Browse Articles
Discover research articles across all indexed journals
Research on team efficacy in CBA games based on complex network theory
Using complex network theory, we quantify the topological characteristics and anti-destruction resilience of the 12 playoff teams that contested the 2023 Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) season. By constructing similarity networks based on players’ performance indicators, this study examines various topological features, including node degree, betweenness centrality, clustering coefficient, and average path length, and assesses their robustness under random and deliberate attacks.The results indicate that the structural balance of the network exerts a significant influence on a team’s resilience. For example, the Liaoning Bensteel team exhibited high network connectivity and resilience, with an average node degree of 11, a clustering coefficient of 0.83, and an average path length of 0.72. In contrast, the Jiangsu Kendia demonstrated greater structural vulnerability when key nodes were compromised, possessing a maximum node degree of 10, but a clustering coefficient of only 0.74, leading to an increased average path length of 1.17. Furthermore, teams with high clustering coefficients, such as Shandong High-Speed, which achieved a coefficient of 0.82, exhibit close internal cooperation and efficient ball movement.Consequently, it is recommended that CBA teams enhance their resilience by improving the balance and redundancy of key nodes within their network structures, thereby providing a scientific basis for basketball tactical planning and team management. These findings offer a novel perspective on understanding and enhancing the organizational structure and competitive performance of basketball teams.
Spatio-temporal evolution and regional heterogeneity in the efficiency of agricultural non-point source pollution control within the Chaohu Lake Basin
Abstract As a key grain-producing base and ecological barrier in China, the Chaohu Lake Basin plays a crucial role in ensuring food security and promoting high-quality ecological development. Uncovering the spatio-temporal evolution patterns and regional heterogeneity of agricultural non-point source pollution control efficiency within this basin is therefore crucial. Using panel data from 17 counties (districts) in the Chaohu Lake basin covering 2016–2023, this study adopts the SBM-DDF model to statically measure agricultural non-point source pollution control efficiency and applies the Global Malmquist-Luenberger (GML) index to dynamically decompose such efficiency. The findings indicate that: (1) Agricultural inputs in the Chaohu Lake basin are generally excessive, with the over-application of fertilizers and pesticides as the core issue, while the utilization efficiency of labor, machinery, and irrigation remains low. (2) Governance efficiency across entire river basins exhibits cyclical fluctuations characterised by ‘policy effectiveness—efficiency decline—adjustment recovery’. Furthermore, the findings reveal a weak synergy between technological advancement and management efficiency, which severely constrains overall governance effectiveness. (3) Significant regional heterogeneity exists: upstream areas exhibit higher excess inputs of labor, machinery, and pesticides, coupled with dual deficiencies in technology and management. Midstream regions demonstrate efficient land use and the lowest reliance on chemical pesticides, yet suffer from unstable policy implementation. Downstream areas are characterised by pronounced excesses in fertiliser and irrigation, alongside structural imbalances in technology and management. Based on these findings, this paper proposes targeted strategic recommendations to advance the green transformation of agriculture in the Chaohu Lake basin and achieve efficient control of non-point source pollution.
Identifying a cancer therapeutic target: Cell-SELEX identifies a membrane protein for aptamer-mediated growth suppression
The identification of functional ligand-membrane protein interactions under native conditions remains a major challenge in cancer biology. Using cell-systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment, we identified a high-affinity DNA aptamer, CW06, against breast cancer cells. To precisely identify its native membrane target, we developed Aptamer-mediated Metabolic Glycan-labeling Proximity Hybridization (Apt-MGPH), which revealed the mitochondrial solute carrier SLC25A24 as the specific target. Unexpectedly, CW06 treatment upregulated SLC25A24 expression, disrupting methionine metabolism, depleting cytosolic SAM, and inducing G1 cell cycle arrest and senescence via the p21–HMGA1 axis. In mouse xenograft models, CW06 significantly inhibited tumor growth without affecting healthy tissues. Targeted degradation of SLC25A24 reverses these effects, confirming its regulatory role in the metabolism–senescence axis. Our study establishes Apt-MGPH as a robust tool for membrane target identification and highlights aptamer-induced target overexpression as a strategy for cancer therapy.
Difference in trends in suicide mortality rates by marital status and age groups from 2000 to 2020 in Japan
This study examined trends in suicide mortality rates by marital status across age groups in Japan, which have not been investigated to date. We utilized the Vital Statistics and Census data of Japan, which cover nationwide suicide mortality and population. Marital status was categorized as married, never-married, widowed, and divorced, while age groups were divided into 20–39 years, 40–64 years, and ≥65 years. Age-standardized mortality rates (ASMRs) of suicide were calculated by sex, marital status, and each age group. Annual percent changes in suicide mortality rates between 2000 and 2020 were also determined by age-adjusted Poisson regression analysis, followed by another regression analysis evaluating interactions between marital status and year effects by age group. Moreover, an age–period–cohort analysis by marital status was conducted to determine birth cohort effects. In this period, a significant declining trend in suicide mortality rate was observed across all marital status groups among persons aged 40–64 years and ≥65 years, whereas significant downward trends were not observed for never-married men aged 20–39 years and widowed and divorced women aged 20–39 years. Additionally, the interaction between never-married persons and year was significantly positive relative to married persons among men aged 20–39 years. Moreover, the rate ratios of ASMRs for widowed and divorced persons relative to those for married persons tended to be higher among younger persons across the study period. The results of the age–period–cohort analysis revealed that mortality risk increased in recently born cohorts, particularly among widowed and divorced persons, for women. Overall, trends in suicide mortality rates by marital status differed according to age group. Additionally, the suicide mortality rate for divorced and widowed persons aged 20–39 years remained particularly high, suggesting a possible need for targeted suicide prevention efforts in this population.
Design of a photonic bolometric sensor using microring resonators for high-energy radiation detection
Mineral-facilitated aqueous synthesis of hydrogen cyanide from prebiotically abundant amino acids for chemical evolution
Recent advances in prebiotic chemistry suggest that hydrogen cyanide (HCN) serves as a fundamental precursor for nearly all essential biomolecules and protometabolic processes for life’s emergence. Although prevailing models of endogenous cyanide production rely on atmospheric methane, the availability of methane remains uncertain. Unlike methane, amino acids were likely prebiotically abundant, forming through multiple synthetic pathways under a methane-free, nonreducing atmosphere. Here, we demonstrate that HCN can form from proteinogenic amino acids in anaerobic aqueous solutions facilitated by geochemically available minerals, offering a route to overcome HCN scarcity under a nonreducing atmosphere. On manganese dioxide, the glycine-to-cyanide conversion proceeded across a broad range of pHs (2.0 to 12.6) and substrate concentrations (1 μM to 100 mM), achieving a maximum selectivity of 57%. The reaction involves α-proton abstraction in amino acids, which is distinct from conventional chemical decarboxylation processes of amino acids, highlighting the unique role of MnO 2 in activating the α-C-H bond to form HCN. HCN generation was observed for nearly all proteinogenic amino acids and short peptides. Because amino acids can be synthesized from HCN-independent pathways from abundant carbon sources such as CO 2 and CO, amino acid-derived HCN alleviates the requirement on atmospheric methane and can sustain continued chemical evolution in ambient aqueous environments.
‘Sustainable Choices’ - An intervention to promote climate change mitigation behaviours: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Introduction The latest climate reports underscore the importance of climate change mitigation behaviours in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and achieving the climate goals. There is a growing demand among the general population for guidance on sustainable behaviour change. Previous research has indicated that behavioural interventions could play a significant role in facilitating this type of behaviour change. However, the effectiveness of such approaches has yet to be rigorously tested under scientific conditions. This project aims to assess whether a novel, intervention “Sustainable Choices” effectively promotes climate change mitigation behaviours when compared to a control condition. Methods Voluntary participants will be recruited from the general population in Sweden and randomized to either “Sustainable Choices”, an online, behavioural intervention targeted at Climate Change Mitigation Behaviours (CCMBs), or a waitlist, both 5 weeks of duration. The target sample size is N = 680. The primary outcome of the study will be pre- to post-intervention difference in climate change mitigation behaviours, measured with the Climate Mitigation Behaviour Scale (CLIMBS). Secondary outcomes will include acceptability measures and effects on psychological well-being. Naturalistic follow-up assessments will be administered at 1-, 3- and 6-months after the post-measurement. Discussion The increasing awareness of the link between climate change and individual sustainable lifestyle choices has generated a significant interest in this field. Our aim is to evaluate a scalable intervention targeted at CCMBs, while also promoting psychological well-being associated with sustainable lifestyles.
Post-cervical artificial insemination with a low sperm dose in gilts and sows improved reproductive performance in subtropical climates
Convergent evolution increases boron transport through SNPs and tandem duplications at <i>BOR1</i> and <i>BOR2</i> in <i>Arabidopsis thaliana</i>
Boron (B) is a crucial micronutrient, particularly in volcanic soils where its deficiency hampers agriculture. Here, we investigate the genetic basis of leaf B accumulation in natural populations of Arabidopsis thaliana that colonized volcanic islands in Cape Verde. Using a combination of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and mapping in a recombinant intercross population, we identified a case of convergent phenotypic evolution in which multiple variants in the two principal B transporter genes, BOR1 and BOR2 , increase leaf B accumulation in parallel. These include multiple tandem duplications at BOR1 that arose independently in different populations. Overall, this study reveals a remarkable case of convergent evolution occurring within a relatively short time scale, where different types of de novo mutations at B efflux transporter genes achieve similar phenotypic outcomes. Further, our findings show that integrating recombinant populations with GWAS in natural populations can improve power to overcome allelic heterogeneity.
Resilience across time: Longitudinal measurement invariance of the Brief Resilience Scale in French university students
Purpose The response shift effect occurs in Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) as a consequence of internal changes in perception of the measured concept. The purpose of this study was to assess the potential presence of the response shift effect within the French version of the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS) in a population of university students in the Lorraine region of France. Methods To measure resilience, the French version of the BRS was used. To examine the potential presence of the response shift effect within this questionnaire, the Oort’s procedure and Rasch Measurement Theory based ROSALI-RMT algorithm was used. Results The BRS demonstrated longitudinal measurement invariance across Time 0 and Time 1, as assessed using the ROSALI algorithm. A slight but significant increase in resilience was observed over time (time effect = 0.22, p < 0.0001), with no evidence of response shift effects, suggesting that the observed changes in resilience were genuine and not influenced by recalibration. Conclusion These findings support the validity of the BRS in measuring resilience over time and highlight its utility in capturing genuine changes in resilience.
Nationwide trends in radiotherapy use among older patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer in Japan, 2013–2022
Abstract This study examined trends in radiotherapy use among older patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in Japan. Using hospital-based cancer registry data (2013–2022), we analyzed 295,662 patients aged ≥ 65 years with epithelial lung tumors (clinical Tis–T2N0M0), excluding those with poorly differentiated endocrine carcinoma or missing treatment data. Overall, 80% underwent surgery, 11% received radiotherapy, and 9% received other management. Radiotherapy use increased from 10.5% in 2013 to 12.8% in 2022 (age- and sex-standardized increase of + 1.2% points). Logistic regression showed increased odds of radiotherapy use in the later period across subgroups according to age, sex, clinical T category, and facility volume, except among patients aged 75–84 years and those treated at high-volume facilities. From 2013 to 2022, radiotherapy use changed by + 1.7, + 0.2, and + 4.5% points among patients aged 65–74, 75–84, and ≥ 85 years, reaching 6.2%, 14.8%, and 35.5%, respectively. Surgery use changed by − 2.1, + 1.3, and − 3.2% points, with values of 89.6%, 76.3%, and 32.8%, respectively. Radiotherapy use increased only modestly, with variation across age groups. Over 30% of patients aged ≥ 85 years underwent surgery, indicating the need to clarify the roles of surgery and radiotherapy in this population.
KLF2 overrides the resident memory CD8 T cell differentiation program, in opposition to KLF3
Numerous transcriptional regulators have been associated with the differentiation pathways that lead to recirculating vs. tissue-resident memory T cells. However, it is unclear whether independent, coordinated expression of these regulators is required to determine residency vs. recirculation or whether there is a hierarchy, with some factors playing a dominant role in controlling T cell trafficking. We report that ablation of the gene encoding Kruppel-like factor 2 (KLF2) during CD8 + T cell activation leads to rapid transcriptional reprogramming, such that effector T cells fail to recirculate and prematurely acquire canonical phenotypic and transcriptional characteristics of resident memory cells (T RM ). Klf2 -deficient memory CD8 + T cells retained the capacity to undergo recall responses, including in vivo pathogen control. These data suggest that KLF2 diverts CD8 + T cells from the T RM differentiation program. In contrast, ablation of another member of the KLF family, KLF3, enhanced differentiation of some recirculating T cell subsets and limited production of T RM in lymphoid tissues. However, both KLF2 and KLF3 were required for differentiation of long-lived effector cells, suggesting cooperation between these factors in some situations. These findings indicate that KLFs occupy a central nexus in coordinating activated CD8 + T cell differentiation and trafficking.
Experimental performance study on alkali-activated coal gangue-slag gel stabilized spoil for road base preparation
This study developed a fully waste-based stabilized aggregate for road bases. A high-performance alkali-activated binder was synthesized from coal gangue and slag, then blended with tunnel-excavated spoil. Performance was compared to cement-stabilized spoil. The optimal mix had a slag-to-gangue ratio of 1:1, a sodium-silicate modulus of 0.8, a liquid-to-solid ratio of 0.38, and 14% alkali-activator content. Under this design, the binder reached 28-day compressive and flexural strengths of 46.2 MPa and 6.9 MPa, respectively. When used for spoil stabilization, the AA-GS system showed early-age strength benefits. UCS values reached 8–9 MPa across subbase dosages. Compared to cement-stabilized spoil, the AA-GS material reduced 90-day drying-shrinkage strain by 57.6%, water-loss rate by 23.4%, and shrinkage coefficient by 27.7%. The 28-day water-stability coefficient was no less than 0.876, and the freeze-thaw durability index remained at or above 0.80. These results demonstrate the AA-GS system offers strong mechanical performance and durability while enabling full reuse of tunnel spoil, coal gangue, and slag. The system was also designed with field applicability in mind, ensuring scalability and enabling real-world reuse of waste materials with tangible carbon reduction benefits.
The impact of male sex on outcomes in primary biliary cholangitis
Abstract Limited evidence suggests men with Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC) experience worse outcomes than women. The aims of this study were to assess sex-related differences in outcomes in PBC, and to determine whether differences were more specific to PBC than other cirrhosis aetiologies. This study conducted at Charité Berlin analysed inpatient admissions from 2011 to 2022 with PBC. The primary outcome was a composite of inpatient mortality or liver transplant. Secondary outcomes included inpatient mortality, liver transplant, decompensated cirrhosis, and hospitalisation duration. Univariable and multivariable logistic and linear regression assessed the impact of sex on outcomes. This was compared to a control group of cirrhosis patients, matched on age and co-morbidities on a 1:1 ratio. 18% of the 940 inpatient admissions with PBC were male. Men had higher rates of liver-related complications, were younger than women, and had more deranged liver function tests. Men had an increased odds of the primary outcome on univariable analysis (OR = 4.28, 95% CI: [2.52–7.23], p < 0.001) and following adjustment for age and comorbidities (OR = 3.68, 95% CI: [2.06–6.58], p < 0.001). This contrasted with the control group, where men had a reduced odds of death or transplant on univariable (OR = 0.65, 95% CI: [0.44–0.98], p = 0.036) and multivariable (OR = 0.63, 95% CI: [0.42–0.96], p = 0.030) regression. Interaction analysis across the combined cohort revealed a modification effect of PBC on the risk of the primary outcome by sex (OR = 6.59, 95% CI: [3.39–12.75], p < 0.001). Similar findings were noted for secondary outcomes. Men with PBC may experience worse outcomes than women. Similar differences are not apparent for other cirrhosis aetiologies.
Correction for Sun et al., The Japanese Archipelago sheltered cave lions, not tigers, during the Late Pleistocene
GSK3β as a potential regulator in AML: A pan-cancer multi-omics analysis
The distinct roles of GSK3 isoforms (GSK3α/β) in tumorigenesis and immune modulation remain poorly characterized across malignancies. We integrated multi-omics data from TCGA, GTEx, and single-cell RNA-seq to analyze GSK3α/β expression patterns in 31 cancers. Functional clustering, survival analysis (Cox regression), immune infiltration, and in vitro validation (AML cell lines treated with CHIR-99021) were performed. Integrated multi-omics analysis of 31 malignancies revealed divergent dysregulation of GSK3 isoforms: GSK3α was upregulated in 19 solid tumors but suppressed in AML, while GSK3β was elevated in 23 cancers and high-risk AML subtypes (FAB-M0/M1, P = 0.0013). GSK3β outperformed GSK3α as a pan-cancer diagnostic biomarker, achieving superior AUC in 9 tumors. Prognostically, high GSK3α predicted poor OS in ACC (HR = 8.80, P = 0.0047) and MESO (HR = 2.75, P < 0.0067), whereas GSK3β independently stratified cytogenetic-risk AML (HR = 4.22, P = 0.007). Immune profiling uncovered isoform-specific TME modulation: GSK3α correlated with protumorigenic immune infiltration (Treg/Th17, r = 0.38), contrasting GSK3β’s broad negative associations with cytotoxic effectors (r = −0.27). Functional validation in AML THP-1 cells demonstrated that the GSK3 inhibitor CHIR-99021 (10 μM) significantly suppressed proliferation, induced apoptosis, and caused S-phase cell cycle arrest, concomitant with downregulation of c-Myc. These findings establish GSK3β as a key regulator of oncogenic programs in AML. This study provides a comprehensive pan-cancer atlas of GSK3 isoform-specific functionality, nominating GSK3β as a high-priority therapeutic target.
Impact of canopy vertical height on leaf functional traits in a Cunninghamia lanceolata common garden experiment in Dagangshan
Unveiling the developmental and tumor-suppressive roles of the p53 variant p53psi
Through alternative splicing, the TP53 gene can generate multiple protein isoforms with distinct biochemical properties. The p53psi isoform has been identified as a shorter variant than full-length p53 as it lacks nuclear localization, oligomerization, and part of the DNA binding domains due to the use of an alternative 3’ splice site in intron 6. Several TP53-truncating mutations, including those producing p53psi, have been detected in a significant proportion of human tumors. However, the mechanistic roles of these truncated p53 proteins remain poorly understood. Here, we describe the generation and analysis of a genetically engineered mouse model that expresses the p53psi protein in place of the full-length p53 protein. In the C57/BL6J genetic background, mice heterozygous for the targeted p53psi allele (p53 KI/+ ) appear phenotypically normal, survive to adulthood, and reproduce. However, heterozygote matings fail to yield viable p53psi homozygote knock-in (p53 KI/KI ) pups, indicating that forced p53psi expression disrupts embryogenesis. Timed matings revealed that homozygous p53psi expression is embryonically lethal on day E16.5. E14.5-16.5 embryos were pale, reduced in size, and exhibited exencephaly, a defect typically associated with neural tube closure failure. Mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) derived from p53psi embryos and transformed with the E1A and H-RasV12 oncogenes formed tumors with a decreased growth rate compared to their p53 null counterparts, suggesting that p53psi retains at least some tumor-suppressive functions. Our mechanistic studies suggest that p53psi modulates tumorigenesis by triggering senescence. These findings provide insights into the role of the p53psi variant, paving the way for a better interpretation of TP53 mutational patterns in human cancers.
Predictive modeling of apple slice drying: Integrating temperature, thickness, and shrinkage dynamics
This study investigates the effects of drying temperature and slice thickness on the drying kinetics, shrinkage, moisture diffusivity, and color of Golden Delicious apple slices. Drying experiments were conducted in triplicate at 50°C, 60°C, and 70°C with slice thicknesses of 2, 4, and 6 mm using a controlled cabinet dryer. Statistical analysis using ANOVA confirmed that both factors significantly affected drying behavior and quality attributes. Drying time decreased with higher temperatures and thinner slices, with slice thickness exerting the stronger influence. Shrinkage decreased and effective moisture diffusivity increased under these conditions. Multivariate regression models accurately predicted shrinkage and moisture diffusivity (R² > 0.97), while Finite Element Modeling (FEM) closely matched experimental moisture transfer. Color evaluation showed that the combination of 70°C and a 4-mm slice thickness produced the lowest total color change (ΔE). Although high temperatures can accelerate browning, in this case the shorter drying time at 70°C limited discoloration, making this specific condition optimal for visual quality. These findings provide practical guidance for designing energy-efficient drying processes that maintain product quality, while future work should explore anisotropic shrinkage modeling, energy use, and hybrid drying technologies to enhance process performance.