Search Results (39)

CubeSat missions increasingly rely on microwave-band communication systems, whose antennas often exhibit directional radiation patterns. As a result, multiple antennas are commonly used to improve coverage; however, a quantitative method to evaluate their performance across all spacecraft attitudes has been lacking. This paper introduces the Coverage Ratio of CubeSat Attitude (CRCA), a metric that quantifies the proportion of orientations for which the antenna gain exceeds a required threshold. CRCA is introduced and demonstrated using the S-band command antenna system of the 6U CubeSat VERTECS. The proposed metric is then used to quantitatively compare multiple antenna placement configurations, clarifying the effect of mounting faces on attitude-dependent coverage. Electromagnetic simulations and three-dimensional radiation pattern measurements using a metal CubeSat enclosure show good agreement when splitter and cable losses are taken into account. The combined radiation pattern achieves greater than $-8.0$ dBic in 90% of attitudes in simulation, and greater than $-10.0$ dBic of attitudes in 90% in measurement. Furthermore, a CRCA-based link budget analysis demonstrates that sufficient uplink margin can be conservatively maintained under tumbling conditions. The proposed CRCA framework provides a practical and generalizable approach for evaluating antenna omnidirectionality and attitude-dependent communication performance in CubeSat missions. Full article

This systematic review and meta-analysis per PRISMA 2020 addresses the use of recycled concrete aggregates as a replacement for aggregates in self-consolidating concrete for structural and non-structural use. It provides a comprehensive evaluation of the available research and offers a synthesised overview of the potential use of recycled concrete aggregate in self-consolidating concrete beyond standardised replacement levels. A total of 256 research papers were obtained from different databases, and after a detailed content review, only 24 unique experimental research studies fulfilled the review criteria. Data were extracted on recycled concrete aggregate source, pre-treatment, replacement ratio, mix proportions, fresh properties, strength, stiffness, and durability. It was observed across all studies that the recycled concrete aggregates originated from precast concrete rejected elements with a low water-to-cement ratio, producing an equal or stronger concrete than the reference concrete in the studies; however, none of the studies included in this research resulted in a higher modulus of elasticity than the corresponding reference concrete. Additionally, moderate aggregate replacement (20–50%) preserved the workability, whereas high replacements (75–100%) affected fresh concrete properties as well as increased shrinkage and creep. The inclusion of fine recycled concrete aggregate in addition to coarse recycled concrete aggregate has a larger effect on lowering compressive strength and stiffness in the concrete. Overall, high-quality coarse recycled concrete aggregate (precast rejects or screened demolition waste)—an aggregate replacement level of around 50%—facilitates the production of sustainable self-consolidating concrete, whereas full replacement requires aggregate pre-treatment and a carefully optimised mix design. Full article

Tomato fruit malformation causes substantial yield and economic losses, but its molecular mechanisms are not well understood. This study compared floral traits of WT ‘QT57’ and malformed-fruit mutant ‘QT2’, integrated transcriptomic data, and qRT-PCR analysis to screen key candidate genes, and analyzed the pectinase gene family. The results found the ‘QT2’ mutant differed from WT ‘QT57’ in flower and fruit development. Expression analysis of CLAVATA-WUSCHEL pathway genes preliminarily validated the compensatory mechanism of SlCRCa and SlCRCb in ‘QT2’ malformed fruit. Six pectinase genes were identified as key candidates via RNA-seq and qRT-PCR analysis. Transcriptomic and qRT-PCR analyses of the pectinase gene family revealed their potential role in regulating tomato fruit malformation. Family analysis showed 34 pectinase genes distributed unevenly across 12 chromosomes. Subcellular localization confirmed SlPL7 in the nucleus and SlPME9 in the cell membrane/endoplasmic reticulum. The PL and PME genes were evolutionarily close, suggesting a potential functional overlap. Gibberellin-responsive elements were found in most pectinase genes. Pectinase genes may regulate tomato fruit malformation through the gibberellin-WUS pathway, carbohydrate metabolism, or cell wall metabolic disorder. This pathway provides new targets gene for the precise regulation of fruit malformation and offers significant reference value for practical production. Full article

Compared to natural aggregates, recycled concrete aggregates (RCAs) which are derived from construction and demolition (C&D) waste exhibit inferior properties, such as lower density and higher water absorption. Accelerated carbonation was an effective approach to enhance the properties of RCA. This study conducted a comparative analysis on the property enhancement of both coarse recycled concrete aggregate (CRCA) and fine recycled concrete aggregate (FRCA) by utilizing four carbonation approaches: conventional carbonation, CH spraying with conventional carbonation, wet carbonation, and two-step wet carbonation. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, and CO₂ uptake comparison were used to investigate the microstructural properties of the RCA. Furthermore, we also evaluated the compressive strength of mortar specimens with four different replacement ratios and the density and water absorption values of different carbonation-treated aggregates. The experimental findings revealed the following: (1) All of the accelerated carbonation approaches were more effective for FRCA than CRCA due to a higher adhered mortar content. (2) The pretreatment of CH spray provided external Ca²⁺ which improved the carbonation efficiency and therefore significantly enhanced the property of FRCA. (3) Liquid–solid phase carbonation achieved higher carbonation efficiency in the inner pore areas of the adhered mortar, resulting in a high CO₂ uptake and microstructure densification compared with conventional gas–solid phase carbonation. Full article

A high-fat diet (HFD) has significant effects on health, leading to cardiovascular, metabolic, neurodegenerative, and psychiatric conditions and contributing to obesity and type 2 diabetes. Mitochondria, essential for energy production and oxidative metabolism, are adversely affected by a HFD, causing oxidative stress and impaired cellular function. Mutations in the OPA1 (OPtic Atrophy 1) gene, crucial for mitochondrial dynamics and functions, are responsible for dominant optic atrophy (DOA), a mitochondrial neurodegenerative disease associated with increased reactive oxygen species (ROS). The expressivity of DOA is highly variable, even within the same family. This suggests that both modifying genetics and environmental factors could influence the penetrance of the disease. We previously demonstrated that genetic background modulates DOA expressivity and now ask if this is also the case for external cues. We thus explore how OPA1 deficiency interacts with HFD-induced metabolic disturbances, hypothesizing that long-term HFD consumption impairs brain mitochondrial function and disrupts oxidative metabolism. OPA1^+/− mice were thus subjected to a HFD for a period of 12 weeks, and ROS levels and the expression of antioxidant genes were evaluated by Western blot and spectrophotometry. Cortices from high-fat diet-fed OPA1^+/− mice showed lower aconitase activity than those of their wild-type (WT) litter mates, indicative of an unbalanced increase in mitochondrial ROS. Accordingly, OPA1^+/− mice present lower levels of the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase 2 compared to WT mice. Therefore, this study (i) reveals the onset of oxidative stress in brain cortices from OPA1^+/− mice challenged with a HFD, (ii) shows that diet is a modifying factor for DOA, and (iii) suggests that food control could be used to moderate the severity of the disease. Full article

Neuropeptide FF (NPFF) receptor antagonists prevent morphine-mediated antinociceptive tolerance, and compounds with dual mu opioid receptor (MOR) agonist and NPFF antagonist activity produce antinociception without tolerance. Compounds synthesized showed affinities in radioligand competition binding assays in the nM and µM range at the opioid and NPFF receptors, respectively, and displayed substitution-dependent functional profiles in the [³⁵S]GTPγS functional assay. From six compounds screened in vivo for antinociception and ability to prevent NPFF-induced hyperalgesia in mouse warm water tail withdrawal tests, compound 22b produced dose-dependent MOR-mediated antinociception with an ED₅₀ value (and 95% confidence interval) of 6.88 (4.71–9.47) nmol, i.c.v., and also prevented NPFF-induced hyperalgesia. Meanwhile, 22b did not demonstrate the respiratory depression, hyperlocomotion, or impaired intestinal transit of morphine. Moreover, repeated treatment with 22b produced a 1.6-fold rightward shift in antinociceptive dose response, significantly less acute antinociceptive tolerance than morphine. Evaluated for microsomal stability in vitro and in vivo pharmacokinetic profile, 22b showed suitable microsomal stability paired in vivo with a large apparent volume of distribution and a clearance smaller than the hepatic flow in rats, suggesting no extra-hepatic metabolism. In conclusion, the present study confirms that dual-action opioid–NPFF ligands may offer therapeutic promise as analgesics with fewer liabilities of use. Full article

In this work, the influence of limited percentages of coarse (CRCA) and fine (FRCA) recycled concrete aggregates (Type A recycled aggregates) on the durability properties of structural concrete was analyzed. Concretes were designed using 50% and 60% CRCA with simultaneous additions of 0%, 10%, and 20% FRCA and different types of cement (CEM II/AL 42.5 R, CEM II/AS 42.5 N/SRC, and CEM III/B 42.5 N-LH/SR). Recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) and natural aggregate concrete (NAC) mixtures were produced with similar compressive strength using effective water–cement ratios of 0.47 and 0.5. The drying shrinkage values and durability properties were determined, and they included the chloride permeability, chloride penetration depth, and accelerated and natural carbonation rates. The findings revealed that RAC produced using CEM III/B, which included the mixture produced with 60% coarse RCA and 20% fine RCA, achieved low chloride ion penetrability (up to 850 Coulombs) and exhibited the lowest chloride diffusion coefficient, approximately 7 × 10⁻¹³. Additionally, the RAC-C60-F20 concretes made with CEM II/AS proved suitable for the XC3 and XC4 exposure environments, guaranteeing a lifespan of 50 and 100 years based on the natural carbonation rate. In addition, the RAC-C60-F20 concrete made with CEM II/AL cement exhibited an adequate natural carbonation rate for XC4 environments, which was between 1.6 and 2.4 units higher than the accelerated carbonation rate. This work validates the use of RAC in XC environments (corrosion induced by carbonation) and XS1 environments (corrosion caused by chlorides from seawater). Full article

The influence of the carbonation of recycled coarse aggregates on the durability performance of the recycled aggregate concrete beams is still unclear. In this study, the corrosion characteristics and flexural performance of the carbonated recycled aggregate concrete (C-RAC) beams in corrosive environments were investigated. The results illustrated that the mass loss of the longitudinal tensile steel bars (LTSBs) in the corroded C-RAC beams decreased when the replacement ratio of the carbonated recycled coarse aggregate (CRCA) increased. Compared to the corroded non-carbonated recycled aggregate concrete (NC-RAC) beam, the mass loss of LTSBs in the corroded C-RAC beam was reduced by 37.91% when the CRCA replacement ratio was 100%. The average mass loss of the short limbs of the stirrups on the tensile side of the corroded C-RAC beam was lower than that of the corroded NC-RAC beam. As the CRCA replacement ratio increased, the flexural performance of the corroded C-RAC beams was enhanced. When the CRCA replacement ratio was 100%, the ultimate load and the displacement ductility coefficient of the corroded C-RAC beam increased by 14.04% and 25.82% compared to the corroded NC-RAC beam, respectively. During the service life, the concrete strains of the cross-section at the mid-span of the corroded C-RAC beams satisfied the assumption of plane section. The research results of this study can provide some reference for the durability design and engineering application of C-RAC beams. Full article

The durability of carbonated recycled aggregate concrete (C-RAC) beams is still unclear at present. In this paper, the characteristics of corrosion-induced cracks and the steel corrosion depth of C-RAC beams were investigated through the accelerated corrosion test. The results showed that when accelerating corrosion to the 40th day, compared to the non-carbonated recycled aggregate concrete (NC-RAC) beam, the corrosion-induced cracking area of the C-RAC beam with a 100% carbonated recycled coarse aggregate (C-RCA) replacement ratio decreased by 40.00%, while the total length of the corrosion-induced cracks (CCs) increased by 51.82%. The type of probability distribution for the width of the CCs on the tension side of the C-RAC beams was a lognormal distribution. Compared with the NC-RAC beam, the mean value of the width of the CCs of the C-RAC beam with a 100% C-RCA replacement ratio decreased by 66.67%, the crack width distribution was more concentrated, and the quartiles and median were all reduced. With an increase in the C-RCA replacement ratio, the fractal dimension and the scale coefficient of CCs on the tension side of the beams showed an approximate trend of first increasing and then decreasing. The distribution of the corrosion depth of longitudinal tensile steel bars in the C-RAC beams was a mainly normal distribution. When the C-RCA replacement ratio increased from 30% to 100%, the mean value of the corrosion depth of the longitudinal tensile steel bars decreased by 33.46%, and the trend of changes in the quartiles and medians was basically the same as the trend of changes in the mean value. The research results can provide some reference for promoting the engineering application of C-RAC beams. Full article

The poor properties of recycled coarse aggregate (RCA) and recycled coarse aggregate concrete (RCAC) are considered key constraints hindering the reuse of this waste resource in marine engineering. The CO₂-based accelerated carbonation method, which utilizes the alkali aggregate properties of RCA to achieve CO₂ uptake and sequestration while significantly enhancing its properties, has attracted widespread attention. However, the degree of improvement in the properties of RCA under different initial moisture conditions (IMCs) and aggregate particle sizes (APSs) after CO₂-accelerated carbonation remains unclear. Moreover, the quantitative effect of carbonated recycled coarse aggregate (CRCA), which is obtained from RCA samples with the optimal initial moisture conditions, on the improvement of RCAC under optimal accelerated carbonation modification conditions still needs to be studied in depth. For this investigation, a CO₂-accelerated carbonation experiment was carried out on RCA samples with different IMCs and APSs, and the variations in the properties of RCA with respect to its IMC and APS were assessed. The degree of accelerated carbonation modification of RCA under different IMCs and APSs was quantified, and the optimal initial moisture conditions for enhancing the properties of the RCA were confirmed. By preparing concrete specimens based on the natural coarse aggregate, RCA, and CRCA with the best initial moisture conditions (considering the same concrete–water proportion), the effect of CRCA on the workability, mechanical properties, and durability of the corresponding concrete specimen was determined. The findings of this study can be used to effectively promote the sustainable development of marine science and engineering in the future and contribute to global dual-carbon goals, which are of great practical significance and scientific value. Full article

Hypophthalmichthys nobilis are widely distributed in the Yangtze River basin and its related lakes. They are an important economic fish species and are a famous cultured species known as the “Four Famous Domestic Fishes” in China. Currently, with the fishing ban in the Yangtze River basin, fishing for H. nobilis in the natural water bodies of the Yangtze River basin has been completely prohibited. In order to identify the sources of H. nobilis appearing in the market, further control and accountability is necessary to trace the sources of H. nobilis in the Yangtze River basin and its related water bodies. Therefore, this study identified and traced different sources of H. nobilis through muscle element fingerprint analysis (EFA). The results show that H. nobilis from different stations have characteristic element compositions. The characteristic element of H. nobilis from Wuhan (WH) is Pb, which is significantly higher than that in other stations; the characteristic element from Anqing (AQ) is Hg, which is significantly higher than that in other stations; and the characteristic element from Taihu (TH) is Al, which is significantly higher than that in other water areas. Multivariate analysis selected different spatial distribution patterns in four discriminative element ratios (Pb/Ca, Cr/Ca, Na/Ca, and Al/Ca) in the muscle of H. nobilis in the Yangtze River basin and its related lakes. This study suggests that the screened discriminative elements can be used to visually distinguish different sources of H. nobilis and to quickly trace and verify the origin of newly emerging samples. Therefore, the use of selected discriminative element fingerprint features to trace the origin of new samples has been proven to be feasible. By further discriminating and verifying the muscle element fingerprints of new samples, the discrimination rate is high. Therefore, a multivariate analysis of muscle element fingerprints can be used for tracing the origins of samples of unknown origin in market supervision. Full article

2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) is the most abundant endocannabinoid (EC), acting as a full agonist at both CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors. It is synthesized on demand in postsynaptic membranes through the sequential action of phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase Cβ1 (PLCβ1) and diacylglycerol lipase α (DAGLα), contributing to retrograde signaling upon interaction with presynaptic CB1. However, 2-AG production might also involve various combinations of PLC and DAGL isoforms, as well as additional intracellular pathways implying other enzymes and substrates. Three other alternative pathways of 2-AG synthesis rest on the extracellular cleavage of 2-arachidonoyl-lysophospholipids by three different hydrolases: glycerophosphodiesterase 3 (GDE3), lipid phosphate phosphatases (LPPs), and two members of ecto-nucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterases (ENPP6–7). We propose the names of AlterAG-1, -2, and -3 for three pathways sharing an ectocellular localization, allowing them to convert extracellular lysophospholipid mediators into 2-AG, thus inducing typical signaling switches between various G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). This implies the critical importance of the regioisomerism of both lysophospholipid (LPLs) and 2-AG, which is the object of deep analysis within this review. The precise functional roles of AlterAGs are still poorly understood and will require gene invalidation approaches, knowing that both 2-AG and its related lysophospholipids are involved in numerous aspects of physiology and pathology, including cancer, inflammation, immune defenses, obesity, bone development, neurodegeneration, or psychiatric disorders. Full article

The importance of environmental consciousness and sustainability is increasing among transportation governing bodies worldwide. Many government bodies are concerned with maximizing the usage of recycled substances in road construction. Therefore, assessing the effect of recycled materials consumption is essential, mainly when designing new ‘green’ pavement types. The primary objective of this study is to investigate the impact of different treatments on improving the interfacial transition zone (ITZ) of coarse recycled concrete aggregate (CRCA) and its application in asphalt mixes. Such an aim is accomplished by enhancing its physical and mechanical characteristics, as well as its microstructure. The surface morphology, chemical composition, and intermix phases of the ITZ area and calcium silicate hydrate (CSH) compounds for CRCA were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), an energy-dispersive X-ray analyzer (EDAX), and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD). The performance of asphalt mixtures that included treated and untreated CRCA was also examined using different tests. It was found that heat treatment is an effective technique for enhancing the ITZ. However, cracks were seen in the mortar of CRCA when exposed to high temperatures (500 °C), which adversely affects the characteristics of the mortar. Acid treatment appeared to be an effective approach for improving the ITZ area. Nevertheless, the treatment that used acetic acid, a weak acid, was more effective than HCl acid, a strong acid. The outcomes revealed that the ITZ microstructure is significantly enhanced under different treatment types; however, microstructure improvements mainly included increased surface homogeneity and CSH compounds and a reduced Ca/Si ratio. It was also found that the asphalt mixtures with different proportions of untreated CRCA exhibited enhanced resistance to rutting. Furthermore, their tensile strength ratio (TSR) values were above the minimal level requirements. Moreover, the asphalt mixture with 30% CRCA, which was treated with various treatment methods, demonstrated a significant improvement in the mixtures’ mechanical properties; therefore, its application is highly successful and an environmentally friendly solution. Full article

The physical and mechanical properties of recycled coarse aggregate (RCA) are worse than those of natural coarse aggregate (NCA), and the overall performance of recycled concrete prepared from RCA is worse than that of natural aggregate concrete. Treatment of RCA by CO₂-accelerated carbonation effectively improves the macroscopic properties of RCA. The degree of influence of raw material factors, i.e., the original concrete strength (OCS) and initial moisture content (IMC) of RCA, on the carbonation of RCAs is very complex. Herein, an accelerated carbonation experiment for RCA with different material factors as variables was carried out to explore the influence of the abovementioned factors on the physical properties of carbonated recycled coarse aggregate (CRCA). By analyzing the microstructure of the RCA with the best modification effect before and after carbonation, the carbonation modification mechanism of the RCA was revealed. The physical performance indexes, including the apparent density, water absorption and carbonation rate, of the dried RCA with an OCS of C40 and C50 were significantly improved. The research results can provide basic data and theoretical support for promoting the popularization and application of RCA and recycled concrete in practical engineering. Full article

This review highlights the advantages of high-precision liquid chromatography with an electrochemical detector (HPLC-ECD) in detecting and quantifying biological samples obtained through intracerebral microdialysis, specifically the serotonergic and dopaminergic systems: Serotonin (5-HT), 5-hydroxyindolacetic acid (5-HIAA), 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), dopamine (DA), 3-metoxytryptamin (3-MT) and homovanillic acid (HVA). Recognized for its speed and selectivity, HPLC enables direct analysis of intracerebral microdialysis samples without complex derivatization. Various chromatographic methods, including reverse phase (RP), are explored for neurotransmitters (NTs) and metabolites separation. Electrochemical detector (ECD), particularly with glassy carbon (GC) electrodes, is emphasized for its simplicity and sensitivity, aimed at enhancing reproducibility through optimization strategies such as modified electrode materials. This paper underscores the determination of limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) and the linear range (L.R.) showcasing the potential for real-time monitoring of compounds concentrations. A non-exhaustive compilation of literature values for LOD, LOQ, and L.R. from recent publications is included. Full article