Search Results (9,374)

The obligate mutualism between Ficus and its pollinating wasps provides a suitable system to investigate these dynamics because it encompasses two contrasting pollination modes: active and passive. Here we compared pollen traits in an actively pollinated fig tree, Ficus citrifolia, and a passively pollinated species, F. obtusiuscula, examining pollen both at anther presentation and after deposition on the bodies of their pollinating wasps. Pollen morphology, hydration-related behavior, cytology, and reserve composition were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (conventional and modified), light and transmission electron microscopy, histochemical assays, and viability tests. Across species, pollen traits at anthesis showed broad overlap in morphology, viability and major reserve classes, indicating that these characteristics are not consistently predicted by pollination mode alone. In both species, pollen was bicellular, harmomegathic and highly viable at presentation, consistent with resilience during transport. The main divergence emerged after pollen transfer to the pollinator. In the actively pollinated species, pollen recovered from wasp thoracic pockets exhibited pronounced intracellular remodeling, including vacuolization, starch depletion, lipid redistribution and localized cytoplasmic degradation. By contrast, pollen of the passively pollinated species retained a comparatively stable cytological organization after transport despite changes in reserve distribution. These results suggest that the more pronounced cytoplasmic reorganization observed in the pollen of the actively pollinated species after deposition on the wasp body may represent a preparatory phase for rapid germination following pollination, reflecting the stronger dependence of larval development on successful flower fertilization in actively pollinated figs. More broadly, our study provides the first comparative account of pollen structural and cytophysiological dynamics on fig-wasp bodies, linking pollen cell biology to pollinator-mediated dispersal and highlighting how different pollination strategies may impose distinct selective pressures on male gametophytes. Full article

With natural gas demand growing rapidly in this century, solidified natural gas technology holds great potential for strengthening energy resilience and delivering secure global gas supply. However, this technology is still impeded by insufficient gas uptake capacity and sluggish hydrate formation rate. Environmentally benign peptides have recently emerged as a novel class of green hydrate promoters. Different from single amino acids, peptides exhibit significant structural diversity owing to their varying sequences and combinations of their constituent amino acid monomers, showing great potential in hydrate-based applications. In this work, a unique tripeptide promoter, L-glutathione reduced (GSH), was employed, and the thermodynamic influence factors in methane hydrate formation were systematically investigated. Furthermore, as a highly hydrophilic amino acid, L-arginine was chosen for a comparative kinetic investigation with extremely hydrophilic GSH. The results revealed that experimental pressure showed a strong effect on the methane uptake rate, while it presented little influence on final methane storage capacity. The initial temperature greatly affected the average induction time, the rate of hydrate growth, and the yields of hydrates promoted by GSH. Increasing temperature resulted in a significant reduction in both the hydrate formation rate and methane uptake at 3 h. Therefore, in the GSH-promoted hydrate formation process, suitable pressure and temperature should be carefully chosen for desirable hydrate performance. Furthermore, the initial 15 min hydrate formation rate of 0.3 wt% L-arginine is 52.4% lower than that of 0.3 wt% GSH. The final methane uptake of 0.3 wt% arginine is substantially smaller than that of 0.3 wt% GSH. Although both GSH and arginine exhibit strong hydrophilic properties, the tripeptide GSH is more effective than the amino acid arginine in enhancing methane hydrate formation. The insights gained from this work offer a theoretical foundation for the application of peptide-based promoters in solidified natural gas technology. Full article

The recycling of waste clay bricks as raw materials for cement-based materials presents an effective solution to ecological pollution and resource shortages. Previous research has separately examined the effects of recycled brick fine aggregate and recycled brick powder on mortar or concrete, but few studies have investigated their combined use. This study aims to clarify the synergistic effect of recycled brick fine aggregate (RBA) and recycled brick powder (RBP) on mortar performance, quantify the influence of the RBP substitution rate on hydration characteristics and microstructural evolution, and determine the optimal mix proportion and curing system for fully recycled brick mortar. Mortar was prepared using 100% RBA and RBP at substitution rates of 0%, 10%, 20%, and 30%. The physical properties, mechanical performance, and durability of the mortar were evaluated, alongside an analysis of its microstructural morphology, mineral composition, and pore structure. The results indicate that adding an appropriate amount of RBP helped maintain the flowability of the mortar. As the RBP substitution rate increased, the mortar strength generally decreased in the early stages, but long-term curing (≥90 days) effectively mitigated this decline. The inclusion of RBP improved chloride ion permeability, with the 20% substitution rate achieving a favorable balance between compressive strength, fluidity, and durability without significantly affecting carbonation resistance. Microstructural analysis revealed that RBP regulated the morphology of hydration products and optimized the pore structure of the mortar, while the mineral composition of hydration products was similar to that of natural mortar. These findings provide a theoretical basis and technical support for the high-value utilization of construction and demolition waste in cement-based materials. Full article

The paper deals with the concept of how to regulate structure formation in the interfacial transition zone (ITZ) between the Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) matrix and basalt to ensure the durability of basalt fiber-reinforced concretes. It has been demonstrated that the alkali–silica reaction (ASR) can be transformed from a destructive (negative) process into a constructive one in OPC concrete through activation by sodium water glass combined with the incorporation of an Al₂O₃-containing additive, namely metakaolin. Alkaline activation increased the compressive strength of OPC basalt fiber-reinforced concrete by 1.6–1.9 times. The formation of stable zeolite-like hydration products within the Na₂O-CaO-Al₂O₃-SiO₂-H₂O system promoted self-healing of the ITZ. This resulted in a 5.6-fold increase in ITZ microhardness compared to the cement matrix, as well as transforming expansion into shrinkage of concrete with a final value of 0.01 mm/m after 360 days. The structure-forming processes in the ITZ ensured a 1.14-fold increase in the compressive strength of 180-day alkali-activated OPC basalt fiber-reinforced concrete compared to its 30-day strength, in contrast to a 0.92-fold decrease in the strength of the non-modified OPC analog under conditions accelerating the development of ASR. Full article

Hydrogen is a key energy carrier for the transition to renewable energy, but its storage remains a major challenge, mainly due to the energy requirements for its production and to its low volumetric energy density under ambient conditions. Clathrate hydrates have recently emerged as a promising medium for gas storage, yet their potential for hydrogen storage is still underexplored. This study presents a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of hydrogen storage research, focusing on clathrate hydrates. The analysis, based on publications indexed in Scopus over the past decades, reveals that research on gas hydrates is mature and interdisciplinary, encompassing hydrate formation, thermodynamics, and production from natural reservoirs. In contrast, hydrogen hydrates remain a marginal and emerging research area, characterized by limited scientific output and weak connections to dominant storage strategies such as metal hydrides, metal–organic frameworks, and adsorptive materials. The results highlight key research gaps, including a limited understanding of formation kinetics, thermodynamic stability under practical conditions, and challenges related to scalability and system integration. These findings suggest that targeted research efforts addressing these bottlenecks could support the development of hydrate-based systems as complementary solutions within the broader hydrogen storage landscape. Full article

Driven by global carbon reduction targets, supersulfated cement has emerged as a promising low-carbon cementitious material. This study investigates the influence of a polycarboxylate superplasticizer (PCE) on the rheological behavior and early interfacial evolution of phosphogypsum-based supersulfated cement (PSSC). Rheological measurements, pore solution ion analysis, hydration heat analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM–EDS) are employed to correlate early hydration processes with structural development. The results indicate that the incorporation of PCE significantly reduces the initial yield stress and moderates the structural build-up rate. At a PCE dosage of 0.3 wt.%, the initial static yield stress decreases from 1313 Pa to approximately 125 Pa, while the structural build-up index I_s,s reaches 10.19, indicating improved particle dispersion while maintaining progressive structural reconstruction during hydration. Phosphogypsum (PG) functions not only as a sulfate source but also as an active interfacial substrate that promotes the preferential nucleation of AFt on its surface. In the absence of PCE, continuous Ca–P-enriched layers form on PG particles, accompanied by localized AFt accumulation. After the incorporation of PCE, the primary crystalline phases remain unchanged; however, gypsum dissolution and AFt formation are delayed. Meanwhile, Ca–P enrichment shifts from continuous coverage to a more dispersed distribution, promoting the spatially separated growth of AFt crystals rather than dense localized aggregation. Overall, PCE influences the evolution of the structure and properties of the system by regulating early interfacial reactions and the spatial organization of hydration products. Full article

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the colon characterized by dysregulated mucosal immunity and progressive epithelial injury. Upadacitinib (UPA), a selective Janus kinase 1 (JAK1) inhibitor, has demonstrated clinical efficacy in UC, but its therapeutic application is often constrained by adverse effects arising from systemic drug exposure. This underscores the need for advanced, site-specific delivery systems that enhance local efficacy while minimizing systemic toxicity. Here, we developed a colon-targeted natural lipid nanoparticle formulation of UPA (UPA-nLNP) to improve therapeutic performance and safety. UPA-nLNP was prepared by thin-film hydration using digalactosyldiacylglycerol (DGDG), monogalactosyldiacylglycerol (MGDG), and phosphatidic acid (PA), mimicking the lipid composition of ginger-derived exosomal particles, and was characterized for particle size, surface charge, and encapsulation efficiency. The formulation exhibited excellent mucus-penetrating capability and was evaluated in a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced acute colitis model in C57BL/6 mice following oral administration (5 mg/kg). Pharmacokinetic analysis demonstrated increased colonic accumulation with reduced systemic exposure compared to free UPA. Treatment with UPA-nLNP improved body weight recovery, reduced disease biomarkers, and suppressed key proinflammatory cytokines in the colon, with no evidence of systemic toxicity. This innovative strategy holds strong potential to enhance the clinical utility of JAK1 inhibitors by providing a safer and more effective therapeutic approach for ulcerative colitis. Full article

The presence of impurities directly affects the properties of α-hemihydrate gypsum (α-HH) prepared from phosphogypsum (PG) as a raw material. However, the effect of soluble fluorine impurities on the properties of α-HH by autoclaving remains insufficiently understood. This study investigated the influence of sodium fluoride on the morphology, hydration, and hardening properties of α-HH, using XRD, XPS, SEM, MIP, and tests of setting time, evolution of hydration temperature increase, and strength. The results showed that during the preparation of α-HH, some F⁻ reacted with Ca²⁺ to form CaF₂, which adhered to the surface of the α-HH crystal, hindering the growth and development of the crystal and resulting in small crystals with rough surfaces. When α-HH hydrated, sodium fluoride caused the early, rapid nucleation of dihydrate gypsum (DH) crystals, accelerating the crystallization process of DH. The introduction of sodium fluoride inhibited the early hydration of α-HH and promoted its later hydration. The increase in sodium fluoride content caused the initial setting time of α-HH hydration to first increase and then decrease, while the final setting time continued to decrease. In the absence of sodium fluoride, the average pore diameter of the hardened paste was approximately 617.99 nm. When the NaF content was 0.2%, the DH crystals were prismatic and densely packed, which resulted in a decrease in the average pore diameter to 449.35 nm. When the NaF content was 0.6%, the DH crystals exhibited a plate-like morphology and were loosely interlocked, leading to an increase in the average pore diameter to 1169.58 nm. Based on these results, the sodium fluoride content in PG should be controlled below 0.2%. Full article

This study investigates the feasibility of utilising alkali-activated slag (AAS) and construction demolition waste (CDW) as cemented paste backfill materials. The fluidity, unconfined compressive strength, bleeding rate, and sulfate resistance of AAS-CDW backfill systems were systematically analysed. Hydration mechanisms were characterised using SEM-EDS and XRD. A novel backfill system and application process were developed and implemented in Jining Coal Mine, Shandong Province. Results indicate that a 30% waste red brick addition enhances 28-day compressive strength by 9.3% and reduces the bleeding rate by 32%, while a 10% fly ash addition optimises slurry fluidity. Notably, the AAS-based backfill exhibits superior mechanical properties and sulfate resistance compared to ordinary Portland cement (OPC)-based systems. The 28-day compressive strength of the AAS backfill reached 5.31 MPa, which is 53.4% higher than that of the OPC backfill, and its strength loss rate after sulfate attack was reduced by 13%. The solid waste utilisation rate of the AAS backfill approaches 100%. Hydration products primarily comprise ettringite (Aft), C-A-S-H gel, and hydrotalcite (HT), resulting in higher compactness than OPC-RA mixtures. Full article

The emergence of membrane boundaries represents a decisive transition in the origin of life, yet the molecular nature of the earliest abiotic membranes remains uncertain. Existing models based on simple fatty acids, while experimentally tractable, often lack the environmental robustness required under fluctuating prebiotic conditions. Furthermore, the absence of clear pathways linking primitive amphiphiles to later phospholipid systems highlights the need for chemically continuous intermediate frameworks. Here, we explore borate-bridged amphiphile–carbohydrate conjugates as plausible intermediates between simple prebiotic surfactants and modern lipid bilayers. These conjugates arise from low-molecular-weight polyols—including glycerol, butane-1,2,3,4-tetraol, pentane-1,2,3,4,5-pentaol, and hexane-1,2,3,4,5,6-hexitol—reacting with long-chain alkyl ethers and borate species under alkaline conditions, enabling reversible coupling to ribose and other vicinal diol-containing sugars. This chemistry integrates three essential properties for early compartmentalization: hydrolytically robust ether-linked hydrophobic domains, multivalent and highly hydrated headgroups, and environmentally responsive borate coordination. Comparative physicochemical analysis suggests that single-tail alkylglycerol derivatives preferentially form micelles and interfacial films, while di- and tri-tail tetritol and pentitol conjugates favor lamellar assemblies and vesicle formation across realistic prebiotic pH and salinity ranges. Hexitol-based systems, particularly those bearing three hydrophobic chains, may act as membrane-stabilizing components that enhance rigidity and reduce permeability under extreme conditions. We propose that heterogeneous mixtures dominated by two-tail polyol diethers, supplemented by tri-tail stabilizers and surface-active alkylglycerols, could provide mechanically robust, pH-tunable, and sugar-decorated abiotic membranes. Such borate-mediated amphiphiles offer a chemically coherent framework linking carbohydrate stabilization, ether lipid persistence, and dynamic self-assembly, potentially representing a transitional stage in the evolutionary pathway from primitive amphiphilic films to biologically encoded membranes. Full article

Salinity is a critical environmental stressor that inhibits seed germination and seedling growth globally. This study aimed to determine the optimal priming conditions for hot pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) seeds to alleviate salt stress-induced germination and growth reductions. Priming treatments included hydro-priming, chemical-priming (24-epibrassinolide (EBL), sodium nitroprusside (SNP), and polyamines), halo-priming (KNO₃), and modified drum-priming. Following treatment, germination characteristics, total polyphenol content (TPC), ABTS⁺ radical scavenging activity, and seedling growth traits were evaluated under 100 mM NaCl stress. Optimal conditions were identified as hydro-priming (50 h), chemical-priming (10⁻⁶ M EBL, 10⁻⁴ M SNP, 50 mM putrescine), halo-priming (300 mM KNO₃), and drum-priming (20 h hydration and 60 h incubation). Although NaCl treatment significantly reduced all germination traits, priming effectively mitigated these declines. A modified drum-priming method resulted in the shortest mean germination time (MGT) of 4.0 days, the highest germination rate (GR) of 25.2%·day⁻¹, and a 94% healthy seedling percentage (HSP), whereas the results for the untreated control were recorded as 6.6 days, 15.2%·day⁻¹, and 66%, respectively, under stress conditions. EBL and drum-priming showed the highest TPC and ABTS⁺ radical scavenging activity. Furthermore, priming prevented salt-induced reductions in seedling growth. EBL and drum-priming treatments resulted in the highest vitality index (VI). These results indicate that drum-priming and EBL priming are highly effective strategies for enhancing salt tolerance and ensuring uniform stand establishment in pepper seeds. Full article

Silicon-doped diamond-like carbon (Si-DLC) coatings against aluminum alloy (A5052) were investigated for reducing friction under humid conditions. The coatings were deposited on high-speed steel (SKH51) substrates using a bipolar-type plasma-based ion implantation and deposition (PBII&D) technique, with Si content controlled by varying the tetramethylsilane (TMS)-to-toluene precursor ratio. Structural characterization by Raman spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) confirmed the progressive evolution of Si–C bonding with increasing TMS ratio. The Si-DLC coating with Si 5.0 at.% exhibited the lowest coefficient of friction (COF) of 0.033 and reduced wear volume under a high normal load of 150 N in humid conditions (relative humidity > 90%). However, Si-DLC coatings with higher Si contents (Si 7.7 and 14.3 at.%) led to deteriorated tribological performance, including coating delamination and severe wear. Surface analyses of the coatings revealed that the low-friction behavior was associated with the presence of oxidized Si species at the outermost surface, which undergo hydroxylation in humid environments to form Si–OH groups. These hydroxylated surfaces promote the formation of a hydrated boundary layer that provides a low-shear sliding interface. Full article

Sustainable sourcing of bioactive ingredients is an important direction in the development of topical formulations. Fruit by-products generated during food processing such as apple pomace, represent a promising resource for skincare applications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety, effectiveness, and consumer perception of a three-step facial skincare regimen consisting of a cleansing gel, serum, and face cream containing upcycled apple pomace extract. Unlike most cosmetic studies focusing on single products, this research assessed a complete skincare routine to better reflect real-life usage conditions. All formulations underwent dermatological safety evaluation prior to the in vivo study. The clinical assessment was conducted on 30 healthy female volunteers aged 25–55 years. Skin hydration, pH, transepidermal water loss, sebum level, and skin gloss were measured on untreated skin, after the first use, and after four weeks. User perception was assessed using a questionnaire completed by 58 participants. Short-term changes in skin parameters were observed after application, while four weeks of use maintained them within physiological ranges. Skin gloss increased significantly by 4.2%, and no adverse reactions were reported. These results indicate that the tested skincare regimen containing apple pomace extract was well-tolerated and cosmetically acceptable under the study conditions. Full article

Conductive core–shell superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) are emerging as multifunctional additives for cementitious materials, combining moisture management with electrical functionality. In cement-based systems, a swellable polymeric core enables internal curing and crack-sealing through controlled water uptake and release, while a conductive shell introduces ionic and/or electronic charge transport, addressing key limitations of conventional non-conductive SAPs. This dual functionality provides a pathway toward smart cementitious composites with enhanced durability, self-sensing capability, and moisture-responsive behavior. This review focuses on the physical chemistry mechanisms governing conductive core–shell SAPs in cementitious environments, with emphasis on swelling thermodynamics, water transport kinetics, interfacial phenomena, and charge transport mechanisms. The roles of osmotic pressure, elastic network constraints, ionic effects, and pore solution chemistry are critically discussed, together with their impact on conductivity, hydration processes, microstructure development, and long-term performance. The relative contributions of ionic and electronic conduction are examined in relation to hydration state, shell morphology, and percolation of conductive networks. In addition, the relevance of core–shell SAP architectures to sustainable packaging is briefly discussed as a secondary application, illustrating how similar physicochemical principles—such as moisture buffering and functional coatings—apply beyond construction materials. Finally, key knowledge gaps are identified, including long-term stability in highly alkaline environments, trade-offs between swelling capacity and conductivity, environmental impacts of conductive phases, and the need for integrated experimental and modeling approaches. Addressing these challenges is essential for the rational design and practical implementation of conductive core–shell SAPs in next-generation cementitious materials. Full article

Wheat bran, as a major nutrient-rich agricultural by-product, is underutilized due to poor functional properties. This study investigated the synergistic effects of steam explosion (SE), enzymatic hydrolysis (EH), and SE combined with EH (SE-EH) on wheat bran to improve the dough properties, bread quality, and in vitro starch digestion. Results showed that SE destroyed the dense structure of wheat bran to form a porous surface morphology and promoted the conversion of insoluble dietary fiber (IDF) to soluble dietary fiber (SDF). This structural loosening facilitated further fiber degradation for subsequent EH and achieved the obvious improvements in hydration properties after combined treatment. For the dough system, the addition of SE-EH bran increased the water absorption, hardness, and viscosity, but reduced the development and stability time of the dough, in comparison with the control dough. These changes suggested that the modified bran altered dough hydration behavior and gluten network continuity, contributing to the increment of bread’s specific volume. The starch hydrolysis rate of bread adding SE-EH wheat bran was decreased; the slowly digestible starch (SDS) and resistant starch (RS) contents were 2.59-fold and 1.31-fold higher than the control group, respectively. Additionally, the incorporation of modified wheat bran delayed bread hardening during storage, with the SE-modified group showing the best effect. Wheat bran modification enhanced its processing functionality, providing a feasible approach for bread production to improve storage stability and nutritional quality. Full article