Search Results (8,910)

Seed vigor is a key agronomic trait that integrates germination capacity and seedling establishment, critically influencing rice productivity. Inositol hexakisphosphate (IP₆) serves as a major phosphorus reservoir in seeds, yet its regulatory mechanism in seed vigor remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate that exogenous IP₆ application inhibited seed germination and seedling growth of japonica rice (Oryza sativa L. ssp. japonica cv. Zhonghua11) in a dose-dependent manner; 10 mM IP₆ reduced seed germination by 100%, while 100 μM IP₆ suppressed primary root length by 33.6% compared to the control. This inhibitory effect is likely mediated by antagonizing auxin signaling, as supported by suppressed DR5::GUS expression and altered transcription of auxin-responsive genes. OsIPK2, a key enzyme in IP₆ biosynthesis, showed high expression during early development in rice. RNA interference of OsIPK2 led to a 40.8–61.7% reduction in seed IP₆ content, 45.3–65% higher zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe) accumulation, and a 35.4–53.5% lower germination rate compared to wild-type (WT). Conversely, OsIPK2-RNAi seedlings exhibited enhanced growth and resistance to IP₆, which was associated with misregulation of auxin-responsive genes and a decrease in the repressive histone mark H3K27me3 at their loci. Furthermore, endogenous indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) levels significantly reduced in Ri-1 but unchanged in Ri-2, while abscisic acid (ABA) content and the IAA/ABA ratio remained unaltered compared to wild-type. Our findings reveal that OsIPK2 balances seed vigor and seedling development by modulating inositol phosphate metabolism, auxin responses, and epigenetic regulation, providing insights for improving seed quality in cereals. Whether the regulatory role of OsIPK2 in seed vigor is conserved across other rice subspecies requires further investigation. Full article

The severe decrease in natural sturgeon stocks has led to intensified efforts toward the development of sturgeon aquaculture and the application of reproductive biotechnologies to ensure sustainable production. In cultured male Acipenser ruthenus (sterlet), spermiation must be hormonally induced to obtain high-quality semen; however, reducing hormonal dosages while maintaining or improving sperm quality remains a major challenge. In this study, we investigated the effects of reduced doses of carp pituitary extract (CPE) and luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonist (LH-RH) combined with Apilarnil supplementation on spermiation and semen quality in A. ruthenus. Semen volume, pH, sperm concentration, total sperm output, total motility, and spermatozoa velocity were evaluated. Administering a reduced CPE dose (1.1 mg·kg⁻¹) combined with 1 g of Apilarnil significantly increased semen volume, sperm concentration, and total sperm output, as well as improved sperm kinematic parameters (total motility and velocity) compared with the conventional hormonal protocol. Furthermore, treatments using 50% of the standard LH-RH dose supplemented with 1 g or 2 g of Apilarnil resulted in significantly higher sperm motility and velocity than observed in the control group. These results demonstrate that Apilarnil supplementation allows for a substantial reduction in exogenous hormonal doses while enhancing spermiation efficiency and semen quality in sterlet, supporting the spermiation-induction protocol for sturgeon aquaculture. Full article

This paper proposes a regional inertia estimation method in power systems using ambient data measured by phasor measurement units (PMUs). The proposed method employs band-pass filtering to suppress the low-frequency influence of mechanical power and to attenuate high-frequency noise and discrepancies between rotor speed and electrical frequency. By utilizing a simple first-order AutoRegressive Moving Average with eXogenous input (ARMAX) model, this process allows the inertia constant to be directly identified. This method requires no prior model order selection, rotor speed estimation, or computation of the rate of change of frequency (RoCoF). The proposed method was validated through simulation on three benchmark systems: the Kundur two-area system, the IEEE Australian simplified 14-generator system, and the IEEE 39-bus system. The method achieved area-level inertia estimates within approximately ±5% error across all test cases, exhibiting consistent performance despite variations in disturbance models and system configurations. The estimation also maintained stable performance with short data windows of a few minutes, demonstrating its suitability for near real-time monitoring applications. Full article

In the field of the road transportation industry, quantitative research on the relationship between artificial intelligence (AI) technology and corporate sustainable development is relatively scarce. This disparity has led to discussions about whether artificial intelligence technology can truly promote the sustainable development level of the highway maintenance industry. Therefore, this study aims to quantify the relationship between artificial intelligence technology and the sustainable development of the highway maintenance industry, and to analyze the reasons behind the current controversies. The research results show: (1) Each exogenous variable has an impact on sustainable development, although the degree of influence varies, especially the economic development level (ED) has the strongest direct effect on sustainable development, followed by the level of market demand (MD), the level of policy support (PS), and the level of enterprise capital (EC); (2) Moderating variables can enhance this direct impact, among which the moderating effect of ED on the relationship between ED and sustainable development is the strongest; (3) Artificial intelligence technology has different impacts on enterprises at different positions in the industrial chain, thereby explaining the controversy over whether to adopt it or not. These conclusions highlight the value of artificial intelligence technology and provide a reasonable explanation for the existing controversies in the industry and research field. Full article

Salinity is a major constraint that compromises safflower performance by disrupting redox balance and metabolic homeostasis. Although hormonal mechanisms for improving plant resilience to abiotic stresses have been reported, the mechanistic role of gibberellic acid (GA₃)-induced regulation of safflower tolerance to salinity remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the impact of exogenous GA₃ application under normal and saline conditions to evaluate its effects on growth, physiology, redox regulation, and flavonoid biosynthesis in safflower. Using phenotypic, physiological, biochemical, and gene expression analysis, it is suggested that GA₃ significantly alleviates salt stress by integrating antioxidant defense and flavonoid biosynthesis. The results of phenotypic and physiological assessments showed that GA₃ at 400 mg/L GA₃ in safflower seedlings suggests enhanced vegetative growth and photosynthetic performance. Under salt stress, GA₃ significantly alleviated oxidative damage by reducing H₂O₂, ${\mathrm{O}}_2^{-}$, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, while enhancing osmoprotective compounds such as proline, soluble sugars, proteins, and chlorophyll. GA₃ also significantly increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, POD, CAT, APX, GST, DHAR, and Prx), accompanied by the transcriptional upregulation of their corresponding genes, indicating GA₃-mediated regulation of redox homeostasis at both biochemical and molecular levels. In parallel, GA₃ enhanced the accumulation of major flavonoids, particularly hydroxy safflor yellow A (HSYA), with strong induction of key HSYA biosynthetic genes (CtF6H, CtCGT, Ct2OGD1), whereas salinity alone suppressed their expression. In contrast, the quercetin branch displayed a regulatory bottleneck at CtF3H, which remained suppressed under all treatments, although upstream genes were GA₃-responsive. Together, these findings demonstrate that GA₃ enhances salinity tolerance in safflower by simultaneously activating antioxidant defenses and stimulating flavonoid biosynthesis, providing mechanistic insight with practical implications for developing salt-resilient safflower varieties. Full article

Leaf color mutants are commonly characterized by altered chlorophyll content and aberrant chloroplast development, making them valuable models for investigating photosynthetic mechanisms and chloroplast biogenesis. In this study, an albino mutant was isolated from a population of transgenic maize breeding lines. Genetic analysis indicated that the mutant phenotype is inherited in a Mendelian manner and is controlled by a single nuclear locus. This was supported by a χ² test performed on the T₂ generation, which confirmed a segregation ratio consistent with 3:1 (176:68, χ² = 1.07 < χ²_0.05 = 3.84, p > 0.05). Microscopic examination revealed the absence of normally developed chloroplasts in mutant cells. Further expression analysis of chloroplast genes via Northern blotting and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) suggested that the mutation impairs the regulation of plastid-encoded polymerase (PEP)-dependent chloroplast gene expression. Notably, PCR-based co-segregation analysis indicated that the mutant phenotype is associated with the entire inserted vector sequence, rather than a point mutation or a small genomic deletion. In conclusion, this paper reports the isolation and phenotypic characterization of an etiolated mutant from a transgenic maize breeding population, including comparative ultrastructural analysis of chloroplasts, co-segregation validation, and chloroplast gene expression profiling. These results enhance our understanding of the physiological and molecular mechanisms underlying chlorophyll-deficient mutations in plants. Full article

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are essential regulators of fertilization and early embryo development in mammals, including humans and various animal models, but they exert detrimental effects when produced in excess. In assisted reproductive technologies (ART), particularly in vitro fertilization (IVF), exposure to non-physiological conditions increases oxidative stress (OS), impairing gamete quality, embryo viability, and clinical outcomes. This review synthesizes experimental and clinical studies describing the endogenous and exogenous sources of ROS relevant to embryo development in IVF. Endogenous ROS arise from intrinsic metabolic pathways such as oxidative phosphorylation, NADPH oxidase, and xanthine oxidase. Exogenous sources include suboptimal laboratory conditions characterized by factors such as high oxygen tension, temperature shifts, pH instability, light exposure, media composition, osmolarity, and cryopreservation procedures. Elevated ROS disrupt oocyte fertilization, embryonic cleavage, compaction, blastocyst formation, and implantation by inducing DNA fragmentation, lipid peroxidation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and apoptosis. In addition, the review highlights how parental health factors establish the initial redox status of gametes, which influences subsequent embryo development in vitro. While antioxidant supplementation and optimized culture conditions can mitigate oxidative injury, the precise optimal redox environment remains a subject of ongoing research. This review emphasizes that future research should focus on defining specific redox thresholds and developing reliable, non-invasive indicators of embryo oxidative status to improve the success rates of ART. Full article

Curcumin, a natural polyphenol derived from turmeric, functions as a potent exogenous antioxidant and exhibits a range of benefits in the prevention and management of metabolic diseases. Despite its extremely low systemic bioavailability, curcumin demonstrates significant bioactivity in vivo, a phenomenon likely attributable to its accumulation in the intestines and subsequent modulation of systemic oxidative stress and inflammation. This article systematically reviews the comprehensive regulatory effects of curcumin on systemic metabolic networks—including glucose metabolism, amino acid metabolism, lipid metabolism, and mitochondrial metabolism—and explores their molecular basis, particularly how curcumin facilitates systemic metabolic improvements by alleviating oxidative stress and interacting with inflammation. Preclinical studies indicate that curcumin accumulates in the intestines, where it remodels the microbiota through prebiotic effects, enhances barrier integrity, and reduces endotoxin influx—all of which are critical drivers of systemic oxidative stress and inflammation. Consequently, curcumin improves insulin resistance, hyperglycemia, and dyslipidemia across multiple organs (liver, muscle, adipose) by activating antioxidant defense systems (e.g., Nrf2), enhancing mitochondrial respiratory function (via PGC-1α/AMPK), and suppressing pro-inflammatory pathways (e.g., NF-κB). Clinical trials have corroborated these effects, demonstrating that curcumin supplementation significantly enhances glycemic control, lipid profiles, adipokine levels, and markers of oxidative stress and inflammation in patients with obesity, type 2 diabetes, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Therefore, curcumin emerges as a promising multi-target therapeutic agent against metabolic diseases through its systemic antioxidant and anti-inflammatory networks. Future research should prioritize addressing its bioavailability limitations and validating its efficacy through large-scale trials to translate this natural antioxidant into a precision medicine strategy for metabolic disorders. Full article

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the main type of liver cancer and one of the malignancies with the highest mortality rates worldwide. HCC is associated with diverse etiological factors including alcohol use, viral infections, fatty liver disease, and liver cirrhosis (a major risk factor for HCC). Unfortunately, many patients are diagnosed at advanced stages of the disease and receive palliative treatment only. Therefore, early markers of HCC and novel therapeutic approaches are urgently needed. The endocannabinoid system is involved in various physiological processes such as motor coordination, emotional control, learning and memory, neuronal development, antinociception, and immunological processes. Interestingly, endocannabinoids modulate signaling pathways involved in cell survival, proliferation, apoptosis, autophagy, and immune response. Consistently, several cannabinoids have demonstrated potential antitumor properties in experimental models. The participation of metabotropic and ionotropic cannabinoid receptors in the biological effects of cannabinoids has been extensively described. In addition, cannabinoids interact with other targets, including several ion channels. Notably, several ion channels targeted by cannabinoids are involved in inflammation, proliferation, and apoptosis in liver diseases, including HCC. In this literature review, we describe and discuss both the endocannabinoid system and exogenous phytocannabinoids, such as cannabidiol and Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol, along with their canonical receptors, as well as the cannabidiol-targeted ion channels and their role in liver cancer and its preceding liver diseases. The cannabidiol-ion channel association is an extraordinary opportunity in liver cancer prevention and therapy, with potential implications for several environments that are for the benefit of cancer patients, including sociocultural, public health, and economic systems. Full article

Excess commuting reflects the inefficiency of urban land resource allocation, generating additional greenhouse gas emissions and social costs, and has therefore become a central concern in the pursuit of sustainable cities. While exogenous shocks inevitably alter the efficiency of land resource allocation, it remains unclear how such shocks affect overall urban efficiency. To address this gap, this paper proposes a generalized framework for measuring excess commuting that accounts for imbalances between the numbers of jobs and residences. Drawing on mobile signaling big data, we trace the daily commuting patterns of more than 900,000 residents in Beijing, comparing the pre-pandemic period (March–October 2019) with the pandemic period (March–October 2020). The results show that: (1) Excess commuting increased significantly after the outbreak of COVID-19, with the observed average commuting distance (Tact) of the full sample rising from 6267 m to 10,058 m (an increase of 59%), indicating a decline in urban land resource allocation efficiency; (2) A more pronounced center-periphery pattern emerged at the metropolitan scale: the average Jobs–Housing Ratio (JHR) increased from 1.08 to 1.11, and its standard deviation rose from 0.54 to 0.70, with the JHR of central urban areas decreasing by 3% and that of suburban areas increasing by 20%—suggesting a marked increase in commuting distances; (3) Heterogeneous impacts were observed across age groups: the Difference-in-Differences (DID) regression confirmed a significant negative interaction term (Group × COVID-19 = −0.2991 **, p < 0.05), indicating that older adults experienced a greater increase in commuting inefficiency than younger adults. These findings reveal the dynamic mechanisms linking exogenous shocks, jobs–housing mismatch, and urban land resource allocation efficiency and provide policy implications for improving spatial resource allocation in the post-pandemic era. Full article

Long COVID (LC) may involve endocrine dysfunction; however, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. To examine hypothalamic–pituitary responses in patients with LC, we conducted a single-center retrospective study of patients with refractory LC referred to our University Hospital who underwent anterior pituitary stimulation tests. Between February 2021 and November 2025, 1251 patients with long COVID were evaluated, of whom 207 (19%) had relatively low random ACTH or cortisol levels. Ultimately, 16 underwent anterior pituitary stimulation tests and were included. All tests were performed in an inpatient setting without exogenous steroids. Fifteen patients (six women, mean age 35.6 years) underwent corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) tests. All patients had mild acute COVID-19, eight had ≥2 vaccinations, and the mean interval from infection was 343 days. Frequent symptoms included fatigue (100%), insomnia (66.7%), headache (60.0%), anorexia/nausea (40.0%), and brain fog (40.0%). Mean early-morning cortisol and 24 h urinary free cortisol were 7.5 μg/dL and 41.0 μg/day, respectively. MRI showed an empty sella in one case. Peak hormonal responses were preserved (ΔACTH 247%, ΔTSH 918%, ΔPRL 820%, ΔFSH 187%, ΔLH 1150%); however, peaks were delayed beyond 60 min in ACTH (13%), LH (33%), and FSH (87%). Notably, significantly delayed elevations remained at 120 min in the responses of TSH (4.1-fold), PRL (1.8-fold), LH (9.3-fold), and FSH (2.8-fold), suggesting possible hypothalamic involvement, particularly in the gonadotropin responses. Additionally, serum IGF-I was lowered (−0.70 SD), while GH response (mean peak 35.5 ng/mL) was preserved by growth hormone-releasing peptide (GHRP)-2 stimulation. Low-dose hydrocortisone and testosterone were initiated for three patients. Although direct viral effects and secondary suppression have been proposed, our findings may suggest that, at least in part, the observed response characteristics are consistent with functional secondary hypothalamic dysfunction rather than irreversible primary injury. These findings highlight the need for objective endocrine evaluation before initiating hormone replacements. Full article

Within the framework of brand communication, several companies choose to use bistable logos. These types of logos fall within the mechanisms inherent to bistable perception, where the interpretation of the two possible percepts involved may depend on the areas being observed or on prior instructions given to the observer to search for a particular shape within the ambiguous image. Perceptual factors related to the stimulus and the areas of eye fixation are called bottom-up aspects. The information exogenous to the bistable stimulus that determines perception is called top-down modulation. In order to determine whether certain bottom-up perceptual modulation areas for the Toblerone bistable logo are related to the search for each percept previously modulated by a written instruction, an experimental task was carried out with 34 participants using a Tobii T-120 eye tracker device, manufactured by Tobii in Danderyd, Sweden. Seven bottom-up modulation clusters were analyzed for ocular responses manifested in two different top-down modulation conditions. The results show that for each of the percepts, some areas correspond to the textual information offered as a top-down modulator. It is concluded that for the perception of the Toblerone^® logo, some areas are related to each percept, and the unimodal top-down modulation mechanisms operate in certain areas, while others can be assumed to be parts of the logo that contribute to the recognition of the two percepts involved. Full article

As cold-sensitive fruits, loquats easily develop chilling injury (CI) during cold storage, which leads to quality deterioration and economic losses. Our prior research indicated that exogenous melatonin (MT) treatment can mitigate CI in postharvest loquats by regulating reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolism, but the underlying molecular mechanism remains unclear. The primary objective of this study is to decipher the molecular regulatory pathway by which MT alleviates CI in postharvest loquats, focusing on the role of MYB transcription factors (TFs) in modulating antioxidant enzyme genes. Here, MT treatment remarkably reduced CI severity in loquat fruits, as reflected by lower CI index, reduced cell membrane permeability, decreased firmness, lower a* and b* values, and higher L* value, compared with the control group. Moreover, a cold-induced MYB TF, designated EjMYB15, was identified. Compared to non-treated fruits, the expression level of EjMYB15 was maintained at higher levels in MT-treated loquats. Subcellular localization and transactivation assays demonstrated that EjMYB15 is a nuclear-localized transcriptional activator. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) and dual-luciferase reporter (DLR) assays showed that EjMYB15 binds the MYB-binding sites (MBS) in the promoters of four antioxidant enzyme genes (EjCAT1, EjCAT2, EjGST1, and EjGST2), thereby activating their transcription. Taken together, these findings indicate that EjMYB15 positively regulates cold tolerance of loquat fruits by improving ROS scavenging capacity. These results elucidate the regulatory pathway by which MYB TFs mitigate CI and provide new theoretical support for the application of MT in alleviating CI in postharvest fruits. Full article

This article is aimed at assessing energy–economy models with a focus on their ability to capture the dynamic structural changes of economic systems and the related energy supply chains. A narrative literature review approach was employed, synthesizing relevant peer-reviewed research. The search yielded 229 publications spanning from 2015 to 2024. After applying screening criteria based on methodological transparency, quantitative modelling, and explicit energy–economy integration, 120 articles were retained, from which 23 representative modelling frameworks were selected. The review identifies five key dimensions shaping the realism and applicability of integrated models: geographical and temporal scope, technological detail, modelling approach, and the degree of micro- and macroeconomic realism. Results show a growing adoption of multi-scale modelling and a gradual shift toward hybrid structures combining technological and macroeconomic components. However, significant gaps remain: only 26% of the models move beyond equilibrium assumptions; 17% incorporate behavioural or heterogeneous agents; and almost half rely on exogenous technological change. Moreover, the representation of policy instruments—particularly performance standards, sectoral benchmarks, and public investment mechanisms—remains incomplete across most frameworks. Overall, this analysis highlights the need for more transparent coupling strategies, enhanced behavioural realism, and improved representation of financial and transition risks. These findings inform the methodological development of next-generation models and indicate priority areas for future research aimed at improving the robustness of policy-relevant transition assessments. Full article

Plant root growth and architectural modifications are well-documented responses to phosphorous (P) starvation. The spatiotemporal dynamics of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) in mediating root development under P deficiency, especially in cereal crops like wheat, remain insufficiently understood. A nutrient solution experiment was conducted to grow two varieties of wheat, including SM15 and HG35, with the treatments of 0.005 and 0.25 mmol/L P supply. Exogenous H₂O₂ and its scavenger ascorbic acid (AsA), and a NADPH oxidase inhibitor diphenylene iodonium (DPI) were added. The distribution of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in roots were detected by chemical staining and fluorescent probe technology. Low P supply did not change the root dry weight and total root length, while it decreased the lateral root density. The increase in the primary root and lateral root growth in P-starved wheat coincided with more ROS in the cell wall of the elongation zone. ROS production and oxidative enzyme activity of P-starved roots increased significantly. Low H₂O₂ induced the formation of lateral roots and significantly increased lateral root density under low P conditions. High H₂O₂ significantly reduced lateral root density but stimulated the nodal root formation. Exogenous AsA or DPI addition reversed the promotion of root growth imposed under the low P treatment or H₂O₂ addition. Furthermore, exogenous H₂O₂ treatment reduced the inhibitory effect of the DPI treatment on nodal root formation. It is suggested that the involvement of ROS in the regulation of wheat root system architecture under low P supply. Full article