Search Results (6,134)

The red soil region in southern China is an ecologically fragile area. Although ecological engineering construction has achieved phased results, there are still obvious gaps in research on the mechanisms underlying vegetation dynamics in response to natural and anthropogenic variables. Changting County (CTC) serves as a typical case of vegetation degradation and restoration in the region. We examined the vegetation dynamics in CTC with the fraction vegetation cover (FVC) based on kernel normalized difference vegetation index-based dimidiate pixel model (kNDVI-DPM) and employed the optimal parameter-based geographical detector (OPGD), multiscale geographically weighted regression (MGWR), and partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to analyze interaction mechanisms between vegetation dynamics and underlying factors. The FVC showed a fluctuating upward trend at a rate of 0.0065 yr⁻¹ (p < 0.001) from 2000 to 2020. The spatial distribution pattern was high in the west and low in the east. Soil and terrain factors were the primary factors dominating the spatial heterogeneity of FVC, soil organic matter and elevation showing the most significant influence, with annual mean q-values of 0.4 and 0.3, respectively. Climate, terrain, and soil properties positively and anthropogenic activities negatively impacted vegetation. From 2000 to 2020, the path coefficient of anthropogenic activities to FVC decreases from −0.152 to −0.045, the adverse effects of human activities are diminishing with ongoing ecological construction efforts. Climate and anthropogenic activities act indirectly on vegetation through negative effects on soils and terrain. The impact of climate on soils and terrain is gradually lessening, whilst the influence of anthropogenic activities continues to grow. This study provides an analytical framework for understanding the complex interrelationships between vegetation changes and the underlying factors. Full article

This study investigates the subsequent stages of recrystallisation in Interstitial-Free (IF) steel subjected to an unconventional continuous annealing process with a controlled thermal gradient. A cold-rolled steel strip was exposed to varying annealing temperatures along its length, enabling the analysis of microstructural evolution during the course of recrystallisation. The microstructure and stored energy were assessed at various positions along the strip using Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD). The results underscore the significant influence of local misorientation and structural inhomogeneity on orientation selection during recrystallisation. The remaining non-recrystallised volume fraction (NRF) strongly correlates with the average misorientation gradient, obeying a phenomenological power-law correspondence with an exponent of ~3.7. This indicates that the recrystallisation process is highly sensitive to small changes in local orientation gradients. These findings highlight the crucial role of stored energy distribution for texture evolution, particularly during the early stages of recrystallisation in continuous annealing. It is observed that g-fiber grains, in comparison to a-fiber grains, are much more susceptible to grain fragmentation and therefore develop more robust intra-granular misorientation gradients, allowing for successful nucleation events to occur. In the present study, these phenomena are documented in a statistically representative manner. These insights are valuable for optimising thermal processing in interstitial-free (IF) steels. Full article

Background and Objectives: Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) substantially increases cardiovascular risk; beyond the well-recognized left-ventricular involvement in diabetic cardiomyopathy, emerging data indicate subclinical right-ventricular (RV) dysfunction may also be present. This study aimed to evaluate whether speckle-tracking echocardiography identifies subclinical right-ventricular systolic dysfunction in type 2 diabetes, despite normal conventional indices and preserved global systolic function. Materials and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional, single-center study in accordance with STROBE recommendations, enrolling 77 participants, 36 adults with T2DM, and 41 non-diabetic controls, between December 2024 and July 2025. All participants underwent comprehensive transthoracic echocardiography, including conventional parameters (tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), tricuspid annular systolic velocity (TV S’), right ventricular fractional area change (RVFAC)) and deformation imaging (right ventricular global longitudinal strain (RV GLS), right ventricular free wall longitudinal strain (RVFWS)) using speckle-tracking echocardiography. Biochemical and clinical data, including glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), were recorded. Correlation and ROC curve analyses were performed to explore associations and predictive value. Results: The mean age was comparable between the two groups (62.08 ± 9.54 years vs. 60.22 ± 13.39 years; p = 0.480). While conventional RV parameters did not differ significantly between groups, diabetic patients had significantly lower RV GLS (−13.86 ± 6.07% vs. −18.59 ± 2.27%, p < 0.001) and RVFWS (−15.64 ± 4.30% vs. −19.03 ± 3.53%, p < 0.001). HbA1c levels correlated positively with RV strain impairment (RVFWS r = 0.41, p < 0.001). Both RV GLS and RVFWS were independent predictors of RV dysfunction in logistic regression analysis. ROC analysis showed good diagnostic performance for RV GLS, AUC = 0.84 with an optimal cut-off −17.2% (sensitivity 86.1% and specificity 80.5%) and RVFWS, AUC = 0.76 with cut-off −17.6% (sensitivity 77.8; specificity 80.5%) in identifying early myocardial involvement. Conclusions: RV systolic dysfunction may occur early in T2DM, even when traditional echocardiographic indices remain within normal limits. Speckle-tracking echocardiography, particularly RV GLS and RVFWS, offers sensitive detection of subclinical myocardial impairment, reinforcing its value in early cardiovascular risk stratification among diabetic patients. Full article

Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) poses global health challenges, and causes hematological alterations such as macrocytosis and oxidative stress. Disruption of protein structures by alcohol and/or its metabolites may exacerbate AUDs; proteomics can elucidate the underlying biological mechanisms. This study examined the proteins differentially expressed in the cytosol and membrane fractions of erythrocytes obtained from 30 male patients with AUD, comparing them to samples from 15 age- and BMI-matched social drinkers (SDs) and 15 non-drinkers (control). The analysis aimed to identify the molecular differences related to alcohol consumption. The AUD patient subgrouping was based on mean corpuscular volume (MCV), with 16 individuals classified as having a normal MCV and 14 having a high MCV. Proteins were separated via two-dimensional(2D)-gel electrophoresis, digested with trypsin, and identified via Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-of-Flight (TOF) mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF/TOF). Additionally, levels of malondialdehyde and 4-hydroxyalkenals (MDA + HAE), reduced glutathione (GSH), oxidized glutathione (GSSG), serum carbohydrate-deficient transferrin (%CDT), disialotransferrin (%DST), and sialic acid (SA) were analyzed. The results showed increased MDA + HAE and decreased total thiols in AUD patients, with GSSG elevated and the GSH/GSSG ratio reduced in the AUD MCV-high subgroup. Serum %CDT, %DST, and SA were significantly higher in AUD. Compared to the control profiles, the AUD group exhibited differential protein expression. Few proteins, such as bisphosphoglycerate mutase, were downregulated in AUD versus control and SD, as well as in the MCV-high AUD subgroup. Conversely, endoplasmin and gelsolin were upregulated in AUD relative to control. Cytoskeletal proteins, including spectrin-alpha chain, actin cytoplasmic 2, were overexpressed in the AUD group and MCV-high AUD subgroup. Several proteins, such as 14-3-3 isoforms, alpha-synuclein, translation initiation factors, heat shock proteins, and others, were upregulated in the MCV-high AUD subgroup. Under-expressed proteins in this subgroup include band 3 anion transport protein, bisphosphoglycerate mutase, tropomyosin alpha-3 chain, uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase, and WD repeat-containing protein 1. Our findings highlight the specific changes in protein expression associated with oxidative stress, cytoskeletal alterations, and metabolic dysregulation, specifically in AUD patients with an elevated MCV. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for developing targeted interventions and identifying biomarkers of alcohol-induced cellular damage. The complex interplay between oxidative stress, membrane composition, and cellular function illustrates how chronic alcohol exposure affects cellular physiology. Full article

A case study of an incoming biomass burning aerosol plume at Ascension Island is analyzed for the peak of the 2017 fire season using satellites, reanalysis and in situ observations. Measurements from the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement Mobile Facility 1 reveal an abrupt change from relatively clean conditions (~70 parts per billion by volume of carbon monoxide) to a more polluted state (~150 parts per billion by volume of carbon monoxide). Corresponding changes in aerosol size reveal a broadening of size distributions toward larger optical diameters, consistent with the arrival of aged aerosols. Within a 24 h period, black carbon fraction increases ~500% from ~300 ng m^e to ~1500 ng m³, while light absorption coefficients increase ~300%. Long-range transport of these aerosols is primarily confined between 2 and 5 km above sea level along the northwesterly trade winds. Our results show that the primary driver of increases in aerosol loading over Ascension Island is an intensification of the St. Helena high-pressure system (anticyclone) that leads to a weakening of trade winds and increases westward transport on its northern flank. A better understanding of the complex interactions between air quality, meteorology and long-range aerosol transport is important for future modeling studies focused on aerosol–cloud–radiation interactions over the open ocean and reducing its associated uncertainties. Full article

With global energy demand escalating and climate change posing unprecedented challenges, accurate forecasting of regional energy consumption has emerged as a cornerstone for national energy planning and sustainable development strategies. This study develops a novel nonlinear different fractional discrete grey multivariate model (NDFDGM(r_i,N)). This model improves the shortcomings of the conventional GM(1,N) in handling nonlinear relationships and variable differences by introducing different fractional order accumulation and nonlinear logarithmic conditioning terms. In addition, the Firefly Algorithm (FA) was utilized to optimize the model’s hyperparameters, significantly enhancing the prediction accuracy. Through empirical analysis of energy consumption data in China’s eastern, central and western regions and across the country, it has been confirmed that the NDFDGM model outperforms others during both the simulation and forecasting phases, and its predicted MAPE values are, respectively, 1.4585%, 1.4496%, 2.0673% and significantly lower than that of compared models. The findings indicate that this model can effectively capture the complex characteristics of energy consumption, and its prediction results offer a solid scientific foundation for guiding energy strategies and shaping policy decisions. Finally, this paper conducts extrapolation and predictive analysis using the NDFDGM(r_i,N) to explore the development trends of energy consumption in the whole country in the coming three years and puts forward energy policy suggestions for different regions to promote the optimization and sustainable development of the energy structure. Full article

Climate change impacts on vegetation phenology, especially under extreme climate events, remain inadequately understood. Based on the Fraction of Photosynthetically Active Radiation (FPAR) from MODIS, this study extracted and investigated the end of the growing season (EOS) dynamics in semi-arid grassland of Inner Mongolia from 2003 to 2020. The relationship between the EOS and extreme climate events was examined, and the coincidence rate (CR) between these events and EOS standardized anomaly (EOS_SA) was quantified. The results showed that the EOS exhibited a significant delaying trend (1.48 days/year, p < 0.05) after 2011, with its spatial distribution patterns strongly correlated with climatic gradients. Compound dry–warm events exhibited the widest spatial extent and highest frequency among all compound extreme climate events (CECEs). The impact of extreme climate events on EOS_SA varied depending on climatic background. Extreme dry delayed EOS_SA in colder regions but advanced it in warmer regions. CECEs exerted a stronger regulatory effect on EOS_SA. Compound dry–warm events showed high CR with EOS_SA (CR > 0.4), which was higher under low temperature gradients but decreased under high gradients. The result enhances our understanding of how semi-arid grassland respond to extreme climate events, aiding the improvement of phenology models. Full article

We previously demonstrated that the activation of FGFR signaling in GIST may be a mechanism of GIST resistance to imatinib mesylate (IM). We show here that IM-resistant GIST cells lacking secondary KIT mutations overexpress claudin-1 on both transcriptional and translational levels. In contrast, a knockdown of CLDN1 or inhibition of its activity by PDS-0330 effectively restored GIST’s sensitivity to IM both in vitro and in vivo. This was evidenced by the increased expression of apoptotic markers (e.g., cleaved PARP and caspase-3) and the decreased proliferation rate of IM-resistant GIST T-1R cells treated with a combination of IM and PDS-0330 (or siRNA CLDN1). In concordance with these findings, a significant synergy was observed between IM and PDS-0330 in GIST T-1R cells. Importantly, decreased tumor size and weight were observed in IM-resistant GIST xenografts treated with a combination of IM and PDS-0330. Furthermore, the combined treatment of IM-resistant tumors induced an increase in intratumoral apoptosis and other changes, as defined by the histopathologic response rate. Based on the co-immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence microscopy data, we also demonstrated the strong interaction pattern between CLDN1 and FGFR2. Of note, the inhibition or knockdown of CLDN1 effectively decreased the phosphorylation of FGFR2 and FRS-2, a well-known FGFR adaptor protein, thereby illustrating CLDN1’s ability to regulate FGFR-signaling and thereby promote FGFR-mediated survival in KIT-inhibited GIST. Consequently, CLDN1 inhibition in GIST effectively disrupted the FGFR-mediated pathway and re-sensitized tumor cells to IM. In concordance with these data, molecular profiling of CLDN1-inhibited GIST T-1R cells illustrated a significant decrease in the majority of FGFR transcripts, including FGFR2, 3, and 4. Additionally, several FGFR ligands (e.g., FGF14, -19, and -23) were also down-regulated in PDS-0330-treated GIST. Notably, exogenous FGF-2 increased CLDN1 expression in a time-dependent manner. In contrast, pan-FGFR inhibitors effectively reduced CLDN1 levels in IM-resistant GIST T-1R cells, thereby illustrating a cross-talk between CLDN1- and FGFR-mediated pathways in IM-resistant GIST. Based on subcellular fractionation and immunofluorescence microscopy data, we also observed partial relocalization of CLDN1 into the cytoplasm in IM-resistant GIST. Notably, PDS-0330 effectively abrogated this relocalization, suggesting that changes in CLDN1 subcellular distribution might also impact GIST resistance to IM. Lastly, based on our small cohort clinical study (n = 24), we observed the increased expression of CLDN1 in most “high-risk” primary GIST known to be associated with poor prognosis and aggressive behavior, thereby illustrating the prognostic value of increased CLDN1 expression in GIST and providing a further rationale to evaluate the effectiveness of CLDN1 inhibition for GIST therapy. Full article

The glomalin-related soil protein (GRSP), a class of stable glycoproteins produced by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, constitute an important microbial-derived carbon pool in terrestrial ecosystems. However, the response of GRSP accumulation to land-use change and quantitative contribution to soil organic carbon (SOC) pools, as well as the environmental and edaphic factors controlling GRSP dynamics in different land-use systems, require further elucidation. To address these knowledge gaps, we systematically collected surface soil samples (0–20 cm depth) from 72 plots across three land-use types—tea plantations (TP; n = 24), artificial forests (AF; n = 24), and natural forests (NF; n = 24) in China’s Huangshan Mountain region between July and August 2024. GRSP was extracted via autoclaving (121 °C, 20 min) in 20 mM citrate buffer (pH 8.0), fractionated into total GRSP (T-GRSP), and quantified using the Bradford assay. Results revealed distinct patterns in soil carbon storage, with NF exhibiting the highest concentrations of both SOC (33.2 ± 8.69 g kg⁻¹) and total GRSP (T-GRSP: 2.64 ± 0.34 g kg⁻¹), followed by AF (SOC: 14.9 ± 2.55 g kg⁻¹; T-GRSP: 1.42 ± 0.25 g kg⁻¹) and TP (SOC: 7.07 ± 1.72 g kg⁻¹; T-GRSP: 0.58 ± 0.11 g kg⁻¹). Although absolute GRSP concentrations were lowest in TP, its proportional contribution to SOC remained consistent across land uses (TP: 8.72 ± 2.84%; AF: 9.69 ± 1.81%; NF: 8.40 ± 2.79%). Statistical analyses identified dissolved organic carbon and microbial biomass carbon as primary drivers of GRSP accumulation. Structural equation modeling further demonstrated that land-use type influenced SOC through its effects on MBC and fine-root biomass, which subsequently enhanced GRSP production. These findings demonstrate that undisturbed forest ecosystems enhance GRSP-mediated soil carbon sequestration, emphasizing the critical role of natural forest conservation in ecological sustainability. Full article

The fast-changing scenario of the transportation industry due to the rapid adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) imposes significant challenges on power distribution networks. Challenges such as dynamic and concentrated charging loads necessitate intelligent demand-side management (DSM) strategies to ensure grid stability and cost efficiency. This study proposes a novel two-stage framework integrating Hierarchical Density-Based Spatial Clustering of Applications with Noise (HDBSCAN) and linear programming (LP) to optimize EV charging loads across four operational scenarios: Summer Weekday, Summer Weekend, Winter Weekday, and Winter Weekend. Utilizing a dataset of 72,856 real-world charging sessions, the first stage employs HDBSCAN to segment charging behaviors into nine distinct clusters (Davies-Bouldin score: 0.355, noise fraction: 1.62%), capturing temporal, seasonal, and behavioral variability. The second stage applies linear programming optimization to redistribute loads under real-time pricing (RTP), minimizing operational costs and peak demand while adhering to grid constraints. Results demonstrate the load optimization by total peak reductions of 321.87–555.15 kWh (23.10–25.41%) and cost savings of $27.35–$50.71 (2.87–5.31%), with load factors improving by 14.29–17.14%. The framework’s scalability and adaptability make it a robust solution for smart grid integration, offering precise load management and economic benefits. Full article

The gut microbiota plays a significant role in metabolic diseases such as obesity. We extracted and purified a new type of pectin polysaccharide (mango peel pectin, MPP) from mango (Mangifera indica L.) peel. The structural analysis results reveal that MPP has a molecular weight (Mw) of 6.76 × 10⁵ Da and the mass fractions of the main components were galacturonic acid (21.36%), glucose (8.85%), and arabinose (5.97%). The results of methylation and NMR analyses reveal that the backbone of MPP consisted of →6)-α-D-GalpAOMe-(1→ and →4)-β-D-Glcp-(1→ linkages. Based on the above structural analysis, we further explored the therapeutic effect of MPP on high-fat diet-induced obese mice. The results demonstrate that MPP significantly suppressed body weight and dyslipidemia, reduced liver damage and lipid accumulation, attenuated changes in adipocyte hypertrophy, and improved glucose homeostasis and insulin resistance, with fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels decreasing by more than 12.8%. Furthermore, the modulatory impact of MPP on gut microbiota composition was investigated. MPP treatment significantly enhanced the levels of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) by decreasing the amount of Bacillota and reducing the Bacillota/Bacteroidota ratio, especially with an increase in the total SCFA content of over 64%. Meanwhile, MPP treatment encouraged beneficial bacteria to grow (e.g., Bacteroidota, Akkermansia, and Nanasyncoccus), altered the gut microbiome profiles in mice, and decreased the abundance of harmful bacteria (e.g., Paralachnospira, Coproplasma, Pseudoflavonifractor, Parabacteroides, Acetatifactor, and Phocaeicola). Overall, the findings demonstrate for the first time that MPP treats obesity by alleviating dyslipidemia, improving insulin resistance, and regulating gut microbiota to improve the intestinal environment. Full article

The energy requirements for conditioning spaces have been increasing primarily due to population growth and climate change. This paper shows a comparison between an adsorption (ADC) and absorption cooling (ABC) systems to keep a building below the 25 °C set-point in dynamic conditions, utilizing a latent heat storage tank with MgCl₂·6H₂O and erythritol, and employing evacuated tube and parabolic trough collectors. The storage tank geometry is a plate heat exchanger. An auxiliary system was incorporated to control the temperature range of the solar cooling systems. The results showed that the coefficient of performance was kept around 0.40–0.60 and 0.70 for adsorption and absorption cooling, respectively. The latent heat storage tank with erythritol captured more solar energy than MgCl₂·6H₂O. A maximum solar fraction of 0.96 was obtained with MgCl₂·6H₂O, a thickness of 0.15 m, 20 m² of parabolic trough collector area, and absorption cooling, while the energy supply was fully satisfied with a solar collector with erythritol, a thickness of 0.1 m, 13 m² of parabolic trough area, and absorption cooling. In general, erythritol obtained better results of solar collector fractions than MCHH; however, it has less thermal stability than MgCl₂·6H₂O, and the cost is higher. Full article

Given the pressing global food security crisis and climate change-induced constraints on agricultural productivity, crop rotation proves critical for boosting yield and grain quality of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum) alongside ameliorating soil quality. However, the legacy effect of different preceding crops on synergistic increments of wheat productivity and soil fertility remains to be fully clarified. Five different preceding crop–winter wheat rotations were conducted in a field experiment established in Huanghua, China. Maize (Zea mays), sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), and millet (Setaria italica) were designated as preceding gramineous crops, and soybean (Glycine max) and mung bean (Vigna radiata) were assigned as preceding legume crops. Grain yield, protein fraction, and soil nutrients were measured to elucidate the legacy effect of the preceding crops on the subsequent winter wheat. Leguminous predecessors significantly evaluated the grain yield of winter wheat compared to gramineous predecessors, particularly that the mung–winter wheat rotation (Mun-W) was 11.56% higher than that of the maize–winter wheat rotation (Mai-W). This rising yield was attributed to the increase of 4.05% in spike number per hectare and 14.31% in kernel number per spike. The Mun-W facilitated the highest gluten protein content (8.22%) in winter wheat among five treatments, which was 6.06% higher than that in the sorghum–winter wheat system. Soil organic matter (SOM) showed an advantage in legume–winter wheat rotations (Leg-Ws) compared to gramineous crop–winter wheat systems (Gra-Ws). Notably among these, the Mun-W significantly enhanced SOM content by 0.99% relative to the Mai-W. The soybean–winter wheat system decreased soil pH by 0.36 compared to the Mai-W system. Coupling coordination degree (CCD) and co-benefit index (CBI) in the Leg-Ws exhibited significant superiority of 62.41% and 42.22% over the Gra-Ws, respectively, and the Mun-W attained maximum CCD by 0.84 and CBI by 0.77. From a multi-objective assessment perspective of the legacy effect of the preceding crops, legume-based rotations facilitate synergistic improvements of yield, protein quality, and soil nutrients in winter wheat. Full article

Environmental pollution with microplastics (MPs) can have a negative impact on human health. Certain findings point to the relationship between MP and the development of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). We investigated the effect of MP consumption on the severity of chronic colitis in male C57BL/6 mice. The MP effect was modeled by drinking water consumption with a suspension of 5 μm PS particles at a concentration of 10 mg/L replacement for 12 weeks. Chronic colitis was induced by three seven-day cycles of 1% DSS consumption (starting from the 8th, 29th and 50th days of the experiment). We investigated inflammatory infiltration, the goblet cell volume fraction and the highly sulfated and neutral mucins content in them, the endocrine cell number, the ulcerative-inflammatory process prevalence, changes in the gene’s expression encoding tight junction proteins, glycocalyx components proapoptotic factor Bax and proliferation marker Mki67 in the colon, and TNFα, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-10 cytokines content in the serum. In healthy mice, MP did not cause pathological changes in the colon; however, indirect data indicate an increase in colon permeability. In chronic colitis, MP leads to higher prevalence of all pathological changes in general, and ulcers in particular, in a greater number of crypt abscesses and enteroendocrine cells. MP consumption leads to a more severe chronic colitis course. Full article

Background. Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition typically presenting as heart failure with reduced ejection fraction in the last month of pregnancy or in the first five months following delivery in women without other known causes of heart failure. PPCM incidence and prevalence are highly variable in different populations and geographical areas. The etiology of PPCM is likely multifactorial, with genetic predisposition, autoimmune conditions, nutritional deficiencies, hormonal and metabolic changes, myocardial inflammation, enhanced oxidative stress, vascular dysfunction, and angiogenic imbalance all listed as possible contributing factors. Objectives. The complexity and multifactorial nature of PPCM can be explored by large-scale “omics” investigations, and their integration has the potential to identify key drivers and pathways that have the largest contribution to the disease. The scarcity of relevant knowledge and experience with most rare diseases raises the unique need for cooperation and networking. Methods and results. In the context of PPCM, we hypothesize that the creation of prospective patient registries could represent an answer to this criticality. Therefore, we created a multicenter national registry of PPCM in different geographical areas in Italy. Conclusions. We expect that the integration of clinical, imaging and omics-based data might provide novel insights into PPCM pathophysiology and allow in the future early detection, risk assessment, and patient-specific therapeutic interventions, thereby offering new perspectives in precision medicine. Full article