Search Results (84,039)

Background/Objectives: Menopausal symptoms may negatively influence health-promoting behaviors in middle-aged women, but the psychological mechanisms underlying this association remain unclear. This study examined whether self-efficacy, self-acceptance, and aging anxiety mediate the relationship between menopausal symptoms and health-promoting behaviors. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 114 middle-aged women. Data were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation analysis and a parallel multiple mediation model using Hayes’ PROCESS macro (Model 4) with bootstrapping (5000 resamples). Results: Menopausal symptoms were negatively correlated with self-efficacy, self-acceptance, and health-promoting behaviors and positively correlated with aging anxiety. Menopausal symptoms had a significant total effect on health-promoting behaviors (B = −0.126, p < 0.05), but the direct effect became non-significant after including the mediators (B = −0.006, 95% CI [−0.120, 0.111]). Significant indirect effects were observed through self-efficacy (B = −0.057, 95% CI [−0.121, −0.006]) and self-acceptance (B = −0.040, 95% CI [−0.074, −0.003]), whereas aging anxiety was not significant. The model explained 38.0% of the variance in health-promoting behaviors. Conclusions: The findings suggest that self-efficacy and self-acceptance play important mediating roles in the relationship between menopausal symptoms and health-promoting behaviors, highlighting the importance of psychological resources in the health management of middle-aged women. Full article

Breast cancer treatment remains challenging due to therapeutic resistance and the limited availability of effective molecular targets. We investigated the anticancer effects of sulforaphane (SFN) and broccoli sprout extract (BSE), an SFN-enriched phytochemical formulation, in MCF7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. Cell viability, colony formation, and apoptotic responses were evaluated using standard in vitro assays, and underlying mechanisms were examined by flow cytometry and Western blot analysis. BSE and SFN reduced cell viability in a dose-dependent manner, suppressed anchorage-independent growth, and induced apoptosis associated with increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase and p38 MAPK signaling pathways. These effects were accompanied by mitochondrial depolarization, G2/M cell cycle arrest, and caspase activation. Pharmacokinetic analysis in rats demonstrated that oral administration of BSE resulted in sustained, dose-dependent systemic exposure to SFN. Consistent with these findings, oral BSE significantly inhibited tumor growth in breast cancer xenograft models. Collectively, these results indicate that BSE exerts anticancer effects through coordinated modulation of ROS-associated MAPK signaling, mitochondrial dysfunction, and apoptotic pathways, and may serve as a promising orally administered SFN-containing phytochemical formulation that may function as a delivery matrix for breast cancer management. Full article

With the continuous decline in the cost of renewable energy such as wind power and photovoltaic power generation, the economic competitiveness in the power supply structure is increasing, and traditional thermal power units are gradually being replaced, resulting in a profound adjustment of the power supply structure. However, the unclear alternative between units may lead to system redundancy configuration or power supply shortage. At the same time, the volatility of the new energy output and the flexible allocation of resources and other factors work together, resulting in the cost of the power system showing complex evolution characteristics. Therefore, it is of great significance to study the evolution of system cost in the process of thermal power substitution. This paper first analyzes the internal mechanism of the cost change of the new power system. Second, the cost accounting model of the power system is constructed to reveal the relationship between ‘thermal power substitution mode-system cost’ in the process of thermal power installed capacity substitution. Finally, the Garver-6 system is taken as an example to carry out simulation analysis, solve the optimal thermal power substitution mode under different renewable energy penetration rates, and explore the evolution law of system cost. The results of the example show that with the increase of renewable energy penetration, the total cost of the system first decreases and then increases, and the optimal substitution method is ‘unit thermal power to replace more renewable energy’. Full article

Background/Objectives: As a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, Cnidii Fructus is widely used in clinical practice. Its volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are closely related to its antipruritic effect and insecticidal properties. Due to the susceptibility of this medicinal herb to mold contamination, adopting appropriate sterilization measures is of great significance for its storage. ⁶⁰Co irradiation is widely used for this purpose due to its various advantages. Methods: This study employed Gas Chromatography–Ion Mobility Spectrometry (GC-IMS) combined with multivariate statistical analysis to systematically investigate the influence of different ⁶⁰Co irradiation doses (0, 3, 6, 9 kGy) on the VOCs of Cnidii Fructus and associated metabolic regulatory mechanisms. Results: A total of 115 VOCs were tentatively identified. Statistical analysis revealed dose-dependent effects: 3 kGy irradiation caused the least compositional perturbation, best preserving original chemical characteristics; 6 kGy induced more pronounced compositional changes; and 9 kGy triggered substantial chemical composition reconstruction. Differential metabolite enrichment analysis indicated that medium and high doses of irradiation primarily perturbed central carbon metabolic pathways, including pyruvate metabolism, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, and glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism. Key differential components were tentatively identified (e.g., α-Thujone, α-Pinene, β-Pinene) that possess pharmacological activities closely associated with the traditional efficacy of Cnidii Fructus. Conclusions: When the irradiation dose is 3 kGy, the VOCs profile of Cnidii Fructus is most similar to that of the non-irradiated control group, suggesting that its compositional profile may be closer to that of traditional high-quality medicinal materials. Meanwhile, the differential metabolites and core metabolic pathways identified in this study can provide a chemical reference for the quality control of irradiated Cnidii Fructus. The findings provide a theoretical basis and technical support for the rational application of ⁶⁰Co irradiation sterilization in the processing of Chinese medicinal materials and their powders. Full article

Compliant displacement amplification mechanisms are widely used in MEMSs and micro-actuated systems to enhance the limited stroke of micro-actuators. However, systematic integration of instantaneous center building block (IC-BB)-based conceptual design and structured post-synthesis optimization for symmetric single-input dual-output compliant displacement amplification mechanisms (SIDO-CDAMs) remains limited in the literature. In this work, a symmetric SIDO-CDAM is first conceptually synthesized using the IC-BB approach by employing only compliant dyad building blocks (CDBs), resulting in a mechanism that produces dual outputs in the same direction. The synthesized conceptual mechanism is subsequently realized with necessary geometric refinements and modeled to validate the conceptual design. A two-stage post-synthesis optimization framework is then proposed to enhance geometrical advantage (GA) while reducing stiffness. In Stage-1, Taguchi design of experiments combined with analysis of variance (ANOVA) is used to screen design parameters, identify the dominant factor, and fix it at its optimal level to eliminate masking effects. In Stage-2, a reduced Taguchi design integrated with gray relational analysis (GRA) is applied for multi-response optimization based on finite element analysis (FEA). Regression models and FEA-based confirmation tests are employed to validate the optimized design. The results demonstrate a significant improvement in displacement amplification with a simultaneous reduction in stiffness compared to the base design. The proposed IC-BB-based conceptual synthesis, coupled with structured post-synthesis optimization, provides a robust and computationally efficient framework for the development of micro-actuation and precision engineering applications. Full article

The integration of Artificial Intelligence into educational systems has accelerated dramatically with the advent of Large Language Models (LLMs). However, two critical limitations constrain current AI-powered tutoring systems: LLMs hallucinate factually incorrect content in high-stakes pedagogical contexts, and existing systems lack standardized mechanisms to dynamically access and synthesize knowledge from heterogeneous educational sources, including learning management systems, open-access textbook repositories, assessment databases, and real-time educational APIs. This paper presents a systematic survey of the convergence of Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) and the Model Context Protocol (MCP) in educational AI applications. Based on our taxonomy, we identify a critical architectural gap: no current system simultaneously achieves multi-source curriculum retrieval, standardized tool orchestration, learner-adaptive personalization, and citation-aware generation within a unified framework. To address this, we propose EduMSRA (Educational Multi-Source Research Agent)—a novel architecture comprising a Hierarchical Educational RAG Pipeline, an MCP-based Curriculum Tool Orchestration Layer, a Conflict-Aware Fusion Module (CAFM), a Learner Profile Manager (LPM), and a Pedagogical Policy Agent (PPA) aligned with Bloom’s taxonomy. We further provide a comprehensive experimental design road map specifying nine publicly available benchmark datasets and four evaluation experiments. Additionally, we conduct three Bayesian empirical analyses: (1) a random-effects meta-analysis of 12 RAG studies indicating a positive effect direction ($\widehat{\mu }=0.511$, 95% HDI: $[0.250,0.790]$) , $I^2=99.3\%$ heterogeneity flagged as indicative), (2) a BKT simulation illustrating adaptive scaffolding dynamics across five learner profiles, and (3) a Beta-Binomial difficulty characterization of nine benchmark datasets. Our analysis demonstrates that EduMSRA offers a principled, scalable path toward adaptive, grounded, and pedagogically aligned AI tutoring agents. Full article

To effectively mitigate the early-age shrinkage and cracking of alkali-activated cementitious materials (AAMs), superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) were adopted in this study to absorb and store water in the mixture, which is continuously released during the setting and hardening process. This approach prolongs the setting and hardening process of AAM, improves the stability of its microstructure, and reduces crack formation. Meanwhile, the influence mechanism of CO₂ curing on the strength of SAP-modified AAM was investigated. Through mechanical strength testing, X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), heat release measurement during setting and hardening, and pore size distribution testing of specimens with different mix proportions and curing conditions, effective methods to improve the mechanical strength and microstructural development of AAM were explored. The results show that CO₂ curing can significantly enhance the early-age strength of AAM, promote the formation of carbonation products, and optimize the pore structure of AAM at the micro-level. An appropriate amount of SAP can prolong the setting and hardening process of AAM and improve the degree of its setting and hardening; however, excessive SAP reduces the concentration of alkaline solution in the mixture matrix, increasing resistance to the setting and hardening of AAM. Full article

Background: The absence of disease-modifying treatments for Parkinson’s disease (PD)—a neurodegenerative condition with escalating global incidence—represents a critical unmet medical need. Traditionally utilized for both dietary consumption and medicinal preparations, the fruit derived from Rosa roxburghii Tratt demonstrates a remarkably rich profile of biologically active compounds, with flavonoids, triterpenoids, and organic acids representing the predominant classes. Experimental evidence indicates that these compounds elicit robust antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects, making them promising candidates for neurodegenerative disease modulation. This study aimed to systematically evaluate the neuroprotective effects of Rosa roxburghii Tratt juice concentrate powder (RRJCP) across the preventive, interventional, and therapeutic stages of PD and to elucidate its underlying molecular mechanisms. Methods: Rosa roxburghii Tratt juice was subjected to rotary evaporation concentration and vacuum freeze-drying to obtain the juice concentrate powder. C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned to three main groups (prevention, intervention, and treatment), each containing subgroups including a normal control, an MPTP model group, low-, medium-, and high-dose RRCJP groups (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg), and a positive control Madopar group, totaling 18 subgroups. A chronic MPTP-induced PD mouse model was established. Motor function was assessed via the open field test, pole test, and wire hang test. Substantia nigra neuronal morphology was examined by hematoxylin and eosin staining. The area of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-positive regions was measured by immunohistochemistry. The levels of oxidative stress indicators in serum were measured using biochemical kits. Network pharmacology was employed to predict core targets, and the expression of PI3K/AKT pathway and apoptosis-related proteins was determined by Western blotting. Results: Compared with the MPTP model group, RRCJP (200 mg/kg) significantly increased the total distance traveled in the open field, shortened the pole climbing time, and improved the wire hang score. It attenuated the morphological disorganization and nuclear pyknosis of substantia nigra neurons, increased the TH-positive area and TH protein expression, reduced serum MDA content, and elevated the activities of SOD and GSH-Px. Network pharmacology analysis indicated that the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway was among the core targets. Western blotting results further showed that the juice concentrate powder upregulated the expression of p-PI3K, p-AKT, and Bcl-2, while downregulating Bax and Cleaved Caspase-3 levels, which was consistent with the network pharmacology prediction. Conclusions: RRCJP exerts neuroprotective effects across the preventive, interventional, and therapeutic stages in PD model mice, the mechanisms of which may be associated with activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, attenuation of oxidative stress, and inhibition of neuronal apoptosis. Full article

Geosynthetics-reinforced soil technology represents an innovative reinforcement method for calcareous sand foundations and revetment engineering in coral reef areas. The interaction response at the reinforced soil interface directly influences the safety and stability of reinforced soil structures. However, research on the interaction mechanisms between geosynthetics and calcareous sand interfaces remains insufficient. Therefore, this paper investigates the effects of different normal stresses and various interface types on the shear characteristics of the geosynthetics–calcareous sand interface through a series of large-scale monotonic direct shear tests. By integrating statistical damage theory and accounting for the influence of residual strength, we establish the constitutive relation for interface damage. The results indicate that the shear stress–displacement curves for both the geosynthetics–calcareous sand interface and the unreinforced calcareous sand exhibit softening behavior. Furthermore, the relationship between the interface shear modulus and horizontal displacement for the geogrid–calcareous sand and unreinforced calcareous sand adheres to a power function model, while the relationship for the geotextile–calcareous sand follows a logarithmic function model. In the structural design of geosynthetics-reinforced calcareous sand, it is crucial to consider the influence of residual shear strength on structural stability. This study proposes a statistical damage constitutive model that accounts for the strain-softening characteristics of the geosynthetics–calcareous sand interface, while also considering the impact of residual strength. The findings provide a theoretical basis for the stability analysis of geosynthetics-reinforced calcareous sand structures in coral reefs with significant engineering implications for island reef construction, coastal development, and bank slope protection projects. Full article

This study presents a hybrid Non-Uniform Rational B-Spline (NURBS) methodology for the geometric reconstruction of topology-optimized structural components. NURBS are employed exclusively as a post-processing tool; all structural analyses are performed using standard finite elements (SOLID187 elements, ANSYS Mechanical R19.2), and isogeometric analysis (IGA) is not used. The methodology is validated on an Al 6061-T6 electric scooter neck under a 600 N static load. Two SIMP optimization iterations followed by a hybrid NURBS reconstruction reduce the component mass from 1.247 kg to 0.531 kg, achieving a 57.4% mass reduction. Finite element re-validation of the reconstructed geometry yields a maximum von Mises stress of 126.45 MPa (safety factor, SF = 2.18, exceeding the 2.0 requirement), a maximum deflection of 2.31 mm, and a first natural frequency of 127 Hz. Mesh convergence between the 2.5 mm and 1.25 mm refinements is Δ = 0.90%. Relative to the direct SIMP output (201 MPa), NURBS reconstruction reduces the peak stress by 37%, demonstrating that geometric post-processing is not a neutral step but a critical determinant of structural performance. Both fully automated STL reconstruction and edge-based NURBS reconstruction failed for this geometry class due to non-manifold topology and patch discontinuities, respectively. The proposed hybrid region-decomposition approach is the only method that has produced a watertight, FEA-compatible CAD model. Full article

Based on provincial panel data spanning 2011–2025, this paper investigates the intrinsic mechanism through which digital financial inclusion affects agricultural sustainable development. The impact is transmitted via two core paths: green technology adoption and agricultural green transformation. Empirical results reveal that digital financial inclusion exerts a robust and significantly positive driving effect on agricultural sustainability. Such conclusion remains consistently reliable after mitigating potential endogeneity problems and performing comprehensive robustness examinations. Furthermore, two mutually complementary mediating channels are identified, and distinct synergistic interactions exist between the two pathways. Heterogeneity analysis demonstrates that the promoting effect is asymmetric and remarkably stronger in western China, major grain-producing zones, and regions with well-established digital infrastructure. These findings expand the theoretical framework concerning the nexus between digital finance and agricultural sustainable transition. Meanwhile, they provide targeted and operable policy implications for regional governments. The conclusions can effectively facilitate long-term low-carbon development and sustainable transformation of agriculture. Full article

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly used in cancer research, enabling integrative analysis of complex biomedical data to identify actionable therapeutic vulnerabilities. This review specifically examines how AI advances mechanistic cancer target discovery and translational drug development, focusing on: (1) the processing of large-scale genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, single-cell profiling, spatial, and clinical datasets using machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) algorithms; (2) the identification of candidate biomarkers, driver genes, dysregulated pathways, tumor dependencies, and molecular targets that traditional methods often miss; (3) the integration of multi-omics data, network biology, causal inference, and systems-level modeling to refine mechanistic understanding of cancer progression and separate functional driver events from passengers; and (4) applications in drug development, including virtual screening, molecular modeling, structure-informed target validation, drug repurposing, synthetic lethality prediction, and de novo drug design, which collectively may enhance early-stage drug discovery efficiency. The review underscores that AI serves as both a predictive tool and a platform for linking molecular mechanisms to hypothesis generation, target prioritization, and rational treatment design. Challenges such as data heterogeneity, algorithmic bias, interpretability, reproducibility, regulatory requirements, and patient privacy must be addressed for robust translation and clinical use. Future directions may focus on hybrid approaches that integrate causal modeling, explainable AI, multimodal data, and experimental validation to yield mechanistically grounded, clinically actionable insights. AI-driven approaches ultimately aim to accelerate mechanism-based cancer target discovery and enable more precise, biologically informed anticancer therapies. Full article

As China’s first World Heritage Mixed Property site, Mount Tai enjoys international renown, with its historic buildings serving both as the central carriers of its cultural heritage and as significant tourism resources. Existing studies have predominantly emphasized the form, scale, and construction techniques of individual buildings or architectural complexes, while less attention has been given to the overall spatial pattern shaped by the interplay of natural and social environments and to the mechanisms underlying its formation. Taking the administrative area of Tai’an City as the study extent, this research selects 451 officially protected historic buildings, classified by period and type, and employs GIS-based spatial analysis and statistical methods to examine their spatiotemporal distribution patterns and influencing factors. The results indicate the following. (1) The temporal distribution exhibits an И-shaped fluctuation pattern, with ancient architecture and ancient sites together accounting for nearly 60% of the total and constituting the core resource categories. This distribution curve is shaped jointly by preservation conditions, social stability, and heritage designation preferences. (2) The spatial distribution displays a pronounced clustering pattern, with the kernel density core shifting over forty kilometers from southwest to northeast, generating an evolutionary trajectory from Dawen River basin agglomeration to Mount Tai mountain belt agglomeration. (3) The overall pattern is associated with both natural and anthropogenic factors. During the early stages, natural conditions such as hydrology and topography provided foundational constraints, whereas in later periods, human factors, including fengshan ritual culture, religious activities, economic development, and institutional governance, exhibit increasingly apparent associations with the distribution pattern. Based on these findings, this study proposes a strategic spatial framework comprising one cultural pilgrimage ring and four thematic corridors, which translates the spatial analytical results into planning implications for the regional integration of historic building resources, and discusses differentiated conservation strategies, thereby providing an analytical foundation and a reference pathway for the dissemination of Mount Tai culture and the sustainable development of heritage tourism. Full article

The city of Veracruz preserves buildings mainly constructed during the 16th and 17th centuries, where carved madreporic coral was used as ashlar and as a component in mortars. These historic structures, now part of Mexico’s built heritage, show various degrees of deterioration caused by erosion and prolonged exposure to environmental elements. Restoration using original materials is currently nearly impossible due to ecological restrictions protecting coral reefs. In this context, and under the principles of the tailor-made technique, the present research revisits physico-mechanical and chemical studies conducted on the corals used in the construction of one of the most representative buildings in the city. The results were compared with those obtained from the formulation of experimental mortars using readily available materials—such as air lime, siliceous aggregates, and calcium carbonate—with the aim of reproducing the physical, mechanical, and chemical properties observed in the original corals. Laboratory tests allowed evaluation of their compatibility and performance, seeking to develop alternative materials that enable conservation interventions without compromising the integrity of the base material or the historic structures. The design of mortars is intended to be used in the restoration processes of buildings that are part of the built historical heritage. This is the starting point for understanding the characteristics of the mortar and its compatibility with the substrate, which could be used for repairing stone blocks and for preparing new mortars for masonry and plastering, since research on restoration mortars has largely overlooked this type of building with coral masonry due to its rarity. Therefore, this research is of particular interest. The mixtures formulated with calcareous sand were the most compatible with the reference coral material, while those made with silica sand exhibited properties superior to the corals, and marine sands showed very poor behavior, potentially compromising the integrity of the buildings. In physical–mechanical tests, formulations that include calcareous sand and silica sand (2 mm) demonstrated behavior closest to that of coral, consistent with chemical analysis results, where mortars formulated with calcareous sand registered the highest contents of CaO and portlandite. Mercury intrusion porosimetry indicated that the mortar formulated with silica sand (2 mm) has a porosity only 4.07% lower than that of the coral, while mortars formulated with calcareous sand and lime paste are between 11.17% and 16.87% lower. Therefore, one of the mixtures that stands out as the best option due to its similarity in physical–mechanical and chemical results is the composite that is not found at the extremes of the results obtained in the various tests carried out. The use of calcareous sand, as previously mentioned, enhances its behavior and affinity with the coral masonry, as demonstrated in the tests. Full article

Sugars play a pivotal regulatory role in floral bud dormancy release in Prunus mume, a process that critically determines subsequent flowering time. However, the precise molecular mechanisms linking sugar metabolism to this developmental transition remain poorly understood. To address this gap, we integrated physiological profiling and transcriptomic sequencing using two cultivars with contrasting flowering phenologies: the early-flowering ‘Chaotang Gongfen’ (CTGF) and the late-flowering ‘Shichu Jin’ (SCJ). Exogenous sugar treatments were applied separately to floral buds of the cultivar ‘Yilian’ to evaluate the effect of sugars on dormancy release. During dormancy release, glucose and sucrose contents increased progressively and showed significant positive correlations with bud break rates in both CTGF and SCJ (r > 0.75). Consistently, exogenous application of glucose and sucrose significantly accelerated bud break in ‘Yilian’, whereas mannose exhibited an inhibitory effect. Transcriptome analysis of CTGF and SCJ revealed significant enrichment of starch and sucrose metabolism, hormone signal transduction, and stress-responsive pathways. Key metabolic genes, notably the α-amylase gene PmAMY1-2 and the cell wall invertase genes PmCWINV1/4, were upregulated during this transition. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) further identified PmFRK4, PmSUS6, and the aforementioned invertases as candidate genes within a sugar-associated regulatory module. Collectively, these findings support a model in which glucose and sucrose accumulation promotes endodormancy release via the transcriptional activation of starch and sucrose catabolic pathways. This study provides a theoretical framework for deciphering dormancy regulation in woody perennials and offers potential targets for the precise manipulation of flowering time. Full article