Search Results (1,114)

Global climate change has intensified the frequency, intensity, and spatial heterogeneity of drought events, posing severe threats to the stability of terrestrial ecosystems. Plant drought resilience, which encompasses a plant’s capacity for drought resistance, post-stress recovery, and long-term adaptation and transformation to sustain ecosystem functionality, has emerged as a central focus in botanical and ecological research. This review synthesizes the conceptual evolution of plant drought resilience, from early emphasis on resistance and recovery to the current multi-dimensional framework integrating adaptation and transformation, and synthesizes advances in understanding multi-scale drought resilience in terrestrial plants—spanning molecular, physiological, individual, community, and ecosystem levels. Key mechanisms include molecular/physiological adaptations (osmotic adjustment, antioxidant defense, hydraulic regulation, carbon–water reallocation via gene networks and aquaporins), morpho-anatomical traits (root architectural plasticity, leaf structural modifications, and hydraulic vulnerability segmentation), community/ecosystem drivers (biodiversity effects, microbial symbioses, and soil–plant–feedback dynamics). We critically evaluate quantitative metrics and expose critical gaps, including neglect of stress legacy effects, oversimplified spatiotemporal heterogeneity, and limited integration of concurrent stressors. Future research should prioritize multi-scale and multi-dimensional integrated analysis, long-term multi-scenario simulations with field validation, and harnessing plant–microbe interactions to enhance drought resilience, providing a theoretical basis for ecosystem sustainability and agricultural production under climate change. Full article

(1) Background: Recent decades have seen growing interest in neuroplasticity and the activity-dependent mechanisms that allow Brain Networks to adapt functionally. Among the various stimuli, physical exercise has emerged as a key modulator of brain plasticity. This narrative review aims to synthesize evidence on the structural and functional effects of physical exercise on the brain in healthy individuals aged 18–80 years. Exercise modalities were categorized into Cardiovascular, Strength, and Mixed Training. Each was further classified by intensity (Light-to-Moderate vs. Vigorous) and duration (Short- vs. Long-Term). A total of 25 interventions were analyzed to evaluate how these variables influence Brain Networks. Findings indicate that exercise type, intensity, and duration collectively modulate neuroplastic responses. Notably, physical training induces structural and functional changes in major Brain Networks, including the Default Mode Network, Salience Network, Central Executive Network, Visuospatial Network, Sensorimotor Network, and Language and Auditory Networks. These results underscore the potential of physical exercise as an effective non-pharmacological strategy to enhance brain health and plasticity across the adult lifespan. This narrative review aims to highlight the effects of physical exercise in changing the brain either functionally or structurally. Moreover, the most relevant exercise training modalities that may improve/change neural networks in healthy populations (18–80 years) were discussed. (2) Methods: Three different types of exercise were considered: (i) Cardiovascular, (ii) Strength, and (iii) Mixed Exercise. For each of them, two levels of intensity (Light-to-Moderate and Vigorous) and two durations (Short-Term and Long-Term Effects) were included. By analyzing 25 interventions, indications about the effects on the brain considering the three factors (type of exercises, intensities, and durations) were provided. (3) Results: The findings suggest that the type of exercises, intensities, and durations could to lead neural modification over time. Specifically, exercise intervention contributes to both structural and functional changes in brain regions located in key Brain Networks, including the Default Mode Network, Salience Network, Central Executive Network, Visuospatial Network, Sensorimotor Network, and Language and Auditory Networks. (4) Conclusions: In conclusion, the evidence presented herein underscores the beneficial effects of physical exercise on the structural and functional integrity of the brain, highlighting its importance as a non-pharmacological intervention to improve brain plasticity. Full article

Cementitious materials are susceptible to water ingress due to their hydrophilicity and porous microstructure, which can cause premature destruction and compromise long-term durability. Integral hydrophobic modification using alkyl silanes is an effective strategy for enhancing water resistance, while the influence of different silanes on early-age properties (within the first 7 d) of various binder systems remains unclear. This study investigates the rheology, flowability, setting behavior, reaction kinetics, compressive strength, and hydrophobicity of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) and alkali-activated fly ash–slag (AAFS) pastes incorporating alkyl silanes of varying alkyl chain lengths, i.e., methyl-(C1TMS), butyl-(C4TMS), octyl-(C8TMS), and dodecyl-trimethoxysilane (C12TMS). In OPC, C1TMS reduced yield stress and plastic viscosity by 33.6% and 21.0%, respectively, and improved flowability by 27.6%, whereas C4TMS, C8TMS, and C12TMS showed the opposite effects. In contrast, the effect of alkyl silanes on rheology and flowability of AAFS was less pronounced. Silanes delayed setting of OPC and AAFS by 5.6–164.4%, with shorter alkyl chains causing greater retardation. C1TMS and C4TMS inhibited early-age heat release and decreased the 1-day compressive strength by 14.8–35.7% in OPC and 82.0–84.5% in AAFS, whereas longer-chain silanes had comparatively minor effects. The hydrophobic performance in both binder systems was strongly correlated with alkyl chain length. C8TMS exhibited the best hydrophobicity in OPC, achieving a water contact angle of 145° and a 75.7% reduction in water sorptivity, while C4TMS demonstrated the highest hydrophobicity in AAFS. This study provides fundamental guidance for the rational selection of alkyl silanes in OPC and AAFS systems, offering insights into the design of multifunctional water-resistant cementitious composites for marine structures, building facades, and other applications with waterproofing requirements. Full article

The development of renewable fuel-based energy, as well as waste disposal and advanced chemical processes, makes it necessary to use materials with favorable corrosion resistance, especially in high temperature conditions. In such conditions, alloys are subject to degradation, and the rate of the processes depends directly on the state of the material at the beginning of operation and the operating environment conditions. Hence, the 800HT material was selected for the tests, which was subjected to long-term operation in variable ambient conditions. This work aims to reveal the possibility of microstructure recovery in the alloy after long-term operation and subjected to detailed LM and SEM microscopic analysis and corrosion tests in simulated environments. The tests revealed that in long-term operation conditions, periods of temperature exceedance may occur and, as a consequence, unfavorable phases affecting the plasticity of the material, such as σ-phase or M23C6, may be released. In turn, the presence of these phases, mainly at grain boundaries, does not significantly reduce corrosion resistance in nitrogen-rich environments, but causes intensive processes induced by chlorides and sulfates at high temperatures. Full article

Evidence supporting the clinical use of neuroprotective drugs for cerebral ischemia remains limited. Spatial and temporal disorientation, along with cognitive dysfunction, are among the most prominent long-term consequences of hippocampal neurodegeneration following cerebral ischemia. Cannabigerol (CBG), a non-psychotomimetic constituent of Cannabis sativa, has demonstrated neuroprotective effects in experimental models of cerebral injury. This study investigated the neuroprotective mechanisms of CBG in mitigating memory impairments caused by transient global cerebral ischemia in C57BL/6 mice using the bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (BCCAO) model. Mice underwent sham or BCCAO surgeries and received intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections of either a vehicle or CBG (1, 5, or 10 mg/Kg), starting 1 h post-surgery and continuing daily for 7 days. Spatial memory performance and depression-like behaviors were assessed using the object location test (OLT) and tail suspension test (TST), respectively. Additional analyses examined neuronal degeneration, neuroinflammation, and neuronal plasticity markers in the hippocampus. CBG attenuated ischemia-induced memory deficits, reduced neuronal loss in the hippocampus, and enhanced neuronal plasticity. These findings suggest that CBG’s neuroprotective effects against BCCAO-induced memory impairments may be mediated by reductions in neuroinflammation and modifications in neuroplasticity within the hippocampus. Full article

This study investigates sustainable mortars using lightweight synthetic sand (LSS), made from dune sand and recycled PET bottles, to replace natural sand (0–100% by volume). This aligns with circular economy principles by valorizing plastic waste into a construction aggregate. LSS is produced via controlled thermal treatment (250 ± 5 °C, 50–60 rpm), crushing, and sieving (≤3.15 mm), leading to a significantly improved interfacial transition zone (ITZ) with the cement matrix. The evaluation included physico-mechanical tests (density, strength, UPV, dynamic modulus, ductility), thermal properties (conductivity, diffusivity, heat capacity), porosity, sorptivity, alkali–silica reaction (ASR), and SEM. The results show LSS incorporation reduces mortar density (4–23% for 25–100% LSS), lowering material and logistical costs. While compressive strength decreases (35–70%), these mortars remain suitable for low-stress applications. Specifically, at ≤25% LSS, composites retain 80% of their strength, making them ideal for structural uses. LSS also enhances ductility and reduces dynamic modulus (18–69%), providing beneficial flexibility. UPV decreases (8–39%), indicating improved acoustic insulation. Thermal performance improves (4–18% conductivity reduction), suggesting insulation applicability. A progressive decrease in sorptivity (up to 46%) enhances durability. Crucially, the lack of ASR susceptibility reinforces long-term durability. This research significantly contributes to the repurposing of plastic waste into sustainable cement-based materials, advancing sustainable material management in the construction sector. Full article

The exponential increase in global plastic production, reaching over 380 million tons in recent years, has exacerbated environmental problems, particularly in agriculture. Agricultural residues, such as hazel (Corylus avellana L.) pruning and plastic wastes, are underutilized resources that can be transformed via pyrolysis into biochar. This study focuses on copyrolyzed biochar produced from hazel biomass and polyethylene and aims to evaluate its effect on the water retention properties of degraded Alfisol. Van Genuchten’s hydrological model was used to analyze parameters such as rapid drainage pores, plant-available water pores, and air capacity (AC) under varying particle sizes (small and large) and application rates (1% and 5% w/w). The results revealed that fine particles at higher doses (5%), especially in P-5%-large and P-5%-small, considerably improved plant-available water retention, particularly within micropores and mesopores. Microstructural modifications induced during pyrolysis enhanced the water retention capabilities of biochar copyrolyzed with plastic. However, its effects on AC and pore connectivity warrant further investigation to assess long-term soil functionality. By integrating waste valorization with improved agricultural practices, this study underscores the potential of biochar copyrolyzed with plastic as an amendment for degraded soil. However, the long-term stability of this amendment requires further study. Full article

Background/Objectives: Disruption of AMPAR trafficking at excitatory synapses contributes to impaired synaptic plasticity and memory formation in several neurological and psychiatric disorders. Arc, an immediate early gene product, has been shown to interact with the AMPAR auxiliary subunit TARPγ2, affecting receptor mobility and synaptic stabilization. Methods: To investigate the in vivo functional effects and protein interactions of the Arc-TARPγ2 interfering peptide RIPSYR, we performed in vivo electrophysiology and spatial memory assessments in male rats. as well as proteomic analyses of peptide-protein interactions in synaptosome lysates. We then used in silico docking to evaluate candidate binding partners. Results: In the present study, in vivo electrophysiological measurements revealed that RIPSYR administration altered early-phase long-term potentiation at CA3 synapses of male rats. Subsequent behavioral testing that assessed spatial memory performance revealed depleted memory retrieval after 24 h, indicating that the peptide has a systemic effect on experience-dependent plasticity. Then, we examined the molecular interactome of RIPSYR using magnetic bead-based immunoprecipitation and subsequent LC-MS identification on synaptosome lysates, and identified additional candidate binding partners, suggesting that the peptide may have broader modulatory effects. RIPSYR binding to the other putative binding partners are investigated by in silico methods. Conclusion: Our results raise the question of how the molecular interactions of RIPSYR contribute to its sum effects on electrophysiology and behavior. Full article

Plastic pollution in freshwater ecosystems is an increasing environmental concern, prompting the search for biodegradable polymer (BP) alternatives. However, their degradation in natural aquatic environments remains poorly investigated and understood. This four-month in situ study compared the degradation in a lentic freshwater ecosystem of two compostable items, Mater-Bi^® shopping bag and disposable dish, with their respective pure polymer matrices, poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) and polylactic acid (PLA). Additionally, biodegradable poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) and oil-based polypropylene (PP) were also tested. Changes in morphology, chemical composition and thermal and mechanical properties, as well as microbial colonization, were analyzed over time. A validated cleaning protocol was employed to ensure accurate surface analysis. Results showed detectable but limited degradation of pure polymers and their matrices in commercial products after 120 days of immersion with variations observed among polymer materials. Compostable materials exhibited significant leaching of fillers (starch, inorganic particles), leading to morphological changes and fragmentation. PHBV showed the fastest degradation among tested polyesters. PP exhibited only minor surface changes. Microbial colonization varied with polymer structure and degradability, but long-term degradation was limited by polymer properties and the gradual development of the plastisphere. This study highlights that standard laboratory tests may overestimate the environmental degradability of BPs and emphasizes the importance of in situ assessments, careful cleaning procedures and property characterizations to accurately assess polymer degradation in freshwater systems. Full article

Background and Objectives: Monteggia fracture-dislocations are rare but critical injuries in children. Accurate early diagnosis is essential to avoid long-term complications; however, such injuries are frequently missed. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of Monteggia fractures among physicians of varying specialties and experience levels and to identify factors influencing diagnostic performance. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study analyzed the radiographic interpretations of pediatric elbow and forearm injuries by six physician groups: orthopedic residents, general orthopedic surgeons, pediatric orthopedic surgeons, general radiologists, and subspecialized musculoskeletal radiologists. The final diagnosis established by pediatric radiology experts served as the reference standard. Influential variables, such as image quality, splint application, and age-related ossification, were evaluated. Results: In total, 120 patients were included, 40 (33.3%) of whom were diagnosed with Monteggia fractures and 80 (66.7%) with other fracture types. The diagnostic accuracy of Monteggia fractures varied significantly according to the physician’s experience. First-year residents and non-subspecialty radiologists had the highest rate of missed diagnoses. While other fracture types were occasionally influenced by technical factors, most missed Monteggia fracture cases stemmed from recognition failure. Subtle imaging features, plastic deformation of the ulna, and the omission of dedicated elbow views contributed to the misdiagnosis. Awareness and training improved performance, and a high index of suspicion was identified as crucial. Early follow-ups and standardized imaging protocols were identified as effective safeguards. Conclusions: Experience level, awareness, and imaging protocol quality were identified as being central to the accurate diagnosis of pediatric Monteggia fractures. Implementing educational strategies, promoting systematic imaging reviews, and reinforcing team-based approaches may reduce the rate of missed diagnoses. Full article

Background/Objectives: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with stone extraction is the standard treatment for common bile duct (CBD) stones. However, when complete removal is not feasible, the temporary placement of a plastic stent (PS) is commonly used. This study aimed to assess 12-month stent patency in elderly patients with CBD stones. Methods: This prospective study included patients aged 70 years or older who underwent ERCP with PS placement for CBD stones at Daegu Catholic University Medical Center from March to December 2023. Patients were followed every three months with laboratory tests and abdominal radiographs. Stent dysfunction was defined as either cholangitis or cholecystitis due to stent migration or occlusion. Results: Of 12 enrolled patients, 2 were lost to follow-up. The remaining 10 had a median age of 85 years. The median stone diameter and number were 16.5 mm and 3, respectively. Two patients (20%) experienced stent dysfunction at 1.4 and 2.7 months and underwent successful stent exchange. Of the remaining eight, one declined further ERCP, while seven underwent elective ERCP at 12 months. Among them, five achieved successful stone removal and two required stent exchange. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed 90% patency at 1.4 months and 80% at 2.7 months, maintained through 12 months. Conclusions: Plastic stents showed an acceptable 12-month patency in most elderly patients. Early complications suggest the need for close monitoring during the first three months, after which long-term stent maintenance may be feasible in selected cases. Larger studies are needed to validate these findings. Full article

During the long-term operation of salt cavern gas storage, multiple injections and extractions of gas will cause periodic temperature changes in the storage, resulting in thermal fatigue damage to the surrounding rock of the salt cavern and seriously affecting the stability of the storage. This article takes the salt rock samples after thermal fatigue treatment as the research object, adopts a uniaxial compression test, and combines DIC and Acoustic Emission (AE) technology to study the influence of different temperatures and cycle times on the mechanical properties of salt rock. The results indicate that as the number of cycles and upper limit temperature increase, thermal stress induces continuous propagation of microcracks, leading to continuous accumulation of structural damage, enhanced radial deformation, and intensified local displacement concentration, causing salt rock to enter the failure stage earlier. The initial stress for expansion and the volume expansion at the time of failure both show a decreasing trend. After 40 cycles, the compressive strength and elastic modulus decreased by 23.8% and 27.4%, respectively, and the crack failure mode gradually shifted from tension-dominated to tension-shear composite. At the same time, salt rock exhibits typical “elastic-plastic creep” behavior under uniaxial compression, but the uneven expansion and thermal fatigue effects caused by periodic temperature changes suppress plastic slip, resulting in an overall decrease in peak strain energy. The proportion of elastic strain energy increases from 21% to 38%, and the deformation process shows a trend of enhanced elastic dominant characteristics. The changes in the physical and mechanical properties of salt rock under periodic temperature effects revealed by this study can provide an important theoretical basis for the long-term safe operation of underground salt cavern storage facilities. Full article

Context: To revive the practice of planting legume green manure (GM) in the fallow period in rainfed agricultural areas, it is essential to demonstrate the benefits of this practice on the yields and water use efficiency (WUE) of subsequent crops, especially when integrating with optimized water and fertilizer management. Objectives: We conducted a field experiment to determine the positive effects of planting legume GM in the summer fallow on the yield, WUE, and nitrogen uptake efficiency (NupE) of subsequent winter wheat, which was grown with plastic film mulching and integrated fertilization in the Loess Plateau of China. Methods: A split-plot-designed experiment was arranged with two main treatments, namely (1) wheat planting followed by GM planting in the summer fallow (GM) and (2) conventional wheat monoculture followed by bare land summer fallow (BL), and three sub-treatments: (1) control treatment without any chemical fertilizer (Ct), (2) application of chemical N, P, and K as basal fertilizer (B), and (3) application of basal fertilizer plus wheat straw return (BS). Results: In the initial two years, even in a dry year, GM did not decrease the soil water content and storage (0–200 cm layer) during the subsequent winter wheat season, relative to BL. But in the third and fourth years, GM increased the grain yield of winter wheat by 3.2% and 3.8%, respectively. B and BS increased the grain yield of winter wheat by 14.4% and 22.2%, respectively, during the third experimental year, and by 12.7% and 19.4% during the fourth experimental year, primarily through increasing the population density of winter wheat. The increase in the grain yield contributed to a higher WUE of winter wheat. In the third year, GM increased the water consumption (WC) and WUE of wheat by 2.4% and 1.7%, respectively, though they were far lower than B (8.3% and 5.6%) and BS (10.4% and 10.7%). B and BS resulted in a higher yield and N nutrition than GM alone, but GM combined with B and BS resulted in the highest yield and N nutrition, thus greatly decreasing the NupE and increasing N productivity. Conclusions: Planting legume GM in the fallow can further increase the long-term yield, WUE, and N utilization of winter wheat when integrated with chemical fertilization and wheat straw return in rainfed agriculture. Implications: Our study yields new insights into the agronomic benefits of legume GM application in semi-arid or analogous rainfed agroecosystems and underscores the critical role of water conservation in ensuring dryland agricultural production, particularly in regions undergoing optimization of fertilization. Full article

Rapid pavement repair demands materials that combine accelerated strength gains, dimensional stability, long-term durability, and sustainability. However, finding materials or formulations that offer these balances remains a critical challenge. This study systematically evaluates two polymer-modified belitic calcium sulfoaluminate (CSA) concretes—CSAP (powdered polymer) and CSA-LLP (liquid polymer admixture)—against a traditional Type III Portland cement (OPC) control under both laboratory and realistic outdoor conditions. Laboratory specimens were tested for fresh properties, early-age and later-age compressive, flexural, and splitting tensile strengths, as well as drying shrinkage according to ASTM standards. Outdoor 5 × 4 × 12-inch slabs mimicking typical jointed plain concrete panels (JPCPs), instrumented with vibrating wire strain gauges and thermocouples, recorded the strain and temperature at 5 min intervals over 16 weeks, with 24 h wet-burlap curing to replicate field practices. Laboratory findings show that CSA mixes exceeded 3200 psi of compressive strength at 4 h, but cold outdoor casting (~48 °F) delayed the early-age strength development. The CSA-LLP exhibited the lowest drying shrinkage (0.036% at 16 weeks), and outdoor CSA slabs captured the initial ettringite-driven expansion, resulting in a net expansion (+200 µε) rather than contraction. Approximately 80% of the total strain evolved within the first 48 h, driven by autogenous and plastic effects. CSA mixes generated lower peak internal temperatures and reduced thermal strain amplitudes compared to the OPC, improving dimensional stability and mitigating restraint-induced cracking. These results underscore the necessity of field validation for shrinkage compensation mechanisms and highlight the critical roles of the polymer type and curing protocol in optimizing CSA-based repairs for durable, low-carbon pavement rehabilitation. Full article

To address the critical challenge of synergistically enhancing both high-temperature mechanical properties and thermal conductivity in neutron-absorbing materials for dry storage of spent nuclear fuel, this study proposes an innovative strategy. This approach involves the controlled distribution, size, and crystalline states of nano-Al₂O₃ within an aluminum matrix. By combining plastic deformation and heat treatment, we aim to achieve a structurally integrated functional design. A systematic investigation was conducted on the microstructural evolution of Al₂O₃/10 wt.% B₄C/Al composites in their forged, extruded, and heat-treated states. We also examined how these states affect high-temperature mechanical properties and thermal conductivity. The results indicate that applying hot extrusion deformation along with optimized heat treatment parameters (500 °C for 24 h) allows for a lamellar dispersion of nano-Al₂O₃ and a crystallographic transition from amorphous to γ-phase. As a result, the composite demonstrates a tensile strength of 144 MPa and an enhanced thermal conductivity of 181 W/(m·K) at 350 °C. These findings provide theoretical insights and technical support for ensuring the high density and long-term safety of spent fuel storage materials. Full article