Search Results (5,122)

The chemical and mineral composition, physical and mechanical properties, and pozzolanic activity of ancient bricks from Hubei Province, China were investigated in this study. X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TG-DSC), X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRF) and scanning electron microscopy–energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) were adopted to characterize the chemical composition, crystalline minerals and microstructure of the ancient bricks. The results show that quartz is the dominant component in most ancient bricks, with a content exceeding 70% in samples BB-2, BB-5, BB-6 and BB-7. Some bricks contain minor non-clay minerals such as calcite, dolomite and albite. On some points in the SEM image, substances such as gypsum, calcite, and quartz can be clearly seen. The calcining temperature of the ancient bricks from Yupan Village, Xiantao City (sample BB-1), does not exceed 600 °C, while that of other samples ranges from 800 to 1100 °C. The compressive strength of most ancient bricks is around 10 MPa, with the highest value of 14.3 MPa (BB-6) and the lowest of 1.2 MPa (BB-3). The apparent density of all samples is approximately 2.2 g/cm³, and the water absorption rate ranges from 6.5% to 23.1%. The pozzolanic activity index of some samples reaches 76% at 28 days, with the 150-year-old sample BB-7 showing the best activity. This study provides a reliable experimental basis for analyzing the weathering resistance and deterioration mechanism of ancient bricks in Hubei Province, offers technical support for the restoration of local ancient buildings, and lays a foundation for the development of antique-style brick craftsmanship. Full article

Microorganisms such as Arthrobacter spp. are important agents of biodeterioration in cultural heritage (CH) environments, causing orange–yellow chromatic alterations and contributing to substrate degradation. This study evaluates two complementary tools for the rapid detection and mitigation of Arthrobacter spp.: a newly designed genus-specific RNA–fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) probe (Art1420-Cy3) and an antimicrobial peptide fraction produced by Saccharomyces cerevisiae ISA 1028. The RNA-FISH probe Art1420-Cy3 showed high specificity and sensitivity, labelling 80–85% of Arthrobacter cells at 10% (v/v) formamide and enabling their detection by epifluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. The peptide fraction exhibited pronounced bactericidal activity, reducing Arthrobacter culturability from ~10⁸ to ~10¹ CFU/mL within 48 h, while also inhibiting other biodeteriogenic microorganisms. Overall, these findings outline the basis for an integrated and CH-compatible approach that combines precise Arthrobacter cells detection and identification with targeted, biologically derived control. Although further validation using real heritage samples and application protocols specifically tailored to sensitive materials is required, this strategy shows strong potential as a sustainable alternative to conventional chemical biocides and as a practical framework for detecting and mitigating pigment-producing biodeteriogens in CH and other vulnerable environments. Full article

Background/Objectives: This article develops theory and methods for 3D tomographic imaging of absorption coefficient distributions using axial scanning with EUV microscopes at 46× and 345× magnification. Unlike conventional CT that requires sample rotation, axial scanning moves cells through the microscope focus. The aim is tomographic reconstruction of living cell fine structure without the organelle staining used in optical fluorescence microscopy or ultra-thin cell slicing as in electron microscopy. Methods: By generalizing the geometric-optical approximation for small absorption coefficient inhomogeneities in absorbing media, we derived a new explicit tomography equation and solution algorithm validated through numerical simulation. The approach was applied to Convallaria cell analysis using the ×46 microscope. For the ×345 microscope, we developed an alternative method where the kernel of the tomography integral equation was determined experimentally using gold nanospheres with known absorption coefficient, shape, and position. This method was tested through modeling and applied to diagnostics of Convallaria and mouse cerebellar granule cells. Results: The developed methods resolve subcellular features down to 140 nm using the ×46 microscope and 50 nm using the ×345 microscope. Thin low-contrast intracellular structures and individual 50–100 nm organelles were detected. Conclusions: Methods for retrieving absorption coefficient distributions in cone-beam geometry based on geometric-optical theory generalization and on calibration by gold nanoparticles have been developed and validated through numerical simulation and cell analysis. These methods demonstrate for the first time the effectiveness of axial nanotomography using multilayer mirror microscopes for cell diagnostics. Full article

To enhance the comprehensive performance and interfacial adhesion of conventional emulsified asphalt, an epoxy-functionalized waterborne polyurethane modified emulsified asphalt (EFPU-MEA) was developed using an epoxy-functionalized waterborne polyurethane (EFPU) emulsion and an isocyanate curing agent. Experimental evaluations show that the EFPU-MEA achieves a tensile strength of 1.11 ± 0.05 MPa and an elongation at break of 782.5 ± 45%, demonstrating a well-balanced flexibility and deformation resistance. The interfacial bond between EFPU-MEA and aggregates exhibited robust durability under various stressors, including thermal fluctuations, low-temperature cracking, chemical corrosion, and moisture damage. Quantitative “sandwich” pull-out and shear tests determined the optimal modifier content and spraying quantity to be 15–20% and 1.0 kg/m², respectively. Under these conditions, the system maintained high bond strength following severe freeze–thaw cycles and chemical erosion. Mechanistically, fluorescence microscopy (FM) confirmed a uniform dispersion of EFPU within the asphalt matrix, providing effective physical reinforcement. Furthermore, surface free energy (SFE) analysis and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy revealed that internal chemical crosslinking restructures the binder’s surface thermodynamics, significantly increasing the surface polarity and adhesion work. Finally, road performance tests—including marshall stability, wet track abrasion, and rutting resistance—verified the engineering durability of the EFPU-MEA mixture. These findings provide a theoretical and practical basis for the use of EFPU-MEA in extending the service life of high-grade highway pavements. Full article

The TaiLing Mausoleum in Western Qing Tombs has great aesthetic value and a rich history. In this study, we conducted an analysis of the materials used in the architectural polychrome paintings of the TaiLing Mausoleum. Optical microscopy (OM), portable X-ray fluorescence (p-XRF), scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM–EDX), micro-Raman spectroscopy (μ-RS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to analyze the paintings of Long’en Gate in TaiLing Mausoleum. The results indicate that the main minerals in the ground layer are quartz, augite, feldspars and illite. The gilding materials employed gold leaf. The red pigment is hematite, and the black pigment is carbon black. The green pigment is emerald green with barium sulfate as an extender. The blue pigments are smalt and synthetic ultramarine. In some areas, emerald green is observed overlaying smalt, suggesting that the paintings at Long’en Gate underwent overlay restoration or repainting from the late Qing Dynasty to modern times. These results can support future conservation of the polychrome paintings at the TaiLing Mausoleum. Full article

Foaming technology can effectively reduce the viscosity of polymer-modified asphalt and significantly decrease energy consumption during pavement construction, making it an effective approach for achieving low-carbon pavement construction and maintenance. However, mechanically foamed asphalt relies on specialized equipment and requires strict parameter control. Although water-based foaming methods using zeolites or ethanol can alleviate these issues to some extent, they still present disadvantages such as significant variability in foaming performance and potential risks during transportation and construction. Therefore, this study investigates the feasibility of using crystalline hydrates with high water of crystallization for micro-foamed asphalt. Three types of micro-foamed SBS-modified asphalt (MFPA) were prepared using hydrates with different contents of water of crystallization. Physical property tests, foaming characteristic parameters, viscosity–temperature analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), adhesion tensile tests, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and fluorescence microscopy were conducted to evaluate their effects on the physical and chemical properties, viscosity reduction performance, adhesion, and compatibility of SBS-modified asphalt. Furthermore, dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) tests, bending beam rheometer (BBR) tests, fatigue life modeling, and morphological analysis were employed to investigate the rheological properties, fatigue life, and bubble evolution behavior of the MFPA system. The results indicate that utilizing the thermal decomposition characteristics of crystalline hydrates with high water of crystallization (Na₂SO₄·10H₂O, Na₂HPO₄·12H₂O, and Na₂CO₃·10H₂O) to release H₂O and CO₂ in SBS-modified asphalt for micro-foaming is a short-term reversible physical viscosity reduction process. The maximum expansion ratio (ERmax) of MFPA reaches 8–10, the half-life (HL) remains stable at approximately 180 s, and the foaming index (FI) peak is about 1160. The construction temperature can be reduced by 10–15%, and the viscosity reduction effect remains stable within 60 min. Compared with unfoamed SBS-modified asphalt, the compatibility, rutting resistance, and fatigue life of MFPA increase by approximately 65%, 32%, and 30%, respectively, while the low-temperature performance decreases by 18%. Under the same short-term and long-term aging conditions, MFPA exhibits better aging resistance. Specifically, its rutting resistance increases by 37%, and fatigue resistance improves by 30% compared with aged SBS-modified asphalt, while the low-temperature performance remains essentially unchanged. Full article

Coloured and variegated leaves are common in shade-tolerant ornamentals. However, it remains unclear whether their photosynthetic performance is determined mainly by pigment abundance or by the organisation of chloroplasts and thylakoids. We tested this in three Epipremnum aureum phenotypes (‘Neon’, ‘Golden’ and ‘Jade’) that share a genetic background but contrast in leaf colour, chloroplast density and thylakoid membrane abundance. Plants were grown in a greenhouse and assessed by hyperspectral and thermal imaging, infrared gas exchange analysis, chlorophyll a fluorescence measurements, and structural, ultrastructural and biochemical analyses. Traits were integrated by principal component analysis, with the quantum yield of CO₂ assimilation per absorbed photon (αCO_2,abs) as the response variable. ‘Neon’ leaves had high specific leaf area and approximately 55% lower maximum Rubisco carboxylation (Vc_MAX) and electron transport capacity (J_MAX) than ‘Jade’, as well as reduced chloroplast and thylakoid abundance and warmer canopies, despite carotenoid enrichment. JIP-test parameters and fluorescence light–response curves showed high absorption and dissipation per PSII reaction centre, elevated excitation pressure, modest non-photochemical quenching (NPQ), low αCO_2,abs, small carbohydrate pools and low intrinsic water-use efficiency. ‘Jade’ leaves developed thick mesophyll with dense chloroplast populations, extensive thylakoid networks, highest NPQ, cool canopies and large carbohydrate reserves, whereas ‘Golden’ leaves combined thin laminae and intermediate chloroplast–thylakoid organisation with early light saturation of CO₂ assimilation and the highest intrinsic water-use efficiency. Principal component analysis revealed a structural axis of chloroplast and thylakoid organisation that better predicted αCO_2,abs, net carbon gain and canopy temperature than pigment abundance. In variegated E. aureum, ‘photon economy’ is therefore governed primarily by chloroplast and thylakoid membrane organisation and abundance rather than by carotenoid accumulation. Full article

Molecular interactions underpin the functioning of the living cell. Molecules exist in distinct quaternary structural forms, associate with molecular partners in signaling cascades, form transient quinary interactions, localize in membrane domains, and cluster in membrane-less condensates. Measuring the concentration, size, and dynamics of these molecular assemblies remains an enduring biophysical challenge, particularly in cells, where heterogeneity is the rule rather than the exception. Orthogonal signals derived from fluorescence lifetime, fluorescence fluctuations, and fluorescence polarization provide valuable metrics for probing interactions and environments, concentration and size, and rotational dynamics, respectively. This paper combines fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy with image correlation analysis and polarization to determine the concentrations, brightness, lifetime, and rotational correlation time of different fluorescent states. A two-population model is examined as a prototypical example of a heterogeneous system. The analysis is illustrated on a simple fluorescence model system, where cluster densities, relative brightnesses, lifetimes, and rotational correlation times are extracted. Full article

Background and Objective: Positive surgical margins (PSMs) remain a major challenge during radical prostatectomy, particularly in patients with high-risk prostate cancer (HR-PCa), where extracapsular extension, multifocal disease, and aggressive tumor biology substantially increase the likelihood of incomplete resection. In this setting, PSMs are strongly associated with early biochemical recurrence and frequently prompt adjuvant or salvage treatments, potentially exposing patients to overtreatment and added morbidity. Materials and Methods: To review and critically appraise established and emerging intraoperative technologies for surgical margin assessment during radical prostatectomy, with a specific focus on their potential role and relevance in patients with HR-PCa. Evidence Acquisition: A non-systematic literature review was performed using Pubmed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, focusing on preoperative, intraoperative ex vivo, and intraoperative in vivo technologies for margin assessment. Emphasis was placed on techniques with potential applicability to HR-PCa, where real-time intraoperative decision-making is particularly consequential. Evidence Synthesis: Preoperative tools, including multiparametric MRI, PSMA-PET imaging, and predictive nomograms, aid surgical planning but show limited sensitivity for microscopic extracapsular extension, especially in high-risk disease. Intraoperative frozen section analysis reduces positive surgical margin rates while enabling selective nerve-sparing (defined as a side-specific, risk-adapted preservation strategy); however, its widespread adoption is constrained by substantial logistical and resource requirements, and robust oncological outcome data in high-risk populations remain limited. Novel ex vivo approaches, such as fluorescence confocal microscopy and specimen-based PSMA PET/CT imaging, offer rapid whole-gland or targeted margin assessment with reduced dependency on dedicated pathology workflows. In parallel, emerging in vivo technologies, particularly PSMA-targeted near-infrared-fluorescence-guided surgery, enable real-time detection of residual tumor and facilitate selective re-resection, representing a biology-driven approach that may be especially suited to HR-PCa. Conclusions: In high-risk prostate cancer, intraoperative margin assessment technologies may extend beyond functional preservation and play a central role in optimizing oncological radicality and multimodal treatment sequencing. While NeuroSAFE remains the reference standard, PSMA-based ex vivo and in vivo technologies are particularly promising in HR-PCa due to their ability to integrate tumor biology into surgical decision-making. Prospective studies focusing on high-risk-specific oncological and patient-reported outcomes are needed before widespread clinical implementation. Full article

Clinical evidence suggests that vitamin C (VitC) may enhance the efficacy of cancer chemotherapy. However, its high oxidating and reducing activity results in low stability in physiological fluids, which may compromise its supportive role in cancer therapies. VitC stability improves when located in a region where water activity is reduced and exposure to a limited amount of ferrous ions. This can be achieved when VitC is encapsulated in liposomes. Here, we present a novel combinatorial effect of a liposomal formulation of vitamin C (LVC, liposomal VitC) and an ataxia-telangiectasia and Rad3-related (ATR) kinase inhibitor (ATRi, ceralasertib) on cancer cells. The cytotoxic effects of vitamin C, LVC and ATRi were evaluated using spectrophotometric and spectrofluorimetric assays, flow cytometry and Western blot. Lipid peroxidation was assessed via fluorescence microscopy and quantified by spectrofluorimetric assays. DNA damage was examined by Western blot. The combination has higher efficacy than ceralasertib alone in genetically diverse ovarian cancer cell lines. LVC offers protective effects when used as an adjuvant during anticancer therapy. We found that the inhibition of the ATR pathway in the presence of LVC results in increased intracellular calcium levels, elevated lipid peroxidation, and higher Fe²⁺ concentrations. The upregulation of ROS, together with the increased expression of long-chain-fatty-acid—CoA ligase 4 (ACSL4) following co-treatment with ATRi and LVC, indicates the activation of ferroptotic pathways. The formation of DNA double-strand breaks suggests replication fork collapse. Our findings demonstrates that this synthetic targeted therapy, combining a novel liposomal formulation of VitC with an ATR inhibitor, not only enhances DNA damage and the cytotoxic efficacy of ceralasertib but also effectively drives ovarian cancer cells toward cell death. Full article

Silica particles are promising multifunctional drug delivery platforms; however, when in contact with blood or other biological fluids, proteins rapidly adsorb to their surface, forming the protein corona that modulates their biological interactions. In this study, silica microparticles were coated with lipid bilayers using two approaches: the lipid film hydration method and the on-particle solvent-assisted lipid coating (OPSALC) technique. We investigated how phospholipids with varying charges (zwitterionic, anionic, and cationic) and membrane phase influence coating formation and protein corona adsorption. The coating coverage and aggregation were characterized by fluorescence microscopy. The lipid film hydration method enabled coating with a broad range of lipids, but was highly dependent on the membrane phase and electrostatic interactions between lipid head group and particle surface. Pure anionic coatings were not achievable with this method; however, when combining the OPSALC method with a pre-silanization step, fully anionic coatings of silica microparticles were successfully obtained. Assessment by SDS-PAGE revealed differences in protein corona profiles modulated by the lipid compositions on the particles’ coatings. Overall, this study highlights the dependence of coating formation and protein corona composition on the phospholipid coatings’ properties. Full article

To evaluate the respective contributions of the crumb rubber (CR) particle effect (PE) and the CR–asphalt interaction effect (IE) to the high-temperature rheological performance of crumb rubber modified asphalt (CRMA), a CR filtration approach was designed to physically separate CR particles from CRMA. Fluorescence microscopy (FM), dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) tests, and gray relational analysis (GRA) were conducted on CRMA binders with different CR particle sizes and contents before and after filtration. The results indicate that the retained CR ratio ($R_{\mathit{cr}}$) increased with the increasing CR particle size and content, and coarser CR and higher CR contents generally increased G* and decreased δ, indicating enhanced high-temperature deformation resistance and recoverable deformation capacity of CRMA. After filtration, G* decreased markedly, whereas δ increased, and the quantified PE and IE results further indicate that the enhanced high-temperature rheological performance is dominated by PE, with IE providing an additional contribution, particularly at higher CR contents. Moreover, $R_{\mathit{cr}}$ correlated positively with G* and negatively with δ, and GRA suggested that CR content acts as the primary factor affecting high-temperature performance, while CR particle size serves as a secondary factor. Overall, this study provides practical guidance for optimizing CRMA design and supports improved asphalt service performance. Full article

Background: Triptolide (TPL) is an epoxytriptolide diterpenoid lactone isolated from the traditional Chinese medicinal herb Tripterygium wilfordii and exhibits broad pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antitumor effects. Its water-soluble prodrug, minnelide, is currently undergoing clinical trials for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) regulate cellular fate by inducing oxidative damage and activating autophagy, which can promote cell survival under moderate stress but contribute to cell death when excessively or persistently activated. Although TPL has been reported to induce ROS accumulation, its mechanistic role in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains incompletely understood. This study aimed to systematically investigate the role of ROS-mediated autophagy in TPL-induced cytotoxicity and to evaluate the therapeutic potential of combining TPL with autophagy inhibition in NSCLC. Methods: A series of in vitro experiments was performed to characterize TPL-mediated changes in NSCLC cell proliferation, migration, and ROS production. Autophagy- and apoptosis-related molecular alterations were analyzed using Western blotting and fluorescence microscopy with fluorescent reporter constructs. An H1299 xenograft mouse model was established to assess the antitumor efficacy of TPL in vivo and its combination effects with an autophagy inhibitor. Results: In this study, we demonstrated that TPL induces NSCLC cell death primarily through increased ROS levels. Mechanistic analyses further revealed that ROS accumulation simultaneously activates a protective autophagic response. Notably, in vivo experiments showed that co-administration of TPL with the autophagy inhibitor chloroquine resulted in significantly stronger tumor growth suppression than either treatment alone. Conclusions: Autophagy acts as a resistance mechanism against TPL-induced cytotoxicity in NSCLC, and pharmacological autophagy inhibition potentiates the antitumor activity of TPL. These findings clarify the ROS–autophagy interplay underlying TPL-mediated cell death and provide a preclinical rationale for combining TPL with autophagy inhibitors as a therapeutic strategy for NSCLC. Full article

The development of beekeeping in Ecuador has generated the need to strengthen the bee health program. Research on the main pathogens responsible for diseases like nosemosis, which can severely impact bee health, is of special interest. This study aims to identify the Nosema apis and/or Nosema ceranae species infecting honey bee colonies located in the northern Andean region of Ecuador using multiplex PCR targeting the RNA polymerase II gene (RPB1), and the phylogenetic analysis of N. ceranae based on the 16 S rRNA gene sequences. Among the 164 honey bee samples collected from colonies in the provinces of Carchi, Imbabura, and Pichincha, the prevalence of Nosema apis and Nosema ceranae was 14.63% and 21.34%, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis showed that N. ceranae from Ecuador is closely related to the sequences from Argentina and Brazil. These findings provide the first molecular confirmation of N. ceranae in Ecuador and support the need for molecular monitoring of honey bee pathogens in the region. Full article

Phosphatic bioclastic laminae distributed along bedding planes have been recently discovered within the Jurassic Lianggaoshan Formation shale in the eastern Sichuan Basin. However, their characteristics and potential as shale oil and gas reservoirs remain unclear. To reveal their microscopic pore structure characteristics and development model, this study focuses on samples of phosphatic bioclastic laminae obtained from drilling cores in the Fuxing area of eastern Sichuan. A multi-scale analytical approach was employed, integrating micro-X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (μ-XRF), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), nitrogen adsorption, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and geochemical analyses. The results indicate that the phosphatic bioclastic laminae are primarily composed of apatite and calcite and formed in a low-energy, anoxic, semi-deep to deep lacustrine environment. They exhibit an average total porosity of 4.84% and an average TOC of 1.99 mg/g. It is 14.7% and 17.8% higher than the clay laminae, and 255.9% and 109.57% higher than the calcareous bioclastic laminae. The pore system is dominated by mesopores and macropores, encompassing multiple pore types including dissolution pores, interparticle pores, interlayer pores, organic matter-hosted pores, and micro-fractures. Notably, a well-connected nanometer-scale pore network developed within fish bone fragments contributes substantially to the storage space. These intervals integrate high organic matter richness with superior reservoir properties, demonstrating typical “source-reservoir integration” characteristics. Their pore structure is synergistically regulated by sedimentary–diagenetic processes, with a core mechanism of primary biogenic pore foundation–late diagenetic dissolution enhancement–micro-fracture connectivity. This study systematically elucidates, for the first time, the reservoir formation mechanism of the phosphatic bioclast-rich laminae in the Lianggaoshan Formation. It confirms their potential as “geological-engineering” dual sweet spots for shale oil and gas exploration, providing a new basis for sweet spot prediction and exploration deployment targeting similar phosphatic bioclastic laminae in the Sichuan Basin and analogous regions. Full article