Abstract We present an analysis of the covariance spectrum of the black hole X-ray binary MAXI J1820+070 during its hard state. For the first time, we extend coherence and covariance studies into the hard X-ray band up to ∼150 keV. We detect a clear drop in coherence above 30 keV on both short- and long-timescales relative to the 2–10 keV reference band. To investigate the origin of the coherent variability, we simultaneously fit the short- and long-timescale covariances and the time-averaged spectra with the Comptonization model. Surprisingly, the electron temperature associated with long-timescale variability is significantly higher than that on short timescales. Moreover, the temperature on long timescales remains relatively constant throughout the hard state, whereas the short-timescale temperature evolves with X-ray luminosity. We attribute the drop in coherence to multiple sources of seed photons, i.e., the blackbody and synchrotron photons. The independence between these two photon fields leads to a drop in coherence. Moreover, to explain the lower electron temperature on short timescales, we propose a two-Comptonization framework in which short-timescale variability arises from a vertically extended central region, while long-timescale variability originates at larger radii. The elevated geometry of the inner region leads to illumination primarily by cooler outer-disk photons, yielding a lower electron temperature. In this case, the evolution of the height of the elevated region could explain the evolution of the electron temperature associated with the coherent variability throughout the hard state.

The Altai Mountains, a complex mountain system of Central Asia, is particularly sensitive to global change. Under increasing human activities and continuing climate change, the range of animals may show expansion or contraction. In this study, we evaluated and predicted the distribution dynamics of 27 animal species and the resulted change of species richness in the Altai Mountains by using MaxEnt model in the current and future periods. The results show that most species are predicted to mainly distribute in the northwest of the Altai Mountains under current conditions. In the future, habitats located in the central region may be largely lost. Most species tend to shift their ranges towards higher altitudes or latitudes. Human activities, snow cover and precipitation of coldest quarter are the most important predictors explaining the potential distributions of most species. As global climate change continues to alter potentially suitable habitats, we recommend to establish a transboundary protected area across the four countries (China, Kazakhstan, Mongolia and Russia) in the central region of the Altai Mountains. Additionally, we suggest reducing potential anthropogenic impacts on wildlife and their habitats by regulating human activities.

Background Food literacy has emerged as an essential determinant of dietary behavior, encompassing the skills needed to access, understand, evaluate, and apply food- and nutrition-related information in daily life. Evidence examining food literacy and its relationship with healthy food choices among adults in Saudi Arabia remains limited. Objectives This study aimed to assess food literacy levels and healthy food-choice priorities among adults living in Saudi Arabia and to examine the association among food literacy, food-quality priorities, and sociodemographic factors. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted using a survey that included sociodemographic variables, a validated food quality questionnaire assessing food choice priorities, and the Short Food Literacy Questionnaire (SFLQ). Descriptive statistics were used to summarize participant characteristics. Associations between food literacy, food choice priorities, and sociodemographic factors were examined using chi-square tests, Pearson correlation, and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses. Results A total of 901 adults participated in the study. Higher food literacy was significantly associated with greater prioritization of health-related food attributes. Women and older adults demonstrated higher food literacy, whereas healthy food-choice priorities did not differ significantly by gender. Participants residing in the Western and Northern regions had higher odds of adequate food literacy than those in the Central region. Respondents with education up to high school were more likely to have adequate to excellent food literacy than those with higher education, while household income was not significantly associated with either food literacy or food choice priorities. Retired participants demonstrated healthier food-choice priorities than other employment groups. Conclusion Food literacy is associated with healthier food choice priorities among adults in Saudi Arabia and varies across sociodemographic and regional groups. However, higher food literacy does not consistently translate into more nutritious choices, underscoring the influence of environmental and structural factors. Skill-based, contextually tailored food literacy interventions may support healthier dietary behaviors and help reduce diet-related health disparities.

To examine how digitally empowered rural e-commerce affects the market-oriented allocation of urban–rural factors at the county level and the underlying mechanism, this study treats the National E-commerce into Rural Counties Demonstration Program as a quasi-natural experiment. Using a panel of 1898 Chinese counties from 2000 to 2022, we conduct multi-period DID with staggered adoption and mediation analyses. The results show that rural e-commerce significantly raises the marketization level of factor allocation; the effect grows stronger over time and is most pronounced during the rapid-expansion phase, in agriculture-oriented e-commerce counties, in poverty-stricken counties, and in the Central and Western regions. The impact operates mainly through three channels: enlarging market size, upgrading industrial structure, and deepening digital financial usage. Notably, the digital finance channel exhibits a suppression effect, suggesting a complex role of financial digitalization in the early stages of rural development. To further ensure the robustness of our findings, we also conduct rigorous checks using the CSDID method and alternative proxy variables, consistently reaffirming the policy’s significant positive impact. These findings offer actionable evidence for deepening county-level factor-market reforms and advancing common prosperity, leading to policy recommendations on strengthening county digital infrastructure, tailoring e-commerce support systems, and improving the institutional environment for factor mobility.

Avian Infectious Bronchitis Virus (IBV) is a highly contagious Gammacoronavirus that poses a significant threat to the global poultry industry. Despite its worldwide prevalence, a critical knowledge gap exists regarding the genetic diversity of IBV in Central Asia, particularly in Uzbekistan. This study is the first comprehensive molecular characterization of IBV in Uzbekistan. This study also provides a unique and informative bioinformatic analysis of the detected strains. Three IBV strains were isolated and identified from chickens suspected of IBV infection. The isolates were identified and subjected to S1 gene sequencing, phylogenetic analysis, recombination screening, selective pressure mapping, and in silico structural and antigenic profiling. Phylogenetic inference revealed that the isolates clustered within the established genotypes GI-1, GI-13, and GI-23. Comparative alignments revealed distinct nucleotide and amino acid substitutions relative to global reference strains. The evolutionary patterns are consistent with a predominantly clonal mode of evolution. Structural modeling and B-cell epitope prediction revealed pronounced antigenic and topological divergence among the Uzbek isolates. Genotype-specific substitutions, particularly in solvent-exposed regions of the spike protein, were associated with altered epitope profiles, implying potential impacts on vaccine cross-protection. These findings contribute to current knowledge of IBV molecular characterization and provide the first reference framework for the Central Asian region. The study highlights the importance of continuous molecular surveillance, region-specific vaccination strategies, and integrated genomic monitoring for novel IBV variants.

Organic matter (OM) is central to biogeochemical processes in both soils and aquatic systems. Water-soluble organic matter (WSOM), leached from soil, is widely analyzed as a proxy for the mobile OM fraction, yet the chemical composition of extracts depends strongly on the extraction method used. We compared two WSOM extraction protocols-distilled water and 0.5M K2SO4-across 217 soil samples from 83 depth profiles spanning four central European regions. Absorbance and fluorescence spectroscopy with PARAFAC modeling were used to characterize dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentration and composition-approaches increasingly applied in soil science to trace soil organic matter dynamics. DOC generally declined with profile depth. K2SO4 extracts consistently yielded higher DOC concentrations, dominated by humic-like fluorescence. Water extracts were more variable, with stronger protein-like signals-showing clearer depth-related trends, with deeper layers enriched in microbially-derived DOM. This higher variability likely reflects the dynamic nature of labile WSOM fractions. We highlight the importance of extraction chemistry: water-based methods capture reactive, microbially-produced WSOM-likely indicators of immediate inputs to aquatic systems, whereas salt-based methods emphasize more stable pools-acting as indicators of less bio-available, long-term terrestrial reservoirs. Extraction methodology selection should consider the study objectives and specific biological and physicochemical processes investigated.

Strategic Emerging Industries (SEIs) are a critical driver of China’s green transition and high-quality development; however, the Ecological and Environmental Effects of Firm Entry and Exit remain insufficiently explored. Based on micro-level data of Chinese SEI enterprises from 2009 to 2023, this study employs kernel density estimation and a panel fixed-effects model to construct a five-dimensional ecological environment evaluation system under the PSDRP framework and to examine the spatio-temporal evolution characteristics of Firm Entry and Exit and their Ecological and Environmental Effects. The results indicate that SEI enterprises exhibit agglomeration in the Eastern Region and gradual diffusion toward the Western Region, with exit activities showing higher spatial concentration. Firm Entry generates stage-specific constraining effects on the ecological environment, whereas Firm Exit alleviates ecological Pressure and enhances Resilience. Significant regional heterogeneity is observed, forming a pattern of optimization in the Eastern Region, improvement in the Central and Western Regions, and greater adjustment challenges in the Northeast Region. This study provides empirical evidence for differentiated and coordinated industrial–environmental policy design.

ABSTRACT This study evaluates groundwater potential zones using Dar–Zarrouk parameters derived from Vertical Electrical Sounding data. According to the findings, there are 5-10 underlying lithological strata, ranging in thickness from 13 to 64.2 m (average 34.9 m) and aquifer resistivity from 13.4 to 281 Ωm (average 102.8 Ωm). The heterogeneity of the aquifer is reflected in the moderate empirical correlation (R2 = 0.56) between hydraulic conductivity and aquifer resistivity. The study area of southern, central, and northwest regions were identified as having high groundwater potential zones. Significant thickness (50–70 m), strong hydraulic conductivity (7–11 m/day), transmissivity (300–550 m²/day), and anisotropy (0.6–1) are all present in these shallow aquifers (45–50 m depth). These high-permeability zones are advantageous for groundwater development, but because pollutants migrate quickly, they are more susceptible to contamination. This emphasizes the need for sustainable extraction methods, frequent monitoring, and protective management techniques.

ABSTRACT Strategies for solid waste management have been widely implemented to alleviate resource limitations and mitigate environmental harm; nevertheless, research on their efficacy and the mechanisms by which they influence urban land green-use efficiency is still limited. Utilizing China’s Zero-Waste City pilot program as a quasi-natural experiment, we assemble panel data for 284 prefecture-level and higher cities from 2010 to 2024 and assess policy impacts via a staggered difference-in-differences methodology. The pilots markedly improve the efficiency of green land use in urban areas, with estimates robust to placebo tests, various outcome measures, exclusion of the four centrally governed municipalities, propensity score-matched difference-in-differences, instrumental-variable specifications, and double machine learning techniques. Mechanism testing indicates three channels: increased green technological innovation, reduced per-capita municipal solid waste collection, and enhanced environmental regulatory intensity. The heterogeneity analysis reveals that the effects are more pronounced in cities with lower industrial development; regionally, the impact is most substantial and statistically significant in western China, positive yet weaker in the central region, and minimal and statistically insignificant in eastern cities. This research connects solid-waste governance to land-performance outcomes, enhancing the body of literature on environmental policy and land-focused green transformation.

The synaptonemal complex (SC) is essential for accurate homologous chromosome pairing, recombination, and segregation during meiosis. Although several core SC components have been identified in plants, the molecular mechanism coordinating their assembly remains poorly understood. Here, through a refined temporal transcriptomic analysis of another development in the allotetraploid Brassica napus, this study identifies ZYP1-SCEP1/2 Linker (ZSL) as a central element scaffold that bridges the transverse filament protein ZYP1 with the heterodimeric central element proteins SCEP1/2. It is shown that ZYP1 loading onto chromosomes occurs independently of ZSL and SCEP1/2, whereas ZYP1 is required for their recruitment. Loss of ZSL impedes SCEP1/2 recruitment but not vice versa, and zsl mutants completely lack continuous SC central region assembly, leading to synapsis failure and chromosome mis-segregation. This study further demonstrates that ZSL directly interacts with both ZYP1 and SCEP1/2. These findings define a hierarchical assembly cascade of ZYP1 → ZSL → SCEP1/2 during SC formation. Furthermore, analysis of HEI10 foci and genome-wide crossover (CO) mapping in zsl mutants reveals an ≈100% increase in both male and female COs, accompanied by a loss of interference and elimination of sex-specific CO differences. Together, the results establish ZSL as a key molecular adaptor coordinating SC central region assembly and CO patterning, providing new mechanistic insight into meiotic fidelity and genome stability in polyploid species.

Abstract The genus Boletoxenus Motschulsky, 1858 (Tenebrionidae: Tenebrioninae: Bolitophagini), previously considered restricted to the Oriental and eastern Palaearctic realms, is recorded from the Papuan Region for the first time. A new remarkable species with distinct elytral tuberculation and unusual genital morphology, Boletoxenus papuanus sp. Nov. from the Central Region of New Guinea is described and illustrated.

New-type urbanization (NTU) is a key driver of high-quality development and progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in China. While existing studies acknowledge the multidimensional nature of this process, they often measure it as a single composite aggregate. This approach masks the system’s local sensitivity to internal structural changes and obscures the spatially stratified heterogeneity of dominant drivers. To address this gap, this study constructs construct a comprehensive evaluation index system using panel data for 280 prefecture-level and above cities in China from 2001 to 2023. This study integrates the entropy-weighted TOPSIS method, a modified coupling coordination degree model (MCCD), geographically and temporally weighted regression (GTWR), and the optimal parameters geographical detector (OPGD). Using this framework, this study investigates the spatio-temporal characteristics of the coordinated high-quality development (CHQD) in NTU, systematically dissecting the spatial heterogeneity of local sensitivities and dominant drivers. The results indicate that the following: (1) CHQD exhibits a continuous upward trajectory characterized by significant regional convergence, with the center of gravity gradually shifting southwest. Structurally, green and social dimensions demonstrate the most rapid growth, progressively superseding spatial expansion as primary growth poles. (2) The structural decomposition reveals clear spatially stratified heterogeneity in local sensitivity. The coastal East faces “diminishing marginal utility” of traditional factor inputs, whereas the Central and Western regions continue to reap “structural dividends” from factor accumulation. (3) The dominant drivers shaping spatial heterogeneity have undergone a sequential evolution from an early “resource-space orientation” to a later “innovation-service orientation.” For instance, in the eastern region, the proportion of construction land (L2) had a single-factor explanatory power (q-statistic) of 0.791. However, its interactions with science and technology expenditure (E3) and other factors yielded q-statistics exceeding 0.820, indicating a marked synergistic effect. These findings support region-specific policy recommendations to promote CHQD and inform sustainable urbanization pathways in China.

Background Mediastinal tumor are a category of neoplasms that arise in the central region of the thoracic cavity. The clinical manifestations of this condition are diverse and have the potential to precipitate a range of severe complications, including obstructive shock. A comprehensive understanding of the etiology of mediastinal tumor is imperative for the timely recognition and intervention. Case report The present case study focuses on a 38-year-old female patient who exhibited symptoms of chest tightness and dyspnea, devoid of any discernible precipitating factors. A chest CT scan revealed a mediastinal mass, which the patient initially disregarded. As symptoms worsened, her dyspnea significantly intensified, prompting presentation to the Huaxi Emergency Department. The mediastinal tumor was assessed as unresectable and was compressing the heart and major vessels, exacerbating the patient’s symptoms. Preliminary diagnostic investigations confirmed the presence of obstructive shock, the etiology of which was infection of the mediastinal tumor. Following the administration of anti-infective therapy, the implementation of symptomatic management, and the undertaking of appropriate monitoring, X-ray and CT scans demonstrated a reduction in tumor size. Conclusion Obstructive shock caused by mediastinal tumor infection is relatively rare. This case review demonstrates that clinical CT scans, continuous cardiac output monitoring via pulse-wave-derived cardiac output catheter (PICCO), and assessment of clinical laboratory indicators hold significant value for early diagnosis in patients.

The author examines the history of the formation and activities of a children’s orphanage in Skobelev, Fergana Region, and analyzes the problems that arise in the work of the Fergana Board of Trustees for Children’s Orphanages. The purpose of the article is to study the implementation of Russia’s imperial policy on the issue of orphans in the territory of the Turkestan Governorate-General, which was part of the imperial authorities’ efforts to modernize the national frontier. The source base is based on administrative materials extracted from the Russian State Historical Archive. The author describes the conditions under which a children’s orphanage was established in the Fergana region, which was one of the last such institutions in the Turkestan Governorate-General. In addition, the author reveals the activities of the Board of Trustees of Children’s Homes, founded by the wife of Alexander II to manage such institutions, and then established in the Fergana Regio in particular to oversee the activities of the orphanage and maintain contact with the Department of Institutions of the Empress Maria. The author concludes that the organization of the orphanage’s activities was no different from similar institutions in the central regions of the Russian Empire, which can serve as evidence of the Russian administration’s desire to elevate the national frontier its own level. As the study shows, the existence of such institutions in the Turkestan Governorate-General is a testament to the Russian administration’s concern for its subjects who found themselves in challenging circumstances in a foreign land.

The authors examine the development of physical culture and sports in Soviet villages in the 1920s. These practices are important instruments of the cultural revolution, asthey were supposed to discipline and improve the health of peasants so that they could work as effectively as possible for the benefit of society. It was peasants themselves that made up most of the population, so the goal of “reforging” rural people was paramount; without it, the task of building socialism in the country would be impossible. To explore this topic, the author used regulatory, administrative, and statistical materials, stored in the State Archive of the Russian Federation, in the fund of the USSR Committee for Physical Culture and Sports (F. R 7576), and in the fund of the Central Committee of the All-Union Leninist Young Communist League (F. M 1) of the Russian State Archive of Socio-Political History, as well as various periodicals. It is shown that the rural population was highly distrustful of any innovations, including in physical culture. The analysis of sources reveals that the promotion of physical culture in rural areas began as part of the “Facing Village” policy of 1925-1926, with the primary goal being to “improve” physical and ideological health of rural people. The Komsomol shouldered the brunt of the practical work, employing a flexible approach that sought to motivate rather than coerce. The author reveals that the highest percentage of physical culture enthusiasts was in the central region part of Russia, whereas the lowest percentage was in the national republics and regions. The author concludes that, due to financial problems and lack of coordinated policy of all the agencies involved, progress in promoting physical culture in the rural areas by the end of the period was relatively insignificant; the number of physical culture clubs grew slowly, and they were often created spontaneously and lacked state oversight. In addition, there were few women involved, and the primary focus was on football rather than general physical training.

Attentional function and nocturnal electroencephalography theta/beta ratio in children with rapid-eye movement sleep-related obstructive sleep apnea.

The Relationship Between Corneal Stiffness Distribution and Tomography in Keratoconus Patients.

The accessibility of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) therapy is acrucial factor in the survival and quality of life of patients suffering from advanced heart failure. However, there is alack of clarity regarding the utilization of this therapy across regions in the Netherlands as well as whether any disparities exist based on socioeconomic status (SES). This study aimed to determine the utilization of LVAD therapy at aregional level using administrative data and to identify potential disparities based on SES by comparing postal code data to demographic governmental data. All patients aged 16 or older who underwent aprimary LVAD implantation between 2015 and 2024 were included. The data was visualized with aheatmap using Python. Atotal of 710 patients received an LVAD during the study period. LVAD utilization was lower in the southernmost regions compared to the northernmost regions and varied in the central regions. An ANOVA test between SES groups did not show significant differences in LVAD utilization (p = 0.20). The findings of this study indicate that there are notable variations in the utilization of LVAD therapy across different geographical regions in the Netherlands. Nevertheless, no differences in LVAD use were found between areas with different SES categories. Future research should focus on identifying the underlying factors associated with referral for advanced heart failure therapies to ensure equitable access to LVAD therapy.

Bactrian camels (Camelus bactrianus) have long been recognized in China as key agents of long-distance connectivity, based largely on iconographic and textual evidence, while osteological data have rarely been incorporated into discussion. Because these data have seldom been examined within a unified analytical framework, current knowledge of the development and shifting patterns of camel–human relationships remains fragmentary. To address this gap, the present study provides a detailed analysis of available camel osteological material from archaeological contexts in northern China and integrates it with broader archaeological and historical evidence. Our results identify diverse forms of interaction across time and space, including camel exploitation for transport and labor, consumption, funerary practices, and craft production. Spatiotemporal patterns indicate a persistent concentration of osteological remains in China’s northern frontier zones, whereas the record remains sporadic in central regions despite increasing camel representations in material culture and texts. This enduring distribution reflects ecological suitability and sustained economic integration in arid zones. The absence of such conditions in Central China meant that camels were never fully incorporated into local everyday life; instead, they primarily operated within imperial logistical and political systems and came to be culturally important through their role in broader exchange networks.

Habitat fragmentation promotes spatial scale separation under resource competition.