Search Results (536)

Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) play a central role in the development of more efficient, adaptive, and resilient road networks. Traffic control strategies have progressively evolved from traditional approaches toward more intelligent and adaptive frameworks. This paper presents a taxonomy-based perspective on intelligent traffic control strategies for road networks, organizing existing approaches according to three complementary dimensions: control scope, decision-making mechanism, and control architecture. Based on this framework, the paper discusses representative methodologies, including rule-based control, model-based methods, simulation-based optimization, data-driven and artificial intelligence-based methods, and emerging cooperative strategies enabled by connected and automated vehicles (CAVs). The analysis also examines key application domains, such as traffic signal control, ramp metering, CAV-based traffic management, and simulation platforms, highlighting their operational principles, advantages, limitations, and implementation challenges. Particular attention is given to the transition from local and reactive control toward coordinated, predictive, and learning-based traffic management systems. The paper identifies major challenges related to scalability, robustness, interpretability, safety, real-world deployment, and the gap between simulation performance and practical implementation. The proposed taxonomy also supports practical comparison and preliminary selection of context-specific strategies. Future directions point toward integrated and hybrid frameworks combining data-driven adaptability, vehicle–infrastructure cooperation, and digital twin technologies. Full article

Ascophyllum nodosum extracts (ANE) are widely used biostimulants associated with improvements in plant growth, productivity, nutrient acquisition, and abiotic stress tolerance. However, the molecular mechanisms linking extract composition to plant signaling and physiological responses remain incompletely resolved. ANE contains a complex mixture of bioactive constituents, including polysaccharides, osmolytes, phenolic compounds, and phytohormone-like molecules. Their composition varies according to biomass source, environmental conditions, and extraction methodology, contributing to variability in biological activity. Current evidence suggests that ANE functions mainly as a signaling modulator rather than a direct nutrient source. ANE treatment has been associated with early cellular responses, including cytosolic Ca²⁺ influx, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)-associated signaling events. However, many proposed mechanisms remain unresolved, and a considerable proportion of the available mechanistic evidence originates from studies using purified ANE-derived polysaccharides or related elicitor systems. ANE-associated responses include modulation of nutrient transport, primary metabolism, hormonal regulation, transcriptional reprogramming, and stress-responsive pathways, contributing to improved root development, nutrient acquisition, and defense-related responses. Nevertheless, limited knowledge of receptor-mediated perception mechanisms, signaling hierarchies, and extract-dependent variability continues to constrain mechanistic understanding and reproducibility. Future research should prioritize receptor identification, bioassay-guided fractionation, integrated multi-omics approaches, and improved standardization of extraction and formulation procedures. These advances will be essential for establishing robust mechanistic models and supporting the development of evidence-based ANE biostimulants for sustainable crop production. Full article

This meta-analysis combined the results of 61 independent studies published in 2005–2025 to examine polyamine-mediated responses to aluminum, cadmium, lead, chromium, copper, manganese, and selenium stress in plants. The logarithm ratio of responses (lnRR) under the random-effects model was used to calculate the effect sizes. Polyamine application significantly (p < 0.001) enhanced plant growth, with strong increases in root elongation (lnRR = 0.490, 95% CI: 0.362–0.618), fresh weight (lnRR = 0.413, 95% CI: 0.347–0.480), and dry weight (lnRR = 0.475, 95% CI: 0.409–0.541). Oxidative stress was markedly reduced, as reflected by decreases in reactive oxygen species accumulation (lnRR = −0.585, 95% CI −0.682 to −0.487, p < 0.001), hydrogen peroxide content (lnRR = 0.005, 95% CI −0.244 to 0.254, p = 0.968), and lipid peroxidation (lnRR = −0.487, 95% CI −0.578 to −0.397, p < 0.001). The antioxidant defenses were strengthened, and the levels of superoxide dismutase (lnRR = 0.468, p < 0.001) and catalase activity (lnRR = 0.373, p < 0.001) increased significantly. Metal accumulation was consistently reduced in polyamine-treated plants (lnRR = −0.392, 95% CI −0.460 to −0.324, p < 0.001). Supplementary genetic-level data indicated that metal stress triggers polyamines to regulate metal transporters, polyamine biosynthesis genes, antioxidant-related genes, and hormone-signaling pathways. Collectively, these data points make polyamines a key controller of plant metal stress tolerance and offer a quantitative and mechanistic system to apply them to metal-impacted agroecosystems. Full article

The mitochondrial membrane protein UPS1, a conserved intermembrane space protein in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, possesses phosphatidic acid transfer activity and plays a positive regulatory role in processes such as cardiolipin metabolism and transport. The role of UPS1 protein in pathogenic fungi such as Candida albicans has not been explored, especially in relation to its influence on virulence factors like hyphal growth and biofilm formation, which are crucial for the pathogenicity of C. albicans. The research investigated the function of the UPS1 protein in C. albicans by using gene knockout techniques, analyzing mitochondrial function, and conducting tests for hyphal and biofilm development. The results revealed that deletion of the UPS1 gene leads to altered mitochondrial morphology, increased reactive oxygen species levels, and reduced intracellular ATP content, thereby causing severe growth defects in C. albicans. In addition, transcriptomic analysis indicated that loss of UPS1 significantly represses the expression of genes associated with hyphal growth and biofilm formation. Functional assays further confirmed that UPS1 deficiency markedly impairs cell adhesion capability, hyphal development, and biofilm formation of C. albicans. Notably, deletion of the UPS1 protein markedly reduces the susceptibility of C. albicans to membrane-targeted antifungal drugs. Finally, infection models using Galleria mellonella larvae and a murine vulvovaginal candidiasis model verified that UPS1 gene knockout attenuates the pathogenicity of C. albicans. In summary, our findings demonstrate that UPS1 protein modulates the pathogenicity of C. albicans by regulating mitochondrial function, hyphal growth, and biofilm formation. Full article

Multidrug resistance remains a major obstacle in gastric cancer therapy and is frequently associated with aggressive phenotypes. Although ABCG2 is a well-known drug efflux transporter, its functional contribution to paclitaxel (PTX) resistance and its relationship with ERK signaling in gastric cancer remain incompletely understood. In this study, PTX-resistant gastric cancer cell models were established through prolonged drug exposure. Resistant cells exhibited cross-resistance to cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil together with enhanced drug efflux activity, invasion capacity, spheroid formation, stemness-associated marker expression, and G0/G1 enrichment. ABCG2 expression was markedly increased in resistant cells. Stable knockdown of ABCG2 restored PTX sensitivity and significantly reduced drug efflux, invasion, spheroid formation, and stemness-associated phenotypes, while increasing apoptosis and altering cell cycle distribution. ABCG2 depletion was associated with reduced ERK phosphorylation and decreased expression of ERK downstream target genes. Pharmacological inhibition of ERK signaling similarly suppressed resistance-associated phenotypes and reduced ABCG2 expression. Whereas reactivation of ERK signaling by constitutively active MEK1 partially rescued the effects of ABCG2 depletion, restoring aggressive and multidrug-resistant phenotypes. Our findings indicate that ERK signaling functionally contributes to ABCG2-associated multidrug resistance and aggressive phenotypes in PTX-resistant gastric cancer cells. Full article

Nitrogen oxides (NO_x), comprising nitric oxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), are key precursors of atmospheric nitrate, a major component of fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) that critically affects air quality, human health, and ecosystems. Emission inventories provide detailed spatial and temporal information on NO_x sources, while stable isotope techniques offer an additional constraint for source apportionment. Here, we incorporated stable nitrogen isotopes (¹⁴N, ¹⁵N) into the widely used Multi-resolution Emission Inventory for China (MEIC) over South China, with a focus on the Pearl River Delta (PRD) region, one of the most highly urbanized and industrialized regions in China, using an isotopic mass–balance model. The 2008 MEIC inventory indicated that NO_x emissions across South China were spatially heterogeneous, dominated by transportation sources, and concentrated mainly in the PRD and other urban clusters. We then compared the simulated isotopic composition of emitted NO_x with atmospheric measurements to assess the role of emission sources in controlling atmospheric nitrate (NO₃⁻). The simulated δ¹⁵N(NO_x) values were found to generally underestimate the observed δ¹⁵N(NO₃⁻) values. This discrepancy highlights the need for future ¹⁵N-enabled air quality modeling to better represent both source contributions and atmospheric processing, thereby improving source apportionment, emission inventory evaluation, and our understanding of reactive nitrogen cycling. Full article

Hypoxia-induced radioresistance remains a major obstacle in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) radiotherapy. This study investigates whether artificially activating mitochondrial reverse electron transfer (RET) can enhance radiosensitivity in NSCLC by triggering oxidative stress. An in vitro hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) model was established in A549 cells to assess reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, mitochondrial function, and metabolic alterations using fluorescence probes, flow cytometry, confocal microscopy, and targeted metabolomics. Mitochondrial complex inhibitors and dimethyl succinate (DM-S) were employed to validate the RET mechanism, and radiosensitivity was evaluated through clonogenic survival, apoptosis assays, and γ-H2AX staining. In vivo, A549 tumor-bearing mice received high oxygen (95% O₂) combined with DM-S and localized irradiation (4 Gy); tumor growth, histopathology, and immunohistochemistry were examined. H/R triggered substantial mitochondrial ROS production via complex I-mediated RET, dependent on a high mitochondrial membrane potential and electron transport chain imbalance, with succinate accumulation serving as a key metabolic switch. Exogenous DM-S exacerbated H/R-induced oxidative damage, DNA fragmentation (8-OHdG elevation, mtDNA integrity loss), and mitochondrial network disruption. H/R combined with DM-S significantly enhanced in vitro radiosensitivity, reducing clonogenic survival and increasing apoptosis to 53.4% ± 1.9% versus 10.3% ± 1.2% with irradiation alone. In vivo, the combination therapy markedly suppressed tumor growth, induced apoptosis and oxidative lipid damage (4-HNE), alleviated hypoxia (reduced HIF-1α), and showed no overt toxicity. These findings demonstrate that activating mitochondrial RET effectively enhances radiosensitivity in NSCLC. Succinate metabolism is a critical therapeutic target, and combining high oxygen with a succinate analog represents a promising radiosensitization strategy for hypoxic tumors. Full article

Soil biofilms are structured, dynamic microbial consortia embedded within extracellular polymeric substances that regulate microscale physicochemical heterogeneity and drive biogeochemical transformations in soils. Despite increasing interest in biofilm-mediated remediation, current reviews have largely examined microbial ecology, engineered biofilm functions, and predictive modelling independently, limiting systems-level understanding of pollutant fate in complex soils. This review, therefore, proposes a revised conceptual framework integrating biofilm ecology, synthetic biology, and AI-driven predictive modelling to improve mechanistic and predictive understanding of emerging pollutant detoxification. Emerging pollutants, including pharmaceuticals, pesticides, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, micro- and nanoplastics, and heavy metals, exhibit persistence, bioaccumulation, and mixture-dependent effects that challenge conventional remediation strategies. Biofilm matrices function as reactive interfaces facilitating adsorption, sequestration, and enzymatic transformation, while steep redox and nutrient gradients support metabolically diverse processes such as cometabolism, syntrophic degradation, and biomineralisation. Increasing evidence indicates that quorum sensing, horizontal gene transfer, and low-abundance microbial taxa contribute significantly to adaptive responses and functional plasticity within biofilms. Advances in high-resolution imaging, spatial multi-omics, and microfluidic platforms have resolved previously inaccessible biofilm architectures and processes; however, integration with machine learning and process-based modelling remains limited, restricting field-scale prediction of pollutant behaviour and remediation outcomes. Synthetic biology enables targeted optimisation of biofilm functions, whereas AI-driven models enhance prediction of contaminant transport, transformation, and detoxification. Soil biofilms function both as sinks and catalytic hotspots, and resolving this duality through a predictive, systems-level framework represents a major advance beyond existing descriptive reviews. Full article

Background/Objectives: Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) is one of the most widely utilized probiotic strains with a variety of biological functions including prevention and treatment of gastro-intestinal infections and regulation of immune responses. Methods: Here, we explored the role of LGG in regulating the differentiation of naïve CD4⁺ T cells and its effect on alleviating the dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice. Results: In vitro, we showed that LGG-derived metabolites not only promoted the differentiation of naive CD4⁺ T cells into T-helper 17 cells (Th17 cells), but also selectively upregulated the expression of lactate-specific transporter solute carrier family 5 member 12 (SLC5A12). Interestingly, we manipulated a CD4⁺ T cell-monocytes co-culture and found that heated LGG-loaded monocytes modulate naive CD4⁺ T cells to differentiate preferentially into Treg cells rather than Th17 cells. To explain the above-mentioned contradiction, we used an experimental colitis model and found that LGG administration alleviated the DSS-induced colitis in mice, as indicated by decreases in weight loss and disease activity index. Moreover, SLC5A12 blockade (using a specific antibody) further reduced the colonic histological inflammatory score and decreased secretion of proinflammatory cytokines such as IFN-γ, IL-6, IL-17F, and IL-21. Notably, SLC5A12 blockade abolished the LGG-induced differentiation of the IL-17⁺CD4⁺ T (Th17) cells but significantly increased the frequency of Foxp3⁺CD4⁺ T (Treg) cells in the colonic lamina propria. Furthermore, a higher intracellular lactate concentration was observed in the colonic CD4⁺ T cells isolated from the LGG-treated colitic mice compared with other groups. Additionally, we also found elevated levels of oxidative stress indicators such as MDA and H₂O₂, as well as excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) in colonic tissue of DSS-treated only mice, while LGG can scavenge ROS by inducing nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) expression in enterocytes. Conclusions: Altogether, these results indicate that LGG might alleviate preclinical colitis by modulating the Th17/Treg balance, and SLC5A12 blockade appears to enhance the anti-inflammatory properties of LGG. Full article

The microstructure of semicrystalline bioresorbable polymers is central to their biomedical performance because the crystalline content influences both the mechanical stability and the degradation behaviour. Experimental studies have shown that crystallinity evolves concurrently with mass loss during enzymatic degradation. However, most existing models represent the material as a single homogeneous structure, preventing them from capturing this microstructural evolution or the state-selective mechanisms that drive it. We present a one-dimensional partial differential equation model for the enzymatic degradation of thin films, which treats the crystalline and amorphous states as distinct reactive components. Calibrated to poly($\epsilon$-caprolactone) (PCL) degraded by Candida antarctica lipase in vitro, the model accurately reproduces both the observed weight-loss profile and the concurrent decline in crystallinity. Parameter uncertainty analysis indicates that while there are varying degrees of confidence in individual parameter values, the overall model predictive uncertainty is well constrained. Parameter sensitivity analysis shows that the amorphous catalytic rate (the rate at which the enzyme degrades the amorphous region) is the dominant driver of degradation dynamics. The identified model parameters are used to explore the role of film thickness on the rates of mass and crystallinity loss. It was found that thin films remain largely reaction-limited, whereas thicker specimens become increasingly transport-influenced, with slower degradation and delayed structural evolution in the material interior. The model provides a useful tool to explore the effect of changing PCL film thickness on degradation rate and crystallinity-related properties without extensive experimentation. Full article

Reinjection represents a fundamental strategy for sustainable geothermal reservoir development. During reinjection, reservoirs are subjected to pronounced physicochemical disequilibrium, under which complex water–rock interactions render long–term behavior difficult to predict. This review synthesizes mineral reactions and reservoir dynamic responses from a geochemical perspective. The interplay between reaction kinetics and fluid transport is examined using the Damköhler number, elucidating the spatiotemporal evolution of reactive transport. The dissolution–precipitation behaviors of silicate, carbonate, and sulfate minerals are evaluated, highlighting their distinct roles in governing long–term structural reorganization, short–term permeability variability, and rapid clogging. The influence of mineral reactions on pore structure evolution and the development of nonlinear porosity–permeability relationships is examined, alongside commonly used constitutive models and their inherent limitations. Multiscale characterization approaches for porosity–permeability evolution and the distinct responses of different reservoir types are reviewed. The chemo–mechanical coupling induced by water–rock interactions and its implications for reservoir stability are addressed. This work establishes a unified conceptual framework linking mineral reactions, fluid transport, and reservoir evolution, providing a basis for optimizing reinjection strategies and improving long–term geothermal system performance. Full article

Metabolic syndrome (MeS) is a multifactorial disorder characterized by insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and obesity, and oxidative stress plays a key role in tissue damage in this syndrome. This study aimed to investigate this role in Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase (NKA) expression in skeletal muscle and to evaluate the effects of quercetin. A high-sucrose-diet-induced MeS model was established in Wistar albino rats (n = 32), and skeletal muscle tissues were analyzed. Biochemical parameters were measured, including aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA). In addition, thioredoxin-1 (TRX1) and NKA protein expression levels were evaluated using Western blot analysis. In the MeS group, AST, TAS, TRX1, and NKA expression significantly decreased, while LDH, TOS, SOD, and MDA levels increased, indicating disrupted redox balance, elevated oxidative stress, and impaired antioxidant defense. Increased MDA and TOS levels reflected enhanced lipid peroxidation, whereas decreased TAS and TRX1 suggested reduced antioxidant capacity. Elevated SOD activity may indicate a compensatory response to excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS). The reduction in NKA expression may contribute to impaired ion transport and potential skeletal muscle dysfunction. Quercetin administration improved oxidative stress markers and partially restored NKA expression. These findings suggest that oxidative stress contributes to NKA dysfunction in MeS, and quercetin may have therapeutic potential by modulating oxidative stress and preserving enzyme function. Full article

Pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) are widely recognized as persistent contaminants in urban aquatic systems, yet their behavior is typically interpreted under steady-state assumptions driven by continuous discharge of treated wastewater. This paradigm overlooks the dominant role of episodic pollution pulses associated with combined sewer overflow (CSO) events. This review advances a new conceptual framework in which PPCP contamination is understood as a manifestation of complex phenomenon, arising from the interaction of intense precipitation, hydraulic exceedance of sewer systems, and mobilization of accumulated contaminants. We critically synthesize current knowledge on the occurrence, transport, transformation, and removal of PPCPs across wastewater effluents and CSO discharges, integrating insights from degradation kinetics, environmental monitoring, and treatment technologies. Comparative analysis reveals strong matrix-dependent variability in PPCP attenuation, with enhanced degradation in estuarine and marine systems driven by complex photochemical and biogeochemical interactions. However, under CSO-driven pulse conditions, these processes become transient and non-linear, challenging conventional assumptions of steady-state degradation and risk assessment. The findings highlight that CSO events can generate short-duration but high-intensity contamination peaks, often exceeding baseline concentrations and potentially amplifying ecological risks and antimicrobial resistance selection. We propose a matrix-reactivity and pulse-driven framework to better capture the dynamic fate of PPCPs under real-world conditions. Future research should prioritize event-based monitoring, real-time sensing, and time-resolved risk assessment models to address the limitations of current approaches. This work redefines PPCP pollution as a dynamic, episodic, extreme-event-driven process, with important implications for urban water management under increasing climatic variability. Full article

The CO₂+O₂ in-situ leaching (ISL) mining process has been widely applied in the exploitation of sandstone-type uranium deposits; however, evaluating leaching efficiency remains a challenging issue. In this study, a sandstone-type ISL uranium deposit was selected, and based on comprehensive investigations of hydrogeological conditions and mineral geochemistry, a multi-physics coupled numerical model of uranium solute reactions during CO₂+O₂ leaching was established. The model fully accounts for variations in the groundwater flow field between injection and production wells and, on this basis, couples the chemical reaction field between the ore and the leaching solution. The model simulates the evolution of uranium concentration in the leaching solution and further calculates the leaching efficiency of the ore. The results indicate that groundwater flow velocity is highest between injection and production wells, where groundwater dynamics are strongest, and gradually decreases toward the interwell zones as hydrodynamic intensity weakens. Uranium concentration in the leaching solution is closely related to the groundwater flow field. In the early stage, high-uranium-concentration zones are mainly concentrated between injection and production wells. As time progresses, ore reactions in high-flow regions become more complete, leading to a decline in uranium concentration, while residual uranium ions within the formation diffuse outward under concentration gradients, causing high-concentration zones to expand outward. Sensitivity analysis shows that increasing CO₂ and O₂ concentrations significantly enhances uranium leaching concentrations, with increases of approximately 22.1% and 11.3%, respectively. Lower injection-production flow rates reduce dilution and promote more complete reactions, but may also introduce risks such as ore layer clogging. These results provide a theoretical basis and scientific guidance for flow-field regulation in situ leaching uranium mining. Full article

The global network of pipelines constitutes a strategic backbone for the world economy, enabling safe and efficient transportation of energy products. These pipelines serve distinct functions in the energy supply chain: gas pipelines support emerging cleaner energy carriers; multi-product pipelines provide versatility in transporting refined liquid fuels; and oil pipelines remain dominant for crude oil delivery. Energy management across the pipeline value chain emphasizes efficiency optimization, cost reduction, and sustainability through real-time monitoring, data analytics, integrated systems, and technological innovations spanning operations, maintenance, and emission control. Despite their critical role, petroleum depots remain relatively understudied, particularly in developing and Sub-Saharan African contexts. This review synthesizes insights from over 100 studies on energy-efficient pumping, predictive control, digitalization, and socio-technical energy management in depots. Analysis of these studies highlights recurring operational and infrastructural issues that constrain energy efficiency in depots. The challenges include irregular truck-loading schedules, frequent pump cycling, aging equipment, power-supply instability, manual operator interventions, and policy-driven constraints. The reviewed studies demonstrate that anticipatory, multi-layer control strategies integrating short-horizon flow forecasting, hybrid model predictive control, and cyber–physical–human–institutional system representations outperform reactive approaches in mitigating energy losses and operational variability. Site-specific calibration and phased deployment emerge as pragmatic pathways for implementing advanced energy optimization under the constrained conditions typical of real-world petroleum depots. Full article