Search Results (179)

Congenital Anomalies of the Kidney and Urinary Tract (CAKUT) are among the most common congenital malformations and the leading cause of chronic kidney disease in children. They arise when key steps in kidney development are disrupted, including ureteric bud induction, branching morphogenesis and nephron progenitor differentiation. These processes depend on coordinated transcriptional programs, signaling pathways, ciliary function and proper extracellular matrix (ECM) organization. Advances in whole exome and whole genome sequencing, as well as copy number variation analysis, have expanded the spectrum of known monogenic causes. Pathogenic variants have now been identified in major transcriptional regulators and multiple ciliopathy-related genes. Evidence also points to defects in central signaling pathways and changes in ECM composition as contributors to CAKUT pathogenesis. Clinical presentations vary widely, shaped by modifying effects of genetic background, epigenetic regulation and environmental influences such as maternal diabetes and fetal hypoxia. Emerging tools, including human kidney organoids, gene-editing approaches and single-cell or spatial transcriptomics, allow detailed exploration of developmental mechanisms and validation of candidate pathways. Overall, CAKUT reflects a multifactorial condition shaped by interacting genetic, epigenetic and environmental determinants. Integrating genomic data with experimental models is essential for improving diagnosis, deepening biological insight and supporting the development of targeted therapeutic strategies. Full article

Induced resistance in plants is a promising strategy for pest management, helping to reduce dependence on synthetic pesticides. However, no study has yet examined the interaction between Tetranychus urticae and Aronia melanocarpa, including host acceptance, performance, and antioxidant defence mechanisms. In this study, host acceptance of T. urticae was evaluated using two A. melanocarpa ecotypes: a non-cultivar (AMe) and the cultivated variety ‘Galicjanka’ (AGe). Leaf morphological traits (trichome density and length) and key life-history parameters of the mite (fecundity, egg development time, and larval duration) were assessed. Mite feeding effects on oxidative stress markers (hydrogen peroxide—H₂O₂; thiobarbituric acid reactive substances—TBARS) and antioxidant enzyme activity (guaiacol peroxidase—GPX ascorbate peroxidase—APX) were analysed by ecotype and infestation duration. Results showed low fecundity and prolonged development, indicating that neither ecotype is a preferred host for T. urticae. Ecotype-dependent differences in acceptance and mite performance suggest that variation in trichome density and biochemical traits may influence susceptibility. Baseline differences in H₂O₂ and TBARS imply a role in constitutive resistance, while their induction, accompanied by increased GPX and APX activity, highlights oxidative stress and antioxidant defences as key components of A. melanocarpa responses to mite attack. Full article

Flexible packaging often consists of multilayer films that combine different materials to achieve high barrier performance, but these structures are incompatible with current recycling technologies. Polyolefins such as polypropylene (PP) offer more recyclable alternatives but require additional oxygen-barrier materials that do not compromise recyclability. This study investigates the influence of ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), Ormocer^® barrier coating, and PP labels with different adhesives on PP recyclability. Recyclates were produced using twin-screw extruder to simulate the recycling process and then injection-molding to make tensile test specimens. Mechanical properties, melt flow rate (MFR), oxygen induction time (OIT), and odor were evaluated. Findings showed that low label content (5–12.5%) has minimal impact on recyclate quality. The addition of 10% EVOH increased the elastic modulus of PP granulate and cast-PP (cPP) film by 26% and 14%, respectively, and improved oxidation stability by 9%, while reducing cPP film impact strength by 77%. Ormocer^® decreased mechanical performance, particularly elongation at break (−18%), likely due to defect-inducing particles, but had limited influence on MFR. Labels and Ormocer^® also introduced odor variations. Overall, the findings indicate that EVOH up to 10% and labels up to 12.5% yield promising results, providing guidance for designing recyclable, monomaterial packaging. Full article

Highly sensitive bioinspired cutaneous receptors are essential for realistic human-robot interaction. This study presents a biomimetic tactile sensor morphologically modeled after the Meissner corpuscle, designed for high dynamic sensitivity achieved using a coiled configuration. Our proposed electrolytic polymerization technique with magnet-responsive hybrid fluid (HF) was employed to fabricate soft, elastic rubber sensors with embedded coiled electrodes. The coiled configuration, optimized by electrolytic polymerization, exhibited high responsiveness to dynamic motions including pressing, pinching, twisting, bending, and shearing. The mechanism of the haptic property was analyzed by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), revealing that reactance variations define an equivalent electric circuit (EEC) whose resistance (R_p), capacitance (C_p), and inductance (L_p) change with applied force; these changes correspond to mechanical deformation and the resulting variation in the sensor’s built-in voltage. The roll-type Meissner-inspired sensor demonstrated fast-adapting behavior and broadband vibratory sensitivity, indicating its potential for high-performance tactile and auditory sensing. These findings confirm the feasibility of electrolytically polymerized hybrid fluid rubber as a platform for next-generation bioinspired haptic interfaces. Full article

Bearing health monitoring is essential for ensuring the reliability and operational safety of induction machines, as bearing faults remain among the most frequent failure modes in rotating electrical equipment. This work contributes to condition monitoring by enhancing the robustness of health indicators and developing a supply-frequency-independent health indicator (HI) for bearing fault diagnosis using Motor Current Signature Analysis (MCSA). The objective is to design an HI capable of reliably representing the bearing degradation state under varying operating conditions, particularly when the supply frequency changes. To achieve this, the study briefly examines the key physical mechanisms governing the detectability of bearing-related spectral signatures—including rotational frequency, unbalanced magnetic pull, eddy currents, skin effect, and hydrodynamic forces. The theoretical analysis establishes the overall trend expected under varying supply frequencies and clarifies how these phenomena collectively influence the spectral characteristics of the fault components and the frequency-dependent evolution of their amplitudes. These insights are experimentally validated using induction machines fitted with bearings of two fault severities. Leveraging this physical understanding, a modified regression-based compensation model is introduced to reduce the frequency-dependent variation in the HI. The resulting compensating factor effectively stabilizes the frequency response, producing a more consistent and monotonic degradation trend across the tested conditions. The proposed method is computationally lightweight, does not require run-to-failure data or detailed physical modeling, and is suitable for real-time implementation. By integrating physical insight with data-driven modeling, this work presents a practical and frequency-independent HI framework that can be readily deployed within digital-twin-based condition monitoring architectures for induction machines. Full article

This scoping review synthesized evidence from 2015 to 2025 on the anti-inflammatory and anticancer potential of pecan (Carya illinoinensis) kernel extracts, focusing on bioactive composition and cell signaling pathway modulation. Pecan kernels contain diverse phenolic compounds including gallic acid, catechin, epicatechin, and ellagic acid, along with tocopherols and unsaturated fatty acids, exhibiting significant cultivar-dependent variation influenced by ripening stage, processing conditions, and orchard management practices. In vitro studies demonstrate that kernel extracts possess substantial antioxidant capacity and exert antiproliferative and cytotoxic effects against various human cancer cell lines, including colon cancer cells, with evidence of apoptosis induction. Extraction methodologies significantly influence bioactive compound recovery and biological activity, with both lipid and phenolic fractions contributing to therapeutic potential. While current evidence highlights promising anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties mediated through modulation of apoptotic pathways, research remains predominantly limited to compositional analyses and in vitro models. Future investigations should elucidate specific molecular mechanisms, identify precise signaling pathway targets, conduct in vivo validation studies, and optimize processing conditions to maximize bioactive retention for potential therapeutic applications in cancer prevention and treatment. Full article

Soil salinity poses a critical threat to global agricultural productivity, exacerbating food security challenges in arid and semi-arid regions. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the physiological and biochemical impacts of salinity stress in plants, with a focus on the role of gibberellic acid (GA₃) in mitigating these effects. Salinity disrupts ion homeostasis, induces osmotic stress, and generates reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to reduced chlorophyll content, impaired photosynthesis, and stunted growth across all developmental stages, i.e., from seed germination to flowering. Excess sodium (Na⁺) and chloride (Cl⁻) accumulation disrupts nutrient uptake, destabilizes membranes, and inhibits enzymes critical for carbon fixation, such as Rubisco. GA₃ emerges as a key regulator of salinity resilience, enhancing stress tolerance through various mechanisms like scavenging ROS, stabilizing photosynthetic machinery, modulating stomatal conductance, and promoting osmotic adjustment via osmolyte accumulation (e.g., proline). Plant hormone’s interaction with DELLA proteins and cross-talk with abscisic acid, ethylene, and calcium signaling pathways further fine-tune stress responses. However, gaps persist in understanding GA₃-mediated floral induction under salinity and its precise role in restoring photosynthetic efficiency. While exogenous GA₃ application improves growth parameters, its efficacy depends on the concentration- and species-dependent, with lower doses often proving beneficial and optimum doses potentially inhibitory. Field validation of lab-based findings is critical, given variations in soil chemistry and irrigation practices. Future research must integrate biotechnological tools (CRISPR, transcriptomics) to unravel GA₃ signaling networks, optimize delivery methods, and develop climate-resilient crops. This review underscores the urgency of interdisciplinary approaches to harness GA₃’s potential in sustainable salinity management, ensuring food security and safety in the rapidly salinizing world. Full article

Land desertification in the Agropastoral ecotone of arid and semi-arid regions poses significant threats to ecological security. Elucidating the geochemical characteristics and provenance of surface sediments is crucial for understanding desertification mechanisms and developing effective sand-control strategies. This study focuses on Kangbao County in the Bashang region of Hebei Province. We systematically collected 57 surface sediment samples from four geomorphic units: low mountains-hills, gently sloping hills, gully depressions, and undulating plains. Major and trace element concentrations were determined using X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Elemental ratios, principal component analysis (PCA), and Non-metric Multidimensional Scaling (nMDS) were employed to decipher sediment geochemical signatures and provenance, emphasizing geomorphologically controlled source differentiation mechanisms. Key findings are as follows: (1) Geochemical characteristics reveal that sediment elemental enrichment or depletion patterns exhibit fundamental differences depending on the specific bedrock reference. When normalized against felsic versus mafic end-members, elements including Fe₂O₃, MgO, TiO₂, CaO, Cr, Ni, Co, V, Rb, and Ba demonstrate contrasting geochemical behaviors. (2) The sediments originate from a homogenized mixture derived from the weathering of regional bedrock, clearly distinct from the high-maturity aeolian sands of the Hunshandake Sandy Land. (3) The spatial geochemical differentiation of surface sediments follows a two-stage process: the initial formation of a homogenized sediment source from bedrock weathering products, followed by subtle modification through landform-specific geomorphic processes, resulting in weak but systematic geochemical variations across the landscape. Based on these findings, a zonal management strategy is proposed to disrupt the localized sediment cycle by intercepting sources in hilly areas, restoring gully depressions, and blocking aeolian pathways on the plains. This study provides a scientific basis for precise desertification control in Kangbao and supports ecological barrier enhancement for the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region. Full article

This paper analyzes the behavior of a three-phase induction motor (IM) during voltage sags in the supply network and its subsequent re-acceleration following voltage recovery. A dynamic mathematical model based on the two-axis (d,q) representation of the IM is developed, taking into account variations in supply voltage, electromagnetic torque, and stator currents over time. The model enables a detailed assessment of motor stability and transient behavior when the supply voltage falls below nominal levels. The analysis covers sag depths of 0.9–0.5 ${\mathrm{U}}_{\mathrm{N}}$ and interruption durations of 0.14 s and 1.14 s, quantifying stator currents and electromagnetic torque both at the instant of the dip and within the first cycles after recovery. Particular attention is given to identifying the conditions under which the IM may fail to re-accelerate or transition into generator mode, depending on the depth and duration of the voltage sag and the type of mechanical load. The study includes simulations for a 0.75 kW IM under both constant and variable torque conditions, as well as different types and durations of short-circuit faults in the supply system. Results show that sag duration has little effect at sag onset but strongly influences recovery inrush and torque oscillations; shorter interruptions yield lower recovery currents. The findings provide practical insights for the design of more robust power supply infrastructures and the refinement of motor control and protection strategies. Full article

Nitroguanidine-type energetic materials have broad application prospects in the propellant field, and their derivative structures are numerous, with intricate changes in macro-level properties. However, due to the unclear inherent evolution mechanisms of these macro-level properties, the structural optimization of compounds and the iteration of application systems face difficulties. This work systematically investigates the variations in density, thermal decomposition, and sensitivity among nitroguanidine (NQ), 1-amino-2-nitroguanidine (ANQ), and 1-amino-2-nitroguanidinium nitrate (ANGN). Hirshfeld surface and bond dissociation energy analyses reveal that strengthened electrostatic and inductive interactions enhance the hydrogen bonding network in ANGN, leading to its higher density compared to NQ. In contrast, weakened electrostatic interactions in ANQ result in a less robust hydrogen bonding network and a correspondingly lower density. The sensitivity trend is consistently explained from both molecular and crystalline perspectives: an increasingly inhomogeneous electrostatic potential distribution, coupled with a higher frequency of O···O contacts, provides a coherent explanation for the experimental observations. Furthermore, the electron-withdrawing -NH₃⁺ group in ANGN weakens the N–NO₂ bond, reducing its bond dissociation energy and leading to the most intense NO₂ mass spectral signal during thermal decomposition. ANQ exhibits the opposite behavior. A linear correlation (R² = 0.92) is observed between the N–NO₂ BDE and NO₂ mass spectral intensity across NQ, ANQ, and ANGN. This study provides unique insights into the intrinsic mechanisms governing variations in the properties of nitroguanidine derivatives. Full article

This paper presents adaptive sliding mode observers (A-SMOs) performing speed estimation for sensorless induction motor drives utilized in both industrial and electrical vehicle (EV) applications due to their computational simplicity. The fact that the constant switching gain (${\lambda }_0$) is used in conventional SMOs (C-SMOs) leads to the chattering problem, especially in low-speed regions. To tackle this issue, this paper proposes two different ${\lambda }_0$ adaptation mechanisms based on fuzzy and curve fitting methods. To estimate stator stationary axis components of stator currents and rotor fluxes together with the rotor speed, the proposed A-SMOs only utilize the measured stator currents and voltages of the IM. Here, the difference only between the estimated and measured stator currents is determined as the sliding surface in the proposed A-SMOs. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed fuzzy-based A-SMO (FA-SMO) and curve fitting-based A-SMO (CFA-SMO), they are compared with C-SMO in real-time experiments for different scenarios including wide speed range operations of IM with/without load torque changes. Moreover, the stator and rotor resistances as well as the magnetizing inductance variations are also examined in real-time experiments of the proposed methods and the conventional one. The estimation results demonstrate how positively the ${\lambda }_0$ adaptations in FA-SMO and CFA-SMO affect the performance of C-SMO. Finally, two A-SMOs with improved performance are introduced and verified through real-time experiments. Full article

As one of the world’s most widely used packaging materials, paper obtains its properties from its major component: wood. Variations in the species of wood result in variations in the paper’s mechanical properties. The pulp and paper production industry is known to be a polluting industry and a consumer of a large amount of energy but remains an essential heavy industry globally. Paper production, based largely on the kraft process, is mainly intended for the food packaging sector and, thus, is associated with contamination risks. The lack of standardized regulations and the different analytical techniques used make information on the subject complex, particularly for inorganic elements where little information is available in the literature. Most research in this field is based on sample preparation using mineralization via acid digestion to obtain a liquid and homogeneous matrix, mainly with a HNO₃/H₂O₂ mixture. The most commonly used techniques are Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS), Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry (ICP-AES), and Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), each with its advantages and disadvantages, which complicates the use of these tech-niques for routine analyses on an industrial site. In the same field of inorganic compound analysis, Microwave Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry (MP-AES) has become a real alternative to techniques such as AAS or ICP-AES. This technique has been used in several studies in the food and environmental fields. This publication aims to examine, for the first time, the state of the art regarding the analysis of inorganic elements in food packaging and different matrices using MP-AES. The entire manufacturing process is studied to identify possible sources of inorganic contaminants. Various analytical techniques used in the field are also presented, as well as research conducted with MP-AES to highlight the potential benefits of this technique in the field. Full article

This study evaluates the impact of mineralogy, elemental composition, and reaction pathways on hydrogen (H₂) generation in seven ultramafic and mafic (basaltic) rocks. Experiments were conducted under typical low-temperature hydrothermal conditions (150 °C) and captured early and evolving stages of fluid–rock interaction. Pre- and post-interactions, the solid phase was analyzed using X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), while Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used to determine the composition of the aqueous fluids. Results show that not all geologic H₂-generating reactions involving ultramafic and mafic rocks result in the formation of serpentine, brucite, or magnetite. Our observations suggest that while mineral transformation is significant and may be the predominant mechanism, there is also the contribution of surface-mediated electron transfer and redox cycling processes. The outcome suggests continuous H₂ production beyond mineral phase changes, indicating active reaction pathways. Particularly, in addition to transition metal sites, some ultramafic rock minerals may promote redox reactions, thereby facilitating ongoing H₂ production beyond their direct hydration. Fluid–rock interactions also regenerate reactive surfaces, such as clinochlore, zeolite, and augite, enabling sustained H₂ production, even without serpentine formation. Variation in reaction rates depends on mineralogy and reaction kinetics rather than being solely controlled by Fe oxidation states. These findings suggest that ultramafic and mafic rocks may serve as dynamic, self-sustaining systems for generating H₂. The potential involvement of transition metal sites (e.g., Ni, Mo, Mn, Cr, Cu) within the rock matrix may accelerate H₂ production, requiring further investigation. This perspective shifts the focus from serpentine formation as the primary driver of H₂ production to a more complex mechanism where mineral surfaces play a significant role. Understanding these processes will be valuable for refining experimental approaches, improving kinetic models of H₂ generation, and informing the site selection and design of engineered H₂ generation systems in ultramafic and mafic formations. Full article

Although heterosis plays a crucial role in enhancing crop yield and stress resistance, its underlying genetic mechanism remains not yet fully understood. Previous studies have shown that heterosis tends to increase with greater genetic distance in the absence of reproductive isolation barriers. However, whether variation in parental genome size alone can generate heterosis under near-isogenic backgrounds has not been thoroughly explored. Here, we used a rapeseed double haploid (DH) inducer line to generate progeny from the Pol CMS three-line hybrid Rongyou 18 (RY18). Although the progeny maintained the same ploidy level as the parents, their genome sizes showed notable variation (818.99–1024.88 Mb). To eliminate genetic distance effects, multiple DH progeny carrying restorer genes were crossed as paternal parents with the female parent 0068A of RY18, creating novel F₁ hybrids. Using RY18 as the control, we observed a marked reduction in the genetic distance between the newly induced restorer line and the female parent (0068A). Correlation analysis further revealed a significant negative correlation (r = −0.310 *) between the paternal genome size and heterosis for thousand-seed weight (TSW). Furthermore, the genomic expansion in hybrid offspring relative to the male parent showed that significant correlations were observed between paternal genome size and heterosis over the standard for both TSW (r = 0.300, p < 0.05) and plot yield (r = 0.326, p < 0.05). Resequencing of high-and low-yielding F₁ hybrids identified SNP sites, indicating that under an identical genetic background, heterosis for yield was more pronounced on chromosome A and chromosome C04. The doubled haploid (DH) induction line facilitates the generation of parental lines with distinct genome sizes, potentially providing a potential novel approach for studying heterosis research in Brassica napus. Full article

CCCH zinc finger proteins play critical roles in plant growth, development and stress responses. Here, 56 CCCH genes were identified in Morus alba. These genes displayed wide variation in coding sequence (456–6318 bp) and protein length (151–2105 aa), with most proteins predicted to localize in the nucleus and a few in chloroplasts, the endoplasmic reticulum or cytoplasm. Chromosomal mapping showed uneven distribution across 14 chromosomes, with tandem clusters on chromosomes 1, 6 and 13. Phylogenetic analysis classified 53 MaC3Hs into 13 subfamilies, while three genes remained ungrouped. Synteny analysis revealed four segmental duplication events, suggesting segmental duplication as the major expansion mechanism, under purifying selection. Comparative collinearity showed higher conservation with Arabidopsis thaliana than with rice or maize. Promoter analysis identified 22 cis-acting elements, mainly related to phytohormones, followed by abiotic stress and developmental regulation. Expression profiling under drought stress revealed differential expression across tissues, with MaC3H33 showing strong induction (>200-fold in stems on day 6). Subcellular localization confirmed MaC3H33 is nuclear, and yeast assays indicated no self-activation. These findings provide comprehensive insights into the MaC3H gene family and lay a foundation for functional studies related to drought tolerance in mulberry. Full article