An effector SsCVNH promotes the virulence of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum through targeting class III peroxidase AtPRX71.

Many plant pathogens secrete effector proteins into the host plant to suppress host immunity and facilitate pathogen colonization. The necrotrophic pathogen Sclerotinia sclerotiorum causes severe plant diseases and results in enormous economic losses, in which secreted proteins play a crucial role. SsCVNH was previously reported as a secreted protein, and its expression is significantly upregulated at 3 h after inoculation on the host plant. Here, we further demonstrated that deletion of SsCVNH leads to attenuated virulence. Heterologous expression of SsCVNH in Arabidopsis enhanced pathogen infection, inhibited the host PAMP-triggered immunity (PTI) response and increased plant susceptibility to S. sclerotiorum. SsCVNH interacted with class III peroxidase AtPRX71, a positive regulator of innate immunity against plant pathogens. SsCVNH could also interact with other class III peroxidases, thus reducing peroxidase activity and suppressing plant immunity. Our results reveal a new infection strategy employed by S. sclerotiorum in which the fungus suppresses the function of class III peroxidases, the major component of PTI to promote its own infection.

Machine learning and new insights for breast cancer diagnosis.

Breast cancer (BC) is the most prominent form of cancer among females all over the world. The current methods of BC detection include X-ray mammography, ultrasound, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography and breast thermographic techniques. More recently, machine learning (ML) tools have been increasingly employed in diagnostic medicine for its high efficiency in detection and intervention. The subsequent imaging features and mathematical analyses can then be used to generate ML models, which stratify, differentiate and detect benign and malignant breast lesions. Given its marked advantages, radiomics is a frequently used tool in recent research and clinics. Artificial neural networks and deep learning (DL) are novel forms of ML that evaluate data using computer simulation of the human brain. DL directly processes unstructured information, such as images, sounds and language, and performs precise clinical image stratification, medical record analyses and tumour diagnosis. Herein, this review thoroughly summarizes prior investigations on the application of medical images for the detection and intervention of BC using radiomics, namely DL and ML. The aim was to provide guidance to scientists regarding the use of artificial intelligence and ML in research and the clinic.

What influences the performance of carbon emissions in China?-Research on the inter-provincial carbon emissions' conditional configuration impacts.

The severe global warming issue currently threatens humans' existence and development. Countries and international organizations have effectively implemented policies to reduce carbon emissions and investigate low-carbon growth strategies. Reducing carbon emissions is a hot topic that academics and government policy-making departments are concerned about.Through necessary condition analysis (NCA) and fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis(fsQCA), this paper investigates local governments' configuration linkage effect and path choice to improve carbon emission performance from six dimensions: energy consumption, industrial structure, technological innovation, government support, economic development, and demographic factors. The research findings include the following: (1) Individual condition does not represent necessary conditions for the government's carbon performance. Among the two sets of second-order equivalence configurations(S and Q) (five high-level carbon performance configurations), those dominated by economic development or low energy consumption can produce high-level carbon performance. Therefore, the six antecedent conditions dimensions work together to explain how the government can create high levels of carbon performance. (2)According to the regional comparison, China's eastern, central, and western regions exhibit similarities and differences in the driving forces behind high carbon emission performance. All three regions can demonstrate carbon emission performance when all the factors are combined. However, when constrained by the conditions of each region's resource endowment, the eastern region emphasizes the advantage of economic and technological innovation, the central region favors government support and demographic factors, and the western region prefers upgrading industrial structure based on a specific level of economic development.

Ribosomal S6 kinase 2-forkhead box protein O4 signaling pathway plays an essential role in melanogenesis.

Although previous studies have examined the signaling pathway involved in melanogenesis through which ultraviolet (UV) or α-melanocyte-stimulating hormones (α-MSH) stimuli act as key inducers to produce melanin at the stratum basal layer of the epidermis, the signaling pathway regulating melanogenesis is still controversial. This study reports that α-MSH, not UVA and UVB, acted as a major stimulus of melanogenesis in B16F10 melanoma cells. Signaling pathway analysis using gene knockdown technology and chemical inhibitors, the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)/p90 ribosomal S6 kinase 2 (RSK2) played an important role in melanogenesis. Unexpectedly, LY294002, a PI3K inhibitor, increased melanogenesis without UV or α-MSH stimulation, suggesting that the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway may not be a major signaling pathway for melanogenesis. Chemical inhibition of the MEKs/ERKs/RSK2 signaling pathway using U0126 or BI-D1870 suppressed melanogenesis by stimulation of UVA or α-MSH stimulation, or both. In particular, the genetic depletion of RSK2 or constitutive active (CA)-RSK2 overexpression showed that RSK2 plays a key role in melanogenesis. Interestingly, forkhead box protein O4 (FOXO4) was phosphorylated by RSK2, resulting in the increase of FOXO4's transactivation activity. Notably, the FOXO4 mutant harboring serine-to-alanine replacement at the phosphorylation sites totally abrogated the transactivation activity and reduced melanin production, indicating that RSK2-mediated FOXO4 activity plays a key role in melanogenesis. Furthermore, kaempferol, a flavonoid inhibiting the RSK2 activity, suppressed melanogenesis. In addition, FOXO4-wt overexpression showed that FOXO4 enhance melanin synthesis. Overall, the RSK2-FOXO4 signaling pathway plays a key role in modulating melanogenesis.

Nanostructured lipid carriers loaded with morellic acid for enhanced anticancer efficacy: preparation, characterization, pharmacokinetics and anticancer evaluation.

Morellic acid (MA), a typical compound found in Garcinia plants, is known for its anticancer properties. In present study, we isolated MA from resin of Garcinia hanburyi Hook. f. using preparative chromatography. We have successfully prepared MA-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (MA-NLCs) and refined the production process via orthogonal testing. Optimization of the preparation process resulted in an average particle size of 165.50±1.70 nm with a PDI of 0.19±0.01. The EE% and DL% of MA-NLCs were 78.17±0.34% and 7.25±0.38%, respectively. The zeta potential of MA-NLCs was -21.85±0.67 mV. Comparatively, MA-NLCs showed a greater area under the curve (AUC) and an extended half-life (t1/2) than free MA. Pharmacokinetics analysis revealed that the AUC0-t increased from 4.91±0.65 µg/mL∙min (free MA) to 18.91±3.40 µg/mL∙min (MA-NLCs) and the t1/2 value for MA-NLCs was 7.93-fold longer than that of free MA. In vitro cytotoxic assessments indicated that MA formulations curtailed the proliferation of cancer cells. In vivo, MA-NLCs significantly inhibited the tumor growth in tumor-bearing mouse model. Molecular mechanism studies revealed that up-regulation of apaf-1 and activation of caspase-3, caspase-9 and GSDME by MA-NLCs may trigger to apoptosis and pyroptosis in cancer cells. Consequently, our findings support the potential of NLCs as an effective MA delivery system for the clinical management of cancer.

Energy scaling of a narrowband, periodically poled LiNbO3, nanosecond, nonresonant optical parametric oscillator.

We demonstrate that 3-mm-thick, periodically poled L i N b O 3 enables energy scaling of a nonresonant optical parametric oscillator operated in the narrowband mode with a volume Bragg grating at the signal wavelength. Utilizing the full available pump power at 1064 nm, we obtained maximum average powers of 2.25 and 2.08 W for the signal (1.922 µm) and idler (2.383 µm) pulses at 10 kHz, at a total conversion efficiency of 32.8%, which represents a fourfold increase in terms of peak powers over our previous work. The signal and idler spectral linewidths were ∼1n m, with pulse lengths of ∼6n s and an idler beam propagation factor of ∼5.

SESAM mode-locked Yb:GdScO3 laser.

We report on the investigation of continuous-wave (CW) and SEmiconductor Saturable Absorber Mirror (SESAM) mode-locked operation of a Yb:GdScO3 laser. Using a single-transverse-mode, fiber-coupled InGaAs laser diode at 976 nm as a pump source, the Yb:GdScO3 laser delivers 343 mW output power at 1062 nm in the CW regime, which corresponds to a slope efficiency of 52%. Continuous tuning is possible across a wavelength range of 84 nm (1027-1111 nm). Using a commercial SESAM to initiate mode-locking and stabilize soliton-type pulse shaping, the Yb:GdScO3 laser produces pulses as short as 42 fs at 1065.9 nm, with an average output power of 40 mW at 66.89 MHz. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of passively mode-locking with Yb:GdScO3 crystal.

Dysregulated CREB3 cleavage at the nuclear membrane induces karyoptosis-mediated cell death.

Cancer cells often exhibit resistance to apoptotic cell death, but they may be vulnerable to other types of cell death. Elucidating additional mechanisms that govern cancer cell death is crucial for developing new therapies. Our research identified cyclic AMP-responsive element-binding protein 3 (CREB3) as a crucial regulator and initiator of a unique cell death mechanism known as karyoptosis. This process is characterized by nuclear shrinkage, deformation, and the loss of nuclear components following nuclear membrane rupture. We found that the N-terminal domain (aa 1-230) of full-length CREB3 (CREB3-FL), which is anchored to the nuclear inner membrane (INM), interacts with lamins and chromatin DNA. This interaction maintains a balance between the outward force exerted by tightly packed DNA and the inward constraining force, thereby preserving INM integrity. Under endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, aberrant cleavage of CREB3-FL at the INM leads to abnormal accumulation of the cleaved form of CREB3 (CREB3-CF). This accumulation disrupts the attachment of CREB3-FL to the INM, resulting in sudden rupture of the nuclear membrane and the onset of karyoptosis. Proteomic studies revealed that CREB3-CF overexpression induces a DNA damage response akin to that caused by UVB irradiation, which is associated with cellular senescence in cancer cells. These findings demonstrated that the dysregulation of CREB3-FL cleavage is a key factor in karyoptotic cell death. Consequently, these findings suggest new therapeutic strategies in cancer treatment that exploit the process of karyoptosis.

Biological Control of Rapeseed Clubroot (Plasmodiophora brassicae) using the Endophytic Fungus Didymella macrostoma P2.

Didymella macrostoma P2 was isolated from rapeseed (Brassica napus), and it is an endophyte of rapeseed and an antagonist of three rapeseed pathogens, Botrytis cinerea, Leptosphaeria biglobosa and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. However, whether or not P2 has a suppressive effect on infection of rapeseed by the clubroot pathogen Plasmodiophora brassicae remains unknown. This study was conducted to detect production of antimicrobials by P2 and to determine efficacy of the antimicrobials and P2 pycnidiospores in suppression of rapeseed clubroot. Results showed that cultural filtrates (CF) of P2 in potato dextrose broth and the substances in pycnidiospore mucilages exuded from P2 pycnidia were inhibitory to P. brassicae. In the indoor experiment, seeds of the susceptible rapeseed cultivar Zhongshuang No.9 treated with P2 CF and the P2 spore suspension (P2 SS, 1 × 107 spores/ml) reduced clubroot severity by 31% to 70% on the 30-day-old seedlings compared to the control (seeds treated with water). P2 was re-isolated from the roots of the seedlings in the treatment of P2 SS, the average isolation frequency in the healthy roots (26%) was much higher than that (5%) in the diseased roots. In the field experiment, seeds of another susceptible rapeseed cultivar Huayouza 50 (HYZ50) treated with P2 CF, P2 CE (chloroform extract of P2 CF, 30 µg/ml) and P2 SS reduced clubroot severity by 29% to 48% on 60-day-old seedlings and by 28% to 59% on adult plants (220 days old) compared to the control treatment. The three P2 treatments on HYZ50 produced significantly (P < 0.05) higher seed yield than the control treatment on this rapeseed cultivar, and they even generated seed yield similar to that produced by the resistant rapeseed cultivar Shengguang 165R in one of the two seasons. These results suggest that D. macrostoma P2 is an effective biocontrol agent against rapeseed clubroot.

Enhancing Comprehensive Performance via Capturing and Scattering the Carriers inside PESU-Based Nanocomposite Film Capacitors.

Film capacitors have become key electronic components for electrical energy storage installations and high-power electronic systems. Nonetheless, high-temperature and high-electric-field environments would cause a surge of the energy loss, placing a fundamental challenge for film capacitors applied in harsh environments. Here, we constructed a composite film, combining poly(ether sulfone) (PESU) with excellent thermal stability and large-band-gap filler boron nitride nanosheets (BNNSs). The introduction of BNNSs would form deep/shallow traps inside the dielectric polymer matrix, effectively affecting charge migration. Via density functional theory (DFT) calculation, the higher highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energy levels of the BNNS than the matrix facilitate scattering electrons and attracting holes. The resultant composite obtains the desired discharged energy densities (Ud) of 5.89 and 3.86 J/cm3 accompanied by an efficiency above 90% at 150 and 200 °C, respectively, surpassing those of existing dielectric materials at the high-temperature conditions. The paper provides a promising composite dielectric material for high-performance film capacitors capable of operating in harsh environments.

Association between dietary carotenoid intakes and abdominal aortic calcification in adults: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2013-2014.

OBJECTIVE: Abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) is an important marker of subclinical atherosclerosis and a predictor of cardiovascular disease. This study aims to explore the association between carotenoid intakes and AAC. METHODS: We included 2889 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Dietary carotenoid intakes were obtained through 24-h dietary recall interviews. Severe AAC was defined as a Kauppila score > 5. The main analysis utilizes logistic and restricted cubic spline models. RESULT: Severe AAC was detected in 378 (13.08%) participants. In fully adjusted models, the odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) of α-carotene, ß-carotene, ß-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, lutein with zeaxanthin and total carotenoid intakes for individuals with severe AAC were 0.53 (0.23-0.77), 0.39 (0.19-0.80), 0.18 (0.05-0.62), 0.40 (0.20-0.78), 0.53 (0.32-0.88) and 0.38 (0.18-0.77) in the highest versus lowest quartile intake, respectively. Dose-response analyses revealed that all of the carotenoids were associated with decreased risk of severe AAC in a nonlinear trend. Total carotenoid intakes of at least 100ug/kg/day were associated with decreased odds for severe AAC. CONCLUSION: α-carotene, ß-carotene, ß-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, lutein with zeaxanthin and total carotenoids were inversely associated with the risk of severe AAC in adults.

Designing a sustainable reverse logistics network for used cell phones based on offline and online trading systems.

Unsustainable production and consumption are driving a significant increase in global electronic waste, posing substantial environmental and human health risks. Even in more developed nations, there is the challenge of low collection rates. In response, we integrate offline and online trading systems and design a material efficiency strategy for used cell phones. We propose a new multi-objective optimization framework to maximize profit, carbon emissions reduction, and circularity in the process of recycling and treatment. Considering multi-period, multi-product, multi-echelon features, as well as price sensitive demand, incentives, and qualities, we established a new multi-objective mixed-integer nonlinear programming optimization model. An enhanced, Fast, Non-Dominated Solution Sorting Genetic Algorithm (ASDNSGA-II) is developed for the solution. We used operational data from a leading Chinese Internet platform to validate the proposed optimization framework. The results demonstrate that the reverse logistics network designed achieves a win-win situation regarding profit and carbon emission reduction. This significantly boosts confidence and motivation for engaging in recycling efforts. Online recycling shows robust profitability and carbon reduction capabilities. An effective coordination mechanism for pricing in both online and offline channels should be established, retaining offline methods while gradually transitioning towards online methods. To increase the collection rate, it is essential to jointly implement a transitional strategy, including recycling incentives and subsidy policies. Additionally, elevating customer environmental awareness should be viewed as a long-term strategy, mitigating the cost of increasing collection rates during the market maturity stage (high collection rates).

Paeoniflorin loaded liposomes modified with glycyrrhetinic acid for liver-targeting: preparation, characterization, and pharmacokinetic study.

OBJECTIVE: To enhance the retention times and therapeutic efficacy of paeoniflorin (PF), a liver-targeted drug delivery system has been developed using glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) as a ligand. SIGNIFICANCE: The development and optimization of GA-modified PF liposomes (GPLs) have shown promising potential for targeted delivery to the liver, opening up new possibilities for liver disease treatment. METHODS: This study aimed to identify the best prescriptions using single-factor experiments and response surface methodology. The formulation morphology was determined using transmission electron microscopy. Tissue distribution was observed through in vivo imaging, and pharmacokinetic studies were conducted. RESULTS: The results indicated that GPLs, prepared using the thin film dispersion method and response surface optimization, exhibited well-dispersed and uniformly sized particles. The in vitro release rate of GPLs was slower compared to PF monomers, suggesting a sustained release effect. The liver-targeting ability of GA resulted in stronger fluorescence signals in the liver for targeted liposomes compared to non-targeted liposomes. Furthermore, pharmacokinetic studies demonstrated that GPLs significantly prolonged the residence time of PF in the bloodstream, thereby contributing to prolonged efficacy. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that GPLs are more effective than PF monomers in terms of controlling drug release and delivering drugs to specific targets, highlighting the potential of PF as a liver-protective drug.

Pressure sensing with two-color laser absorption spectroscopy for combustion diagnostics.

Pressure is an important parameter in assessing combustion performance that is typically measured using contact sensors. However, contact sensors usually disturb combustion flows and suffer from the temperature tolerance limit of sensor materials. In this Letter, an innovative noncontact two-color pressure sensing method based on tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy (TDLAS) is proposed. This makes it possible to measure pressure at high temperature environments for combustion diagnostics. The proposed method uses the linear combination of the collision-broadened linewidths of two H2O absorption lines near 1343 and 1392 nm to measure the pressure. The feasibility and performance of such method have been demonstrated by measuring pressures from 1 to 5 bars at temperatures up to 1300 K with a laser wavelength scanning rate of 20 kHz. Measurement errors were found to be within 3%. Compared to previously reported TDLAS pressure sensors, this method is free from the influence of concentration and can also be combined with the existing two-color TDLAS thermometry to realize a fast, on line, and multi-parameter measurement in combustion diagnostics.

CircTHSD4 promotes the malignancy and docetaxel (DTX) resistance in prostate cancer by regulating miR-203/HMGA2 axis.

Objective: Circular ribose nucleic acids (circRNAs) are implicated in tumor progression and drug resistance of prostate cancer (PCa). The current work explored the function of circ_0005203 (circTHSD4) in the malignancy and docetaxel (DTX) resistance of PCa. Methods: circTHSD4 expression within PCa as well as matched non-carcinoma samples was measured through real-time reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). In addition, a subcellular fraction assay was conducted to determine circTHSD4 subcellular localization within PCa cells. In addition, we performed a Western blot (WB) assay to detect high-mobility-group A2 protein (HMGA2) levels. Besides, functional associations of two molecules were investigated through dual luciferase reporter assay. Cell Counting Kit (CCK)-8, colony formation together with Transwell assay was conducted to assess malignant phenotypes of PCa cells, whereas flow cytometry was performed to determine cell apoptosis. Furthermore, a xenograft mouse model was constructed to verify the effect of circTHSD4 on the carcinogenesis of PCa cells. Results: According to RT-qPCR results, circTHSD4 was up-regulated within PCa tissues and cells, which predicted the dismal prognostic outcome of PCa cases. circTHSD4 silencing within PCa cells markedly suppressed cell growth, migration, and colony formation. circTHSD4 silencing remarkably elevated PCa cell apoptosis and carcinogenesis within the xenograft model. Further, circTHSD4 silencing enhanced docetaxel (DTX) sensitivity in PCa cells. Furthermore, we demonstrated that circTHSD4 modulated the malignancy of PCa cells by regulating HMGA2 expression through sponging miR-203. Conclusion: Together, our findings suggest that circTHSD4 overexpression could promote the malignant phenotype and DTX resistance in PCa through the regulation of the miR-203/HMGA2 axis.

Prevention of Dialysis Catheter Malfunction with Urokinase and Heparin: A Randomized, Controlled Trial.

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of urokinase and heparin in preventing catheter infection and dysfunction in permanent hemodialysis tunneled cuffed catheters. Methods: We randomized 153 cases of maintenance hemodialysis patients with newly implanted permanent hemodialysis tunneled cannula catheters from November 2018 to November 2021 for this single-center prospective randomized controlled trial The eligible patients were given one of two treatment plans: Patients in the control group (73 patients) were given heparin (6260 U/mL)three times a week after hemodialysis. The intervention group (80 cases) was administered urokinase(25000 U/mL) on the basis of heparin. After six months of maintenance hemodialysis with the above sealing protocols, the primary result was the frequency of catheter malfunction, and the secondary outcome was the frequency of catheter-associated infection. Results: In the final analysis of 153 patients, catheter malfunctions occurred in 29 of the 80 patients assigned to heparin alone, with an incidence of 36.3%, and 16 of the 73 subjects assigned to urokinase combined with heparin, with a rate of 21.9%. This represents an almost 2-fold increase in the risk of catheter malfunction among patients treated with heparin alone as compared to those treated with urokinase once weekly (hazard ratio, 1.85; 13 patients (16.3%) allocated to heparin alone experienced catheter-related bacteremia, compared to 4 patients (5.5%) assigned to urokinase (hazard ratio, 2.79; 95%CI, 1.08 to 7.22; P = .03). Baseline levels, and adverse events, including bleeding incidents, did not statistically differ between the two groups. Conclusion: Urokinase can be used as a secondary prevention drug for long-term catheter malfunction and infection based on its cheapness, efficacy, and safety, which can effectively save medical costs, and its sealing protocol is simple and suitable for promotion.

Growth, spectroscopy and SESAM mode-locking of a "mixed" Yb:Ca(Gd,Y)AlO4 disordered crystal.

We present the growth, spectroscopy, continuous-wave (CW) and passively mode-locked (ML) operation of a novel "mixed" tetragonal calcium rare-earth aluminate crystal, Yb3+:Ca(Gd,Y)AlO4. The absorption, stimulated-emission, and gain cross-sections are derived for π and σ polarizations. The laser performance of a c-cut Yb:Ca(Gd,Y)AlO4 crystal is studied using a spatially single-mode, 976-nm fiber-coupled laser diode as a pump source. A maximum output power of 347 mW is obtained in the CW regime with a slope efficiency of 48.9%. The emission wavelength is continuously tunable across 90 nm (1010 - 1100 nm) using a quartz-based Lyot filter. With a commercial SEmiconductor Saturable Absorber Mirror to initiate and maintain ML operation, soliton pulses as short as 35 fs are generated at 1059.8 nm with an average output power of 51 mW at ∼65.95 MHz. The average output power can be scaled to 105 mW for slightly longer pulses of 42 fs at 1063.5 nm.

Continuous-wave and SESAM mode-locked operation of a Yb:YSr3(PO4)3 laser.

We report on the continuous-wave (CW) and, for what we believe to be the first time, passively mode-locked (ML) laser operation of an Yb3+-doped YSr3(PO4)3 crystal. Utilizing a 976-nm spatially single-mode, fiber-coupled laser diode as pump source, the Yb:YSr3(PO4)3 laser delivers a maximum CW output power of 333 mW at 1045.8 nm with an optical efficiency of 55.7% and a slope efficiency of 60.9%. Employing a quartz-based Lyot filter, an impressive wavelength tuning range of 97 nm at the zero level was achieved in the CW regime, spanning from 1007 nm to 1104 nm. In the ML regime, incorporating a commercially available semiconductor saturable absorber mirror (SESAM) to initiate and maintain soliton-like pulse shaping, the Yb:YSr3(PO4)3 laser generated pulses as short as 61 fs at 1062.7 nm, with an average output power of 38 mW at a repetition rate of ∼66.7 MHz.

Narrowband, intracavity-pumped, type-II BaGa2GeSe6 optical parametric oscillator.

We present a tunable (6.62-11.34 µm), singly-resonant, cascade optical parametric oscillator with intracavity pumping of BaGa2GeSe6 in the second stage and spectral narrowing realized by a Volume Bragg Grating acting on the signal wave of the first stage which serves as a pump for the second stage. The maximum energy achieved near 8 µm in the narrowband regime is 1.1 mJ at 100 Hz (spectral width: ∼20 cm-1, pulse duration: ∼7 ns). The overall conversion efficiency from 1 to 8 µm for broadband and narrowband operation is 4.0% and 3.1%, respectively, corresponding to quantum efficiencies of 31% and 23%.

Evaluating the carbon total factor productivity of China: based on Cobb-Douglas production function.

This paper introduces a novel methodology for estimating carbon total factor productivity based on the Cobb-Douglas production function. The research method introduced in this article expands upon the framework for assessing total factor productivity through the Solow residual method. It unifies the conceptual and methodological aspects of carbon total factor productivity with those of single factor productivity. Utilizing panel data from various provinces between 2010 and 2021, we computed carbon total factor productivity to understand its implications for China in combating global climate change. We demonstrate that (i) we have introduced a method to handle negative coefficients in the Cobb-Douglas production function by incorporating productivity in lieu of input factors during calculations. (ii) Carbon total factor productivity, encapsulating the geometric weighted mean of labor, capital, and carbon productivity, holds notable economic relevance. Further, it serves as an integrative metric comprising carbon productivity intertwined with the mean labor and capital carbon factors. And (iii) the influence of carbon total factor productivity growth on economic progression remains relatively subdued, with escalating labor force growth posing detrimental effects on several provincial economies. Enhancing carbon total factor productivity emerges as an imperative to harmonize robust economic growth with strategic carbon curtailment. Our analytical framework provides nuanced perspectives on productivity determinants, accentuating the thrust towards sustainable evolution amidst climatic challenges. This investigation bears profound significance for policymakers endeavoring to sculpt a carbon-conscious economic paradigm in consonance with global climatic ambitions.