Search Results (17,718)

This study explores the integration of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) into an optoelectronic XOR logic gate to enhance BB84 protocol encryption in quantum communication systems. The research leverages the nonlinear optical properties of rGO, specifically its nonlinear refraction characteristics, in combination with a Michelson interferometer to implement an optoelectronic XOR gate. rGO samples were deposited using the Langmuir–Blodgett technique and characterized in morphology and structure. The optical setup utilized a frequency-modulated laser signal for the interferometer and a pulsed laser system that generates the quantum information carrier. This integration of quantum encryption with nonlinear optical materials offers enhanced security against classical attacks while providing adaptability for various applications from secure communications to quantum AI. Full article

Traditional soil cultivation of lettuce faces challenges; hydroponic technology offers solutions to improve lettuce production. However, the interrelationships among the root phenotype of lettuce, auxin synthesis and signal transduction, and nutrient solution flow, and their effects on hydroponic lettuce growth remain unclear. We investigated the effects of nutrient solution flow state on lettuce’s early growth, transcriptomic changes, and auxin-related gene expression. Growth indicators were measured 2, 4, and 6 days after transplanting. The shoot and root fresh weights, total root length, and root surface area were significantly higher under the flow treatment than under the non-flow condition. The shoot fresh weight increased by 29, 64, and 31%, respectively, at the three growth stages. A clear distinction was observed between the samples from different treatment groups. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways that were commonly enriched included “Plant hormone signal transduction (auxin)”. Moreover, the significantly enriched Gene Ontology (GO) terms varied across different time points, which vividly reflected the dynamic characteristics of the plant’s response. Genes related to auxin biosynthesis—such as AL3F1, YUC5, and AMI4G—exhibited higher expression levels under the flow treatment. Overall, these results indicate that nutrient solution flow can promote auxin synthesis and signal transduction in early roots of lettuce. Full article

Background: Esophageal cancer (EC), including esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), remains a lethal malignancy with limited molecularly tailored treatment options. Due to substantial histologic and transcriptomic differences between subtypes, therapeutic responses often vary, underscoring the need for subtype-stratified analysis and precision drug discovery. Methods: We integrated transcriptomic data from GEO and TCGA to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) specific to EAC, ESCC, and their shared profiles. Functional enrichment (GO, KEGG) and protein–protein interaction (PPI) network analyses were conducted to extract hub genes using DAVID, STRING, and Cytoscape. Survival associations were evaluated using TCGA-ESCA and UALCAN. Drug repurposing was performed using L1000FWD, L1000CDS2, and SigCom LINCS. Results: We identified 79, 59, and 17 hub genes in the DEG-EAC, DEG-ESCC, and DEG-EAC&ESCC datasets, respectively. In EAC, 16 novel hub genes including SCARB1, SERPINH1, and DSC2 were discovered, which had not been previously implicated in this subtype. These genes were significantly enriched in pathways related to extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling and epithelial structure. In addition, shared hub genes across EAC and ESCC—such as COL1A1, SPARC, and MMP1—were enriched in ECM organization and cell adhesion processes, highlighting convergent tumor–stroma interactions. Drug repositioning analysis consistently prioritized MEK inhibitors, trametinib and selumetinib, as potential therapeutic candidates across all DEG datasets. Conclusions: This study presents a comprehensive, subtype-stratified transcriptomic framework for EC, identifying both unique and shared hub genes with potential functional relevance to ECM dynamics. Our findings suggest that ECM remodelers may serve as therapeutic targets, and highlight MEK inhibition as a promising, yet exploratory, repurposing strategy. While these results offer a molecular foundation for future precision oncology efforts in EC, further validation through proteomic analysis, functional studies, and clinical evaluation is warranted. Full article

Wireless Sensor Networks are composed of a set of sensors distributed within an area that monitor physical variables of the environment and send back information to a central node. Nodes cannot always remain active since they would swiftly drain the system’s energy. As such, some works have proposed the use of different on/off schemes to monitor the phenomena of interest efficiently but also to conserve energy as much as possible. To this end, the use of on/off protocols has been used before, but has no relation to the characteristics of the monitored events. However, in scenarios where the phenomena to monitor occur in a certain pattern or specific region, the use of more suited techniques to activate the nodes can yield better results. In this sense, we propose the use of cellular automata (CA), based on the Game of Life (GoL), in order to turn the nodes on and off, according to the patterns described by the automata. Cellular automata are discrete models consisting of a lattice or grid of cells in a finite number of states that remain or change into another state following pre-established rules commonly associated with the states of their neighbors. As such, we propose to activate/deactivate the nodes following the natural behavior of the GoL scheme. Since the initial state of the cellular automata directly modifies the pattern evolution of the GoL, we consider several possible patterns that can occur in practical systems in order to prove the effectiveness of our proposal. We evaluate the system performance in terms of successful event report probability and energy consumption, comparing our results to the conventional on/off schemes with a certain probability of nodes being in the on state. With this premise, we think CA is a good alternative to determine the on/off process in WSNs. We compared the system performance of the GoL patterns compared to the classical approach and found the cases where the GoL scheme performs better. Full article

Rapid urbanization and climate change have intensified urban flood risks, necessitating resilient upstream infrastructure to ensure metropolitan water security and effective flood mitigation. Gravity dams, as critical components of urban flood protection systems, regulate discharge to downstream urban areas. Gravity dams are critical for regulating flood discharge, yet their seismic vulnerability poses significant challenges, particularly under compound effects involving concurrent seismic loading and climate-induced elevated reservoir levels. This study introduces a novel seismic analysis framework for gravity dams using the scaled boundary finite element method (SBFEM), which efficiently models dam–water and dam–foundation interactions in infinite domains. A two-dimensional numerical model of a concrete gravity dam, subjected to realistic seismic loading, was developed and validated against analytical solutions and conventional finite element method (FEM) results, achieving discrepancies as low as 0.95% for static displacements and 0.21% for natural frequencies. The SBFEM approach accurately captures hydrodynamic pressures and radiation damping, revealing peak pressures at the dam heel during resonance and demonstrating computational efficiency with significantly reduced nodal requirements compared to FEM. These findings enhance understanding of dam behavior under extreme loading. The proposed framework supports climate-adaptive design standards and integrated hydrological–structural modeling. By addressing the seismic safety of flood-control dams, this research contributes to the development of resilient urban water management systems capable of protecting metropolitan areas from compound climatic and seismic extremes. Full article

Background and Objectives: Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is an effective solution for pain relief and functional recovery in patients with end-stage osteoarthritis. However, stiffness of the knee, limited range of motion, and weakened muscle strength are challenges of postoperative rehabilitation. This study investigated the effects of a pedaling-based progressive resistance training (PPRT) program on range of motion, muscle strength, physical function, and gait in patients who had undergone TKA. Materials and Methods: A total of 48 female patients (aged 65–79) who underwent TKA participated in the study and were randomly assigned to either the PPRT group (n = 24) or the control group (n = 24). The PPRT group performed the training for 60 min per session, twice a day, five days a week, for four weeks. The primary outcomes were the muscle strength and range of motion (ROM) of the knee. Secondary outcomes included the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. Results: There was a significant time × group interaction effect in all the quadriceps strength values (p < 0.05), with a moderate to large effect size (η²_p = 0.142–0.390). The PPRT group showed a smaller decrease in knee flexor and extensor strength and a greater improvement in knee flexion range of motion compared with the control group (p < 0.05). The WOMAC index and TUG time were also significantly improved compared with the control group (p < 0.05). In the time × group interaction, a significant effect was shown in WOMAC pain, physical function, and total score (p < 0.05) with a moderate to large effect size (η²_p = 0.099–0.196). TUG time also showed a significant time × group interaction (p < 0.05) with a moderating effect (η²_p = 0.0840). Conclusions: This study suggests that pedaling-based progressive resistance training helps maintain knee flexor and extensor strength as well as improves range of motion and physical function in patients following TKA and can be proposed as effective training for post-TKA rehabilitation. Full article

This study presents an environmentally benign composite hydrogel system by combining polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) with carboxymethyl cellulose derived from jackfruit peel waste (JCMC), subsequently reinforced with graphene oxide (GO) and Kaolin nanoparticles for enhanced Congo red (CR) adsorption. The structural properties of the synthesized hydrogels were comprehensively characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). FTIR analysis confirmed hydrogel formation through hydrogen bonding interactions, while XRD and SEM revealed the uniform dispersion of GO and Kaolin within the polymer matrix, resulting in an improved adsorption performance. Furthermore, the adsorption efficiency of the composite hydrogels was systematically evaluated under varying conditions, including solution pH, contact time, temperature, and initial CR concentration. Optimal CR removal (92.3%) was achieved at pH 8.0, with equilibrium attained within 90 min. The adsorption kinetics were best fitted by the pseudo-second-order model (R² = 0.9998), confirming a chemisorption-dominated process. The equilibrium adsorption data were accurately described by the Langmuir isotherm model, indicating monolayer coverage with an exceptional maximum capacity of 200.80 mg/g. These findings highlight the superior adsorption performance of the PVA/JCMC/GO/Kaolin hydrogels, attributed to their tailored physicochemical properties and synergistic interactions among components. This study offers both sustainable jackfruit peel waste valorization and an effective solution for anionic dye removal in wastewater treatment. Full article

Objectives: Transforming poorly soluble crystalline drugs into their amorphous form is a well-established strategy in pharmaceutical science to enhance their solubility and improve their clinical efficacy. However, developing amorphous forms of organic drugs for pharmaceutical applications presents significant technical hurdles due to the lack of suitable analytical tools for the amorphization process. Carbamazepine is a crystalline BCS class II drug commonly used for epilepsy and trigeminal neuralgia, whose clinical efficacy is compromised by its low solubility and slow dissolution. Therefore, this study focuses on investigating the amorphization of carbamazepine to enhance its solubility by using a micro-droplet precipitation system. Methods: These micro-droplets serve as individual reactors, enabling homogeneous nucleation for precipitation of carbamazepine. During crystallization, carbamazepine undergoes an intermediate liquid–liquid phase transition characteristic of two-step nucleation. By varying the solvent’s composition (methanol/water), we characterized the kinetics and stability of the intermediate liquid phase under various conditions. Results: Our results indicate that carbamazepine can undergo either a one-step liquid-to-amorphous-solid phase transition or a two-step liquid-to-crystalline-solid phase transition. Notably, both transitions pass through a liquid-to-dense-liquid phase separation process starting from the supersaturated solution, where the generated intermediate phases exhibit different sizes and numbers that are influenced by the solvent and its concentration. Conclusions: Our findings not only elucidate the mechanism underlying the carbamazepine phase transition but also propose a novel method for studying the amorphous process, which could be broadly applicable to other poorly soluble pharmaceutical compounds and may be helpful to amorphous formulations production, potentially offering significant improvements in drug efficacy and patient compliance. Full article

N′ resistance is intrinsically broken by tobacco mosaic virus but is still effective against pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV), including those breaking L resistance in peppers. To evaluate the durability of N′ resistance to PMMoV, we performed random mutagenesis of the coat protein (CP) gene of PMMoV. We isolated 11 CP mutants with two to six amino acid changes that escaped the N′-mediated resistance response in Nicotiana sylvestris. Some mutants and their derivatives, which had minimal mutations to escape N′-mediated resistance, exhibited reduced accumulation in inoculated leaves and loss of systemic infectivity in a susceptible pepper (Capsicum annuum) cultivar, as determined by RT-PCR analysis. Although the mutant CPs also escaped recognition by L³ and L⁴ resistance proteins from pepper in transient expression assays, the loss of systemic infectivity suggests that the mutants are unlikely to overcome L-mediated resistance. In Nicotiana benthamiana, a highly susceptible systemic host of PMMoV, ELISA and RT-qPCR indicated that the mutants consistently infected the host systemically, albeit with attenuated virulence and reduced virus accumulation, especially in younger leaves. The results collectively suggest that the reduced virus accumulation enabled the mutant PMMoV to escape N′-mediated resistance, and as a trade-off, compromised its virulence. The results also suggest that PMMoV CP modulates the systemic symptoms. Full article

University students face increased stress and potential school burnout amid rapid digital transformation and competitive academic environments, yet little is known about how socioemotional processes explain the link between burnout and life satisfaction. This study examined how school burnout affects life satisfaction, mediated by loneliness and fear of alienation. A cross-sectional survey of 1783 students was conducted to measure school burnout, loneliness, fear of alienation, and life satisfaction. Structural equation modeling showed that school burnout had a significant negative direct effect on life satisfaction, mediated by loneliness. Higher burnout predicted greater loneliness, which in turn lowered life satisfaction. Although school burnout positively predicted fear of alienation, fear of alienation showed a complex association, with a positive direct path to life satisfaction. However, when loneliness was considered in the full mediation model, the overall indirect effect remained significantly negative. The sequential mediation pathway (school burnout → loneliness → fear of alienation → life satisfaction) highlighted how students’ social disconnection can intensify concerns about exclusion, ultimately affecting their well-being. These findings extend the literature by clarifying the socioemotional mechanisms linking school burnout and life satisfaction. Interventions should address academic demands and bolster emotional support, including resilience training, social skills development, and community-building programs, to mitigate loneliness and manage alienation concerns, thereby promoting students’ life satisfaction and psychological wellness. Full article

Polymers have long been utilized in various industries due to their unique properties. Among the family of polymers, polysulfides are popular due to their strong adhesion and high resistance to fuels and solvents, and have been utilized in specific applications. In this study, polysulfide nanocomposites were prepared using methylene dichloride (MD), sodium tetrasulfide (Na₂S₄), and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and then cured using a rheometer. Polymethylene tetrasulfide (PMTS) and nanocomposites were evaluated by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Also, the cured samples were evaluated using FTIR, XRD, SEM, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and tensile test. The results showed that PMTS has a completely amorphous structure. XRD and SEM results showed that with the addition of rGO, free sulfur accumulates in the matrix, which participates in the reaction during the curing process. The cured polymethylene tetrasulfide (CPMTS) and the cured nanocomposites have a completely amorphous structure. Also, the presence of rGO improved the final properties of the product. Full article

Amelanchier alnifolia is a plant known for its nutritional and bioactive properties. Its leaves contain a high concentration of active compounds with significant antioxidant and antidiabetic effects, including strong α-glucosidase inhibitory potential. The combination of these bioactive leaf extracts with prebiotic substances, such as fructooligosaccharides (FOS), galactooligosaccharides (GOS), and chitooligosaccharides (COS), enables the development of functional systems with enhanced beneficial properties. In this study, process optimization for leaves extraction was performed using a Plackett–Burman screening design, which identified key parameters for further optimization using the Box–Behnken design. The optimal extraction conditions were determined as follows: methanol content 58.06%, solid-to-solvent ratio 26.03 m/v, and extraction time 73.56 min. These conditions yielded the highest the total phenolic content (TPC). A comparative analysis of different cultivars revealed significant variations in polyphenol content among them. The formulated lyophilized systems with GOS, FOS and COS positively influenced the chlorogenic acid release profile, while maintaining the extract’s antidiabetic and antioxidant properties. FT-IR analysis confirmed the molecular interactions responsible for these effects. The prebiotic effectiveness of the systems was quantitatively evaluated using two key parameters: the prebiotic index (PI), and the prebiotic activity score (PAS). Microbiological analyses demonstrated the beneficial effects of prebiotic-enriched systems characterized by better prebiotic action on Bifidobacterium strains than the pure extract. These findings suggest that A. alnifolia leaf extracts, in combination with prebiotics, could serve as promising functional ingredients with potential applications in health-promoting and antidiabetic formulations. Full article

Articular cartilage (AC) has a very limited capacity for self-healing once damaged. Chondrocytes maintain AC homeostasis and are key cells in AC tissue engineering (ACTE). However, chondrocytes lose their function due to oxidative stress. Umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UCMSCs) are investigated as an alternative cell source for ACTE. MSCs are known to regulate tissue regeneration through host cell modulation, largely via extracellular vesicle (EV)-mediated cell-to-cell communication. The purpose of this study was to verify whether UCMSC-derived EVs (UCMSC-EVs) enhance chondrocyte function. The mean particle sizes of the UCMSC-EVs were 79.8 ± 19.05 nm. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed that UCMSC-EVs exhibited a spherical morphology. The presence of CD9, CD63, and CD81 confirmed the identity of UCMSC-EVs, with α-tubulin undetected. UCMSC-EVs maintained chondrocyte survival, and increased chondrocyte proliferation after intake by chondrocytes. UCMSC-EVs upregulated mRNA levels of SOX-9, collagen type II (Col-II), and Aggrecan, while decreasing collagen type I (Col-I) levels. UCMSC-EVs reduced the oxidative stress of chondrocytes by reducing mitochondrial superoxide production and increasing protein levels of SOD-2 and Sirt-3 in chondrocytes. The 50 most abundant known microRNAs (miRNAs) derived from UCMSC-EVs were selected for gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses. GO analysis revealed enrichment in pathways associated with small GTPase-mediated signal transduction, GTPase regulatory activity, and mitochondrial matrix. The KEGG analysis indicated that these miRNAs may regulate chondrocyte function through the PI3K-Akt, MAPK, and cAMP signaling pathways. In summary, this study shows that UCMSC-EVs enhance chondrocyte function and may be applied to ACTE. Full article

Harnessing the synergistic potential of graphene oxide-doped titanium dioxide (GO-TiO₂), this study pioneers an advanced photocatalytic approach by incorporating graphene oxide-doped titanium dioxide (GO-TiO₂) as a catalyst to enhance the photocatalytic degradation of levofloxacin (LVX), with optimisation of parameters using response surface methodology (RSM) and artificial neural networks (ANNs). By adjusting key operational parameters such as catalyst dosage, LVX concentration, pH, and percentage dopant in TiO₂, the study aimed to maximise degradation efficiency. The RSM statistical model highlighted optimal conditions, i.e., neutral pH, 0.1 g/g dopant, 1.1 g/L catalyst, and 25 ppm LVX concentration, achieving a degradation efficiency close to 80% (R² = 0.88). An ANN model was also developed, offering a three-layer neural network that accurately predicts LVX degradation under varied conditions, with R² reaching 0.97. Current modelling techniques frequently fail to strike a balance between practical insights for optimising photocatalytic degradation and predictive accuracy. By combining the parametric insights of RSM with the nonlinear predictive power of ANN, this study closes that gap and develops a sustainable, data-driven framework for effectively breaking down pharmaceutical pollutants and developing environmentally friendly wastewater treatment methods. Full article

Systematic Background/Objectives: Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is an autoimmune condition in which pancreatic β-cells are selectively destroyed, predominantly by autoreactive T lymphocytes. Despite decades of research, the achievement of durable immune tolerance remains elusive. This review presents a historically grounded and forward-looking perspective on the evolution of immunotherapy in T1DM, from early immunosuppressive interventions to advanced precision-based cellular approaches. Specifically, we focus on systemic immunosuppressants (e.g., corticosteroids, cyclosporine), monoclonal antibodies (e.g., anti-CD3, anti-IL-1, anti-TNF), regulatory cell-based approaches (e.g., Tregs, CAR-Tregs, MDSCs), and β-cell replacement strategies using stem cell-derived islets. Methods: We analyzed major clinical and translational milestones in immunotherapy for T1DM, with particular attention to the transition from broad immunosuppression to targeted modulation of immune pathways. Emerging data on cell-based therapies, artificial intelligence (AI)-driven stratification, and personalized intervention timing have been incorporated to provide a comprehensive overview of current and future directions. Results: Initial therapies such as corticosteroids and cyclosporine offered proof-of-concept for immune modulation, yet suffered from relapse and toxicity. The introduction of monoclonal antibodies (e.g., teplizumab) marked a shift toward immune-specific intervention, particularly in stage 2 preclinical T1DM. More recent approaches include low-dose IL-2, checkpoint modulation, and antigen-specific tolerance strategies. Cellular therapies such as Treg adoptive transfer, chimeric antigen receptor Tregs (CAR-Tregs), and stem cell-derived islet replacements (e.g., VX-880) have shown promise in preserving β-cell function and modulating autoimmunity. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), although still preclinical, represent a complementary avenue for immune tolerance induction. Concurrently, AI-based models are emerging as tools to stratify risk and personalize immunotherapeutic timing, enhancing trial design and outcome prediction. Conclusions: In conclusion, the historical progression from broad immunosuppression to precision-driven strategies underscores the importance of stage-specific, mechanism-based interventions in T1DM. The convergence of targeted biologics, regenerative cell therapies, and β-cell replacement approaches, supported by AI-enabled patient stratification, offers a realistic path toward durable immune tolerance and functional β-cell preservation. Continued integration of these modalities, coupled with rigorous long-term evaluation, will be essential to transform these scientific advances into sustained clinical benefit. Full article