Direct transmission of SFTSV from dogs to humans: Molecular confirmation and risk assessment.

Stone tool shaping without direct cultural transmission

Research on the acceptance of Chinese traditional music and student cultural identity differences under Chinese and Western music education models.

Construction of γ-Al2O3 (100) crystal planes based on octanol directional transmission and hydrogen bond adsorption in microchannels

Background: The structural integrity of the abdominal wall is critically dependent on the organization of aponeurotic tissue, a dense collagen-rich connective structure responsible for directional force transmission. While the clinical relevance of the aponeurosis is well recognized in abdominal wall reconstruction, its nano-scale structural organization remains insufficiently characterized. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) provides a suitable approach for investigating surface morphology and nano-architectural features of biological tissues. Methods: Human aponeurotic tissue samples were analyzed using atomic force microscopy operated in contact-mode deflection and topography imaging. Two-dimensional and three-dimensional surface topographies were acquired at the micrometer scale to assess nano-architectural organization. Areal surface roughness parameters (Sa, Sq, Sp, Sv, Sy) were calculated to quantify morphological heterogeneity. AFM deflection imaging was used to evaluate relative spatial variations in deflection imaging contrast under the applied scanning conditions across collagen-dense and interfibrillar regions. Results: AFM analysis revealed a well-organized fibrillar architecture with preferential orientation, consistent with the anisotropic organization of aponeurotic connective tissue. Deflection images demonstrated spatial heterogeneity in deflection contrast at the scanned scale, reflecting variations in the tip-sample interaction signal between collagen-dense and interfibrillar regions. Surface topography showed a continuous morphology with moderate height variations and smooth transitions between structural elements. Roughness parameters reflected a compact extracellular matrix organization within the scanned areas, without features suggestive of surface disruption. Conclusions: Atomic force microscopy enables detailed nano-scale structural characterization of human aponeurotic tissue and reveals spatial heterogeneity in deflection imaging contrast under specific contact-mode scanning conditions. These findings provide a baseline nano-scale descriptive reference dataset for macroscopically normal aponeurotic tissue, supporting future comparative investigations without implying validated mechanical differences or direct tissue-implant interaction analysis within the present study.

The growing demand for marine resource development and in-depth exploration of the marine environment has positioned soft biomimetic underwater vehicles (SBUVs) as a research hotspot in the fields of underwater equipment and soft robotics. SBUVs are characterized by bodies made of flexible and extensible materials, integrating the dual advantages of softness and biomimetics. They can achieve muscle-like continuous deformation to efficiently absorb collision energy, while mimicking the propulsion mechanisms of marine organisms-such as fish and jellyfish-through undulating body movements or cavity contraction and relaxation. Such biomimetic propulsion is highly compatible with the flexible actuation of soft materials, enabling excellent environmental adaptability while maintaining favorable propulsion efficiency. Compared with traditional rigid underwater vehicles, SBUVs offer higher degrees of freedom, superior environmental adaptability, enhanced impact resistance and greater motion flexibility. This review systematically summarizes typical actuation methods for SBUVs-including fluid-powered actuation, shape memory alloy actuation, and electroactive polymer actuation-elaborating on their working principles, key technological advances, and representative application cases on SBUVs. These actuation mechanisms each offer distinct advantages. Fluid-powered systems are valued for high power density and precise motion control through direct fluidic force transmission. Shape memory alloys provide high force output and accurate positional recovery via controlled thermal phase changes. Meanwhile, electroactive polymers stand out for their rapid (often millisecond-scale) dynamic response, low hysteresis, and fine, muscle-like deformation under electrical stimuli. Current challenges are also analyzed, such as limited actuation efficiency, material durability issues, and system integration difficulties. Despite these constraints, SBUVs show broad application prospects in marine resource exploration, ecological monitoring, and underwater engineering operations. Future research should prioritize the development of novel materials, coordinated optimization of actuation and control systems, and breakthroughs in core technologies to accelerate the practical implementation and industrialization of SBUVs.

ABSTRACT Currently, limited research exists on the structural response and protection methods of the converter transformer tank for ± 800 kV ultra‐high voltage direct current transmission project to high energy arc faults. This research investigates the dynamic response and the vulnerable areas of the ultra‐high voltage converter transformer under the 50 MJ arc fault. It is found that the horizontal weld of the tank and the vertical weld of the tank are high strain concentration areas. Based on this, a design scheme for strengthening the weak areas of the transformer is proposed and the improvement effect is analysed via simulation. The results demonstrate that the improvement measures effectively reduce the strain level of the areas. In addition, the traditional transformer and the improved transformer are scaled down equivalently for experimental testing. To this end, mechanical structure, electrical circuit and data acquisition systems are established. The experimental results demonstrate the protective efficacy of the proposed measures, achieving peak strain reductions of 25.3% at the horizontal weld and 26.4% at the vertical weld.

Mpox, caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV; Orthopoxvirus monkeypox), is on the rise in West and Central Africa1-3. African rodents, especially squirrels, are suspected to be involved in MPXV emergence, but no evidence of a direct transmission to humans or non-human primates has been established4-9. Here we describe an outbreak of MPXV in a group of wild sooty mangabeys (Cercocebus atys) in Taï National Park (Côte d'Ivoire). The outbreak affected one-third of the group, killing four infants. To track its origin, we analysed rodents and wildlife carcasses from the region. We identified a MPXV-infected fire-footed rope squirrel (Funisciurus pyrropus), found dead 3 km from the mangabey territory 12 weeks before the outbreak. MPXV genomes from the squirrel and the mangabey were nearly identical. A video record from 2014 showed a mangabey from this group eating the same squirrel species and diet metabarcoding of faecal samples collected from mangabeys before the outbreak identified two samples containing fire-footed rope squirrel DNA. One of these samples was also the first positive for MPXV. This represents a rare case of direct detection of interspecies transmission. Our findings indicate that rope squirrels were the source of the MPXV outbreak in mangabeys. Because squirrels and non-human primates are hunted, traded and consumed by humans in West and Central Africa10,11, exposure to these animals probably represents risk for zoonotic transmission of MPXV.

Quantum secure direct communication (QSDC) enables the direct and secure transmission of messages without the need for prior key distribution, offering a groundbreaking paradigm in quantum communication. This paper presents a novel symmetric QSDC protocol that ensures immunity to collective-phase and collective-rotation noises while enabling efficient and two-way message transfer. The proposed protocol features an innovative approach where qubits are transmitted only during the initial entanglement sharing phase, eliminating the need to send message carrying qubits thereafter. By leveraging this design, the protocol minimizes vulnerability to external noise and eavesdropping attempts. The symmetry of the protocol allows both parties to exchange messages seamlessly and securely, ensuring equal communication procedure. Analytical analysis and theoretical proofs demonstrate the robustness and security of the protocol under non-secure quantum channel, marking a significant advancement in practical quantum communication systems. The proposed scheme follows an entanglement-based QSDC paradigm, where confidential information is embedded into quantum correlations rather than being directly transmitted over the quantum channel.

This study investigates the extent to which monetary policy instruments influence tax revenue mobilization in Uganda, with particular emphasis on the exchange rate, broad money supply (M2), and interest rates. Using annual time-series data and a Vector Error Correction Model (VECM), the study examines both the short-run dynamics and long-run equilibrium relationships between monetary policy variables and tax revenue performance. The results indicate the existence of a stable long-run relationship among the variables. Empirically, expansions in M2 are found to exert a positive and statistically significant effect on tax revenue, suggesting that increased liquidity stimulates taxable economic activity. Exchange rate depreciation also significantly enhances tax collections, reflecting its impact on trade-related and nominal revenue bases. In contrast, interest rates exhibit a negative but statistically insignificant effect on tax revenue, implying a limited direct transmission channel through revenue mobilization. The study contributes to the empirical literature by providing evidence on the monetary–fiscal transmission mechanism in a low-income, structurally transforming economy, highlighting how monetary policy indirectly supports domestic revenue generation. From a policy perspective, the findings underscore the importance of maintaining adequate liquidity growth while safeguarding macroeconomic stability. A cautiously managed exchange rate regime is recommended to harness revenue gains from moderate depreciation without amplifying volatility. Although interest rates appear weakly linked to tax revenue, prudent adjustments remain essential to avoid crowding out private sector activity. The study further emphasizes the need for stronger coordination between the Bank of Uganda, the Ministry of Finance, and the Uganda Revenue Authority, alongside structural reforms aimed at financial deepening, formalization, and improved tax compliance.

Rotavirus A (RVA) is a leading cause of severe diarrhoea in children, and interspecies transmission significantly drives the genomic diversity of human RVAs. Cats represent a key host species, requiring in-depth analysis regarding RVA transmission to humans. This review evaluated the literature on the complex genotype constellations of feline RVAs in relation to relevant canine and human RVAs to define the role of feline RVAs in the evolutionary history of human strains. The review traces the methodological shift from genogrouping by RNA-RNA hybridisation to the current genotype constellation system enabled by whole-genome sequencing. While early methods identified a shared genomic closeness between human AU-1 and feline FRV-1, whole-genome sequencing indicated that several human RVA strains, including AU-1, HCR3A, and Ro1845, likely resulted from direct transmission of feline/canine strains, due to shared genotype constellations and high sequence identity with animal strains like feline FRV-1, Cat97 and canine CU-1. Evidence of reassortment-such as the emergence of G1P[9] and G9P[9] strains after the feline-derived G3P[9] crossed into the human population-suggests these feline-like strains have successfully overcome the host-species barrier and are capable of onward human-to-human transmission, not just dead-end spillover events. However, definitive confirmation of sustained transmission or contemporary spillover requires stringent phylogenetic criteria: multiple human strains with >99% identical sequences in a monophyletic lineage for sustained transmission, or an identical human-feline pair across all genome segments for contemporary spillover. Confirming the status of the AU-1-like constellation as a third, low-frequency human RVA type requires future studies applying these strict criteria.

Recent A(H5N1) zoonotic cases linked to poultry and cattle in North America highlight the urgent need to assess the pandemic potential of emerging strains. Using male ferrets, we evaluate two B3.13 and two D1.1 genotype A(H5N1) viruses isolated from humans and observe fatal disease and varying capacities for direct contact transmission. To enhance pandemic risk assessment, we conduct aerosol sampling using cyclone BC251 and water condensation capture-based SPOT samplers and perform comparative analyses to include additional A(H5N1), A(H9N2), A(H7N9), and A(H1N1)pdm09 strains with known transmissibility profiles. Although none of the A(H5N1) strains transmit via the air, B3.13 viruses are detected at significantly higher levels compared to D1.1 strains. Here we show strong correlations between viral loads in nasal washes, airborne virus shedding, and transmissibility in ferrets, highlighting the value of these metrics for identifying zoonotic influenza viruses that may be adapting toward increased transmission potential.

High-voltage direct current transmission relies critically on the anode saturable reactor (ASR) for thyristor protection. To address the reliability limitation caused by ASR temperature rise, this paper proposes a nanocrystalline core design. Through analysis of soft magnetic materials, nanocrystalline alloy is selected for its low loss and robust mechanical properties. A volt-second compensation principle is applied, increasing the core cross-sectional area by 1.38 times to maintain saturation time, while a 13-segment configuration enhances heat dissipation. Coupled field-circuit and multiphysics simulations confirm that the optimized ASR preserves key electrical characteristics including saturation time and current rise rate, while reducing total loss by 66.6% and average steady-state temperature by 29.9%. The design effectively resolves the thermal bottleneck, enabling high-reliability and low-temperature-rise operation.

Directional long-distance signal transmission on two-dimensional DNA origami assemblies

Exploring the potential for microbial transfer from exhaled breath to the ocular surface: a comparative analysis of respiratory and ocular microbiota.

Pathogens may have assisted the evolution of endothermy by restricting its reversibility.

This study describes the design, development and evaluation of a directional Yagi-Uda antenna transmitter for an amateur FM radio station at the main campus of Cavite State University. The antenna was made of an aluminum rail with a 9.525 mm diameter that includes two directors, a reflector, and a driving element. The Directional Yagi-Uda Antenna Design is the focus of the research goals for the Amateur Radio Station at Cavite State University's Main Campus, which include increasing signal strength, maximizing antenna gain, and reducing interference from unwanted signals and noise sources. These goals are intended to increase signal transmission range by at least 30%. The antenna has an operational frequency range of 88.7 MHz. A measured gain of 7.88 dBi was obtained after simulation using the YagiMAX ver. 3.11 program to assess the design attributes. Following testing at the Department of Computer and Electronics Engineering building, the prototype antenna successfully transmitted signals from the rooftop. Audible sound reception was accomplished throughout the university, with open sections experiencing particularly good reception. This study showcases the effective use of the directional Yagi-Uda transmission antenna and its enhanced signal reception capabilities for the amateur FM radio station at Cavite State University's Main Campus.

This study compares ancient blast furnaces in the Korean Peninsula and the Japanese archipelago from structural and technological perspectives to elucidate the adoption and development of iron production technologies in Japan. While research on the origins of iron production is generally limited by scarce archaeological evidence, the systematic excavation and analysis of furnaces in these regions allow for detailed investigation of technological lineages and transmission patterns. Key furnace features—including bellows systems, arrangement structures, construction methods, and plan layouts—were analyzed to compare technological attributes and operational methods. The results indicate two distinct developments. Japanese box-shaped furnaces exhibit orthogonal bellows and arrangement directions and require external extraction of interior iron bloom, resulting in low operational efficiency. In contrast, Korean cylindrical furnaces show aligned bellows and arrangement directions, enabling higher productivity and sustained operation. Box-shaped furnaces appear to have evolved independently through the fusion of local Japanese refining techniques and partial information from Korean technology. The ground-type cylindrical furnaces of northern Kyushu share structural and technological similarities with Korean cylindrical furnaces but developed gradually under regional social, economic, and technological conditions, reflecting partial influence rather than direct transmission. These findings demonstrate that iron-smelting technologies in Japan were not merely transplanted from abroad but selectively adapted and transformed within specific local contexts. By grounding the analysis in structural archaeology, this study provides a nuanced understanding of technological interaction, adaptation, and innovation in early East Asia, and offers a foundation for future comparative research on ancient metallurgical systems.

Insect infestation poses a significant threat to global agriculture by impairing plant growth and reducing crop yields. The western flower thrip (WFT) causes substantial damage through both direct feeding and transmission of plant viruses. Although the jasmonic acid (JA) signaling pathway is known to participate in plant defense against WFTs, the underlying molecular mechanisms in non-model crops such as peppers, remain largely elusive. This study investigates the role of suppressor of prosystemin-mediated responses2 (Spr2) within JA-mediated defense against WFTs in pepper. Through an integrated approach employing virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS), transcription analysis, phytohormone quantification, insect behavior assays and life history investigations, we demonstrated that silencing CaSpr2 significantly reduced JA and JA-Ile accumulation, and led to a strong feeding preference of WFTs for CaSpr2-silenced plants. Furthermore, the adult lifespan, survival rate, female fecundity, oviposition rate, and population parameters of WFTs were significantly improved on CaSpr2-silenced plants. Spr2 functions as an essential component within the JA signaling pathway, thereby playing a critical role in conferring resistance to WFTs in cultivated pepper. These findings provide profound insights and practical implications for breeding thrips-resistant cultivars in non-model plants, through genetic manipulation of JA signaling, offering a promising avenue for sustainable agricultural pest management.

Controlling wave propagation in complex environments is a central challenge across wireless communications, imaging, and acoustics, where multiple scattering and interference obscure direct transmission paths. Coherent wavefront shaping enables precise energy delivery but typically requires full knowledge of the medium. Here, we introduce a universal statistical framework for targeted mode transport (TMT) that circumvents this limitation and validate it on various platforms including microwave networks, two-dimensional chaotic cavities, and three-dimensional reverberation chambers. TMT quantifies the efficiency of transferring energy between specified input and output channels in multimode wave-chaotic systems. We develop a diagrammatic theory that predicts the eigenvalue distribution of the TMT operator and identifies the macroscopic parameters—coupling strength, absorption, and channel control—that govern performance. The theory provides explicit bounds for optimal TMT wavefronts and captures phenomena like statistical transmission gaps and reflectionless states. These findings establish design principles for energy delivery and information transfer in complex environments, with broad implications for adaptive signal processing and wave-based technologies.