Search Results (1,102)

Transportation hub cities serve as pivotal nodes within integrated transport systems. This study reveals the corridor-oriented characteristics of comprehensive transportation system, confirms the progress of its transportation hub city development, and identifies future improvement directions based on diagnostic evaluation, taking Gansu Province, China as the research subject. To address hierarchical differentiation and structural constraints in the development of integrated transportation hubs, this study develops an evaluation framework integrating the entropy-weighted TOPSIS method, a coupling coordination model, and indicator-based diagnostic analysis. This framework was applied to 14 prefecture-level cities and autonomous prefectures in Gansu, classifying them into four hub tiers according to the comprehensive evaluation index. The results reveal a pronounced hierarchical and corridor-oriented spatial structure: Lanzhou is identified as the only Tier 1 core hub, five cities are classified as Tier 2 backbone hubs, seven cities and prefectures as Tier 3 general hubs, and Pingliang as Tier 4 terminal hub. Lanzhou exhibits the highest development level, with a comprehensive evaluation index of 0.9640, which is substantially higher than the provincial mean of 0.3867, but its radiation-driving capacity still needs to be strengthened. In terms of subsystem coordination, Lanzhou reaches the primary coordination stage with a coupling coordination degree of 0.532, while Jiuquan, Jiayuguan, and Tianshui are classified into the near-coordination stage with D values of 0.353, 0.351, and 0.321, respectively; the remaining ten units are classified as uncoordinated relatively. Based on the combined perspectives of development level and subsystem coordination, the study identifies future development directions for hub operational organization, multimodal transport integration, feeder connectivity, and industry-logistics coupling. The findings reveal the corridor-oriented characteristics and development progress of Gansu’s transportation hub system, highlight the analytical value of distinguishing hub development level from subsystem coordination, and provide empirical evidence for understanding hierarchical and functional differentiation in corridor-oriented inland regions. Full article

Clarifying the mutual feedback relationship and coordinated evolution characteristics between low-carbon transportation (LCT) and high-quality economic development (HQED) is of great significance for the green transformation of resource-based and ecologically fragile urban agglomerations. Taking 18 cities in the Yellow River Jiziwan Metropolitan Area as the research objects, this paper constructs an evaluation indicator system for LCT and HQED based on panel data from 2013 to 2022, and comprehensively applies the ISM-MICMAC model, a modified coupling coordination degree model, a gravity model, an obstacle degree model, and a combined GM-ARIMA forecasting model to analyze the interaction relationships, spatiotemporal evolution, spatial correlations, and scenario differences between the two systems. The results indicate that: (1) A hierarchical mutual feedback relationship exists between LCT and HQED, in which the relevant factors exhibit a hierarchical association within the system structure, extending from basic input, transportation supply, and economic operation to green and low-carbon outcomes. (2) During the study period, the comprehensive development levels of the two systems generally improved, with the mean coupling coordination degree rising from 0.4374 in 2013 to 0.4702 in 2022, remaining overall at a borderline coordination stage, while inter-city divergence was relatively pronounced. (3) The spatial connection network gradually exhibited multi-node linkage characteristics, yet strong connections remained concentrated in a few core cities. (4) Scenario predictions reveal that the synergistic development scenario is most conducive to enhancing the coupling coordination level, and the differences among scenarios gradually widen after 2026. Simultaneously advancing LCT and HQED is an important pathway to enhance the regional synergy level of the Yellow River Jiziwan Metropolitan Area. Full article

The biosynthesis of sex pheromones in lepidopteran pheromone glands is tightly regulated by pheromone biosynthesis-activating neuropeptide (PBAN) signaling; yet the contribution of non-coding RNA-mediated post-transcriptional regulation remains largely unclear. This study aimed to characterize temporal transcriptomic changes, candidate non-coding RNA-mediated regulatory associations, and temporal molecular dynamics underlying transcriptional remodeling after PBAN treatment in Ostrinia furnacalis. First, we performed comprehensive whole-transcriptome sequencing (WTS) on 18 biologically independent samples collected at six time points (0, 20, 40, 60, 90, and 120 min) after PBAN injection. Then, we systematically identified and quantified the dynamic expression patterns of differentially expressed (DE) mRNAs, miRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs in response to PBAN stimulation. By integratively analyzing these multidimensional omics datasets and inferring sequence-based interaction relationships, we inferred a dynamic candidate competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) like regulatory network. The candidate ceRNA network anchored four core node genes: the PBAN receptor (PBANR), the rate-limiting enzyme acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), and the terminal biosynthetic enzymes desaturase (DES) and fatty acyl-CoA reductase (FAR). The qRT-PCR results further support the temporal expression pattern of key genes during the PBAN response, suggesting that this network can provide a valuable resource for further functional studies. Full article

Plants must continuously balance the trade-offs between growth and defense, a constraint that is exacerbated by biotic and abiotic stresses, particularly when they occur together. Ethylene (ET) serves as a central, integrative regulatory node controlling this by linking developmental programs to stress-responsive signaling networks. Advances at the molecular and systems levels have revealed that ET mediates the redistribution of metabolic resources via coordinated regulation of its synthesis, perception, and downstream signaling. The ETR (Ethylene Receptor)-CTR1 (Constitutive Triple Response 1)-EIN2 (Ethylene Insensitive 2)-EIN3(Ethylene Insensitive 3) signaling module lies at the core of this network, integrating multiple hormonal pathways. Through dynamic crosstalk with jasmonic acid (JA), salicylic acid (SA), abscisic acid (ABA), auxin (AUX), and gibberellins (GA), ET enables the fine-tuned coordination of growth inhibition, immune activation, and stress acclimation in response to environmental fluctuations. Processes such as induced systemic resistance, programmed cell death, and architectural plasticity further reinforce this regulatory framework, with ethylene-responsive transcription factors, including ERFs (ethylene responsive factor gene family) and WRKYs, acting as critical convergence points. Emerging insights into ACC (1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid) -dependent signaling, chromatin remodeling, and tissue-specific regulation expand the functional scope of ET beyond traditional hormone paradigms. At the same time, the ability of pathogens to manipulate ET signaling underscores its dual role in both promoting immunity and facilitating susceptibility. By integrating molecular, physiological, and ecological perspectives, this review highlights ET as a central coordinator of plant stress resilience and growth optimization, providing a unifying framework for understanding how plants adapt to complex and dynamic environments. Full article

Although exercise interventions have been shown to alleviate core symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), the neural mechanisms underlying these improvements, particularly those involving the White Matter Network (WMN), remain poorly understood. This study investigated the effects of a Mini-Basketball Training Program (MBTP) on core symptoms and WMN in children with ASD. This study adopted a two-site cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial (cRCT) design. Participants from two special education centers in China were randomly assigned to either an intervention group (MBTP) or a control group (CON). The participants underwent a 12-week MBTP. Core symptom assessments and a Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) scan were conducted before and after the intervention. The individual WMNs were constructed using Deterministic Fiber Tracking (DFT). Graph theoretical analysis was applied to examine changes in WMN topological properties after MBTP. The MBTP significantly improved core symptoms in children with ASD, alongside the decreased normalized clustering coefficient (Gamma, γ), characteristic path length (Lambda, λ), small-world attributes (Sigma, σ), and increased global efficiency (E_glob). The nodal clustering coefficient (NCC) increased in the left cuneus (CUN.L) and left cerebellum 9 (CRBL9.L). Notably, the increased NCC in CRBL9.L was significantly correlated with improvements in core symptoms following the MBTP. The improvement in core symptoms in children with ASD following exercise intervention is associated with the remodeling of the WMN, highlighting the cerebellum as a key node in this neural mechanism. Full article

Existing cross-chain bridges over-rely on static collateralization and post-event penalties, leaving them vulnerable to concealed on–off attacks and rational group collusion. To address these limitations, this paper proposes a Dynamic Trust Evaluation and Risk Control (DTERC) mechanism for heterogeneous cross-chain relay nodes. First, DTERC develops a multidimensional trust quantification model that combines temporal decay, robust multi-observer latency aggregation, verification accuracy, online stability, and an asymmetric one-strike penalty triggered only by cryptographic evidence. Second, DTERC constructs a threshold-aware N-player evolutionary game model to characterize the k-of-N signature structure of cross-chain relay consensus and introduces a dynamic staking function to reduce the economic incentive for collusion under bounded attack-value and parameter conditions. Third, DTERC designs a threshold-preserving FastPath mechanism to reduce redundant verification for low-risk transactions while retaining committee-level confirmation and challenge-based fallback. The empirical evaluation combines multi-agent simulation, smart-contract prototype testing, whitelist-compromise stress tests, malicious-oracle robustness analysis, network-jitter experiments, repeated trials, and parameter-sensitivity analysis. The results show that, under the tested settings, DTERC reduces the malicious transaction success rate to 0.15% under a 50% initial collusion scenario, lowers core contract Gas overhead by 35.7%, and reduces average end-to-end latency by approximately 10% in benign FastPath conditions. These findings indicate that DTERC improves the security–efficiency trade-off of heterogeneous cross-chain relay networks while making its assumptions and limitations explicit. Full article

Background/Objectives: Lymph node metastasis within the prostatic anterior fat pad (PAFP) is uncommon but may refine nodal staging when pelvic lymph node dissection and PSMA PET/CT are negative. Case Presentation: A 58-year-old man with PSA 59 ng/mL, negative digital rectal examination, and a PI-RADS 5 anterior lesion underwent transperineal MRI/US fusion biopsy, showing an acinar adenocarcinoma (Gleason score 5 + 5 = 10, ISUP grade group 5) confined to anterior cores. 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT showed intense intraprostatic uptake (SUVmax 55.2) without nodal or distant disease. Retropubic radical prostatectomy, bilateral extended pelvic lymph node dissection (ePLND), and separate PAFP submission were performed. Final pathology showed a 38 mm bilateral anterior tumor involving 35% of the prostate, focal anterior extraprostatic extension, negative margins, absent seminal vesicle and bladder neck invasion, perineural and lymphovascular invasion, and no cribriform or intraductal carcinoma. All 15 pelvic nodes were negative. One of two PAFP nodes contained a 3 mm PSA-positive metastasis without extranodal extension, resulting in pT3aN1 staging. Postoperative PSA persistence prompted radiotherapy plus androgen deprivation therapy; PSA was 0.01 ng/mL at 6 months. Conclusions: In very-high-risk anterior prostate cancer, separate PAFP evaluation may provide clinically relevant staging information when PSMA PET/CT and pelvic lymph nodes are negative. This case highlights the PAFP as a potential site of occult regional nodal disease. Full article

This paper presents a 0.5–67 GHz static 1:2 frequency divider implemented in a commercial 0.7 μm InGaAs/InP DHBT technology. Instead of migrating to a more advanced process or introducing complex speed-enhancement circuits, a selective transistor scaling strategy is adopted, where only the critical switching and latching differential pairs in the CML master–slave core are implemented using 0.5 μm high-f_T DHBTs, while the input/output buffers, bias circuits, and non-critical devices remain based on standard 0.7 μm transistors. This approach reduces the parasitic capacitances at speed-limiting nodes and improves the high-frequency operation of the divider with minimal circuit and process overhead. The fabricated divider achieves a continuous operating bandwidth from 0.5 to 67 GHz, a full-band input power range from −5 to +10 dBm, a single-ended output power higher than −10 dBm, and an SSB phase noise of −141.03 dBc/Hz at 100 kHz offset with a 30 GHz input. These results demonstrate that selective core transistor scaling provides an effective and practical route for upgrading wideband static frequency dividers on mature InP DHBT platforms. Full article

Using a sample of 297 prefecture-level cities in China from 2010 to 2022 and drawing on green patent transfer data, this study constructs a directed weighted network and applies social network analysis, a modified gravity model, and quadratic assignment procedure (QAP) regression to examine the spatial structural evolution, node topology characteristics, and driving factors of China’s green technology transfer (GTT) network. The results show that: (1) From 2010 to 2022, the number of nodes grew from 249 to 292, network coverage increased from 83.8% to 98.3%, and the number of edges expanded by a factor of 14.47. Network density and average degree also rose markedly. The spatial structure evolved from an initially sparse and fragmented configuration into a polycentric complex network centered on the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region, the Yangtze River Delta, and the Chengdu–Chongqing economic circle. (2) In terms of node topology, the intermediary and control capacities of cities exhibit dynamic changes, with central and western cities gaining growing influence within the network. (3) Cohesive subgroup analysis identifies four functional blocks, revealing a multi-level technology spillover path of “core—secondary—regional—peripheral.” (4) QAP regression further identifies the digital economy, geographic location, high-speed rail mileage, industrial structure, and government environmental concern as key drivers of network formation and evolution. This study offers a new perspective on understanding cross-regional green technology transfer and provides theoretical grounding and policy references for promoting regional collaborative innovation and green low-carbon development. Full article

D-box binding protein (DBP) is a high-amplitude proline- and acidic amino acid-rich basic leucine zipper (PAR bZIP) transcription factor that functions as a key circadian output regulator downstream of the core molecular clock. Although DBP is widely recognized as a clock-controlled gene, its broader role in converting circadian timing into tissue-specific physiological programs remains incompletely integrated. In this review, we synthesize current evidence supporting DBP as a context-dependent D-box-centered regulatory node. We first summarize the upstream mechanisms that establish rhythmic Dbp expression, including CLOCK–BMAL1-dependent transcription, promoter-level amplification, signaling-dependent modulation, and post-translational control of DBP stability. We then discuss how DBP, together with related PAR bZIP activators and the opposing repressor E4 promoter-binding protein 4/nuclear factor interleukin 3 regulated (E4BP4/NFIL3), regulates D-box-mediated transcriptional output. Finally, we examine tissue-selective DBP functions in hepatic metabolism, pancreatic β-cell secretory competence, neural and behavioral regulation, reproductive neuroendocrine timing, and T helper 9 (Th9)-associated antitumor immunity. Across these systems, DBP does not act as a universal circadian effector; rather, its function depends on chromatin accessibility, cofactor availability, competing transcription factors, and local signaling context. We also highlight the current limits of human translational evidence and propose that DBP-centered signatures may be useful for interpreting circadian output failure in disease. Overall, DBP provides a mechanistically informative framework for understanding how circadian time is transformed into organ-specific physiological function and pathological vulnerability. Full article

Smart grid private communication networks need to support heterogeneous services with varying requirements for reliability, security, bandwidth, and controllability. In such networks, service function chains (SFCs) can provide customized network services by deploying virtual network functions (VNFs) over a shared substrate infrastructure. However, sharing physical servers among different service categories may conflict with the physical isolation requirement between critical grid services and common grid services. To address this problem, this paper investigates physical-isolation-aware SFC deployment for smart grid private communication networks. We first formulate an integer nonlinear programming (INLP) model that maximizes the network resource usage revenue while considering server resource constraints, link bandwidth constraints, flow conservation constraints, virtual link mapping constraints, server energy consumption, and physical isolation constraints. The nonlinear constraints are then linearized into an integer linear programming (ILP) model, which can be solved by an optimizer and used as a benchmark. To reduce the computational cost, we propose a private-network-oriented service function chain isolation deployment (PNO-SSID) algorithm. The proposed algorithm selects a revenue-aware subset of SFC requests, determines the service category to be preferentially processed, selects server nodes based on VNF-layer traffic cost, deploys VNFs using a matching-game-based method, and maps virtual links based on shortest paths. Simulation results show that PNO-SSID requires much less execution time than CPLEX while achieving close revenue in small-scale cases. Compared with online profit maximization (OLPM) variants using different request preprocessing strategies, PNO-SSID achieves higher network resource usage revenue and request acceptance ratio under physical isolation constraints. A prototype platform based on a fifth-generation non-standalone private network and the OAI platform further validates the feasibility of server-level isolated core network service chain deployment under the considered service-category separation requirement. Full article

Sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE) is a frequent neurological complication of sepsis, driven by six interconnected pathophysiological components: (1) systemic inflammation-triggered neuroinflammatory cascades, initiated by systemic recognition of pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) and propagated by pro-inflammatory mediators; (2) central nervous system (CNS) immune cell-mediated neuroinflammation, wherein microglia, regulatory T cells, and neutrophils dynamically regulate inflammatory progression; (3) blood–brain barrier (BBB) disruption, progressing from functional disturbance to structural damage via tight junction degradation and immune infiltration; (4) multimodal programmed cell death, encompassing autophagy, apoptosis, pyroptosis, and ferroptosis driven by mitochondrial dysfunction; (5) neurotransmitter network imbalance, manifesting as cholinergic deficiency and glutamate excitotoxicity; and (6) gut–brain axis dysregulation, characterized by reduced microbiota-derived metabolites such as butyrate and indolepropionic acid. These components are organized along a core pathological axis comprising four sequential stages: neuroinflammatory storm (encompassing components 1 and 2) → BBB disruption and microcirculatory disturbances (component 3) → multimodal programmed cell death (component 4) → neurotransmitter imbalance (component 5), with the gut–brain axis (component 6) functioning as a bidirectional regulatory node that intersects and modulates all four stages. Mitochondrial dysfunction serves as the central converging node linking these pathological axes. Targeted interventions against neuroinflammation, immune cell modulation, BBB restoration, inhibition of aberrant cell death, neurotransmitter homeostasis, and gut microbiota remodeling hold therapeutic promise. Elucidating the crosstalk among these pathways will accelerate the clinical translation of precision therapies for SAE. Full article

Improving land green utilization efficiency (LGUE) is essential for achieving sustainable development in China. This study investigates the spatiotemporal evolution and localized driving mechanisms of land green utilization efficiency across 127 cities in six major Chinese urban agglomerations from 2011 to 2023. Previous research frequently overlooks the spatial non-stationarity and structural interactions within regional land governance. To address this theoretical gap, a comprehensive multiscale framework is employed. This framework integrates the Super-SBM model, Dagum Gini decomposition, Spatial Markov chains, and Multiscale Geographically Weighted Regression. The empirical results reveal an overall upward efficiency trajectory alongside persistent spatial inequalities. A pronounced scale-efficiency inversion is observed between developed eastern coastal and developing central-western inland regions. Furthermore, spatial interaction analysis identifies a significant backwash effect. This mechanism constrains the upward mobility of peripheral cities adjacent to high-efficiency core nodes. The multiscale regression demonstrates substantial spatial heterogeneity in the effects of key driving factors. Elements such as industrial structure and financial development exhibit highly localized associations dependent on regional institutional contexts. These findings bridge macroeconomic growth models with micro-environmental governance. The study provides critical empirical evidence for shifting from uniform administrative management to spatially targeted regional policy frameworks. Full article

Objectives: Endocrine neoplasms, as a general rule, show systemic, neuro-inflammatory and metabolic consequences, known as paraneoplastic syndrome. The comorbidity of thyroid tumors with neurological and autoimmune diseases prompt looking for common neuro-immuno-endocrine mechanisms of these disorders. While most TCs are well described, there is a gap in the literature after the isolation of oncocytic/Hürthle cell carcinoma (HCC), as a unique type due to immunoendocrine and metabolic features (low TSH-receptor expression and radioiodine avidity). The aim of this study was to collect clearly defined reports of HCC (as a separate entity) and to attempt determining common clinical symptoms and the usefulness of various diagnostic techniques (comprehensive critical review). This may be an introduction to modern treatment (patient-centered care) since the main cause of mortality is not local progression or metastases. Results: Until now, due to misnomenclature and data misinterpretation, HCC has been treated according to general standards (with overuse of TSH-ST and RIA). High thyroglobulin level, decreased total thyroxin (with normal FT3 and spontaneous decrease in TSH), hypercalcemia, as well as the “reverse flip-flop” phenomenon, as common symptoms, indicate the neuroendocrine origin of HCC. Sparse, well-documented lymph node metastases are another feature, although from few studies. Most studies omit the N stage. Whole-body ¹³¹iodine and ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose scintigraphy may be useful before FNAB. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB), as a “gold standard” in early diagnosis of thyroid nodules, delays HCC diagnosis because of the inability to determine a benign/malignant nature. Conclusions: Final HCC outcome may be affected by various overlapping immunoendocrine factors (paraneoplastic effects). Due to very few thyroid function tests performed in HCC, we have proposed a set of basic laboratory analyses, core biopsy in HCC differentiation, and diagnostic chain for standardization. According to the review, adaptation and treatment of HCC based on existing standards for other thyroid cancers seem to be insufficient, and the risks outweigh the benefits. The key recommendations resulting from the 5th edition of the WHO Classification of Endocrine Neoplasms are only the beginning of refuting many myths and biases. Full article

The electrification of urban freight is a central pathway for advancing China’s dual-carbon agenda, yet the spatial and temporal mismatch between charging supply and logistics demand remains a major bottleneck. Using Shanghai as a case study, this paper develops an integrated framework of hotspot identification, mechanism interpretation, and planning response for electric logistics vehicle (ELV) charging demand. Based on the operating records of more than 1200 pure electric logistics vehicles in Shanghai from 1 March to 30 November 2023, 85,367 valid charging events were extracted. ST-DBSCAN is used to detect charging demand hotspots, and a negative binomial model is employed to examine their determinants. The results show that charging demand is highly differentiated in space and time, following a pattern of daytime concentration in core logistics areas and nighttime dispersion toward peripheral parking and recharging spaces. Initial state of charge, daily mileage, logistics point of interest (POI) density, and road network density are all significantly associated with hotspot intensity, while the effects of time vary across daytime and nighttime charging contexts. The predominance of slow charging, together with a pronounced midday charging peak (12:00–17:00), points to a potential fast-charging pressure of fast-charging capacity in major logistics nodes. Based on these findings, the paper proposes targeted recommendations for hub-oriented fast-charging deployment, fleet–charging coordination, and data-driven governance. The study provides empirical evidence for improving the spatial planning and refined governance of urban freight energy infrastructure. Full article