Search Results (187,478)

Background/Objectives: Sensory experiences and emotional information contribute to conceptual knowledge. Compared to exteroceptive modality (e.g., visual, auditory), interoceptive modality predominates in the representation of emotional concepts. However, few studies have examined the interoceptive modality-specific effects on emotional word processing. Additionally, questions remain about when emotional valence interacts with sensory experiences during the processing of emotional words, and to what extent these words are grounded in different sensory experiences. Methods: To address these gaps, the present ERP study investigated how sensory information (interoception and vision) influences emotional word processing in a lexical decision task. Results: Behavioral results showed significant differences between interoceptive and visual words, as well as between positive and negative valence. A trend toward an interaction between sensory modality and emotional valence was also observed. ERP results indicated that negative words elicited a more positive-going P2 than positive words. Significantly smaller N400 amplitudes were observed for interoceptive words than visual words in the positive condition. Negative visual words evoked enhanced LPC amplitudes compared with both negative interoceptive words and positive visual words. Conclusions: The present findings suggest a dynamic pattern of valence effects in emotional word processing, characterized by a negativity bias and a positivity bias at different stages. Furthermore, our findings highlight that interoception promotes the semantic retrieval and integration of emotional words. This study provides empirical support for the modality-specific hypothesis within the framework of interoceptive embodied cognition and offers novel implications for future research on emotional word processing. Full article

Non-Line-Of-Sight (NLOS) Terahertz (THz) radar 3D imaging leverages electromagnetic wave propagation characteristics such as reflection, diffraction, scattering, and penetration to detect, locate, and image hidden targets in occluded environments. It holds significant potential for applications in autonomous driving, disaster rescue, and urban warfare. However, uncertainties introduced by reflecting surfaces and occluding objects in practical NLOS scenarios, such as phase errors, aperture shadowing, and multipath effects, lead to issues like blurred imaging and increased artifacts in radar imaging. To address these challenges, this study proposes a 3D learning imaging method for NLOS THz radar based on a holographic imaging operator, leveraging the adaptive optimization properties of deep unfolding networks and prior environmental perception. First, a 3D imaging model for NLOS THz radar in the Looking Around Corner (LAC) scenario is established. A holographic imaging operator is introduced to enhance imaging efficiency and reduce computational complexity. Second, a high-precision NLOS 3D imaging network is constructed based on the Fast Iterative Shrinkage/Thresholding Algorithm (FISTA) framework. Utilizing features specific to NLOS scenes and designing algorithm parameters as functions of network weights, the method achieves high-precision and high-efficiency in the 3D reconstruction of NLOS targets. Finally, a near-field NLOS radar imaging platform operating at 121 GHz (within the sub-THz regime) is developed. Experimental validations in the LAC scenario are performed on targets, including metal letters “E”, a metal resolution chart, and a pair of scissors. The results demonstrate that the proposed method significantly improves 3D imaging precision, achieving a two-orders-of-magnitude increase in computational speed over traditional imaging algorithms. Full article

Background/Objectives: Methylglyoxal (MGO) and subsequent activation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs)–RAGE receptor signaling has been implicated in the complications of diabetes mellitus (DM), such as bladder dysfunction. Chronic treatment with MGO leads to bladder overactivity, but the effects of acute MGO exposure have not yet been evaluated. Methods: In this study, we used female wild-type, endothelial nitric oxide (eNOS) knockout (eNOS^−/−), and triple (neuronal/endothelial/inducible) NOS^−/− mice to investigate the effects of incubation of MGO (10 to 300 µM) on bladder contractions induced by carbachol and electrical field stimulation (EFS). We also analyzed the activity of the MGO detoxification enzyme glyoxalase 1 (Glo1). Results: Incubation with MGO at 10 and 30 µM in urothelium-intact preparations produced marked detrusor hypercontractility to both carbachol and EFS that was abolished by urothelium removal. Detrusor hypercontractility was associated with the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), RAGE activation, Rho kinase sensitization, and activation of TRPA1 and TRPV4 channels. At higher concentrations (100 and 300 µM), MGO did not significantly affect the detrusor contractility to carbachol and EFS, but L-NAME pretreatment restored the hypercontractile state by MGO. Likewise, in bladder strips obtained from eNOS^−/− or triple NOS^−/− mice, MGO exposure (300 µM) significantly enhanced carbachol and EFS-induced contractions, indicating a major role for nitric oxide (NO) counteracting the hypercontractility. No concentration of MGO altered Glo1 activity in bladder tissues. Conclusions: In conclusion, progressive MGO accumulation may account for the transition from the initial hyperactive phase to the subsequent hypoactive decompensated phase of diabetic bladder dysfunction. Full article

Background/Objectives: Anthracyclines such as doxorubicin (DOX) are integral to pediatric cancer protocols, yet little is known about how juvenile DOX exposure shapes the long-term trajectory of bone growth, microarchitectural connectivity, and the functional balance of bone turnover after treatment cessation. This study aimed to define how juvenile DOX exposure remodels trabecular architecture and bone homeostasis both acutely and after recovery. Methods: Four-week-old female BALB/c mice were treated with 6 mg/kg DOX or saline once weekly for four weeks. Bone parameters were analyzed immediately after treatment and after a 4-week drug-free recovery period. Assessments included high-resolution µCT for bone structure and connectivity, H&E and TRAP staining for histological evaluation, and ELISA for bone turnover markers (PINP, OC/BGP, TRACP-5b) in both serum and bone marrow. Results: DOX exposure significantly compromised trabecular bone mass and network connectivity, with persistent bone loss extending into the recovery period. Histologically, DOX caused marked degeneration in the epiphyseal growth plate and calcified zones, alongside a marked increase in osteoclast numbers. Functionally, an acute increase in circulating bone formation markers was observed post-treatment. However, during the recovery phase, this transitioned to a significant suppression of these systemic markers, coupled with significantly increased localized bone resorption. Conclusions: Juvenile DOX exposure produces sustained trabecular network impairment and growth plate degeneration. This durable structural deterioration is functionally associated with the establishment of a localized, pathologically uncoupled remodeling environment. Full article

The continued evolution of SARS-CoV-2 has enabled an escape from most monoclonal antibodies, yet a subset of broadly neutralizing antibodies targeting three newly identified super-conserved RBD epitopes—SCORE-A, SCORE-B, and SCORE-C—retains remarkable activity against even the most recent JN.1-derived sublineages. Here, we employed an integrated computational framework combining conformational dynamics, mutational scanning, MM-GBSA binding energetics, and frustration profiling to dissect the molecular mechanisms by which XGI antibodies achieve broad neutralization and resistance to immune escape. Structural analysis revealed that all three SCORE epitopes share a common architecture: a highly conserved, minimally frustrated core that provides stable anchoring, flanked by peripheral regions that accommodate antibody-specific variations. Conformational dynamics showed that SCORE-A antibodies (XGI-183) rigidify the lateral epitope while leaving the RBM partially mobile; SCORE-B antibodies (XGI-198, XGI-203) clamp the RBM apex, directly blocking ACE2; and SCORE-C antibodies (XGI-171) allosterically loosen the RBM loop, impairing receptor engagement indirectly. Mutational scanning identified a hierarchical hotspot organization where primary hotspots (e.g., K356, T500, Y380, T385) are evolutionarily constrained and minimally frustrated, while secondary hotspots (e.g., V503, Y508, S383) are neutrally frustrated and represent the principal sites of immune-driven mutations. MM-GBSA decomposition revealed that van der Waals-driven hydrophobic packing dominates binding, with electrostatic interactions providing auxiliary stabilization. Critically, frustration analysis demonstrated that immune escape hotspots reside precisely in zones of neutral frustration—”energetic playgrounds” that permit mutational exploration without destabilizing the RBD—while minimally frustrated cores are evolutionarily locked. The comparative analysis of conformational versus mutational frustration distributions revealed a unifying principle: aligned neutral frustration yields permissive, escape-prone interfaces; decoupling enables the targeting of constrained cores; and the convergence of minimal frustration in both distributions creates invulnerable interfaces. These findings establish that broad neutralization arises not from ultra-high-affinity anchors but from strategic energy distribution across rigid, evolutionarily informed interfaces, providing a roadmap for designing next-generation therapeutics that target the invulnerable cores of viral surface proteins. Full article

Chronic heart failure (CHF) remains a leading cause of global mortality, characterized by profound molecular and biochemical disturbances, including nitric oxide (NO) system dysfunction, mitochondrial impairment, and oxidative stress. While standard therapies such as ACE inhibitors, SGLT2 inhibitors, and beta-blockers address clinical symptoms, their capacity to interrupt the underlying biochemical mechanisms of cardiomyopathy is often limited. This review examines the pathophysiological role of impaired NO production and reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation in exacerbating myocardial contractile dysfunction and disease progression. Special focus is directed toward the development of next-generation β1-blockers with multifunctional properties, including antioxidant, NO-mimetic, and antiapoptotic effects. Evidence suggests that the novel compound Hypertril (1-(β-phenylethyl)-4-amino-1,2,4-triazolium bromide) exhibits significant cardioprotective potential. Experimental data indicate that Hypertril improves eNOS/iNOS expression and enhances NO bioavailability more effectively than conventional β-blockers, leading to stabilized ECG parameters and restored energy metabolism. These findings underscore the clinical relevance of developing NO-mimetic agents to optimize the pharmacological management of CHF. Full article

Background: Early-onset Alzheimer’s disease (EOAD) caused by autosomal dominant mutations provides a deterministic framework for investigating genetic modifiers of neurodegeneration. Telomere biology has emerged as a central regulator of genomic stability, cellular ageing, and stress response integration, yet its role in EOAD, particularly in under-represented populations, remains poorly defined. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional case–control study to evaluate the genetic distribution, disease association, and predicted regulatory consequences of common variants in the telomere maintenance genes TERT and TERC in individuals from Western Mexico. The EOAD group comprised genetically confirmed carriers of the PSEN1 p.Ala431Glu (A431E) founder mutation with clinical EOAD (n = 69), and controls were unrelated individuals without dementia (n = 179). Five common variants were analyzed: rs2242652, rs2853677, rs2736100, and rs10069690 (TERT), and rs12696304 (TERC). Results: Genotype distributions in controls conformed to the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. Single-variant analyses showed no significant allele-level associations. Most TERT variants did not show significant allele-level associations with EOAD. However, a preliminary genotype-level enrichment for the GC allele at rs12696304 (TERC) was observed among EOAD cases compared with controls; allele-level associations were not significant. Linkage disequilibrium analysis revealed low r² values (<0.20), supporting variant independence. Population-level allele frequency comparisons revealed ancestry-dependent divergence across loci; in silico functional annotation localised all variants to non-coding regulatory regions. GTEx-based analyses indicated that rs12696304 acts as an eQTL for ACTRT3 in whole blood and pituitary, as well as for LRRC34 in the cerebellar hemisphere, suggesting a potential regulatory network within the TERC locus (3q26.2). Conclusions: Overall, common regulatory variants in TERT did not show strong independent effects on EOAD susceptibility in PSEN1 A431E carriers. However, the convergence of association patterns, functional annotation, and regulatory evidence provides hypothesis-generating support for the TERC locus (3q26.2), particularly rs12696304, as a candidate region for further investigation. Additional studies integrating telomere dynamics, functional validation, and multi-omics analyses are needed to clarify the role of telomere biology in the pathogenesis of autosomal dominant EOAD. Full article

This study presents unique polymeric materials applicable to plastic substrates for use in flexible-display devices that overcome the trade-off between low linear coefficients of thermal expansion (CTE) and low thickness-direction birefringence (Δn_th) while combining a very high T_g, sufficiently high thermal stability, excellent optical transparency, good solubility, and minimum-required ductility. Polyimide (PI) films obtained from 1,2,3,4-cyclobutanetetracarboxylic dianhydride (CBDA) with 2,2′-bis(trifluoromethyl)benzidine (TFMB) under different conditions resulted in widely varying CTE values and provided a clear CTE–Δn_th correlation, which can be regarded as a virtual lower boundary in the CTE–Δn_th relationship for various PI systems. The pristine CBDA/TFMB and CpODA/TFMB (CpODA = norbornane-2-spiro-α-cyclopentanone-α′-spiro-2″-norbornane-5,5″,6,6″-tetracarboxylic dianhydride) systems were modified using numerous specifically designed monomers, i.e., a vertical-alignment-type liquid-crystalline diamine and cardo-type and spiro-type monomers. However, it was very challenging to overcome the trade-off between low CTE and low Δn_th, that is, to significantly exceed this lower boundary by modifying the pristine systems, while ensuring other target properties. One of the keys to achieving the present goal was compatibility with chemical imidization or one-pot polymerization processes (i.e., high solubility of the PIs), because these processes were more advantageous in reducing CTE and enhancing film transparency than the conventional two-step process. The modifications using phenyl-substituted xanthene-pendant 2,7-diaminofluorene and fluorene-pendant 2,3,6,7-xanthenetetracarboxylic dianhydride exhibited a prominent effect on overcoming the trade-off without the help of any fillers, while combining other excellent target properties. Polarized FT-IR difference spectra measured at varying incidence angles suggested that these side groups, which are connected perpendicularly to the PI main chains, align in the Z-direction, rationalizing the observed prominent effect. Thus, unique high-temperature transparent materials applicable to plastic substrates were successfully obtained in this study. Full article

In this paper the design, modelling, and performance assessment of a miniaturised dual-purpose optical instrument for small satellites are presented. The instrument can function as a star tracker and as a space-debris detection camera. The system integrates commercial off-the-shelf components, i.e., a CMOS sensor, a processing unit and lens assembly, together with a custom three-vane optical baffle optimised for stray-light suppression. A complete numerical evaluation was conducted through optical ray-tracing, lumped-parameter thermal modelling, and structural finite-element analysis to validate the instrument prior to hardware testing. Optical simulations confirmed effective stray-light suppression and acceptable Point Source Transmission behaviour, enabling signal-to-noise ratio performance suitable for star and debris detection up to ∼5.8 mag. The resulting instrument, with a mass of approximately 172 g and dimensions of 105 mm × 52 mm × 52 mm, demonstrates a compact, low-cost, and multifunctional solution for small-sized platforms. Future work includes environmental testing and on-orbit demonstration to prepare the system for flight qualification. Full article

This study evaluates how differences in data provenance and inventory construction influence whole-life carbon assessment (WLCA) results for a residential building in Colombia. Two scenarios were assessed: Scenario A, based on contractor records (building Company Z) and the public utility supplier; and Scenario B, based on drawing-derived quantity take-offs and a Colombian regulatory energy baseline (Resolution 0549 of 2015). The assessment follows UNE-EN 15978 and Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) WLCA for modules A1–A3, A4–A5, and B6. Scenario B reached 784.4 kg CO₂e/m², which is 37.9% higher than Scenario A. In the product stage, impacts increased from 298.1 to 332.6 kg CO₂e/m², while in the operational energy stage they increased from 246.2 to 426.2 kg CO₂e/m². The results show that WLCA outcomes are highly sensitive to data provenance, reporting gaps, and baseline selection, underscoring the need for stronger data governance and more traceable environmental reporting practices in building assessment. Full article

Tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) is an E3 ubiquitin ligase that plays a crucial role in inflammation, immune responses, and tumor development. It was reported that TRAF6 primarily catalyzes K63-linked polyubiquitination to stabilize substrate proteins, thereby facilitating the malignant phenotype of tumors. Beyond its cytoplasmic roles, TRAF6 undergoes nuclear translocation in response to specific stimuli, where it interacts with chromatin modifiers. TRAF6 acts as a central mediator in key signaling pathways downstream of the Toll-like receptor, interleukin-1 receptor, and tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamilies, including NF-κB activation. TRAF6 exerts diverse oncogenic functions, including promoting cell proliferation, migration, metastasis, immune evasion, and therapy resistance. This involves modulating cellular pathways such as NF-κB and MAPK signaling, which contribute to malignant progression. Aberrant TRAF6 activation contributes to the pathogenesis of multiple malignancies, including colorectal cancer, melanoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, and acute myeloid leukemia, making it a promising therapeutic target for cancer treatment. This review summarizes the structural features, substrate diversity, and multifaceted roles of TRAF6 in cancer, as well as the development of TRAF6-targeting drugs and strategies. We hope this review can provide a comprehensive perspective on TRAF6-targeted therapeutic strategies for cancer. Full article

Echeveria spp. (Mexican hens and chicks) are among the most popular genera of succulents sold because they are compact and form attractive, symmetrical rosettes with brightly colored, fleshy, broad, iridescent leaves, as well as large, showy inflorescences. However, they are slow-growing, and flower induction protocols are not widely available. Therefore, the objectives of this study were (1) to determine if photoperiod and the photosynthetic daily light integral (DLI) can be manipulated to promote rapid growth and leaf expansion without excessive extension growth of several cultivars of Echeveria and (2) to establish the critical photoperiod for flower induction. Cuttings of E. spp. and hybrids ‘Apus’, ‘Canadian’, ‘Elegans Blue’, ‘Jade Point’, and ‘Topsy Turvy’ were received from a commercial breeder and grown in a greenhouse at 20 °C for 5 weeks. Photoperiods were created using a truncated 9 h short day (SD) or a SD extended to 10, 11, 13, 15, 16 h or a 4 h night-interruption (NI), using light-emitting diode (LED) lamps providing a total photon flux density of ≈2 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ of red (R) + white (W) + far-red (FR) radiation. DLIs of 4.8 and 12.8 mol·m⁻²·d⁻¹ were maintained with and without shade cloth and supplemental lighting. Photoperiod and DLI interacted to influence the final height of E. ‘Canadian’, ‘Elegans Blue’, and ‘Jade Point’; plants were tallest under photoperiods > 13 h and low DLI. Similar trends were observed for growth index and average plant diameter. No clear trend was observed for leaf unfolding or leaf length across DLI or photoperiod treatments. Flower initiation of E. ‘Apus’ and ‘Jade Point’ was highest under a DLI of 12.8 mol·m⁻²·d⁻¹. Additionally, E. ‘Jade Point’ only developed inflorescences under day lengths ≤ 11 h, indicating an obligate SD response. Our results suggest that growers should maintain DLIs > 10 mol·m⁻²·d⁻¹ and SD conditions to promote flower initiation of the Echeveria cultivars tested. Such conditions would prevent excessive stem elongation and encourage flowering, increasing crop quality and marketability. Full article

Biogas production estimation has been one of the most important and challenging objectives for anaerobic digestion processes due to the complexity of its dynamics and the lack of high-quality open-access datasets. This study presents a hybrid modeling framework that combines a mechanistic model, based on ordinary differential equations (ODEs), with a machine learning model. Rather than relying exclusively on experimental data, the proposed approach leverages physics-informed synthetic data generation, complemented by a lag-based feature engineering to capture inherent temporal dependencies in the process dynamics available in operational data of a bio-digester. Two configurations were evaluated: a baseline model and an enhanced version incorporating lag features and a simplified temperature profile. This specific computational enhancement provides a robust predictive core that successfully avoids the severe predictive degradation observed in purely mechanistic approaches at high spatial discretizations. While the improved surrogate model achieved high predictive performance ($R^2=0.9788$, $RMSE=131.80$ [L/d]), additional analyses reveal that this resilience is driven by temporal memory and remains sensitive to noise and feature composition. Instead of presenting the model as a final independent physical validation, this work is rigorously framed as a proof-of-concept digital twin core, acknowledging the gap that still exists between simulation-based ODE emulation and unstructured real-world reliability. Full article

Rapid urbanization in plateau mountain regions exacerbates the tension between rigid resource demands and fragile ecological carrying capacities. Enhancing the resilience of the Water–Energy–Food (W–E–F) nexus is therefore essential for coping with external shocks. This study constructs a multidimensional resilience evaluation framework based on the Pressure-State-Response (PSR) model, taking the Kunming Metropolitan Area—a typical plateau mountain region—as a case study. Integrating the TOPSIS model, Coupling Coordination Degree (CCD) model, and spatial autocorrelation analysis, we systematically assessed both individual subsystem and comprehensive W–E–F nexus resilience from 2005 to 2020. Results show that W–E–F nexus resilience generally improved from 2005 to 2020, but subsystem development remained uneven across space, with water resilience characterized by a peripheral-high/central-low pattern, energy resilience by a core-high/periphery-low structure, and food resilience by the strongest spatial heterogeneity and volatility. By 2020, the mean comprehensive resilience reached 0.67, with 58.3% of counties above the average, exhibiting significant spatial clustering. Based on resilience levels and limiting subsystems of 2020, the metropolitan area was classified into Enhancement, Adjustment, and Maintenance zones, comprising 6, 16, and 2 counties respectively, to support differentiated regional governance. This study provides a spatially explicit regulation paradigm to bolster urban resilience against resource constraints and climate uncertainty. Full article

To investigate the response mechanism of cold-resistant Enshi black pig breeds under cold stress, nine Enshi black pigs were randomly divided into three groups with three pigs in each: a control group (18 ± 2 °C for 58 d), a cold-stress-acclimated group (3 to 8 °C to −17 to −21 °C for 58 d), and an acute cold stress group (−17 to −21 °C for 3 d). RNA-seq technology was used to analyze mRNA and lncRNA expression patterns in subcutaneous adipose tissue under cold stress. The results showed that, under acute cold stress, many metabolic pathways were activated, including those involved in rapid energy supply (e.g., the citric acid cycle/TCA cycle, fatty acid degradation and metabolism, and glycolysis/gluconeogenesis), signal transduction pathways (e.g., PI3K Akt, MAPK, PPAR, HIF-1, mTOR, and FoxO), and immune and cellular homeostasis pathways (chemokine signaling pathway, T cell receptor signaling, Toll-like receptor signaling, and apoptosis and autophagy regulation). Under cold stress acclimation, metabolic regulatory pathways (e.g., AMPK, mTOR, FoxO, HIF-1, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, and fatty acid degradation), immune and inflammatory regulatory pathways (Toll-like receptors, NOD like receptors, and T/B cell receptor signaling pathways), and signal transduction and cell homeostasis pathways (MAPK, PI3K Akt, NF-κB, Notch signaling pathways, apoptosis, and autophagy regulation) were continuously activated to ensure the stability of adipose tissue structure and function. Acute cold stress activated more pathways than cold stress acclimation, but both led to significant changes in energy metabolism. The results identified the molecular regulatory mechanisms of adipose tissue under cold stress, providing a basis for the subsequent breeding of new cold-resistant pig breeds. Full article