shallower in membranes compared to micelles. Interestingly, the slide helix of KirBac1.1 is more dynamic in the physiologically relevant membrane environment, which is accompanied by a differential hydration dynamics throughout the slide helix. Further, REES and lifetime distribution analyses suggest significant changes in conformational heterogeneity of the slide helix in membrane mimetics. Overall, our results give an insight into how membrane mimetics affect the organization and dynamics of slide helix of the closed state of KirBac1.1, and highlight the importance of lipid-protein interactions in membranes.

Distribution and Source-specific Ecological Risk Analysis of Soil Heavy Metals in South Hunan Province

To identify the spatial distribution patterns and assess the ecological risks associated with soil heavy metal pollution in the southern region of Hunan Province, a total of 362 surface soil samples were collected from the studied area. This study employed multivariate statistics and geographic information systems （GIS） to investigate the spatial distribution pattern of soil metals （Cd, Hg, As, Pb, Zn, Ni, Mn, Tl, and Sb）. Furthermore, the pollution sources and source-specific ecological risk of heavy metals were quantified by combining the positive matrix factorization （PMF） model and the comprehensive ecological risk index model. The results suggested that the mean concentration of soil metals in the study area exceeded the mean background values. Specifically, Cd, Hg, Pb, and Sb showed significant pollution levels and substantial spatial variability, with their concentrations reaching the background values by factors of 8.31, 9.12, 5.09, and 2.79, respectively. The spatial distribution of these heavy metals exhibited discernible patterns, with a higher concentration observed in western Chenzhou and a noticeable trend of increasing concentrations from the central region towards the periphery. The clusters with high concentrations of heavy metals were predominantly situated near industrial zones engaged in black metal smelting and processing and nonferrous metal mining and processing enterprises. Source apportionment indicated that the primary sources of soil heavy metals in the area were industrial activities associated with black metal mining and metallurgy （29.06%）, atmospheric deposition （22.05%）, nonferrous metal mining and processing （20.65%）, a combination of industrial and transportation sources （14.73%）, and natural sources （13.50%）. Moreover, the source-ecological risk assessment model specifically identified Cd and Hg as crucial elements requiring prioritized control measures to mitigate soil ecological risks. Industrial activities, including black metal smelting and processing and atmospheric deposition sources, were identified as the priority sources for health risks in the study region. These results provide an important theoretical basis for the development of effective strategies aimed at managing and diminishing the risks associated with heavy metal contamination in the southern region of Hunan Province.

The spatial organization of cDC1 with CD8+ T cells is critical for the response to immune checkpoint inhibitors in melanoma patients.

Dendritic cells (DCs) are promising targets for cancer immunotherapies because of their central role in the initiation and control of immune responses. The rare cDC1 population is of particular interest because of its remarkable ability to cross-present antigens (Ag) to CD8+ T cells, to promote Th1 cell polarization and NK cell activation and recruitment. However, the spatial organization and specific functions of cDC1s in response to immunotherapy remain to be clearly characterized in human tumors. Here, we implemented a multiplexed immunofluorescence analysis pipeline coupled with computational image analysis to determine the spatial organization of the cDC1 subset in a cohort of skin lesions from advanced melanoma patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI). For this, we performed a whole-slide image analysis of cDC1 infiltration and distribution as well as their spatial interactions with key immune partners such as CD8+ T cells and pDC according to the response of patients to ICI. We also analyzed LAMP3+-DC, which correspond to a mature subset of tumor-infiltrating DCs. Distance and cell network analyses demonstrated that cDC1s exhibited a scattered distribution compared to tumor-infiltrating pDCs and LAMP3+-DCs, which were preferentially organized in dense areas with high homotypic connections. Interestingly, the proximity and interactions between CD8+ T cells and cDC1s were positively associated with the response to ICI. In conclusion, our study unravels the complex spatial organization of cDC1s and their interactions with CD8+ T cells in melanoma patient lesions, shedding light on their pivotal role in shaping the response to ICI.

Identification and Analysis on Surface Deformation in the Urban Area of Nanchang Based on PS-InSAR Method

Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) technology has emerged as a vital tool for monitoring surface deformation due to its high accuracy and spatial resolution. With the rapid economic development of Nanchang, extensive infrastructure development and construction activities have significantly altered the urban landscape. Underground excavation and groundwater extraction in the region are potential contributors to surface deformation. This study utilized Sentinel-1 satellite data, acquired between September 2018 and May 2023, and applied the Permanent Scatterer Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (PS-InSAR) technique to monitor surface deformation in Nanchang’s urban area. The findings revealed that surface deformation rates in the study area range from −10 mm/a to 6 mm/a, with the majority of regions remaining relatively stable. Approximately 99.9% of the monitored points exhibited deformation rates within −5 mm/a to 5 mm/a. However, four significant subsidence zones were identified along the Gan River and its downstream regions, with a maximum subsidence rate reaching 9.7 mm/a. Historical satellite imagery comparisons indicated that certain subsidence areas are potentially associated with construction activities. Further analysis integrating subsidence data, monthly precipitation, and groundwater depth revealed a negative correlation between surface deformation in Region A and rainfall, with subsidence trends aligning with groundwater level fluctuations. However, such a correlation was not evident in the other three regions. Additionally, water level data from the Xingzi Station of Poyang Lake showed that only Region A’s subsidence trend closely corresponds with water level variations. We conducted a detailed analysis of the spatial distribution of soil types in Nanchang and found that the soil types in areas of surface deformation are primarily Semi-hydromorphic Soils and Anthropogenic Soils. These soils exhibit high compressibility, making them prone to compaction and significantly influencing surface deformation. This study concludes that localized surface deformation in Nanchang is primarily driven by urban construction activities and the compaction of artificial fill soils, while precipitation also has an impact in certain areas.