Search Results (513)

Eggshell quality profoundly affects egg commercial value, storage performance and food safety, and its late-period deterioration restricts the sustainable production of long-cycle laying hens. With the poultry industry extending the laying cycle to 100 weeks for the “500 eggs within 700 days” production target, hens suffer severe shell quality degradation after 60 weeks of age, with the eggshell breakage rate rising from 1–2% to 5–8% and resulting in considerable economic losses. Eggshell strength is a moderately heritable polygenic trait determined by delicate biomineralization and ultrastructural organization. Specific functional genes dominate shell mineralization by regulating uterine calcium homeostasis, crystal nucleation and structural assembly. Notably, prominent genotype–age interactions reduce heritability in aged hens, and most identified genetic loci fail to maintain stable late-phase shell quality. Uterine epithelial aging triggers ultrastructural abnormalities, including thickened mammillary layers, reduced palisade layers and disordered pores, impairing shell mechanical resistance and gas exchange. Single-cell multi-omics technologies enable high-resolution profiling of uterine cellular heterogeneity and mineralization-related signaling networks, providing novel approaches to decipher the molecular mechanisms of shell quality decline. This review summarizes eggshell biomineralization, genetic regulation, age-dependent quality deterioration and advanced omics applications, aiming to offer theoretical references for improving late-stage eggshell quality and breeding elite laying hen strains. Full article

The crystal structure and physicochemical properties of a new Ni/Zn codoped bismuth antimonite pyrochlore, synthesized by the solid-phase reaction method, were investigated. The most optimal outcomes of Rietveld refinement for Bi_2.7Zn_0.46Ni_0.70Sb₂O_10+Δ were achieved for the model of a disordered pyrochlore structure (sp.gr.Fd-3m:2, a = 10.46442(5) Å). Zinc and nickel atoms demonstrate an inhomogeneous mixed distribution across bismuth and antimony positions. The microstructure of the ceramic is characterized by low porosity, and is formed by faceted grains of 0.25–2 μm in diameter. The thermal expansion coefficient (TEC) increases monotonically from 7.14 × 10⁻⁶ °C⁻¹ (30 °C) to 9.80 × 10⁻⁶ °C⁻¹ (990 °C). At temperatures above 1080 °C, an atypical thermal dissociation of the pyrochlore occurs, resulting in the formation of bismuth-free compounds and two cubic phases that are stable when the sample is cooled. The Bi_2.7Zn_0.46Ni_0.70Sb₂O_10+Δ compound is characterized by a band gap width of 2.4 eV. At temperatures below 200 °C, the sample exhibits predominantly capacitive impedance characteristics. The capacitance remains constant and independent of temperature and frequency up to a maximum of 150 °C. The high-frequency relative dielectric permittivity is low and equal to 26(3). The conduction activation energy in the sample is found to be 1.30(5) eV. Two polarization processes are detected in the sample. The electrical behavior of the sample has been modeled successfully by equivalent circuits within the temperature range of 200–450 °C. According to NEXAFS and XPS data, metal cations exhibit a conventional charge state, with an antimony oxidation state of +(5−δ). Full article

Garnet-structured compounds have long been recognized as versatile host platforms for luminescent phosphors, owing to their robust chemical stability and highly tunable cationic sublattices. Conventional aluminate and gallate garnets, however, generally face intrinsic limitations, including severe concentration quenching at high dopant levels, relatively high phonon energy, and unsatisfactory efficiency for long-wavelength near-infrared (NIR) emission. In recent years, sodium-based germanate garnets, constructed by introducing aliovalent Na⁺ into dodecahedral sites combined with Ge⁴⁺ substitution in tetrahedral frameworks, have emerged as a promising branch of garnet phosphors. The aliovalent Na+ incorporation brings unique structural effects, including energy migration blocking, coordination environment distortion, and defect level modulation, which endow the materials with advantages in mitigating concentration quenching, boosting energy transfer efficiency, and enhancing thermal stability. This review systematically summarizes the crystal structure classification and luminescence fundamentals of sodium-based germanate garnet systems, and introduces mainstream synthesis techniques represented by the high-temperature solid-state method. Focusing on representative host systems, the luminescence characteristics and energy transfer mechanisms of both rare earth- and transition metal-doped systems are elaborated in detail, followed by a summary of four representative performance regulation strategies: cationic disorder engineering, crystal field engineering, defect engineering and dual-site cooperative regulation. The multifunctional applications of these materials in white light-emitting diodes, plant growth lighting, fluorescence temperature sensing, NIR imaging, and information encryption are also presented. Finally, existing challenges and future research perspectives are proposed to provide guidance for the development of high-performance garnet phosphors. Full article

We used powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and ac impedance spectroscopy to investigate the polymorphic phase transitions undergone by the MH₂PO₄ (M = Cs, K, Rb) proton conductor series upon heating. High-pressure methods used in conjunction with energy dispersive XRD enhanced by synchrotron radiation allowed us to isolate a pure cubic (superprotonic) RbH₂PO₄ (RDP) polymorph (at P = 1.2 GPa and T = 320 °C) and collect data of enough quality to Rietveld refine its crystal structure. Our data and analysis reveal that cubic RDP (Pm-3m, a = 4.76 ± 0.01 Å) is described by a unit cell where Rb and P atoms are in (0, 0, 0) and (0.5, 0.5, 0.5) positions, respectively, whereas O atoms are in (0.5, 0.234(5) 0.342(6)) positions having a multiplicity of 24 and an occupancy of 0.166. This results in dynamically disordered PO₄ tetrahedra that enables the superprotonic conduction in RDP, a mechanism like the one in the high-temperature cubic phase of the Cs-based compound CsH₂PO₄ (CDP). This is a notable behavior, as RDP and CDP are structurally different at room temperature—RDP is tetragonal (I-42d) and CDP is monoclinic (P2₁/m)—but following polymorphic modifications upon heating they both end up in superprotonic cubic phases that are isostructural to one another. On the other hand, we found that although the K-based phosphate KH₂PO₄ (KDP) has the same crystal structures as RDP at room and at intermediate temperatures, further heating does not lead to a cubic KDP phase. Overall, our results are significant from both the fundamental and applied perspective as superprotonic phosphates are promising materials for fuel cell electrolyte applications. Full article

Reversible solid oxide cells (ReSOCs) represent one of the most promising electrochemical technologies for sustainable energy conversion and storage, yet their large-scale deployment remains constrained by electrode materials capable of sustaining stable performance under alternating oxidizing and reducing conditions. Reversible solid oxide cells require electrode materials that combine phase stability, chemical compatibility, redox tolerance and a microstructure suitable for gas transport and surface reactions. However, the relationships among cation composition, thermal processing, phase formation and local chemical homogeneity remain insufficiently understood, particularly for compositionally complex perovskite-related oxides. In this work, this problem was addressed through a comparative physicochemical screening of three candidate electrode materials synthesized by a simple co-precipitation route: two co-doped lanthanum ferrites, (La_0.8Sr_1.2) (Fe_0.9Co_0.1)O_6+δ (LSFC) and (La_0.8Ca_1.2) (Fe_0.9Co_0.1)O_6+δ (LCFC), and one high-entropy praseodymium nickelate, Pr(Ba_0.8Ca_0.2)(Fe_0.2Co_0.2Ni_0.2Cu_0.2Zn_0.2)₂O_6+δ (PBC-HEO). DTA–TG analysis was used to determine the thermal decomposition and crystallization ranges of the precipitated precursors. Phase evolution as a function of calcination temperature was investigated by X-ray diffraction, while Raman and FTIR spectroscopy were employed to examine the local metal–oxygen environment and structural disorder. Raman spectroscopy confirmed the formation of perovskite-type metal–oxygen frameworks in all samples and revealed distinct redistributions of spectral weight between apical/equatorial (or symmetry-related) BO₆ stretching sub-modes and bending/tilting modes, reflecting different local defect-chemical mechanisms associated with A-site doping (Sr vs. Ca) in the Ruddlesden–Popper ferrites and B-site multi-cation occupancy in the double-perovskite PBC-HEO. Bulk and local elemental compositions were assessed by ICP-MS and SEM-EDS, respectively, and SEM was used to compare particle morphology and porosity. SEM-EDS analysis showed that PBC-HEO developed the most open and interconnected microstructure among the investigated powders, although accompanied by residual compositional heterogeneity. This morphology may favor gas accessibility; however, its effective impact on electrocatalytic performance requires dedicated surface area, porosimetry, electrical, and electrochemical measurements. LSFC formed a single major Ruddlesden–Popper phase only after high-temperature calcination, whereas LCFC retained calcium-containing secondary phases. PBC-HEO developed a major perovskite-related phase at 700 °C, accompanied by minor Zn-rich segregation. Under the selected processing conditions, PBC-HEO retained the finest and most interconnected porous microstructure, although it also displayed the highest local compositional heterogeneity. These results demonstrate that cation selection and thermal history jointly control phase stability, local disorder and microstructure, providing a basis for the subsequent electrochemical evaluation and optimization of perovskite-related ReSOC electrode materials. Full article

Voltage-sensitive ion channels are glycoprotein macromolecules that carry ion currents across membranes of nerve and muscle fibers. The hypothesis presented helps explain the changes that convert an insulating ion channel into an ion conductor, stating that it undergoes a structural transformation on threshold reduction in the voltage across the membrane. Experimental data show that the excitable membrane is a ferroelectric liquid crystal. The Channel Activation by Electrostatic Repulsion hypothesis proposes the following: electrical attractions between boundary surface charges compress the polar channel into a compact smectic phase with induced dipoles. Critical depolarization eliminates surface charges and dipoles, decreasing the dielectric permittivity of the ion channel. This increases the repulsive electrostatic forces between positively charged residues in the four S4 segments. These forces form a selectivity filter dome and cause a proteinquake to a chiral nematic phase. The selectivity filter allows ions to enter as it strips their hydration waters. The permeant ions occupy hydrogen bonds of ion-conducting helices, displacing protons. Disordered regions between adjacent helices form liquid line defects. In the thermal chaos of physiological temperature, a line defect occasionally connects the inner and outer surfaces, forming a transient ion pathway that carries unpredictable surges of permeant ion currents, as observed in experiments. Tests for this hypothesis are proposed. Full article

Topological photonics provides a robust framework for controlling light, with edge states offering immunity to disorder. However, utilizing this stability for practical sensing remains a challenge, as conventional high-sensitivity photonic crystal sensors suffer common imperfections. Here, we numerically design a topological photonic crystal sensor for THz refractive-index detection. The silicon-based structural slab is engineered, showing a wide photonic bandgap (PBG). By breaking the inversion symmetry, two structures with trivial and nontrivial topological phases are constructed. Due to their opposite valley Chern numbers, the topologically protected edge states can be formed at the interface. Such edge states were further integrated with the resonant cavities, so that the resonant frequencies were observed in transmittance property, forming a stable cavity–edge states coupling channel for refractive-index sensing. Numerical results demonstrate strong suppression of transmission distortion induced by boundary defects, verifying favorable topological robustness of the proposed architecture. The structure exhibits linear refractive-index response with a simulated sensitivity of 1.9 THz/RIU, outperforming conventional photonic crystal sensors in numerical comparison. This work merges topological stability of edge states with high sensitivity response of resonant frequency, offering a theoretical candidate for robust biosensing and chemical detection. Full article

Li n⁺ and In p⁺ diffusion contacts were fabricated on p-type 12N high-purity germanium (HPGe) single crystals by vacuum evaporation of thin-film sources followed by solid-state thermal diffusion. The effects of diffusion temperature on the near-surface structure, morphology, impurity distribution, and device response were systematically investigated. XRD and Raman analyses show that Li diffusion at 100–300 °C and In diffusion at 600–800 °C preserve the bulk Ge crystal structure, whereas higher diffusion temperatures induce surface roughening, near-surface disordering, and interfacial reactions. SIMS depth profiles combined with diffusion simulations confirm effective inward diffusion of both Li and In, with low-concentration tailing that is consistent with defect-assisted diffusion or interfacial trapping. The sample diffused with Li at 200 °C exhibits the lowest dark current, 8.07 × 10⁻⁸ A at −10 V. The final HPGe device with Li/In diffusion contacts shows a stable synchrotron X-ray photoconductive response, and the net response current increases from 4.48 × 10⁻⁷ to 1.15 × 10⁻⁶ A as the incident photon flux increases. These results demonstrate that low-leakage HPGe diffusion contacts require a balance between diffusion-layer formation and near-surface/interface stability, rather than a simple increase in thermal budget. Full article

Polymer-stabilized liquid crystal (PSLC) films are promising for smart window applications because of their transparent-to-scattering switching behavior. However, conventional acrylate-based PSLC films often suffer from poor mechanical robustness and weak interfacial adhesion, limiting their use in flexible devices. Herein, epoxy-based PSLC films have been prepared through radical-promoted cationic photopolymerization using a difunctional epoxy monomer, E6M, and a series of liquid-crystalline monoepoxy monomers, E-nOCB. The effects of alkyl chain parity, chain length, and E6M/E-10OCB ratio on polymer morphology, electro-optical behavior, and peel strength were systematically investigated. Even-numbered E-nOCB monomers favored the formation of regular columnar polymer structures and improved optical contrast, whereas odd-numbered monomers produced more disordered networks with higher peel strength. Among them, the sample prepared with E-10OCB showed a better balance between electro-optical performance and mechanical adhesion. At a fixed total polymer content of 15 wt%, optimizing the E6M/E-10OCB ratio enabled the sample doped with E-10OCB to achieve the highest contrast ratio of 160.91 while increasing the peel strength from 47.28 to 55.69 kPa compared with the sample without E-10nOCB. These results demonstrate that regulating monoepoxy/diepoxy composition and alkyl chain structure is an effective strategy for improving the overall performance of epoxy-based PSLC films for smart windows. Full article

The ionic conductivity of EuCl₂ was investigated at high temperatures, including the melting point. Measurements were performed on polycrystalline specimens obtained by the solidification of the corresponding melt. The behavior of the conductivity and the apparent Arrhenius activation energy was characterized. It is suggested that the conductivity behavior results from anion sublattice disordering within the crystals up to the melting point. The variation in transport properties correlates well with the crystal structure of EuCl₂. The phase diagram of the LiCl–EuCl₂ binary system was constructed based on DSC measurements. This system was found to be a simple eutectic type featuring the incongruently melting compound LiEu₃Cl₇. The CALPHAD method was employed for thermodynamic modeling, incorporating both experimental and literature data for the LiCl–EuCl₂ system. Full article

This study provides a comprehensive characterization of carbon dust adhesion on the anode surface induced by the anode effect (AE) in the Hall–Héroult process. The primary objective was to verify the hypothesis of electrophoretic carbon particle transport and its subsequent stabilization on the electrode substrate. Unlike previous studies conducted in horizontal configurations where gravitational sedimentation could interfere with observations, this research employs a unique vertical electrode setup to provide direct physical evidence of purely electrophoretic transport. Authentic industrial carbon dust was used as a tracer material, its presence on the high-purity graphite surface being definitively confirmed through the detection of trace markers (Mg, Ca) via SEM-EDS. The multiscale structural analysis revealed that spike initiation occurs through a dynamic arc-induced nucleation mechanism. Morphological observations suggest that micro-arc discharges during the AE provide the extreme localized energy for direct carbon-to-carbon “welding,” creating a conductive, porous scaffold on the vertical anode wall. XRD analysis identified crystalline cryolite (Na₃AlF₆) and chiolite (Na₅Al₃F₁₄) within this structure. It was demonstrated that these fluoride phases represent the solidified product of molten, acidic electrolyte infiltration into the carbonaceous matrix via capillary action, rather than acting as binders that crystallize during the process. Raman spectroscopy confirmed the disordered, amorphous nature of the captured dust (high D-band intensity), distinguishing it from the highly ordered graphite substrate. Confocal microscopy visualized the topographical evolution from isolated clusters to interconnected three-dimensional “islands” as a function of AE duration. The results demonstrate that the anode effect serves as a critical flashpoint where synergistic electrophoretic forces and localized thermal anomalies initiate the growth of stable, conductive carbon–matrix composite spikes, providing new insights for mitigating current efficiency losses in industrial smelters. Full article

Single-crystal diamond (SCD) is an ideal substrate material for semiconductor devices due to its extremely wide bandgap and exceptionally high thermal conductivity. However, diamond’s extreme hardness and chemical inertness pose challenges for the fabrication of ultra-smooth surfaces. Traditional polishing processes are not only inefficient but also prone to introducing subsurface defects, which severely degrade device performance. To address the above issues, this study proposes a hybrid polishing process combining reactive ion etching (RIE) surface modification with chemical mechanical polishing (CMP), which enables low-loss atomic-level processing of SCD. The study found that RIE treatment induces lattice disorder on the diamond surface, forming a sp²-hybridized amorphous carbon-modified layer. Compared to the sp³ structure of native diamond, this modified layer has lower hardness and is easier to remove. We conducted the verification of the optimized process using high-quality single-crystalline diamond (SCD) samples with an initial surface roughness Ra of 0.68 nm. Under the optimized RIE parameters (substrate bias power: 200 W, etching time: 600 s, gas flow ratio of Ar:O₂:CF₄ = 40:50:10), the surface roughness Ra was reduced to as low as 0.35 nm after 2 h of CMP treatment. Furthermore, systematic characterization of the SCD’s as-received surface, RIE-modified surface, and CMP-treated surface was performed using Raman spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), elucidating the “etching modification–mechanical removal” polishing mechanism. Full article

Background/Objectives: Protein misfolding and amyloid fibril formation underlie several degenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Alpha-1 antitrypsin (A1AT), a serpin protein, is particularly prone to misfolding, with polymerization and aggregation implicated in alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency and associated hepatic and pulmonary disorders. In this study, we examined the structural changes in A1AT induced by the fluorinated alcohol, trifluoroethanol (TFE), and assessed the inhibitory effects of two natural polyphenols, amentoflavone (AMF) and theaflavin (TF), on aggregation and fibril formation. Methods: A library of selected phytocompounds was virtually screened against the crystal structure of A1AT (PDB 3NE4) using AutoDock Vina to elucidate their binding affinity towards it. Based on binding affinities, two compounds, AMF and TF, were selected for further studies. Protein aggregation was induced with TFE, and the protective effects of AMF and TF were evaluated using protease inhibitory activity, intrinsic fluorescence, turbidity, Rayleigh scattering, ANS fluorescence, and ThT fluorescence assays. Furthermore, 100 ns molecular dynamics simulation and MM-PBSA calculations were performed to assess the stability and binding interactions of the A1AT–ligand complexes. Results: Pre-treatment of A1AT with AMF or TF significantly inhibited TFE-induced aggregation in a dose-dependent manner, with AMF being consistently more effective. ThT fluorescence analysis revealed a ~60–65% decrease in aggregate formation upon treatment with polyphenols, with IC₅₀ values estimated at ~40 µM for AMF and ~50 µM for TF, both of which are statistically significant. Molecular docking and 100 ns molecular dynamics simulation also revealed stable A1AT–polyphenol interactions, with AMF exhibiting greater binding affinity and greater attenuation of solvent-induced conformational perturbation. Conclusions: Collectively, our findings show that TFE causes A1AT misfolding via a molten globule-like intermediate, resulting in fibril formation at 30–40% TFE, and natural polyphenols AMF and TF inhibited aggregation in a concentration-dependent manner. These observations suggest the potential of AMF and TF as lead scaffolds for anti-aggregation strategies, as modulators of amyloidogenic processes. Full article

B-site ordering of Li-modified Pb_0.95Li_0.05(Yb_1/2Nb_1/2)O₃ (PLYN) ceramics can be changed by duration during sintering. In this paper, the conventional solid-state reaction method was employed to prepare antiferroelectric perovskite Li-substituted PLYN ceramics. Crystal structure evolution dependence of sintering time was investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, and dielectric response. Two dielectric anomalies responses, attributed to the transition from B-site order to disorder and antiferroelectric-paraelectric phase transition depend on B-site ordering. The high-temperature dielectric relaxation associated with charged carries (oxygen-vacancy hopping) was characterized by isothermal electric modulus and universal dielectric response. Impedance spectroscopy was used to uncover the relationship between defect type and the oxygen partial pressure (pO₂) dependence on sintering time in PLYN systems. These findings provide new insights into the interplay among B-site ordered phase structure, dielectric response, and defect types. Full article

The angiotensin II type 1 (AT₁) receptor is a key component of the renin–angiotensin system (RAS) and a validated target for cardiovascular and renal disorders. Developing small molecules with defined AT₁ versus AT₂ binding profiles remains important for both therapeutic and mechanistic studies. Here, a series of novel imidazole-based compounds was synthesized and evaluated for their binding affinities toward angiotensin II type 1 (AT₁) and type 2 (AT₂) receptors. Binding studies were conducted by measuring the displacement of radiolabeled [³H]-angiotensin II ([³H]-AII) in PLC-PRF-5 human hepatoma cells for AT₁ receptors and calf cerebellum membranes for AT₂ receptors. Structure–activity relationship (SAR) analysis revealed that sulfonamide substitution significantly enhanced AT₁ receptor affinity, whereas sterically hindered derivatives and ester-containing compounds were less active. Molecular docking studies using the AT₁ receptor crystal structure (PDB: 8TH4) rationalized the observed activity trends. The most active compound showed high AT₁ affinity (Ki = 5 nM), comparable to losartan, and all compounds displayed preferential binding for AT₁ over AT₂ receptors. Full article