Search Results (40,133)

Reinforced concrete shear wall structures (RCSWs) are commonly used as explosion-resistant chambers for storing hazardous chemical materials and housing high-pressure reaction equipment, serving to isolate blast waves and prevent chain reactions. In this study, full-scale experiments and numerical simulations were conducted to investigate the blast resistance of RC shear wall protective structures subjected to internal explosions. A full-scale RC shear wall structure measuring 9.7 m × 8 m × 6.95 m with a wall thickness of 0.8 m was constructed, and an internal detonation equivalent to 200 kg of TNT was initiated to simulate the extreme loading conditions that may occur in explosion control chambers. Based on experimental data analysis and numerical simulation results, the damage mechanisms and dynamic response characteristics of the structure were clarified. The results indicate that under internal explosions, severe damage first occurs at the wall–joint regions, primarily exhibiting through-thickness shear cracking near the supports. The structural damage process can be divided into two stages: local response and global response. Using validated finite element models, a parametric study was carried out to determine the influence of TNT charge weight and reinforcement configuration on the structural dynamic response. The findings of this research provide theoretical references for the design and strengthening of blast-resistant structures. Full article

Common ragweed, Ambrosia artemisiifolia L., a noxious invasive plant, produces novel secondary metabolites. However, it attracts soybean aphid, Aphis glycines, a significant pest of soybean, to feed on it. Elucidating the molecular mechanisms of A. glycines adaptation to A. artemisiifolia may help identify target genes useful for pest management. High-throughput transcriptome sequencing identified 4250 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), with 2399 upregulated and 1851 downregulated. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis suggested that these DEGs were significantly involved in core detoxification-related pathways, including metabolism of xenobiotics by cytochrome P450, drug metabolism, ascorbate and aldarate metabolism, and pentose and glucuronate interconversions. Further analysis revealed significant upregulation of 17 UDP-glycosyltransferase (UGT) genes, with AgUGT342B2, AgUGT343B2, AgUGT344J2, AgUGT344L2, and AgUGT344N2 showing 6.34-, 6.22-, 2.14-, 3.98-, and 7.49-fold higher expression, respectively, than in A. glycines fed on soybean. Bioassays demonstrated that A. glycines reared on A. artemisiifolia exhibited significantly reduced sensitivity to three common insecticides, imidacloprid, thiamethoxam, and lambda-cyhalothrin, with LC₅₀ values increasing by 5.8-fold, 2.8-fold, and 3.6-foldhigher, respectively, than those reared on soybean. These findings indicate that feeding on A. artemisiifolia induces UGT gene family upregulation in A. glycines, conferring cross-resistance to multiple insecticide classes. This study reveals a molecular mechanism linking host adaptation to insecticide resistance, highlighting the ecological and evolutionary consequences of invasive plant-herbivore interactions. Full article

The prestressed steel-reinforced concrete beam (PSRCB) is a new type of composite beam developed by placing and tensioning prestressed tendons within ordinary steel-reinforced concrete beams (SRCBs). This type of beam combines the multiple advantages of steel, concrete, and prestressed reinforced concrete (PC) beams. It has high rigidity, high load-bearing capacity, small deformation, and good seismic performance. Compared to conventional SRCBs, PSRCBs have their own characteristics, and especially research on their stiffness and deformation has not been systematically reported. To investigate the stiffness and deformation resistance of PSRCBs, the design, fabrication, and loading tests of five PSRCBs were carried out, and relevant test data were obtained. By analyzing the test data, the calculation equation for the normal section stiffness of this type of composite beam was proposed. The stiffness of the PSRCB can be taken as the sum of the stiffness of the prestressed concrete beam and that of the built-in steel beam. Meanwhile, the calculation equations for the short-term stiffness of the PSRCB under the standard combination of load effects and the stiffness of the PSRCB considering the long-term influence of loads are obtained. Full article

With the acceleration of global climate change and urbanization, urban flooding disasters have become increasingly frequent, posing significant threats to urban safety and sustainable development. Enhancing Urban Flood Resilience (UFR) has become a central issue in urban risk management and spatial planning. This study aims to scientifically assess UFR by employing the core concepts of resistance, recovery, and adaptation from urban resilience theory. A set of 20 indicators for assessing UFR is selected from four aspects: infrastructure, social economy, technological monitoring, and the ecological environment. Addressing the limitations of traditional evaluation methods, which struggle to effectively handle data gaps and ambiguous boundaries, and fail to balance subjective and objective weights, this study introduces the unascertained measure theory and adopts a combined weighting method to construct a UFR evaluation model. Using 2023 statistical data from Jiangxi Province, a comprehensive evaluation of flood resilience was conducted across 11 prefecture-level cities within the province. The analysis indicates that, among level-2 indicators, infrastructure holds the highest weight at 43.7%. Regarding resilience dimensions, resistance dominates with a weight of 54.6%. Furthermore, significant spatial disparities exist in flood resilience levels across Jiangxi Province: high resilience cities are distributed in central and northern Jiangxi, moderately high resilience cities account for the largest proportion. Only one city, Pingxiang, exhibits moderate resilience. Full article

Perennial ryegrass is a widely cultivated cool-season forage and turf grass species whose growth and development are limited by drought and high temperature. MAX2 is an F-box leucine-rich repeat (LRR) protein, which serves as a central component of strigolactone (SL) and karrikin (KAR) signaling pathways, involved in multiple growth and developmental processes as well as stress response. Here, we identified LpMAX2, a perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) homolog of Arabidopsis MAX2 (AtMAX2) and rice D3. LpMAX2 can interact with AtD14 and LpD14 in an SL-dependent manner, implying functional conservation with AtMAX2. Overexpression of LpMAX2 in the Arabidopsis max2-3 mutant partially rescued leaf morphology, hypocotyl elongation, and branching phenotypes, while fully restoring drought tolerance, highlighting the evolutionarily conserved roles of MAX2 in plant growth and drought resistance. In conclusion, LpMAX2 is evolutionarily conserved in SL/KAR signaling pathways, highlighting its potential function in drought adaptation. In addition to elucidating the biological function of LpMAX2, this study identifies a promising genetic target for enhancing stress resilience in forage grasses through biotechnological approaches. Full article

This study demonstrates the complete transformation of almond shell waste into a high-performance carbon material for carbon paste electrode (CPE) fabrication. The biocarbon was synthesized via carbonization at 800 °C and subsequently activated with CO₂, resulting in a semicrystalline structure rich in carbonyl groups—consistent with its lignocellulosic origin (34.25% cellulose, 13.48% hemicellulose, 48.03% lignin). Carbonization increased the total pore volume of carbonized almond (CAR_ALD) by nearly 13-fold and the specific surface area by over two orders of magnitude compared to raw almond (RAW_ALD), while CO₂ activation further enhanced activated almond’s (ACT_ALD) surface area (~19%) and pore volume (~35%). To improve electrochemical performance, Bi₂O₃ doped with Sm was applied as a surface modifier. Comprehensive characterization (N₂ physisorption X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopic Analysis (FTIR), X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopic Analysis (XPS), Thermogravimetric and Differential Thermal Analysis (TG-DTA), Cyclic voltammetry (CV), Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS)) confirmed the material’s structural integrity, graphitic features, and successful modifier incorporation. Electrochemical testing revealed the highest current response (48 µA) for the CPE fabricated from CAR_ALD/Bi₂O₃-Sm, indicating superior electrocatalytic activity and reduced charge transfer resistance. Notably, this is the first report of a fully functional CPE working electrode fabricated entirely from waste material. Full article

Background/Objectives: Candida biofilms exhibit high resistance to antifungal treatment, motivating investigation of adjunctive physical disinfection methods. To quantitatively assess the effect of Er:YAG laser fluence on growth inhibition and viability of single-species Candida biofilms in vitro using a 7 mm full-beam handpiece. Methods: Biofilms of Candida albicans ATCC 10231, C. glabrata ATCC 90030, C. parapsilosis ATCC 22019, and C. krusei ATCC 6258 were grown on Sabouraud agar. In phase 1, growth inhibition zones (GIZs) were evaluated after non-contact Er:YAG irradiation (2 Hz, 300 µs, 10 mm distance, no air or water spray) at fluences from 0.3 to 3.4 J/cm², with incubation for 24 to 96 h. In phase 2, 96 h mature biofilms were irradiated for 120 s at 0.8, 1.0, 1.5, or 2.0 J/cm², and viability was quantified by colony-forming unit (CFU) imprinting. All experimental conditions were tested in quadruplicate. Results: GIZ diameters increased significantly with fluence for all species (p < 0.05) and remained stable up to 96 h. At the highest fluence, mean GIZs reached approximately 8.0 mm for C. albicans, 7.7 mm for C. parapsilosis, 7.0 mm for C. krusei, and 5.2 mm for C. glaxfbrata. In mature biofilms, CFU counts decreased significantly with increasing fluence (p < 0.05). For C. albicans, CFUs were reduced from 164.0 ± 25.1 at 0.8 J/cm² to 16.5 ± 5.2 at 2.0 J/cm², while C. glabrata decreased from 103.5 ± 5.4 to 20.8 ± 1.7. C. parapsilosis and C. krusei showed maximal reductions at 1.0–1.5 J/cm², followed by partial CFU rebound at 2.0 J/cm². Conclusions: Er:YAG irradiation delivered over a large, uniformly illuminated area induces stable, fluence-dependent inhibition and significant reduction of Candida biofilm viability in vitro. Optimal fluence ranges are species specific, underscoring the need for parameter optimization and further evaluation in more complex biofilm models before clinical extrapolation. Full article

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) viruses, particularly IAV (H5N1), continue to pose a major global threat due to their widespread circulation and high mortality rates in birds. Management of HPAI is complicated by challenges in conserving migratory bird populations, sustaining poultry production, and uncertainties in disease dynamics. Structured decision-making frameworks, such as those based on the PrOACT model, are recommended to improve outbreak response and guide critical actions, especially when HPAI virus (HPAIV) detections occur in sensitive areas like wildlife refuges. Surveillance data from late 2024 to early 2025 show persistent HPAI activity, with 743 detections across 22 European countries and beyond, and notable outbreaks in poultry in nations like Hungary, Iceland, and the UK. The proximity of poultry farms to water sources increases environmental contamination risks. Meanwhile, HPAI A(IAV (H5N1)) and other H5Nx viruses have been detected in a wide range of mammalian species globally, raising concerns about mammalian adaptation due to mutations like E627K and D701N in the PB2 protein. Human infections with IAV (H5N1) have also been reported, with recent cases in North America highlighting zoonotic transmission risks. Molecular studies emphasize the importance of monitoring genetic variations associated with increased virulence and antiviral resistance. Preventive strategies focus on biosafety, personal protective measures, and vaccine development for both avian and human populations. Ongoing genetic characterization and vigilant surveillance remain critical to managing the evolving threat posed by HPAI viruses. Full article

This study investigates the seismic retrofit of historic single-nave churches through the optimization of roof diaphragms designed to enhance energy dissipation. The proposed strategy introduces a deformable box-type diaphragm above the existing roof, composed of timber panels and steel connectors with a cover of steel stripes, where energy dissipation is concentrated in the connections. The retrofit design is guided by the estimation of Equivalent Damping Ratio (EDR) instead of the usually adopted resistance criterion, considering an energy-based approach to improve global seismic performance while preserving architectural integrity. In this way, the retrofitted configuration of the roof can be considered a damper. Three numerical phases are presented to assess the effectiveness of the equivalent damping-based intervention. In the first one, the seismic response of the initial non-retrofitted configuration is implemented using a 3D linear finite element model subjected to a response spectrum. Subsequently, nonlinear equivalent models subjected to spectrum-compatible accelerograms are implemented, simulating the possible retrofitted configurations of the roofs to detect the optimum damping and finding the corresponding roof diaphragm configuration. In the third one, the response of the detected retrofitted configuration is also evaluated by nonlinear 3D model subjected to accelerograms. The three phases with the relative numerical approaches are here applied to a case study, located in a high seismic hazard area. The results demonstrate that the EDR-based methodology can optimize the retrofitted roof diaphragm configuration; the nave transverse response is improved in comparison with that designed with the traditional approach, considering only the over-strength of the interventions. Comparisons about the approaches based on the EDR and the strength criteria are presented in terms of lateral displacements, in-plane shear acting on the roof diaphragm, and in-plane stresses on the façade. Full article

As a vital appearance quality trait of broccoli, curd-surface wax powder not only affects its commercial value but also plays a key role in plant resistance to abiotic stresses. However, its formation mechanism remains unclear. Using low-wax variety CK (‘QH18’) and high-wax variety T1 (‘QHMS4’) as materials, this study systematically elucidated the molecular mechanism of wax powder formation via physiological indexes, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), targeted metabolomics, and transcriptomics. Determination of fatty acid (FA) content in broccoli flower bud tissue showed a close association between FA content and wax deposition. SEM observation revealed that T1 had significantly denser wax crystals, mainly granular, than CK. Targeted metabolomics identified 25 fatty acids in the two varieties. And the linolenic and palmitic acids, with high content and significant differences, may be key metabolites regulating wax synthesis. Integrated transcriptomics and metabolomics indicated that BolfabG, BolLACS, BolKCS1, BolKCS2 and BolMAH1 genes are involved in wax biosynthesis. Moreover, AP2/ERF-ERF transcription factor (TF)-encoding genes (BolERF018, BolERF1F.1, BolERF1F.2 and BolERF1C) played the primary role in regulating wax biosynthesis, followed by NAC (BolNAC62.1), MYB (BolMYB44), and MADS-MIKC(BolPISTILLATA). These TFs may regulate BolfabG, BolLACS, BolKCS1, BolACOX2 and BolACAA1 to affect linolenic and palmitic acid balance, altering wax precursor synthesis and accumulation, and finally leading to differences in wax morphology and content. This study reveals a “Transcription Factors–Differentially Expressed Genes–Differentially Accumulated Metabolites–Fatty Acids” (TFs-DEGs-DAMs-FA) network, providing a basis for understanding broccoli wax formation. Full article

Riverbank erosion is a significant natural disaster that is prevalent in the deltaic regions in Bangladesh, resulting in loss of land, crops, and settlements. This research work is concentrated on the Satkhira Koyra area and is oriented towards a comparative assessment of the functionality of geo-bag and cement concrete (CC) blocks for erosion control purposes. The results showed that a geogrid could be used on the riverbank slope for more soil stability. The proposed approach is that the geogrid is used as a base layer for the slope. The sand-filled geo-bags are more cost-effective with this combination. Field monitoring and hydraulic model testing were used to identify their performance under natural flow conditions. Lined with geotextile fabric and filled with sand, the geo-bags were located in the most susceptible riverbank areas. The empirical results showed that the geo-bags provide the same levels of hydraulic resistance as those provided by CC blocks, but with substantial economic benefits and installation accomplished by local labor. When used in combination with a geogrid base layer, the geo-bag construction ensured excellent slope stability and allowed the establishment of natural vegetation, thus contributing to an environmentally friendly restoration. While CC blocks remain the optimal solution for high-value structures, the combined geogrid and geo-bag system offers a more flexible, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly alternative for stable erosion protection. Full article

Depth-based probabilistic routing (DPR) is an efficient underwater acoustic network (UAN) routing protocol which resists the depth-spoofing attack. DPR’s optimal value of the unqualified forwarding probability depends on the UAN topology, condition, and threat state, which are highly dynamic. If the static forwarding probability used in DPR is set too low for the current state, packet delivery ratio (PDR) drops. If it is set too high, unnecessary forwarding occurs when the network is not under attack, thus wasting valuable energy. In this paper, we propose a novel routing protocol, which uses a feedback mechanism that allows the sink to continuously adapt the unqualified forwarding probability according to the current network state. The protocol aims to achieve an application-controlled desired delivery ratio using one of three proposed update algorithms developed in this work. We analyze the performance of the proposed algorithms through simulation. Results demonstrate that the proposed adaptive routing protocol achieves resilience to depth-spoofing attacks by successfully delivering more than 80% of generated packets in more than 95% of simulated networks, while avoiding unnecessary unqualified forwarding in normal conditions. Full article

Neuroblastoma is an embryonal tumour that arises from the malignant transformation of neural crest cells and remains one of the deadliest malignancies in children under five. Neural crest development is regulated by dynamic switches in transcriptional programmes, guided by a variety of growth factors. Due to its developmental origin, neuroblastoma is unique in that these tumours often retain overactivation of growth factor signalling, which can be targeted by receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) inhibitors. However, mutations in kinases, except for ALK, are extremely rare in neuroblastoma. Furthermore, the high degree of intratumoural heterogeneity often renders RTK inhibition ineffective as a monotherapy. For high-risk tumours, which lack effective treatment options, there remains an unmet need for targeted therapies. This review summarises the roles of growth factor receptors in neural crest and neuroblastoma development in light of recent single-cell studies. We provide a systematic overview of RTK inhibitors that can target growth factor signalling in neuroblastoma and detail their current status in clinical development. We also explore the role of intratumoural heterogeneity in resistance to RTK inhibitors, focusing on the adrenergic-to-mesenchymal transition, which drives a switch in growth factor receptor expression. Finally, we discuss strategies to overcome RTK inhibitor resistance by targeting neuroblastoma cell plasticity, disrupting downstream signalling pathways, or inhibiting escape mechanisms from cell death. This review provides a theoretical basis for developing novel combination therapies incorporating RTK inhibitors. Full article

To address the challenges of decarbonization in the global transportation sector and disposal of waste tires, warm asphalt rubber (WAR) with low viscosity and high performance was prepared. In particular, the preparation and rheological behavior of WAR incorporating composite warm mix systems at relatively high crumb rubber contents have not been thoroughly documented. In this study, WAR prepared under such conditions was systematically examined. A five-factor, three-level segmented orthogonal experimental design (OED) was employed to investigate the effects of preparation parameters on hot mix asphalt rubber (AR) properties. Based on the optimized AR formulation, a composite warm mix system combining Ultra-Warm Mix additive (UWM) and Sasobit was developed, and control groups containing 5% UWM only and 1.5% Sasobit only were prepared for comparison. Conventional physical tests together with rheological characterization, including Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR), Multiple Stress Creep Recovery (MSCR), and Bending Beam Rheometer (BBR) tests, were conducted to evaluate the high- and low-temperature performance of WAR. Results show that the optimal preparation process consisted of aromatic oil content 5%, crumb rubber content 30%, shear temperature 220 °C, shear time 120 min, and reaction time 90 min. The composite warm mix system notably enhanced WAR performance, with the WAR-5U1.5S group exhibiting the most balanced properties. A marked reduction in rotational viscosity was achieved while maintaining a stable softening point, and satisfactory ductility and elastic recovery were also retained. DSR and MSCR tests confirmed improved high-temperature deformation resistance, an increase in percent recovery R, and a decrease in non-recoverable creep compliance J_nr. BBR test further verified that the composite system maintained good low-temperature cracking resistance, meeting all specification requirements. Overall, these results indicate that, compared with the optimized AR, WAR can reduce mixing viscosity without sacrificing rutting or cracking performance, while alleviating the limitations observed for single warm mix additives. This study provides essential technical support for promoting WAR that integrates low-carbon construction with superior pavement performance. Full article

A systematic experimental study of the positive-tone resist ELP-20 was conducted, covering its structural properties, film-formation behavior, and response to electron-beam exposure. Raman spectroscopy demonstrated the methacrylate nature of the resist and its spectral correspondence to poly(methyl methacrylate) PMMA, which enabled direct comparison both with PMMA itself and with existing methacrylate-based resists. Spin-coated films prepared from 3–11 wt.% solutions exhibited a robust power-law dependence of thickness on spin speed, h_∞ ∝ ω^{−0.48 ± 0.01}, and showed high thickness uniformity. The concentration dependence of the film thickness at a fixed spin speed allowed identification of the polymer–coil overlap region and enabled estimation of the effective molecular weight of the polymer base, M_eff = (25 ± 7) kg/mol. Lithographic characterization indicated a decrease in sensitivity with increasing electron energy, with a sensitivity of approximately 40 μC/cm² at 25 keV. A depth-dependent dose-distribution model provided an energy-independent average contrast value of γ ≈ 1.67. The results present a coherent and systematic description of ELP-20 behavior under electron-beam exposure and establish a basis for its further use in lithographic processing. Full article