Search Results (2,434)

Ensuring food security amidst increasing non-grain utilization of cultivated land is a critical challenge in major grain-producing regions. This study analyzes the spatio-temporal evolution and driving mechanisms of non-grain cultivated land in Henan Province, China, from 2012 to 2023, using spatial autocorrelation, multiple linear regression, geographically and temporally weighted regression model, and cluster analysis. Results show that the non-grain ratio exhibited a fluctuating yet overall increasing trend, from 27.47% in 2012 to 25.91% in 2017 and reaching 30.28% in 2023, with higher values in the northern and southwestern counties of the province. Spatial clustering patterns remained relatively stable, characterized by a “high–high clustering in the southwest and low–low clustering in the north,” which was further substantiated by significant Global Moran’s I values (0.362 in 2012 and 0.307 in 2023). Key drivers included per capita level of agricultural mechanization, labor force per unit of cultivated land area, output value per unit of cultivated land area, and per capita disposable income of rural residents. PCA and K-means clustering identified three zonal types: agricultural production support (45.10% of counties), agricultural production weakening (35.29% of counties), and economically location-guided (19.61% of counties). The findings underscore the need for differentiated policies—such as precision subsidies, land consolidation, and ecological farming practices. This study provides a scientific basis for zonal governance of non-grain cultivated land in grain-producing areas. Full article

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are key components of the tumor microenvironment (TME) that influence cancer progression via extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling and secretion of growth factors and cytokines. Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) is emerging as an important axis among the heterogeneous origins of CAFs. This review introduces the diverse methods used to induce EndMT in cancer—mouse tumor models, conditioned-medium treatment, co-culture, targeted gene perturbation, ligand stimulation, exosome exposure, irradiation, viral infection, and three-dimensional (3D) culture systems—and summarizes EndMT cell-type evidence uncovered using transcriptomic and proteomic technologies. Hallmark EndMT features include spindle-like morphology, increased motility, impaired angiogenesis and barrier function, decreased endothelial markers (CD31, VE-cadherin), and increased mesenchymal markers (α-SMA, FN1). Reported mechanisms include signaling via TGF-β, cytoskeletal/mechanical stress, reactive oxygen species, osteopontin, PAI-1, IL-1β, GSK-3β, HSP90α, Tie1, TNF-α, HSBP1, and NOTCH. Cancer-induced EndMT affects tumors and surrounding TME—promoting tumor growth and metastasis, expanding cancer stem cell-like cells, driving macrophage differentiation, and redistributing pericytes—and is closely associated with poor survival and therapy resistance. Finally, we indicate each study’s stance: some frame cancer-induced EndMT as a source of CAFs, whereas others, from an endothelial perspective, emphasize barrier weakening and promotion of metastasis. Full article

To address the flood risks driven by climate change and urbanization, this study proposes the DRIRA model (Driving Force, Resistance, Influence, Recoverability, Adaptability). Distinct from BRIC (Baseline Resilience Indicators for Communities) and PEOPLES (Population, Environmental/Ecosystem, Organized Governmental Services, Physical Infrastructure, Lifestyle, Economic Development, Social–Cultural Capital), the model emphasizes dynamic interactions across the entire disaster lifecycle, introduces the “Influence” dimension, and integrates SNA (Social Network Analysis) with a modified gravity model to reveal cascading effects and resilience linkages among cities. Based on an empirical study of 30 cities in the Central Plains Urban Agglomeration, and using a combination of entropy weighting, a modified spatial gravity model, and social network analysis, the study finds that: (1) Urban flood resilience increased by 35.5% from 2012 to 2021, but spatial polarization intensified, with Zhengzhou emerging as the dominant core and peripheral cities falling behind; (2) Economic development, infrastructure investment, and intersectoral governance coordination are the primary factors driving resilience differentiation; (3) Intercity resilience connectivity has strengthened, yet administrative fragmentation continues to undermine collaborative effectiveness. In response, three strategic pathways are proposed: coordinated development of sponge and resilient infrastructure, activation of flood insurance market mechanisms, and intelligent cross-regional dispatch of emergency resources. These strategies offer a scientifically grounded framework for balancing physical flood defenses with institutional resilience in high-risk urban regions. Full article

Myofibroblasts drive wound healing and fibrotic disease through generation of contractile force to promote wound closure and production of matrix proteins to generate scar tissue. Platelets secrete many pro-wound healing molecules, including cytokines and growth factors. We previously reported that inorganic polyphosphate, secreted by activated platelets, is chemotactic for fibroblasts and induces a myofibroblast phenotype. Using NIH-3T3 cells and primary human fibroblasts, we examined the impact of inhibitors of cell-surface receptors and intracellular signaling molecules on polyphosphate-induced myofibroblast differentiation. We now report that polyphosphate-induced differentiation of fibroblasts to myofibroblasts occurs through a signaling pathway mediated by the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) and nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) transcription factor. Inhibition of these signaling components ablated the effects of polyphosphate on fibroblasts. Platelet releasates also induced NFκB signaling and myofibroblast differentiation. Blocking the polyphosphate content of platelet releasates with a biocompatible polyP inhibitor rendered the releasates unable to induce myofibroblast differentiation. These results identify a cell-surface receptor and intracellular transcription factor utilized by platelet polyphosphate to promote wound healing through myofibroblast differentiation and may provide targets for promoting wound healing or altering the disease progression of fibrosis. Full article

The plasma membrane (PM) of eukaryotic cells plays a key role in the response to stress, acting as the first line of defense against environmental changes and protecting cells against intracellular perturbations. In this work, we explore how membrane-bound chaperones and membrane lipid domains work together to shape plasma membrane properties—a partnership we refer to as the “epichaperome–plasma membrane lipid axis.” This axis influences membrane fluidity, curvature, and domain organization, which in turn shapes the spatial and temporal modulation of signaling platforms and pathways essential for maintaining cellular integrity and homeostasis. Changes in PM fluidity can modulate the activity of ion channels, such as transient receptor potential (TRP) channels. These changes also affect processes such as endocytosis and mechanical signal transduction. The PM proteome undergoes rapid changes in response to membrane perturbations. Among these changes, the expression of heat shock proteins (HSPs) and their accumulation at the PM are essential mediators in regulating the physical state and functional properties of the membrane. Because of the pivotal role in stress adaptation, HSPs influence a wide range of cellular processes, which we grouped into three main categories: (i) mechanistic insights, differentiating in vitro (liposome, reconstituted membrane systems) and in vivo evidence for HSP-PM recruitment; (ii) functional outputs, spanning how ion channels are affected, changes in membrane fluidity, transcytosis, and the process of endocytosis and exosome release; and (iii) pathological effects, focusing on how rewired lipid–chaperone crosstalk in cancer drives resistance to drugs through altered membrane composition and signaling. Finally, we highlight Membrane Lipid Therapy (MLT) strategies, such as nanocarriers targeting specific PM compartments or small molecules that inhibit HSP recruitment, as promising approaches to modulate the functional stability of epichaperome assembly and membrane functionality, with profound implications for tumorigenesis. Full article

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are critical indicators of the metabolic status of whole-plant maize silage (WPMS). However, the impact of inoculating various strains of fermentation agents on VOC changes has not been systematically explored. This study aimed to determine how inoculation with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Lentilactobacillus buchneri modulates the VOC profile and odor of WPMS after 90 days. VOCs were extracted by headspace solid-phase microextraction and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS). Key VOCs were screened using the variable importance in projection (VIP) and substantiated by relative odor activity values (rOAV) and odor descriptions. A total of 82 compounds were identified, including 22 esters, 19 alcohols, 3 acids, 9 aldehydes, 2 ethers, 6 hydrocarbons, 4 ketones, 10 phenols, and 8 terpenoids. L. plantarum enhanced green/fruity odors while strain L. buchneri significantly reduced undesirable phenolic and aldehydic compounds. Six key VOCs influencing the odor of WPMS were selected: 4-ethyl-2-methoxyphenol and benzaldehyde, which contribute smoky, bacon, and bitter almond aromas, and (E)-3-hexen-1-ol, benzyl alcohol, (E, E)-2,4-heptadienal and methyl salicylate, which impart green, fruity, and nutty aromas. These findings highlight the effects and contributions of various strain additives on VOCs in WPMS, providing new theoretical insights for regulating the flavor profile of WPMS. Full article

The increasing demand for sustainable alternatives to non-biodegradable plastic packaging is driving the development of active packaging based on biopolymers such as methylcellulose. In this study, innovative methylcellulose nanocomposite films incorporating zein nanoparticles loaded with propolis and curcumin were developed for active packaging applications. The zein nanoparticles revealed excellent physicochemical properties, with a zeta potential above 30 mV, suggesting adequate stability. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed nanoparticles containing curcumin and propolis with uniform sizes ranging from approximately 130 to 140 nm with low polydispersity. Release studies revealed that approximately 25% of the curcumin and 35% of the propolis were released from the nanoparticles within 24 h. The release mechanism was best described by the Korsmeyer–Peppas model, suggesting a sustained release profile. The nanoparticles reduced the hydrophobicity and rigidity of the films, as evidenced by a lower elastic modulus and higher percentage elongation, thereby suggesting greater flexibility. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis revealed the incorporation of bioactive compounds in the polymer matrix. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) revealed the thermal parameters of the synthesized films. Furthermore, the films exhibited antibacterial and antioxidant activities, making them highly suitable for use as biodegradable active packaging. Full article

Macrophages play a central role in joint inflammation and bone destruction in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). While activator protein-1 (AP-1) transcription factors have been implicated in RA pathogenesis, the specific roles of individual AP-1 members in regulating synovial macrophages remain unclear. To address this, two public single-cell transcriptomic datasets were first analyzed to profile synovial macrophages, and then to identify AP-1 family members and associated pathways via differential expression and gene set enrichment analyses. JUND, FOSL2, and FOSB were found to be highly enriched in the RA synovium, and a distinct CXCL3⁺FOSL2⁺ macrophage subset was identified, characterized by pro-inflammatory, metabolic, and differentiation-related pathways. Intercellular communication analysis further revealed that this CXCL3⁺FOSL2⁺ macrophage subset interacted with ACKR1⁺ endothelial cells within the synovial microenvironment. Validation in a large-cohort bulk transcriptomic dataset, together with functional assays using in vitro FOSL2 knockdown in U937 cell lines, further confirmed FOSL2’s role in promoting macrophage-driven inflammation. Collectively, these findings indicate that CXCL3⁺FOSL2⁺ macrophages drive RA synovitis via the FOSL2/AP-1 axis, highlighting a potential therapeutic target. Full article

Autonomous beach-cleaning robots require reliable, low-cost navigation on sand. We study Sim-to-Real transfer of deep reinforcement learning (DRL) policies using a minimal sensor suite—wheel-encoder odometry and a single 2-D LiDAR—on a 30 kg differential-drive platform (Raspberry Pi 4). Two policies, Proximal Policy Optimization (PPO) and a masked-action variant (PPO-Mask), were trained in Gazebo + Gymnasium and deployed on the physical robot without hyperparameter retuning. Field trials on firm sand and on a natural loose-sand beach show that PPO-Mask reduces tracking error versus PPO on firm ground (16.6% ISE reduction; 5.2% IAE reduction) and executes multi-waypoint paths faster (square path: 112.48 s vs. 103.46 s). On beach sand, all waypoints were reached within a 1 m tolerance, with mission times of 115.72 s (square) and 81.77 s (triangle). These results indicate that DRL-based navigation with minimal sensing and low-cost compute is feasible in beach settings. Full article

The liver has a notable regenerative capacity, primarily through hepatocyte proliferation. However, when this process is impaired—due to severe and/or chronic injury—liver progenitor cells (LPCs) serve as a facultative reserve to restore hepatic function. LPCs, which are a bipotent and heterogeneous population located near the canals of Hering, can differentiate into hepatocytes and cholangiocytes. Recent evidence suggests that LPCs may originate from mature hepatic cells—such as hepatocytes, cholangiocytes, and hepatic stellate cells—through dedifferentiation under specific injury conditions. Cellular plasticity in the liver is governed by complex signaling networks that regulate LPC activation, maintenance, and lineage commitment. However, the precise cellular origin of LPCs and the mechanisms driving their activation remain incompletely defined. Therefore, this review aims to synthesize current insights into LPC biology and emphasize their diverse cellular origins, functional roles in liver regeneration, and the key signaling pathways involved. A deeper understanding of LPC dynamics may ultimately guide the development of novel therapeutic strategies to enhance liver regeneration in chronic liver disease. Full article

Background: Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) have ushered in a new era of precision oncology by combining the targeting specificity of monoclonal antibodies with the potent cytotoxicity of chemotherapeutic drugs. However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying their dose-limiting ocular toxicity remain unclear. Elahere™, the first FDA-approved ADC targeting folate receptor α (FRα), demonstrates remarkable efficacy in platinum-resistant ovarian cancer but causes keratitis and other ocular toxicities in some patients. Notably, FRα is not expressed in the corneal epithelium—the primary site of damage—highlighting the urgent need to elucidate its underlying mechanisms. The aim of this study was to identify the cell-type-specific molecular mechanisms underlying Elahere-induced ocular toxicity. Methods: Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with intravenous Elahere (20 mg/kg) or vehicle weekly for five weeks. Ocular toxicity was determined by clinical examination and histopathology. Corneal single-cell suspensions were analyzed using the BD Rhapsody single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) platform. Bioinformatic analyses to characterize changes in corneal cell populations, gene expression, and signaling pathways included cell clustering, differential gene expression, pseudotime trajectory inference, and cell-cell interaction modeling. Results: scRNA-seq profiling of 47,606 corneal cells revealed significant damage to the ocular surface and corneal epithelia in the Elahere group. Twenty distinct cell types were identified. Elahere depleted myeloid immune cells; in particular, homeostatic gene expression was suppressed in phagocytic macrophages. Progenitor populations (limbal stem cells and basal cells) accumulated (e.g., a ~2.6-fold expansion of limbal stem cells), while terminally differentiated cells decreased in corneal epithelium, indicating differentiation blockade. Endothelial cells exhibited signs of injury and inflammation, including reduced angiogenic subtypes and heightened stress responses. Folate receptor alpha, the target of Elahere, was expressed in endothelial and stromal cells, potentially driving stromal cells toward a pro-fibrotic phenotype. Fc receptor genes were predominantly expressed in myeloid cells, suggesting a potential mechanism underlying their depletion. Conclusions: Elahere induces complex, multi-compartmental ocular toxicity characterized by initial perturbations in vascular endothelial and immune cell populations followed by the arrest of epithelial differentiation and stromal remodeling. These findings reveal a cascade of cellular disruptions and provide mechanistic insights into mitigating Elahere-associated ocular side effects. Full article

This paper evaluates and corrects systematic odometry errors in a compact omnidirectional mobile platform equipped with three omni-wheels driven by digital servomotors featuring velocity control capabilities. Compared to differential-drive platforms, omnidirectional platforms offer the significant advantage of being able to translate in any direction while rotating simultaneously. The motion capabilities of the platform have been experimentally evaluated, and its systematic motion errors analyzed and corrected. The final motion capabilities achieved confirm that a basic three-wheeled omnidirectional platform driven by servomotors is suitable for use as a testbench for control algorithms and trajectory-tracking experiments. Full article

The coloration of shellfish significantly influences both environmental adaptability and economic value. In the Jinjiang oyster (Crassostrea ariakensis), soft-body color varies between individuals, with an orange-yellow phenotype distinct from the milky white coloration of the wild type. To elucidate the compositional differences and molecular mechanisms underlying orange-yellow (designated as CaR) versus milky white (CaW) soft-body color in C. ariakensis, we conducted comparative ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) non-targeted and transcriptomic analyses. A total of 280 differential accumulation metabolites (DAMs) and 691 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were detected between the CaR and CaW groups. The metabolite set enrichment analysis (MSEA) revealed that DAMs were significantly enriched in pigment metabolism pathways, including tyrosine metabolism, porphyrin metabolism, and lipid metabolism. Furthermore, genes associated with melanin synthesis and carotenoids conversions or transports were upregulated in the CaR vs. CaW group. These genes included Cyp4z1, Cyp4f22, Cyp17a1, Cyp1a5, Cyp2d28a, Lrp4, Aldh, and Tyr-3, potentially driving the accumulation of pheomelanin and carotenoids. This study demonstrates the vital roles of melanin and carotenoid metabolism in Jinjiang oyster body color formation, providing key insights into the molecular mechanisms of color determination in shellfish. Full article

The composition, architecture, and plant traits of temperate steppe communities are intricately associated with environmental factors. However, most studies primarily focus on aboveground observations, often overlooking the critical role of belowground root systems. Here we conducted a field survey at a large-regional scale to investigate the composition of temperate steppe communities and plant root traits. Cluster analysis, correspondence analysis and Pearson correlation coefficient matrix method were employed to classify vegetation associations based on plant community composition and root traits. The principal driving and limiting factors shaping plant root communities were systematically investigated. The results showed that the temperate steppe was categorized into three community subtypes: meadow steppe, typical steppe, and desert steppe, comprising five plant groups and thirteen plant associations. The RLFS analysis, based on belowground architectural and functional traits, demonstrated a spatial gradient differentiation with three ecological adaptations: tufted herbs, rhizome herbs, and non-tufted or rhizome herbs. Key environmental driving factors for meadow steppe included precipitation, soil carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus content, while the average growing-season temperature as a limiting factor. The environmental driving factors for the typical steppe were not apparent, and the limiting factor was water. For the desert steppe, the environmental driving factors were altitude and average growing-season temperature. These findings reveal notable spatial heterogeneity and a distinct distribution pattern in community composition and vegetation classification based on belowground root traits in the Inner Mongolia steppes. Full article

With the rise in rural tourism, public space use has become more complex, causing significant weekday-weekend vitality imbalances. However, the factors shaping these dynamics in traditional villages remain unclear. This study uses Wi-Fi sensing method to analyze vitality variations across weekdays and weekends, and it develops a 13-metric evaluation framework to examine how built environment factors, from both internal and external dimensions, differentially influence the vitality of public spaces in traditional villages across various time periods. Using 17 public spaces in Yantou Village, Lishui, China, as a case, it finds: (1) Historical Element Proximity consistently and significantly drives public space vitality across all periods; (2) Leisure Facility Count and Decorative Element Count demonstrate strong positive effects during weekend morning peaks. (3) Retail Facility Count significantly reduces vitality during weekend morning peak but enhances it during midday off-peak, whereas Street Vendor Count shows the opposite pattern—increasing vitality in morning peak and decreasing it in midday off-peak. Using Wi-Fi sensing’s high-resolution, real-time, and non-invasive capabilities, this study provides a scientific method to accurately assess the variations in public space vitality and their impact factors between weekdays and weekends in traditional villages, offering technical support for enhancing public space vitality and sustainably revitalizing rural heritage. Full article