Search Results (234)

Tellurium–selenium alloy films exhibit excellent performance in short-wave infrared photodetection due to their adjustable bandgap, high carrier mobility, low fabrication temperature, and compatibility with CMOS technologies. Owing to their distinctive one-dimensional chain-like architecture, they can form van der Waals heterojunctions with materials such as silicon, III–V compound semiconductors, and metal oxides. This enables the construction of high-performance short-wave infrared photodetectors. This research examines the latest advancements in heterojunction photodetectors utilizing Te_xSe_1−x alloy sheets. First, the backdrop and justification of this review are outlined followed by discussing the fundamental aspects of Te_xSe_1−x alloy films including their appearance, electrical functionality, optoelectronic performance, fabrication methods and figures of merit for photodetectors. Subsequently, we examine recent advancements in heterojunction photodetectors based on Te_xSe_1−x alloy films and discuss methods to enhance device performance through interface engineering and structural design. Finally, we consolidate the findings and discuss potential future developments and challenges we may encounter. Full article

On the road to developing more sustainable and cost-efficient carbon fibres (CFs), replacing the conventional polyacrylonitrile (PAN) precursor with polyethylene (PE) is a promising alternative. Yet most PE-CF studies focus on fibre properties at laboratory or pilot scale and largely overlook scalability—especially in melt-spinning, where precursor filament counts have typically been limited to 32–100, far below industrial CF tows (1000–48,000). This study addresses that gap by (i) modifying a staple-fibre melt-spinning line (MSFP) to directly produce a 10,000-filament PE precursor and (ii) demonstrating inline filament merging on an industrial yarn (IDY) plant at Institut für Textiltechnik (ITA) as a pragmatic scale-up route. Direct 10 k spinning proved technically feasible but did not meet convertibility targets owing to inhomogeneous extrusion and quench: the MSFP precursor showed 18.1 ± 2.0 µm filament diameter, 21.9 ± 3.8 cN/tex tenacity and 130.8 ± 40.8% elongation (total solid draw ratio 2.02). In contrast, the IDY route delivered a fine and uniform precursor with a 9.43 ± 0.02 µm filament diameter, 38.42 ± 0.43 cN/tex tenacity, 15.91 ± 0.76% elongation, and 15.32 ± 1.16% shrinkage at 120 °C (total solid draw ratio 4.55). After discontinuous sulfonation, TGA indicated superior cross-linking of the IDY precursor (≈15% mass loss at 400–600 °C) versus MSFP (≈18%). Inline merging doubled filament count inline and small-scale plying enabled a 6 k tow. Transferring the IDY precursor into continuous sulfonation and carbonisation yielded PE-based CF with a filament diameter < 8.5 µm, tensile strength up to 2.0 GPa, tensile modulus up to 170 GPa, and elongation at break up to 1.75%, without surface defects. The results establish a clear scale-up roadmap: prioritise homogeneous fine-filament extrusion at low throughputs, co-develop segmented quench, and use a stepwise strategy (1–2 k filaments → inline merging → ≥6 k) to enable industrially relevant, cost-effective PE-based CF production. Full article

Naturally colored cotton offers ecological advantages by eliminating the need for chemical dyeing; however, its limited fiber quality restricts its commercial utilization. The main goal of this study was to evaluate the potential of the SSR marker BNL1604 for marker-assisted selection in naturally colored cotton (G. hirsutum L.) and to assess fiber quality variation among hybrid progenies derived from crosses between colored and elite white-fiber cultivars. As an expected outcome of this approach, we also assessed whether hybridization of naturally colored lines with elite white-fiber cultivars could contribute to the improvement of fiber quality traits in segregating progenies. Five colored lines (brown and green), three elite cultivars, and fifteen derived F₃ progenies were analyzed. Fiber traits, including upper half mean length (UHML), strength, elongation, and micronaire, were measured using HVI. Genotyping was conducted with BNL1604, and in silico mapping localized this marker to chromosome A07, with a homoeologous region on D07. White-fiber cultivars exhibited superior fiber length (33.4–35.4 mm) and strength (>31 g·tex⁻¹) compared with colored lines. Several F₃ hybrids exhibited transgressive segregation (progeny with trait values significantly exceeding those of both parents, as confirmed by frequency distribution and ANOVA analyses). For instance, the F₃ (C-6577 × L-4099) hybrid achieved UHML values of 30.51 mm and strength > 31.93 g·tex⁻¹. Most progenies maintained optimal micronaire (4.0–4.9). It was concluded that the presence of the 107 bp allele of BNL1604 marker was strongly associated with high-quality fiber, specifically improved fiber strength and length. In silico annotation revealed candidate genes near the BNL1604 locus linked to fiber development. These findings highlight the potential of combining hybridization with selection based on the presence of this 107 bp allele to develop high-quality, naturally colored cotton cultivars. Full article

Biotextronics is a new field of knowledge that may help in treatment of lower urinary tract inflammations. These systems have many advantages; e.g., they allow mobility while using, are easy to use, and contain natural materials. While designed and created to be controlled via an app by the user, a doctor could have access to monitor the therapy and its frequency. It is possible to use individual functions in the application tabs: calendar, history, and an online preview. One such solution, a mobile form of a steam bath, is called BioTexPants (version 1.0). It is underwear with a biotextronics four-layer insert containing applied thyme essential oil with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activity. Six variants of the inserts were investigated with various ratios (1:1; 1:2, and 1:3) of EO to cellulose or microcrystalline cellulose. After heating the inserts to 40 °C, the presence of essential oil volatile compounds released from the inserts was investigated with the use of SPME and CG-MS on the day of their preparation and while in storage (after 7, 14, 28, and 56 days). It is known that thymol, as a main component of the essential oil (42.29%), has very strong antibacterial activity. Its presence was detected for 56 days during storage of all the insert variants. Other compounds of the EO known for their anti-inflammatory effects are carvacrol and α-pinene, which were also detected while storage for various variants of the inserts. Full article

The continuous rise in textile waste, driven by global population growth and the proliferation of fast fashion, has raised concerns about its efficient recycling and sustainable management. This study aims to assess the feasibility of recycling textile waste by incorporating recycled cotton fibres as reinforcement in polypropylene-based composites. Specifically, it examines the mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties of composites composed of 50% recycled polypropylene and 50% reinforcing fibres (either virgin or recycled cotton), with and without the addition of 5% maleic anhydride-grafted polypropylene as a compatibilizer to enhance fibre-matrix adhesion. Although the use of recycled cotton as reinforcement reduced the mechanical properties of the composite material, the addition of 5% compatibilizer improved these properties to levels comparable to those of composite reinforced with virgin cotton. Full article

Mechanical textile recycling presents a sustainable alternative to linear “take–make–waste” models in the fashion industry. This study intended to develop yarns using textile-to-fiber mechanically recycled fibers. ReSpool mechanically recycled wool, cotton, polyester, silk, and rayon fibers from pre-consumer and post-consumer textiles were acquired and blended with new fibers at varying ratios (100% ReSpool fibers, 85% ReSpool fibers, and 65% ReSpool fibers) to make batts, which were spun into yarns. The yarns’ size (Tex), strength (breaking force and tenacity), elongation, and moisture regain were evaluated. ReSpool recycled fibers from both pre-consumer and post-consumer textiles can be used to produce yarns that have appropriate strength for weaving and knitting. It was possible to produce yarns from 100% ReSpool recycled wool, polyester, and silk fibers, but ReSpool recycled cotton and rayon fibers must be blended with new fibers to produce yarns. There was no significant difference among the percentage of ReSpool recycled polyester and cotton fibers in the yarns on the strength and elongation of the yarn. It is recommended to use the higher percentage of ReSpool recycled fibers in yarn development to maximize recycled material utilization. Full article

Background: Multilocular mesothelial inclusion cysts—also known as benign multicystic mesothelioma (BMM)—are rare, typically arising in the peritoneal cavity. Pericardial involvement is extremely uncommon and can pose diagnostic and therapeutic challenges due to their recurrent and infiltrative nature. Accurate diagnosis and surgical strategy are critical for management and recurrence prevention. Methods: We present the case of a 36-year-old woman with a prior history of malignant melanoma who developed recurrent multilocular cystic masses of the pericardium. Initial imaging with echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR), and computed tomography (CT) revealed multilocular pericardial cysts. Surgical resection was performed under cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), but complete excision was limited due to epicardial infiltration. Histopathology confirmed a benign mesothelial origin. One year later, recurrence prompted a second surgical intervention with total pericardiectomy and Gore-Tex patch reconstruction. Results: Postoperative recovery was uneventful in both instances. Follow-up imaging at 6 and 12 months demonstrated no significant recurrence. Histological analysis confirmed benign cysts lined with mesothelial cells, positive for calretinin and WT-1. This represents one of the first documented living cases of pericardial BMM managed with staged surgery and total pericardiectomy. Conclusions: Pericardial BMM is a rare, benign, but potentially recurrent lesion. In cases of extensive or recurrent disease, total pericardiectomy may offer definitive treatment. Multimodal imaging, histopathological evaluation, and personalized surgical planning are essential for effective management. Full article

Background: In 2015, it was discovered that mutations in the TEX11 gene are associated with azoospermia in general and meiotic maturation arrest in particular. TEX11 is a component of the ZZS complex (comprising Zip2-, Zip4- and Spo16 and originally described in Saccharomyces cerevisiae). During meiosis, this complex is required for the promotion of double-strand break (DSB) repair and thus the maintenance of genomic integrity. Since the initial discovery, several variants and deletions in TEX11 have been reported in patients with spermatogenesis defects. However, many of these new variants have not been functionally validated, which makes it difficult to confirm their direct impact on meiosis. The exonic in-frame deletion TEX11-c.652del237bp has been recurrently identified in infertile men. However, mice models carrying this deletion remain fertile—suggesting that these models may not faithfully replicate human meiotic phenotypes. To address this discrepancy, we functionally validated the TEX11-c.652del237bp variant in vitro. Methods: After amplification in Escherichia Coli DH5α, the pIRES2-EGFP plasmid containing either the wild-type TEX11 sequence or the TEX11-c.652del237bp sequence was transfected into the HEK293 human embryonic kidney cell line. qPCR and Western blot analyses were then used to evaluate the presence and expression levels of TEX11 mRNA and TEX11 protein. Results: The qPCR and Western blot analyses showed that truncated mRNA and protein were produced in cells transfected with the c.652del237bp variant. Hence, the deletion probably leads to the transcription and translation of TEX11 in human testis. Furthermore, in silico modeling suggested that the deletion does not have a significant impact on the ZZS complex. Conclusions: Our in vitro and in silico data demonstrate that the c.652del237bp in-frame deletion results in a truncated TEX11 protein and thus question the deletion’s pathogenic role in human meiosis. However, the absence of a meiotic phenotype in the corresponding mouse model is suggestive of species-specific differences in TEX11 endogenous function. Further studies (such as co-immunoprecipitation experiments with other ZZS complex proteins) are needed to fully assess the functional impact of TEX11-c.652del237bp. These experiments might also provide novel insights into the specific role of the TEX11 SPO22 domain in human spermatogenesis. Full article

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a common malignancy with poor prognosis, and exhausted T (TEX) cells, a subset of T cells characterized by progressive loss of effector functions, play a critical role in its progression. This study aimed to investigate the impact of TEX-related genes on immune function, prognosis, and drug sensitivity in GBM through multiomics analysis. Initially, we identified a novel set of TEX-related genes specific to GBM and screened hub genes (CCL5, IL18, CXCR6, FCER1G, TNFSF13B) using conventional statistical methods combined with machine learning. A prognostic risk model was subsequently constructed based on TCGA data and validated in the CGGA cohort. Single-cell and pharmacogenomic analyses revealed significant differences in tumor microenvironment composition and drug sensitivity between risk groups. Notably, Palbociclib emerged as a potential therapeutic agent targeting the novel discovered biomarker CCL5. RT-qPCR results showed that T cells with low CCL5 expression exhibited reduced expression of immune checkpoint-related genes (PD1, TIM3, LAG3) and increased expression of CD28, suggesting enhanced immune function. In conclusion, our findings highlight five hub genes as prognostic markers that could stratify GBM patients with different immune landscapes and levels of drug sensitivity. Furthermore, experimental results suggest that low CCL5 expression could alleviate T cell exhaustion and represent a promising therapeutic target, offering new strategies for improving GBM prognosis. Full article

In this investigation, C20^S (29.5 tex) and C30^S (19.7 tex) ring-spun cotton yarns with different twist factors were produced using the same technological parameters for the yarn steaming process. The experimental results for yarn snarling, tensile strength, hairiness, fineness, and unevenness were compared before and after steaming. Yarn snarling was clearly reduced in the spun yarn with a higher twist factor due to the elimination of internal stress imbalances. The fineness of the yarn increased slightly after the steaming treatment. Importantly, the tensile strength of the yarn was greatly enhanced due to the adjusted fibre internal stress resulting from the steaming treatment, especially for twist factors of less than 320. The rate of increase in tensile properties decreased as the twist factor increased. Furthermore, the yarn-steaming process was beneficial for hairiness, but generally detrimental to yarn irregularity. Notably, C20^S ring-spun cotton yarns exhibited a slightly higher hairiness reduction ratio and unevenness than C30^S ring-spun cotton yarns at the same twist factor. Ultimately, the influence of steaming on yarn properties was thoroughly studied to improve yarn quality with reduced snarling and enhanced tensile strength. Full article

The purpose of this study was to obtain a holistic view of mechanically recycled cotton from denim fabrics and the repurposing and recycling methods for similar fibres. A pre-consumer denim and three types of post-consumer denims were shredded into new fibres, which were characterised with single-fibre tensile testing, SEM imaging and DSC analysis. The opened cotton fibres were then blended with primary cotton with varying ratios and spun into yarns of 40 tex with a ring spinning machine. A ratio of 75/25 of recycled fibres to virgin fibres was obtained, with promising tensile strength results. Further, the yarns were knitted into single jersey fabrics, and abrasion testing was performed to evaluate their wearing out. Best abrasion resistance was obtained for knits consisting of 100% virgin cotton fibres and the knits consisting of a blend of pre-consumer and virgin fibres. The results suggest the yarns made with mechanically opened fibres are suitable for single jersey knits. SEM and DSC confirm the input of mechanical recycling defines the output. Moreover, the SEM pictures indicate there is little to no damage to single fibres caused by mechanical shredding, causing no further barriers for secondary use as raw materials. Full article

The main objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of extrusion temperature (ET), feed moisture content (FMC), and the proportion of huitlacoche relative to corn starch (HCP/Starch) on the physicochemical, techno-functional, and color properties of an extruded snack, using response surface methodology to optimize processing conditions and product quality. A Box–Behnken design and response surface methodology were used to model and optimize the process. The responses analyzed included residence time (RT), specific mechanical energy (SME), expansion index (EI), bulk density (BD), texture (Tex), water absorption index (WAI), water solubility index (WSI), pH, and color parameters (L*, a*, b*, C*, h°, and ΔE). Results showed that the huitlacoche proportion significantly affected BD, Tex, WSI, and color, while ET and FMC mainly influenced EI, SME, and other techno-functional traits. Multi-response optimization indicated that 150.4 °C, 15.8 g/100 g FMC, and 10–20 g/100 g HCP/Starch maximized EI (2.27) and minimized BD (0.40 g/cm³), Tex (17.5 N), and SME (347.6 J/g). The overall performance was summarized by global desirability (0.83–0.88), a metric that combines all responses into a single scale (0 = poor; 1 = is the most desired goal). The optimized conditions produced snacks with acceptable hydration capacity, pH, and color, supporting huitlacoche as a viable functional ingredient. These findings demonstrate the potential of this traditional resource for developing sustainable, value-added, and health-oriented extruded foods. Full article

Background/Objectives: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly heterogeneous malignancy with poor prognosis. T cell exhaustion (TEX) is a key factor in tumor immune evasion and therapeutic resistance. In this study, we integrated single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and bulk RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) data to characterize TEX-related transcriptional features in HCC. Methods: We first computed TEX scores for each sample using a curated 65-gene signature and classified them into high-TEX and low-TEX groups by the median score. Differentially expressed genes were identified separately in scRNA-seq and bulk RNA-seq data, then intersected to retain shared candidates. A 26-gene prognostic signature was derived from these candidates via univariate Cox and LASSO regression analysis. Results: The high-TEX group exhibited increased expression of immune checkpoint molecules and antigen presentation molecules, suggesting a tumor microenvironment that is more immunosuppressive but potentially more responsive to immunotherapy. Functional enrichment analysis and protein–protein interaction (PPI) network construction further validated the roles of these genes in immune regulation and tumor progression. Conclusions: This study provides a comprehensive characterization of the TEX landscape in HCC and identifies a robust gene signature associated with prognosis and immune infiltration. These findings highlight the potential of targeting TEX-related genes for personalized immunotherapeutic strategies in HCC. Full article

Improved irrigation guidelines are needed to maximize crop water use efficiency. Combining field data with simulation models can provide information for better irrigation management. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of two flood irrigation treatments on fiber yield (FY) and quality during the 2023 and 2024 growing seasons in Maricopa, Arizona, USA. Two irrigation treatments, denoted as F100% and F80%, were arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replicates. Then, AquaCrop was used to simulate cotton yield (Y_Tot), water use (ET_obs), and total soil water content (WC_Tot) for the two irrigation treatments. Six statistical metrics, including the coefficient of determination (R²), the normalized root-mean-square error (NRMSE), the mean absolute error (MAE), simulation error (S_e), the index of agreement (D_index), and the Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency coefficient (NSE), were employed to assess model performance. The results of the field trial demonstrated that reducing the irrigation rate to 80% of ET_c negatively impacted cotton FY and ET water productivity (ETWP); the FY declined by 45.2% (ETWP = 0.097 kg·ha⁻¹) in 2023 and by 38.1% (ETWP = 0.133 kg·ha⁻¹) in 2024. Conversely, F100% produced a more uniform and stronger fiber than F80%, with the uniformity index (UI) and fiber strength (STR) measuring 81.7% and 29.5 g tex⁻¹ in 2023 and 82.2% and 30.0 g tex⁻¹ in 2024, indicating that UI and STR were well correlated with soil water during both growing seasons. AquaCrop showed an excellent performance in simulating cotton CC during the two growing seasons. The R², NRMSE, D_index, and NSE were between 0.97 and 0.99, 8.45% and 14.36%, 0.98 and 0.99, and 0.96 and 0.98, respectively. Moreover, the AquaCrop model accurately simulated Y_Tot during these seasons, with R², NRMSE, D_index, and NSE for pooled yield data of 0.93, 8.05%, 0.95, and 0.78, respectively. The model consistently overestimated Y_Tot, ET_obs, and WC_Tot, but within an acceptable S_e (S_e < 15%) during both growing seasons, except for WC_Tot under the 80% treatment in 2023 (S_e = 26.4%). Consequently, AquaCrop can be considered an effective tool for irrigation management and yield prediction in arid climates such as Arizona. Full article

Focusing on the characteristic tea resource Zijuan tea, this study addresses the difficulty of grading on production lines and the complexity of quality evaluation. On the basis of the fusion of near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy and visual features, a novel method is proposed for classifying different tenderness levels and quantitatively assessing key anthocyanin components in Zijuan tea fresh leaves. First, NIR spectra and visual feature data were collected, and anthocyanin components were quantitatively analyzed using UHPLC-Q-Exactive/MS. Then, four preprocessing techniques and three wavelength selection methods were applied to both individual and fused datasets. Tenderness classification models were developed using Particle Swarm Optimization–Support Vector Machine (PSO-SVM), Random Forest (RF), and Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs). Additionally, prediction models for key anthocyanin content were established using linear Partial Least Squares Regression (PLSR), nonlinear Support Vector Regression (SVR) and RF. The results revealed significant differences in NIR spectral characteristics across different tenderness levels. Model combinations such as TEX + Medfilt + RF and NIR + Medfilt + CNN achieved 100% accuracy in both training and testing sets, demonstrating robust classification performance. The optimal models for predicting key anthocyanin contents also exhibited excellent predictive accuracy, enabling the rapid and nondestructive detection of six major anthocyanin components. This study provides a reliable and efficient method for intelligent tenderness classification and the rapid, nondestructive detection of key anthocyanin compounds in Zijuan tea, holding promising potential for quality control and raw material grading in the specialty tea industry. Full article