Search Results (4,143)

Aiming at the problem of abnormal wear caused by the poor dynamic characteristics of aeroengine segmented annular seals, according to the hydrodynamic lubrication theory, based on the conventional structure featuring the Rayleigh step profile rectangular pocket (RP), novel structures with the circumferential linear convergent pocket (CLCP) and the circumferential parabolic convergent pocket (CPCP) were proposed. A model was developed to analyze both the static and dynamic characteristics of three types of segmented annular seals, utilizing the local differential quadrature (LDQ) method. Once the accuracy of the solution model was confirmed, the effects of working conditions and design features on both static and dynamic characteristics were analyzed. Results indicate that the circumferential wedge convergent pockets can effectively improve the dynamic characteristics of the seal system. Under different rotational speeds, compared with the RP seal, the CLCP seal’s stiffness coefficient and damping coefficient increases by an average of 60.76% and 65.27%, respectively. As the rotational speed increases, the RP seal damping ratio decreases, and the seal system transitions from an overdamped state to an underdamped state, resulting in reduced stability. Nevertheless, under different rotational speeds and pressure ratios, the CLCP and the CPCP seals are both in an overdamped state. Taking into account the static and dynamic characteristics, the CLCP seal is the optimal structure in this study. Full article

The largemouth bass ranavirus (LMBRaV) caused significant mortality and economic loss in the largemouth bass aquaculture industry around the world, including China. Vaccination is an efficient method for virus defense. In this study, an inactivated LMBRaV vaccine was prepared, and the prevention effect as well as the immune responses were analyzed after the primary and the secondary immunization. Compared to the control group, the counts of leucocytes and erythrocytes increased and peaked at day 14 after the primary immunization, and the proportions of leucocytes, including lymphocytes, monocytes, and neutrophils, were also up-regulation after the primary immunization. Serum neutralizing antibody titers increased and peaked (1:128) at day 28 after the primary immunization. Following the secondary immunization, antibody titers were increased to a higher level (1:512) at 28 days after the secondary immunization. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis demonstrated varying degrees of up-regulation of mhc II, igM, il-1β, and cd8α transcriptions in the head kidney, which showed that innate and adaptive immune responses were both induced after the primary and the secondary immunization. After challenge with LMBRaV, the relative percent survival rates (RPS) for primary and secondary immunization with inactivated LMBRaV vaccine were determined to be 62.92% and 95.51%, respectively. Therefore, this study suggests that utilizing an inactivated LMBRaV vaccine could induce efficient immune responses and antibody, which might provide a potential efficient countermeasure for LMBRaV prevention. Full article

This work demonstrates the preliminary results of rapid and direct detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) using the quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) method. Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)-specific RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP) gene-dependent probe DNA was used as a selective agent toward target DNA, the inactivated SARS-CoV-2 virus, and RNAs extracted from clinical samples. This study developed and utilised a unique dry-QCM approach with a mitigated experimental procedure. Contact angle measurements, Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) measurements were employed to investigate the surface during probe immobilisation and target hybridisation. This study also investigates the effect of temperature on probe immobilisation and target hybridisation. The estimated probe density was 0.51 × 10¹² probes/cm², which is below the critical limit. The estimated hybridisation efficiency was about 58.9%. The linear detection range with a Limit of Detection (LoD) was about ~1.22 nM with high selectivity toward SARS-CoV-2 target DNA. The sensor shelf-life was found to be extended to 25 days. The novelty of using a new dry-QCM approach for SARS-CoV-2 detection was proven with the results. Full article

Clinacanthus nutans is a valuable traditional medicinal plant that contains enriched active compounds such as triterpenoids and flavonoids. Understanding the accuulation process of these secondary metabolites in C. nutans requires exploring gene expression regulation under abiotic stresses and hormonal stimuli. qRT-PCR is a powerful method for gene expression analysis, with the selection of suitable reference genes being paramount. However, reports on stably expressed reference genes in C. nutans and even across the entire family Acanthaceae are limited. In this study, we evaluated the expression stability of 12 candidate reference genes (CnUBQ, CnRPL, CnRPS, CnPTB1, CnTIP41, CnACT, CnUBC, CnGAPDH, Cn18S, CnCYP, CnEF1α, and CnTUB) in C. nutans across different tissues and under abiotic stresses and MeJA treatment using three programs (geNorm, NormFinder, and BestKeeper). The integrated ranking results indicated that CnUBC, CnRPL, and CnCYP were the most stably expressed genes across different tissues. Under abiotic stress conditions, CnUBC, CnRPL, and CnEF1α were the most stable, while under MeJA treatment, CnRPL, CnEF1α, and CnGAPDH exhibited the highest stability. Additionally, CnRPL, CnUBC, and CnEF1α were the most stable reference genes across all tested samples, whereas CnGAPDH was the least stable. CnRPL, consistently ranking among the top three most stable genes, may therefore serve as an ideal reference gene for qRT-PCR analysis in C. nutans. To further validate the selected reference genes, we assessed the expression of two key biosynthetic genes, CnPAL and CnHMGR. The results confirmed that using the most stable reference genes yielded expression patterns consistent with biological expectations, while using unstable reference genes led to significant deviations. These findings offer valuable insights for accurately quantifying target genes via qRT-PCR in C. nutans, facilitating investigations into the mechanisms underlying active compound accumulation. Full article

The effect of chlorides on the corrosion activities of SS304 and carbon steel A36 was investigated during immersion in a hybrid pumice–Portland cement extract solution, containing high concentration of chlorides (5 g ${\mathrm{L}}^{-1}$ NaCl), in order to simulate the concrete–pore marine environment. The hybrid pumice–Portland cement (HB1) has been considered an alternative “green” cement system. The initial pH of the extract (12.99) decreased to 9.5 after 14 days, inducing a severe corrosion risk for A36, as suggested by the very negative corrosion potential (OCP ≈ −363 mV). Meanwhile, the SS304 tended to passivate and its OCP shifted to positive values (≈+72 mV). Consequently, the surface of the A36 presented a corrosion layer mainly of $\mathrm{FeOOH}$, while that of the SS304 was composed of ${\mathrm{Cr}}_2{\mathrm{O}}_3$, ${\mathrm{Fe}}_3{\mathrm{O}}_4$ and $\mathrm{NiO}$, according to the SEM-EDS and XPS analysis. An extended area of an almost uniform corrosion attack was observed on the A36 surface, due to the less protective Fe-corrosion products, while the SS304 surface presented some small pits of ≈1 µm. Based on electrochemical impedance measurements, the polarization resistance (Rp) and thickness of the passive layer were calculated. The Rp of the SS304 surface increased by two orders of magnitude up to ≈11,080 $\mathrm{k}\mathsf{\Omega } {\mathrm{cm}}^2$, and the thickness of the layer reached ≈1.5 nm after 30 days of immersion. The Rp of carbon steel was ≈2.5 $\mathrm{k}\mathsf{\Omega } {\mathrm{cm}}^2$ due to the less protective properties of its corrosion products. Full article

Selenium–polysaccharides possess antioxidant properties, making them promising materials for functional foods, pharmaceuticals, and clinical applications. This study examines the incorporation of selenium into polysaccharides via mycelial biosynthesis and its effects on structure and antioxidant activity. Polysaccharides obtained from Lentinula edodes-submerged cultures grown in Se-supplemented and non-supplemented media were analysed for Se content (RP-HPLC/FLD), structure (FT-IR, HPLC, and HPGPC-ELSD), and antioxidant activity (DPPH scavenging, reducing power, and Fe²⁺ chelation). Two low-molecular-weight Se–heteropolysaccharides (Se-FE-1.1 and Se-FE-1.2) containing ~80 and 125 µg/g Se were isolated, primarily composed of glucose, mannose, and galactose with β-glycosidic linkages. Se incorporation into polysaccharides selectively enhanced their antioxidant activity in the DPPH radical scavenging assay, with minimal effects observed in iron chelation and reducing power assays. Crude Se–polysaccharides displayed the highest antioxidant activity, suggesting an additional contribution from protein components. Our findings demonstrate that Se is effectively incorporated into polysaccharides, altering monosaccharide composition while preserving glycosidic linkages. The selective enhancement of radical scavenging suggests that selenium plays a specific role in antioxidant activity, primarily influencing radical scavenging mechanisms rather than interactions with metal ions. Further research is needed to clarify the mechanisms of selenium incorporation, the nature of its bonding within the polysaccharide molecule, and its impact on biological activity. Full article

High-performance optical isolators are key components in photonic integrated circuits, with significant applications in nonlinear optical systems. We propose a design for a TE-mode optical isolator based on the AlGaAs-on-insulator platform. The isolator consists of non-reciprocal phase shift (NRPS) waveguides, reciprocal phase shift (RPS) waveguides, and multi-mode interference (MMI) couplers achieving low loss, high isolation, and wide bandwidth. Numerical simulations show that, at a wavelength of 1550 nm, the device provides a bandwidth of 91 nm at 30 dB isolation. The confinement factors for a magneto-optical (MO) waveguide were analyzed, and a detailed loss analysis revealed a total loss of 1.47 dB and a figure of merit (FoM) of 2.76 rad/dB. The manufacturing tolerances of the isolator are discussed referring to the requirement of stability and reliability in practical applications. This study provides an optimized design for high-performance TE-mode optical isolators in integrated photonic systems, which are well-suited for efficient and stable nonlinear optical applications. Full article

Background/Objectives: Illicium verum Hook. f. and Illicium difengpi K. I. B.et K. I. M. are two important medicinal plants which grow in the mountainous areas of Guangxi, China. Their similar morphological characteristics frequently lead to their misidentification. Chloroplast genome (cp)-based barcode technology has been used to effectively identify two closely related species; however, at present, there is no systematic comparative study of the cp genome sequences between I. verum and I. difengpi. Methods: Here, the cp genomes of the two plants were sequenced and analyzed. Results: The cp genome sizes were 142,689 and 142,689 bp for I. verum and I. difengpi, respectively. Each of the cp genomes annotated 122 genes, with 79 protein coding genes, 8 ribosomal RNA genes, and 35 transfer RNA genes. Amino acid frequencies of 1.17–10.19% (I. verum) and 1.18–10.17% (I. difengpi) were found in the coding genes. There were also 104 and 96 SSRs as well as 26 and 25 long repeats identified in I. verum and I. difengpi, respectively, among which the most common were A/T base repeats. Both cp genomes had SSC/IRa junctions located in gene ycf1-trnN. The ycf1 and trnL-trnV-rps7 genes were positioned at the IRb/SSC and LSC/IR boundaries, respectively. A phylogenetic relationship was constructed and the two species were fully nested within the genus Illicium. Conclusions: The comparative cp genomes of I. verum and I. difengpi are presented in this study, and this provides valuable phylogenetic information for subsequent molecular marker development and research of I. verum and I. difengpi. Full article

Polystyrene pots and trays are a promising input material for a closed packaging-to-packaging cycle. For the evaluation of the food law compliance it is necessary to know the possible contamination with substances from the first use but also from cross-contamination during recollection or even from possible misuse of the packing for storage of hazardous chemicals. As part of the study, 49 conventionally recycled PS samples from six European countries were analyzed for contamination. A rapid screening method was used, which has already been applied to PET recyclates. The 30 most highly concentrated substances were semi-quantified and identified. Overall, 10,310 individual post-consumer PS packages were investigated. Evidence of misuse of the PS pots and trays was found in one samples with the substance pinene at a concentration of 475 to 711 mg/kg. The incidence of misuse is therefore 0.0097%. The maximum initial concentration was determined 0.069 mg/kg or to 0.65 mg/kg under worst-case assumptions. Based on the data, an initial concentration of 1 mg/kg in post-consumer washed post-consumer rPS flakes is suggested as pragmatic worst-case approach in the evaluation of consumer safety of rPS containing food packaging. Full article

The integration of recycled powder (RP) as a partial cement replacement in concrete, combined with fiber reinforcement, facilitates the development of high-ductility recycled powder concrete (HDRPC) with enhanced mechanical properties. This approach holds significant potential for effectively recycling construction waste and reducing carbon emissions. To improve the seismic performance of prefabricated joints in industrial prefabricated building production, experimental tests under low-cycle reversed cyclic loading were conducted on four HDRPC prefabricated joints, one HDRPC cast-in-place joint, and one normal prefabricated concrete joint. The study systematically analyzed damage patterns, deformation ductility, stiffness degradation, hysteresis energy dissipation, and other performance characteristics. The results demonstrate that HDRPC effectively mitigates crack width and shear deformation in the joint core area, achieving a 17.8% increase in joint-bearing capacity and a 33.3% improvement in displacement ductility. Moreover, HDRPC improves specimen damage characteristics, enhances joint shear capacity and flexibility, and reduces the demand for hoop reinforcement in the joint core area due to its exceptional shear ductility. Based on the softened tension–compression bar model, a crack-resistance-bearing capacity equation for HDRPC joints was derived, which aligns closely with shear test results when cracks develop in the joint core area. Full article

Prostate cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed malignancies worldwide and is a major cause of cancer-associated morbidity in men. Radical prostatectomy (RP) is a cornerstone of intervention for organ-confined diseases and offers a potentially curative outcome. In recent decades, RP has undergone transformative changes, moving from open surgery, with significant morbidity, to minimally invasive and robot-assisted techniques. These advances have improved surgical precision, reduced blood loss, and accelerated functional recovery. Key enhancements, such as the “Veil of Aphrodite”, hood-sparing, and Retzius-sparing approaches, aim to preserve neurovascular structures vital for continence and sexual function, addressing the persistent challenge of balancing oncological control with quality-of-life outcomes. Single-port (SP) robotic platforms represent the latest frontier, offering various access routes, including extraperitoneal, transvesical, transperitoneal, and transperineal routes, to further reduce incisional morbidity. Early experiences with SP robot-assisted radical prostatectomy(RARP) suggest favorable continence rates and short hospital stays, although concerns remain regarding the technical complexity and potential margin status of the advanced disease. Comparisons across these techniques revealed broadly similar long-term oncological outcomes, underscoring the importance of patient selection, tumor staging, and surgeon expertise. Ongoing innovations in robotic systems, augmented imaging modalities, and personalized surgical planning are likely to refine prostate cancer care and enhance both survival and post-treatment quality of life. Full article

Buildings account for a significant share of global energy consumption and carbon emissions, making deep renovations essential for climate mitigation. Renovation passports (RPs) are an emerging concept still in the early stages of development, designed to provide structured step-by-step renovation roadmaps that prevent lock-in effects and optimise energy performance over time. However, their large-scale adoption in the European Union (EU) remains limited due to technical, financial, behavioural, and policy challenges. This study conducts a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) to identify key strategies for the successful development and large-scale implementation of RPs in EU. A total of 217 research articles from Scopus and ScienceDirect, along with 99 EU policy documents and 16 Building Performance Institute Europe (BPIE) reports, were analysed to assess the technical, financial, behavioural, and policy dimensions of RP adoption. Our findings highlight the role of digital tools like Building Information Modelling (BIM), digital building logbooks (DBLs), and one-stop shops (OSSs) in improving RP usability and accessibility. Financial barriers, such as high upfront costs and fragmented funding, require harmonised incentives, green loans, and energy performance contracting. Behavioural factors, including homeowner awareness, trust in renovation services, and decision-making complexity, also influence RP adoption. This study underscores the need for stronger policy integration between RPs and energy performance certificates (EPCs), improved financial instruments, and enhanced stakeholder engagement. By addressing these gaps, this research provides actionable recommendations for policymakers and stakeholders to accelerate the adoption of RPs and contribute to the EU’s Renovation Wave strategy and broader climate neutrality objectives. Full article

Fimbristylis littoralis, also known as globe fringerush, is one of the most troublesome annual Cyperaceae weeds in dryland fields and nurseries in the Yangtze Plain, Middle and Lower in China. The chloroplast (cp) genome of F. littoralis, and even this genus, has not been studied yet. In this study, the feature of the cp genome of F. littoralis and its phylogenetic relationships has been reported for the first time. It exhibited a typical circular tetramerous structure, with 86 protein-encoding genes. There were 149 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) and 1932 long repeats (LRs) detected. The IR expansion and contraction revealed the uniqueness of F. littoralis because there is a special cross-boundary gene, rps3, located at the LSC/IRb junction. Phylogenetic and divergence time dating analysis showed the close relationship between F. littoralis and the genus Cyperus, as well as many evolutionary directions of Cyperaceae family plants. The most recommended chemical method for removing this weed from nurseries is to spray 13 g ai ha⁻¹ (the amount of active ingredient applied per hectare) of saflufenacil before emergence or 7.5 g ai ha⁻¹ of halosulfuron-methyl after emergence. In conclusion, this study was the first to report the complete cp genome of a plant in the genus Fimbristylis. Our findings also provided valuable biological information for studying the phylogenetic relationships and evolution among the family Cyperaceae. Full article

Background/Objectives: Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) is a vasorelaxant gas and exerts anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and cytoprotective effects. H₂S has been implicated in regulating placental vaso-activity and angiogenesis. It is believed that abnormal trophoblast production of vasodilators and angiogenic factors contributes to pre-eclampsia development. However, little is known about whether aberrant H₂S production is present in placental trophoblasts from pre-eclamptic pregnancies. Methods: Trophoblasts were isolated from normal and pre-eclamptic placentas. After incubation, cell production of H₂S in the culture medium and the cellular levels of H₂S were analyzed by reversed phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). Expression levels of the three key H₂S converting enzymes, cystathionine-β-synthase (CBS), cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE), and 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (3-MST), were determined by immunohistochemistry. The protein expression of CBS and CSE was assessed by Western blot analysis. Results: (1) Trophoblast production and cellular levels of H₂S were significantly reduced in cells from pre-eclamptic vs. normal placentas; (2) free H₂S production was increased in a time-dependent manner in cultured trophoblasts from normal, but not from pre-eclamptic, placentas; and (3) strong CBS and CSE expression was seen in trophoblasts from normal, as opposed to pre-eclamptic, placentas. Reduced CBS and CSE expression in trophoblasts from pre-eclamptic vs. normal placentas were confirmed by Western blot analysis; and (4) 3-MST expression was undetachable in both normal and pre-eclamptic placentas, but 3-MST expression was strongly expressed in the first and second trimester placentas. Conclusions: These data provide plausible evidence that downregulation of CBS and CSE, but not 3-MST, expression may be responsible for reduced free H₂S production and decreased cellular H₂S levels in pre-eclamptic placentas. Our data provide further evidence that expression of 3-MST in placental trophoblasts is likely gestational age (developmental)-dependent. Full article

Corn, a widely cultivated cereal, is a rich source of several antioxidant compounds, including phenolic compounds. Some of these compounds are bound within the components of the corn cell wall, requiring specific treatments to release them. Solid-state fermentation (SSF) using Rhizopus oryzae enhanced the antioxidant capacity and phenolic content in legumes and grains. However, there is limited information regarding its application in blue corn. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of R. oryzae growth on the phenolic content and antioxidant capacity of blue corn kernels. The results demonstrated that R. oryzae used blue corn kernels for growth, which led to an increase in free phenolic compounds, reaching their highest concentration at 60 h of culture. Compared to the unfermented control (0 h), SSF increased by up to 161% in total phenolic content and a 94% increase in antioxidant capacity. The main phenolic compounds identified in the blue corn extracts at 60 h using RP-HPLC-ESI-MS included caffeic acid 4-O-glucoside, rosmanol, p-coumaroyl tartaric acid glucosidic ester, 5-heptadecylresorcinol, and caffeoyl tartaric acid. The SSF represents an eco-friendly method for enhancing the antioxidant capacity and phenolic compounds of blue corn grain. Full article