Search Results (271)

Water-content changes in the upper few centimeters control the evaporation response, but this layer is difficult to measure at millimeter-scale spacing. We evaluated a printed-circuit-board-based multi-TDR probe (MTP) in a homogeneous sand column. The probe has eight three-wire measurement sections at depths of 0.28–2.52 cm. Electric-field simulation showed that the response of each section was localized around the embedded conductors, so the measured permittivity had to be treated as a probe-specific response. Calibration against gravimetrically determined water content confirmed that the ε_MTP–θ relationship differed from the standard Topp equation and required section-specific calibration. The calibrated MTP estimates agreed with the gravimetric reference values, with R² = 0.996 and root mean square error (RMSE) = 0.0075 m³ m⁻³. During evaporation, MTP-derived profiles in the upper 0–30 mm were compared with HYDRUS-1D simulations constrained by pressure-head, mass-loss, and water-retention data. The MTP–HYDRUS comparison gave a pooled RMSE of 0.0376 m³ m⁻³ and a weighted mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.0282 m³ m⁻³, with the largest differences in the upper 0–20 mm. The results indicate that the MTP can provide independent millimeter-scale water-content profiles for checking near-surface water redistribution and for identifying depths where simulated surface-layer θ profiles depart from direct observations. Full article

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effects of nature-based immersive virtual reality (IVR) applied during dry needling (DN) on pain experienced during the procedure and on immediate and short-term post-intervention outcomes, compared with traditional DN, with a primary focus on immediate post-intervention pain intensity. Methods: In this single-blinded randomized controlled trial, participants were randomly assigned to the control (DN) or experimental (DN + IVR) group. Eligible participants were healthy individuals with identifiable latent myofascial trigger points (MTPs) in the quadriceps muscles. The primary outcome was pain intensity, measured using a numerical rating scale (NRS), immediately after the intervention. Secondary outcomes included pressure pain threshold (PPT) and pain intensity at follow-up time points (1, 6, and 24 h). Linear mixed-effects models were used to analyze the effects of group, time, and their interactions. Results: A total of 40 participants (control group, n = 21, 21.7 ± 3.1 years, 15 males; experimental group, n = 19, 22.4 ± 3.7 years, 11 males) were included. The DN + IVR group showed significantly lower pain intensity immediately after the intervention than the DN group (p = 0.032). Pain intensity decreased over time in both groups (p < 0.001), with no significant intergroup differences at later time points (all p > 0.05). For PPT, a significant effect of time was observed (p < 0.001), but no significant group × time interaction was observed. Conclusions: Nature-based IVR may reduce immediate procedural pain associated with dry needling, although these effects are not sustained over time. IVR may be a useful non-pharmacological strategy for pain relief during invasive physiotherapy procedures. Full article

Background: Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is characterized by myocardial inflammation, apoptosis, and fibrosis that contribute to ventricular remodeling and dysfunction. We investigated the effects of 5-methoxytryptophan (5-MTP) on histopathological and molecular markers of myocardial remodeling in a rat model of DCM. Methods: Forty-eight Sprague–Dawley rats with DCM induced by a high-fat high-fructose diet and low-dose streptozotocin (25 mg/kg) were randomized to control or 5-MTP treatment (25, 50, or 100 mg/kg) and evaluated after 8, 16, and 32 days. Histopathological assessment using hematoxylin–eosin and Masson’s trichrome staining, along with immunohistochemical analysis of inflammatory, apoptotic, and fibrotic markers, was performed. Results: Myocardial inflammatory histopathological scores did not differ significantly among groups. Myocardial fibrosis assessed by Masson’s trichrome staining was significantly reduced at day 16 (p = 0.020), with all 5-MTP doses demonstrating lower fibrosis scores than DCM controls. Collagen I expression did not differ significantly. Caspase-3 expression was significantly reduced in all treatment groups at day 16 (p = 0.029), with persistent reduction at day 32 only in the 100 mg/kg group (p = 0.004). Early molecular modulation was observed through reduced TGF-β expression at day 8 in the 25 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg groups, followed by reduced SMAD3 expression at day 16 in the 25 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg groups. At day 16, AKT expression increased in the 25 mg/kg group, while cytoplasmic NF-κB expression decreased in the 25 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg groups. Conclusion: 5-MTP demonstrated time-dependent changes in molecular and histopathological markers associated with myocardial remodeling in experimental DCM. Full article

This study comprehensively examines the whole-genome sequence and probiotic potential of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei RM081, a strain originally isolated from raw bovine milk. Whole-genome sequencing and in silico analyses provided a robust molecular basis for its functional traits. The L. paracasei RM081 genome harbors an extensive repertoire of carbohydrate-active enzymes, suggesting strong prebiotic utilization capabilities. Crucially, genomic mining identified key genetic determinants for postbiotic synthesis, including the potential to synthesize the anti-inflammatory metabolite 5-methoxytryptophan (5-MTP). Moreover, comprehensive safety evaluations confirmed the absence of transferable antimicrobial resistance genes, virulence factors, biogenic amine-producing genes, and plasmids, indicating a secure genomic architecture without horizontal gene transfer risks. These genomic predictions were further substantiated by valid in vitro phenotypic models. The strain exhibited strong tolerance to gastric acid, maintaining high viability at pH 3.5 and 2.5 after 4 h, and survived well at 0.1% bile salt concentration. Furthermore, L. paracasei RM081 demonstrated robust cell surface properties, with a high auto-aggregation rate (85.0 ± 0.7%), hydrophobicity (71.5 ± 2.4%), and 78.0 ± 4.8% adhesion to Caco-2 intestinal epithelial cells, supporting its potential for colonization. Regarding antioxidant capacity, the cell-free supernatant displayed the highest DPPH scavenging activity (37%), indicating the active secretion of antioxidative metabolites. Collectively, these findings establish L. paracasei RM081 as a highly promising, safe probiotic and postbiotic candidate with verified colonization potential and functional capabilities. Full article

Introduction: Biofilms are communities of microorganisms on wet or moist surfaces that are difficult to remove and can repeatedly release microorganisms. This causes significant problems in many areas, such as food technology and medicine, as biofilms can cause fatal infections in patients. One approach that has not yet been extensively researched is to prevent biofilm formation on surfaces by irradiating them with visible blue or violet light, which is known for its antimicrobial effect on planktonic bacteria. Methods: Various bacterial suspensions (Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas stutzeri, Streptococcus cristatus and Pseudomonas syringae) were placed in 24-well MTPs (microtiter plates) and irradiated with violet or blue light for up to 6 days. During this time, they were shaken at room temperature at a frequency of 100 rpm. The irradiation intensities were 0, 10 or 20 mW/cm². After each day, the bacterial suspension was aspirated and the biofilm at the bottom of the well was assessed by absorption measurement and microscopy images. Results: Besides B. subtilis, thin biofilms were found on all well bottoms after 24 h, even on the irradiated microtiter plates. In general, however, the biofilm absorption/scattering was lower on the irradiated MTPs than on the non-irradiated ones. For B. subtilis, irradiation prevented biofilm formation during the observation period. Surprisingly, in most experiments, blue light had a stronger effect than violet light, which does not correspond to the experiences with planktonic bacteria. Conclusion: Violet and blue light exhibits a positive effect on suppressing the formation of new biofilm, but the applied maximum irradiance of 20 mW/cm² was unable to prevent the formation of new biofilm for most of the examined bacteria. Further investigations with higher irradiance levels are necessary to determine whether it is possible to inhibit the formation of new biofilm altogether. Full article

In this work, we develop machine-learned moment tensor potentials (MTPs) to simulate the static and dynamic structural properties in Al_xGa_1−xN and related materials. The potentials are trained on DFT-calculated data for forces, stresses, and energies obtained from random atomic displacements and cell deformations. MTP-calculated physical properties, including lattice parameters and elastic constants, thermal expansion, harmonic and anharmonic vibrational properties, and the thermal conductivity, are benchmarked against first-principles results and experimental data. The comparisons testify to the very high accuracy achieved by the machine-learned potentials despite the massively reduced computational effort. Additionally, the impact of various aspects of the MTP training procedure is examined. Full article

Background: Atherosclerosis is the major pathological basis of cardiovascular diseases, while current lipid-lowering therapies remain limited by suboptimal efficacy and safety. Natural flavonoids, with their multi-target pharmacological activities, are promising candidates for anti-atherosclerotic intervention. This study investigated the protective effects and mechanisms of total flavonoids from Berberis kaschgarica Rupr. (BTF) against high-fat diet (HFD)-induced atherosclerosis in ApoE^−/− mice. Methods: Bioavailable constituents of BTF were identified by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS. Network pharmacology and bioinformatics analyses were performed to predict therapeutic targets and pathways. Male ApoE^−/− mice were fed an HFD and treated with low, medium, or high doses of BTF or atorvastatin. Serum lipid profiles, oxidative stress markers, and aortic histopathology were evaluated. Hepatic proteins related to lipid metabolism were measured by Western blotting, and fecal gut microbiota were analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing. Results: Seven flavonoid monomers, including kaempferol, apigenin, calycosin, and dihydromyricetin, were identified as absorbed constituents in serum. Bioinformatics suggested that BTF regulates targets involved in lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, and inflammation. BTF dose-dependently decreased serum TC, TG, LDL-C, MDA, and LDH, while increasing HDL-C and the activities of SOD, GSH, and CAT. BTF also reduced atherosclerotic plaque formation and preserved aortic wall structure. Mechanistically, BTF downregulated hepatic SREBP1, ACC1, FAS, APOB, and MTP expression and improved HFD-induced gut microbiota dysbiosis by enriching Akkermansia and Lactobacillus. Conclusions: BTF attenuated HFD-induced atherosclerosis by improving lipid metabolism, enhancing antioxidant capacity, and modulating gut microbiota composition, supporting its potential as a natural anti-atherosclerotic agent. Full article

The dilution of lubricating oil with diesel oil (DO) is a significant operational problem in piston combustion engines, as it degrades lubrication conditions and may accelerate the wear of interacting components. This study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of selected thermophysical and electrical properties of lubricating oil for determining the degree of its dilution with diesel oil. The tests were conducted on mixtures of SAE 30 or SAE 40 lubricating oil with diesel oil over a concentration range of 0–100% m/m of the latter material. Changes in thermal conductivity, thermal effusivity, and breakdown voltage were examined as a function of the mixture’s fuel content. The thermal conductivity and effusivity of the tested oils were measured using the MTPS (Modified Transient Plane Source) transient method, while the breakdown voltage of the tested oils was measured at mains frequency using an apparatus in which the oil sample was exposed to an increasing electric field by gradually increasing the alternating voltage at a constant frequency until electrical breakdown occurred. An increase in the proportion of diesel oil caused a systematic linear decrease in thermal conductivity and thermal effusivity. A decreasing trend was also observed for breakdown voltage; however, this parameter exhibited significantly greater variation in results. The results indicate that thermal conductivity and thermal effusivity are more useful for assessing the degree of dilution of lubricating oil with DO than breakdown voltage. Full article

Many statistical problems can be addressed by applying a multiple testing procedure (MTP) that controls either the Family-Wise Error Rate (FWER) or False Discovery Rate (FDR) under unknown arbitrarily interdependent p-values, without explicitly modeling these inter-correlations. They include the FWER-controlling Bonferroni MTP and Holm MTP; the FDR-controlling Benjamini-Yekutieli MTP; and the DP-MTP, based on a Dirichlet process (DP) prior distribution supporting the entire space of MTPs that control either the FWER or the FDR. For such an MTP, this study introduces a new and congenial method for Bayesian predictive power analysis, for power calculation and sample size determination for any given planned future (e.g., replication or interim) study. This novel MTP predictive power analysis method is based on a joint prior distribution defining a scale matrix mixture of asymmetric multivariate normal mean-variance mixture distributions, factorized as a general prior distribution for effect sizes (e.g., obtained from expert judgment or results of prior studies), and a uniform prior distribution for correlation matrices representing arbitrary dependencies between p-values of test statistics of given multiple hypothesis tests under their alternative hypotheses. The new MTP power analysis method also results in p-value weights which can be used to minimize the relative impacts of and assess for significance-chasing biases (e.g., publication bias, p-hacking, etc.) in multiple testing, without needing to assume that p-values (effect sizes) are independent. Previous MTP power analysis methods are conditional in that they assume fixed effect sizes and a fixed correlation matrix for test statistics (p-values) which may be difficult to specify; while, incongenially, not fully accounting for their uncertainty, especially for MTPs that control either the FWER or FDR for arbitrarily correlated p-values. The new simulation-based MTP predictive power analysis method is illustrated through the analysis of p-values obtained by a famous study of lead exposure and re-analyzed by the previous MTP literature, using R package bnpMTP (v1.0). Full article

This study investigates the role of the Massive Transformative Purpose (MTP) in shaping corporate brand identity and guiding brand management strategies in Exponential Organizations (ExOs). It examines how the MTP aligns internal and external brand dimensions, enhances stakeholder engagement, and drives societal impact, positioning it as a central element in ExO brand management. This study employs a qualitative multiple-case study methodology focusing on two ExOs: Airbnb, a digital-native hospitality company, and Mylia, a transformative learning enterprise. Semi-structured interviews with senior executives were triangulated with internal and external data to examine how the MTP drives strategy, culture, and stakeholder engagement. This allowed the application of the Corporate Brand Identity Matrix for exploring the different corporate brand identities and the relative nuances. The findings show that the MTP is essential to shaping ExOs’ corporate brand identity. It unifies organizational purpose, culture, and strategy, creating a cohesive identity that resonates both internally and externally. Embedding the MTP into daily practices fosters alignment, guides decision-making, strengthens stakeholder relationships, and shapes value propositions that distinguish ExOs while addressing stakeholder needs. The research bridges gaps in the literature on corporate brand identity, organizational purpose, and the unique characteristics of ExOs. It introduces the MTP Management Model, which integrates ExO-specific attributes to provide deeper insights into how these organizations align operational structures and brand identity with their transformative purpose. While the multiple-case study approach offers in-depth insights, the findings are context-specific and may not be fully generalizable across industries. The MTP Management Model provides a clear framework to integrate essential attributes, ensuring organizational coherence, effective communication, and enhanced competitiveness. Full article

Adsorption properties of graphene oxide (GO) and its organo-modified analog (GO-HDTMA), treated with the hexadecyltrimethylammonium (HDTMA) cationic surfactant, were evaluated for the removal of persistent pharmaceutical products (PPs): an anionic diclofenac (DCF) anti-inflammatory, a cationic metoprolol (MTP) beta-blocker, and a nonionic sulfamethoxazole (SMX) antibiotic. Adsorption isotherms, fitted by Langmuir and Freundlich models, together with FTIR data, demonstrate that both GO and GO-HDTMA are effective adsorbents for DCF. The adsorption is primarily governed by both π–π and van der Waals interactions, leading to saturation of the accessible C sp² carbon domains at a maximum uptake of 4.2 mmol g⁻¹. In contrast, due to its cationic nature, MTP is not removed using GO-HDTMA, while it is effectively adsorbed at about 0.5 mmol g⁻¹ for GO via electrostatic attractive forces. SMX is adsorbed by both materials, although its uptake remains limited on GO. The presence of hydrophobic domains in GO-HDTMA enhances SMX adsorption through weak intermolecular interactions. These results highlight the tunability of GO-based hybrid materials and their potential for the selective removal of a large spectrum of emerging pharmaceutical contaminants. Full article

Purpose: To evaluate the accuracy and precision of both femoral and tibial bone resections in unrestricted kinematic alignment total knee arthroplasty (uKA TKA) performed with manual instrumentation, using postoperative digital caliper measurements. Methods: A retrospective study analyzing prospectively collected data on femoral and tibial resection thickness in 73 patients undergoing primary uKA TKA. Femoral cuts were performed with manual KA-optimized instrumentation in all cases. Tibial cuts were performed manually in 58 cases and with patient-specific instrumentation (PSI) in 15; PSI tibial resections were excluded from tibial analyses. Postoperatively, resection thickness was measured using a digital vernier caliper (0.2 mm resolution) at predefined sites: distal medial femur (DMF), distal lateral femur (DLF), posterior medial femur (PMF), posterior lateral femur (PLF), medial tibial plateau (MTP), and lateral tibial plateau (LTP). Resection error was defined as measured minus target thickness (mm). Accuracy was reported as mean signed error; precision as SD of signed error; absolute errors and error class distributions were also reported. Postoperative measurements reflect the accuracy and precision of the initial manual tibial resections, excluding any subsequent corrective cuts. Results: A total of 408 measurements were analyzed (292 femoral, 116 tibial). Mean signed error across resections was low and consistently negative (−0.15 to −0.31 mm), with infra-millimetric precision (SD 0.45 to 0.73 mm). Mean absolute errors remained low across sites (0.35 to 0.62 mm). The proportion of errors outside ±0.5 mm ranged from 21.1% (PLF) to 44.4% (LTP) and those outside ±1.0 mm from 1.4% (DMF) to 18.5% (LTP). No errors exceeded ±2.0 mm. Conclusions: Manual caliper-verified unrestricted KA TKA achieved high accuracy and precision for both femoral and tibial resections. However, these findings do not establish superiority over other techniques and do not account for final implant position, soft-tissue balance, or clinical outcomes. This study provides quantitative data on tibial resection accuracy in uKA TKA and may serve as a benchmark for evaluating the performance of technology-assisted techniques. Full article

Manganese (Mn) is essential for plants, but its fluctuating soil availability—deficiency in alkaline soils and toxicity in acidic soils—challenges crop productivity. Breakthroughs in Arabidopsis have uncovered Ca²⁺ signaling as a key integrator of Mn status. This review synthesizes these discoveries into an emerging Arabidopsis-centered framework. Under Mn deficiency, sustained Ca²⁺ oscillations activate CPK21/23, which phosphorylate the importer NRAMP1 at Thr498 to enhance Mn uptake. Under Mn excess, a rapid Ca²⁺ transient triggers a multi-layered cascade: CPK4/5/6/11 activates MTP8 (Ser31/32) for vacuolar sequestration, while CBL2/3–CIPK3/9/26 sequentially suppresses MTP8 (Ser35, peak 24 h) and MTP11 (Ser194/201, peak 36 h)—a multi-tiered “brake” system. Concurrently, CBL1/9–CIPK23 induces NRAMP1 endocytosis (Ser20/22) to limit Mn uptake. The IRT1 transporter directly binds cytoplasmic Mn²⁺ and triggers its own degradation via CIPK23, thereby converging with Ca²⁺ signaling. The BRI1–CNGC12 module generates Mn-induced Ca²⁺ signals. By organizing current knowledge into a hierarchical framework, this review provides a working model for future research and outlines translational opportunities for engineering Mn-resilient crops. Full article

This study aimed to investigate the ameliorative effects of glucuronolactone (GL) as a dietary additive on high-fat diet (HFD)-induced growth suppression and metabolic disorders in turbot. A 10-week feeding trial was conducted using juvenile turbot (16.7 ± 0.03 g). Two diets with different protein (%)/lipid (%) levels were formulated: PC (54/12) and NC (47/17). Based on the NC diet, three experimental diets were prepared by supplementing 200 (G200), 400 (G400), and 600 (G600) mg/kg of GL. The present results show that compared to the PC group, HFDs significantly inhibited the growth performance of turbot and induced severe metabolic disorders, hepatointestinal damage, and gut microbiota dysbiosis. Dietary GL supplementation effectively reversed these adverse effects. Specifically, compared to the NC group, GL supplementation significantly restored growth performance, enhanced non-specific immunity, and systematically improved metabolic health. In the liver, GL notably ameliorated tissue damage and downregulated key lipogenic genes (SREBP1, ACC, FAS, PPARγ), while upregulating genes involved in lipid oxidation and catabolism (PPARα1, CPT1, ACOX1, HSL, LPL) and lipid transport (ApoB100, MTP), thereby alleviating hepatic lipid deposition. Furthermore, GL activated the Nrf2/Keap1 antioxidant pathway, up-regulating the expression of genes such as SOD, CAT, GPX, and HO-1. It also suppressed the NF-κB-mediated inflammatory response (downregulation of IL-1β, IFN-γ and TNF-α2; upregulation of IL-10 and TGF-β2) and the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway (increased Bcl-2/Bax ratio; downregulation of Caspase3/7/9), collectively mitigating oxidative damage and cellular apoptosis. Moreover, GL restored intestinal morphology, enhanced the expression of tight junction proteins (Claudin-3, Claudin-7, ZO-1, Occludin) and MUC2, and inhibited MLCK signaling. These improvements led to a reduction in serum D-LA levels, indicating strengthened intestinal barrier function. Concurrently, GL reshaped the gut microbiota composition by enriching beneficial bacteria such as Akkermansia and suppressing potential pathogens like Listeria. In summary, GL effectively alleviated HFD-induced growth suppression and metabolic damage in turbot by improving lipid metabolism and alleviating hepatic injury, while concurrently restoring intestinal barrier integrity and microbiota homeostasis. Full article

Mainstream Large Language Models (LLMs) work under the paradigm of Next-Token Prediction (NTP). Multi-Token Prediction (MTP) is motivated by higher decoding efficiency, extending NTP to enable LLMs to draft multiple tokens during each forward pass. However, existing MTP approaches pretrain MTP along with the target LLM, making it difficult to unlock MTP for LLMs without official support. In this work, we propose a post-hoc approach to training an MTP module for a target LLM, providing an efficient way to evolve the LLM from NTP to MTP. The proposed approach features two main characteristics. (1) No changes to the target LLM, since it is frozen during MTP training. (2) Efficient MTP training via self-distillation from the target LLM’s native NTP capability. Results show that our approach can post-hoc train a performant MTP module via lightweight pretraining. Full article