Search Results (2,445)

AI-based internet of things (IoT) systems increasingly require upstream decision-making mechanisms to identify emerging technologies that may shape future sensing–memory–communication–computation capabilities (SMCC). However, early technology signals are often weak, fragmented, and distributed across heterogeneous sources with different reliability levels, making reliable capability planning difficult. This paper proposes AgentProphet, a source-aware multi-agent framework for emerging AI technology forecasting in AI-based IoT systems. AgentProphet integrates evidence from papers, patents, policy documents, and reports into a unified concept space, and combines role-specialized agent reasoning, source-aware confidence calibration, and critic-guided refinement to generate target-year technology rankings. In the main balanced weak-signal forecasting task, AgentProphet achieves a Growth-Aware NDCG@10 of $0.410\pm 0.076$, improving over GRU, DirectLLM, DLinear, and ARIMA by 58.3%, 91.6%, 108.1%, and 314.1%, respectively. It also obtains the highest E-Gain@10 of $0.305\pm 0.060$, E-MAP@10 of $0.056\pm 0.008$, and NDCG@10 of $0.474\pm 0.039$. Cross-task robustness analysis shows that DirectLLM remains competitive, and can be stronger in sparser or more mature signal regimes. A qualitative case study maps the forecasted capability directions to representative SMCC concerns as a data-level interpretation of possible planning implications. These findings suggest that AgentProphet is most suitable for balanced weak-signal settings where early evidence is available but incomplete, rather than serving as a universally superior emerging technology forecaster. Full article

This study investigates the integration of Circular Economy (CE) principles within the upstream beverage supply chain in Thailand, contextualized against a widening global circularity gap where macro rates have declined to 6.9% compared to 12.2% in the European Union. Moving beyond a general focus on underexplored stakeholders, this qualitative exploratory design examines the critical role of informal governance mechanisms in emerging markets. The research is grounded in a multi-theoretic framework integrating the Resource-Based View (RBV), Social Exchange Theory (SET), and Resource Dependence Theory (RDT). Thematic analysis was conducted on in-depth interviews with 23 key informants covering 18 core supply chain activities. The analytical results generated a three-tier hierarchical framework, culminating in a single overarching selective theme: Collaborative Upstream Resource Recirculation for Systemic Resilience. The findings reveal that circular supply chain performance is driven by the dynamic interplay between relational governance and internal resource capabilities, explicitly demonstrated by grassroots tactical innovations such as modifying production boilers to run on 100% biomass fuel. Relational trust and culturally embedded mechanisms (e.g., Sanya Jai) function as vital substitutes for formal institutional frameworks, enabling Supply Chain Collaboration (SCC) to drive adaptive practices and achieve system-level circular resilience. Full article

Background: Coarctation of the aorta (CoA) is a congenital narrowing of the aortic isthmus near the ductus arteriosus or ligamentum arteriosum. Despite successful anatomical repair, patients remain at risk of recoarctation, arterial hypertension, and diffuse aortopathy, suggesting intrinsic vessel-wall abnormalities beyond localized obstruction. The developmental and molecular basis of these persistent vascular features remains incompletely understood. Methods: Human aortic tissue samples were obtained from 8 male infants with CoA and 6 age- and sex-matched controls aged <1 year. Total RNA was isolated, and gene expression profiling was performed using whole human genome oligo microarrays (Agilent). Differentially expressed transcripts were subjected to pathway, network, and upstream regulator analyses using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA, Qiagen). Selected candidate genes were evaluated by RT-qPCR in independent verification sets. Results: Transcriptomic profiling identified 402 analysis-ready transcripts distinguishing CoA from control tissue. Exploratory pathway analyses suggested extracellular matrix remodeling characterized by collagen turnover, integrin-mediated cell–matrix interactions, wound-healing signaling, and fibrosis-associated programs. In addition, enrichment analyses identified developmental annotations involving retinoic acid (RA)/RAR/RXR signaling, HOX-associated developmental programs, and a shared HOX/MEIS-associated signature. Network and upstream regulator analyses further suggested associations with cytoskeletal, muscle-associated, and epigenetic regulatory pathways, including KAT6A, KAT6B, retinoic acid/RAR/RXR signaling, DNMT3B, KMT2A, and ARID1A. RT-qPCR independently confirmed increased expression of EDN1, AGTR2, IRS4, and TFAP2B.Conclusions: Infantile CoA tissue exhibited molecular signatures consistent with vessel-wall remodeling accompanied by developmental, vascular signaling, and smooth muscle/cytoskeletal regulatory programs. These findings support the hypothesis that developmental patterning signals and postnatal extracellular matrix remodeling coexist within CoA tissue and may contribute to persistent vascular abnormalities beyond anatomical repair. Given the exploratory nature of the study, these observations should be considered hypothesis-generating and require validation in independent cohorts. Full article

Background: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide over the past decade. Single-cell sequencing loses spatial location information and potential cell–cell interactions, making it difficult to interpret molecular features or biological phenomena. Tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs) inherently require such spatial immune cell distribution information. Although associations between TLS and response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) or chemotherapy have been reported, the relationship between TLS and neoadjuvant therapy (ICI combined with chemotherapy) remains unclear. Methods: We performed spatial transcriptomics on NSCLC samples (including one lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) and one lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD)). Multiplex immunohistochemistry (mIHC) was used to identify the TLS, while immunohistochemistry staining (IHC) was used to identify the TLS status and cell characteristics. We evaluated the associations between (mature) TLS density, area proportion and patients’ responses in 66 patients. Results: Heterogeneity of immune cells in NSCLC was found. Gene ontology analysis and cell score comparison identified TLS with activated B and T cells inside, while plasma cells and macrophages were mainly distributed outside TLS. Four genes from antigen-presenting machinery (TAP1, TAP2, B2M, TAPBP) were more highly expressed inside TLS than outside them. Also, TLS exhibited heterogeneity, with both mature and immature TLS. Mature TLS showed an average area of 62,387.43 μm², while the immature TLS showed 51,189.90 μm². The Spearman correlation coefficient of B-cell number and mTLS area showed r = 0.900. TLS density and mature TLS (mTLS) density in the tumor bed were 1.95 ± 0.95 TLS/10 mm² (mean ± SD, n = 34) and 1.13 ± 0.77 mTLS/10 mm², significantly higher than that in the non-responder group (1.18 ± 1.15 TLS/10 mm², 0.70 ± 0.90 mTLS/10 mm², mean ± SD, n = 32) separately. B cells belonging to TLS had a significantly higher density (71.32 ± 55.71 cells/mm², mean ± SD, n = 34) in the responder group than the non-responder group (61.33 ± 111.95 cells/mm², mean ± SD, n = 32) normalized to the tumor bed area. Conclusions: Spatial transcriptomics reveals immune cell heterogeneity and distribution patterns in the NSCLC tumor bed, with activated B and T cells localized inside and plasma cells/macrophages outside. Antigen-presenting machinery (APM)-related genes were highly expressed in TLS accompanied by a high expression of upstream and downstream genes of MHC class I. mTLS have a larger area by mainly containing more B cells. The responder group had a significantly higher (mature) TLS density and larger (mature) TLS area proportion compared with the non-responder group, suggesting their potential function in anti-tumor effect in neoadjuvant treatment. Full article

Drug repurposing represents a rational and resource-efficient strategy to expand the oncological armamentarium by leveraging the established pharmacology, clinical experience, and safety-monitoring frameworks of approved non-oncological agents. Clozapine (CZP), an atypical antipsychotic characterized by broad receptor pharmacology, complex biotransformation, and clinically relevant toxicological liabilities, has emerged as a candidate of interest following preclinical evidence of context-dependent anticancer activity across multiple tumor types. As such, CZP provides an informative case study at the interface between therapeutic drug action and xenobiotic behavior. This review provides a critical and integrated synthesis of the current evidence supporting the repurposing of CZP in oncology, with particular emphasis on the relationship between its molecular mechanisms, dose–exposure requirements, pharmacological complexity, and potential toxicity. Analysis of in vitro and in vivo studies across glioblastoma, non-small cell lung cancer, breast cancer, and melanoma brain metastasis models indicates that CZP can impair tumor cell proliferation and survival through a form of mechanistic plasticity. Rather than acting through a single conserved pathway, CZP appears to disrupt shared upstream processes related to pro-survival signaling, cellular stress tolerance, and metabolic homeostasis, while engaging tumor-specific downstream responses, including autophagic cell death, mitochondria-dependent apoptosis, oxidative stress, and coordinated modulation of survival and angiogenic pathways. Despite this mechanistic rationale, translation remains substantially constrained, most notably by the order of magnitude gap between anticancer-effective concentrations in vitro and clinically achievable plasma exposures, requiring careful distinction between potentially useful anticancer pharmacology and nonspecific xenobiotic-induced cellular stress and clinically unacceptable toxicity. Key limitations include the discrepancy between anticancer-effective concentrations observed in vitro and exposures achievable during standard psychiatric dosing, the limited understanding of how CZP metabolism and metabolite formation may influence efficacy and toxicity, the absence of integrated pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic and toxicokinetic modeling, and the lack of dedicated clinical trial evidence. To address these challenges, this review examines complementary translational strategies, including patient-derived organoids, co-culture systems, microphysiological platforms, pharmacokinetic and toxicological modeling, and computational digital twin frameworks. Together, these approaches may support a biologically informed and risk-aware evaluation of CZP, helping to identify responsive tumor contexts, anticipate exposure-related liabilities, and prioritize rational combination strategies. By integrating therapeutic potential with xenobiotic pharmacology and toxicology, this review positions CZP within the evolving landscape of precision oncology and evidence-driven drug repurposing. Full article

Preeclampsia (PE) is a major pregnancy complication characterized by placental dysfunction and metabolic disturbances. Although mitochondrial abnormalities are frequently observed in PE, the upstream regulatory mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Here, we investigated the potential involvement of BACH1 in trophoblast dysfunction in PE and explored its association with mitochondrial metabolic alterations and protein succinylation. BACH1 expression was assessed in placental tissues and plasma samples from patients with PE, its functional effects were examined in trophoblast cell lines and BACH1 overexpression mouse models, and metabolic, bioenergetic, and succinylation-related alterations were evaluated using multi-omics and functional analyses. BACH1 expression was elevated in PE placentas and correlated with disease severity. In trophoblasts, BACH1 overexpression impaired proliferation, invasion, and trophoblast-mediated angiogenesis and was accompanied by mitochondrial and metabolic abnormalities, while quantitative succinylproteomic analysis revealed widespread alterations in mitochondrial protein succinylation. In vivo, BACH1 overexpression induced key PE-like features, including hypertension, fetal growth restriction, and placental abnormalities, and glycine supplementation partially rescued the trophoblast dysfunction associated with BACH1 overexpression. Together, evidence from clinical samples and experimental models suggests that BACH1 is associated with mitochondrial succinylation remodeling and trophoblast dysfunction in PE, supporting the hypothesis that BACH1-associated metabolic dysregulation and mitochondrial succinylation remodeling may contribute to PE pathogenesis. Further studies are required to establish the causal relevance and clinical significance of these mechanisms in human PE. Full article

The role of internal combustion engines in future transport systems is expected to remain central, particularly in hard-to-abate sectors such as heavy-duty road transport and maritime applications. However, their decarbonization requires the adoption of low-carbon and renewable fuels. This review examines hydrogen, methane-based fuels, methanol, and ethanol for internal combustion engine applications using a pathway-based approach that integrates life-cycle assessment, technology readiness level, commercial readiness level, and engine-related considerations. The reviewed literature shows that the environmental performance of these fuels varies strongly depending on feedstock, production pathway, process configuration, and energy source. From a Well-to-Tank perspective, hydrogen pathways exhibit particularly large variability, ranging from around 3 gCO${}_2$eq/MJ for wind-based electrolysis to around 230 g CO${}_2$eq/MJ for coal gasification. Methane-based fuels range from around 16 gCO${}_2$eq/MJ for fossil compressed and liquefied natural gas to negative values for waste- and manure-based biomethane. Methanol and ethanol also show substantial variability, with renewable, waste-derived, and bio-based pathways generally offering substantially lower life-cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions than fossil-based routes. In the use phase, Tank-to-Wheel analysis shows that energy demand remains relatively similar across fuels, while differences in direct emissions are mainly related to fuel carbon content and other GHG species such as ${\mathrm{CH}}_4$ or ${\mathrm{H}}_2$ slip and combustion-related species such as ${\mathrm{N}}_2\mathrm{O}$. The Well-to-Wheel comparison for heavy-duty applications highlights that upstream fuel production pathways strongly influence overall performance, while use-phase contributions play a secondary role and mainly affect the final ranking when upstream emissions are comparable. Overall, the review shows that pathway selection is more influential than fuel identity itself, highlighting that effective decarbonization strategies should focus on pathway design and upstream fuel production rather than on fuel categories alone, and that renewable and bio-based pathways offer the greatest potential for achieving very low or near-zero life-cycle GHG emissions in internal combustion engine applications. Full article

Industrial automation and the Internet of Things (IoT) are driving demand for optical access networks capable of supporting massive connectivity with deterministic low latency. Conventional passive optical networks (PONs) face scalability and cost limitations in ultra-dense deployment scenarios. Here we propose and experimentally demonstrate a polarization-carrier dual-reuse coherent orthogonal frequency division multiplexing PON (CO-OFDM-PON) architecture enabled by optical frequency comb (OFC) sources. The design maps data and carrier signals onto orthogonal polarization states. This enables carrier reuse for both downstream coherent detection and upstream transmission through injection-locked laser (ILL)-based carrier regeneration at the optical network unit (ONU). We comprehensively characterize the key subsystems. These include the OFC, ILL, and erbium-doped fiber amplifier (EDFA). This ensures stable multi-wavelength generation, carrier regeneration, and enhanced receiver sensitivity under high split ratios. Through simulation and experimental analysis of fiber nonlinearities in industrial PON scenarios, we identify an optimal per-channel launch power of 4 dBm. This power balances sensitivity and link budget requirements. Scalability analysis for standard PON reach is also provided. The system demonstrates 16-channel 100 Gb/s per wavelength downstream 16-QAM OFDM transmission. The link budget exceeds 34 dB with bit error rates (BERs) below the forward error correction (FEC) threshold of 1 × 10⁻². While the coherent ONU architecture offers superior spectral efficiency, it entails higher component costs than direct-detection alternatives due to the required coherent receiver and polarization management components. Full article

Promoting the coordinated development of urban resilience (Ur) and urban land use efficiency (Ulue) is key to solving regional sustainable development challenges. Based on panel data of relevant indicators from the Yangtze River Economic Belt (YREB) for the period 2011–2024, this study employs the coupling coordination degree model, kernel density estimation, and exploratory spatial analysis tools to analyze the spatiotemporal differentiation characteristics and spatial correlation of the coupling coordination degree between Ur and Ulue (Uucc). And the spatial patterns of Uucc driving factors are investigated using the Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR) method. The results indicate: (1) In terms of the temporal dimension, the Uucc in the YREB shows an upward trend, with its level continuously improving. The number of cities with higher Uucc levels gradually increases, exhibiting multi-center and multi-layered characteristics. (2) In the dimension of space, Uucc exhibits strong spatial correlation. LISA high-value clusters are concentrated in the downstream region of the YREB, while low-value clusters are found in the upstream and midstream regions. The spatial clustering presents a pattern of “large dispersion, small agglomeration”. (3) The driving factors of Uucc display significant spatial heterogeneity. Urbanization, government regulation capacity and technological innovation are the dominant drivers in the downstream region. Urbanization has a significantly positive effect on Uucc, while its impact gradually weakens from the downstream to the midstream and upstream regions. Urbanization and openness level are the dominant drivers in the midstream region. This study provides references for governments to formulate differentiated policy for different regions. Full article

This paper presents a numerical investigation of the cavitation dynamics and hydraulic flip transition in a rectangular nozzle using an Eulerian–Eulerian two-fluid model. The Schnerr–Sauer cavitation model was employed, with its key parameter—the initial bubble number density—set to 10¹⁴ m⁻³ based on experimental data to match the incipient cavitation and regime transition pressures accurately. Combined with a modified Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes turbulence model that incorporated the bubble-induced viscosity, this approach significantly improved the prediction accuracy of the mean flow field. The results revealed the quasi-periodic evolution from sheet to cloud cavitation, showing that the dominant frequency of cavity oscillations decreased with increasing inlet pressure. In contrast, the growth of sheet cavitation was the primary source of liquid turbulent kinetic energy. Furthermore, the complete transition sequence from super-cavitation to hydraulic flip was captured, elucidating the underlying vapor–air mixing mechanism. Analysis indicated that the hydraulic flip establishment time decreased sharply with the pressure before plateauing. In contrast, its thickness remained largely insensitive to the pressure and was governed by the upstream geometric configuration. The findings provide a calibrated and validated numerical framework for understanding complex cavitation mechanisms and optimizing spray system designs. Full article

Hypersonic air-breathing propulsion via the Oblique Detonation Wave Engine (ODWE) offers superior thermodynamic efficiency compared to conventional scramjets by utilizing a stationary oblique detonation wave (ODW). While fundamental research has predominantly focused on two-dimensional planar wedges, realistic applications feature axisymmetric conical configurations. Over a cone, radial Taylor–Maccoll (TM) compression decelerates the flow and, in the mixed flow regime, establishes a localized subsonic pocket near the cone surface. However, the unsteady structures, triple-point kinetics, and cellular evolution under the competing influences of stabilizing TM compression and destabilizing Prandtl–Meyer (PM) expansions induced by a finite-length cone remain poorly understood. To address this gap, high-resolution numerical simulations of axisymmetric conical ODWs on a finite cone (semi-cone angle θ = 49°) were conducted at an inflow Mach number of Ma₀ = 7.5 using OpenFOAM. The methodology solves the reactive Euler equations coupled with a single-step Arrhenius model and three levels of adaptive mesh refinement to resolve fine-scale wave structures. Numerical results reveal that the localized subsonic pocket completely obliterates the smooth ZND-like initiation zone typical of purely supersonic configurations. Within this subsonic channel, acoustic disturbances propagate upstream against the bulk flow at a relative velocity of c − u, bypassing the supersonic wave-blocking effect to continuously impinge upon the detonation front. This acoustic feedback loop disrupts shock–reaction coupling, accelerating wave front bifurcation into single triple-point, dual triple-point, and PM-affected segments. Shock polar analysis validates that upstream-facing triple points exhibit greater shock strength, driving slow upstream migration and causing adjacent triple points to collide and reform into distinct, chaotic cell morphologies. Trajectory tracking confirms that the mixed flow cells are substantially larger and more chaotic than supersonic cases, directly reflecting amplified perturbations from the subsonic pockets. These insights provide crucial design criteria for optimizing cone angles to suppress irregular modes and stabilize conical ODWs. Full article

Constructing new reservoirs to ensure a reliable water supply in downstream areas and to alleviate overflow flooding along rivers during floods is an urgent task for the authorities. In this study, we developed a GIS platform that integrates a series of watershed geomorphological and hydrological models to assess the suitability of prospective dam sites. The built-in modules include watershed geomorphological analysis, rainfall analysis, flow analysis, surplus water analysis, and reservoir analysis. Using the digital elevation model, users can obtain the reservoir H-A-V curve at a prospective dam site and the upstream watershed’s geomorphological factors. A topography-based hydrological model was used to estimate available water at the dam site, and surplus water was obtained by subtracting existing water demands and/or environmental flow requirements from the available water series. Exceedance probability analysis was then conducted for the surplus water to evaluate the dam site’s feasibility for new water resources development. The system also provides a reservoir’s useful-life evaluation to determine the time required for sediment accumulation to render the reservoir unable to serve its intended purpose. Moreover, for flood control, the platform includes a built-in module for estimating design discharge for different return periods. The planned Pingxi Reservoir site in New Taipei County, Taiwan, is used as an example in this study. Detailed analytical procedures are presented to demonstrate the use of the proposed integrated GIS platform system to assess the adequacy of prospective dam sites for new water resources development. Full article

Metabolic syndrome (MeS) is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and is characterized by chronic low-grade inflammation, immune dysregulation, and metabolic abnormalities. However, the molecular mechanisms linking MeS to diabetic coronary artery disease (DMCAD) remain incompletely understood. Publicly available peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) transcriptomic datasets of MeS and DMCAD were analyzed using an integrative bioinformatics approach. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using the limma package, followed by functional enrichment, protein–protein interaction (PPI) network construction, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), and miRNA regulatory network analysis. Candidate genes were further evaluated using an independent type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) dataset for external transcriptomic validation. Integrated analyses identified immune-inflammatory and immuno-metabolic pathways as central features of both MeS and DMCAD. Enrichment analyses highlighted cytokine signaling, leukocyte activation, chemotaxis, complement activation, oxidative stress, and vascular inflammatory responses. Network analyses identified CD86, CD33, CCR1, C5AR1, FPR1, CXCL16, and LILRA5 as key hub genes associated with immune regulation and cardiometabolic dysfunction. External transcriptomic validation supported the relevance of CD33, CD86, and LILRA5. miRNA network analysis identified members of the miR-17/92 family and miR-146a-5p as potential upstream regulators. TAM 2.0 enrichment analysis further linked these miRNAs to metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus, atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, immune response, inflammation, and angiogenesis. Our findings suggest that coordinated immune-inflammatory and metabolic signaling networks contribute to the progression from MeS to DMCAD. The identified hub genes and miRNAs may serve as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for inflammation-driven cardiometabolic disease. Full article