Search Results (42,244)

β-agonists are prohibited antibiotics that have raised concerns due to their illegal use in the livestock industry, posing potential toxicity risks to human health. For ultra-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) analysis of β-agonists, effective sample pretreatment is a crucial and challenging process that dictates the overall reliability and sensitivity of the method. Thus, this study developed a reliable method utilizing dispersive solid-phase extraction (d-SPE) with NH₂-UiO-66 as a superior adsorbent, coupled with UPLC-MS/MS, to extract and quantify β-agonists in environmental water, swine urine, and milk. The synthesized NH₂-UiO-66 exhibited outstanding adsorption capacities (146.06–358.00 mg/g) towards the target analytes. The optimized method demonstrated excellent performance: low matrix effects (−13.10–15.30%), wide linearity (0.1–50 μg/L), low limits of detection (0.04–0.09 μg/L), and satisfactory recoveries (81.48–106.67%) with good precision (intra-day RSDs 1.51–6.24%; inter-day RSDs 2.06–10.96%). Adsorption mechanism studies revealed that the extraction process, which followed the Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second-order kinetic models, was driven primarily by electrostatic interactions, π-π stacking, and hydrogen bonding. Moreover, the material could be reused up to 10 times, with satisfactory recoveries of 81.30% to 116.10%. The proposed NH₂-UiO-66-d-SPE-UPLC-MS/MS protocol is generic and provides a robust and practical solution for monitoring trace β-agonists in animal-derived foods and environmental samples, ensuring food safety and environmental health. Full article

To fill hydrogen fuel cell vehicles quickly and safely, the SAE J2601 protocol has published the MC method, which includes control of the filling speed and pressure target. The filling speed depends on the final filling time, the formula for which is obtained by fitting simulated data. The pressure target depends on the final hydrogen temperature, whose analytical solution is derived from a thermodynamic tank model. This article derives new analytical solutions of the final filling time and hydrogen temperature based on an established lumped-parameter model of the storage tank. Based on the original MC method’s control logic, a new filling method that directly uses the analytical solutions of the final filling time and hydrogen temperature was proposed. The simulation results of the new filling method and the validated model (zone-dimensional gas and a one-dimensional tank wall, 0D1D) are compared. Under the ambient temperature conditions of the 0–20 °C and precooling temperature conditions of −20–0 °C set in this article, results show that the new filling method achieves maximum errors of 4.3 °C in its final hydrogen temperature and 0.9% in a state of charge (SOC) compared to the 0D1D model. Parameter sensitivity analysis reveals that initial pressure has the most significant impact on computational accuracy, followed by ambient and precooling temperatures. Future work may further improve prediction accuracy by incorporating correction factors for initial pressure and ambient temperature. Moreover, since the analytical solution of the final hydrogen temperature inherently includes the precooling temperature parameter, the new filling method can automatically adapt to precooling temperature variations. Full article

This study investigates the complex relationship between fracture patterns and acoustic emission (AE) mechanisms during triaxial deformation experiments on Westerly granite under various confining pressures (5, 10, 20, and 40 MPa). Using numerical simulations with the Particle Flow Code (PFC2D, 6.0, Itasca Consulting Group Inc, Minneapolis, USA), this research emphasizes the significant influence of confining pressure on crack development, AE events, spatiotemporal distribution, energy dissipation, and peak stress in the samples. AE source mechanisms, categorized into T-Type, C-Type, and S-Type, show the dominance of T-Type fractures during post-peak unstable failure and the emergence of C-Type fractures as precursors to critical damage. Additionally, increasing confining pressure is found to correlate with changes in fracture dynamics, evidenced by an increase in big events and a decrease in small events. The analysis of b-values across different pressures reveals fluctuations that indicate change in fracture features. Fractures originate in the model center and propagate towards both ends as loading progresses, ultimately leading to failure. In summary, these findings provide important insights into the fracture patterns of granite and the underlying mechanisms of AE release. Moreover, they carry practical implications for identifying failure precursors and for the potential application of early warning systems in rock engineering. Full article

Crimean–Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) disease, caused by the CCHF virus (CCHFV), poses a significant fatality risk whose underlying pathological mechanisms, including the contribution of coagulation factors, imbalances and platelet abnormalities, remain poorly understood. Here we present a meta-analysis and meta-regression analysis using clinical data from coagulation assays and platelet parameters as predictive disease indices with the goal of uncovering pathognomonic factors and to pave a way for the development of effective therapeutic approaches. Methods: We systematically analyzed published studies reporting coagulation assays and platelet indices in patients with confirmed CCHF. Data from 1779 patients across the published studies were analyzed to assess associations between laboratory parameters and the fatality risk, while evaluating heterogeneity and prognostic significance. Results: Fatal outcomes were strongly associated with elevated liver enzymes (AST: 1116.71 ± 1454.08 IU/mL; ALT: 446.56 ± 457.41 IU/mL) and prolonged clotting times (PT: 19.53 ± 6.57 s; aPTT: 64.02 ± 23.13 s; INR: 1.53 ± 0.56). D-dimer levels did not significantly predict fatality. Thrombocytopenia and coagulopathy emerged as independent risk factors for adverse outcomes. Notably, protein C and protein S levels did not differ between survivors and non-survivors, suggesting that the coagulopathy is not purely consumptive or a result of impaired hepatic synthesis. In contrast, mildly reduced antithrombin levels (83.65 ± 19.90) were weighted toward increased mortality. Full article

The Integrated Fixed-film Activated Sludge (IFAS) partial nitritation/anammox (PN/A) process offers robust nitrogen removal, yet startup using pre-colonized carriers incurs high logistical costs. This study investigated the mechanism of inoculating a pilot-scale IFAS system with granular anammox sludge to treat anaerobic digestion supernatant. The treatment train integrated coagulation, pre-aeration, and an IFAS-PN/A unit. The granular-inoculated IFAS-PN/A unit achieved stable biofilm formation and a nitrogen removal rate of 0.36 kg N m⁻³ d⁻¹, benefiting from the effective interception of excessive organic carbon by the preceding coagulation and pre-aeration steps. Microbial analysis identified Candidatus brocadia as the dominant anammox genus, revealing a distinct migration pathway: bacteria transferred from disintegrating granules to the suspended sludge—acting as a transitional vector—before ultimately colonizing the carriers. While granular biomass diminished, anammox abundance in the biofilm increased to 12.0% by day 166. Furthermore, distinct spatial niches were observed: ammonium-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) dominated the suspended sludge, while nitrite-oxidizing bacteria (NOB) were effectively suppressed. These findings demonstrate the feasibility of granular inoculation for cost-effective IFAS startup and provide critical insights into the bacterial migration dynamics required for stable operation. Full article

Gibberellins (GAs) play a crucial regulatory role in the growth and development of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.). Through bioinformatics analyses, we identified a total of 39 GA2ox genes (encoding gibberellin 2-oxidases) in the cotton genome, designated GhGA2ox1 to GhGA2ox39. Based on phylogenetic analysis, these genes were classified into five groups. We further examined their gene structures, conserved motifs, and chromosomal distributions, revealing that members within the same group shared similar structural and motif organizations. Collinearity and cis-element analyses provided important insights into the evolutionary history and regulatory potential of the GA2ox gene family in cotton. Notably, using nucleotide diversity (π) and population differentiation (F_ST) analyses across the entire family, we screened and identified nine candidate genes that underwent strong artificial selection during cotton domestication and improvement. Further haplotype-phenotype association analysis identified GH_D09G0919 (GhGA2ox31) as a key regulator of Plant Height (PH). To validate their regulatory roles, we analyzed the genotype distribution in accessions with extreme phenotypes. The results revealed divergent selection histories for these two loci: the favorable allele of GH_D01G0720 (GhGA2ox23) was already fixed in the tested population, whereas GH_D09G0919 maintained significant natural variation. Specifically, the Hap2 allele of GH_D09G0919 was significantly enriched in the shortest accessions compared to the tallest ones. Importantly, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis confirmed that the Hap2 allele drives significantly higher gene expression in leaves, suggesting that enhanced GA catabolism underlies the compact phenotype. Additionally, transcriptomic profiling revealed the tissue-specific expression patterns of candidate genes, implying their functional roles in development. Furthermore, functional validation using the Arabidopsis mutant of the homologous gene (AtGA2ox8) confirmed its conserved role in regulating plant height, as the mutant exhibited a distinct short-stature phenotype. These results uncover valuable genetic resources for molecular breeding to shape compact cotton architecture. Collectively, this study aims to analyze the evolutionary patterns of the cotton GA2ox gene family and to identify key genes that regulate plant height under artificial selection, providing theoretical support for molecular breeding of compact plant types. Full article

This study presents the fabrication and optimization of eco-efficient epoxy composites reinforced with ground natural stone fillers, namely pebble, sandstone, and marble, at loadings of up to 15.6 wt.%. Low content of a bio-based modifier, modified castor oil (MCO ≈ 0.5 wt.%), is incorporated to improve filler dispersion, processing behavior, and matrix–filler interfacial compatibility. The composites are designed to enhance mechanical, thermal, and dielectric performance using low-cost, abundant, and environmentally sustainable constituents. An experimental optimization approach is employed to evaluate and optimize bulk density, Shore D hardness, thermal conductivity, dielectric constant, and tensile strength. The results demonstrate that pebble-reinforced composites exhibit the highest tensile strength (≈30 MPa) and surface hardness (≈82 Shore D), which are attributed to the angular morphology and high intrinsic rigidity of pebble particles. Marble-filled systems show superior thermal stability, with residual mass increasing from approximately 2.5 wt.% for neat epoxy to over 11 wt.% at 550 °C, owing to the thermally stable calcium carbonate phase. In contrast, sandstone-reinforced composites exhibit the lowest dielectric constant (≈3.2), indicating enhanced electrical insulation capability. Fourier–transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) results confirm that the epoxy network structure is preserved upon filler incorporation, while MCO promotes improved interfacial interactions through physical interactions. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) reveal enhanced thermal resistance, reduced microvoid formation, and improved filler–matrix adhesion at optimal filler contents of approximately 3.5 wt.%. Full article

This study develops a conceptual framework for characterizing reservoir architecture in multi-component, discrete systems using pressure transient analysis (PTA), aimed at calibrating inflow geometry prior to full-field dynamic simulation for subsurface gas storage applications such as CO₂ and hydrogen. A secondary objective is to identify variations in permeability over time by analyzing flow capacity trends and evaluating the dynamic influence of faults and fractures. The analysis is based on a gas-condensate field comprising seven wells and four zones (A, B, C, D), using integrated dynamic datasets including extended well tests (EWTs), mud loss, production logs, and production data. Detailed interpretation of PX-1’s EWT indicated delayed re-pressurization and persistent under-pressure, suggesting a compartmentalized or transient system with limited gas-in-place connectivity. Four reservoir architecture concepts were developed: (1) lithology-dominated inflow, (2) structurally controlled inflow, (3) discrete, weakly connected compartments, and (4) transient-dominated systems with tight matrix GIIP. These concepts informed four reservoir models: matrix-only (M), areal heterogeneity (A), sparse bodies (B), and sparse networks (S). Application of these models across other wells revealed consistent localized KH (permeability–thickness product) behavior, with all models fitting short-duration data comparably. However, only sparse drainage models (B/S) adequately matched PX-1’s EWT response. PTA results confirm that well tests constrain KH locally but provide limited insight into large-scale reservoir architecture. EWTs may reach ~1 km, while shorter tests are confined to ~200–400 m, typically within one to two simulation grid blocks. This study demonstrates how integrating PTA with multi-scale data improves characterization of naturally fractured, tight carbonate reservoirs and supports reservoir simulation and history matching for hydrogen storage evaluation. Based on reservoir simulations, this study concluded that naturally fractured carbonate gas reservoirs can provide significant storage and injection capacities for underground hydrogen storage. This study exemplifies how to characterize the naturally fractured tight carbonate reservoirs by integrating multi-scale and multi-dimensional data such as PTA. Furthermore, this study assists in gridding for full-field reservoir models, for history matching and quantifying the potential of hydrogen storage in these complex reservoirs. The proposed workflow provides an uncertainty-bounded reservoir characterization framework and should not be interpreted as a complete field-design methodology for hydrogen storage. The modeling does not explicitly couple geomechanical fracture growth, hydrogen diffusion, long-term geochemical reactions, or caprock integrity degradation. Therefore, the presented storage scenarios represent technically feasible cases under defined assumptions. Comprehensive site-specific geomechanical and containment assessments are required prior to field-scale implementation. Full article

Background/Objectives: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder affecting approximately 5–10% of the population, with many individuals reporting insufficient improvement from treatment options. This study aimed to explore whether time-restricted eating (TRE) could alleviate symptoms in patients with IBS. Methods: This single-group, pre–post pilot study included participants with IBS who followed an 8-week time-restricted eating protocol, defined as a daily 16 h fasting period and an 8 h eating window (16:8). Symptom changes were assessed using the validated IBS Symptom Severity Scale (IBS-SSS) at baseline and post-intervention. The study was retrospectively registered after completion of data collection. Results: A total of 134 patients were enrolled, of whom 97 completed the intervention. Participants demonstrated a mean reduction in the IBS-SSS score of −100.2 (p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis also demonstrated mean reductions in the IBS-SSS scores for participants with IBS-constipation (IBS-C) (−125.2, p < 0.001), IBS-diarrhea (IBS-D) (−76.0, p < 0.005), and IBS-mixed (IBS-M) (−93.1, p < 0.001). Additionally, the participants experienced improvements in both self-reported physical and mental health. Conclusions: These preliminary findings suggest that TRE may represent a promising behavioral strategy for IBS symptom management, warranting controlled trials. Full article

With the advancement of autonomous driving technologies, automated container terminals (ACTs) are transitioning toward mixed-traffic operations involving unmanned internal container trucks (ITs) and manned external container trucks (ETs). However, the complex interactions in mixed traffic present frequent conflicts and challenges for system performance evaluation. To address this, this study focuses on mixed-traffic ACTs and establishes a comprehensive performance evaluation model based on multi-agent simulation. First, three lane configurations are defined, including segregated unidirectional, mixed unidirectional, and mixed bidirectional. Then, a path interaction point (PIP) modeling method is proposed under traffic conflicts to characterize lane-level motion behaviors and conflict relationships represented by a conflict matrix, based on which an IT access strategy is developed. Second, a multi-level performance evaluation model for ITs is established, and a 3D multi-agent simulation model is developed to support performance evaluation under different lane configurations. Finally, the three lane configurations are evaluated through simulation at both individual and system levels under a baseline scenario, followed by a sensitivity analysis across varying IT–ET task ratios to assess adaptability. Simulation results indicate that the mixed bidirectional lane configuration achieves superior overall performance and robustness. Full article

The paper presents the results of a study focused on technological parameters that ensure the effectiveness of using concrete powders obtained from crushed concrete waste as an active mineral additive in construction mixtures used for 3D printing. The efficiency of using a complex polyfunctional additive to cement pastes and mortars based on it is experimentally demonstrated. This additive includes a naphthalene–formaldehyde-based superplasticizer and a water-retaining additive, hydroxyethyl methylcellulose. Using the mathematical experiment planning methodology, polynomial models of the cement pastes and mortars’ mechanical properties were obtained. The models showed a positive effect of the complex additive on the cement pastes’ normal consistency and viscosity. Additionally, the results of the study demonstrate the possibility of regulating the cement pastes’ setting time and the plastic strength of mortars based on them using a complex additive. Analysis of the experimental–statistical models shows that using the complex additive allows regulation of water separation as well as the compressive and flexural strength of cement–sand mortars based on the investigated cement pastes within the required limits. Improving the key properties of building mixtures containing crushed concrete waste for 3D printing using complex polyfunctional modifier additives opens up new opportunities for increasing their economic and environmental efficiency. Full article

Background: Toe motor control contributes to postural stability and walking, yet clinical assessments have focused on toe-grip strength. The kinematics of selective toe extension under conditions requiring non-target toes to remain in contact with the ground remain poorly quantified. The aim of the present study was to characterize the kinematics and reliability of selective toe extension tasks using three-dimensional motion capture and to compare young and older adults. Methods: A total of 40 participants (20 young adults and 20 older adults) performed three tasks twice: all-toe extension, selective hallux extension, and selective four-toe extension (toes 2–5), with non-target toes required to remain in contact with the ground during selective tasks. Extension angles of the hallux, second, and fifth toes were quantified, and toe-grip strength was measured. Reliability was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC(1,2)). Toe angles were analyzed using two-way analysis of variance (group × condition, including resting and task conditions). Results: Toe angles demonstrated moderate to excellent reliability (ICC(1,2) = 0.81–0.95; 95% CI: 0.637–0.974). Compared with all-toe extension, both selective tasks showed reduced extension ranges, indicating an incomplete extension phenomenon in both groups. Significant group × condition interactions were observed for the hallux and second toes. During selective tasks, older adults exhibited greater unintended extension of non-target toes. Toe-grip strength was significantly lower in older adults (p < 0.001, Cohen’s d = 2.51). Conclusions: Selective toe extension tasks provide reliable kinematic indices of inter-toe motor control by quantifying incomplete extension and associated movements. Older adults showed greater associated movements under ground-contact constraints, suggesting age-related declines in motor coordination and possible reductions in toe flexor strength. Full article

Molybdenum tellurite compounds have attracted increasing interest as promising nonlinear optical (NLO) materials, yet their microscopic second-harmonic generation (SHG) mechanisms remain unclear. In this work, the electronic structures and SHG responses of ATeMoO₆ (ATM, A = Mg, Cd, Zn) are systematically investigated using first-principles calculations combined with atom response theory. The results show that the SHG responses are mainly governed by the occupied nonbonding O 2p states and the unoccupied Mo 4d and Te 5p states. Our atom response theory analysis reveals that a strong synergistic effect between stereochemically active lone pairs (SCALPs) on Te atoms and nonbonding O 2p states critically enhances the SHG response in ZnTM and MgTM. In contrast, the relative weaker Te SCALPs in CdTM fail to provide a comparable contribution, leading to its lower SHG performance. The structure group analysis reveals that MoO₄ units dominate the SHG response, while TeO₄ units provide secondary contributions. Moreover, group dipole moments are found to be insufficient to explain the SHG behavior. These findings provide microscopic insights into SHG origins and offer guidance for NLO material design. Full article

This paper proposes a quasi-dynamic Volt–Var control strategy for radial distribution networks based on the optimal sizing of a distribution static synchronous compensator (D-STATCOM) using a genetic algorithm (GA). The objective is to enhance voltage regulation and reduce technical energy losses under variable loading conditions while preserving nonlinear AC power flow fidelity. The IEEE 33-bus test system was modeled in DIgSILENT PowerFactory (v2021), and the D-STATCOM installation bus was selected based on a rigorous literature-supported placement criterion derived from optimization-based studies. Three representative demand scenarios—minimum, average, and maximum loading—were defined to approximate quasi-dynamic operation over a daily cycle. The GA was implemented in MATLAB (R2023b) to solve a normalized nonlinear multi-objective optimization problem that simultaneously minimizes total active power losses and the aggregate voltage deviation index. The optimized reactive power capacities obtained were 0.49 Mvar, 1.1933 Mvar, and 2.30 Mvar for the minimum, average, and maximum demand scenarios, respectively. These configurations achieved active power loss reductions of 27.5%, 24.602%, and 23.44% under the corresponding loading levels while improving voltage regulation at the critical bus (bus 18) and maintaining system voltages within the admissible 0.95–1.05 p.u. range. Through quasi-dynamic interpolation of operating points, the daily performance assessment showed a 24.11% reduction in total energy losses and a 38.28% decrease in the average voltage deviation. A statistical robustness analysis confirmed stable convergence behavior across independent executions. The results demonstrate that the proposed framework provides a computationally efficient, planning-oriented approach for reactive power compensation in distribution systems subject to demand variability. Full article

Autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT) is characterized by dysregulated endocrine–immune interactions, and vitamin D has been proposed as a potential immunomodulatory factor influencing vaccine-induced immune responses. This study investigated the association between serum vitamin D status and humoral responses to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in patients with AIT, while exploring potential molecular mechanisms using network pharmacology, molecular docking and Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations. Patients were stratified according to serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels as deficient, insufficient, or sufficient. Anti–spike receptor-binding domain (RBD) IgG titers, thyroid autoantibodies, and thyroid-stimulating hormone levels were measured. In parallel, vitamin D₃ related molecular targets were integrated with AIT-associated genes, followed by protein–protein interaction analysis, molecular docking and MD simulations were performed to assess the interactions between vitamin D₃ (cholecalciferol) and selected key proteins. An inverse correlation was observed between serum vitamin D levels and anti-RBD IgG titers (p = 0.0013), with higher antibody responses detected in vitamin D-deficient patients. Network pharmacology analysis highlighted CYP19A1, CYP17A1, and ESR1 as prioritized targets associated with steroid hormone biosynthesis and endocrine signaling pathways. Molecular docking showed compatible binding of vitamin D₃ to these proteins, while MD simulations supported the structural stability of the complexes over time. Collectively, these findings suggest that vitamin D status may influence post-vaccination humoral immune responses in AIT, potentially through modulation of endocrine–immune crosstalk. Further longitudinal and mechanistic studies are required to clarify causality and clinical relevance. Full article