Search Results (3,278)

Washingtonia filifera is important for its ecological, economic, cultural, horticultural, ornamental, and medicinal potential. Elicitation of in vitro cultures presents a promising and efficient method for the large-scale production of valuable bioactive compounds. This study assessed the effect of chitosan concentration (0, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100 mg L⁻¹) on biomass growth [fresh weight (FW), dry weight (DW)] and phytochemical profile [total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), DPPH antioxidant activity, total phenolic productivity (TPP), total flavonoid productivity (TFP)] in W. filifera callus and cell suspension cultures. Among different plant growth regulator combinations tested, 3 mg L⁻¹ 2,4-D + 0.5 mg L⁻¹ 2ip gave higher callus induction (90%) (MS medium, 12 weeks). A maximum growth curve (FW: 180 mg) of cell suspension culture was achieved 7 weeks after initiation (shaker at 90 rpm for 24 h). Cell suspension exhibited higher FW, DW, TPC, TFC, DPPH, TPP, and TFP than callus, while flavonoid production was higher than phenolic production. FW and DW were higher in both systems, with 40 mg L⁻¹ chitosan. Chitosan at 60 mg L⁻¹ best enhanced the phytochemical profile of both the 4-week solidified callus and the 7-week liquid cell suspension (TPC: 29.9 and 32.1 mg GAE g⁻¹ DW; TFC: 40.5 and 56.1 mg QE g⁻¹ DW; TPP: 969.2 and 1122.6 mg L⁻¹; TFP: 1313.9 and 1521.7 mg L⁻¹; DPPH: 87.4 and 92.3%), respectively, while 40 mg L⁻¹ chitosan was equally effective regarding DW, TFC, and TFP in cell suspension. Chitosan elicitation provides a powerful strategy to upregulate phenolic and flavonoid biosynthesis in W. filifera in vitro systems, conferring superior antioxidant potential. The identification of peak elicitation parameters (chitosan concentration, exposure time) allows for the targeted enhancement of bioactive compound yields, suggesting a viable path for industrial bioproduction and commercialization in pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and functional foods, leveraging bioreactor technology for efficient scale-up. Full article

Background/Objectives: Interactions between colorectal tumours and their immune microenvironment critically influence disease progression and response to immunotherapy. However, most organoid systems fail to preserve the complex architecture and immune composition of the original tissue. Here, we applied the air–liquid interface (ALI) organoid model to paired tumour and perilesional colon tissues from colorectal cancer patients to evaluate its ability to retain immune and genetic features and to reproduce responses to chemotherapy and immune checkpoint blockade. Methods: Fresh human tumour and matched healthy colon tissues were processed to generate ALI organoids. Their histological organization, immune cell composition (including CD45⁺ subsets), and genomic profiles were compared with those of the parental tissues and with conventional Matrigel organoids, either alone or co-cultured with peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Organoids were exposed to 5-FU and nivolumab (anti–PD-1) to assess local immune modulation. Results: ALI organoids faithfully preserved the three-dimensional architecture, native immune infiltrates, and somatic mutational landscape of the source tissues. Importantly, upon PD-1 blockade with nivolumab, ALI organoids consistently exhibited a local expansion of regulatory T cells (Tregs), a phenomenon that could contribute to adaptive immune resistance. This response was not reproduced in PBMC–Matrigel co-culture systems, highlighting the importance of preserving endogenous tumour–immune interactions. Conclusions: Patient-derived ALI organoids represent a physiologically relevant platform that conserves key structural, immunological, and genomic hallmarks of colorectal cancer. By capturing clinically relevant immune remodeling events, such as Treg expansion following PD-1 blockade, this model provides a powerful tool for dissecting tumour–immune interactions. Full article

Implantable intrabody communication (IBC) is a method that enables low-power, high-security communication between implanted in-body devices that could track biomedical signals and an on-body receiver by using the human body as a communication medium. As the human body consists of various tissues that each have different conductivity, this paper explores the effects of the conductivity of the communication medium on the channel gain over a wide frequency range from 10 MHz up to 300 MHz through the measurements and two models: an electrical circuit model and a FEM simulation model. Measurements are conducted using a liquid phantom with varying conductivity values from 0 S/m up to 1 S/m, covering most human tissues in the frequency range of interest. The circuit and FEM models are designed to mimic the measurement setup in order to verify the measurement results. Results show that the circuit model predicts the communication channel characteristics well at lower frequencies but cannot account for the influence of the measurement setup at higher frequencies. The influence of wire inductances, which can cause a resonant behavior when measuring at frequencies above 100 MHz, was observed using the FEM model. The results also show that the higher the conductivity of the tissue in which the device is implanted, the lower the gain of the signal, with the difference in gain being more prominent when capacitive termination with a high-impedance load is used instead of low-impedance termination. These findings provide valuable insight for selecting the appropriate interface (low-impedance vs. high-impedance termination) across specific frequency ranges for in-body to on-body (IB2OB) communication devices, while illustrating the effect of tissue conductivity on an IBC channel, thereby supporting the optimized design and implementation of reliable IB2OB communication systems. Full article

Detecting and quantifying disinfection by-products (DBPs), especially brominated species (Br-DBPs), is analytically challenging, often necessitating multiple techniques and specific standards for each target. This complexity hinders comprehensive assessment. To overcome these limitations, we present a powerful, integrated approach combining liquid chromatography with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LC-ICP-MS) and high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS). This method enables rapid, non-targeted group screening of Br-DBPs: LC-ICP-MS selectively identifies bromine-containing compounds, while LC-HRMS provides tentative structural identification. Crucially, this synergistic combination allows for the quantification of any Br-DBP without requiring individual reference standards. This study successfully demonstrates the application of this combined LC-ICP-MS and LC-HRMS strategy for the non-targeted detection, identification, and subsequent quantification of Br-DBPs in real drinking water samples, offering a significant advancement for DBP monitoring and risk assessment. Full article

Symphytum officinale L. (Boraginaceae) is a plant with proven anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity on the musculoskeletal system. The traditional use of comfrey primarily refers to its roots, although some literature also mentions the leaves as an alternative plant material. Comparing the therapeutic potential of both plant materials requires additional data on the chemical composition of S. officinale leaves and their biological properties. The aim of the study was to analyze polyphenols in comfrey leaves of different origins and to assess their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential against comfrey roots, also collected from different sources. Polyphenol profiles were recognized by 2D TLC and HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS methods, and quantitative analysis was performed by the HPLC-UV/Vis (high performance liquid chromatograph with-ultraviolet/visible detection) method. The antioxidant activity was assessed using DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power), and ABTS (2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline- 6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt) assays, and for leaves also using the TLC-DB (thin layer chromatography-direct bioautography) technique with the DPPH radical. Chemometric analysis to assess the relationship between the antioxidant activity and the origin of comfrey plant raw materials was performed. Factor analysis (FA) confirmed that geographic origin and cultivation conditions influenced the antioxidant content of both plant raw materials. The study results indicate that comfrey leaves can substitute for comfrey roots containing not only caffeic acid derivatives but also flavonoids, and exhibiting stronger antioxidant activity. Full article

Recent progress in hydrogen combustion indicates that hydrogen could partially or fully replace traditional fuels in power plants, but maintaining stable flames remains a major challenge for many combustion systems. This study presents the effect of hydrogen enrichment of Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) on the low-swirl flame structure and flame temperature at different hydrogen mass fractions and equivalence ratios (φ = 0.501 and 1.04). The experimental observations for low-swirl flames under various conditions, including the effect of increasing hydrogen enrichment from 0% to ~20%, were discussed. Experiments were performed using a swirl burner, flame photography, and temperature measurements to evaluate the dynamic swirl flame, stability, and flame temperature distribution. The results show that moderate hydrogen enrichment (5–15%) improves flame stability and delays blow-off. In contrast, very high hydrogen concentrations may destabilize the flame due to higher reactivity and enhanced sensitivity to flow perturbations. Also, hydrogen enrichment up to ~20% enhances flame compactness, intensifies heat release, and reduces oscillatory instability without triggering blow-off or flashback, making hydrogen blending a promising strategy for stabilizing swirl flames at rich operating conditions. Finally, hydrogen enrichment consistently increases swirl flame temperature at both equivalence ratios. Full article

As the power density of microelectronic devices and components continues to increase, thermal management has become a critical bottleneck limiting their performance and reliability. With its advantages of effective heat dissipation, no need for external power, and good safety, the micro pulsating heat pipe (MPHP) exhibits unique application advantages and enormous development potential when compared to other cutting-edge thermal management solutions, such as embedded microchannel cooling technology, which has complicated manufacturing processes and is prone to leakage, or thermoelectric material cooling technology, which is limited by material efficiency and self-heating. However, a pulsating heat pipe (PHP) is vulnerable to the combined impacts of several elements (scale effects, wall effects, and interfacial effects) at the micro-scale, which can lead to highly variable heat transfer characteristics and complex two-phase flow behavior. There are still few thorough experimental reviews on this subject, despite the fact that many researchers have concentrated on the MPHP and carried out in-depth experimental investigations on their flow and heat transmission mechanisms. In order to provide strong theoretical support for optimizing the design of the MPHP cooling devices, this paper reviews previous experimental research on the MPHP with the goal of thoroughly clarifying the mechanisms of gas–liquid two-phase flow and heat/mass transfer within them. The definition of MPHP is first explained, along with its internal energy transmission principles and structural features. The motion states of gas–liquid two-phase working fluids in the MPHP from previous experimental investigations are then thoroughly examined, highlighting their distinctive flow patterns and evolution mechanisms. Lastly, the variations in thermal performance between different kinds of MPHPs are examined, along with the factors that affect them. Full article

Liquid-fueled molten salt reactors (MSRs) are characterized by the use of liquid nuclear fuel, which leads to a unique thermal-hydraulic phenomenon in the core involving the simultaneous occurrence of nuclear fission heat generation and convective heat transfer. This distinctive behavior creates a critical need for high-fidelity experimental data on internally heated flows, yet such studies are severely constrained by the lack of methods to generate controllable, high-power-density volumetric heat sources in fluids. To address this methodological gap, this study proposes and numerically investigates a novel experimental concept based on microwave heating. The design features an innovative multi-tier hexagonal resonant cavity with fifteen strategically staggered magnetrons. A comprehensive multi-physics model was developed using COMSOL Multiphysics to simulate the coupled electromagnetic, thermal, and fluid flow processes. Simulation results confirm the feasibility of generating a volumetric heat source, achieving an average power density of 6.9 MW/m³. However, the inherent non-uniformity in microwave power deposition was quantitatively characterized, revealing a high coefficient of variation (COV) for power density. Crucially, parametric studies demonstrate that this non-uniformity can be effectively mitigated by optimizing the flow channel geometry. Specifically, using a smaller diameter tube or an annulus pipe significantly improved temperature field uniformity, reducing the temperature COV by over an order of magnitude, albeit at the cost of reduced absorption efficiency. Preliminary discussion also addresses the extension of this approach towards molten salt experiments. The findings establish a practical design framework and provide quantitative guidance for subsequent experimental investigations into the thermal-hydraulic behavior of internally heated fluids, offering a promising pathway to support the design and safety analysis of liquid-fueled MSRs. Full article

The increasing share of renewable energy sources (RES) in modern power systems necessitates the development of efficient, large-scale energy storage technologies capable of mitigating generation variability. Liquid Air Energy Storage (LAES), particularly in its adiabatic form, has emerged as a promising candidate by leveraging thermal energy storage and high-pressure air liquefaction and regasification processes. Although LAES has been widely studied, the impact of ambient temperature on its performance remains insufficiently explored. This study addresses that gap by examining the thermodynamic response of an adiabatic LAES system under varying ambient air temperatures, ranging from 0 °C to 35 °C. A detailed mathematical model was developed and implemented in Aspen Hysys to simulate the system, incorporating dual refrigeration loops (methanol and propane), thermal oil intercooling, and multi-stage compression/expansion. Simulations were conducted for a reference charging power of 42.4 MW at 15 °C. The influence of external temperature was evaluated on key parameters including mass flow rate, unit energy consumption during liquefaction, energy recovery during expansion, and round-trip efficiency. Results indicate that ambient temperature has a marginal effect on overall LAES performance. Round-trip efficiency varied by only ±0.1% across the temperature spectrum, remaining around 58.3%. Mass flow rates and power output varied slightly, with changes in discharging power attributed to temperature-driven improvements in expansion process efficiency. These findings suggest that LAES installations can operate reliably across diverse climate zones with negligible performance loss, reinforcing their suitability for global deployment in grid-scale energy storage applications. Full article

The permeability of cohesive zone plays an important role in the stable operation and production efficiency of blast furnace. Fluidity of the primary slag in the cohesive zone is an important factor affecting the permeability and is usually characterized by the so-called fluidity index. In order to describe the relationship between the viscosity and the fluidity index of the FeO-CaO-SiO₂ ternary slag system (similar to the primary slag) generated by sinter, the fluidity and viscosity of FeO-CaO-SiO₂ ternary slag system was studied in this paper. It includes testing the fluidity under different temperatures and different compositions, calculating the viscosity of FeO-CaO-SiO₂ ternary slag system through the solid–liquid coexistence-phase viscosity model, and coupling the relationship between fluidity index and viscosity. The results show the following: (1) For the FeO-CaO-SiO₂ ternary slag system, when the temperature is constant, the fluidity index of primary slag in non-three-phase region increases with the increase in w (FeO), while that in three-phase region decreases with the increase in w (FeO). (2) The Kondratiev model and the Batchelor model were jointly employed to calculate the primary slag viscosity in the cohesive zone. (3) In FeO-CaO-SiO₂ ternary slag system, there is an approximate power function correlation between the solid–liquid coexistence-phase viscosity and the fluidity index. The research content and results of this paper have a certain theoretical guiding value for further research on more complex cohesive zone slag system and enhanced blast furnace smelting. Full article

The solenoid valve component is the core part affecting the total mass of space propulsion system, and the accuracy of the solenoid valve mass model directly impacts the accuracy of the system mass estimation and optimization design. This study focuses on the solenoid valves used in gas path control for cold gas propulsion systems. The relationship between the gas flow rate and volume flow rate of the solenoid valve is derived. By analyzing the parameters affecting the mass of the solenoid valves, a general calculation mass model of the gas solenoid valve used in cold gas propulsion is proposed based on strength theory. Combining with the existing general calculation mass model for liquid solenoid valves and collecting mass data of 16 gas solenoid valves and 33 liquid solenoid valves used in space propulsion system, the mass calculation formulas of the gas and liquid solenoid valves are obtained by employing several mathematical fitting methods, including quadratic polynomial surface, Manski formula, bivariate power function, and pressure-corrected polynomial. The accuracy of different mass model formulas is compared to assess their performance in calculating the solenoid valve mass. The results show that the quadratic surface formula can better reflect the relationship between the mass of the gas solenoid valves and the valve parameters within the medium volume flow range of 1 × 10⁻⁹ to 3.9 × 10⁻³ m³/s and the proof pressure range of 0.4 to 49.74 MPa. For the calculation of liquid solenoid valve mass, the accuracy of quadratic polynomial surface fitting, bivariate power function equation, and univariate polynomial equation with pressure correction is comparable within the liquid volume flow range of 1.8 × 10⁻⁷ to 1.28 × 10⁻⁴ m³/s and the inlet pressure range of 0.99 to 4.24 MPa; the appropriate calculation formula can be selected based on the pressure conditions in the liquid solenoid valve chamber in practical applications. Sensitivity analysis shows a consistent trend for gas and liquid solenoid valves: proof pressure (gas valves) or inlet working pressure (liquid valves) are the dominant factors affecting valve mass, while volume flow rate has a moderate impact. The proposed solenoid valve mass model in this study can be used to calculate the mass of gas solenoid valves for space cold gas propulsion systems and liquid solenoid valves for liquid rocket thrusters with thrust below 1000 N, providing an important reference for the mass modeling and optimization design of the space propulsion systems. Full article

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have achieved remarkable efficiencies, yet further progress is limited by defect-induced nonradiative recombination and instability associated with uncontrolled crystallization. Here, we develop a protic ionic-liquid precursor engineering strategy based on methylammonium acetate (MAAc) for high-performance inverted (p–i–n) triple-cation perovskite solar cells. Systematic variation of the MAAc content reveals that a moderate concentration yields perovskite films with enlarged grains, suppressed pinholes, and strongly reduced residual PbI₂. Steady-state and time-resolved photoluminescence measurements, together with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and light-intensity-dependent analysis, demonstrate that MAAc effectively suppresses trap-assisted nonradiative recombination, prolongs carrier lifetime, and increases recombination resistance without introducing additional transport losses. As a result, optimized inverted devices deliver a champion power conversion efficiency of 23.68% with a high open-circuit voltage of 1.21 V, a fill factor of ~0.83, negligible J–V hysteresis, and excellent device-to-device reproducibility. Moreover, the MAAc-2M devices exhibit markedly improved operational and shelf stability, retaining 73.2% of their initial efficiency after 30 days, compared to 53.2% for the control. This work establishes MAAc as an effective ionic-liquid additive that simultaneously governs crystallization and defect chemistry, offering a general route to efficient and stable inverted perovskite solar cells via protic ionic-liquid-assisted precursor engineering. Full article

Secondary somatic embryogenesis (SSE) represents a powerful tool for clonal propagation, efficient genetic modification, and plant conservation, enabling the continuous production of secondary somatic embryos (SSEs) from previously formed embryogenic tissues. The efficiency of SSE is determined both by external factors such as exogenous hormonal and environmental conditions and internal cues such as explant type and genotype. Auxins, particularly synthetic 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), represent key factors in inducing and maintaining embryogenic competence, while cytokinins often modulate the differentiation and proliferation of SSEs. The interplay of plant growth regulators (PGRs) not only affects the frequency of SSE induction, but also the morphology and proper development of the resulting embryos. Here, we provide a comprehensive review on hormonal treatments, especially the role of auxins and cytokinins and environmental factors such as temperature, light, and culture medium composition, that shape the embryogenic potential in SSE, with species-specific responses frequently being observed. The importance of primary explant selection, as well as the liquid phase and potential scale-up with bioreactors, are also discussed. Other challenges related to genotype recalcitrance, limited efficiency, maturation and conversion rates, and the lack of an advanced molecular approach are further addressed, providing a framework for improved regeneration and reliability across diverse species. Full article

Background: The intestinal microflora is a population of microorganisms that resides in the human gastrointestinal tract and is important in maintaining metabolic and immune homeostasis in the body. Bacteria residing in the intestine produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which communicate with, among other things, the brain–gut axis—disorders of which are one of the causes of MS-like pathologies. A particular property of SCFAs is the induction of regulatory T cells, which are finding their way into pioneering therapies for MS patients. The aim of the study is to evaluate SCFA secretion in patients with multiple sclerosis from the West Pomeranian region depending on the genotypes of rs778986 and rs3894326 polymorphisms of the FUT3 gene. Methods: The study group included 47 patients clinically diagnosed with MS. Genotyping was performed by real-time PCR using TaqMan probes. Analysis of short-chain fatty acids in faeces was performed on a quadrupole mass spectrometer coupled to a time-of-flight (QTOF) analyser coupled to an AB Sciex high-performance liquid chromatograph (UHPLC). Results: Statistical analysis did not reveal any statistically significant differences in the prevalence of the studied polymorphisms in MS patients compared to the healthy control group. It was observed that the intestinal microflora and SCFA production in MS patients may be disturbed, while the studied FUT3 gene polymorphisms probably do not have a significant effect on their concentrations. A statistical tendency towards higher caproic acid content in heterozygotes of the rs778986 polymorphism and higher valeric acid secretion in homozygotes of rs3894326 was demonstrated. Conclusions: In summary, the studied FUT3 gene polymorphisms are not overrepresented in patients with MS. The rs778986 FUT3 polymorphism may affect the caproic acid content in the faeces of patients with MS, and the rs3894326 polymorphism may affect valeric acid secretion. Due to the small sample size and sparse genotype groups, the study has limited power and negative findings may reflect Type II error; replication in larger cohorts is warranted. Full article

Hydrogen energy is vital for a clean, low-carbon society, and proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) represent a core technology for the conversion of hydrogen chemical energy into electrical energy. When PEMFC single cells are stacked under assembly force for high power output, their porous electrodes (gas diffusion layers, GDLs; catalyst layers, CLs) undergo compressive deformation, altering internal transport processes and affecting cell performance. However, existing microscale studies on PEMFC porous electrodes insufficiently consider compression (especially in CLs) and have limitations in obtaining compressed microstructures. This study proposes a combined framework from a microstructure perspective. It integrates the finite element method (FEM) with computational fluid dynamics (CFD). It reconstructs microstructures of GDL, CL, and GDL-bipolar plate (BP) interface. FEM simulates elastic compressive deformation, and CFD calculates transport properties (solid zone: heat/charge conduction via Laplace equation; fluid zone: gas diffusion/liquid permeation via Fick’s/Darcy’s law). Validation shows simulated stress–strain curves and transport coefficients match experimental data. Under 2.5 MPa, GDL’s gas diffusivity drops 16.5%, permeability 58.8%, while conductivity rises 2.9-fold; CL compaction increases gas resistance but facilitates electron/proton conduction. This framework effectively investigates compression-induced transport property changes in PEMFC porous electrodes. Full article