Search Results (22)

This study presents a sustainable approach to transform waste cooking oil (WCO) into a multifunctional 3D-printable photocurable elastomer with integrated self-healing capabilities. A linear monomer, WCO-based methacrylate fatty acid ethyl ester (WMFAEE), was synthesized via a sequential strategy of transesterification, epoxidation, and ring-opening esterification. By copolymerizing WMFAEE with hydroxypropyl acrylate (HPA), a novel photocurable elastomer was developed, which could be amenable to molding using an LCD light-curing 3D printer. The resulting WMFAEE-HPA elastomer exhibits exceptional mechanical flexibility (elongation at break: 645.09%) and autonomous room-temperature self-healing properties, achieving 57.82% recovery of elongation after 24 h at 25 °C. Furthermore, the material demonstrates weldability (19.97% retained elongation after 12 h at 80 °C) and physical reprocessability (7.75% elongation retention after initial reprocessing). Additional functionalities include pressure-sensitive adhesion (interfacial toughness: 70.06 J/m² on glass), thermally triggered shape memory behavior (fixed at −25 °C with reversible deformation/recovery at ambient conditions), and notable biodegradability (13.25% mass loss after 45-day soil burial). Molecular simulations reveal that the unique structure of the WMFAEE monomer enables a dual mechanism of autonomous self-healing at room temperature without external stimuli: chain diffusion and entanglement-driven gap closure, followed by hydrogen bond-mediated network reorganization. Furthermore, the synergy between monomer chain diffusion/entanglement and dynamic hydrogen bond reorganization allows the WMFAEE-HPA system to achieve a balance of multifunctional integration. Moreover, the integration of these multifunctional attributes highlights the potential of this WCO-derived photocurable elastomer for various possible 3D printing applications, such as flexible electronics, adaptive robotics, environmentally benign adhesives, and so on. It also establishes a paradigm for converting low-cost biowastes into high-performance smart materials through precision molecular engineering. Full article

Background/Objectives: Potato (Solanum tuberosum)-derived exosomes (SDEs) are extracellular vesicles (66 nm in diameter) with therapeutic potential. SDEs suppress matrix metallopeptidases (MMPs) 1, 2, and 9, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and interleukin 6 (IL6), while exhibiting radical-scavenging activity against the free radical 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) in vitro and mitigating hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-induced oxidative stress in HaCaT cells. SDEs upregulate the antioxidant gene glutathione S-transferase alpha 4 (GSTA4), prevent UVB damage, and regenerate photodamaged HaCaT cells. This study evaluates SDEs’ safety and skin-enhancing properties to improve their beauty-related and medical applications. Methods: The SDEs purified via ultracentrifugation were tested for their cytotoxic effects on HaCaT cell viability in scratch wound healing assays and for skin barrier gene modulation in HaCaT keratinocytes and Detroit 551 fibroblasts. A reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to analyze the changes in skin barrier gene expression following the SDE treatment. Cosmetic prototypes containing SDEs were assessed for skin irritation, cooling effects, periorbital wrinkle reduction, elasticity, and whitening properties. Results: The cytotoxicity and human topical tests confirmed the safety of SDE application. The SDEs accelerated wound closure, elevated the skin barrier gene expression level, and improved the clinical parameters, including wrinkle reduction, elasticity enhancement, and whitening. No irritation or side effects were observed. Conclusions: This study identified natural, edible potato-derived exosomes (SDEs) as highly safe agents that significantly enhance wound healing and promote skin barrier-related gene expression. Their multifunctional anti-aging efficacy—reducing wrinkles, enhancing elasticity, and promoting whitening without irritation—positions them as promising candidates for cosmetic and dermatological innovations. These findings warrant further exploration of SDEs for therapeutic applications, including inflammatory skin disorders and drug delivery systems. Full article

Alterations in angiogenic properties play a pivotal role in the manifestation and onset of various pathologies, including vascular diseases and cancer. Thrombospondin-1 (TSP1) protein is one of the master regulators of angiogenesis. This study unveils a novel aspect of TSP1 regulation through reversible phosphorylation. The silencing of the B55α regulatory subunit of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) in endothelial cells led to a significant decrease in TSP1 expression. Direct interaction between TSP1 and PP2A-B55α was confirmed via various methods. Truncated TSP1 constructs were employed to identify the phosphorylation site and the responsible kinase, ultimately pinpointing PKC as the enzyme phosphorylating TSP1 on Ser93. The biological effects of B55α–TSP1 interaction were also analyzed. B55α silencing not only counteracted the increase in TSP1 expression during wound closure but also prolonged wound closure time. Although B55α silenced cells initiated tube-like structures earlier than control cells, their spheroid formation was disrupted, leading to disintegration. Cells transfected with phosphomimic TSP1 S93D exhibited smaller spheroids and reduced effectiveness in tube formation, revealing insights into the effects of TSP1 phosphorylation on angiogenic properties. In this paper, we introduce a new regulatory mechanism of angiogenesis by reversible phosphorylation on TSP1 S93 by PKC and PP2A B55α. Full article

With the help of Tsallis residual entropy, we introduce Tsallis quantile entropy order between two random variables. We give necessary and sufficient conditions, study closure and reversed closure properties under parallel and series operations and show that this order is preserved in the proportional hazard rate model, proportional reversed hazard rate model, proportional odds model and record values model. Full article

Plant structures exhibit complex behaviors through unique shape changes and movements closely related to moisture factors. When the plants absorb moisture, their inside has a higher tension than their outside, so the entire structure is folded to closure or opened. The principle and property could be applied to bio-inspired technology, which is the process of fusion mimicking the structure, function, metabolism, mechanism, and ecological system of those creatures adapted to their environments. In this study, we analyzed the functions and physical characteristics of environment-sensing plants to demonstrate the principles of plants with opening-and-closing and curling-and-uncurling mechanisms and to better understand these behavior principles. From a biological and ecological viewpoint, the target sensory and cognitive plants that respond to external humidity and vibration were found to undergo structural changes in the size of the xylem and the degree of adhesion of the leaf and stem, as well as the opening, closing, and curling of the external shapes of the plants. The phenomenon of external form changes based on the microstructural characteristics of plants showed a promising direction for addressing issues in existing technology, such as non-powered operation. Therefore, in this study, we presented a biomimetic humidification model that was biocompatible and reversible. Pinecone samples with the applied opening-and-closing mechanism were to apply these biological properties to biomimetics. The results provide biomimetic knowledge for understanding the functions of biological and ecological features underlying the morphological changes in humidity-sensing plants and plant bioacoustics. These bio-inspired plant resources could provide sustainable new-growth power and valuable scientific information for advancing the research and technological development of biomimetics. Full article

β barrels are ubiquitous proteins in the outer membranes of mitochondria, chloroplasts, and Gram-negative bacteria. These transmembrane proteins (TMPs) execute a wide variety of tasks. For example, they can serve as transporters, receptors, membrane-bound enzymes, as well as adhesion, structural, and signaling elements. In addition, multimeric β barrels are common structural scaffolds among many pore-forming toxins. Significant progress has been made in understanding the functional, structural, biochemical, and biophysical features of these robust and versatile proteins. One frequently encountered fundamental trait of all β barrels is their voltage-dependent gating. This process consists of reversible or permanent conformational transitions between a large-conductance, highly permeable open state and a low-conductance, solute-restrictive closed state. Several intrinsic molecular mechanisms and environmental factors modulate this universal property of β barrels. This review article outlines the typical signatures of voltage-dependent gating. Moreover, we discuss recent developments leading to a better qualitative understanding of the closure dynamics of these TMPs. Full article

Inflammatory dysfunction and angiogenesis inhibition are two main factors leading to the delayed healing of diabetic wounds. Hydrogels with anti-inflammatory and angiogenesis-promoting effects have been considered as promising wound care materials. Herein, a salvianolic acid B (SAB)-loaded hyaluronic acid (HA) self-healing hydrogel (HA/SAB) with anti-inflammatory and pro-angiogenesis capacities for diabetic wound healing is reported. The HA hydrogel was prepared via the covalent cross-linking of aldehyde groups in oxidized HA (OHA) and hydrazide groups in adipic dihydrazide (ADH)-modified HA (HA-ADH) with the formation of reversible acylhydrazone bonds. The obtained HA hydrogel exhibited multiple favorable properties such as porous structures, excellent self-healing properties, a sustainable release capacity of SAB, as well as excellent cytocompatibility. In addition, the effects of the SAB-loaded HA self-healing hydrogel were investigated via a full-thickness skin defect model using diabetic rats. The HA/SAB hydrogel showed enhanced skin regeneration effects with accelerated wound closure, shorter remaining dermal space length, thicker granulation tissue formation, and more collagen deposition. Furthermore, reduced inflammatory response and enhanced vascularization were found with HA/SAB2.5 hydrogel-treated wounds, indicating that the hydrogel promotes diabetic wound healing through the promotion of anti-inflammation and angiogenesis. Our results suggest that the fabricated SAB-loaded HA self-healing hydrogel is promising as a wound dressing for the treatment of diabetic wounds. Full article

1. Diabetic chronic wounds, mainly foot ulcers, constitute one of the most common complications of poorly managed diabetes mellitus. The most typical reasons are insufficient glycemic management, latent neuropathy, peripheral vascular disease, and neglected foot care. In addition, it is a common cause of foot osteomyelitis and amputation of the lower extremities. Patients are admitted in larger numbers attributable to chronic wounds compared to any other diabetic disease. In the United States, diabetes is currently the most common cause of non-traumatic amputations. Approximately five percent of diabetics develop foot ulcers, and one percent require amputation. Therefore, it is necessary to identify sources of lead with wound-healing properties. Redox imbalance due to excessive oxidative stress is one of the causes for the development of diabetic wounds. Antioxidants have been shown to decrease the progression of diabetic neuropathy by scavenging ROS, regenerating endogenous and exogenous antioxidants, and reversing redox imbalance. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play vital roles in numerous phases of the wound healing process. Antioxidant and fibroblast cell migration activity of Marantodes pumilum (MP) crude extract has previously been reported. Through their antioxidant, epithelialization, collagen synthesis, and fibroblast migration activities, the authors hypothesise that naringin, eicosane and octacosane identified in the MP extract may have wound-healing properties. 2. The present study aims to identify the bioactive components present in the dichloromethane (DCM) extract of M. pumilum and evaluate their antioxidant and wound healing activity. Bioactive components were identified using LCMS, HPTLC and GCMS. Excision wound on STZ-induced diabetic rat model, human dermal fibroblast (HDF) cell line and colorimetric antioxidant assays were used to evaluate wound healing and antioxidant activities, respectively. Molecular docking and pkCMS software would be utilised to predict binding energy and affinity, as well as ADME parameters. 3. Naringin (NAR), eicosane (EIC), and octacosane (OCT) present in MP displayed antioxidant action and wound excision closure. Histological examination HDF cell line demonstrates epithelialization, collagen production, fibroblast migration, polymorphonuclear leukocyte migration (PNML), and fibroblast movement. The results of molecular docking indicate a substantial attraction and contact between MMPs. pkCMS prediction indicates inadequate blood-brain barrier permeability, low toxicity, and absence of hepatotoxicity. 4. Wound healing properties of (NEO) naringin, eicosane and octacosane may be the result of their antioxidant properties and possible interactions with MMP. Full article

Loop closure detection (LCD) can effectively eliminate the cumulative errors in simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) by detecting the position of a revisit and building interframe pose constraint relations. However, in real-world natural scenes, driverless ground vehicles or robots usually revisit the same place from a different position, meaning that the descriptor cannot give a uniform description of similar scenes, failing LCD. Against this problem, this paper proposes a 3D point cloud descriptor with Twice Projection (3PCD-TP) for the calculation of the similarities between scenes. First, we redefined the origin and primary direction of point clouds according to their distribution and unified their coordinate system, thereby reducing the interference in position recognition due to the rotation and translation of sensors. Next, using the semantic and altitudinal information of point clouds, we generated the 3D descriptor 3PCD-TP with multidimensional features to enhance its ability to describe similar scenes. Following this, we designed a weighting similarity calculation method to reduce the false detection rate of LCD by taking advantage of the property that 3PCD-TP can be projected from multiple angles. Finally, we validated our method using KITTI and the Jilin University (JLU) campus dataset. The experimental results show that our method demonstrated a high level of precision and recall and exhibited greater performance in the face of scenes with reverse loop closure, such as opposite lanes. Full article

Hypoxia, or insufficient oxygen availability is a common feature in the development of a myriad of cardiovascular-related conditions including ischemic disease. Hydrogen sulphide (H₂S) donors, such as sodium thiosulphate (STS), are known for their cardioprotective properties. However, H₂S due to its gaseous nature, is released and cleared rapidly, limiting its potential translation to clinical settings. For the first time, we developed and characterised liposome formulations encapsulating STS and explored their potential for modulating STS uptake, H₂S release and the ability to retain pro-angiogenic and biological signals in a hypoxia-like environment mirroring oxygen insufficiency in vitro. Liposomes were prepared by varying lipid ratios and characterised for size, polydispersity and charge. STS liposomal encapsulation was confirmed by HPLC-UV detection and STS uptake and H₂S release was assessed in vitro. To mimic hypoxia, cobalt chloride (CoCl₂) was administered in conjunction with formulated and non-formulated STS, to explore pro-angiogenic and metabolic signals. Optimised liposomal formulation observed a liposome diameter of 146.42 ± 7.34 nm, a polydispersity of 0.22 ± 0.19, and charge of 3.02 ± 1.44 mV, resulting in 25% STS encapsulation. Maximum STS uptake (76.96 ± 3.08%) from liposome encapsulated STS was determined at 24 h. Co-exposure with CoCl₂ and liposome encapsulated STS resulted in increased vascular endothelial growth factor mRNA as well as protein expression, enhanced wound closure and increased capillary-like formation. Finally, liposomal STS reversed metabolic switch induced by hypoxia by enhancing mitochondrial bioenergetics. These novel findings provide evidence of a feasible controlled-delivery system for STS, thus H₂S, using liposome-based nanoparticles. Likewise, data suggests that in scenarios of hypoxia, liposomal STS is a good therapeutic candidate to sustain pro-angiogenic signals and retain metabolic functions that might be impaired by limited oxygen and nutrient availability. Full article

A biobased healable 2K polyurethane (PU) coating incorporating a Schiff base was synthesized and applied as a thin coating on textiles. The Schiff base, made out of cystine and vanillin, contained reversible imine and disulfide bonds and was used as a chain extender in PU synthesis. The FT-IR analysis indicated the successful incorporation of the Schiff base in the PU backbone. Compared with control PU coatings, the healable bio-based PU coating with the Schiff base showed very good healing properties using heat as external stimuli: a healing recovery of 75% was obtained after applying a 2 N scratch and complete recovery of the resistance to hydrostatic pressure. SEM analysis revealed complete closure of the scratch after healing for 30 min at 90 °C. The healing properties are attributed to the synergy of the dual-dynamic metatheses of the imine and disulfide bonds. Full article

A novel precast beam–column joint using shape memory alloy fibers-reinforced engineered cementitious composites (SMA-ECC) was proposed in this study to achieve self-repairing of cracks and internal damage after an earthquake. Three large-scale beam–column joints were tested under displacement reversals, including one monolithically cast conventional concrete joint, one engineered cementitious composites (ECC) reinforced precast concrete joint, and one SMA-ECC reinforced precast concrete joint. Failure mode, crack pattern, hysteretic behavior, stiffness degradation, displacement ductility, and energy dissipation capacity were compared and evaluated through a cyclic loading test. The test results showed that the ECC-based (ECC, SMA-ECC) precast joints have equivalent seismic properties to the monolithically cast concrete joint. ECC-based joints enhanced the ductility and energy dissipation capacity of the joint and, remarkably, reduced crack width. The SMA-ECC reinforced joint also exhibited instant self-healing in terms of the closure of small cracks after unloading. The self-healing performance was further evaluated through ultrasonic pulse tests, with the results showing that the use of SMA-ECC material was efficient in reducing the internal damage of beam–column joints after an earthquake. Full article

Hard and thick magmatic rocks are widely distributed in many mining areas in China. Their fracture migration could cause mechanical effects such as the evolution of overburden structure, the sudden change of surface subsidence, and the transformation of accumulated elastic properties, inducing strong dynamic phenomena and even coupled geo dynamic disasters. In this study, by means of theoretical analysis and similar material simulation testing, the fracture of hard thick magmatic rock and the fracture development characteristics of stope are analyzed, and the following research results are obtained: (1) the mechanical model of an elastic foundation beam is established, and it is found that the bending moment in the middle of hard thick magmatic rock is greater than the bending moment at the end, and the magmatic rock first produces fractures in the middle, and then the initial fracture occurs. (2) The existence of hard thick magmatic rock blocks the development of fractures in the longitudinal direction. The bed separation and fracture undergo three processes of generation, development and closure. When the working face advances 160 m, 200 m and 270 m, the maximum bed separation shape on the strike section experiences triangle trapezoid crescent shape. (3) A ladder type fissure channel is formed above the working face side and the open cut hole side. When the working face is advanced 160 m, the ladder type fissure channel develops to the bottom of the hard thick rock layer, providing a ladder type channel for gas flow. After the hard thick rock layer is broken, a large number of elastic properties are released, which produces a strong impact force on the gas rich area of the bed separation, and also causes a sharp rise in the gas pressure of the bed separation at the bottom of the magmatic rock. A large amount of high-pressure gas in the bed separation space flows reversely to the working face along the ladder type gas channel, which can easily induce a gas outburst, coal and gas outburst or other disasters. (4) The correctness of the similar simulation experiment is verified by the field data. Technical measures for preventing gas outbursts in bed separation by surface drilling and pressure relief gas extraction are put forward. The research results have a certain guiding role for the prevention and control of dynamic disasters and the design of roadway support under the condition of a hard and thick key stratum overlying the working face. Full article

Complex gangues and low-quality waters are a concern for the mining industries, particularly in water shortage areas, where the closure of hydric circuits and reduction in water use are essential to maintain the economic and environmental sustainability of mineral processing. This study analyzes the phenomena involved in the water recovery stage, such as sedimentation of clay-based tailings flocculated with anionic polyelectrolyte in industrial water and seawater. Flocculation–sedimentation batch tests were performed to ascertain the aggregate size distribution, the hindered settling rate, and the structure of flocs expressed through their fractal dimension and density. The aggregates’ properties were characterized by the Focused Beam Reflectance Measurement (FBRM) and Particle Vision Microscope (PVM) techniques. The impact of the type of water depends on the type of clay that constitutes the suspension. For quartz/kaolin, the highest performance was obtained in industrial water, with bigger aggregates and faster settling rates. However, the tailings composed of quartz/Na-montmorillonite reversed this trend. The type of water impacted the efficiency of primary-particle aggregation. The trials in industrial water generated a portion of non-flocculated particles, which was observed through a bimodal distribution in the unweighted chord-length distribution. This behavior was not observed in seawater, where a perceptible fraction of non-flocculated particles was not found. The additional cationic bonds that offer seawater favor finer primary-particle agglomeration for all tailings types. Full article

Investigating the energy and water vapor exchange in oasis riparian forest ecosystems is of significant importance to improve scientific understanding of land surface processes in extreme arid regions. The Heihe Watershed Allied Telemetry Experimental Research (HiWATER) provided many observations of water vapor and heat fluxes from riparian forest ecosystem by using a network of eddy-covariance (EC) systems installed over representative surfaces in the Ejina Oasis, which is located in the downstream areas of the Heihe River Basin, northwestern China. Based on EC flux measurements and meteorological data performed at five stations and covering representative surface types of Populus euphratica tree with associated Tamarix chinensis shrub, Tamarix chinensis shrubland, cantaloupe cropland, and barren-land, this study explored the spatio-temporal patterns of heat and water vapor fluxes over the Ejina Oasis riparian forest ecosystem with five different surface types over the course of a growing season in 2014. Energy balance closure of the flux data was evaluated; footprint analysis for each EC site was also performed. Results showed that energy balance closure for the flux data was reasonably good, with average energy balance ratio (EBR) of 1.03. The seasonal variations in net radiation (R_n), latent (LE), and sensible heat flux (H) over the five contrasting surfaces were similar, and a reverse seasonal change was observed in energy partitioning into LE and H. Remarkable differences in R_n, LE, and H between the five surfaces were explored preliminarily, associated closely with the soil properties and foliage phenology. Over the growing season (May–October) in 2014, the total ET ranged 622–731 mm for mixed forest of P. euphratica trees with associated T. chinensis shrubs with average daily ET of 3.6–4.2 mm; ET from T. chinensis shrubland was about 541 mm, with average daily ET of 3.6 mm. ET for barren-land was 195 mm. The total ET in irrigated cantaloupe cropland with plastic mulch was 431 mm for its four-month growing period with a total average of 3.8 mm d⁻¹. Determination of ET over riparian forest ecosystem helps to improve reasonable use of limited water resource in the Ejina Oasis. Full article