Search Results (7,118)

A polymer electrolyte is developed by integrating a poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)/eutectic electrolyte (EE) phase into a porous polyethylene (PE) scaffold via a solution-casting strategy. In this rigid–flexible coupled architecture, the PMMA matrix serves as a solid host that coordinates with Li⁺ through its polar carbonyl groups, thereby promoting lithium salt dissociation and establishing a stable ion transport network. The incorporated EE, composed of ethylene carbonate and LiTFSI, effectively reduces the glassy rigidity of PMMA and provides continuous pathways for fast ionic conduction. Meanwhile, the porous PE scaffold reinforces mechanical strength and resists lithium dendrite penetration, enabling a thin electrolyte membrane with excellent flexibility. The resulting electrolyte achieves an ionic conductivity of 1.59 × 10⁻⁴ S cm⁻¹ at 30 °C, a lithium-ion transference number of 0.45, and an electrochemical stability window up to 4.75 V. In Li||LiFePO₄ cells, it delivers stable cycling at 3 C for 1000 cycles with 76.8% capacity retention and a Coulombic efficiency exceeding 99.9%. The monomer-free design eliminates residual reactive species that commonly compromise interfacial stability, offering a reliable pathway toward high-voltage solid-state lithium-metal batteries. Full article

To address cryodamage in Culter alburnus sperm, this study evaluated the effects of trehalose supplementation in a conventional cryomedium (D-15 + 10% ethylene glycol). Six experimental groups were established: fresh sperm (G1), a conventional cryomedium (G2), groups supplemented with 10, 100, or 200 mmol/L trehalose (G3–G5), and a control group with extender only (G6). The group with 100 mmol/L trehalose (G4) was associated with improved post-thaw motility parameters (activation rate, movement time, and lifespan) and higher antioxidant (superoxide dismutase and catalase) and energy metabolism (ATPase, succinate dehydrogenase, lactate dehydrogenase) enzyme activities. Ultrastructural damage in G4 included partial plasma membrane rupture and mitochondrial swelling, while G6 exhibited additional damage features including membrane disintegration, mitochondrial disruption, and flagellar fracture. Proteomic analysis revealed that, compared to G1, G4 exhibited higher abundance of proteins (e.g., Histone H2A, cytochrome c oxidase, profilin) involved in structural integrity and energy homeostasis, whereas G6 showed signatures of oxidative stress and metabolic dysfunction (lower abundance of NADH dehydrogenase and higher abundance of calcium-transporting ATPase and glutathione S-transferase). In conclusion, 100 mmol/L trehalose was associated with improved cryopreservation outcomes, and the proteins identified provide a basis for further investigation. This approach offers a framework for refining germplasm conservation strategies in aquaculture. Full article

Epigenetic regulation plays a central role in modulating plant immune responses and interactions with beneficial microbes. In this study, we investigated the contribution of RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM) components—DCL3; AGO9; DCL1; and the de novo DNA methyltransferases CMT3, DRM1, and DRM2—to the interaction between Arabidopsis thaliana, Trichoderma atroviride, and foliar pathogens. We show that DCL3 and AGO9 differentially regulate basal and inducible immunity, negatively affecting resistance to the necrotrophic fungus Botrytis cinerea, while promoting defense against the hemibiotrophic bacterium Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000. Transcriptional analyses revealed that RdDM components modulate the balance between jasmonic acid/ethylene (JA/ET) and salicylic acid (SA) signaling pathways, influencing the amplitude and coordination of defense responses. In addition, DCL3 and DCL1 appear to be required for the full expression of T. atroviride-mediated systemic resistance, whereas AGO9 and DNA methyltransferases contribute to efficient root colonization. Notably, mutants in these pathways displayed enhanced basal resistance but impaired responsiveness to beneficial microbial signals, revealing a trade-off between constitutive defense activation and inducible systemic protection. Consistent with this, alterations in RdDM components were also associated with changes in plant growth dynamics under specific conditions, supporting a role for epigenetic regulation in coordinating growth–defense trade-offs. Together, our findings support a model in which epigenetic regulation controls defense responsiveness, enabling plants to balance immune activation, growth and compatibility toward beneficial microbes. Full article

In this paper, we propose a high-sensitivity fiber Bragg grating (FBG) pressure sensor based on an X-shaped mechanical transducer that converts external pressure into predominantly axial strain, thereby helping to alleviate bending-dominant spectral distortion and improve measurement stability. A theoretical model is developed to describe the relationship between applied force, pressure, and grating wavelength shift. Experimental optimization was conducted by varying Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) thickness, bonding materials, and contact area to achieve sensitivities of 0.291 nm/N, 0.409 nm/N, and 0.462 nm/N, respectively, within the investigated force range of 0–10 N. For measuring the under water pressure, the sensor exhibits a high sensitivity of 0.596 nm/kPa within the investigated pressure range of 0–6 kPa. The results demonstrate the nice sensing performance with high sensitivity, good linearity, and excellent repeatability. This work provides an effective approach for high-performance FBG-based pressure sensing in underwater and harsh environments. Full article

The development of selective and sustainable catalysts is essential to enable the chemical recycling of mixed plastic waste. In this work, calcium-modified biochars derived from cocoa pod husk (CPH) and palm kernel shell (PKS) were prepared for treating a mixture of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and poly(lactic acid) (PLA). The aim was to separate the mixture through the PLA methanolysis, while maintaining the PET unreacted for a potential physical recycling. Biochar was ex situ modified with calcium precursor using a value-added concentrate recovered from the hydrothermal treatment of Jatropha fruit husk. Subsequently, a pyrolysis step was further applied to convert the calcium species into CaO, which is the active phase for the methanolysis reaction. Structural, microscopic, and spectroscopic analyses revealed that the carbon matrix strongly influences the evolution and stabilization of calcium phases during pyrolysis and post-treatment. CPH-derived biochars promoted the formation of highly dispersed CaO, whereas PKS favored the growth of larger, less reactive Ca(OH)₂ domains. As a result, the CPH_Ca10 (i.e., 10% desired calcium loading based on CPH-biochar mass) catalyst exhibited superior basicity and catalytic activity, achieving near-complete PLA conversion under mild conditions (90–110 °C) depending on the system with only 2 wt.% catalyst. Importantly, under these mild conditions, PET remained chemically intact, demonstrating the process’s high selectivity and applicability to mixed bioplastic–fossil plastic streams. This study highlights a circular, low-carbon route to producing effective Ca-based catalysts from agricultural residues. It establishes a promising strategy for selective depolymerization and separation in complex plastic waste systems. Full article

The study addresses a selected issue in industrial cooling, that is, how to transport heat more efficiently when the process involves fiber spinning and extrusion, in which conventional fluids usually cannot work. We considered a ternary nanofluid that passed around a porous stretching cylinder and particularly considered the synergistic effect of quadratic thermal buoyancy, and the thermally generated double-diffusive heat and solute (TGDHS) effect. Through the Casson fluid model and considering the magnetic fields, radiations, and nonlinear chemical reactions, we reduced complex PDEs to simple ODEs. The results were evident using the BVP4C numerical method. Although in reality, magnetic fields and thermal radiation become a retarding force, the quadratic thermal buoyancy is the driving force behind accelerating the flow. An important trade-off that we discovered is that a heavier Casson fluid reduces heat and mass transfer. The addition of Nimonic 80A, AA7072, and AA7075 nanoparticles to ethylene glycol consistently enhances heat transfer, outperforming the base fluid by 7.8% even at low concentrations. While AA7072 and AA7075 drive significant increases of over 16%, Nimonic 80A offers a much more marginal contribution of 1.23%. Consequently, the Nusselt number is far more sensitive to the concentration of the aluminum alloys than to the Nimonic 80A. Finally, this work demonstrates that the most significant parameter in intensifying convective heat and mass transfer in such industrial systems is the strong forces of buoyancy. Full article

Type 2 endoleaks (EL2s) are potentially life-threatening complications, defined as persistent arterial perfusion of the excluded aneurysmal sac after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). Most EL2s are managed endovascularly, through embolization of the aneurysmal sac and its arterial feeders. During embolization, attention should be given to anatomical variants such as “corona mortis”, an arterial anastomosis connecting external iliac (via inferior epigastric) and internal iliac (via obturator) arteries. We present the case of an 88-year-old male previously treated with EVAR for a left common iliac artery aneurysm (CIAA), complicated by EL2 originating from the ipsilateral ilio-lumbar branch of the internal iliac artery. Successful embolization of the endoleak was achieved through catheterization of the inferior epigastric artery, taking advantage of the “corona mortis” variant. This route allowed access to the sac and embolization with ethylene-vinyl-alcohol-copolymer. This approach represents a safe alternative to direct sac puncture or superior gluteal artery access in patients exhibiting this anatomical variant. Full article

The synergistic utilization of waste plastics and tires in asphalt modification is a highly promising sustainable strategy. However, the differential impacts of distinct plastic molecular architectures on the performance and network evolution of rubber-modified asphalt remain fundamentally unclear. This study systematically investigated the physical, rheological, and microstructural properties of composite asphalts modified with desulfurized rubber powder (DRP) and four representative plastics: polyethylene (PE), styrene–isoprene–styrene (SIS), styrene–ethylene–butylene–styrene (SEBS), and styrene–butadiene–styrene (SBS). Furthermore, the pavement performance of the asphalt mixtures prepared via dry and wet methods was comparatively evaluated. Microstructural and spectroscopic analyses revealed that the composite modification was primarily governed by physical blending and swelling. The non-polar, semi-crystalline PE resulted in severe phase separation and extreme low-temperature brittleness. Conversely, the saturated hydrogenated mid-blocks of SEBS endowed the asphalt with the highest high-temperature rutting resistance but severely compromised its low-temperature stress relaxation. Remarkably, SBS interacted synergistically with DRP to form a highly homogeneous and densely interwoven three-dimensional network, thereby achieving an optimal viscoelastic balance, outstanding storage stability, and superior low-temperature ductility. Pavement performance tests further demonstrated that the wet method significantly outperformed the dry method for block copolymers by facilitating sufficient pre-swelling. Overall, the SBS-DRP composite-modified asphalt prepared via the wet method exhibited the most exceptional and balanced comprehensive pavement performance, providing a robust theoretical foundation for the sustainable and high-value recycling of multi-source solid wastes in paving engineering. Full article

The poultry sector generates large amounts of feather waste every year, providing an abundant keratin-rich residue that is difficult to valorise due to its crosslinked and highly compacted crystalline structure. In the present work, with the aim of promoting its use in biodegradable plastic films, environmentally friendly processes, such as mechanical grinding (compactor grinder, CG), deep eutectic solvents (DES), and steam explosion process (SE) are being explored as alternatives to conventional chemical processes. Thus, biodegradable feather-based films were produced by compounding treated feathers in a torque rheometer at 40 wt.% with glycerol, ethylene glycol, and 1,2-propanediol (propylene glycol), followed by hot pressing. All formulations produced homogeneous and translucent films, which were characterized in terms of colorimetric properties and thermal and mechanical behaviour, as well as their degradation in soil conditions, revealing pronounced differences in properties as a function of the specific combination of feather treatment and plasticizer employed. Interestingly, soil disintegration tests revealed the fastest degradation of films of DES-treated feathers plasticized with glycerol. Overall, controlling feather treatment and plasticizer type enables tuning of mechanical performance and biodegradation, supporting keratin-based films as a viable route for feather waste valorisation. Full article

Water-based lubricants (WBLs) are increasingly being considered for electrified drivetrain applications; however, their electrochemical stability toward bearing steels remains insufficiently understood. This study evaluated the corrosion behavior of through-hardened AISI 52100 bearing steel in novel WBLs to elucidate the corrosion kinetics and surface degradation mechanisms. Round steel disks were cleaned and tested in 50 wt% aqueous dilutions of glycerol, ethylene glycol (MEG), polyethylene glycol (PEG), and polyalkylene glycol (PAG). Electrochemical measurements were conducted using a three-electrode cell in accordance with ASTM G3-14, employing open circuit potential (OCP), linear polarization resistance (LPR), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and potentiodynamic polarization curves. Among the uninhibited fluids, DI water exhibited the highest corrosion current density (19.85 µA/cm²), while glycerol- and PEG-based systems showed the lowest values (0.79 and 0.85 µA/cm², respectively), attributed to organic adsorption at the steel/electrolyte interface. EIS analysis revealed a single charge-transfer-controlled process across all fluids, consistent with a weak, non-passive interfacial oxide whose protective character is modulated by organic adsorption. The addition of NaNO₃ produced divergent effects depending on the base fluid chemistry: the corrosion activity was reduced in DI water and glycerol systems through enhanced passivation, while PEG- and PAG-based formulations showed increased corrosion current densities and reduced charge transfer resistance, attributed to competitive disruption of the polymer boundary layer by nitrate ions. Surface characterization by SEM/EDAX and white-light interferometry corroborated the electrochemical findings, revealing fluid-dependent corrosion morphologies ranging from uniform attack in DI water to localized pitting in polymer-based systems, with NaNO₃ shifting the corrosion mode in PEG/PAG systems from localized to combined localized and uniform attack. These findings highlight the critical role of fluid chemistry in controlling corrosion processes in water-based lubricants and provide mechanistic insight for the development of corrosion-stable formulations for high-performance electrified drivetrain applications. Full article

The creation of new potential metal-based therapeutics largely relies on the development of useful ligand scaffolds. In recent years, our research group has introduced thiophosphoryl-functionalized carboxamides as a convenient framework for obtaining biologically active cyclopalladated derivatives. In continuation of these studies, β-(aminoalkyl)phosphine sulfides bearing additional substituents in the ethylene backbone were synthesized for the first time and reacted with picolinic acid to afford a series of new functionalized amide ligands. The latter readily underwent direct cyclopalladation under the action of PdCl₂(NCPh)₂ under mild reaction conditions. The resulting S,N,N-complexes were studied for in vitro cytotoxicity against several solid and hematopoietic cancer cell lines, as well apoptosis induction and DNA damage ability, which showed their promising anticancer properties. In addition, moderate antibacterial activity was observed for a representative palladocycle of the β-thiophosphorylated derivatives. Full article

Axillary bud germination in sugarcane is a critical agronomic trait that directly determines seedling emergence and tillering capacity; however, its molecular regulatory mechanisms remain poorly understood. In this study, we systematically investigated the hormonal dynamics and transcriptomic profiles of the sugarcane cultivar XTT22 across five developmental stages (from dormancy to the first new leaf stage). Our results revealed that abscisic acid (ABA) content fluctuated during germination, whereas indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and gibberellin (GA) levels decreased significantly, suggesting their negative regulatory roles. In contrast, cytokinin (CTK) and ethylene (ETH) contents increased at the initiation stage, indicating positive promoting functions. Transcriptome analysis identified 31,513 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), which were significantly enriched in pathways related to hormone signal transduction, starch/sucrose metabolism, and photosynthesis. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) constructed 12 co-expression modules, among which the antiquewhite4 module (negatively correlated with IAA, GA, and ABA contents) and the darkorange2 module (positively correlated with cytokinin content) were identified as key regulatory modules. From these modules, seven core hub transcription factors (e.g., ScTCP5, ScSCR, and ScSHR1) were screened, and their expression patterns were validated by RT-qPCR. Furthermore, the expression trends of six hormone-related DEGs were highly consistent with the RNA-seq data. Collectively, this study elucidates the hormonal dynamics and gene regulatory networks underlying axillary bud germination in sugarcane, providing candidate gene resources for breeding high-yield varieties with enhanced emergence and tillering capacity. Full article

Cotton Verticillium wilt seriously threatens global cotton production, necessitating the development of resistant cultivars through molecular breeding. Members of the ethylene response factor (ERF) family function as pivotal transcriptional regulators of the ethylene signaling pathway, orchestrating plant defensive responses against pathogen invasion. Here, through comprehensive phenotypic and transcriptional analyses of lignin biosynthesis genes in AtERF49-overexpressing lines, loss-of-function mutants, dominant repressor plants, and GhERF49-silenced cotton plants (TRV-VIGS), we demonstrate that AtERF49 functions as a negative regulator of Verticillium wilt resistance. Overexpression of AtERF49 significantly compromised defense responses in Arabidopsis thaliana, whereas GhERF49 silencing enhanced cotton resistance to Verticillium wilt. Transcription analysis showed that ERF49-mediated susceptibility correlates with suppression of lignin biosynthesis-related genes following pathogen challenge, suggesting that ERF49 interferes with inducible cell wall fortification. These findings elucidate a previously unrecognized negative regulatory node linking ethylene signaling to lignin-mediated disease resistance, providing promising biotechnological targets for engineering durable Verticillium wilt resistance in cotton and related crops. Full article

Based on the acid-sensitive characteristics of SBA-15 during synthesis, this study varied the acid types, pH values, and mixed acid ratios during SBA-15 preparation to enhance the performance of CaO/Cr-SBA-15 dual-functional materials (DFMs) in integrated CO₂ capture and utilization for oxidative dehydrogenation of ethane (ICCU-ODHE). It was found that the SBA-15 support synthesized in an H₂SO₄ environment exhibited a high specific surface area and abundant surface silanol groups, which facilitated the dispersion of Cr and increased the proportion of Cr⁶⁺ active sites, thereby achieving the highest ethane conversion. In contrast, the moderate surface acidity of the HCl-prepared support facilitated the selective dehydrogenation of ethane over Cr active sites, effectively inhibiting side reactions and maximizing ethylene selectivity. Further investigations into the effects of pH and mixed acids revealed that pH 1 is optimal for SBA-15 preparation. At this value, the support reached its maximum mesoporous ordering and specific surface area, allowing for optimal Cr dispersion. Consequently, the ethane conversion, ethylene selectivity, and DFM yield all reached their peak values. Any deviation from this pH led to degradation of the support structure and reduced Cr dispersion, resulting in a significant decline in catalytic performance. Among the tested materials, the CaO/Cr-SBA-15-Cl-S DFM synthesized with an HCl-H₂SO₄ mixed acid demonstrated the superior reactivity, achieving an ethylene yield of 33.95%. Long-term cycling tests indicated that the material possesses good stability, with its performance attenuation primarily attributed to coking and adsorbent sintering. Full article

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of liquid–solid (LS) systems on the dissolution profiles of a poorly soluble drug—suvorexant (SUV). In the first stage of this study, LS systems were prepared by using two different non-volatile solvents: ethylene glycol diethyl ether and polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG 400). To compare the properties of different types of LS systems, formulations were prepared that differed in the content of SUV (10 and 20 mg) as well as in the ratio of excipients (microcrystalline cellulose and colloidal silica), which was 10:1 or 1:1. The physicochemical properties of the prepared formulations were characterized by X-ray diffractometry (XRD), thermogravimetry (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). This was followed by a dissolution study of SUV from prepared LS systems, using a 0.4% sodium lauryl sulfate solution as the medium to maintain sink conditions. Results showed that the LS systems change the crystalline structure of SUV to an amorphous one and improve the dissolution rate of SUV. The greatest improvement was achieved by using the microcrystalline cellulose and colloidal silica in a 10:1 ratio for the preparation of the system (CCA variant). It was observed that the type of solvent used and the order of combining excipients during the preparation of LS systems are also important for the properties. The main point was that physicochemical characterization of the prepared formulations lead to a loss of crystallinity of SUV associated with its introduction into liquid–solid systems. Full article