Search Results (697)

Ionic liquid (IL) N-methyl-N′-1-(4-t-butylphenylphosphinyl)butylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulphonyl) imide was used for the first time as an ion carrier in membrane systems to selectively transport Au(III), Pt(IV), and Pd(II) ions. Au(III), Pd(II), and Pt(IV) were transported from HCl solutions utilizing a polymer inclusion membrane (PIM) with cellulose triacetate as the support, o-nitrophenyl pentyl ether as the plasticizer, and ionic liquid as the mentioned ion carrier. The modifications of source and receiving aqueous phase compositions are examined. High selectivity for Au(III) using the ionic liquid in the membrane was achieved at elevated HCl concentrations (≥0.5 M). When a 0.010 M KI solution was used as the receiving phase and a membrane with the optimal composition was applied, the extraction of Au(III) ions reached a maximum recovery rate of 93%. Moreover, PIM studies showed that carrier molecules doped in the membrane creates complexes with the Au(III) ion with a molar ratio of 1:1. The extractability of Au(III) through PIMs exceeded that of other metal ions, with the selectivity of transported metal ions ranked as follows: Au(III) >> Pt(IV), Pd(II). The recovery factors for gold, platinum, and palladium ions after 6 h of transport were 94%, 8%, and 1%, respectively. Full article

This study proposes a feature-level fusion method that integrates Differential Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (D-InSAR) and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle photogrammetry (UAV-P) for monitoring mining-induced subsidence basin (MSB). The method begins by extracting key subsidence characteristics based on the patterns of coal-mining-related surface displacement; the centimeter-level subsidence boundary is determined from D-InSAR data, while the meter-scale deformation at the subsidence center is derived from UAV-P. These extracted features are then used to invert the parameters of the probability integral method (PIM). The subsidence basin predicted by the inverted parameters serves as a criterion to select the superior dataset between the D-InSAR and UAV-derived results. Finally, the selected subsidence data are fused to generate a composite subsidence map. The proposed method was applied to the 2S201 panel in the Wangjiata Coal Mine using eight Sentinel-1A images and two UAV surveys. The fusion results were evaluated for their regional and overall accuracy against 30 ground control points measured by total station and GPS. The results demonstrate that the fusion method not only accurately extracts large-scale deformations in the mining area, with a maximum subsidence of 2.5 m and a root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.277 m in the subsidence center area, but also precisely identifies the subsidence boundary region with an accuracy of 0.039 m. The fused subsidence basin exhibits an overall accuracy of 0.182 m, which represents a significant improvement of 83.6% and 27.8% over the results obtained using D-InSAR and UAV alone, respectively. This method effectively reconstructs the complete morphology of the mining-induced subsidence basin, confirming its feasibility for practical applications. Full article

Given the increasing environmental degradation, this study investigates advanced zinc oxide (ZnO)-based materials for the mineralization of toxic compounds through the combined action of photo- and piezocatalysis. Two complementary strategies were employed to enhance catalytic efficiency. First, ZnO_1−xN_x thin films were deposited by reactive high-power impulse magnetron sputtering (R-HiPIMS) to reduce the band gap energy. Second, flower-like ZnO nanostructures were synthesized using the pulsed thermionic vacuum arc (p-TVA) technique to increase the specific surface area. Both systems were further modified by decoration with Ag₂O nanoparticles to improve charge separation. The R-HiPIMS technique offers significant advantages in terms of precise control over processing parameters, enabling accurate tuning of film properties, including microstructure, chemical composition, and electronic structure. However, films produced via R-HiPIMS generally exhibit lower photo-piezocatalytic activity compared to nanostructured counterparts, primarily due to their comparatively reduced effective surface area and limited charge separation efficiency. In contrast, the p-TVA technique enables the synthesis of nanostructured thin films with substantially enhanced photo-piezocatalytic performance. This improvement is attributed to the increased effective surface area and the promotion of more efficient electron–hole pair separation. The materials were comprehensively characterized in terms of optical properties (UV–Vis spectroscopy), chemical composition and bonding (XPS), crystalline structure (XRD), surface morphology (FE-SEM), and photo-piezocatalytic performance. Catalytic activity was evaluated via the degradation of methylene blue (MB) under visible light irradiation and mechanical vibrations. Nitrogen incorporation in ZnO_1−xN_x thin films led to an increase in photocatalytic efficiency from 20% to 28.7%, while the simultaneous application of light and mechanical stimulation increased efficiency to approximately 50%. Under identical irradiation conditions, Ag₂O-decorated ZnO and Ag₂O-decorated ZnO_1−xN_x exhibited photo-degradation reaction rate constants up to 65% higher than bare counterparts, attributed to reduced electron–hole recombination. ZnO nanostructures achieved degradation efficiencies of 59%, rising to 88.3% with Ag₂O decoration under solar illumination for 120 min. When combined with mechanical vibrations, after 60 min, the degradation efficiencies reached 93% for ZnO and 98% for Ag₂O/ZnO systems. A photodegradation mechanism of Ag₂O NPs-decorated ZnO heterostructures was proposed. Full article

PIM kinases, as members of the serine/threonine kinase family, regulate key cellular processes such as proliferation, apoptosis, and metabolism by phosphorylating multiple substrates, making them important therapeutic targets for cancer treatment. In this study, we reported a series of structurally novel PIM-1 kinase inhibitors based on a scaffold-hopping strategy. After multiple rounds of structural optimization, the highly active compound C2 was obtained, exhibiting an IC₅₀ of 33.02 ± 1.31 nM against PIM-1 kinase. Molecular docking results revealed that compound C2 stably bound to the hydrophobic cavity of the PIM-1 protein and formed hydrogen bond interactions with polar residues in the hinge region, thereby effectively inhibiting kinase activity. In vitro antitumor assessment demonstrated significant proliferation inhibition of the hematological tumor cell line MM.1S (IC₅₀ = 1.87 μM), comparable to the positive control SGI-1776 (IC₅₀ = 1.71 μM). In addition, compound C2 possessed favorable drug-like properties and excellent stability in simulated gastrointestinal fluids and rat plasma. This study provides promising lead compounds for the development of novel PIM-1-targeted anticancer drugs, which can be further optimized. Full article

Thermal oxidation of edible oils during high-temperature cooking produces complex fumes containing harmful volatile compounds. However, the role of water, a common co-reactant in practical cooking, remains insufficiently understood. In this study, oleic acid was used as a model compound to investigate thermal oxidation. Online monitoring using synchrotron radiation photoionization mass spectrometry (SR-PIMS) revealed that water significantly increased the emission of volatile acetaldehyde and acrolein, with maximum increases of 164% and 123% at 10% water addition. Complementary offline GC-MS analysis showed enhanced formation of (E)-2-decenal, (E,E)-2,4-decadienal, and (E)-2-undecenal, suggesting these unsaturated aldehydes may be key intermediates. Mechanistically, oleic acid underwent free radical-mediated peroxidation to form (E)-2-decenal, (E)-2-undecenal, and (E,E)-2,4-decadienal. These intermediates subsequently decomposed into acetaldehyde and acrolein via hydration, retro-aldol condensation, and hydroperoxide scission, with water accelerating both processes. Overall, these findings highlight water’s critical role in promoting the generation of harmful volatile aldehydes in oil fumes. Full article

PIM kinases (PIM1, PIM2, PIM3) are serine/threonine kinases implicated in infection and reactivation of various viruses, but their roles in HIV-1 gene expression and particle production remain unclear. We examined their impact on HIV-1 and related viruses using co-transfection systems. PIM1 and PIM3, but not PIM2, markedly suppressed HIV-1 virion production without affecting infectivity. This inhibitory effect extended to transmitted/founder HIV-1 clones and SIV, indicating broad activity across lentiviruses. Kinase-dead mutants failed to reduce virion production, confirming the requirement for catalytic activity. Our data suggest that PIM1 and PIM3 act at distinct steps of HIV-1 gene expression: PIM1 reduces transcription, whereas PIM3 acts post-transcriptionally to diminish viral protein expression. Co-expression of PIM1 and PIM3 further enhanced suppression, suggesting complementary functions. Both kinases also inhibited expression from non-LTR promoters, implying involvement of general cellular factors. These findings reveal distinct and cooperative actions of PIM1 and PIM3 in limiting HIV-1 particle production, providing new insights into host kinase-mediated regulation of viral gene expression. Full article

Background/Objectives: This pilot study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of applying the Beers criteria in the community pharmacy setting and aid pharmacists in identifying and emphasizing adverse effects from potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) for older adults. Methods: We applied a single-center retrospective study to collect demographic and outcome data in order to analyze dispensed PIMs for older adults. We used an evaluation tool to compare warnings between pharmacy dispensing software and the Beers criteria. Descriptive statistics were computed via standard statistical software. Results: Culled from a random selection of 215 patients, the medical records from 50 subjects ≥65 years old were reviewed, including 440 of their medications. Our data demonstrated that 96% of subjects were dispensed at least one PIM, with a total of 34 different PIMs distributed at varying frequencies. A comparative analysis indicated that 74% of dispensed medications had similar, but not identical, warning profiles presented in the dispensing software and Beers criteria. Anticholinergic burden of dispensed PIMs indicated that older adults were at risk of falls and delirium. By supplementing the dispensing software with Beers criteria, we were able to create clinical communication notes for providers, patients, and pharmacy students to emphasize the role pharmacists can play to minimize PIM’s adverse effects on older adults. Conclusions: Our data indicates the feasibility of implementing the Beers criteria in the community pharmacy setting. Integrating the dispensing software warnings with Beers criteria created a structured intervention strategy to prevent potential adverse effects and develop clinical communication notes to emphasize a more engaging role that the community pharmacy setting can play to optimize therapeutic outcomes for older adults. Full article

Powder Injection Molding (PIM) is a versatile manufacturing technology widely used for fabricating components with complex geometries from metals and ceramics, yet its application to high-performance thermoplastics remains underutilized. This study explores the feasibility of manufacturing products from Polyphenylene Sulfide (PPS)—a promising linear aromatic polymer synthesized in powder form—using PIM technology and investigates the development of PE-based feedstocks with PPS and solid fillers. Regarding the matrix formulation, it was found that using pure paraffin as a binder limited the maximum PPS content to 20%. Consequently, a modified binder system consisting of Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) and paraffin in a 70:30 wt.% ratio was utilized, which successfully increased the PPS loading in the feedstock to 50% and enabled stable molding. Following matrix optimization, the study examined composites incorporating various fillers, including chalk, talc, and carbon fibers. Systematic rheological analysis confirmed that these composite suspensions possess characteristics necessary for molding products with complex geometries. Key results indicate that optimal sintering conditions were established to achieve the required mechanical properties. Among the tested fillers, carbon fibers were the most effective reinforcement, increasing the elastic modulus by 33% and flexural strength by 20%. Representative examples of samples successfully manufactured via this approach are presented. Full article

Genomic instability caused by defective DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair is a key determinant of cellular radiosensitivity. The Long–Evans cinnamon (LEC) rat is a rare naturally occurring model with marked radiosensitivity, and a major quantitative trait locus, X-ray hypersensitivity 1 (xhs1), has been mapped to rat chromosome 4; however, the causal mechanism has remained unclear. Here, we investigated the cellular and molecular basis of xhs1-associated radiosensitivity using LEA and LEC rat-derived cells and human cultured cells. Exploratory RNA-seq of pre-hepatitic liver tissue identified a sequence variant within the Hmces transcript in LEC rats. Consistently, HMCES protein levels were markedly reduced in multiple tissues and liver-derived cell lines from LEC rats. Functional analyses showed that reduced HMCES activity prolonged γH2AX signaling after X-ray irradiation, indicating delayed DSB resolution. Clonogenic survival assays demonstrated increased radiosensitivity in HMCES-deficient cells, which was partially rescued by restoring HMCES expression in stable LEA/LEC lines. Moreover, pimEJ5GFP reporter assays revealed significantly decreased end-joining repair activity in HMCES-knockout human cells. Together, these results establish HMCES as a critical mediator of DSB repair and cellular radioresistance, identify HMCES dysfunction as a core genetic determinant underlying xhs1-associated radiosensitivity, and provide mechanistic insight into radiation response architecture in a naturally occurring radiosensitive model. Full article

Chromium-doped diamond-like carbon (DLC-Cr) nanocomposite films were successfully deposited using a high-power impulse magnetron sputtering (HiPIMS) system. The Cr content in the films was controlled by adjusting the Cr target powers. The influence of Cr content on the microstructure, mechanical properties, tribological performance, and wettability of the films was systematically investigated. The results show that the Cr content and deposition rate of the films increased with increases in the target power. The surface topography of the films evolved from smooth to rough as the Cr target increased from 10 W to 70 W. At low Cr doping rates, the film mainly exhibited an amorphous structure, whereas the nanocomposite structure was formed at proper Cr doping rates. Raman and XPS analyses revealed that Cr incorporation altered the I_D/I_G ratio and promoted the formation of Cr-C bonds, leading to a more graphitic and nanocomposite-like structure. The nanoindentation results show that an optimal Cr content enhances both hardness and elastic modulus, while higher Cr concentrations lead to a decline in mechanical strength due to more graphitization and decreasing stress. Tribological tests exhibited a significant reduction in the friction coefficient (0.21) and wear rate (0.63 × 10⁻¹⁴ m³/N·m) at a moderate Cr level. Additionally, the surface wettability evolved toward enhanced hydrophilicity with increasing Cr power, as evidenced by reduced water contact angles and increased surface energy. These findings demonstrate that controlled Cr incorporation effectively tailors the structure, stress state, and surface chemistry of DLC films, offering a tunable pathway to achieving optimal mechanical performance and tribological stability for advanced engineering applications. Full article

Carbon–metal composite NiCrFeC coatings, prepared with and without controlled oxygen addition, were investigated to evaluate the influence of oxygen on the structure, mechanical response, and tribological performance. X-ray diffraction revealed that oxygen-containing films (NiCrFeC + O₂) exhibit a mixed metallic–oxide microstructure with CrNi, CrO, and NiO phases, whereas oxygen-free coatings show only CrNi crystalline peaks. The incorporation of oxygen led to a substantial increase in nano-hardness, from 0.84 GPa for NiCrFeC to 1.59 GPa for NiCrFeC + O₂. Scratch testing up to 100 N indicated improved adhesion and higher critical loads for the oxygen-rich coatings. Tribological measurements performed under dry sliding conditions using a sapphire ball showed a significant reduction in friction: NiCrFeC + O₂ stabilized at ~0.20, while NiCrFeC exhibited values between 0.25 and 0.35 at 0.5 N and 0.4–0.5 at 1 N, accompanied by non-uniform sliding due to coating failure. Wear-track analysis confirmed shallower penetration depths and narrower wear scars for NiCrFeC + O₂, despite similar initial roughness (~35 nm). These findings demonstrate that oxygen incorporation enhances hardness, adhesion, and wear resistance while substantially lowering friction, making NiCrFeC + O₂ coatings promising for low-friction dry-sliding applications. Full article

This review examines modern approaches to layer formation in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), focusing on traditional, thin-film, and additive manufacturing methods. A systematic comparison of technologies, including slip casting, screen printing, CVD, PLD, ALD, HiPIMS, inkjet, aerosol, and microextrusion printing, is provided. It is shown that traditional methods remain technologically robust but are limited in their capabilities for miniaturization and interfacial architecture design. Modern thin-film and additive approaches provide high spatial accuracy, improved ion-electron characteristics, and flexibility in the design of multilayer structures; however, they require addressing issues related to scalability, ink stability, interfacial compatibility, and reproducibility. Particular attention is paid to interfacial engineering methods, such as functionally graded layers, nanostructured infiltration, and temperature-controlled 3D printing. Key challenges are discussed, including thermal instability of materials, the limited gas impermeability of ultra-thin electrolytes, and degradation during long-term operation. Development prospects lie in the integration of hybrid methods, the digitalization of deposition processes, and the implementation of intelligent control of printing parameters. The presented analysis forms the basis for further research into the scalable and highly efficient production of next-generation SOFCs designed for low-temperature operation and long-term operation in future energy systems. Full article

The use of Multispectral (MS) imaging is growing fast across many research fields. However, one of the obstacles researchers face is the limited availability of multispectral image databases. This arises from two factors: multispectral cameras are a relatively recent technology, and they are not widely available. Hence, the development of an image database is crucial for research on multispectral images. This study takes advantage of two high-end MS cameras in visible and near-infrared based on filter array technology developed in the PImRob platform, the University of Burgundy, to provide a freely accessible database. The database includes high-resolution MS images taken from different plants and weeds, along with annotated images and masks. The original raw images and the demosaicked images have been provided. The database has been developed for research on demosaicking techniques, segmentation algorithms, or deep learning for crop/weed discrimination. Full article

The increasing use of multiple medications among older adults raises concerns about potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs), which are associated with adverse health outcomes and increased healthcare costs. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and types of PIMs dispensed to older adults living in Northwest Italy using real-world pharmacy claims data. An observational, retrospective analysis was conducted on anonymized drug dispensing datasets from two local health authorities, covering individuals aged 65 years or older between 2018 and 2021. PIMs were identified according to the 2019 American Geriatrics Society Beers Criteria, focusing on drugs that are inappropriate or should be used with caution in older adults or have anticholinergic properties. Over half of older adults who received medications during the study period were dispensed at least one PIM, with stable or slight increased prevalence over time with no differences by sex or region. Proton-pump inhibitors used for more than 8 weeks and paroxetine were the most common PIMs, while furosemide and sulfonylureas were also frequently reported PIMs. These findings indicate a persistently high burden of inappropriate prescribing in older adults and highlight the need for coordinated deprescribing interventions and prescriber education to promote safer, evidence-based pharmacotherapy in aging populations. Full article

Background: The intensification of aquaculture has led to increased use of chemical agents, such as trichlorfon, for controlling parasitic infections in farmed fish. While effective, this organophosphate compound may exert toxic effects even at sublethal concentrations, posing risks to economically important species such as tambaqui (C. macropomum). This study investigated the molecular effects of trichlorfon on the expression of genes involved in stress response, energy metabolism, and apoptosis in juvenile tambaqui. Methods: Fish were exposed to two sublethal concentrations of trichlorfon (30% and 50% LC_{50–96 h}, equivalent to 0.261 and 0.435 mg/L) for 48, 72, and 96 h. Expression levels of fkbp5, p53, pim-2, pir, me1, bbox1, and higd1a were quantified in liver tissue using qPCR. Results: fkbp5 and p53 were strongly upregulated at 48 h, indicating acute stress and genotoxic activation. me1 and pim-2 were also upregulated, reflecting activation of compensatory energy metabolism and anti-apoptotic survival pathways. bbox1 showed an early induction followed by collapse at 96 h, while higd1a and pir exhibited delayed overexpression at 96 h, suggesting mitochondrial hypoxia and inflammation. Conclusions: Trichlorfon triggers a multifaceted toxic response characterized by initial activation of compensatory pathways (stress response, antioxidant defense, and anti-apoptotic mechanisms) followed by late-phase metabolic collapse, mitochondrial hypoxia, and inflammation, with both time- and dose-dependent effects. These findings demonstrate that even sublethal concentrations disrupt hepatic homeostasis and support the use of these genes as molecular biomarkers for environmental monitoring in aquaculture. Full article