Search Results (19,051)

During the preimplantation period, the nutrition of the embryo is dependent on luminal secretions of the uterus, which can be modified by the health status of the animal. The aim of this study was to mimic the paracrine communication between healthy or LPS-stressed epithelial endometrial cells (EECs) and embryos using aa transwell plate. The rate of in vitro embryo production, size, and concentration of extracellular vesicles (EVs), and level of secretion of Galectin-9 (Gal-9) and leukaemia inhibitory factor (LIF) were detected. Embryos were produced with an established protocol of oocyte in vitro maturation (IVM), in vitro fertilization (IVF), and in vitro embryo culture (IVC). On day 55 of IVC, one hour before the transfer of morulae in the basolateral compartment of the transwell, EECs were treated with 10 ng/mL of LPS, and IVC was continued until the eleventh day. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) were obtained from IVC medium by ultracentrifugation. Levels of Gal-9 and LIF were evaluated by ELISA. On day 7, the results did not show statistically different blastocyst rates between EECs+Embryo and EECs+LPS+Embryo (34.94 ± 1.95% and 33.06 ± 3.08%, respectively). On day 11, the rate of hatched blastocysts was 23.03 ± 3.18% in EECs+Embryo, while in EECs+LPS+Embryo, no hatching was observed. Nanosight revealed higher values in EV size and concentration in EECs+LPS+Embryo medium compared to EECs+Embryo (p < 0.05). In LPS-treated samples, there was a significant decrease in Gal-9 levels and a significant increase in LIF secretions compared with non-non-LPS-treated samples (p < 0.05). These results highlight how bidirectional secretions between EECs and embryos, crucial for embryo development, can be affected by endometritis. Full article

Modern impact monitoring systems combine multiple inputs with machine learning (ML) models for impact detection, localization, and event assessment. Their accuracy relies on large, event-representative datasets, used for algorithmic development and ML model training. High-fidelity numerical models can provide augmented datasets by overcoming the cost and time limitations of experimental methods. This research presents an end-to-end numerical methodology for impact detection based on simulation (training) and experimental (testing) data. Initially, a finite element model (FEM) of our experimental setup utilizing piezoelectric transducer (PZT) sensors mounted on a thermoplastic plate is created. From the experimental impact signals, a few consistent cases are identified for feature extraction. A design of experiments explores the range of each parameter, and through surrogate optimization, the material and piezoelectric properties of the setup are determined. Subsequently, a virtual dataset, involving multiple impact cases, is created to train the ML models performing impact detection. Testing with experimental data shows results consistent with literature studies that used only experimental data for both training and testing. This work provides a systematic methodology for representative dataset generation and impact monitoring through ML, while addressing accurate FEM parameter identification from a few experimental tries. Full article

The roll bonding of 7075/1060 composite laminates offers a promising approach toward the increase in toughness of aluminum layered composites. In this paper, 7075 and 1060 aluminum alloy plates were hot roll bonded to fabricate multilayered composite laminates. Solid solution at 470 °C for different holding times and subsequent aging were carried out for all the laminates. This study investigated the effect of holding times on the interfacial microstructure and interfacial bonding strength of the laminates. The interfacial shear strength was found to increase with longer holding times, which was attributed to the solid solution strengthening of the 1060 layer resulting from element diffusion. The findings also reveal that both tensile strength and toughness are positively correlated with the holding time of the solid solution, and there is a simultaneous improvement of tensile strength and toughness as the holding time increases. Microstructural characterization of the crack path profile of the Charpy impact and bending test indicates that interfacial delamination and main crack deflection become pronounced with the increase in holding time, and these lead to an increase in the fracture resistance in the crack-arrester orientation. Full article

Shielding gas flow in metal Laser Powder Bed Fusion (PBF-LB/M) removes ejecta and byproducts from the build plate and the optical path, preventing laser interference and loss of part quality. Previous research conducted on an EOS M290 used Magnetic Resonance Velocimetry (MRV) to resolve the three-component, three-dimensional flow field and identified a region of recirculation below the lower vent. The present work demonstrates the correction of this recirculation through practical chamber modifications: raising the build platform and optical assembly, and redesigning the recoater and the lower inlet to reflect the new build plate position. MRV was leveraged to generate flow distribution maps and velocity profiles of the modified configuration, showing a marked change in the overall flow field. Plate scans across the build area characterized the impact of gas flow improvements on process response. Specimens from the original configuration showed progressively shallower melt pools toward the vent, whereas those from the modified configuration exhibited a ~10% higher average melt pool depth in the region most affected by prior recirculation. Qualification artifacts built under both conditions provided preliminary evidence of improved part performance via enhanced gas flow distribution. These results highlight potential benefits of uniform gas flow distribution across the build plate through simple EOS M290 chamber modifications. Full article

The complexity of the loading mode and action mechanism is demonstrated in the portal frame anti-uplift structure. The stress evolution process of the portal frame structure during the excavation of the upper foundation pit is revealed through in situ structural stress tests and numerical modeling analysis reflecting the small strain characteristics of stratum. The stress distribution of uplift piles and anti-floating plates is analyzed, with the axial force of piles and the development law of bending moment in plates being specifically examined. It is emphasized that the load of the uplift pile is generated by friction between the pile and soil caused by stratum floating, which is predominantly produced during the excavation of the upper block and the unloading of the surcharge. The pile 11# is observed to be under tension in the middle and compressed at both ends, with the extreme value of tensile stress of these 24 piles being located at 0.15 times the pile length below the top of the middle pile. The main loads of the anti-floating plate are identified as backfilling, foundation buoyancy, and lateral soil pressure. The lower part of the two pile spans is subjected to tension, while the upper part is under compression, with the bending moment extremes being located on the side where the frame is first formed. A significant increase in stiffness is exhibited by the frame structure after its formation, and the influence from the excavation of other blocks is markedly reduced. The most adverse condition is determined to occur during the integral removal of the upper surcharge. The reference value of these research results is confirmed for clarifying the stress mechanism of anti-uplift portal frame structures and optimizing key technical parameters in structural design and construction. Full article

Fomes fomentarius (L.) Fr. sensu lato is a common, widespread polypore and a pathological decayer in many hosts such as poplar, beech, and birch. It is either regarded as a single species, a species complex, or displaying a significant intraspecific variability. Limits between populations are fuzzy, and local differences have been mainly related to the current distribution of preferred hosts. The aim of the work was to test an imaging technique (RGB profiling) of cultures’ macromorphology on Petri plates to implement the traditional growth profiles of pure cultures in order to point out differences between strains from different European regions, hosts, and climates. Growth rates at 24 °C and 30 °C poorly segregated strains based on the origin, whereas there is a marked difference at 15 °C between strains from oceanic climates and continental climates. K-means clustering of RGB profiles also marked a difference at 15 °C between Central/North European strains and the Italian strains, although this variability gradually attenuates by increasing temperature. The combined approach, including a radial growth measuring and RGB profiling, successfully pointed out the intraspecific diversity in F. fomentarius, suggesting local adaptations. This study contributes to establishing a methodology to investigate the ecotype concept in polypores. Full article

The membrane oxygenator serves as the core component of extracorporeal life support systems, and its gas exchange efficiency critically influences clinical outcomes. However, gas transfer is predominantly limited by the diffusion barrier within the blood-side boundary layer, where saturated red blood cells accumulate. Current research focuses mainly on static approaches such as optimizing fiber bundle configuration to promote passive blood mixing or modifying material properties, which are fixed after fabrication. In contrast, dynamic blood flow control remains an underexplored avenue for enhancing oxygenator performance. This study proposes an active pulsatile flow control method that disrupts the boundary layer barrier by optimizing periodic flow profiles, thereby directly improving gas exchange. A deep reinforcement learning framework integrating proximal policy optimization and long short-term memory networks was developed to autonomously search for optimal flow waveforms under constant flow conditions. A simplified stacked-plate membrane oxygenator was specially designed as the experimental platform to minimize flow path interference. Experimental results demonstrate that the optimized pulsatile profile increases the oxygen transfer rate by $20.64\%$ without compromising hemocompatibility. Full article

Objective: Phenotypic switching of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) in the corpus spongiosum may contribute to abnormal urethral development in hypospadias, but the underlying molecular regulators remain unclear. This study aimed to identify hub genes associated with VSMCs phenotypic switching in the corpus spongiosum using RNA sequencing and Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA), and to functionally characterize the top candidate gene CDKN2B. Methods: Corpus spongiosum tissue samples were collected from seven patients with proximal hypospadias and five patients with urethral stricture (control group). The expression of the VSMCs contractile markers Calponin 1 and α-SMA, and the secretory marker OPN, was evaluated by qRT-PCR and Western blotting to assess VSMCs phenotypic state. RNA sequencing and Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) were performed to identify hub genes, which were then validated by qRT-PCR. Primary VSMCs were isolated from corpus spongiosum tissue and transduced with lentiviral vectors to either suppress or overexpress CDKN2B. Changes in VSMC marker expression and in key signaling pathways associated with phenotypic switching—specifically TGF/Smad and SRF/MYOCD—were analyzed using qRT-PCR and Western blotting. Results: In hypospadias tissue, the decreased expression of α-SMA and Calponin 1, together with increased OPN, indicated a shift in VSMCs from a contractile to a secretory phenotype. RNA-seq and WGCNA identified 11 differentially expressed genes, among which CDKN2B showed a marked downregulation in hypospadias samples. In control VSMCs, CDKN2B inhibition led to reduced α-SMA and Calponin 1, elevated OPN, and suppressed activity of TGF/Smad and SRF/MYOCD signaling. Conversely, CDKN2B overexpression in VSMCs from hypospadias samples restored α-SMA and Calponin 1 expression, decreased OPN, and enhanced TGF/Smad and SRF/MYOCD pathway activation. Conclusions: VSMCs in the corpus spongiosum surrounding the urethral plate in hypospadias undergo a transition from a contractile to a secretory phenotype. CDKN2B emerges from unbiased transcriptomic screening as a key hub gene and functions as a critical regulator of this process, maintaining the contractile phenotype by modulating canonical TGF/Smad and SRF/MYOCD signaling. The CDKN2B–TGF/Smad axis may represent a central pathway linking VSMC phenotypic switching to abnormal vascular remodeling in hypospadias. Full article

In shale oil accumulation, the sealing capacity of roof strata is a key factor controlling hydrocarbon retention, primarily governed by pore–throat structures. This study examines the Chang 7₃ sub-member roof in the Ordos Basin using core and drilling samples, combined with SEM, mercury intrusion porosimetry, nitrogen adsorption, and breakthrough pressure tests. The roof rocks are dense and mainly composed of mudstone, silty mudstone, and argillaceous siltstone, which can be further classified into clay-rich and felsic-rich types. The pore system includes organic matter pores, dissolution pores, intergranular pores, clay interlayer pores, intercrystalline pores, and microfractures. Pores are dominated by mesopores (4–10 nm), with few macropores, and display slit-like, plate-, and wedge-shaped morphologies. Breakthrough pressure averages above 20 MPa, reflecting strong sealing capacity. Although dissolution of felsic minerals generates secondary porosity that may weaken sealing, the overall complex pore–throat system, reinforced by compaction and cementation of clay minerals, forms a dense fabric and favorable sealing conditions. These features restrict hydrocarbon migration and enhance the sealing performance of the Chang 7₃ shale oil roof. Full article

Understanding the spatial and temporal structure of crustal deformation is essential for identifying tectonic blocks, assessing seismic hazard, and detecting precursory deformation associated with major megathrust earthquakes. In this study, we analyze twenty years of continuous GNSS observations from the Japanese Islands to identify coherent deformation domains and anomalous regions using an integrated time-dependent clustering framework. The workflow combines six machine learning algorithms (Hierarchical Agglomerative Clustering, K-means, Gaussian Mixture Models, Spectral Clustering, HDBSCAN and consensus clustering) and constructs a set of deformation-related features including steady-state velocities, strain rates, co-seismic and post-seismic displacements, and spatial distance metrics. Optimal cluster numbers are determined by validity metrics, and the most robust segmentation is obtained using a consensus approach. The resulting spatiotemporal domains reveal clear segmentation associated with major geological structures such as the Fossa Magna graben, the Median Tectonic Line, and deformation belts related to Pacific Plate subduction. The method also highlights deformation patterns potentially associated with the preparation stages of megathrust earthquakes. Our results demonstrate that machine learning-based clustering of long-term GNSS time series provides a powerful data-driven tool for quantifying deformation heterogeneity and improving the understanding of active geodynamic processes in subduction zones. Full article

Mechanical recycling of Fused Deposition Modeling 3D printing materials is very attractive for the circular economy. In this paper, the tensile properties of a virgin and a one-time-recycled short carbon fiber reinforced polyamide, coming from 3D printing scrap and failed parts, were evaluated. Anisotropy was taken into account properly by using characterization methods that are typical of composites. Rheological properties were obtained with a parallel plate rheometer in oscillatory mode, and thermal properties were investigated based on thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. A decrease in the average molecular weight of the recycled material, indicated by the rheological measurements, induced brittleness. Nevertheless, the stiffness and yield strength of the 3D printed parts made with the recycled material were higher than those made with the virgin one. Since this behavior could not be explained based on an increase in crystallinity or a relevant decrease in the void content, a feasible explanation is proposed with an increase of the interlayer and intralayer adhesion quality. In any case, the recycled polyamide filament can be successfully reused in Fused Deposition Modeling 3D printing, even when significant mechanical properties are required, but attention must be paid to a certain decrease in ductility. Full article

Post-stroke gait dysfunction is biomechanically heterogeneous, yet biomechanically informed classifications of functional walking remain underdeveloped. In particular, there is a lack of clinically accessible methods for classifying gait deficits that account for propulsion impairments—a historically laboratory-dependent gait parameter requiring measurement with force plate systems. This study examined whether propulsion impairment can be classified by combining a global measure of walking function (i.e., the 10 m walk test speed) with specific measures of dynamic walking ability derived from the Functional Gait Assessment (FGA). Forty participants >6 months post-stroke completed biomechanical evaluations quantifying propulsion during walking and clinical assessments including the FGA. Multivariable stepwise regression identified the FGA items most strongly associated with paretic propulsion. Models augmented with these FGA items explained 15% greater variance in the paretic propulsion peak and 7% greater variance in paretic propulsion impulse compared with models using Comfortable Walking Speed (CWS) alone. Incorporating FGA items also yielded the highest overall accuracy (72.5% vs. 60% with CWS alone) and best per-class performance in propulsion severity classification. These findings establish the co-assessment of walking speed and targeted FGA items as a clinically feasible approach to biomechanically informed classification of post-stroke gait dysfunction. Full article

Introduction: A 3D endothelial spheroid model expressing mosaic gain-of-function KRAS mutations was established to further understand the molecular changes associated with sporadic brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). Methods: Repellent 96-well U-bottom plates were seeded with human cerebral microvascular endothelial cells and resultant spheroids transduced with recombinant adeno-associated virus expressing KRAS^G12V. Spheroids were monitored using live-cell imaging for extended culture periods. Results: In the early growth period, KRAS^G12V expression increased spheroid growth rates and enhanced spheroid sprouting on gel matrices consistent with known AVM characteristics. With extended culture, novel endothelial characteristics were observed. KRAS^G12V-expressing spheroids displayed dynamic blebbing associated with the formation of rounded, hypertrophic cells disposed to engage in spheroid escape. These cells displayed reduced cell–cell adherence with rapid plasma membrane blebbing characteristic of amoeboid-like migration and mesenchymal-to-amoeboid transition. Spheroid growth and blebbing were reversed with MEK and mTOR inhibitors; Rho/ROCK inhibition specifically targeted the blebbing phenotype. Conclusions: Endothelial spheroids expressing KRAS^G12V exhibit characteristic features associated with abnormal vessel development in brain AVMs as well as novel phenotypes not previously observed in 2D monolayers. The ability to extend culture periods in this simple 3D model may allow further phenotypic exploration of important AVM driver mutations. Full article

Marine structures may suffer collision during navigation, leading to plastic deformation or even fracture failure of the structure, which poses a serious threat to ship structural safety. In this study, INSTRON 9350 Drop Tower was employed to carry out the impact test on the aluminum foam sandwich plates (AFSPs). The penetration performance of AFSPs were analyzed, including deformation mode, failure mode, impact force, displacement, energy absorption, and loading–unloading process. Additionally, the effects of impactor diameter and low-temperature environment on the penetration behavior of AFSPs were explored. The results indicate that the upper face sheet primarily exhibits shear failure, while the lower face sheet mainly undergoes global bending and tensile fracture. As the impact energy increases, the deformation zone of the lower face sheet extends to the boundary of the effective area of the sandwich plates. The loading stage of AFSPs under different impact energies generally coincide, but the unloading stage shows significant differences. Moreover, the peak impact force of the case D40 is nearly twice that of the case D25, while the 25 mm impactor is more likely to penetrate the lower face sheet, so that the energy absorption of the smaller impactor is reduced. Under penetration conditions, higher impact energies resulted in faster energy absorption rates, but the final absorbed energy values were almost identical. Ambient temperature affects the penetration performance of AFSPs; as the temperature decreases, the permanent deflection of the upper face sheet and the rebound velocity of the impactor decrease, whereas energy absorption increases. Compared with the normal temperature (20 °C), the energy absorption increases by about 8% at low temperature (−60 °C). Full article

Thermal anomalies within the lithosphere are an important manifestation of mantle plume–lithosphere interaction. Early studies primarily concentrated on the presence of the Hainan plume and its surface responses, with comparatively little research devoted to its hotspot track and lithospheric-scale thermal responses. Based on high-resolution seismic data, we reveal that, although a low-velocity anomaly caused by the plume exists in the asthenospheric mantle beneath Hainan Island (>70 km), no such anomaly is observed in the lithospheric mantle (40~70 km). In comparison, within the same depth slice, a low-velocity body in the lithospheric mantle (40~70 km) is observed beneath the Jiangxi–Fujian boundary, accompanied by high-surface heat flow, and its location is shifted approximately 1300 km to the northeast relative to the low-velocity anomaly in the asthenosphere located under Hainan Island. To explain the spatial offset of the low-velocity anomalies, we constructed a three-dimensional geodynamic model aimed at investigating the lithospheric thermal evolution during interaction between the stationary Hainan plume and the moving South China Plate. The findings indicate that the lithospheric low-velocity zone beneath the Jiangxi-Fujian region may be a consequence of the migration of the lithospheric thermal anomaly caused by the Hainan plume with the South China Plate. Full article