Search Results (21,609)

Recent enthusiasm has surrounded the homeostatic roles that polyamines have in a variety of cell types. Thus, the purpose of this exploratory in vitro study was to determine how spermidine (SPD), a polyamine commonly consumed as a nutritional supplement, affected general markers of cellular health and function in human primary epidermal keratinocytes. Commercial HEKa cells were seeded onto either six-well (transcriptomics and immunoblotting) or 96-well culture plates (viability, ATP, and JC-1 assays) and cultured to ~90+% confluency through complete growth media (CGM) changes every 48 h. Once cells reached this level of growth, treatments included either CGM + phosphate-buffered saline (PBS control, or CTL), CGM + 1 µM SPD, and CGM + 10 µM SPD for either 6 or 24 h depending upon the outcome being assessed. Cellular ATP levels were not significantly affected by 1 µM or 10 µM SPD treatments lasting 24 h. However, cell counts were 9% greater (p = 0.007) when comparing 24 h 10 µM versus CTL treatments indicating increased cell viability. Transcriptomic analyses indicated that 6 h treatments with 10 µM SPD significantly altered 162 transcripts versus non-treated CTL cells (65 up-regulated and 97 down-regulated, p < 0.01). Four pathways were predicted to be enriched based on differential gene expression including protein deubiquitination (GO:0016579), membrane lipid biosynthesis (GO:0046467), DNA metabolic process (GO:0006259), and cell cycle process (GO:0022402). Additionally, the HR gene (essential for keratinocyte hair follicle formation) was significantly up-regulated at the mRNA level with 6 h 10 µM SPD, and immunoblotting confirmed a 96% increase in protein levels with 24 h 10 µM SPD treatments, albeit this did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.102). Pan-keratin protein content was also 60% greater in the 1 µM and 10 µM 24 h treatments than CTL (p ≤ 0.029). Finally, although select markers of mitochondrial content and biogenesis were not significantly altered with 6 h and 24 h treatments, mitochondrial membrane potential (an aspect of mitochondrial function) was 84% greater with 24 h 1 µM versus CTL (p < 0.001). In conclusion, these preliminary screening experiments in unperturbed human keratinocytes suggest that exogenous SPD positively affects various aspects of homeostasis by stimulating transcriptomic and functional alterations (e.g., increased cell viability and enhanced keratinocyte protein levels). Full article

Taking municipal solid waste incineration bottom ash (MSWIBA) and natural soil as raw materials, this study incorporated steel slag to prepare MSWIBA mixed soil for pavement base courses. The modified soil was subjected to a 7-day unconfined compressive strength (UCS) test, California Bearing Ratio (CBR) test, water stability test, and freeze–thaw cycle test. The results demonstrate that the incorporation of steel slag and MSWIBA greatly boosts the modified soil’s performance. The 7-day UCS and CBR first increase and then decrease with the increase in steel slag content and MSWIBA proportion. Based on this, the optimal mix ratio of MSWIBA mixed soil was determined as 50% MSWIBA + 50% natural soil (mass ratio) with an additional 15% steel slag (relative to the total mass of MSWIBA and soil). Under this optimal ratio, the 7-day UCS of the mixed soil reaches 0.82 MPa, the 5-day water stability coefficient is 0.91, and the strength retention rate after 11 freeze–thaw cycles is 65.3%, all meeting the technical requirements for pavement base course materials. A freeze–thaw resistance study based on the optimal ratio revealed that the sample with the optimal mix ratio exhibits better freeze–thaw resistance than other ratios; its strength first decreases and then tends to stabilize with increasing freeze–thaw cycles. It was found through XRD and SEM experiments that the incorporation of steel slag promoted the progress of the hydration reaction and generated gelation products. The stacking and friction between MSWIBA and soil particles enhance the structural stability. Meanwhile, in the alkaline environment produced by the hydration of steel slag, MSWIBA further promotes hydration, increasing the total amount of cementitious substances. The C-S-H and other gels generated by hydration fill the pores, resulting in fewer cracks between the matrices and a denser matrix. It should be noted that this study focuses on short-term performance and microscopic mechanisms, and discussions on long-term heavy metal leaching behavior remain hypothetical—long-term leaching experiments have not been conducted, and the long-term environmental safety of the mixture still needs to be verified by subsequent experimental data. Full article

This study examines the evolution characteristics of ship waves generated by large vessels in shallow waters. A CFD-based numerical wave tank, incorporating Torsvik’s ship wave theory, was developed using the VOF multiphase approach and the RNG k-ε turbulence model to capture free-surface evolution and turbulence effects. Results indicate that wave heights vary significantly near the critical depth-based Froude number ($F_h$). Comparative analyses between CFD results for a Wigley hull and proposed empirical correction formulas show strong agreement in predicting maximum wave heights in transcritical and supercritical regimes, accurately capturing the nonlinear surge of wave amplitude in the transcritical range. Simulations of 2000-ton and 6000-ton class vessels further reveal that wave heights increase with $F_h$, peak in the transcritical regime, and subsequently decay. Lateral wave attenuation was also observed with increasing transverse distance, highlighting the role of vessel dimensions and bulbous bow structures in modulating wave propagation. These findings provide theoretical and practical references for risk assessment and navigational safety in shallow waterways. Full article

Background: Evaluating potassium intake can be a powerful tool in epidemiologic studies to reduce the burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). In Saudi Arabia, NCDs are responsible for 35% of deaths in 2023. Monitoring people’s potassium intake can be a powerful tool to reduce the burden of NCDs. There is a significant lack of information on potassium intake. The aim is to assess potassium intake using 24 h urinary excretion; to investigate the urinary sodium-to-potassium (Na/K) excretion ratio among Saudi adults; and to explore other lifestyle factors that influence potassium intake. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among young adults (19–29 years old) residing in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Data collection included a self-reported questionnaire regarding participants’ general attitudes and practices related to potassium consumption (n = 600) of whom 173 participated in 24 h urine collection. Descriptive analyses and regression models were used to evaluate the associations between urinary potassium excretion (mmol/24 h), daily potassium intake (g/day), and the Na/K ratio (dependent variables), and descriptive variables such as age and gender (predictor variables). A p value < 0.05 indicated statistical significance for all tests. Results: The mean urinary potassium excretion was 48.6 ± 23 mmol/24 h, equivalent to a mean daily potassium intake of 1.9 ± 0.89 g/day, and only 4.1% of participants met the World Health Organization-recommended potassium intake of ≥90 mmol/day (≥3.90 g/day). The average potassium intake was significantly lower in females compared with males by 0.52 g (95% CI: −0.78 to −0.25; p < 0.001). Physical activity was also a significant factor, associated with both urinary potassium excretion (p = 0.039) and intake (p = 0.006). Besides the low potassium intake, the mean Na/K ratio was 3.2 ± 1.4, and the ratio differed significantly by physical activity habits (p = 0.050). Only 13% of participants consumed fruit 5–7 days per week (mean portion intake 1.4/day; 95% CI: 1.3–1.5), and 34.7% consumed vegetables 3–4 days per week (mean portion intake 1.5/day; 95% CI: 1.3–1.5). These findings reflect low adherence to recommended fruit and vegetable intake in the study population. Conclusions: The findings of this study can be used to create evidence-based nutritional strategies to help people achieve the recommended potassium intake. The study underscores the need for more research on potassium intake across Saudi Arabia. Full article

This paper presents an approach integrating Large Language Models (LLMs), specifically GPT-4 and the open-source DeepSeek-R1, into Geographic Information System (GIS) workflows to enhance the accessibility, flexibility, and efficiency of spatial analysis tasks. We designed and implemented a system capable of interpreting natural language instructions provided by users and translating them into automated GIS workflows through dynamically generated Python scripts. An interactive graphical user interface (GUI), built using CustomTkinter, was developed to enable intuitive user interaction with GIS data and processes, reducing the need for advanced programming or technical expertise. We conducted an empirical evaluation of this approach through a comparative case study involving typical GIS tasks such as spatial data validation, data merging, buffer analysis, and thematic mapping using urban datasets from Pesaro, Italy. The performance of our automated system was directly compared against traditional manual workflows executed by 10 experienced GIS analysts. The results from this evaluation indicate a substantial reduction in task completion time, decreasing from approximately 1 h and 45 min in the manual approach to roughly 27 min using our LLM-driven automation, without compromising analytical quality or accuracy. Furthermore, we systematically evaluated the system’s factual reliability using a diverse set of geospatial queries, confirming robust performance for practical GIS tasks. Additionally, qualitative feedback emphasized improved usability and accessibility, particularly for users without specialized GIS training. These findings highlight the significant potential of integrating LLMs into GISs, demonstrating clear advantages in workflow automation, user-friendliness, and broader adoption of advanced spatial analysis methodologies. Full article

The Zebrafish Embryo Developmental Toxicity Assay (ZEDTA) is a promising and innovative method with potential to replace the screening of teratogenic substances in mammals during preclinical development. However, a harmonized and validated protocol does not exist for the ZEDTA, and data on the background incidence of spontaneous malformations are not readily accessible. Therefore, the aim of this research was twofold: (1) to optimize the ZEDTA protocol and (2) to generate historical control data. The most optimal results were achieved by exposing zebrafish larvae in 24-well plates at a temperature of 26 °C in combination with the renewal of test solutions after 48 h of exposure. Furthermore, the use of 0.5% v/v DMSO did not induce more malformations or mortality than exposure to standard ISO medium. In total, 26 valid experiments were conducted using the optimized ZEDTA protocol. An overall mortality of 3.5% was recorded after 96 h of exposure. Malformations were observed in 7.6% of all surviving larvae. The most frequently observed abnormalities included yolk sac deformation (4.0%), followed by tail (2.8%), heart (2.6%), and head malformations (1.6%). The optimized protocol was considered effective in supporting an optimal development rate of exposed zebrafish larvae, with low mortality and minimal background malformations. These findings indicate a low level of confounding factors and high reliability of results, making an essential step in the refinement of ZEDTA toward global harmonization and regulatory acceptance. Full article

In this study, first-principles calculations were employed to systematically investigate the interaction mechanisms between (18-crown-6) potassium (18C6-K⁺) and six typical defect sites on the SnO₂ (110) surface, including Sn_i + Sn_O, O_i + O_Sn, V_O + Sn_i, V_Sn + Sn_O, V_Sn + Sn_i, and Sn_i. Six intrinsic or complex defects universally coexist on the SnO₂ surface, and the defect states they introduced allow for precise tuning of material performance. The results demonstrated that the 18C6-K⁺ molecule can stably adsorb on all six defect sites and significantly increase defect formation energies, indicating its thermodynamic capability to suppress defect generation. A subsequent density of states (DOS) analysis revealed that the 18C6-K⁺ molecule exhibits strong defect passivation effects at Sn_i + Sn_O, V_O + Sn_i, V_Sn + Sn_i, and Sn_i sites, and partially mitigated the electronic disturbances induced by O_i + O_Sn and V_Sn + Sn_O defects. Furthermore, the incorporation of 18C6-K⁺ has been shown to reduce the electronic effective mass of defective systems, thereby enhancing surface carrier transport. A subsequent charge density difference (CDD) analysis revealed that the 18C6-K⁺ molecule forms Sn-ether and O-ether interactions through its ether bonds (C-O-C) with surface Sn and O atoms, inducing interfacial electronic reconstruction and charge transfer. The Bader charge analysis revealed that the H, C, and O atoms in 18C6-K⁺ lose electrons, whereas the Sn or O atoms at the surface defect sites gain electrons. This outcome is consistent with the CDD analysis and quantitatively confirms the extent of electron transfer from 18C6-K⁺ to the SnO₂ defect regions. These interactions effectively passivate defect states, thereby enhancing interfacial stability. The present study offers theoretical guidance and design insights for the development of molecular passivation strategies in SnO₂-based optoelectronic devices. Full article

This study examines the necessary requirements for some analytic function subclasses, especially those associated with the generalized Mittag-Leffler function, to be classified as univalent function subclasses that are determined by particular geometric constraints. The core methodology revolves around the application of the Hadamard (or convolution) product involving a normalized Mittag-Leffler function ${\mathbb{M}}_{\kappa ,\chi }\left(\zeta \right)$, leading to the definition of a new linear operator ${\mathfrak{S}}_{\chi ,\vartheta }^{\kappa }\hslash \left(\zeta \right).$ We investigate inclusion results in the recently defined subclasses $\tilde{\mathsf{\Xi }}(\varpi ,\varrho ),\widehat{\mathfrak{L}}(\varpi ,\varrho ),\widehat{\mathfrak{K}}(\varpi ,\varrho )$ and $\widehat{\mathfrak{F}}(\varpi ,\varrho )$, which generalize the classical classes of starlike, convex, and close-to-convex functions. This is achieved by utilizing recent developments in the theory of univalent functions. In addition, we examine the behavior of functions from the class ${\mathfrak{R}}_{\theta }(E,V)$ under the action of the convolution operator ${\mathbb{W}}_{\chi ,\vartheta }^{\kappa }h\left(\zeta \right)$, establishing sufficient criteria for the resulting images to lie within the subclasses of analytic function. Also, certain mapping properties related to these subclasses are analyzed. In addition, the geometric features of an integral operator connected to the Mittag-Leffler function are examined. A few particular cases of our main findings are also mentioned and examined and the paper ends with the conclusions regarding the obtained results. Full article

We present an experimentally validated, engineering-oriented framework for the design and operation of pin-to-water (PTW) atmospheric discharges to produce hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) on demand. Motivated by industrial needs for safe, point-of-use oxidant supply, we combine time-resolved diagnostics (FTIR, OES), liquid-phase analysis (ion chromatography, pH, conductivity), and coupled plasma-chemistry/fluid simulations to link plasma state to aqueous H₂O₂ yield. Under the tested conditions (14.3 kHz, 0.2 kW; electrode to quartz wall distance 12–14 mm; coolant setpoints 0–40 °C), H₂O₂ concentration follows a reproducible non-monotonic trajectory: rapid accumulation during the early treatment (typical peak at ~15–25 min), followed by decline with continued operation. The decline coincides with a robust vibrational-temperature (T_vib) threshold near ~4900 K measured from N₂ emission, and with concurrent NO_X accumulation and bulk acidification. Global chemistry modeling and Fluent flow fields reproduce the observed trend and show that both vibrational excitation (kinetics) and convective transport (mass/heat transfer) determine the productive time window. Based on these results, we formulate practical design rules—electrode gap (power density), discharge current control, thermal/flow management, water quality, and OES-based T_vib monitoring with an automated stop rule—that maximize H₂O₂ yield while avoiding NO_X-dominated suppression. The study provides a clear path for transforming mechanistic plasma insights into deployable, industrial H₂O₂ generator designs. Full article

This study aimed to develop an industrially scalable coating route for enhancing the oxidation resistance of carbon fiber fabrics, a critical requirement for next-generation aerospace and high-temperature composite structures. To achieve this goal, synthesis of hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) layers was achieved via a single wet step in which the fabric was impregnated with an ammonia–borane/THF solution and subsequently nitrided for 2 h at 1000–1500 °C in flowing nitrogen. Thermogravimetric analysis coupled with X-ray diffraction revealed that amorphous BN formed below ≈1200 °C and crystallized completely into (002)-textured h-BN (with lattice parameters a ≈ 2.50 Å and c ≈ 6.7 Å) once the dwell temperature reached ≥1300 °C. Complementary XPS, FTIR and Raman spectroscopy confirmed a near-stoichiometric B:N ≈ 1:1 composition and the elimination of O–H/N–H residues as crystallinity improved. Low-magnification SEM (100×) confirmed the uniform and large-area coverage of the BN layer on the carbon fiber tows, while high-magnification SEM revealed a progressive densification of the coating from discrete nanospheres to a continuous nanosheet barrier on the fibers. Oxidation tests in flowing air shifted the onset of mass loss from 685 °C for uncoated fibers to 828 °C for the coating produced at 1400 °C; concurrently, the peak oxidation rate moved ≈200 °C higher and declined by ~40%. Treatment at 1500 °C conferred no additional benefit, indicating that 1400 °C provides the optimal balance between full crystallinity and limited grain coarsening. The resulting dense h-BN film, aided by an in situ self-healing B₂O₃ glaze above ~800 °C, delayed carbon fiber oxidation by ≈140 °C. Overall, the process offers a cost-effective, large-area alternative to vapor-phase deposition techniques, positioning BN-coated carbon fiber fabrics for robust service in extreme oxidative environments. Full article

Background and Objectives: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. In most cases, lung cancer is diagnosed at an advanced stage. For advanced-stage disease, treatment options are generally systemic and while novel treatment approaches offer hope, they may also lead to significant adverse effects. Therefore, alternative therapeutic strategies have been investigated for many years. Thymoquinone (TQ) is one such candidate. Previous studies have demonstrated its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and immunomodulatory properties. In our study, we aimed to evaluate the roles of TQ in the progression of H1650 lung adenocarcinoma cells. Materials and Methods: In this study, the antiproliferative effect of TQ on H1650 lung cancer cells was evaluated using MTT assay, its effect on oxidative damage was determined using 8-OHdG, and total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), and its effect on apoptosis were demonstrated using caspase-3 ELISA method. In addition, total RNA was extracted from both control and treatment groups, cDNA was synthesized, and mRNA expression changes of Toll-like receptor related genes (TLR) were analyzed using RT-PCR. Results: The decrease in the viability of H1650 lung cancer cells was observed in a time- and dose-dependent manner. The IC₅₀ dose of TQ in the H1650 lung cancer cell line at 48 h was 26.59 µM. TQ treatment decreased the level of TOS and increased the level of TAS in H1650 lung cancer cells. Oxidative stress index decreased in the TQ-treated dose group in H1650 lung cancer cells. Elisa 8-OHdG and caspase-3 levels were not statistically significant. Compared to the control group, no statistically significant changes were observed in TLR1, TLR2, TLR3, TLR4, TLR6, TLR7, TLR8, and TLR9 gene expressions in the treatment group treated with 26.59 µM TQ for 48 h. Conclusions: TQ shows potential as an anticancer agent and may contribute to the development of therapeutic approaches for lung cancers. Full article

This research successfully synthesized a novel n-n heterojunction Bi₂O₂CO₃/AgVO₃ nanocomposite photocatalyst via the in situ chemical deposition process. Characterization results strongly confirmed the formation of a tight heterojunction at the Bi₂O₂CO₃/AgVO₃ interface. The nanocomposite exhibited characteristic XRD peaks and FT-IR vibrational modes of both Bi₂O₂CO₃ and AgVO₃ simultaneously. Electron microscopy images revealed AgVO₃ nanorods tightly and uniformly loaded onto the surface of Bi₂O₂CO₃ nanosheets. Compared to the single-component Bi₂O₂CO₃, the composite photocatalyst exhibited a red shift in its optical absorption edge to the visible region (515 nm) and a decrease in bandgap energy to 2.382 eV. Photoluminescence (PL) spectra demonstrated the lowest fluorescence intensity for the nanocomposite, indicating that the recombination of photogenerated electron–hole pairs was suppressed. After 90 min of visible-light irradiation, the degradation efficiency of Bi₂O₂CO₃/AgVO₃ toward methylene blue (MB) reached up to 99.55%, with photodegradation rates 2.51 and 2.79 times higher than those of Bi₂O₂CO₃ and AgVO₃, respectively. Furthermore, the nanocomposite exhibited excellent cycling stability and reusability. MB degradation was gradually enhanced with increasing the photocatalyst dosage and decreasing initial MB concentration. Radical trapping experiments and absorption spectroscopy of the MB solution revealed that reactive species h⁺ and ·O₂⁻ could destroy and decompose the chromophore groups of MB molecules effectively. The possible mechanism for enhancing photocatalytic performance was suggested, elucidating the crucial roles of charge carrier transfer and active species generation. Full article

(1) Background: Aiming at low-accuracy and unclear parameter differentiation of snowmelt ice melting, rainstorm and mixed flood simulation in Northwest Chinese arid inland river basins, this study aimed to improve complex flood simulation ability and support arid area flood prediction via HEC-HMS model optimization and classification standard innovation. (2) Method: A distributed HEC-HMS model was built using topography, soil and land use data. A “meteorology, hydrology, underlying surface” flood classification method was developed, and runoff generation-concentration parameters were calibrated via trial-and-error and Latin hypercube sampling for 36 historical floods (12 each type) to verify model applicability. (3) Result: The classification accuracy reached 92%. All three flood types met simulation standards: flood peak and runoff depth error ≤ ±20%, peak time error < 3 h, average NSE = 0.76 (snowmelt: 0.82, rainstorm: 0.76, mixed: 0.70). Parameters showed gradient differences: snowmelt (CN = 65, I_a = 20 mm, k = 0.3), rainstorm (CN = 80, I_a = 10 mm, k = 0.5), mixed (parameters in between). (4) Conclusions: After parameter optimization, the HEC-HMS model is suitable for multi-source flood simulation in arid areas, and the revealed parameter laws provide a quantitative basis for flood forecasting in similar basins. Full article

To evaluate the effect of nitrogen and hydrogen on the corrosion resistance of diamond-like carbon (DLC) coatings, potentiodynamic tests were carried out on DLC coatings deposited under various reactive atmosphere compositions on martensitically hardened 34CrAlNi steel. In order to replicate actual operating conditions of steel components, the tests were conducted both in a reference 3.5% NaCl solution and in natural mine waters, which are in direct contact with mining gearbox mechanisms. Although it is generally assumed that the addition of other elements tends to deteriorate the corrosion resistance of amorphous carbon coatings, such doping simultaneously improves adhesion to metallic substrates, and enhanced adhesion in turn contributes to improved corrosion resistance. Variation in the proportions of the doping elements altered the damage morphology on the sample surface, as well as the corrosion current density, corrosion potential, and polarization resistance. Improvements in corrosion resistance parameters correlated with the quality of the coating–substrate adhesion, evaluated in accordance with the VDI3918 standard. The most favorable properties were obtained for coatings deposited under a gas composition of N₂:CH₄:H₂ with a ratio of 3:4:2. Full article

Bigels are promising delivery systems for bioactive compounds, combining the properties of hydrogels and oleogels. Pequi carotenoids, characterized by their natural yellow fluorescence, hold potential to replace the artificial dye tartrazine in foods while simultaneously enhancing their functional properties. This study developed food-grade bigels with varying oleogel-to-hydrogel ratios (40%, 60%, 80% OG) to assess the pigmentation capacity of pequi carotenoid extracts. Hydrogel contained agar and xanthan gum, while oleogel comprised beeswax, lecithin, sunflower oil, and 400 μg/100 g carotenoid extract. Bigel color was analyzed using the CIELAB system. Linear and multiple regression models were applied to assess the influence of crosslinking time (1 vs. 12 h), extraction solvent (acetone vs. [BMIM][BF4]), saponification, and oleogel ratio on color parameters. The color of the carotenoid-enriched bigels was mainly influenced by the extraction solvent and the oleogel ratio, while saponification and crosslinking time had only minor impacts. Although changes in L*, a*, and b* were observed across samples, ΔE* values generally reflected low perceptibility. Notably, more evident color differences were associated with variations in solvent type and oleogel ratio. These findings contribute to a better understanding of how formulation parameters influence the pigmentation behavior and support the development of natural, visually appealing functional foods. Full article