Search Results (8,101)

With the expanding electric vehicle market, there is increasing demand for improved battery safety and fast-charging performance. Ceramic-based solid electrolytes have attracted attention due to their high thermal and electrochemical stabilities. Li-glass solid electrolytes (e.g., Li₂O–LiCl–B₂O₃–Al₂O₃, LCBA) are promising materials because they enable low-temperature sintering (<550 °C), suppress lithium volatilization, mitigate ionic conductivity degradation, and enable cost-effective manufacturing. LCBA can be co-sintered with graphite anodes to form composite anode materials for LCBA-based all-solid-state batteries. However, insufficient densification and shrinkage mismatch often lead to limited ionic conductivity and interfacial delamination. In this study, the sintering behavior of LCBA was investigated using a hot-press-assisted process, and LCBA/graphite composite anodes were co-sintered to evaluate their electrochemical and interfacial properties. The LCBA electrolyte sintered at 550 °C exhibited high densification and an ionic conductivity of 3.86 × 10⁻⁵ S cm⁻¹. Additionally, the composite containing 50 wt% LCBA achieved a maximum tensile stress of ~0.23 MPa and a high interfacial fracture energy of ~180–200 J m⁻², indicating enhanced deformation tolerance and fracture resistance. This approach improves the densification, ionic conductivity, and interfacial mechanical stability of LCBA solid electrolytes and their composite anodes, highlighting their potential for next-generation all-solid-state secondary battery applications. Full article

This paper presents a dual four-port circularly polarized (CP) MIMO antenna based on substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) technology for sub-6 GHz applications. The design consists of two identical four-port SIW-based CP-MIMO antennas arranged in a mirror-symmetric configuration with an air gap of 15 mm. Each antenna employs four symmetrically arranged cross-shaped SIW patches excited by coaxial probes. Bidirectional radiation is achieved by applying a 180° phase difference between corresponding ports of the mirror symmetric configuration, referred to as the Backward-Radiating Unit (BRU) and the Forward-Radiating Unit (FRU). The bidirectional radiation mechanism is supported by array-factor-based theoretical modelling, which explains the constructive and destructive interference under phase-controlled excitation. To ensure high isolation and stable polarization performance, the antenna design incorporates defected ground structures, inter-element decoupling strips, and vertical metallic vias. Simulations indicate an operating band from 5.1 to 5.4 GHz. Measurements show a −10 dB bandwidth from 5.25 to 5.55 GHz, with the frequency shift attributed to fabrication tolerances and measurement uncertainties. The antenna achieves inter-port isolation better than −15 dB. A 3 dB axial-ratio bandwidth is maintained across the operating band. Measured axial-ratio values remain below 3 dB from 5.25 to 5.55 GHz, while simulations predict a corresponding range from 5.1 to 5.4 GHz. The proposed configuration achieves a peak gain exceeding 4 dBi and maintains an envelope correlation coefficient below 0.05. These results confirm its suitability for CP-MIMO systems with controlled spatial coverage. With a physical size of 0.733λ₀ × 0.733λ₀ per array, the proposed antenna is well-suited for vehicular and space-constrained wireless systems requiring bidirectional CP-MIMO coverage. Full article

Nanotechnology holds great promise for alleviating drought stress in crops. This study elucidates and compares the distinct physiological mechanisms by which two nanomaterials, nano-cerium oxide (CeO₂) and nano-titanium dioxide (TiO₂), function as seed-priming agents to enhance drought tolerance in barley. A comprehensive analysis encompassing germination performance, hormonal dynamics, starch metabolism, osmotic adjustment, photosynthetic pigments, and the antioxidant system revealed that each nanomaterial operates through a unique pathway. Specifically, priming with 150 mg·L⁻¹ nano-CeO₂ (CP-150) primarily promoted root development and stress resilience. This effect was achieved by persistently reducing abscisic acid (ABA) levels, elevating gibberellin (GA₃), enhancing amylase activity to mobilize seed reserves, and increasing soluble protein accumulation in roots. In contrast, priming with 500 mg·L⁻¹ nano-TiO₂ (TP-500) was more effective in enhancing shoot physiology and adaptive capacity by rapidly inducing auxin (IAA), robustly stimulating the antioxidant enzyme system, and increasing photosynthetic pigment content. The temporally and spatially complementary actions of these nanomaterials, with nano-CeO₂ fostering root-based resilience and nano-TiO₂ boosting shoot-level functions, synergistically support seed germination and seedling establishment under drought conditions. This study provides a mechanistic foundation for designing targeted nano-priming strategies to improve crop drought resistance. Full article

Background: Late-onset depression (LOD) represents a distinct clinical and biological phenotype emerging in the context of global population ageing. This study aims to synthesize current evidence on the epidemiology, risk factors, mechanistic pathways, and therapeutic approaches of LOD, integrating biological, psychological, and social dimensions. Methods: This narrative review synthesizes recent evidence across epidemiology, clinical symptomatology, neurobiology, and treatment. Where conceptually appropriate or empirically overlapping, we incorporate findings from the broader late-life depression (LLD) literature. Results: LOD emerges (as a distinct clinical and biological entity in later life) as a clinically and biologically meaningful presentation of depression in later life, representing a minority of depressive cases. It is defined by prominent apathy, psychomotor slowing, and cognitive impairment, and is closely linked to frailty, medical comorbidity, and heightened dementia risk. Pathophysiological mechanisms converge on vascular, inflammatory, oxidative, and neuroplasticity pathways, while psychosocial adversity further shapes onset and course. Treatment prioritizes efficacy and tolerability amid multiple morbidity; SSRIs and SNRIs are first-line, with pro-dopaminergic or dual-action agents addressing anhedonia and apathy, and neuromodulation or augmentation strategies reserved for resistance. Integrative approaches combining pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy, and lifestyle interventions are essential to optimize outcomes in aging populations. Conclusions: Late-onset depression (is a distinct, biologically and psychosocially driven disorder) represents a biologically and psychosocially enriched subtype in its own within the spectrum of late-life depression, requiring integrated, personalized care. Addressing neurovascular mechanisms, psychosocial adversity, and prevention through coordinated geriatric and psychiatric strategies may improve outcomes in aging populations. Full article

Background/Objectives: Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN) is a chronic neuropathic condition characterized by sudden, severe facial pain. Anticonvulsants are the cornerstone of pharmacological management, yet comparative evidence based on pharmacological class remains scarce. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of anticonvulsants in TN, stratified by their mechanism of action. Methods: A systematic search in PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science was conducted following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Studies employing a pharmacological approach including human patients with TN, published in English since 2000, were included. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane RoB 2, the ROBINS-I and the ROBINS-E tools, according to the study design. Results: Out of 922 initial records, 12 studies met the eligibility criteria. Sodium channel inhibitors showed high efficacy but frequent adverse effects, particularly hyponatremia and central nervous system symptoms. Calcium channel modulators offered a more favorable safety profile. Combination therapies showed benefits, levetiracetam and topiramate were moderately effective and well tolerated. Although the evidence has limitations, anticonvulsants continue to be the primary treatment for TN. Sodium-channel blockers demonstrate strong efficacy, whereas alternative agents generally provide superior tolerability. Conclusions: These findings support selecting drugs according to their underlying mechanisms of action. Equally important is tailoring therapy to pain phenotype and patient characteristics, balancing mechanism with tolerability and efficacy. Full article

Slickwater fracturing has become an adopted technology for enhancing hydrocarbon recovery from unconventional, low-permeability reservoirs such as shale and tight formations, owing to its ability to generate complex fracture networks at a low cost. Polyacrylamide and polyacrylamide-based gels serve as key additives in these fluids, primarily functioning as drag reducers and thickeners. However, downhole environments of high-temperature (>120 °C) and high-salinity (>1 × 10⁴ mg/L) reservoirs pose challenges, leading to thermal degradation and chain collapse of conventional polyacrylamide, which results in performance loss. To address these limitations, synthesis methods including aqueous solution polymerization, inverse emulsion polymerization, and aqueous dispersion polymerization have been developed. This review provides an overview of molecular design methods aimed at enhancing performance stability of polyacrylamide-based polymers under extreme conditions. Approaches for improving thermal stability involve synthesis of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyacrylamide, copolymerization with resistant monomers, and incorporation of nanoparticles. Methods for enhancing salt tolerance focus on grafting anionic, cationic, or zwitterionic side chains onto the polymer backbone. The drag reduction mechanisms and gelation methods of these polymers in slickwater fracturing fluids are discussed. Finally, this review outlines research directions for developing next-generation polyacrylamide polymers tailored for extreme reservoir conditions, offering insights for academic research and field applications. Full article

Cost code verification in state-funded construction projects remains a labor-intensive and error-prone task, particularly given the structural heterogeneity of project estimates and the prevalence of malformed codes, inconsistent units of measurement (UoMs), and locally modified price components. This study evaluates a deterministic GPT-based assistant designed to automate Vietnam’s regulatory verification. The assistant was developed and iteratively refined across four Action Research cycles. Also, the system enforces strict rule sequencing and dataset grounding via Python-governed computations. Rather than relying on probabilistic or semantic reasoning, the system performs strictly deterministic checks on code validity, UoM alignment, and unit price conformity in material (MTR), labor (LBR), and machinery (MCR), given the provincial unit price books (UPBs). Deterministic equality is evaluated either on raw numerical values or on values transformed through explicitly declared, rule-governed operations, preserving auditability without introducing tolerance-based or inferential reasoning. A dedicated exact-match mechanism, which is activated only when a code is invalid, enables the recovery of typographical errors only when a project item’s full price vector well matches a normative entry. Using twenty real construction estimates (16,100 rows) and twelve controlled error-injection cases, the study demonstrates that the assistant executes verification steps with high reliability across diverse spreadsheet structures, avoiding ambiguity and maintaining full auditability. Deterministic extraction and normalization routines facilitate robust handling of displaced headers, merged cells, and non-standard labeling, while structured reporting provides line-by-line traceability aligned with professional verification workflows. Practitioner feedback confirms that the system reduces manual tracing effort, improves evaluation consistency, and supports documentation compliance with human judgment. This research contributes a framework for large language model (LLM)-orchestrated verification, demonstrating how Action Research can align AI tools with domain expectations. Furthermore, it establishes a methodology for deploying LLMs in safety-critical and regulation-driven environments. Limitations—including narrow diagnostic scope, unlisted quotation exclusion, single-province UPB compliance, and sensitivity to extreme spreadsheet irregularities—define directions for future deterministic extensions. Overall, the findings illustrate how tightly constrained LLM configurations can augment, rather than replace, professional cost verification practices in public-sector construction. Full article

Objectives: This study aims to explore the therapeutic effect and mechanism of stir-roasted deer velvet antler with ghee (ZLR) on Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). Methods: This study used proteomics to analyze the protein composition of roasted deer antler velvet. It established a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced NAFLD rat model and evaluated the therapeutic effects of different dosage groups, including liver injury, oxidative stress, glucose metabolism, steatosis, and insulin homeostasis (via fasting glucose tolerance). Transcriptomics explored the mechanism. Gene expression and Western blot detected lipid metabolism-related gene expression. In vivo experiments validated that ZLR-containing serum alleviates NAFLD and reduces reactive oxygen species levels. Results: The results indicated that ZLR could significantly reduce the body weight, liver weight and degree of hepatic steatosis in HFD rats, improve glycolipid metabolism and insulin sensitivity, and alleviate oxidative stress damage. The mechanism involves activating the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (AMPK/PPAR) signaling pathway, regulating the expression of lipid metabolism-related genes, promoting fatty acid oxidation, and reducing fat deposition. The results of in vitro experiments show that ZLR-containing serum can effectively reduce lipid droplet production in liver cells and effectively alleviate oxidative stress damage in liver cells. Conclusions: The traditional Chinese medicine processed product ZLR can regulate lipid metabolism in the body and alleviate the degree of NAFLD by activating the AMPK and PPAR signaling pathways. It provides new ideas for the clinical treatment of NAFLD. Full article

Rolling steel rings is a key manufacturing process for producing components with high strength and dimensional accuracy, used, among others, in the automotive, aerospace, and energy industries. The quality of the products depends on the process parameters that affect their mechanical and geometric properties. One significant quality issue is ovalization, i.e., deviation from the ideal circular shape, which can complicate further processing or assembly. Therefore, analyzing the influence of rolling parameters on ovalization is crucial for ensuring high product quality and minimizing material losses. The aim of the research presented in this article was to determine the influence of the most important parameters of the ring rolling process—namely, billet temperature, forming tool speed, and the position of the calibrating rollers—on the ovalization of the rings produced. The results indicate that, among the parameters studied, the position of the calibrating roller engaged by the rolled ring has the greatest impact on ovality. Ovalization of the forging decreases with an increase in feed speed and a decrease in billet temperature. Higher feed speeds provide a more stable rolling process, which promotes the achievement of a more circular ring geometry. Lower billet temperatures are associated with better material strength properties, making it less susceptible to deformation under inertial forces compared to higher initial billet temperatures. The study of the influence of calibrating roller positions on ovalization showed that it is possible to determine an optimal configuration in which deviation from the ideal circular shape is minimized. Determining the optimal process parameters allows for producing components without the need for large-dimensional tolerances. Based on the results obtained, conclusions were formulated regarding the influence of the investigated process parameters on the ovalization of the finished ring. Full article

Intracellular metabolites markedly change in yeast during fermentation, especially under various stresses in beer post-fermentation. To address the current limitations in understanding the regulatory mechanisms in this complex environment, industrial brewing yeast was analyzed using integrated transcriptomics and proteomics across the post-fermentation phases, dynamically profiling the transcriptional levels and protein abundances of differentially expressed genes. As a result, 6110 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 3533 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were identified. Additionally, transcriptomics showed the induced expression of low-pH- and oxidative stress-related genes (HAL1, HAL4, YAP5), gluconeogenesis- and sugar transport-related genes (HXT, MAL, FBP), and mannan synthetic genes (FSK, MNN) during early post-fermentation. Moreover, heat-shock-related genes were upregulated throughout post-fermentation. Furthermore, proteomics revealed the sustained upregulation of glucosidase Scw, mannoprotein Pir, hexose transporter Hxt, and heat-shock proteins (Hsp). These findings indicate that yeast adapts to stress in the wort environment during post-fermentation by enhancing cell wall biosynthesis, activating heat-shock responses, and modulating metabolic pathways. These integrated omics analyses provide guidance for selecting robust, tolerant strains to industrial-scale stresses and improving beer flavor profiles, establishing a theoretical foundation for optimizing brewing and enhancing beer quality. Full article

Autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITDs), including Hashimoto thyroiditis and Graves’ disease, are the most common autoimmune endocrinopathies, affecting up to 5% of the population. Pathogenetic pathways have not yet been fully elucidated, even though different immune-genetic alterations have been proposed. Specific immune defects presenting with AITDs may serve as an experimentum naturae to study the involvement of a specific pathway in the pathogenesis of the disease. In fact, since immune dysregulation with autoimmunity frequently characterize inborn errors of immunity (IEIs), understanding the mechanisms of immune tolerance breakdown leading to autoimmunity in these conditions may provide useful insight to understand the pathogenesis of AITDs. In this review, we will highlight the main immunological aspects of AITDs and their pathogenesis in IEIs. Full article

As a critically important global food crop, wheat has been increasingly threatened by the frequent occurrence of extreme high-temperature events, which impairs its growth and development, resulting in reduced seed-setting rate, compromised grain quality and diminished yield. Therefore, identifying heat-tolerant genes and enhancing thermotolerance through molecular breeding are essential strategies for wheat improvement. In this study, we retrieved spatial transcriptomic data from the public database PRJNA427246, which captured gene expression profiles in flag leaves and grains of the heat-sensitive wheat cultivar Chinese Spring (CS) under 37 °C heat stress at time points of 0 min, 5 min, 10 min, 30 min, 1 h, and 4 h. Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) was used to construct co-expression networks for flag leaf and grain transcriptomes. One highly significant module was identified in each tissue, along with 35 hub genes that showed a strong temporal association with heat stress progression. Notably, both modules contained the previously characterized thermotolerance gene TaMBF1c, suggesting that additional heat-responsive genes may be present within these modules. Simultaneous analysis of the expression data from four groups (encompassing different tissues and high-temperature treatments) for the 35 core genes revealed that genes from the TaHSP20 family, TaMBF1c family, and other related genes exhibit coordinated expression patterns in terms of the temporal dynamics and tissue distribution of stress responses. Additionally, 27 genes of the small heat shock protein (HSP20) family are predicted to be involved in the endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation (ERAD) pathway. They assist in clearing misfolded proteins induced by stress, thereby helping to maintain endoplasmic reticulum homeostasis and cellular functions under stress conditions. Finally, the expression levels of three core genes, TaHSP20-1, TaPCDP4, and TaMBF1c-D, were validated by qRT-PCR in two wheat cultivars with distinct thermotolerance: S116 (Zhehuamai 2008) and S128 (Yangmai 33). These findings provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying heat tolerance in wheat and offer valuable genetic resources for breeding thermotolerant varieties. Full article

Drought stress severely limits wheat growth, development and yield. Endophytic fungi play a crucial role in plant growth and drought resistance. In agricultural production, they hold significant application potential as biocontrol agents capable of mitigating drought-induced damage. However, the mechanisms underlying changes in endophytic fungal community structure under drought stress remain unclear. Our study employed amplicon sequencing to investigate the structure of endophytic fungal communities in wheat roots under different water treatments, comparing structural and functional changes between different treatments. Results revealed that drought stress led to the greatest accumulation of relative abundance in the phylum Ascomycota (86.4%). At the genus level, Stachybotrys (increase 994.2%), Fusarium (increase 94.6%) and Aspergillus (increase 295.6%) showed the most significant increases in relative abundance. Co-occurrence network and Sankey diagram analysis revealed that wheat roots formed a drought-specific endophytic fungal community centered around Stachybotrys, Fusarium and Aspergillus, which indirectly enhanced crop drought tolerance. Our findings provide a theoretical foundation for future agricultural strategies to improve crop drought resistance through precise regulation of microbial communities. Full article

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are central mediators of immune tolerance, yet within tumors they adopt specialized phenotypes that confer the potent suppression of anti-tumor immune responses. Emerging evidence indicates that this functional plasticity is not driven by genetic alterations but instead arises from dynamic and context-dependent epigenetic reprogramming. While individual epigenetic mechanisms controlling Treg development and stability have been described, how tumor-derived cues reshape Treg epigenetic states, how these programs differ across cancer types, and which features distinguish tumor-infiltrating Tregs from their peripheral counterparts remain incompletely understood. In this review, we synthesize recent advances in DNA methylation, histone modifications, chromatin accessibility, and non-coding RNA regulation that govern Treg identity and function with a particular emphasis on tumor-specific epigenetic adaptations. We highlight emerging epigenetic hallmarks of intratumoral Tregs, discuss unresolved mechanistic questions, and evaluate the therapeutic potential and limitations of targeting epigenetic pathways to selectively modulate Tregs in cancer. By integrating mechanistic, cancer-specific, and translational perspectives, this review aims to provide a conceptual framework for understanding how epigenetic regulation shapes Treg behavior in the tumor microenvironment and how it may be exploited for cancer immunotherapy. Full article

In aerospace, defense, and energy systems, ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) are smart structural materials designed to function continuously in harsh mechanical, thermal, and oxidative conditions. Using high-strength fiber reinforcements and tailored interphases that enable damage-tolerant behavior, their creation tackles the intrinsic brittleness and low fracture toughness of monolithic ceramics. With a focus on chemical vapor infiltration, polymer infiltration and pyrolysis, melt infiltration, and additive manufacturing, this paper critically analyzes current developments in microstructural design, processing technologies, and interfacial engineering. Toughening mechanisms are examined in connection to multiscale mechanical responses, including controlled debonding, fiber bridging, fracture deflection, and energy dissipation pathways. Cutting-edge environmental barrier coatings are assessed alongside environmental durability issues like oxidation, volatilization, and hot corrosion. High-performance braking, nuclear systems, hypersonic vehicles, and turbine propulsion are evaluated as emerging uses. Future directions emphasize self-healing systems, ultra-high-temperature design, and environmentally friendly production methods. Full article