Search Results (2,170)

A dual-mode electrical–optical nanocomposite hydrogel is developed by integrating carboxyl-modified upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs-COOH) and quaternized chitosan (CQAS) into a polyacrylamide (PAAm) covalent network. The hydrogel exhibits high optical transparency (>90% in the visible region), excellent mechanical properties (fracture strain of 1742%, tensile strength of 0.85 MPa, toughness of 6.57 MJ/m³), and robust adhesion to various substrates. The synergistic covalent–noncovalent hybrid network enables efficient energy dissipation, while CQAS-enhanced dispersion of UCNPs significantly improves upconversion luminescence intensity and stability, as evidenced by prolonged fluorescence lifetime from 0.564 ms to 0.691 ms at 539 nm. Leveraging distinct electrical and optical signal transduction pathways, the hydrogel functions as a highly sensitive resistive strain sensor with multistage gauge factors up to 13.85 and excellent cyclic stability over 1200 loading–unloading cycles at 100% strain for human motion monitoring. It also serves as a ratiometric optical pH sensor over a broad range (pH 1–13) based on phenolphthalein-sensitized upconversion luminescence, with excellent repeatability. By integrating real-time resistance responses with optical readouts within a single soft material, this work demonstrates a reliable dual-mode sensing strategy for simultaneous mechanical and chemical monitoring, holding promise for wearable electronics, smart healthcare, and environment-responsive sensing systems. Full article

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum EL2, isolated from traditional fermented yak milk in the high-altitude Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, produces the class IIb bacteriocin PlnJK. This study established three distinct cultivation models that critically influenced bacteriocin yield. Microbial co-culture was found to enhance the stress tolerance of EL2, significantly boosting PlnJK production. The optimal inducing strain, Enterococcus faecalis MH2, increased the bacteriocin inhibition zone diameter from 15.38 mm to 25.58 mm. Following optimization of key parameters—initial inoculum concentration (10⁷ CFU/mL), inoculation ratio (3:1, EL2:MH2), and initial pH (6.0)—the inhibition zone diameter reached 30.32 mm, representing a 1.97-fold increase over pure culture. Co-culture not only advanced the onset but also extended the duration of bacteriocin synthesis. Throughout the 24 h incubation, cell density, AI-2 autoinducer concentration, and the expression of key regulatory genes were significantly elevated in co-culture compared to monoculture, aligning with a cell-density-dependent, quorum-sensing (QS) regulatory paradigm. Bacteriocin production was co-regulated by two QS pathways: the AI-2/luxS system and the plnA-mediated autoinducing peptide (AIP). Gene expression analysis revealed differential temporal regulation: luxS expression was higher during the exponential phase (2.29 vs. 1.42 in stationary phase), while plnA exhibited the opposite pattern (1.42 in exponential vs. 2.21 in stationary phase). This indicates that the AI-2/luxS pathway drives strong induction during active growth, whereas plnA/AIP-mediated promotion becomes predominant later. The stationary-phase effect is likely triggered by the accumulation of specific MH2 metabolites, which impose an environmental stress on EL2, stimulating the pln-encoded regulatory system and further enhancing bacteriocin yield. This work provides an economically viable strategy and a novel theoretical framework for optimizing microbial cultivation, enhancing bacteriocin production, and elucidating the complex QS-mediated regulatory mechanisms involved. Full article

Energy harvesting has emerged as a promising solution for powering aircraft structural health monitoring (SHM) systems by exploiting ambient vibration energy. This work presents a novel clustered piezoelectric energy harvester (CPEH) designed to enable autonomous sensing and wireless data transmission in aircraft structures. Aircraft sections experience complex, multiple vibration modes during flight; however, the proposed harvester is specifically designed to exploit the oscillatory motion of the vertical tail unit (VTU) of a VUT-100 Cobra aircraft during the cruise phase. The energy harvester employs a clustered piezoelectric cantilever configuration incorporating magnetic stiffness nonlinearity, which enhances vibration-induced strain and enables effective frequency tuning. The nonlinear magnetic interaction broadens the operational bandwidth and improves energy conversion performance under low excitation amplitudes. The system is tuned to operate over a broadband frequency range of 110–130 Hz, with optimal performance achieved at acceleration amplitudes of less than 0.5 g, corresponding to the measured VTU vibration levels during the cruise phase of the flight. An experimental prototype was tested in the laboratory under aircraft cruise-phase vibration conditions, successfully achieving maximum power of 0.041 mW at optimum resistance of 390 KΩ and 5.45 mJ of stored energy in a 1000 µF capacitor within 10 min, confirming the feasibility of the proposed harvester for aircraft SHM applications. Full article

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) may experience thermal runaway (TR) under thermal abuse conditions, posing significant safety risks to energy storage systems, electric vehicles, and portable electronics. To ensure the safety of LIB-powered applications, developing an effective TR early warning method is crucial. This study employs polyimide-coated femtosecond fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors to investigate TR characteristics in 18,650 LIBs (LiNi_1/3Mn_1/3Co_1/3O₂/graphite), including TR onset temperature determination and the evolution of temperature and radial strain at different states of charge (SOCs). Compared with existing studies, the polyimide-coated femtosecond FBGs employed here offer superior breakage resistance and high-temperature tolerance, enabling more precise temperature and strain measurements. For radial strain monitoring obtained during high-temperature-induced LIBs thermal runaway experiments, temperature compensation was achieved using polyimide-coated femtosecond FBG temperature sensors, yielding higher-accuracy strain evolution profiles. Experimental results demonstrate that the higher-SOC LIBs exhibit more severe TR eruptions, with 1.76× higher peak temperatures and 1.3× greater mass loss than low-SOC LIBs. The proposed scheme pioneers an new approach to effective active safety warning of LIBs thermal runaway. Full article

Background/Objectives: Research examining the emotional and psychological challenges experienced by couples undergoing in vitro fertilisation (IVF) remains limited. Existing evidence suggests that women undergoing IVF often report elevated levels of depression, anxiety, and emotional distress, whereas men may experience feelings of anger, inadequacy, and self-doubt, especially following unsuccessful treatment cycles. Successful IVF outcomes are commonly associated with intense joy, relief, and fulfilment as couples realise their aspiration to become parents. In light of the limited qualitative research conducted in Greece to date, in the present study, we aimed to explore the lived experiences of couples undergoing IVF treatment, with particular attention to emotional, relational, and systemic dimensions. Methods: A qualitative research design was employed. Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted with six heterosexual couples (aged 18–49 years) residing in Athens and Karditsa, Greece, all of whom had undergone IVF treatment. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Results: Our analysis revealed five interrelated superordinate themes with associated subordinate themes: (1) making sense of infertility and IVF, (2) negotiating relationships under the strain of IVF, (3) IVF as an emotionally demanding journey, (4) navigating institutional and systemic barriers, and (5) projecting the future through IVF experience. Lived experiences of infertile couples undergoing IVF treatment highlighted a range of emotions, social pressure, and attitudes towards IVF and related policies. Conclusions: In Greece, where demographic decline has been widely discussed in policy debates, IVF has gained societal and policy attention. For many participants, IVF represented a hopeful pathway towards achieving parenthood despite the emotional and practical challenges involved. Full article

Complex structural health monitoring (SHM) systems are rarely installed on typical bridges, likely because of an expected low return on investment; however, low-cost, passive sensors made from a retroreflective sheeting material (RRSM) offer an economical alternative for SHM of typical bridges. Most departments of transportation (DOTs) fabricate and maintain traffic signs made from RRSMs. By using a material familiar to DOTs, the technology transfer from signs to strain sensing is streamlined. This paper focuses on the development of a passive strain sensor made from an RRSM. A standard Type XI fluorescent yellow-green RRSM is tested in tension to establish the relationship between retroreflectivity (RR) and induced strain. Results show RR decreases linearly with increasing strain after an initial plateau of ~1000 × 10⁻⁶ m/m. To function as a strain sensor, the RRSM is pre-strained beyond the plateau. A production sensor is designed to attach to the tension face of a structural element for monitoring. Periodic RR measurements are used to estimate the likely maximum strain change at the sensor location. The sensor has the potential to provide a practical, low-cost, and easily implementable solution to improve the monitoring of typical bridges, enhancing their safety and longevity. Full article

Low-velocity impacts during manufacturing and maintenance (e.g., tool drops) can induce barely visible impact damage in composite aircraft structures, motivating sensing-assisted approaches for rapid post-event assessment. This study proposes and validates a strain-based structural health monitoring framework for carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) panels by combining surface-mounted strain gauges with explicit finite element analysis (FEA). Drop-weight tests were con-ducted in accordance with ASTM D7136 using a 1.0 kg hemispherical impactor at drop heights of 250–400 mm. Three strain gauges were positioned at 1.25 mm, 32.5 mm, and 52.5 mm from the impact point to quantify the spatial attenuation of peak surface strain. The measured peak strains exhibited clear-dependent decay and increased with impact energy up to 350 mm, whereas the 400 mm case showed a non-monotonic response and a pronounced deviation from an elastic energy-scaling baseline, consistent with a transition to damage-dominated energy dissipation. Dedicated MSC Apex/Nastran Implicit simulations reproduced experimental trends and provided a physics-based digital twin for interpreting strain signatures in elastic regions, correlating them with likely damage states. Full article

Antibiotic resistance among several bacteria is a warning sign that reinforces the need for research to identify new compounds that are effective against resistant strains. In this sense, bioinformatics stands out as an excellent tool for identifying drug candidates by using computational methodologies to detect compounds with potential biological activity. Two pivot compounds (QNZ and 0Y5) with biological activity against Staphylococcus aureus were selected. A virtual screening was performed in the MolPort database with a Tanimoto index of 0.5, resulting in 20,000 compounds, 10,000 compounds for each template. Then, methodologies were applied to calculate pharmacokinetic and toxicological parameters using Discovery Studio software; molecular docking via DockThor; lethal dose via ProTOX; lipophilicity, solubility, and Lipinski parameters via SwissADME; in silico prediction of bacterial activity via Way2Drug; theoretical synthetic accessibility via SwissADME and AMBIT-SA; and, finally, molecular dynamics simulations via AMBER 18. After the entire methodological process, 10 compounds were identified with potential results according to the criteria adopted in this study and with possible antimicrobial activity against resistant bacterial strains of S. aureus. Our theoretical findings suggest 10 potential candidates with possible antimicrobial activity against S. aureus and other genera and species of bacteria as these compounds presented excellent results using the proposed methodology. Certainly, more in vitro and in vivo study steps are necessary. Full article

Infectious diseases remain a major cause of mortality and disability worldwide. This burden is driven, in part, by antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and the re-emergence of epidemic and pandemic threats, underscoring the need for translational research to address knowledge gaps exposed by recent pandemics. Despite significant advances enabled by antibiotics and antivirals, their effectiveness is increasingly constrained by resistance development, limited pathogen spectra, and prolonged development timelines that fail to keep pace with rapidly shifting epidemiology. Diagnostic limitations impede timely pathogen identification and hinder the development of treatment regimens informed by pathogen mechanisms of action. Severe infections frequently involve dysregulated host responses, including hyperinflammation, inflammasome activation, and endothelial or immunothrombotic injury, which may progress to sepsis, immunoparalysis, or chronic sequelae, highlighting the limitations of pathogen-centered paradigms. Conventional biomarkers and culture-based microbiology are often slow or nonspecific, while molecular assays may not reliably distinguish colonization from active infection or capture host-response heterogeneity shaped by age, immune competence, and disease stage. This review synthesizes mechanistic and translational insights across three interrelated axes: (i) host–pathogen interactions, with a focus on innate immune sensing networks (e.g., Toll-like receptors, inflammasomes, RIG-I-like receptors, and cGAS-STING) and microbial replication and immune evasion strategies; (ii) clinical and public health implications, spanning acute organ dysfunction syndromes, post-acute infection syndromes, and AMR-driven health system strain; and (iii) emerging therapeutics along a continuum of pathogen-, virulence-, host-, and immune-directed approaches. Emphasis is placed on anti-virulence therapeutics, bacteriophage therapy, monoclonal antibodies, and engineered immune modalities within frameworks of quantitative translational pharmacology and implementation science. Finally, an integrative conceptual framework encompassing mechanistic phenotypes, host-response diagnostics, and stage-adapted therapeutic combinations is proposed to guide rational intervention across endemic infections and future pandemic preparedness. Full article

Ultrasound patches represent a transformative advancement beyond conventional ultrasonography, evolving into intelligent theranostic systems for personalized healthcare. This evolution is propelled by synergistic innovations in flexible piezoelectric materials and integrated designs. The development of piezoelectric polymers, lead-free ceramics, and bio-composite materials has laid the foundation for long-term, conformal, and biosafe interfacing with the human body. Structurally, miniaturized transducer arrays (e.g., CMOS-integrated arrays achieving ~200 μm focal spots and 100 kPa focal pressure), multimodal integration, and bioinspired interfaces have enabled high-precision deep-tissue sensing and spatiotemporally controlled energy delivery—exemplified by strain-sensing feedback improving the signal-to-noise ratio by 5 dB for precise neuromodulation. These capabilities are converging to create closed-loop platforms, as demonstrated in continuous cardiovascular monitoring (up to 164 mm depth for 12 h), image-guided neuromodulation for neurological disorders, on-demand drug delivery (achieving 100% higher plasma concentration than ultrasound alone), and integrated tumor therapy with real-time feedback. Despite persistent challenges in material biocompatibility, energy efficiency, and clinical standardization, the future of ultrasound patches lies in their deep integration with multimodal sensing, machine learning, and adaptive control algorithms. This path will ultimately realize their potential for intelligent, closed-loop theranostics in chronic disease management, telemedicine, and personalized therapy. Full article

Vibrio alginolyticus is a foodborne pathogen commonly found in seafood and freshwater products, causing human illness through the consumption of tainted seafood. Small non-coding RNAs (sRNAs) take effect on the stability and translation of their target mRNAs by base-pairing, thereby quickly altering bacterial physiology and pathogenicity at the post-transcriptional level. This work constructed a label-free in-frame deletion mutant and a complement strain of micX, a cell-density-associated sRNA in V. alginolyticus. The ΔmicX mutant exhibited reduced growth and a reduction in the synthesis of exopolysaccharides, biofilm, and alkaline serine protease. A TMT-based quantitative proteomic analysis comparing ΔmicX with the wild-type strain identified 900 differentially expressed proteins, comprising 376 that were upregulated and 524 that were downregulated. The upregulated proteins are primarily associated with porin activity, transmembrane signaling receptor function, and the two-component system. The downregulated proteins are mainly engaged in processes including biofilm formation, cellular communication, and transmembrane transport activity. Of note, the expression levels of proteins involved in the type VI secretion system, exopolysaccharide synthesis, mannose-sensitive hemagglutinin type IV pili (MSHA), and biofilm formation were significantly reduced in the absence of micX. Furthermore, the expression levels of proteins associated with quorum sensing (particularly LuxR and AphA) changed significantly in the ΔmicX vs. WT comparison. These findings strengthened comprehension of the novel sRNA regulatory network and established a theoretical foundation for additional investigations into the virulence of V. alginolyticus. Full article

Exploring effective training methods to reliably trigger scoring in electronic protective gear is a significant challenge faced by coaches and athletes, and it constitutes a critical research direction that urgently demands scientific exploration. To improve the scientific precision of daily Taekwondo training and enhance competitive performance more efficiently and to improve the effectiveness of daily Taekwondo training and enhance competitive performance, a hydrogel-based flexible pressure-sensing film was developed. This film would enable traditional Taekwondo protective gear with electronic sensing capabilities via a simple adhesion method. By attaching a low-cost, high-precision, and appropriately flexible gel-based pressure-sensing film to conventional protective gear through a straightforward adhesion approach, it can attain sensing performance comparable to that of specialized competition-grade electronic protective gear. This innovation will provide technological support for advancing the scientific rigor of Taekwondo training in China. This study focuses on the design and development of high-strength, high-toughness ionic hydrogels, offering technical backing for the creation of flexible pressure-sensing films tailored for Taekwondo applications. Full article

The low-frequency distributed acoustic sensing (LF-DAS) data acquired through fiber-optic cables cemented behind the fracturing well casing can dynamically capture the hydraulic fracturing process. After removing the thermal effect, the LF-DAS data can reveal the strain evolution induced by the initiation of hydraulic fractures. This paper presented an improved strain–temperature decoupling method for LF-DAS measurements based on joint LF-DAS/distributed temperature sensing (DTS) monitoring. The decoupling method was based on strain change and temperature change pre-processed from the raw DAS and DTS data to avoid the enhancement of DTS data noise. The moving window function method and the image processing parameter cosine similarity was introduced to cope with the differences in temporal and spatial resolution between LF-DAS and DTS data. The region significantly affected by temperature change could be identified automatically and the mechanical strain change could be extracted. The tensile strain response generally reached a local peak at perforation clusters and increased significantly at those with dominant fracture fluid inflow. By analyzing the evolution of strain profile during fracturing, the effectiveness of multi-cluster fracture initiation and fracture temporary plugging could be evaluated. Full article

Biologically controlling Microcystis aeruginosa blooms in saline–alkaline environments remains a major challenge in aquatic ecosystem management. Here, the algicidal performance of an indigenous algicidal bacterium, Bacillus cereus strain PT1 isolated from a sulfate-type saline–alkaline pond, against M. aeruginosa was evaluated, and the underlying metabolic mechanisms were elucidated using non-targeted metabolomics. PT1 exhibited pronounced, stable algicidal activity under saline–alkaline conditions, decreasing the algal cell density from 2 × 10⁶ to 1.25 ± 0.5 × 10⁵ cells mL⁻¹ within 4 days at a rate of 93.75 ± 2.5% (p < 0.05). The above results demonstrate that strain PT1 has a significant lytic effect on M. aeruginosa. Non-targeted liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis identified 298 PT1-induced accumulated metabolic features, and the top 30 candidates comprised organic acids and aromatic compounds, including benzoic acid, coumarin, malonic acid, and signaling-related molecules, including indoleacetaldehyde and nitroprusside. These differential metabolites were associated with algicidal-related pathways, including quorum sensing, two-component systems, ABC transporters, and tryptophan metabolism, outlining a coordinated “regulation–transport–metabolic remodeling” framework. Our findings demonstrate the potential of the indigenous algicidal strain PT1 from saline–alkali ponds to control M. aeruginosa blooms. They also provide an important theoretical basis and data foundation for further elucidating the molecular characteristics of algae solubilizing activity under saline–alkali conditions and developing microbial agents for preventing and controlling Microcystis blooms in saline–alkali ponds. Full article

The co-occurrence of ammonia nitrogen and hypoxia represents a physiologically taxing synergistic challenge for benthic bivalves—as it forces a conflict between the high energy demand for detoxification and the limited energy supply under low oxygen, yet the tissue-specific strategies underlying their resilience remain poorly understood. This study investigated the physiological and transcriptomic responses of the razor clam Sinonovacula constricta to ammonia (AG), hypoxia (HG), and their combination (HAG) over 96 h. Transcriptomic profiling revealed that the gill and hepatopancreas employ distinct, organ-coordinated adaptive strategies rather than a uniform systemic response. The gill prioritized respiratory homeostasis by fine-tuning oxygen sensing: transcriptional suppression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1-α (HIF-1α) (to limit glycolytic acidosis) was followed by a chronic induction of HIF-2α, alongside the specific upregulation of the mitochondrial respiratory gene cytochrome c oxidase-6b (COX-6b). In contrast, the hepatopancreas executed a critical metabolic trade-off centered on arginine metabolism. Under combined stress, arginine flux was redirected toward the urea cycle via a robust upregulation of arginase (ARG) for detoxification, while nitric oxide synthase (NOS) was concurrently suppressed. This reciprocal regulation suggests a strategy to prioritize ammonia clearance and energy conservation at the expense of immune signaling. These findings elucidate how S. constricta navigates the bioenergetic conflict between detoxification and oxygen limitation, providing molecular targets for breeding stress-resistant aquaculture strains. Full article