Search Results (174)

Fluids that exhibit self-rewetting properties, such as aqueous long-chain alcohol solutions, display a unique quadratic relationship between surface tension and temperature and are marked by a positive gradient. This characteristic leads to distinctive patterns of thermocapillary convection and associated interfacial dynamics, setting self-rewetting fluids apart from normal fluids (NFs). The potential to improve heat transfer using self-rewetting fluids (SRFs) is garnering interest for use in various technologies, including low-gravity conditions and microfluidic systems. Our research aims to shed light on the contrasting behaviors of SRFs in comparison to NFs regarding interfacial transport phenomena. This study focuses on the thermocapillary convection in SRF layers with a deformable interface enclosed inside a closed container modeled as a square cavity, which is subject to nonuniform heating, represented using a Gaussian profile for the heat flux variation on one of its sides, in the absence of gravity. To achieve this, we have enhanced a central-moment-based lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) utilizing three distribution functions for tracking interfaces, computing two-fluid motions with temperature-dependent surface tension and energy transport, respectively. Through numerical simulations, the impacts of several characteristic parameters, including the viscosity and thermal conductivity ratios, as well as the surface tension–temperature sensitivity parameters, on the distribution and magnitude of the thermocapillary-driven motion are examined. In contrast to that in NFs, the counter-rotating pair of vortices generated in the SRF layers, due to the surface tension gradient at the interface, is found to be directed toward the SRF layers’ hotter zones. Significant interfacial deformations are observed, especially when there are contrasts in the viscosities of the SRF layers. The thermocapillary convection is found to be enhanced if the bottom SRF layer has a higher thermal conductivity or viscosity than that of the top layer or when distributed, rather than localized, heating is applied. Furthermore, the higher the magnitude of the effect of the dimensionless quadratic surface tension sensitivity coefficient on the temperature, or of the effect of the imposed heat flux, the greater the peak interfacial velocity current generated due to the Marangoni stresses. In addition, an examination of the Nusselt number profiles reveals significant redistribution of the heat transfer rates in the SRF layers due to concomitant nonlinear thermocapillary effects. Full article

For archaeological studies, the expected outcome of a Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) survey is a series of time-slices (or depth-slices) that mark the position of buried structures at different depths. The clarity of these time-slices is strongly site-dependent and is particularly worsened in the presence of even small percentages of clay, which strongly attenuates the GPR signal. This is the condition affecting the Greek–Roman archaeological site of Tindari (Sicily, Italy). Here, we performed a multichannel GPR survey particularly focusing on a residential insula. In order to increase the signal-to-noise ratio, we tested two processing strategies: a conventional in-line stacking and a new concept of off-line stacking. This last was performed dividing spatially adjacent channels of the GPR multichannel system into groups and stacking the signals of each group at each specific location. We observed that off-line stacking improves the signal-to-noise ratio in 2D sections and time-slices quality. Comparisons showed that off-line stacking has a clear advantage over traditional in-line stacking, at least for the specific application reported in this paper. Off-line stacking of GPR multichannel systems is, therefore, simple but very effective in increasing the investigation depth, especially in challenging environments. Full article

This study examines the influence mechanism of mining depth evolution on dust distribution, using the An Tai Bao open-pit coal mine as the research subject. A spatial coordinate system of the mining area was established utilizing a GIS positioning system, and high-resolution topographic data were extracted using Global Mapper. The research team developed a three-dimensional geological model updating algorithm with depth gradient as the characteristic parameter, enabling dynamic monitoring of mining depth with a model iteration accuracy of 0.5 m per update. A Fluent-based numerical simulation method was employed to construct a depth-dependent dust migration field solving system, aiming to elucidate the three-dimensional coupling mechanism between mining depth and dust dispersion. The findings reveal that mining depth demonstrates a three-stage critical response to dust migration. When the depth surpasses the threshold of 150 m, the wind speed attenuation rate at the pit bottom exhibits a marked change, and the dust dispersion distance decreases by 62% compared to shallow mining conditions. The slope pressure field evolution shows a significant depth-enhancement effect, with the maximum wind pressure at the leeward step boundary increasing by 22–35% for every additional 50 m of depth, resulting in dust accumulation zones with distinct depth-related characteristics. The west wind scenario demonstrates a particularly notable depth amplification effect, with the dust dispersion range in a 200-meter-deep pit expanding by 53.7% compared to the standard west wind condition. Furthermore, the interaction between particle size and depth causes the dust migration distance to exhibit exponential decay as depth increases. This research elucidates the progressive constraining influence of mining depth, a critical control parameter, on dust migration patterns. It establishes a depth-oriented theoretical framework for dust prevention and control strategies in deep open-pit mines. Full article

Math learning is a key educational goal, and one marked by substantial individual differences even in the earliest grades. Although considerable research has examined the extent to which domain-general processes, such as executive functions and fluid intelligence, contribute to this variability, there is a notable gap in understanding how they may interact to predict early math learning. In particular, prior work had not examined potential moderating effects whereby the relation between executive functions and math outcomes depends on a child’s fluid intelligence, and vice versa. The current study addressed this gap by examining the math skills in Russian first-graders (N = 160) as a function of fluid intelligence (measured with Raven’s matrices) and various components of executive functions. Consistent with prior research, the results revealed the main effects of Raven’s scores, verbal working memory, and the control component of executive function (a composite of inhibition and cognitive flexibility scores) on math growth. Importantly, extending previous research, the study found that both memory and control components of executive function interacted with fluid intelligence. Specifically, executive function had a stronger positive effect on math learning for children with lower levels of fluid intelligence. The implications for intervention research and educational practice are discussed. Full article

Following the 2008–2009 economic crisis, the issue of self-employed individuals’ access to social protection has gained increasing prominence at both supranational and national levels, often in relation to the rise of ‘bogus’ or economically dependent self-employment and its broader implications. More recently, the COVID-19 pandemic further exposed persistent gaps in the social protection of the self-employed, contributing to their comparatively more precarious position vis-à-vis wage earners. Against this backdrop, and drawing on a literature review alongside findings from a series of semi-structured interviews, this article uses Greece—a country where self-employment constitutes a structural feature of a highly fragmented labour market, and which records the highest self-employment rate in the EU-27 (and among the highest in the OECD)—as a case study to examine self-employment and access to social protection. This article contributes to the growing literature on the social protection of non-standard workers in a context marked by ongoing transformations in employment relations and the world of work. It illustrates, inter alia, the relative weakness of trade union representation for the self-employed, and how limited trust in state institutions among this group shapes their perceptions of social protection, thereby undermining the system’s sustainability. Full article

Sinomenium acutum is the main raw material for sinomenine. Empirical evidence indicates a marked disparity in sinomenine content among S. acutum plants with different genders, resulting in varying medicinal potential of the processing products. However, the mechanism underlying gender-determined differences in sinomenine accumulation is still elusive. In this study, untargeted metabolomics was performed among female, male, and undifferentiated S. acutum plants. In total, 1213 metabolites were identified, and most of them vary in the roots but not in the leaves among the different genders. Integrated correlation analysis on the DAMs (differentially accumulated metabolites) enriched in the isoquinoline alkaloid biosynthesis pathway suggests coclaurine as an intermediate determining gender-dependent sinomenine variation. Furthermore, hormonal profiling revealed 34 endogenous phytohormones exhibiting significant gender-based discrepancy in the roots. Among these, ABA (abscisic acid) and 5-DS (5-deoxystrigol) show significant positive correlation with sinomenine content. Then, exogenous ABA with gradient concentration was applied on S. acutum plants, and the sinomenine content in the roots increased from 31% to 166% under treatment. Our findings demonstrate that coclaurine might serve as a pivotal intermediate during sinomenine biosynthesis in S. acutum. Meanwhile, it is speculated that ABA is a key factor regulating different sinomenine accumulation, which provide a potential method to improve the yield of sinomenine. Full article

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) triggers a cascade of molecular and cellular disturbances, including apoptosis, inflammation, and destabilization of neuronal connections. The transcription factor p53 plays a pivotal role in regulating cell fate following brain injury by initiating pro-apoptotic signaling cascades. Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) may significantly contribute to the regulation of p53. Using scanning laser confocal microscopy, we found that after TBI, p53 accumulates extensively in the damaged cerebral cortex, showing distinct subcellular localization in neurons and astrocytes. In neurons, p53 predominantly localizes to the cytoplasm, suggesting involvement in mitochondria-dependent apoptosis, whereas in astrocytes, p53 is found in both the nucleus and cytoplasm, indicating possible activation of transcription-dependent apoptotic pathways. Quantitative analysis confirmed a correlation between p53 localization and morphological signs of cell death, as revealed by Sytox Green and Hoechst nuclear staining. Modulating H₂S levels exerted a marked influence on p53 expression and distribution. Administration of the H₂S donor sodium thiosulfate (Na₂S₂O₃) reduced the overall number of p53-positive cells, decreased nuclear localization, and lowered the level of apoptosis. Conversely, inhibition of H₂S synthesis using aminooxyacetic acid (AOAA) led to enhanced p53 expression, increased numbers of cells exhibiting nuclear fragmentation, and a more pronounced apoptotic response. These findings highlight a neuroprotective role for H₂S, likely mediated through the suppression of p53-dependent cell death pathways. To improve analytical accuracy, we developed a YOLO-based deep-learning model for the automated detection of fragmented nuclei. Additionally, evolutionary and molecular dynamics analysis revealed a high degree of p53 conservation among vertebrates and indicated that, although H₂S does not form stable complexes with p53, it may modulate its conformational dynamics. Full article

Bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMs) exhibit dynamic behavior and functional capabilities in response to specific microenvironmental stimuli. Recent investigations have proved that BMMs play crucial roles in promoting necrotic lesion resolution. Despite substantial advancements in understanding their activation and interaction with injured livers, researchers face challenges to develop effective treatments based on manipulating BMMs function. Caveolin-1 (Cav-1) is the major structural protein on the plasma membrane. We previously reported that Cav-1 knockout (KO) mice exhibited less functional damage and necrosis in carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced liver injury. We hypothesize that the activation and recruitment of BMMs are involved in the resolution of necrotic lesions in Cav-1 KO mice. Wild-type (WT) and Cav-1 KO mice were injected with CCl₄ (10% v/v) to induce acute liver injury model. Blood samples and hepatic tissues were harvested for serum alanine transaminase (ALT) activity assessment, histopathological examination through hematoxylin–eosin (H&E) staining, and BMMs subpopulation analysis via flow cytometry. Then, primary BMMs were isolated and cultured to investigate the effect of Cav-1 on BMMs polarization, migration, and activation of STAT3 signal pathway. Validation of hepatic macrophage depletion was induced by administrating clodronate liposomes (CLs), and BMMs reconstitution was evaluated by EGFP labelled BMMs. Following this, hepatic macrophages were depleted by CLs, BMMs were isolated from Cav-1 KO, and WT mice were cultured and administrated to evaluate the protective role of Cav-1-deleted BMMs on the resolution of hepatocellular necrosis and apoptosis in acute liver injury. The BMMs ratio significantly increased from 2.12% (1D), 4.38% (1W), and 5.38% (2W) in oil control mice to 7.17%, 14.90%, and 19.30% in CCl₄-treated mice (p < 0.01 or p < 0.001). Concurrently, Cav-1 positive BMMs exhibited a marked elevation from 6.41% at 1D to 24.90% by 2W (p = 0.0228). Cav-1 KO exerted protective effects by reducing serum ALT by 26% (p = 0.0265) and necrotic areas by 28% (p = 0.0220) and enhancing BMMs infiltration by 60% (p = 0.0059). In vitro, Cav-1 KO BMMs showed a decrease in CD206 fluorescence intensity (p < 0.001), a time-dependent upregulation of arginase-1 mRNA (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01), a 1.22-fold increase in phosphorylated STAT3 (p = 0.0036), and impaired wound healing from 12 to 24 h (p < 0.001). The macrophage-depleting action in livers by CL injection persists for a minimum of 48 h. Administrated EGFP⁺ BMMs emerged as the predominant population following CL injection for a duration of 48 h. Following clodronate liposome-mediated hepatic macrophage depletion, the adoptive transfer of Cav-1 KO BMMs demonstrated therapeutic efficacy in CCl₄-induced acute liver injury. In CCl₄-induced acute liver injury, the adoptive transfer of Cav-1 KO BMMs reduced necrosis by 12.8% (p = 0.0105), apoptosis by 25.2% (p = 0.0127), doubled macrophages infiltration (p = 0.0269), and suppressed CXCL9/10 mRNA expression (p = 0.0044 or p = 0.0385). BMMs play a key role in the resolution of liver necrotic lesions in CCl₄-induced acute liver injury. Cav-1 depletion attenuates hepatocellular necrosis and apoptosis by accelerating BMMs recruitment and M2 polarization. Cav-1 in macrophages may represent a potential therapeutic target for acute liver injury. Full article

The low-symmetry Weyl semimetallic Td-phase WTe₂ exhibits both a distinct out-of-plane damping torque (${\tau }_{\mathrm{DL}}$) and exceptional charge–spin interconversion efficiency enabled by strong spin-orbit coupling, positioning it as a prime candidate for spin–orbit torque (SOT) applications in two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides. Herein, we report on thickness-dependent unconventional out-of-plane ${\tau }_{\mathrm{DL}}$ in chemically vapor-deposited (CVD) polycrystalline Td-WTe₂ (t)/Ni₈₀Fe₂₀/MgO/Ti (Td-WTN-t) heterostructures. Angle-resolved spin-torque ferromagnetic resonance measurements on the Td-WTN-12 structure showed significant spin Hall conductivities of σ_SH,y = 4.93 × 10³ (ℏ/2e) Ω⁻¹m⁻¹ and σ_SH,z = 0.81 × 10³ (ℏ/2e) Ω⁻¹m⁻¹, highlighting its potential for wafer-scale spin–orbit torque device applications. Additionally, a detailed examination of magnetotransport properties in polycrystalline few-layer Td-WTe₂ films as a function of thickness revealed a marked amplification of the out-of-plane magnetoresistance, which can be ascribed to the anisotropic nature of charge carrier scattering mechanisms within the material. Spin pumping measurements in Td-WTN-t heterostructures further revealed thickness-dependent spin transport properties of Td-WTe₂, with damping analysis yielding an out-of-plane spin diffusion length of λ_SD ≈ 14 nm. Full article

Purpose: Our aim is to offer an additional surgical option for patients with rectus diastasis, with or without associated abdominal wall hernias, through a minimally invasive approach with endoscopic surgical correction, presenting a new method for abdominal contouring via minimally invasive mini-abdominoplasty (MAMI). Ideas: According to the European Hernia Society (EHS) classification for RD, a widening greater than 2 cm of the linea alba is generally considered an indication for surgical correction. Recent approaches, such as MILA and SCOLA, are indicated for patients with a body mass index (BMI) of up to 28, based solely on height and weight. However, some authors consider this insufficient for determining the best surgical indication. Despite advances in skin retraction, there is still no evidence on how these devices affect postoperative outcomes when added to these techniques, as they depend on multiple factors such as age, skin firmness, number of passes, applied energy, etc. Consequently, even patients with a BMI of up to 28 may present significant flaccidity both above and below the umbilicus, as well as poor skin quality (thin, lax, with stretch marks), making SCOLA or MILA surgery alone unsuitable due to possible skin redundancy after surgery. Similarly, even patients with a high-positioned umbilicus, moderate flaccidity, and rectus diastasis, who in the past would have been strictly indicated for abdominoplasty, may benefit from mini-abdominoplasty with a minimally invasive approach (MAMI). Discussion: The main objective of this study is to provide another surgical option for patients who would otherwise be indicated for abdominoplasty and also for those undergoing MILA or SCOLA who still require minor skin removal to enhance the surgical result. Based on our experience, mini-abdominoplasty with a minimally invasive approach (MAMI) has the potential to serve a larger number of patients, since most present degrees of skin laxity that, even after using technologies, require skin excision. In addition to complementing the results, it reduces complications, results in smaller scars, allows a better correction and visualization of the diastasis, avoids periumbilical scars, and offers faster recovery compared to abdominoplasty. Conclusions: MAMI surgery has proven to be a safe and reproducible approach for selected women who wish to restore feminine body features after pregnancy and achieve a quick recovery. It yields satisfactory esthetic results due to the minimized scar, preservation of the natural umbilical scar, and improved surgical correction of rectus diastasis. Full article

Background/Objectives: Metastatic prostate cancer (PCa) remains a major clinical challenge with limited therapeutic options. The long non-coding RNA H19 has been implicated in regulating cell adhesion molecules and collective migration, key features of metastatic dissemination. This study investigates the role of the Bromodomain and Extra-Terminal (BET) proteins BRD2, BRD3, and BRD4 in the H19-dependent transcriptional regulation of cell adhesion molecules. Currently, the major effects of BET inhibitors require androgen receptor (AR) expression. Methods: H19 was stably silenced in PC-3 (AR-null) and 22Rv1 (AR-positive) castration-resistant PCa cells. The cells were treated with the pan-BET inhibitors JQ1 and OTX015 or the BET degrader dBET6. In vivo, the effects of JQ1 were evaluated in xenograft mouse models. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and RNA-ChIP were used to assess BET protein recruitment and interaction with cell adhesion gene loci and H19. Organotypic slice cultures (OSCs) from fresh PCa surgical specimens were used as ex vivo models to validate transcriptional changes and BRD4 recruitment. Results: BET inhibition significantly reduced the expression of β4 integrin and E-cadherin and cell proliferation in both basal conditions, and following H19 knockdown in PC-3 and 22Rv1 cells. These effects were mirrored in JQ1-treated tumor xenografts, which showed marker downregulation and tumor regression. ChIP assays revealed that BRD4, more than BRD2/3, was enriched on β4 integrin and E-cadherin promoters, especially in regions marked by H3K27ac. H19 silencing markedly enhanced BRD4 promoter occupancy. RNA-ChIP confirmed a specific interaction between BRD4 and H19. These findings were validated in OSCs, reinforcing their clinical relevance. Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that BRD4 epigenetically regulates the H19-mediated transcriptional control of adhesion molecules involved in collective migration and metastatic dissemination. Importantly, these effects are independent of AR status, suggesting that targeting the H19/BRD4 axis may represent a promising therapeutic avenue for advanced PCa. Full article

The degree of hydrolytic modification (marked by parameters: extractive capacity, diastatic power and degree of fermentation) in wheat malts significantly influences their quality, determining their potential for use in brewing. Nitrogen fertilisation at a dose of 60 kg N·ha⁻¹ applied in 3-year field experiments had a positive effect on the extractability value of wheat malts, with an average value of 84.51% d.m. The value of diastatic power in the obtained malts, depending on the variety, was on average at the level of 334–414 units W-K (Windisch–Kolbach) and 357–380 units W-K, depending on nitrogen fertilisation. Wort attenuation obtained from the analysed wheat malts was at a similar level (on average 78.1%), except for malt obtained from grain of wheat fertilised with a nitrogen dose of 40 kg N·ha⁻¹, for which significantly lower values were obtained (respectively, by 5.12%). The viscosity parameter of wheat malts, determining the degree of cytolytic modification, varied and averaged 1.95 mPa·s for the variety and for the nitrogen fertilisation applied. In 2-year canopy experiments, at a nitrogen fertilisation level of 60 kg N·ha⁻¹, the Elixer cultivar was characterised by the best indicators of the degree of hydrolytic and cytolytic modification. Full article

Fresh product faces intrinsic vulnerabilities to supply disruptions, given its perishable nature and seasonal dependencies. This underscores the critical importance of supply chain resilience in sustaining a steady and dependable flow of these goods and is a key factor in promoting the sustainable development of the supply chain. By employing well-established resilience metrics, specifically time to recovery, recovery level, and lost performance during recovery (with profit adopted as the performance indicator for this study), this study explores the resilience of the fresh product supply chain and examines the impact of blockchain technology on resilience enhancement. The findings indicate that when resilience is prioritized, optimal recovery efforts and supply recovery levels exceed those targeted solely for profit maximization. A negative correlation emerges between supply chain resilience and recovery delay, while an optimal supply recovery level is positively associated with recovery delay. Numerical evaluations further demonstrate that blockchain technology has a marked effect on elevating supply recovery levels, thus significantly strengthening resilience. Moreover, recovery levels display a positive correlation with the degree of blockchain adoption, while profit loss initially decreases before ascending alongside increased blockchain investments. Resilience also inversely correlates with fresh-keeping efforts, with blockchain applications accelerating this downward trend. Collectively, this study not only provides important references for recovery decision-making in the fresh agricultural product supply chain but also emphasizes the significant potential of blockchain technology (BT) in enhancing supply chain resilience and promoting sustainable development. Full article

Adipogenesis is regulated by the coordinated activity of adipogenic transcription factors including PPAR-gamma and C/EBP alpha, while dysregulated adipogenesis can predispose adipose tissues to adipocyte hypertrophy and hyperplasia. We have previously reported that Cthrc1-null mice have increased adiposity compared to wildtype mice, supporting the notion that CTHRC1 regulates body composition. Herein, we derived conditioned medium from 3T3-L1 cells expressing human CTHRC1 and investigated its anti-adipogenic activity. This constituent significantly reduced 3T3-L1 cell adipogenic differentiation commensurate to the marked suppression of Cebpa and Pparg gene expression. It also increased the expression of the anti-adipogenic transcription factor SOX9 and promoted its nuclear translocation. Importantly, Sox9 gene knockdown demonstrated that the anti-adipogenic effect produced by this conditioned medium is dependent on SOX9 expression, while its ability to positively regulate SOX9 was attenuated by the application of Rho and Rac1 signaling pathway inhibitors. We also identified the selective expression of CTHRC1 in PDGFRA-expressing cell populations in human white adipose tissue, but not brown or perivascular adipose tissues. Congruently, flow cytometry revealed CTHRC1 expression in PDGFR-alpha⁺ stromal cells of mouse white adipose tissue, thus defining a novel stromal cell population that could underpin the ability of CTHRC1 to regulate adiposity. Full article

The positions of millisecond pulsars (MSPs) can be determined with sub-milliarcsecond (mas) accuracy using both Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) and timing, referenced to the International Celestial Reference Frame (ICRF) and planetary ephemerides frame, respectively, representing kinematic and dynamical reference frames. The two frames can be connected through observations of common celestial objects, MSPs observed with VLBI and timing. However, previous attempts to establish this connection were unreliable due to the limited number of MSPs observed by both techniques. Currently, 23 MSPs have been precisely measured using both multiple timing and VLBI networks. Among them, 17 MSPs are used to link the two reference frames, marking a significant three-fold increase in the number of common MSPs used for frame linking. Nevertheless, six MSPs located near the ecliptic plane are excluded from frame linkage due to positional differences exceeding 20 mas measured by VLBI and timing. This discrepancy is primarily attributed to errors introduced in fitting positions in timing methods. With astrometric parameters obtained via both VLBI and timing for these MSPs, the precision of linking DE436 and ICRF3 has surpassed 0.4 mas. Furthermore, thanks to the improved timing precision of MeerKAT, even with data from just 13 MSPs observed by both MeerKAT and VLBI, the precision of linking DE440 and ICRF3 can also exceed 0.4 mas. The reliability of this linkage depends on the precision of pulsar astrometric parameters, their spatial distribution, and discrepancies in pulsar positions obtained by the two techniques. Notably, proper motion differences identified by the two techniques are the most critical factors influencing the reference frame linking parameters. The core shift of the calibrators in VLBI pulsar observations is one of the factors causing proper motion discrepancies, and multi-wavelength observations are expected to solve it. With the improvement in timing accuracy and the application of new observation modes like multi-view and multi-band observations in VLBI, the linkage accuracy of the dynamical and kinematic reference frames is expected to reach 0.3 mas. Full article