Search Results (6,573)

Electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) is well known as a quantum optical phenomenon that permits a normally opaque medium to become transparent due to the quantum interference between transition pathways. This work addresses multi-soliton dynamics in an EIT system modeled by the integrable Maxwell–Bloch (MB) equations for a three-level $\Lambda$-type atomic configuration. By employing a generalized gauge transformation, we systematically construct explicit N-soliton solutions from the corresponding Lax pair. Explicit forms of one-, two-, three-, and four-soliton solutions are derived and analyzed. The resulting pulse structures reveal various nonlinear phenomena, such as temporal asymmetry, energy trapping, and soliton interactions. They also highlight coherent propagation, elastic collisions, and partial storage of pulses, which have potential implications for the design of quantum memory, slow light, and photonic data transport in EIT media. In addition, the conservation of fundamental physical quantities, such as the excitation norm and Hamiltonian, is used to provide direct evidence of the integrability and stability of the constructed soliton solutions. Full article

Eco-friendly clay-based adsorbents with low cost and high adsorption capacity for toxic dyes have attracted significant attention. In this study, a novel citric acid-modified sepiolite (CA-SEP) composite was developed for the efficient removal of methylene blue (MB) from aqueous solutions. The morphological, crystalline, and structural properties of the composite were characterized using XRD, FTIR, SEM, and BET analyses. Compared to pristine SEP, CA-SEP exhibited a 2.6-fold increase in adsorption capacity for MB and demonstrated excellent reusability. The effects of key parameters—including solution pH (2.0–10.0), contact time (0–300 min), adsorbent dosage (0.2–2.0 g/L), and initial MB concentration (10–150 mg/L)—on adsorption performance were systematically investigated. Modeling results indicated that the Sips isotherm provided the optimal fit for the equilibrium data. In kinetic studies, the adsorption process was best described by the pseudo-second-order model. The maximum adsorption capacity of CA-SEP for MB was estimated to be 40.61 mg/g. Moreover, the adsorbent retained high removal efficiency after five adsorption-desorption cycles, demonstrating good regenerability. These results indicate that CA-SEP is a highly efficient, sustainable, and economically viable adsorbent for the elimination of MB from contaminated water. Full article

This paper presents a case study in which the airborne sound insulation performance of vertical partitions is experimentally assessed and model-predicted by incorporating the indoor environment’s geometric configuration and material characteristics into the analysis. An experimental campaign was carried out to verify whether the partition actually installed in situ complies with the minimum acoustic requirements and to validate the results obtained from the predictive model, subsequently used to evaluate the acoustic performance of alternative configurations. Specifically, a case study was conducted on an existing wall separating two indoor environments at the University of Calabria (Italy), where experimental measurements revealed that the current structure fails to meet the minimum acoustic insulation requirement set by Italian regulation. To evaluate the potential improvement in acoustic performance resulting from the use of alternative structures, predictive modeling based on UNI EN ISO 12354-1 was carried out. In the simulations, the rooms were modeled according to their actual geometry, and different types of vertical partitions between the two spaces were assessed, including heavyweight masonry walls, lightweight gypsum-based systems, and drywall linings, all built using commercially available acoustic insulation materials. In addition, four other cost-effective insulated walls were evaluated, which were insulated, at most, using standard thermal insulation. In addition to acoustic performance, implementation costs were also considered. Among the acoustically insulated partitions, the highest-performing construction achieved a $R_w^{\prime }$ of 58.0 dB for €168.9/m², while a cost-effective construction based on double gypsum boards reached a $R_w^{\prime }$ equal to 51.4 dB with a cost of €65.9/m². Full article

This study investigates date palm fiber (DPF) and sheep wool hybrid polyester composites with fiber loadings of 0%, 10%, 20%, and 30% by weight, fabricated by compression molding, to develop a sustainable and reliable material system. Experimental data from prior work were modeled using Weibull analysis for reliability evaluation and response surface methodology (RSM) for multi-objective optimization. Weibull statistics fitted a two-parameter distribution to tensile strength and fracture toughness, extracting shape (η) and scale ($\beta$) parameters to quantify variability and failure probability. The analysis showed that 20% hybrid content achieved the highest scale values ($\beta$ = 28.85 MPa for tensile strength and $\beta$ = 15.03 $\mathrm{M}\mathrm{P}\mathrm{a}\sqrt{\mathrm{m}}$ for fracture toughness) and comparatively low scatter (η = 10.39 and 9.2, respectively), indicating superior reliability. RSM quadratic models were developed for tensile strength, fracture toughness, thermal conductivity, acoustic attenuation, and water absorption, and were combined using desirability functions. The RSM optimization was found at 18.97% fiber content with a desirability index of 0.673, predicting 25.89 MPa tensile strength, 14.23 $\mathrm{M}\mathrm{P}\mathrm{a}\sqrt{\mathrm{m}}$ fracture toughness, 0.08 W/m·K thermal conductivity, 20.49 dB acoustic attenuation, and 5.11% water absorption. Overlaying Weibull cumulative distribution functions with RSM desirability surfaces linked probabilistic reliability zones (90–95% survival) to the deterministic optimization peak. This integration establishes a unified framework for designing natural fiber composites by embedding reliability into multi-property optimization. Full article

Tunnel construction in weak and fractured strata often faces risks such as tunnel face instability and large deformation of surrounding rock, which are difficult to effectively control using conventional support methods. Based on the engineering background of the No. 8# TA Tunnel in the F3 section of Georgia’s E60 Highway, this study employed ADECO-RS and developed a 3D numerical model with finite difference software to simulate full-face tunnel excavation process. The influence of advanced reinforcement measures on the stability of the surrounding rock was systematically investigated. The control effectiveness of different advanced reinforcement schemes was evaluated by comparing the displacement field, stress field, and plastic zone distribution of the surrounding rock under three conditions: no support, advanced pipe roof support, and a combination of pipe roof and glass fiber bolts. A comprehensive quantitative analysis of the synergistic effect of the combined reinforcement was also performed. The results indicated that significant extrusion deformation of the tunnel face and vault settlement occurred after excavation. The pressure arch developed within a range of 17.5 to 22 m above the tunnel vault. The surrounding rock of this tunnel was classified as type B (short-term stable). Deformation primarily occurred within one tunnel diameter ahead of the face, with the deformation rate significantly reduced after support. Advanced pipe roof support effectively restrained surrounding rock deformation, while the combination of advanced pipe roof and glass fiber bolts delivered better performance: reducing final convergence by 73.10%, pre-convergence by 82.69%, and face extrusion by 87.66%. The combined support also contracted the pressure arch boundaries from 17.5 to 22 m to 6–12.5 m, reduced the extent of major principal stress deflection, and significantly shrinks the plastic zone. Glass fiber bolts played a key role in controlling plastic zone expansion and ensuring stability. This study provides theoretical and numerical references for safe construction and advanced support design in tunnels under complex geological conditions. Full article

Focused ultrasound-stimulated microbubble (MB + FUS) therapy is a promising radiation enhancement strategy, utilizing vascular disruption to enhance radiation efficacy. However, its mechanistic effects in large tumour volumes and clinical translatability remain insufficiently characterized. This study evaluates the synergistic impact of MB + FUS combined with radiation therapy (XRT) in a large-scale, immunosuppressed rabbit xenograft model using a clinically adaptable, MRI-guided 6144-element focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) system. Tumours were treated with MB + FUS, XRT, or both, with real-time image-guided MB activation and evaluation of treatment effects on vascular integrity, proliferation, and cellular stress responses. Assessments included Power Doppler ultrasound, histology, and immunohistochemistry targeting TUNEL, ASMase, Ki-67, Factor VIII, HIF-1α, and VEGF. Combination therapy induced significant vascular collapse, reduced perfusion, and decreased Factor VIII expression, alongside increased nuclear condensation, TUNEL positivity, and ASMase expression, consistent with ASMase-mediated endothelial apoptosis and vascular disruption. Upregulation of HIF-1α and VEGF indicated hypoxia-driven angiogenic signalling, while Ki-67 suppression reflected sustained tumour growth inhibition. Although immune responses were limited by host immunosuppression, the larger tumour burden provided clinically relevant constraints. The MRgFUS platform enabled precise and reproducible MB activation, reinforcing MB + FUS as a potent radio-enhancement modality. These findings support the continued development of MB + FUS toward clinical translation and highlight its potential as a complementary strategy to radiation therapy. Full article

Pediatric type 1 diabetes (T1D) disrupts musculoskeletal development during critical windows of growth, puberty, and peak bone mass accrual. Beyond classic micro- and macrovascular complications, accumulating evidence shows a dual burden of diabetic bone disease—reduced bone mineral density, microarchitectural deterioration, and higher fracture risk—and diabetic myopathy, characterized by loss of muscle mass, diminished strength, and metabolic dysfunction. Mechanistically, chronic hyperglycemia, absolute or functional insulin deficiency, and glycemic variability converge to suppress PI3K–AKT–mTOR signaling, activate FoxO-driven atrogenes (atrogin-1, MuRF1), and impair satellite-cell biology; advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) and RAGE signaling stiffen extracellular matrix and promote low-grade inflammation (IL-6, TNF-α/IKK/NF-κB), while oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction further compromise the bone–muscle unit. In vitro, ex vivo, and human studies consistently link these pathways to lower BMD and trabecular/cortical quality, reduced muscle performance, and increased fractures—associations magnified by poor metabolic control and longer disease duration. Prevention prioritizes tight, stable glycemia, daily physical activity with weight-bearing and progressive resistance training, and optimized nutrition (adequate protein, calcium, vitamin D). Treatment is individualized: supervised exercise-based rehabilitation (including neuromuscular and flexibility training) is the cornerstone of skeletal muscle health. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the mechanisms underlying the impact of type 1 diabetes on musculoskeletal system. It critically appraises evidence from in vitro studies, animal models, and clinical research in children, it also explores the effects of prevention and treatment. Full article

Background/Objectives: In recent years, silver complexes have shown strong antibacterial, antifungal, and antitumor activity with high selectivity toward cancer cells. Their cytotoxic effects are mainly linked to apoptosis induction, DNA damage, and enzyme inhibition, while the antitumor activity of silver(I) complexes with S-alkyl thiosalicylic acid derivatives remains unexplored. Methods: Silver(I) complexes with S-alkyl derivatives of thiosalicylic acid (C1–C5) were obtained through the direct reaction of silver(I) nitrate, the corresponding ligand of thiosalicylic acid, and a sodium hydroxide solution. The interactions between the complexes and CT-DNA/BSA were studied using UV-Vis, fluorescence spectroscopy, and molecular docking studies. The cytotoxic capacity of the newly synthesized complexes was assessed by an MTT assay. Results: Complexes C1–C5 exhibited strong cytotoxicity against murine and human breast (4T1, MDA-MB-468), colon (CT26, HCT116), and lung (LLC1, A549) cancer cell lines. The C3 complex significantly diminished tumor progression in an orthotropic mammary carcinoma model while demonstrating good systemic tolerance. Conclusions: The tested complex C3 triggered apoptosis in 4T1 cells by altering the delicate balance between pro- and anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family members, increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and reducing mitochondrial membrane depolarization. Moreover, the C3 arrested the 4T1 cell cycle in G0/G1 phase, decreasing the expression of cyclin D3 and increasing the expression of p16, p21, and p27. Full article

Obesity is characterized by chronic low-grade inflammation, largely driven by macrophage infiltration into adipose tissue, which contributes to the development of insulin resistance. All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), a biologically active metabolite of vitamin A, has demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties. This study examined the effects of ATRA on inflammation and insulin resistance using a coculture model comprising hypertrophied 3T3-L1 adipocytes and RAW264.7 macrophages. Coculture markedly elevated the production of pro-inflammatory mediators—including nitric oxide, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interleukin-6—and increased free fatty acid release while suppressing the secretion of anti-inflammatory adiponectin. Treatment with ATRA (0.1, 1, and 10 μM) significantly reversed these coculture-induced alterations (p < 0.001). ATRA also inhibited the nuclear translocation of NF-κB and downregulated the expression of retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4). Moreover, ATRA improved insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in adipocytes rendered insulin-resistant by coculture (p < 0.01), an effect associated with the restoration of glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) and insulin receptor substrate-2 (IRS-2) expression. These findings suggest that ATRA effectively mitigates inflammation and insulin resistance arising from adipocyte–macrophage interactions, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic agent for obesity-related metabolic disorders. Full article

The global demand for processed foods has increased reliance on synthetic phenolic antioxidants (SPAs), including tert-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ), a widely used additive to prevent lipid oxidation and extend shelf life. TBHQ is considered safe at present regulated levels; however, studies suggest potential adverse effects, including oxidative stress, genotoxicity, and impacts on immune function, raising concerns about human health and ecological risks. Herein, we investigated the immunomodulatory effects of TBHQ on RAW 264.7 murine macrophages pre-exposed to 0.1, 1, and 5 µM TBHQ and then stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly I:C, PIC) to model bacterial and viral immune challenges. We then used functional assays and transcriptomic profiling to assess inflammatory responses and oxidative stress signaling. TBHQ reduced nitric oxide production and IL-10 secretion at the highest non-cytotoxic dose, and enhanced phagocytosis and IL-6 secretion at the lowest concentrations. Overall, transcriptomics revealed significant downregulation of proinflammatory pathways and induction of glutathione and xenobiotic metabolism. Pre-treatment with TBHQ increased gene transcript counts of key metabolic genes/transporters such as Cbr3, Adh7, Gstp1/3, Gsta3, Hmox1 and Gclm. Following treatment with LPS or PIC several genes for classical proinflammatory chemokines and cytokines such as Cxcl2, Ccl2, Ccl12, Acod1, Ptgs2, Nos2, and Il6 were downregulated. Genes involved in NF-κB signaling, such as Nfkbia, Nfkb1, and Ikbke were also downregulated. Our study suggests that the induction of Nrf2-related antioxidant pathways by TBHQ is the main driver for reduced inflammatory signaling in macrophages. Full article

A phosphogypsum flotation tailings-derived zeolite (PGTZ) was synthesized from the tailings produced during the reverse flotation of phosphogypsum through alkaline fusion and hydrothermal treatment. The response surface methodology (RSM) utilizing a three-level Box–Behnken design (BBD) was used to assess the adsorption of MB by PGTZ. Polynomial regression models were developed to analyze the effects of process parameters on adsorption capacity (q_e). The maximum MB adsorption occurred under the following optimized conditions: PGTZ dosage = 5.31 g·L⁻¹; initial MB concentration = 294.59 mg·L⁻¹; pH = 7.42; and adsorption time = 187.89 min. Additionally, adsorption isotherm and kinetic models were fitted to the experimental data to determine model parameters. The Langmuir isotherm model and pseudo-second-order kinetic model incorporating intraparticle diffusion were able to effectively predict MB adsorption onto PGTZ. Thermodynamic analyses indicated that the adsorption process was spontaneous, with strong chemical interactions between MB and PGTZ. Full article

Background/Objectives: Neuroinflammatory mechanisms, primarily mediated by activated microglia, play a key role in the progression of conditions such as mild cognitive impairment associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Rubus occidentalis (R. occidentalis), a black-fruited raspberry native to North America, is reported to possess antimicrobial, antidiabetic, and anticancer properties. This study investigated the neuroprotective and anti-neuroinflammatory effects of a 100% ethanol extract from premature R. occidentalis fruits (ROE) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated BV-2 microglial cells and a scopolamine-induced amnesic mouse model. Methods: C57BL/6N mice were orally administered ROE (100 or 200 mg/kg/b.w.) and donepezil (DNZ, 5 mg/kg) for 9 days and intraperitoneally injected with scopolamine (2 mg/kg/b.w.) for two days. Spatial learning and cognitive function were assessed using the Y-maze and Morris water maze tests. Protein and mRNA levels were examined both in vitro and in vivo through Western blotting and RT-PCR analysis. Results: In vitro, ROE improved cell viability and reduced nitric oxide overproduction in LPS-stimulated BV-2 cells, attenuated LPS-induced phosphorylation and degradation of IκB-α (thereby limiting NF-κB p65 nuclear translocation), and suppressed phosphorylation of MAPK signaling components. In vivo, ROE administration enhanced spatial learning and memory in scopolamine-treated C57BL/6N mice, increased hippocampal levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and phosphorylated CREB, and reduced the expression of iNOS and COX-2. Conclusions: Collectively, these results suggest that ROE possesses neuroprotective properties mediated by inhibition of NF-κB and MAPK signaling, promotion of CREB/BDNF pathways, and amelioration of neuroinflammation and cognitive deficits. Thus, ROE may represent a promising therapeutic candidate for neuroinflammatory disorders. Full article

Breast cancer gene 1 (BRCA1) is a tumor suppressor gene essential for DNA repair, and its mutations are linked to aggressive breast cancers with poor prognosis. While poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors benefit some patients with BRCA1-mutant, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative metastatic breast cancer, issues such as limited efficacy and drug resistance persist. This is especially critical for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), which lacks targeted therapies. Cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 (CDK4/6) inhibitors such as abemaciclib—FDA-approved for estrogen receptor (ER)-positive/HER2-negative breast cancer—are emerging as potential treatments for TNBC. We evaluated abemaciclib in BRCA1-mutant TNBC cell lines (SUM149, HCC1937, and MDA-MB-436) and found them to be sensitive to the drug. However, treatment induced cellular senescence and Interleukin-6 (IL-6) secretion, which may promote drug resistance. To address this, we inhibited IL-6 signaling using bazedoxifene or glycoprotein 130 (GP130) siRNA, and both of which enhanced abemaciclib sensitivity. Combination treatment with bazedoxifene and abemaciclib synergistically inhibited cell migration and invasion, and induced apoptosis. In a mammary fat pad TNBC tumor model, the combination treatment significantly suppressed SUM149 tumor growth more than either agent alone. These findings support co-targeting IL-6 and CDK4/6 as a novel therapeutic strategy for BRCA1-mutant TNBC. Full article

This study reports the construction and validation of a CAFLUX (Chemically Activated Fluorescent Expression) HepG2 reporter cell line engineered to express a histone H2B–green fluorescent protein (H2B–GFP) fusion protein under the control of a dioxin-responsive cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1) promoter. A lentiviral construct containing a synthetic promoter with multiple dioxin-responsive elements (DREs) upstream of the H2B–EGFP coding sequence was cloned into the pFUGW vector, packaged in human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293FT cells, and used to transduce HepG2 hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Stable clones obtained by limiting dilution were screened for GFP expression in response to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). The resulting CAFLUX HepG2 cells exhibited dose-dependent nuclear GFP fluorescence when exposed to aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) agonists, with limits of detection of approximately 0.01 pM for TCDD and 0.1 pM for benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH). This reporter activity correlated with endogenous CYP1A1 mRNA expression as determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), confirming that GFP signals reflected native transcriptional responses. In functional assays, curcumin suppressed GFP expression in a concentration-dependent manner and induced apoptotic morphology at higher doses, while extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) significantly reduced both GFP fluorescence and CYP1A1 mRNA levels, suggesting an inhibitory effect on AhR-driven transcription. The CAFLUX HepG2 reporter system therefore provides a sensitive and reproducible platform for real-time, nuclear-localized monitoring of AhR-mediated gene expression. Its responsiveness to both agonists and antagonists underscores its potential utility in toxicological evaluation, drug discovery, and the investigation of EV-mediated signaling in liver cancer models. Full article

Barium carbonate (BaCO₃) nanoparticles were synthesized by a facile hydrolysis route using BaCl₂ and KOH in aqueous solution, with atmospheric CO₂ as the carbonate source, without external agents. Their structural and morphological properties were investigated by XRD, ATR-FTIR, SEM, and BET, confirming the formation of a pure orthorhombic witherite phase with rod-like morphology and different surface specific areas. The crystallite size increased from 52 to 86 nm with higher precursor concentration and synthesis temperature, as predicted by a regression model correlating synthesis parameter with particle growth. When incorporated into polymer (PVC) and geopolymer (GP) matrices, BaCO₃ enhanced the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) under solar light, with GP@Nano-BaCO₃ achieving a higher rate constant compared to PVC@Nano-BaCO₃. The results highlight that the synthesis strategy yields well-defined BaCO₃ nanoparticles with tunable structural features and promising photocatalytic potential when integrated in functional polymer matrices. Future work will address doping strategies and testing in real wastewater conditions. Overall, this synthesis strategy offers a reproducible and environmentally friendly route to BaCO₃ nanoparticles with potential applications in hybrid materials for visible light-driven environmental remediation. Full article