Search Results (5,256)

Eutectic alloys stand out for their ability to combine high strength and good ductility; a behaviour rooted in their characteristic two-phase microstructure—lamellar or globular—formed at a constant solidification temperature that minimizes segregation and suppresses brittle phases. Their low interfacial energy limits microcrack propagation, while interfacial sliding and dislocation blocking at phase boundaries enhance both strength and toughness. In this work, we investigate how controlled microstructural modifications influence the behaviour of the eutectic high-entropy alloy AlCoCrFeNi2.1, composed of B2 (Ni–Al-rich) and L12 (Co–Fe–Ni-rich) phases. Because these phases exhibit distinct mechanical responses, microconstituent morphology becomes a design parameter. Powder metallurgy is the only processing route capable of providing the level of microstructural control required in this study. It preserves the rapidly solidified eutectic architecture of gas-atomised powders while allowing its intentional transformation during consolidation. Two strategies were implemented: (i) tuning the thermal–electrical input in Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) and Electrical Resistance Sintering (ERS), and (ii) engineering the particle size distribution, including a bimodal design that enhances surface-energy-driven morphological transitions. SPS enables a gradual lamellar-to-globular evolution, whereas ERS induces ultrafast transformations governed by current intensity. The bimodal PSD significantly accelerates globularisation at lower energy input. EBSD-KAM (Electron Backscatter Diffraction—Kernel Average Misorientation) mapping identifies the lamellar B2 phase as metastable and highly strained, while globular B2 domains show reduced dislocation density. Nanoindentation confirms that intrinsic phase properties remain unchanged, whereas microhardness scales with morphology and lamellar spacing. These results demonstrate that the macroscopic mechanical response is governed by microstructure, establishing powder metallurgy as a uniquely powerful pathway for microstructure-driven design in eutectic HEAs. Full article

Background: Senior–Loken syndrome (SLS) is a rare autosomal recessive ciliopathy classically defined by the concurrence of nephronophthisis, frequently progressing to end-stage renal disease (ESRD), and retinal dystrophy, most commonly presenting as retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Given its phenotypic overlap with other renal–retinal syndromes, establishing a definitive diagnosis necessitates integrated clinical evaluation and molecular confirmation. Case Presentation: A 28-year-old Chinese female presented with a two-month history of binocular floaters. Her medical history was significant for ESRD of five years’ duration, managed with maintenance hemodialysis. Ophthalmic assessment revealed retinal pigment mottling along the inferior temporal arcades and generalized arterial attenuation. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography demonstrated outer retinal thinning with loss of the ellipsoid zone at corresponding locations. Perimetry confirmed visual field constriction, and full-field electroretinography showed severely reduced rod- and cone-mediated responses. Genetic testing was performed and a pathogenic variant in the NPHP1 gene was identified. Segregation studies confirmed both parents as heterozygous carriers, consistent with autosomal recessive inheritance. Collectively, these findings established a diagnosis of SLS. Conclusions: This case reinforces that SLS should be considered in the differential diagnosis of any young patient exhibiting RP alongside chronic kidney disease, particularly in the setting of early-onset ESRD. It also illustrates the essential role of a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach—encompassing nephrology, ophthalmology, and genetics—in diagnosing complex ciliopathies. Genetic confirmation not only validates the clinical diagnosis but also provides a foundation for family counseling, prognostic stratification, and future eligibility for gene-specific therapeutic trials. Full article

Background: Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) are genetically heterogeneous, and exome sequencing (ES) is now a first-line diagnostic tool. However, many patients receive variants of uncertain significance (VUSs) or inherited variants with incomplete penetrance, limiting clinical interpretation. Emerging multi-omics evidence from the literature can support the interpretation of novel and rare variants, helping to refine classification in selected cases. Methods: We assessed 20 patients and their parents referred for genetic testing for NDDs. ES was performed, followed by ACMG/ACGS-based variant classification, segregation analysis, and targeted literature review. Variants were included when deemed plausible contributors to the phenotype by a multidisciplinary team. Gene-level constraint metrics, in silico predictions, and emerging multi-omics evidence from the literature were integrated to support interpretation. Results: Across 18 NDD-associated genes, we identified 20 rare variants: Three pathogenic (P), nine likely pathogenic (LP), and eight VUSs. All P and most LP variants were de novo. Inherited variants, particularly in KMT5B, TANC2, SPTBN1, and CHD4, highlighted challenges related to incomplete penetrance. Two patients had dual molecular diagnoses. Several VUSs were supported by literature-derived transcriptomic, proteomic, or model-system evidence. Conclusions: This cohort underscores ongoing challenges in interpreting VUSs and inherited variants in NDDs. Integrating genomic findings with published multi-omics data enhances variant interpretation, reveals mechanistic insights, and strengthens diagnostic confidence, supporting broader adoption of multi-omics approaches in rare NDD evaluation. Full article

Rice yield is a complex quantitative trait. Although a lot of genes for yield have been cloned, their genetic basis remains unknown. In the present study, a set of chromosome segment substitution line population (CSSL) was developed, derived from the indica variety Huanghuazhan as the recipient parent and the Aus variety N22 as the donor parent, and a high-density bin map containing 609 bins was constructed by resequencing. The CSSL population comprised 155 families with an average background recovery rate of 93.02%. Nine yield-related traits, including plant height, panicle number, panicle length, primary branch number, spikelet number per panicle, grain number per panicle, seed setting rate, 1000-grain weight, and grain yield per plant, were evaluated across four environments. The results showed significant differences in yield-related traits between the two parents across four environments. All nine traits showed continuous distribution with transgressive segregation. Spikelet number per panicle, grain number per panicle and 1000-grain weight showed strong correlations with each other, whereas panicle number had weak correlations with them. A total of 80 main-effect quantitative trait loci (QTLs) affecting yield-related traits were identified, among which 13 QTLs were repeatedly detected in multiple environments, 45 QTLs were located in 8 pleiotropic QTL regions, and 47 QTLs showed significant interactions with environments. In addition, 260 pairs of epistatic QTLs underlying yield-related traits were identified, of which 2 pairs stably expressed across different environments, and 11 pairs controlled more than two traits. These findings provide a theoretical basis for clarifying the genetic differentiation between indica and Aus and cloning yield-related genes, and offer valuable gene resources for molecular breeding of high-yield rice varieties. Full article

Phytophthora infestans, a devastating oomycete pathogen responsible for late blight in solanaceous crops, relies on cellulose synthase (CesA) complexes for cell wall biosynthesis and virulence. Unlike plant CesAs that form homomeric trimers, oomycete CesA complexes are hypothesized to assemble as heteromeric units, yet their structural organization remains poorly defined. Here, we employed AlphaFold-Multimer and molecular docking to resolve the structural assembly of the PiCesA1–PiCesA2–PiCesA4 heterotrimer in P. infestans and identify potential ligand-binding sites for targeted inhibition. Structural modeling revealed a conserved transmembrane architecture combined with a distinctive cytosolic organization, in which N-terminal pleckstrin homology domains play a central role in heteromeric assembly. AlphaFold-Multimer consistently predicted a stable heterotrimer stabilized by cyclic interactions between pleckstrin homology domains and glycosyltransferase-A domains, forming an extensive interface network that is spatially segregated from the conserved UDP-glucose–binding catalytic core. Structure-guided docking identified potential ligands targeting pleckstrin homology–glycosyltransferase interface regions. Notably, these sites are absent or structurally divergent in plant cellulose synthases, underscoring their potential for pathogen-selective targeting. This work advances mechanistic understanding of cellulose biosynthesis in filamentous pathogens and proposes new avenues for selective disease control in agriculture. Full article

Morphological characters of beetles can differ greatly, even within a single species, necessitating the integration of molecular techniques and ecological data for accurate taxonomical delineation, particularly within taxonomically challenging groups. Chrysobothris, a world-distributed genus of considerable size with a homonymy rate exceeding 1/5, frequently presents ambiguities in species boundaries. In this research, a series of Chrysobothris specimens collected from southern China were segregated into four sharply contrasting external morphotypes. A taxonomic ambiguity was initially posed: whether they represented several species, intraspecific polymorphism within a single species, or geographic/intraspecific variants of the similar species Chrysobothris violacea Kerremans, 1892. COI barcoding and phylogenetic analyses supported the conspecificity of these morphotypes and confirmed their distinction from C. violacea at the species level. Based on integrated evidence, we describe these specimens as Chrysobothris borealina Huang, Wu & Song, sp. nov., provide diagnostic characters with illustrations, and compare the new species with C. violacea. The species occurs in mid- to high-elevation pine and pine–broadleaf mixed forests and differs from C. violacea in both elevational range and phenology, indicating potential ecological differentiation. Additionally, we document a rare instance of a nymphal parasitengone mite (cf. Erythraeidae) attached to one female specimen. Full article

In this study, the corrosion behavior of Cu_XCoCrMoNi (x = 0.3, 0.6, 0.9) high-entropy alloys (HEAs) in 3.5% NaCl solution is systematically investigated. The alloy samples show a strong link between copper content and corrosion resistance. It is noteworthy that an increase in copper content promotes element segregation, resulting in an increase in corrosion current density from 2.138 × 10⁻⁷ μA/cm² to 1.8989 × 10⁻⁶ μA/cm² and a decrease in charge transfer resistance from 182.6 Ω·cm² to 42.34 Ω·cm². In addition, electrochemical experiments demonstrate that lowering the copper content in the alloys reduces the spread and depth of corrosion. All alloys exhibit n-type semiconductor behavior, with donor density increasing from 4.792 × 10²³ cm⁻³ to 5.581 × 10²³ cm⁻³ with increasing copper content. Notably, the passive film is characterized by the presence of Cr₂O₃ and Cu₂O as its main constituents. As the copper content in the HEA increases, higher levels of copper oxides in the passive film inhibit the formation of chromium oxides. This degrades the passive film quality, thereby diminishing the overall corrosion resistance. Full article

Increased alloying content in advanced Ni-based superalloys for large disc forgings intensifies microsegregation and promotes the formation of detrimental secondary phases, challenging the cast-and-wrought processing route. This study investigates the effects of Ta addition on the solidification and homogenization behaviors of a high-alloyed GH4065A superalloy by comparing the base alloy with a variant containing 5 wt.% Ta (5Ta alloy). As-cast and homogenized microstructures were characterized using SEM and EPMA, solidification behavior was analyzed via DSC, and homogenization kinetics were modeled. Results demonstrate that Ta addition stabilizes the η phase, increasing its solidification temperature and fraction in the as-cast microstructure, but does not alter the solidification sequence. During homogenization, Nb remained the most segregated element and governed the homogenization kinetics, whereas Ta preferentially partitioned into MC carbides and the η phase. The diffusion activation energy for Nb in the 5Ta alloy was determined, and a diffusion model was established to describe the elimination of microsegregation. Optimum homogenization parameters were determined to completely dissolve the η phase and eliminate microsegregation. The results indicate that strategic Ta addition for enhanced performance does not compromise ingot manufacturability, providing valuable guidance for the processing and composition design of advanced disc superalloys. Full article

Materials capable of withstanding extreme environments open promising opportunities for nuclear fusion reactors. In this study, equiatomic CrFeTaVW and CrFeTiVW high-entropy alloys are investigated as interlayer materials between W and CuCrZr. Monte Carlo and Molecular Dynamics simulations predicted a bcc-type structure for both systems. Additionally, the Monte Carlo simulation predicts lower potential energy and a more stable structure for both systems than Molecular Dynamics. For CrFeTaVW, the chemical segregation values are lower in MC than in the MD simulation, whereas for CrFeTiVW, the opposite trend is observed, with MC indicating stronger segregation values. After simulation, the high-entropy alloys were prepared by planetary ball milling, consolidated by spark plasma sintering, and analyzed using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and thermal diffusivity. The experimental results for the milled powders confirmed the formation of a bcc structure in both alloys. The consolidated material revealed a bcc-type structure and an Fe₂Ta Laves phase for the CrFeTaVW HEA, while the CrFeTiVW HEA exhibits two different bcc-type structures. The values of CrFeTaVW and CrFeTiVW thermal diffusivity are between 3.5 and 7 mm²/s, which is consistent with the expected values for high-entropy alloys. Overall, the findings indicate that these HEAs have promising properties that can be used in extreme environments. Full article

Used lubricating oils (ULOs) represent one of the largest hazardous liquid waste streams globally and pose significant environmental risks if improperly managed. This study presents a structured review of ULO management pathways, including regeneration, reprocessing, and energy recovery technologies, within a sustainability and circular economy framework. The review systematically categorizes treatment options based on recovery efficiency, waste generation, environmental performance, and technical feasibility. To contextualize environmental risk, a conceptual numerical spill dispersion analysis using the SIMOIL model is included as an illustrative case study under simplified marine conditions. The simulation highlights the rapid dispersion potential of ULOs in coastal environments, reinforcing the need for preventive management strategies. The analysis indicates that refining technologies generally offer higher material circularity potential, while thermochemical processes provide viable alternatives for heavily contaminated oils. The study identifies critical gaps in technoeconomic comparability, regulatory harmonization, and source segregation practices. Strengthening integrated management systems is essential to minimize environmental impact and enhance resource recovery. Full article

The formation of hard/brittle layers (HBLs) forming in proximity to the transition-layer interface during the welding process of stainless steel clad plates constitutes a pivotal element in determining the limitations on joint homogeneity and toughness. In order to elucidate their formation mechanisms and develop viable suppression routes, S31603/Q420qENH clad plates were utilised to fabricate five butt joints. This was achieved by varying the carbon content of the welding consumables and the heat input in the transition layer. A programme was conducted that combined microstructural and microhardness characterisation, mechanical testing, and numerical welding simulations. The findings indicate that base-layer consumables with comparatively elevated carbon content (w(C) ≥ 0.06%) expeditiously engender a constricted, localised hardened band in close proximity to the transition-layer interface. This is characterised by the predominance of martensite and Cr-rich compounds of the M_xCr_y type, which function as the principal genesis of bending cracks. Conversely, the utilisation of low-carbon welding consumables has been shown to markedly reduce interfacial carbon activity and C-Cr segregation, thereby suppressing the precipitation of M_xCr_y phases and effectively decreasing the overall thickness of the HBLs. Further numerical analysis shows that moderately increasing the transition-layer heat input lowers the T_8/5 cooling rate and shifts the cooling path away from the martensite region. This transforms the interfacial microstructure from a localised hardened band into a more uniform, graded structure. These findings provide an engineerable process-control strategy for enhancing both microstructural uniformity and toughness in stainless steel clad joints. Full article

Grindelia mutabilis (Asteraceae, Astereae), a new species from Brazil endemic to the Espinal Ecoregion of the Río de La Plata Grasslands Bioregion and Pampa Province of the Chaco Biogeographical Domain, is proposed and illustrated. The new species is characterized by a combination of traits: small, rosette cespitose habit, linear to linear–oblanceolate leaves, light-yellow to pastel salmon ray florets, three-winged ray floret cypselae bearing a pappus of two to four elements and two-winged disc floret cypselae bearing a pappus of two elements. It has a highly restricted habitat and is known exclusively within Parque Estadual do Espinilho in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Preliminary conservation assessments classify the new species as Critically Endangered. We provide illustrations and photographs, as well as a distribution map with an identification key for the South American Grindelia species with winged cypselae. The intriguing morphology of this species combines characters traditionally regarded as diagnostic for Notopappus, a genus segregated from Haplopappus and Grindelia. Previously published phylogenetic studies of related taxa indicate that the recognition of Notopappus as monophyletic is not supported and render Grindelia as non-monophyletic too. Based on this combined morphological evidence and existing phylogenetic hypotheses, we reaffirm the non-monophyly of Notopappus and formally propose its synonymization under Grindelia s.l. Full article

This review presents the covalent chemistry of carbon from the point of the spin-radical concept of electron interaction in the framework of the unrestricted molecular orbitals (UHF MO) theory. Using the language of valence bond trimodality, the regions of classical spinless spin-symmetric covalence and its spin-dependent asymmetric counterpart are defined. Carbon is the only element exhibiting spin covalent chemistry. Classical covalent chemistry of carbon of molecular substances whose valence bond structure includes segregate or chained single sp³$C-C$ bonds meet its spin counterpart only at these bonds breaking. Substances with double sp²$C=C$ and triple sp¹$C\equiv C$ bonds are the subject of spin covalent chemistry of carbon. The mathematical apparatus of the UHF MO allows forming algorithms controlling the chemical modification of carbon substances, polymerization processes, and catalysis involving them, making it possible to supplement the empirical spin covalent chemistry of carbon with its virtual analog. Full article

Background: Goldenhar syndrome (oculo–auriculo–vertebral spectrum, OAVS) is a rare congenital disorder characterized by craniofacial malformations, systemic anomalies, and significant phenotypic variability. Although it is the second most common craniofacial malformation after a cleft palate, the genetic etiology of Goldenhar syndrome remains largely unexplored. This study aimed to identify genetic variants contributing to Goldenhar syndrome in a Lebanese family with three affected individuals, using whole-exome sequencing and complementary genomic approaches. Methods: Whole-exome sequencing was performed on the nuclear family to identify variants associated with the syndrome. Complementary DNA methylation and gene ontology analyses were conducted to explore epigenetic modifications. Results: A missense shared variant in the MID1 between the affected individuals [NP_000372.1): p. Ile593Phe] gene was observed in the family, while current ACMG evidence was insufficient to establish causality. Additional variants were identified, including a de novo mutation in FBXW11 and a rare frameshift alteration in NDUFAF8, with limited segregation, implicating these genes in associated phenotypes such as craniofacial anomalies and cardiac defects. DNA methylation analysis revealed hypomethylation at CpG sites within the ZC3H3 gene, suggesting an epigenetic contribution to disease variability. Conclusions: Our findings underscore the genetic and epigenetic complexity of Goldenhar syndrome, providing new insights into its molecular etiology and highlighting the challenges of variant interpretation in familial cases of rare congenital disorders. Full article

This study takes 18CrNiMo7-6 wind power gear steel as the object. Following the first holding stage of isothermal normalizing, the 18CrNiMo7-6 wind power gear blanks were cooled to the isothermal temperature via air cooling (AC) and forced-air cooling (FA), respectively. The influence of cooling rate on the roughness of the mechanically polished surface of wind power gear blanks was comprehensively studied by means of white light interference, EBSD, TEM, DSC and other technical characterization methods. The results show that a difference in cooling rate leads to a variation in the morphology and distribution of Cr-rich carbides (mainly Cr₇C₃), which affects the roughness of the mechanically polished surface. During air cooling (slow cooling), atoms diffuse fully. Owing to the relatively low cooling rate in the inner ring of the blank, C and Cr segregate, and abundant Cr-rich carbides precipitated and accumulated at grain boundaries, forming coarse blocky structures. This resulted in uneven mechanically polished surfaces and bright spot defects. The average roughness of the inner and outer ring is 2.648 nm and 2.096 nm, respectively. Forced-air cooling (fast cooling) eliminates surface quality defects by inhibiting long-range atomic diffusion. Meanwhile, radial elemental segregation in the original cast blanks was inherited in subsequent processes, which affected the uniformity of carbide precipitation during cooling. In addition, the differences in cooling rates will also cause variations in the precipitation temperatures of carbides in steel, which in turn further affects the homogenization distribution of carbides in steel. This research provides a theoretical basis and an optimization method for the microstructural regulation and surface quality enhancement of wind power gear steel. Full article