Search Results (233)

In response to the problems of loose soil structure and insufficient water and nutrient retention capacity of sandy bank slopes in arid regions, which constrain vegetation establishment and long-term slope stability, this study focuses on typical sandy soils in arid northwestern China. The desert plant Alhagi sparsifolia, characterized by clonal root sucker reproduction, was selected as the study species to construct and optimize a composite-amended sandy substrate suitable for ecological restoration of bank slopes. Based on an orthogonal experimental design, carboxymethyl cellulose sodium (CMC), straw fibers (SF), and fly ash (FA) were combined at different proportions to assess (i) the vertical distribution of soil water and nutrients in the A. sparsifolia growth habitat, (ii) aggregate structure, (iii) plant trait responses to environmental regulation, and (iv) the shear strength of root–soil composites. The results indicate that when the contents of CMC, SF, and FA were 0.5%, 1.0%, and 5.0%, respectively, the substrate environment promoted a vertically oriented root system with pronounced lateral root development in A. sparsifolia, and the plants adopted an adaptive strategy that balances resource acquisition efficiency and environmental constraints by regulating aboveground growth allocation. This growth pattern reduced the risk of disturbances to slope stability caused by excessive aboveground biomass while maintaining the sand-fixing function of root morphological traits. This study provides a plant functional trait-based regulation strategy for ecological restoration of typical sandy slopes in arid regions, and the proposed composite substrate optimization scheme offers a feasible reference for improving vegetation establishment and substrate performance in sandy habitats. Full article

The intrinsic properties of wide-bandgap, triple-cation, triple-halide perovskites, like (Cs_0.21FA_0.74MA_0.05)Pb(I_0.81Br_0.14Cl_0.05)₃, can be improved by simultaneous doping with zinc cations (0.5%) as well as formate anions (0.5%). Photoluminescence quantum yields (up to 14% on quartz), as well as photoluminescence lifetimes (up to ~7 µs on quartz), indicate improved optical properties. Based on photoluminescent properties, the optimal total doping concentration of zinc ions (Zn(II)) and formate anions (Fo⁻) is determined to be 1% relative to Pb(II). Full article

Waste concrete powder (WCP), characterized by low reactivity and limited utilization potential, is rapidly accumulating due to the increasing volume of demolition and recycling activities, creating significant environmental and resource challenges. Meanwhile, the shortage of natural fine aggregate (NFA) has become increasingly severe. To address these issues, this study develops a sustainable approach that utilizes WCP as the main raw material, together with fly ash (FA), ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBFS), ordinary Portland cement (OPC), and sulphoaluminate cement (SAC), to produce a WCP-based artificial fine aggregate (WAFA) through a cold-bonding process. The physical, mechanical, and microstructural properties of WAFA were systematically analyzed, and its concrete performance was evaluated by replacing NFA at 100% volume. The results show that WAFA exhibits a regular spherical morphology and, after grading adjustment, meets the Zone II sand requirements of GB/T 14684-2022. Increasing the cement content from 2% to 10% raises the 28-day single-particle compressive strength (SPCS) from 12.98 MPa to 23.08 MPa (a 77.8% increase), while enhancing WCP reactivity improves SPCS from 16.17 MPa to 22.80 MPa (a 29.1% increase). Higher cement content and WCP reactivity also promote the formation of C–S–H gel and ettringite (AFt), resulting in higher bulk density, reduced water absorption, and a denser microstructure. In concrete applications, WAFA substantially improves workability, with slump values exceeding those of NFA and recycled fine aggregate (RFA) concretes. Although WAFA concrete exhibits slightly lower compressive and splitting tensile strengths compared with NFA concrete, optimized mix design allows the achievement of target strength grades from C30 to C50, with the C50-W10-50 mixture showing the most favorable mechanical performance. In summary, WAFA shows potential for contributing to the high-value utilization of construction waste and the reduction in natural sand consumption. Full article

The species Candidozyma auris (formerly known as Candida auris) can be subdivided into four major and two minor clades. It is considered an emerging multidrug-resistant pathogen that causes invasive outbreaks around the world. Therefore, the accurate identification of this species plays an important role in combating invasion and facilitating pathogenic management. In our study an optional identification method was developed considering the possibility of using cellular fatty acids (FAs) as a taxonomic and diagnostic tool. FAs were recorded in the collected C. auris strains, and the species characteristic components were determined. Within the isolates examined, the clades were also separated in the statistical analysis. Furthermore, FAs from strains belonging to clade I and II have been divided into two distinct clusters. In testing the performance of the method, all identified samples showed good matches with the established C. auris record in the database without misreading. Taken together, cellular fatty acids were investigated as potential discriminatory biomarkers. The results suggest that this approach can distinguish C. auris from related species and provides distinctive fatty acid profiles for the investigated C. auris clades. The present findings revealed the first report on the application of whole cell FA components as taxonomic features in C. auris. Full article

Background: Exercise oncology research supports multicomponent interventions as complementary therapies to improve quality of life in breast cancer (BC) survivors. Nonetheless, evidence on sport-specific, engaging approaches, such as boxing-based concurrent training, remains scarce. Method: This case study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and safety, and to explore the effects of a 16-week adapted boxing protocol. Two BC survivors with a history of triple-negative BC in treatment were enrolled. The protocol integrated aerobic, strength/power, coordination, balance and boxing-specific exercises through individually adapted, progressive sessions performed twice a week. Outcomes were assessed pre- and post-intervention and included: (I) compliance and adverse event related to the protocol, (II) functional tests (handgrip, single leg stance, 30 s sit-to-stand, trunk/shoulder mobility tests, VO₂max); (III) body composition parameters (fat mass, fat-free mass,); and (IV) validated questionnaires (EORTC QLQ-C30, FA12, PSQI, BIS, HADS, IPAQ). Results: Compliance was high and no serious adverse events were detected. Sit-to-stand performance, as well as VO₂max and mobility/balance, improved in both patients after the intervention. Participant A showed a favorable body modulation. Participant B, on the other hand, reported a stable weight. Participant A reported large improvements across QLQ-C30 domains, while participant B exhibited mixed results, with improved emotional functioning and pain but declines in cognitive/social functioning. Conclusions: The boxing-based concurrent training protocol was feasible, safe, and well-tolerated. Despite the limitation of the case study, the observed functional and psychosocial positive changes highlight the need for adequately larger controlled trials to clarify the training protocol efficacy in order to optimize this exercise approach in BC survivors. Full article

In November 2023, surface sediments were collected at 46 sites around the main islands of the Zhoushan Archipelago (Dinghai, Daishan, Qushan, and Shengsi) in the East China Sea. The concentrations of Cu, Zn, Cr, Pb, Cd, Hg, and As were determined, together with sediment TOC and Eh. Pollution and ecological risks were evaluated using the single-factor index (Pi), Nemerow pollution index (PN), and Hakanson’s potential ecological risk index (RI). Source apportionment was investigated using FA–PC and EPA PMF 5.0. Mean concentrations (mg/kg) were Zn 77.58, Cr 70.08, Cu 28.44, Pb 18.92, As 9.40, Cd 0.09, and Hg 0.073, with higher levels generally observed near Dinghai, Daishan, and Shengsi. The overall risk was low, whereas Cd and Hg contributed disproportionately to RI. FA–PC suggested two major source groups, and PMF resolved three factors related to (i) agriculture/aquaculture (As), (ii) industrial and domestic effluents (Hg), and (iii) port and ship-related activities (Cd, Cu, Cr, Pb, Zn). The results support targeted management focusing on Cd, Hg, Cu, and As in identified hotspots. Full article

Traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) is known to contribute to oxidative stress in the central nervous system (CNS) and has been linked to increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Alterations in the renin–angiotensin system (RAS), specifically increased angiotensin II (Ang II) signaling via the angiotensin II type 1 (AT₁) receptor, are implicated in increased oxidative stress in the CNS via activation of NADPH oxidase (NOX). As exposure to TRAP may further elevate AD risk, we investigated whether exposure to inhaled mixed gasoline and diesel vehicle emissions (MVE) promotes RAS-dependent expression of factors that contribute to AD pathophysiology in an apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE^−/−) mouse model. Male ApoE^−/− mice (6–8 weeks old) on a high-fat diet were treated with either an ACE inhibitor (captopril, 4 mg/kg/day) or water and exposed to filtered air (FA) or MVE (200 µg PM/m³) for 30 days. MVE exposure elevated plasma Ang II, inflammation, and oxidative stress in the hippocampus, associated with increased levels of Aph-1 homolog B (APH1B), a gamma-secretase subunit, and beta-secretase 1 (BACE1), involved in Aβ production. Each of these endpoints was normalized with ACEi treatment. These findings indicate that TRAP exposure in ApoE^−/− mice drives a RAS- and NOX-dependent oxidative and inflammatory response and shifts Aβ processing towards an amyloidogenic profile before overt Aβ deposition, suggesting a potential therapeutic approach for air pollution-induced AD risk. Full article

The study comprises an in-depth characterization of compositional groups of the liquid by-products obtained from the pyrolysis of swine manure at 500 °C, with the aim of providing an alternative and efficient approach for the valorisation of this waste stream, alongside with the production of biogas and char, the latter of which can be further converted into activated carbon. Two samples were considered: de-watered cake and solid product from anaerobic digestion of swine manure. Biocrude oils were fractionated into weak acidic, strong acidic, alkaline and neutral oil fractions. Subsequently, the neutral oil fraction was separated into paraffinic–naphthenic, slightly polar and polar fractions. All fractions were analyzed by GC–MS. The major identified compositional groups were: (i) for de-watered cake: steroids (40.7%), fatty acids, FAs (23.7%) and n-alkenes/n-alkanes (23.3%); (ii) for solid product from anaerobic digestion: FAs (31.0%), phenols/methoxy phenols (26.6%), n-alkenes/n-alkanes (10.8%) and steroids (10.6%). A variety of short-chain FAs (i.e., linear saturated, mono- and di-unsaturated, cis (i-), trans (ai-), isoprenoid, phenyl alkanoic, amongst others) and methyl esters (FAMEs) were identified as well. FA distribution, nC₁₂–nC₂₀, was similar for both manures studied with nC₁₆ and nC₁₈ as major compounds. FAMEs (nC₁₄–nC₂₈, with even carbon number dominance) in the slightly polar fraction of both samples were accompanied by considerable amounts of oleic (nC_18:1) and linoleic (nC_18:2) acids, and corresponding methyl esters. Hydrocarbons, i.e., n-alkenes/n-alkanes, were in the range of nC₁₅–nC₃₄, with nC₁₈ maximizing. Anaerobically digested manure has resulted in (i) an increase in the portion of longer homologues of hydrocarbons and FAMEs and (ii) the appearance of new FAs series of long chain members nC_22:1–nC_26:1, ω-9. The comprehensive analysis of the biocrude oils obtained from the slow pyrolysis of swine manure indicates their potential for use as biodiesel additives or as feedstock to produce value-added materials. Full article

Biometric authentication on smartphones has advanced rapidly in recent years, with face recognition becoming the dominant modality due to its convenience and easy integration with modern mobile hardware. However, despite these developments, smartphone-based facial recognition systems remain vulnerable to a broad spectrum of attacks. This survey provides an updated and comprehensive examination of the evolving attack landscape and corresponding defense mechanisms, incorporating recent advances up to 2025. A key contribution of this work is a structured taxonomy of attack types targeting smartphone facial recognition systems, encompassing (i) 2D and 3D presentation attacks; (ii) digital attacks; and (iii) dynamic attack patterns that exploit acquisition conditions. We analyze how these increasingly realistic and condition-dependent attacks challenge the robustness and generalization capabilities of modern face anti-spoofing (FAS) systems. On the defense side, the paper reviews recent progress in liveness detection, deep-learning- and transformer-based approaches, quality-aware and domain-generalizable models, and emerging unified frameworks capable of handling both physical and digital spoofing. Hardware-assisted methods and multi-modal techniques are also examined, with specific attention to their applicability in mobile environments. Furthermore, we provide a systematic overview of commonly used datasets, evaluation metrics, and cross-domain testing protocols, identifying limitations related to demographic bias, dataset variability, and controlled laboratory conditions. Finally, the survey outlines key research challenges and future directions, including the need for mobile-efficient anti-spoofing models, standardized in-the-wild evaluation protocols, and defenses robust to unseen and AI-generated spoof types. Collectively, this work offers an integrated view of current trends and emerging paradigms in smartphone-based face anti-spoofing, supporting the development of more secure and resilient biometric authentication systems. Full article

Background: Sex differences in physiology have garnered significant interest of late; however, comparatively little is known about the effects of sex on the function of the peripheral taste system. Previously, we have shown that fat taste functions in a sexually dimorphic manner using molecular, cellular, and behavioral assays, and that a subtype of estrogen receptor (ER) proteins is highly expressed in Type II (receptor) cells. The underlying mechanisms of estrogen’s action, though, remain unknown. Objective: Here, we sought to better understand estrogen’s role in fat taste transduction at the molecular level by initially focusing on the transient receptor potential channel types M4 (Trpm4) and M5 (Trpm5), which we have shown to play roles in estrogen-sensitive fatty acid signaling in taste cells. Methods/Results: Using a multidisciplinary approach, using Trpm5-deficient mice, electrophysiological and calcium imaging assays revealed that there are significantly reduced FA responses in both males and females in the estrus phase, whereas females in the proestrus phase did not show this, suggesting that there may be E2-dependent TRPM5-independent FA signaling in Type II cells. During periods of high levels of circulating estrogen, there was no significant difference in cellular responses to fatty acid (FA) stimuli between Trpm5^−/− mice and their wild-type counterparts. Moreover, supplemental estradiol enhanced linoleic acid (LA)-induced TRPM5-mediated taste cell activation. Finally, while Type II cells depend on TRPM4 and TRPM5 for FA taste cell activation, proestrus (high-estrogen) females showed a greater dependence on a TRPM5-independent pathway for fatty acid responsiveness. Conclusions: Together, these results underscore the substantial regulatory role of estrogen in the taste system, particularly for fatty acid signaling. Given that the taste system guides food preferences and intake, these findings may have important implications for understanding sex-specific differences in diet and, ultimately, metabolic health. Full article

Coaxial closed-loop geothermal systems, increasingly recognized as scalable and low-impact geothermal solutions, remain limited by conductive heat transfer between the reservoir and wellbore. This study investigates three strategies to enhance thermal output: (i) dynamic operation scheduling, (ii) substitution of conventional fluids with Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) working fluids, and (iii) targeted conductive enhancements near the well. Using a CMG STARS simulation framework, system performance was evaluated over 1- to 20-year horizons, introducing a characteristic thermal recovery curve as a tool for analyzing long-term behavior. Results show that extended recovery durations raise outlet temperatures but with diminishing returns, identifying approximately 80% recovery as a practical optimization point. Fluids such as n-pentane and R245fa deliver substantially greater ORC-compatible heat than water, with thermo-siphoning observed under low-flow conditions. Conductive enhancement geometries, namely ring and fishbone configurations, exhibit distinct performance profiles, with rings outperforming fishbones due to larger injected volumes and greater advantage due to reservoir reach. One-year gains range from 4.5–9.4% for rings and 0.65–1.37% for fishbones, stabilizing at 3.7–7.8% and 0.55–1.18% after 20 years. These findings provide design and operational guidance for advancing coaxial closed-loop systems in low-carbon energy deployment. Full article

The large-scale accumulation of high-sulfur lead–zinc tailings poses serious environmental and safety challenges, while the increasing shortage of traditional mineral admixtures such as fly ash and slag highlights the urgent need for sustainable alternatives. This study aims to develop a high-performance mineral admixture using lead–zinc tailings characterized by high SO₃ content and low pozzolanic activity. The effects of four activation routes—mechanical grinding, wet magnetic separation, wet magnetic separation–mechanical grinding, and mechanical grinding–high-reactivity mineral admixture synergistic modification—were systematically compared in terms of tailings fineness, SO₃ reduction, and activity index. The results indicate that single mechanical grinding can achieve the fineness requirement of Grade II admixtures specified in GB/T 1596–2017 (45 μm residue ≤ 30%), but the 28-day strength activity index only reached 58.64%, and the SO₃ content remained above the standard limit. Wet magnetic separation effectively reduced the SO₃ content to below 3.5%, and the combined process yielded a product with an activity index of up to 74.51%. Further improvement was achieved through a “mechanical grinding–high-reactivity mineral admixture synergistic modification” process, incorporating fly ash (FA), ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS), and silica fume (SF). Among these, SF exhibited the most pronounced synergistic effect. The optimal mixture, composed of 85.19% ground tailings and 14.81% SF, achieved the highest 28-day activity index of 76.35%. This process enables full utilization of tailings while maintaining a simplified flow, lower energy consumption, and superior product performance. The findings provide a feasible and efficient technological route for the high-value utilization of high-sulfur tailings and contribute to promoting green mining and sustainable resource development. Full article

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) predisposes individuals to pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, yet the mechanisms underlying alcohol-related lung disease (ARLD) remain unclear. Alveolar type II (AT2) epithelial cells play a central role in ethanol (EtOH) metabolism, surfactant production, alveolar repair, and pulmonary innate immunity. To examine EtOH-mediated effects, immortalized human AT2 cells were treated with 22–130 mM EtOH for 6 h (concentration-dependent) and 65 mM EtOH for 6–72 h (time-dependent). Cytotoxicity, inflammation, surfactant lipid/protein dysregulation, fatty acid ethyl ester (FAEE) formation, cellular stress responses, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPKα) signaling, and mitochondrial function were analyzed. EtOH disrupted surfactant homeostasis by reducing dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine and surfactant protein C (SP-C). Importantly, EtOH inactivated AMPKα, downregulated CPT1A (involved in β-oxidation of fatty acids), and upregulated lipogenic proteins ACC1 and FAS, accompanied by increased ER stress markers (GRP78, p-eIF2α, and CHOP). Expression of carboxyl ester lipase (FAEE-synthesizing enzyme) and FAEE levels increased with EtOH exposure, further exacerbating oxidative and ER stress, impairing mitochondrial energetics, ATP production, and AT2 cell function. These findings suggest that EtOH-induced FAEE formation, dysregulation of AMPKα-CPT1A signaling, and surfactant contribute to AT2 cell dysfunction and play a critical role in the pathogenesis of ARLD. Full article

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is an essential component of the outer membrane (OM) of Gram-negative bacteria, and its levels are tightly co-regulated with phospholipid (PL) amounts. This homeostatic regulation necessitates the involvement of numerous genes, including lapD in a poorly defined manner. To understand the function of LapD, we took advantage of the synthetic lethal phenotype conferred by the concomitant absence of LapD and myristoyltransferase LpxM or heptosyltransferase WaaC and isolated extragenic suppressors that could bypass this lethality. Suppressor analyses of Δ(lapD lpxM) bacteria identified five single amino acid exchanges in AccA and two in each of AccC and AccD. These proteins comprise different subunits of the acetyl-CoA carboxylase complex, which catalyzes the rate-limiting step in the initiation of fatty acid synthesis, mediating the conversion of acetyl-CoA to malonyl-CoA. Fatty acid analysis revealed that these mutations restored the ratio of saturated to unsaturated fatty acids and repressed elevated PL levels. Suppressor analyses of Δ(lapD waaC) identified a single amino acid substitution in LptD, which is required for LPS assembly in the OM, and in NlpI, which regulates the amount of peptidoglycan hydrolase MepS. These results posit LapD as the point of critical regulation of homeostatic control of three essential cell envelope components. Full article

Background: High-throughput metabolomics studies have promoted the discovery of candidate biomarkers linked to atherosclerosis (AS). This narrative systematic review summarises metabolomics studies conducted in (1) individuals with subclinical AS (assessed by imaging techniques such as carotid intimal media thickness, IMT, and coronary artery calcium, CAC), (2) patients with established atherosclerotic plaques, and (3) individuals with AS risk factors. Methods: The systematic search was conducted in the PubMed database according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. The inclusion criteria were as follows: (i) publication date between 2009 and 2024; (ii) identification of potential biomarkers for AS in subjects with a diagnosis of AS or with one or more traits characteristic of the disease (i.e., CAC or IMT); (iii) identification of potential AS biomarkers in subjects with atherogenic clinical conditions (i.e., Down’s syndrome, DS, polycystic ovarian syndrome, PCOS, and systemic lupus erythematosus, SLE); (iv) metabolomic studies; and (iv) studies in human samples. Exclusion criteria comprised the following: (i) studies on lipid metabolic diseases unrelated to AS, (ii) “omics” results not derived from metabolomics, (iii) reviews and studies in animal models or cell cultures, and (iv) systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Of 90 eligible studies screened, 24 met the inclusion criteria. Results: Across subclinical and overt AS, consistent disturbances were observed in amino acid, lipid, and carbohydrate metabolism. Altered profiles included branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), aromatic amino acids (AACs) and derivatives (e.g., kynurenine–tryptophan pathway), bile acids (BAs), androgenic steroids, short-chain fatty acids (FAs)/ketone intermediates (e.g., acetate, 3-hydroxybutyrate, 3-HB), and Krebs cycle intermediates (e.g., citrate). Several metabolites (e.g., glutamine, lactate, 3-HB, phosphatidylcholines, PCs/lysophosphatidylcholines, lyso-PCs) showed reproducible associations with vascular phenotypes (IMT/CAC) and/or clinical AS. Conclusions: The identification of low-weight metabolites altered in both subclinical and overt AS suggests their potential as candidate biomarkers for early AS diagnosis. Given the steady increase in deaths from cardiovascular disease, a manifestation of advanced AS, this finding could have significant clinical relevance. Full article