Search Results (742)

The Large Hadron Collider forward (LHCf) experiment studies the production of neutral particles in the very forward region of high-energy hadronic collisions at the LHC. These measurements provide essential calibration data for hadronic interaction models used in simulations of extensive air showers initiated by ultra-high-energy cosmic rays. The LHCf experiment measures forward-produced neutral particles, such as neutrons, photons, ${\pi }^0$, and $\eta$ mesons, which play a key role in the development of extensive air showers. Proton–proton collisions at the LHC reach center-of-mass energies up to 13.6 TeV, corresponding in the fixed-target frame to cosmic-ray interactions at energies close to 10¹⁷ eV in the Earth’s atmosphere. LHCf has collected data in proton–proton collisions at several energies, as well as in proton–lead collisions, enabling detailed comparisons between experimental results and predictions of hadronic interaction models. This contribution reviews the most significant LHCf results, with emphasis on Run II proton–proton data at $\sqrt{s}=13\mathrm{TeV}$, including measurements of forward neutron, photon, and $\eta$ meson production. Finally, future prospects are discussed, focusing on ongoing analyses of Run III proton–proton data at $\sqrt{s}=13.6\mathrm{TeV}$ and on the final LHCf operation in proton-oxygen collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}=9.6\mathrm{TeV}$, which best reproduces cosmic-ray interactions with nuclei of the Earth’s atmosphere. Full article

Accurate mapping of soil total nitrogen (STN) is fundamental for advancing sustainable and precision soil management. While digital soil mapping (DSM) has increasingly relied on Earth observation (EO) data, the potential of various synthetic aperture radar (SAR) features, particularly interferometric coherence and texture, remains underexplored for large-scale STN prediction. This study aimed to systematically evaluate the potential of multiple Sentinel-1 SAR-derived features, including backscatter coefficients, interferometric coherence, and texture metrics, for modeling and mapping STN across the Iberian Peninsula. We integrated 4296 soil samples from the 2018 LUCAS dataset with multi-source environmental covariates processed via the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform. Nine modeling scenarios were designed to compare individual and combined contributions of Sentinel-1, Sentinel-2, topographic, and climatic variables using random forest (RF) and extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) algorithms. The results indicated that the selection of SAR-derived features significantly influences prediction accuracy. Among individual Sentinel-1 feature groups, texture metrics and interferometric coherence outperformed the traditionally used backscatter coefficients, emphasizing their effectiveness in STN mapping. Specifically, texture-based and coherence-based models achieved R² values of 0.34 to 0.35 and 0.33, respectively, whereas backscatter-only models yielded the lowest accuracy (R² = 0.29 to 0.30). The integration of all three radar categories substantially improved performance (R² = 0.39 to 0.42), surpassing the performance of models based solely on Sentinel-2 optical data (R² = 0.33 to 0.34). The most comprehensive model, which combined multi-source EO data with topographic and climatic variables, achieved the highest overall accuracy with R² values of 0.51 for RF and 0.52 for XGBoost. Variable importance analysis confirmed that satellite-derived variables were the most influential group. Spatial predictions successfully captured the heterogeneity of STN across the peninsula, with higher concentrations in humid, mountainous regions and lower values in arid central plateaus and southern regions. This study demonstrates that integrating diverse Sentinel-1 radar information, particularly coherence and texture, provides a robust alternative or complement to optical data, offering a powerful tool for large-scale soil property mapping. Full article

Background/Objectives: Accurate and reproducible wound measurement is essential for monitoring healing and guiding treatment decisions. Conventional ruler-based techniques are prone to geometric overestimation and operator variability. This study evaluated the accuracy and reproducibility of the MolecuLightDX wound imaging device for measuring wound surface area and depth compared with ruler-based measurements and ground truth digital photography methods. Methods: This investigation comprised two companion studies: a prospective, paired, multicenter clinical study comparing MolecuLightDX measurement with the ruler method against an image-based ground truth, and a bench and clinical validation of the AutoDepth feature against a calibrated three-dimensional optical scanner. The area of study included 17 benchtop wound models and enrolled 27 patients (33 wounds; area range: 0.56–23.04 cm²) across two wound care centers, and the AutoDepth study included 17 benchtop wound models and 34 clinical wounds (depth range: 0.06–4.13 cm). Accuracy, intra- and inter-user variability, and agreement were assessed using the mean percentage error (MPE), coefficient of variation (CV), intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), and Bland–Altman analysis. Results: The device demonstrated high accuracy and reproducibility for both wound surface area and depth measurements compared with ruler-based and ground truth digital photography methods. The MPE for surface area was <10%, representing a tenfold improvement over ruler estimation (77.9%). For wound area, intra- and inter-user CVs were <10%, and for depth, ICCs were ≈0.99. Conclusions: The MolecuLightDX device provides accurate and consistent wound area and depth measurements across diverse wound types, demonstrating superior accuracy and reproducibility compared with conventional ruler-based methods and supporting its integration into wound assessment workflows. Full article

Inoculation is serious business, but that does not mean it cannot be viewed through a perspective of humor, nor that humor cannot be part of the process of attitude resistance. This applies to both medical and communication-based inoculation, with scientists examining how humor could function as an adjuvant and facilitate resistance to persuasive attacks. Though relatively limited, considerations of humor have been part of inoculation theory from the beginning—dating back from McGuire’s seminal 1964 review to the prominent role of humor in modern gamified inoculation interventions against misinformation. In this article, we explore humor’s role in inoculation theory, review emerging research, and propose promising directions for future theory and application. Full article

This study evaluates the ability of three classification procedures to distinguish areas with different levels of atmospheric pollution, based on biomonitoring carried out by analyzing the color and spectral characteristics of mulberry (Morus L.) and linden (Tilia L.) leaves. Sampling was carried out in areas that were grouped into four classes according to the concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10) and gaseous pollutants (TVOC, NOx, SOx, CO, and eCO₂), measured using a specialized multisensor device. A total of 57 informative features were analyzed, representing indices obtained from two color models (RGB and Lab), as well as from VIS and NIR spectral characteristics measured for the adaxial and abaxial leaf surfaces. The data processing methodology includes feature selection using the ReliefF method and a comparative analysis between two approaches to dimensionality reduction—principal components (PC) and latent variables (LV). The results indicate that data reduction using PC provides significantly higher accuracy and better class separability, regardless of the classifier used, compared to LV, where errors exceed 40%. The comparison between classifiers shows a clear superiority of nonlinear models. While linear discriminant analysis demonstrates low efficiency, quadratic discriminant analysis (Q and DQ) and SVM with radial basis function (RBF) achieve high accuracy of class separability, reaching 100% in the SVM-RBF model for both tree species. The study also reveals functional asymmetry: the adaxial side of the leaves is more informative for spectral indices, while the abaxial side is more sensitive to color changes. The results confirm that the combined optical characteristics obtained from the leaf surface of bioindicators form a reliable method for ecological monitoring of air quality in urban areas. Full article

Blood platelets are derived from megakaryocytes with functions extending beyond hemostasis to inflammation, immunity, and cancer. Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are clonal stem cell disorders driven by somatic mutations affecting JAK-STAT signaling, leading to excessive myeloid proliferation. Thrombosis affects approximately one-fifth of patients at diagnosis and remains elevated throughout the disease course, while the paradoxical coexistence of bleeding further complicates clinical management. In addition, MPNs may progress to advanced disease stages, including bone marrow fibrosis and transformation to acute myeloid leukemia, leading to ineffective hematopoiesis, worsening symptom burden, and poor clinical outcomes. This review outlines how peripherally circulating platelets provide a unique window into MPN pathophysiology, with emphasis on their functional and molecular abnormalities. We summarize current understanding of platelet-mediated hemostatic imbalance across MPN subtypes. We discuss the potential of platelet transcriptomics and proteomics to reveal disease-specific signatures. We further highlight emerging platelet-associated candidates with potential utility as dynamic biomarkers for both the pathological marrow niche and thrombotic and bleeding risk. Together, these insights underscore the potential of platelet-based approaches to complement existing diagnostic and prognostic strategies in MPNs. Full article

The 2x2 Demonstrator, a prototype for the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) liquid argon (LAr) Near Detector, was exposed to the Neutrinos from the Main Injector (NuMI) neutrino beam at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (Fermilab). This detector is a prototype of a new modular design for a liquid argon time-projection chamber (LArTPC), comprising a two-by-two array of four modules, each further segmented into two optically isolated LArTPCs. The 2x2 Demonstrator features a number of pioneering technologies, including a low-profile resistive field shell to establish drift fields, native 3D ionization pixelated imaging, and a high-coverage dielectric light readout system. The 2.4-tonne active mass detector is flanked upstream and downstream by supplemental solid-scintillator tracking planes, repurposed from the MINERvA experiment, which track ionizing particles exiting the argon volume. The antineutrino beam data collected by the detector over a 4.5 day period in 2024 include over 30,000 neutrino interactions in the LAr active volume—the first neutrino interactions reported by a DUNE detector prototype. During its physics-quality run, the 2x2 Demonstrator operated at a nominal drift field of 500 V/cm and maintained good LAr purity, with a stable electron lifetime of approximately 1.25 ms. This paper describes the detector and supporting systems, summarizes the installation and commissioning, and presents the initial validation of collected NuMI beam and off-beam self-triggers. In addition, it highlights observed interactions in the detector volume, including candidate muon antineutrino events. Full article

Background/Objectives: Dapagliflozin is an SGLT2 inhibitor prescribed for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus. The drug lowers blood glucose levels by increasing urinary glucose excretion (UGE). Despite established efficacy, dapagliflozin demonstrates significant inter-individual variability in pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD), with potential impact on treatment outcomes. Methods: To evaluate the sources of variability and to support patient stratification and model-informed individualized therapy, we developed a physiologically based pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PBPK/PD) model of dapagliflozin using curated data from 28 clinical studies. This framework integrates absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and pharmacodynamics, and accounts for key determinants of variability including renal and hepatic function, and food effects. Results: The simulations reproduced dose-dependent pharmacokinetics with predicted C_max and AUC values typically within 10–15% of observed data. Renal impairment reduced UGE by 40–60% despite modest changes in plasma exposure, while hepatic impairment produced only small shifts in PK and PD. The model also reproduced the fed-state reduction of peak concentrations, consistent with the 30–50% decrease reported clinically. Conclusions: All model files, code, and curated datasets are openly available in line with FAIR standards and Open Science practices, enabling transparent and reproducible analyses and providing a mechanistic basis for individualized therapy in type 2 diabetes. Full article

Elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.) and linden (Tilia cordata Mill.) flower extracts are known for their pro-healthy properties. Various extraction methods, both conventional (Soxhlet) and advanced (ultrasound assisted extraction, UAE, accelerated solvent extraction, ASE, and matrix solid phase dispersion, MSPD), were applied to obtain ethanol–water extracts from the plants. The biological profiles, the total polyphenol content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) in the extracts were determined spectrophotometrically. Almost 40 compounds were identified in extracts by means of HPLC-MS/MS. The contents of the chosen phenolic acids (chlorogenic, p-coumaric, protocatechuic, and gallic) and flavonoids (rutin, catechin, quercetin, kaempferol, apigenin, and naringenin) were determined by HPLC-DAD. It was observed that the elderflower extracts contained higher levels of the compounds investigated than did the linden extracts. Chlorogenic acid was the main phenolic acid in the majority of extracts form the elderberry flower, whereas in the linden extracts, it was protocatechuic acid. Nevertheless, rutin was the main component of both plant extracts. The cytotoxicity of the elderberry and linden flower extracts against VERO, FaDu, H1HeLa, and RKO cell lines were subsequently examined. The elderflower extracts exerted no cytotoxicity, whereas linden extracts showed selective cytotoxicity against FaDu and RKO cells with CC₅₀ of 54.35 and 46.27 µg/mL, respectively. The antiviral potential of the extracts against HHV-1, CVB3, and HRV14 were also examined. The results demonstrate antiviral activity against HHV-1, particularly for linden flower extract in concentration of 62.5 µg/mL. Full article

Time-resolved (TR) resonance Raman (RR) spectroscopy with continuous-wave excitation is a fundamental technique that has contributed substantially to the understanding of the structure and dynamics of retinal proteins. However, the underlying principles were developed about fifty years ago for instrumentation that is hardly in use anymore. Thus, the adaptation of the technique to the current state-of-the-art equipment is needed to satisfy the increasing demand for the spectroscopic characterization of novel retinal proteins. In this work, we focus on pump–probe TR RR experiments with a confocal spectrometer using a rotating cell. We define the parameters ensuring fresh-sample condition and the photochemical innocence of the probe beam as a prerequisite for studying retinal proteins that undergo a cyclic photoinduced reaction sequence. For the measurements of intermediate states and reaction kinetics, pump–probe experiments are required in which the two laser beams hit the flowing sample with a defined but variable delay time. An appropriate set-up for such two-beam experiments with a confocal spectrometer is proposed and tested in TR experiments of bacteriorhodopsin. The comparison with the results obtained with classical slit spectrometers using a 90-degree scattering illustrates the advantages and disadvantages of the confocal arrangement. It is shown that modern confocal spectrometers substantially decrease the spectra acquisition time but require a more demanding optical set-up. Furthermore, the extent of photoconversion by the pump beam is lower than for the 90-degree-scattering arrangement, which reduces the accuracy of kinetic measurements. Full article

Background/Objectives: Losartan, an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) used to treat hypertension and heart failure, shows significant variability in pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) among individuals. Methods: In this study, we developed a physiologically based pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PBPK/PD) model of losartan and its active metabolite, E3174, using curated data from 25 clinical trials. The model mechanistically describes the processes of absorption, hepatic metabolism, renal and fecal excretion, and pharmacodynamic blood pressure regulation. Simulation studies examined the effects of dose, hepatic and renal impairment, and genetic polymorphisms in cytochrome p450 2C9 (CYP2C9) and P-glycoprotein 1, also known as multidrug resistance protein 1 (MDR1) or ATP-binding cassette sub-family B member 1 (ABCB1), on the model. Results: The model successfully reproduced key PK/PD observations, including dose-dependent receptor blockade, attenuated responses with hepatic impairment, modest enhancement with renal impairment, and substantial variability in E3174 formation dependent on CYP2C9; the effects of ABCB1 were minimal. Specifically, dose dependency simulations confirmed the saturable nature of CYP2C9 metabolism, predicting a decreasing E3174-to-losartan ratio and a stronger, sustained suppression of blood pressure and aldosterone at higher doses. Hepatic impairment was predicted to lead to elevated losartan plasma concentrations (increased AUC) and attenuated metabolite formation, confirming the clinical need for dose reduction. Renal impairment simulations predicted stable losartan AUC but showed an overestimation of E3174 accumulation compared to observed data, where E3174 exposure remained stable. Genetic variability (CYP2C9) was the major determinant of response, with simulations confirming that reduced-function alleles lead to a 1.6- to 3-fold increase in losartan AUC and diminished blood pressure reduction. ABCB1 variability resulted in only minor modulation of systemic exposure and blood pressure effects. Conclusions: This mechanistic digital twin framework provides a quantitative basis for understanding variability in losartan therapy and supports its application in individualized dosing strategies. Full article

Understanding the pathways through which heavy metals accumulate in medicinal plants and enter herbal infusions is essential for linking environmental quality with human exposure. This study investigated multi-matrix metal transfer in Tilia spp. along an urban–forest gradient by quantifying twelve elements (Pb, Cd, Zn, Cu, Ni, Cr, Mn, Co, As, Hg, Al, and V) in soil, bark, leaves, flowers, and corresponding infusions using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and by estimating daily intake for different age groups based on EFSA default body weights and two consumption scenarios (150 and 400 mL day⁻¹). The results revealed clear spatial patterns, with significantly higher metal loads in urban sites and a consistent transfer from environmental compartments to plant tissues and infusions. Mn, Al, Pb, and Cd exhibited the highest extractability, leading to elevated estimated daily intakes in young children, identified as the most vulnerable group due to their lower body mass. However, all exposure values remained below EFSA and JECFA toxicological reference limits, while As and Hg were undetectable in all infusions. These findings indicate that Tilia infusions contribute minimally to overall dietary metal exposure and confirm Tilia spp. as reliable bioindicators of soil- and airborne metal deposition, supporting the safe consumption of linden tea under realistic intake conditions. Full article

The valorization of waste cooking oils (WCOs) provides a strategy to reduce environmental impact while converting residues from the food industry into valuable products. This study developed and characterized antimicrobial soaps from purified WCOs (sunflower, palm, and pumpkin oils) enriched with natural bioactive ingredients. WCOs were purified by filtration, treatment with 10% NaCl, and bleaching with 3% H₂O₂, followed by cold saponification with NaOH. Twelve soap formulations were prepared, including six enriched with bee products (propolis, poly-floral honey, linden, acacia, honeydew, and sunflower) and six enriched with essential oils (EOs) (clove, rosemary, mace, nutmeg, white pepper, and juniper). The WCOs, natural bioactive ingredients, and soaps were characterized using physico-chemical methods (FTIR, GC-FID, phenols, flavonoids, etc.), while their antibacterial activity was determined against two microbial strains: Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The antimicrobial activity of soaps is related to their alkaline pH, while the addition of honey, propolis, or EOs contributes to additional antimicrobial effects. Among honey- and propolis-enriched soaps, those with propolis produced the largest inhibition zones (up to 8.67 mm for S. aureus and 7.0 mm for E. coli). EO-based soaps exhibited higher activity, with rosemary EO-based soap showing the largest zones (up to 9.5 mm for S. aureus and 7.5 mm for E. coli). These data support the potential of enriched soaps containing honey, propolis, and EOs for antimicrobial applications, highlighting their value as a sustainable alternative in the valorization of WCOs. Full article

Background: Full versus partial range of motion (ROM) bench press (BP) training has only been investigated at submaximal loads with discrete joint angles during training. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of a 4-week supramaximal progressive partial ROM (pROM) BP program to a traditional submaximal full range of motion (fROM) program on 1-RM strength and bar kinematics. Methods: Sixteen resistance-trained males (22.2 ± 1.4 years, 180.1 ± 6.3 cm, 88.5 ± 8.6 kgs, 1RM ≥ 1.25× body mass, 6 years’ experience) were randomized into pROM (n = 7) or fROM (n = 9). The pROM group performed BP at 105% 1RM using Bench Blokz to decrease the distance from the bar to the sternum by 1″ increments each week (5″ to 2″). The fROM group followed a strength oriented linear periodization model (80–87.5% 1RM). Both 1RM strength and 3D kinematics were assessed pre- and post-intervention using a 2 × 2 (Group × Time) ANOVA with Bonferroni corrected pairwise comparisons. Results: Both groups significantly increased 1RM strength (F = 45.82, p < 0.001), with no significant differences between groups. Pairwise comparisons revealed that only the fROM group experienced significant increases in 1st peak velocity (p = 0.023), eccentric velocity (p = 0.009), mean concentric force (p = 0.04) and quartile 2 mean concentric force (p = 0.01). Conclusions: Supramaximal pROM training is an effective strategy for increasing 1RM strength in experienced lifters, yielding results comparable to traditional fROM training over the course of a 4-week strength block. However, there are notable changes in bar kinematics surrounding the eccentric-concentric phase change that were only observed after fROM training. Full article

Efforts to improve efficiency and profitability on dairy farms have renewed focus on how culling practices affect herd sustainability and economic outcomes. This study surveyed decision-makers on 60 high-producing, freestall-housed dairy farms in Wisconsin, with a mean (SD) turnover rate of 36.0 (8.0)%. Using a structured questionnaire, we examined herd management, culling criteria, and motivations. Most farms (93%) used on-farm management systems to guide culling, yet only 48% used designated reports, relying instead on individual cow records. Milk production, infertility, and somatic cell count were the top culling criteria, with high milk yield cited as the most difficult factor in removal decisions. While 54% recorded the most obvious reason for culling, only 7% documented multiple causes. Cull cows were typically transported by third parties; 80% farms sent cows directly to slaughter, while 52% sent them to auction. One-third of farms sold cows for continued dairy use. Euthanasia was performed on 93% of farms, mostly by employees, with minimal veterinary input. The study aimed to investigate producer perspectives on the culling decision-making process on commercial dairy farms. The findings highlight opportunities for improved veterinary involvement and the use of structured herd-level reports to support more strategic culling decisions. Full article