Search Results (159,495)

Precise control over nanostructure evolution is critical for optimizing the electrochemical performance of pseudocapacitive materials. In this work, Nb₂O₅ nanostructures were synthesized via a time-engineered hydrothermal route by systematically varying the reaction duration (6, 12, and 18 h) to elucidate its influence on structural development, charge storage kinetics, and supercapacitor performance. Structural and surface analyses confirm the formation of phase-pure monoclinic Nb₂O₅ with a stable Nb⁵⁺ oxidation state. Morphological investigations reveal that a 12 h reaction time produces hierarchically organized Nb₂O₅ architectures composed of nanograin-assembled spherical aggregates with interconnected porosity, providing optimized ion diffusion pathways and enhanced electroactive surface exposure. Electrochemical evaluation demonstrates that the NbO-12 electrode delivers superior pseudocapacitive behavior dominated by diffusion-controlled Nb⁵⁺/Nb⁴⁺ redox reactions, exhibiting high areal capacitance (5.504 F cm⁻² at 8 mA cm⁻²), fast ion diffusion kinetics, low internal resistance, and excellent cycling stability with 85.73% capacitance retention over 12,000 cycles. Furthermore, an asymmetric pouch-type supercapacitor assembled using NbO-12 as the positive electrode and activated carbon as the negative electrode operates stably over a wide voltage window of 1.5 V, delivering an energy density of 0.101 mWh cm⁻² with outstanding durability. This study establishes hydrothermal reaction-time engineering as an effective strategy for tailoring Nb₂O₅ nanostructures and provides valuable insights for the rational design of high-performance pseudocapacitive electrodes for advanced energy storage systems. Full article

Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the most prevalent cancer types and accounts for the majority of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Tanshinone and its derivatives exhibit diverse biological activities, and their prominent antitumor potential has been well documented. In this study, we rationally designed a series of tanshinone derivatives with a scaffold-hopping strategy. Thirty-five tanshinone derivatives were synthesized, and their cytotoxic activities against the NSCLC cell lines A549 and H838 were investigated. Concurrently, their safety profile was assessed in BEAS-2B cells. The results showed that compounds S2-1, S2-4, and S2-8 exhibited superior inhibitory activity against A549 cells compared with the positive control, β-lapachone. Meanwhile, compounds S2-1, S2-3, S2-4, S2-8, S2-13, and S2-14 exhibited similar or increased antiproliferation activity against H838 cells. Compounds S2-4 (0.58 ± 0.07 μM) and S2-8 (0.42 ± 0.04 μM) demonstrated the greatest potency towards H838 cells; compounds S2-13 (1.28 ± 0.13 μM) and S2-14 (1.80 ± 0.24 μM) exhibited potent and selective activity towards H838 cells. Molecular docking studies of S2-4/NLRP3 and S2-14/STAT3, combined with the structure–activity relationship (SAR) analysis, indicated that the benzofuran core containing an ortho-quinone, along with an amide linkage and a 1,2,3-triazole group introduced at the C-2 position of the furan ring, is an effective chemical scaffold for enhancing the anti-NSCLC activity of tanshinone derivatives. Full article

Kaposi’s Sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) and Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) are oncogenic gammaherpesviruses with high prevalence in sub-Saharan Africa. Both viruses are typically acquired during childhood, establishing lifelong latency. While viral reactivation into the lytic cycle has been mainly studied in adult HIV-infected populations—and more recently in the context of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) co-infection—the dynamics of KSHV and EBV infection in children remain poorly understood. Here, we characterize pediatric patients (n = 175; median age 4.6 years; IQR 2.0–8.3) presenting with inflammatory conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic in South Africa (from July 2020 to February 2024). Including a healthy, non-inflammatory control group, we found widespread exposure to SARS-CoV-2 (70.9% seropositivity), with 72.6% of the children being seropositive for EBV and 19.4% for KSHV. There were no significant differences in seroprevalence between children with inflammatory conditions and healthy controls for any of these viruses, although SARS-CoV-2 antibody titers were significantly higher in the inflammatory group, while EBV immune responses were lower in children presenting with inflammation. Among the KSHV-seropositive children, no active viremia was detected (as determined by the absence of viral DNA in the peripheral blood). In contrast, 34.4% of EBV-seropositive children had detectable EBV viral load, with a modestly higher proportion in the inflammatory group. However, EBV viral load levels were comparable between children diagnosed with Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C), Kawasaki Disease (KD), and other inflammatory conditions. Logistic regression analyses revealed that increasing age was significantly associated with higher risk of SARS-CoV-2 and EBV seropositivity, but not KSHV. Notably, the risk of EBV DNA detection in the peripheral blood decreased with age. In summary, this study suggests effective immunological control of gammaherpesvirus infections in HIV-negative paediatric patients, even in the presence of inflammatory conditions that might otherwise trigger viral reactivation. Full article

Tetracycline is a low-cost broad-spectrum antibiotic and widely used in medicine and aquaculture. Its residues are usually released into the environment through wastewater, which may lead to the spread of antibiotic resistance genes and pose ecological risks. To address this environmental issue, a hierarchical lignin-derived porous carbon (LPHC) was synthesized using renewable biomass lignin as the precursor through a combined phosphoric acid-activated hydrothermal pretreatment. The resulting LPHC was used to effectively remove tetracycline from aqueous solutions. Characterization results indicated that LPHC had a high specific surface area (1157.25 m²·g⁻¹), a well-developed micro-mesoporous structure, and abundant surface oxygen-containing functional groups, which enhanced its interaction with target pollutants. Adsorption experiments showed that LPHC exhibited excellent adsorption performance for tetracycline, with a maximum adsorption capacity of 219.81 mg·g⁻¹. The adsorption process conformed to the Langmuir isotherm model, indicating that monolayer chemical adsorption was dominant. Mechanism analysis further confirmed that the adsorption process was controlled by multiple synergistic interactions, including pore filling, π-π electron donor–acceptor interactions, hydrogen bonding, and electrostatic attraction. This work proposes a feasible strategy to convert waste biomass into high-performance and environmentally friendly adsorbents, which provides technical feasibility for sustainable water purification technologies. Full article

In this study, phosphorus tailings sand (PTS) was ground into fine powder and incorporated with slag and fly ash to formulate a cementitious material composed solely of solid wastes. The current research aimed to promote the high-value utilization of local solid waste resources in Lianyungang and to explore their potential application in soil stabilization and ground improvement. Through optimization of component dosage and the proportions of alkaline activators, the effects on workability, mechanical properties, drying shrinkage, wet–dry cycles, microstructural evolution, and heavy-metal leaching behavior were comprehensively examined. The findings revealed that at the optimal ratio of PTS–slag powder–fly ash = 5:2.5:2.5, the developed cementitious material demonstrated a 28-day compressive strength of 33.8 MPa, along with 4.5 MPa flexural strength, and 168 mm flow spread. Moreover, the 28-day drying shrinkage reached a minimal value of 0.038%, with reduced mass loss of 6.7% after wet–dry cycling. Furthermore, under non-freezing conditions, the leaching content of Zn, Mn, Pb, and Cu from the PTS-based multi-solid-waste cementitious system remained below the permissible limits for non-hazardous discharge established by Chinese environmental regulations. These findings provide an innovative pathway for the resource-efficient application of phosphorus tailings sand and several solid wastes while offering technical guidance for silt stabilization and ecological restoration efforts in the Lianyungang region, highlighting promising engineering application prospects. Full article

High-penetration integration of distributed photovoltaics (PV) into distribution networks introduces significant challenges regarding voltage limit violations and fluctuations. To address these issues, this manuscript proposes a hierarchical coordinated voltage control strategy for medium- and low-voltage distribution networks utilizing a cloud-edge collaboration architecture. The research methodology involves constructing a multi-objective optimization model at the cloud layer to minimize network losses and voltage deviations, solved via an improved Honey Badger Algorithm (HBA). Simultaneously, at the edge layer, a multi-mode coordinated control strategy incorporating Virtual Synchronous Generator (VSG) technology is developed to provide fast reactive power support and inertial response. Through simulation analysis on an IEEE 33-node test system, the findings demonstrate that the proposed strategy significantly mitigates voltage fluctuations and enhances the hosting capacity of distributed energy resources. The study concludes that the cloud-edge framework effectively decouples control time-scales, ensuring both global economic operation and local transient stability. These results are significant for advancing the resilient operation of active distribution networks with high renewable penetration. Full article

Background/Objectives: Environmental exposure to heavy metals is an established risk factor for breast cancer development; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying the contribution of lead (Pb) to disease progression remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Pb exposure on breast cancer cells and to delineate the associated mechanisms. Methods: We examined Pb-induced migration and invasion of breast cancer cells using wound-healing and Transwell assays; assessed cell proliferation by flow cytometry and MTT assay; identified potential target genes via RNA sequencing; and further elucidated the underlying mechanisms using integrated molecular biology approaches (including immunofluorescence, Western blotting, and ELISA), functional cellular assays, and bioinformatics analysis. Results: Pb exposure significantly enhanced the migratory and invasive capabilities of breast cancer cells by upregulating aldo-keto reductase family 1 member C3 (AKR1C3), without markedly affecting cell proliferation. Mechanistically, AKR1C3 promoted migration and invasion through activation of NF-κB signaling, leading to upregulated expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9. Conclusions: This study reveals a novel molecular axis—Pb exposure promotes breast cancer cell migration and invasion via the AKR1C3–NF-κB–MMP-2/MMP-9 pathway—and identifies AKR1C3 as a potential therapeutic target for breast cancer associated with environmental heavy metal exposure. Full article

Extensive research in laboratory rodents has shown that novelty exposure enhances the consolidation of memories for preceding or following low-arousal events by elevating dopamine release in the dorsal hippocampus (dHipp). Additionally, numerous studies have demonstrated that post-encoding noradrenergic activation of the basolateral amygdala (BLA) can also enhance memory consolidation in dHipp. Since the BLA is most active during emotionally arousing or stress-related situations, it was suggested that this nuclear complex mediates the effects of emotional salience on memory consolidation. However, it is presently unknown whether the reinforcement of memory storage in dHipp induced by novel and arousing environmental conditions results from the interaction between these two modulatory systems. To test the hypothesis of a functional interaction between dopaminergic and noradrenergic systems, this study assessed their combined effects on a low-arousal object-location (OL) task. Rats received post-training intra-BLA infusions of vehicle or clenbuterol (Clen), a selective β-adrenoceptor agonist. Novelty-induced dopamine release in the dHipp was enhanced by omitting habituation prior to training, and the contribution of dopamine signaling was further evaluated using pre-infusion administration of the D1/D5 receptor antagonist SCH 23390. The distribution of two important proteins for memory processing, namely the activity-regulated cytoskeleton-associated protein (Arc) and the phosphorylated form of the transcription factor, cAMP-response element-binding protein (pCREB) in the dHipp, was explored in a subset of rats perfused 60 min after the training phase. Stimulation of the BLA significantly increased the number of Arc- and pCREB-positive cells in several dHipp areas. The preceding application of SCH 23390, however, substantially decreased these effects in the same areas, i.e., the dentate gyrus (DG), CA2, and CA1 subregions for pCREB, and the CA3b, CA3c, CA2, and CA1 subregions for Arc. This interaction is considered essential for the initial stages of memory consolidation. The obtained results indicate the presence of a region-specific interaction between BLA modulatory inputs and intrahippocampal dopaminergic transmission, the mechanisms of which remain to be elucidated. Full article

As climate-related risks pose a serious threat to corporate economic activities, a growing number of firms are recognizing the need to take action to address climate change. Drawing on the attention-based view and legitimacy theory, we investigated how CEO temporal focus congruence influences corporate carbon emission performance and the moderating role of CEO power. Analyzing a sample of 2191 Chinese A-share manufacturing listed firms from 2010 to 2022 and employing polynomial regression with response surface analysis, we find that congruence between CEO past and future focus enhances carbon emission performance more effectively than incongruence, and this effect is more pronounced when CEOs are highly focused on both the past and the future. Moreover, CEO power reinforces the positive effect of CEO temporal focus congruence. These effects are particularly pronounced in non-state-owned enterprises, high-tech firms, and eastern China. Our findings contribute to the literature on temporal focus, the attention-based view, and corporate sustainability by highlighting the importance of CEO temporal cognition in shaping corporate responses to climate change. Full article

This paper develops a fractional six-compartment model to describe malware spread in wireless sensor networks. To represent actual network activity, the model is constructed using generalized proportional-Caputo operators that incorporate memory and tempering effects. The existence and uniqueness of solutions are proved by applying fixed-point theorems. The stability of the system is then studied using the Ulam–Hyers approach and its extended form. A fractional Adams predictor–corrector method is employed to illustrate the dynamics. The results suggest that memory and tempering play an important role in shaping infection patterns, and they indicate that fractional calculus can provide a useful framework for studying and managing malware in distributed sensor networks. Full article

The conventional treatment of high-concentration volatile organic compounds (VOCs) relies on energy-intensive dilution to avoid explosion risks. This study proposes an efficient catalytic combustion process treating VOCs directly within the explosive range while recovering reaction heat using Pt/γ-Al₂O₃-based catalysts promoted with La and Ce. Catalysts (0.05–0.5 wt% Pt) were synthesized via impregnation and characterized using FE-SEM, BET, and XRD. Catalytic combustion experiments at VOC concentrations up to 13,000 ppm showed combustion initiation below 200 °C, achieving 83–99% conversions at 300 °C with complete oxidation to CO₂. Although 5 vol.% moisture significantly inhibited low-temperature activity through competitive adsorption, La and Ce promoters (10 wt%) effectively overcame this limitation by increasing surface area (up to 194.93 m²/g) and oxygen mobility. The Ce-promoted catalyst demonstrated superior water tolerance, achieving complete conversion at 200–210 °C due to its high Oxygen Storage Capacity (OSC). Bench-scale validation using a 1 Nm³/h system confirmed industrial feasibility. Operating at 220 °C with 13,000 ppm toluene for 100 h, the catalyst maintained >99.98% conversion with negligible deactivation and THC emissions below 2 ppm. The double-jacket heat exchanger effectively managed reaction heat (limiting temperature rise to ~20 °C) and recovered it as steam. Compared to Regenerative Thermal Oxidation, this Regenerative Catalytic Oxidation approach reduced emissions and energy consumption. This work demonstrates a robust “combustion-with-recovery” strategy for high-concentration VOC treatment, offering a sustainable alternative with high efficiency, stability, and safe energy-integrated operation. Full article

Physiotherapeutic interventions in dogs frequently incorporate compliant surfaces to improve postural stability (PS), proprioception, and limb coordination; however, objective assessment of surface-related locomotor adaptations remains limited. This study investigated the effects of walking on surfaces with increasing compliance on PS in healthy adult dogs using paw center of pressure (pCOP) analysis. Fourteen orthopedically and neurologically sound dogs were assessed at walk and trot on a pressure-sensitive walkway under four surface conditions: a standard rubber mat (0.1 cm) and three yoga mats of increasing thickness (0.5 cm, 0.8 cm, and 1.0 cm). Vertical ground reaction force (vGRF) and pCOP parameters were recorded and analyzed for each limb. vGRF parameters were largely unaffected by surface conditions. In contrast, several pCOP metrics, including pCOP radius, craniocaudal displacement, and mediolateral displacement, showed a significant decrease with increasing surface compliance. These effects were more consistent and widespread during trot, whereas during walk changes were primarily observed in the forelimbs. The findings indicate that dogs adapt to increased surface compliance by reducing pCOP displacement, likely reflecting active postural stabilization strategies. While vGRF parameters appeared insensitive to these adaptations, pCOP measures proved more sensitive in detecting subtle neuromuscular adjustments. These results highlight the potential value of pCOP analysis for evaluating functional adaptations during physiotherapeutic interventions in canine rehabilitation. Full article

The incidence of primary liver cancer is increasing annually, with extremely high mortality and suboptimal therapeutic outcomes. The inefficient presentation of tumor antigens and low infiltration of specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) result in insufficient immunogenicity, which limits the efficacy of immunotherapy. Despite the popularity of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), insufficient immune activation means only a small subset of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients exhibit clinical responses to ICIs, showing significant inter-individual variability. The activation of the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase(cGAS)- stimulator of interferon genes(STING) pathway initiates the expression of type I interferons (IFNs) and inflammatory cytokines, promoting the formation of a pro-inflammatory environment at the tumor site. This pathway enhances anti-tumor immune responses by facilitating antigen processing and presentation, T cell priming and activation, and remodeling of the immunosuppressive microenvironment. Our research found that cucurbitacin B (CuB), a natural component derived from traditional Chinese medicine, had significant anti-hepatocellular carcinoma properties and exerted anti-tumor effects through the cGAS-STING pathway. Specifically, CuB regulated ferroptosis by down-regulating the expression of Solute Carrier Family 7 Member 11 (SLC7A11) and Glutathione Peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and upregulating the expression of Transferrin Receptor Protein 1 (TFR1) and Long-chain Acyl-CoA Synthetase 4 (ACSL4). These actions involved lipid substrates, iron ion homeostasis, and antioxidant defense systems. The release of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) triggered by ferroptosis activated the cGAS-STING immune signaling pathway, leading to the up-regulation of cGAS, phosphorylated STING (p-STING), phosphorylated TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1), phosphorylated Interferon regulatory factor3 (IRF3), and Interferon-β (IFN-β). This cascade activation pattern provides new insights into the drug treatment of tumors. Full article

In a three-year study, we investigated the efficacy of mating disruption (MD) on the spongy moth, Lymantria dispar L. in a forest complex in Slovenia. We included two treatments in the experiment: a negative control and a MD-treated area, where we used an MD product formulated as a biodegradable gel (water based, biodegradable). We applied the gel to the trunks of the forest trees (33.3 g active ingredient/ha) once per season, specifically on 4th August 2022, 28th June 2023, and 24th June 2024. To evaluate the method’s performance, pheromone traps were utilized in both treatments. The data indicate consistent effectiveness throughout the three-year period, characterized by the minimal male captures observed in the MD treatment areas after the gel was applied. The first moths were captured in the traps at DD (Degree-Day) values ranging from 661.7 to 773.3 and continued to be captured up to DD values between 1576.1 and 1642.8. Following the application of the MD, the population in the MD treatment was reduced by 100% in the first year. In the second year, the reduction was 96.33%, while in the third year of the experiment, the number of captured moths in the MD treatment was 99.20% lower compared to the control. Considering the overall data, the method disrupted Lymantria dispar male orientation effectively. Moreover, we also feel that these results show the most promise for using this method in urban and suburban areas, where L. dispar larvae can cause allergies in humans and animals and where the use of insecticides is reduced. Full article

This study aimed to develop biofumigation strategies against chestnut fruit rot caused by Botryosphaeria dothidea. An endophytic strain, FPYF2509, was isolated from Castanea mollissima fruit and identified as Trichoderma nordicum using morphological and phylogenetic (tef1, rpb2) analyses. Antifungal volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were analyzed using headspace solid-phase microextraction and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry during dual-culture interactions with pathogens. The volatiles from the interaction exhibited to inhibit pathogen growth. Particularly an induced myrtenol, demonstrated strongly biofumigation activity in vitro, with a lowest observed effect concentration of 0.02 µL/mL, minimum inhibitory concentration and a minimum fungicidal concentration of 0.2 µL/mL against B. dothidea. In vivo, fumigation with 0.2 µL/mL myrtenol significantly reduced disease incidence from 83.3% to 17.39%, achieving a 79.1% control efficacy. This work presents endophytic T. nordicum FPYF2509 as a promising biocontrol agent and identifies myrtenol, of fungal interaction origin, as a novel and effective mycofumigant for postharvest disease management. Full article