Search Results (16,037)

NASICON-type Li_1+XFe_XTi_2-X(PO₄)₃ (x = 0.1, 0.3, 0.4) solid electrolytes for all-solid-state Li-ion batteries were synthesized using a sol–gel method. This study investigated the impact of substituting Fe³⁺ (0.645 Å), a trivalent cation, for Ti⁴⁺ (0.605 Å) on ionic conductivity. Li_1+XFe_XTi_2-X(PO₄)₃ samples, subjected to various sintering temperatures, were characterized using TG-DTA, XRD with Rietveld refinement, XPS, FE-SEM, and AC impedance to evaluate composition, crystal structure, fracture surface morphology, densification, and ionic conductivity. XRD analysis confirmed the formation of single-crystalline NASICON-type Li_1+XFe_XTi_2-X(PO₄)₃ at all sintering temperatures. However, impurities in the secondary phase emerged owing to the high sintering temperature, above 1000 °C, and increased Fe content. Sintered density increased with the densification of Li_1+XFe_XTi_2-X(PO₄)₃, as evidenced by FE-SEM observations of sharper edges of larger quasi-cubic grains at elevated sintering temperatures. At 1000 °C, with Fe content exceeding 0.4, grain coarsening resulted in additional grain boundaries and internal cracks, thereby reducing the sintered density. Li_1.3Fe_0.3Ti_1.7(PO₄)₃ sintered at 900 °C exhibited the highest density among the other conditions and achieved the maximum total ionic conductivity of 1.51 × 10⁻⁴ S/cm at room temperature, with the lowest activation energy for Li ion transport at 0.37 eV. In contrast, Li_1.4Fe_0.4Ti_1.6(PO₄)₃ sintered at 1000 °C demonstrated reduced ionic conductivity owing to increased complex impedance associated with secondary phases and grain crack formation. Full article

Background: There are no comparative trials between the two most common schemes in HER2-positive early breast cancer treatment; BERENICE (with anthracyclines) and TRAIN-2 (without anthracyclines). In this study, we investigated the pathological complete response (pCR) and safety events achieved with each. Methods: This analytical retrospective observational study included 111 patients with early and locally advanced HER-2-positive breast cancer who initiated neoadjuvant treatment with an anthracycline-based scheme (four cycles of doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide, followed by four cycles of taxane, trastuzumab, and pertuzumab = AC-THP) and a non-anthracycline scheme (carboplatin, weekly paclitaxel, trastuzumab, and pertuzumab for six–nine cycles = TCbHP) at the National Cancer Institute in Colombia, between April 2020 and December 2024. The primary endpoint was the pCR. Safety was analyzed in patients who received at least one treatment cycle. Results: A total of 51 patients received AC-THP and 60 TCbHP (89.6% of which received six cycles). The pCR was 58.3% in ACHTP and 60.4% in TCbHP (p = 0.84). As a descriptive analysis, with the anthracycline-based scheme, there was a trend toward a higher pCR in patients with T3-T4, positive nodal involvement (N+), and positive hormone receptor (HR+). Cardiac toxicity events during the neoadjuvant phase were 9.8% in ACTHP and 3.3% in TCbHP. Grade 2 neuropathy events were higher in patients with the TCbHP scheme, at 23.3%, versus 9.8% in ACTHP. Conclusions: We found similar pCR rates between the schemes with anthracyclines and without anthracyclines. It is still pertinent to discuss the risk–benefit of using anthracycline-based regimens in patients with HR+, T3-T4, and N+. The cardiac adverse events reported in our patients were similar to those reported in the BERENICE trial. Full article

Microalgae are promising candidates for renewable biofuel production and nutrient-rich animal feed. Cultivating microalgae using wastewater can lower production costs but often results in biomass contamination and increases downstream processing requirements. This study presents a novel system that integrates an algae cultivator (AC) with a single-chamber microbial fuel cell (MFC) equipped with photosynthetic and air-cathode functionalities, separated by a ceramic membrane. The system enables the generation of electricity and production of clean microalgae biomass concurrently, in both light and dark conditions, utilizing wastewater as a nutrient source and renewable energy. The MFC chamber was filled with simulated potato processing wastewater, while the AC chamber contained microalgae Chlorella vulgaris in a growth medium. The ceramic membrane allowed nutrient diffusion while preventing direct contact between algae and wastewater. This design effectively supported algal growth and produced uncontaminated, harvestable biomass. At the same time, larger particulates and undesirable substances were retained in the MFC. The system can be operated with synergy between the MFC and AC systems, reducing operational and pretreatment costs. Overall, this hybrid design highlights a sustainable pathway for integrating electricity generation, nutrient recovery, and algae-based biofuel feedstock production, with improved economic feasibility due to high-quality biomass cultivation and the ability to operate continuously under variable lighting conditions. Full article

This paper presents a novel open-loop modulation and control strategy for bidirectional, multi-source/load parallel AC-link power converters. While these converters offer advantages such as high-frequency operation and flexible power conversion capabilities, their application to complex systems such as nanogrids presents significant control challenges. Traditional control methods often struggle to efficiently manage power flow and charging/discharging processes, especially when dealing with multiple sources and loads of varying characteristics. To address these issues, this paper proposes a new control strategy that enables intelligent source and load selection while maintaining fast charging and discharging times. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach. This research contributes to advancing the state-of-the-art in power electronics by providing a foundation for improved control of complex power conversion systems for renewable energy applications. Full article

Background: Antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) play a crucial role in diagnosing systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases, particularly systemic lupus erythematosus. The recommended standard for ANA detection is indirect immunofluorescence testing (IIFT) using human epithelial (HEp-2) cells. Since visual interpretation (VI) of IIFT images is time-consuming and labor-intensive, research is focusing on automated interpretation systems that use artificial intelligence (AI). Methods: Consecutive serum samples (number of sera = 143) from routine clinical care were collected from patients visiting our tertiary rheumatology center. ANA were detected by IIFT with visual interpretation and compared with IIFT using the AI-based interpretation system akiron^® NEO (Medipan, 15827 Blankenfelde-Mahlow, Germany). ANA titer levels and patterns were analyzed according to the Competent Level of the International Consensus on ANA Pattern classification. Results: Agreement of positive/negative ANA discrimination between AI-aided and VI-IIFT at the recommended cut-off of 80 was good (Cohen’s kappa [κ] 0.69) but significantly different (McNemar test, p < 0.0001). At a cut-off of ≥1/80, the agreement was improved (κ 0.76) and the difference between both methods was non-significant (p = 1.0000). The ANA pattern recognition agreement between both approaches was moderate (κ = 0.54). The direct comparison using only the akiron^® NEO HEp-2 cell ANA assay revealed a good agreement (0.67), which improved to very good (κ = 0.80) when differences between ANA patterns anti-cell (AC)4/5 and AC2 were neglected. Notably, titer levels in the automated evaluations were frequently assessed at higher values than in the gold standard interpretation. Conclusions: Our study demonstrates a good agreement for positive/negative ANA discrimination. ANA pattern recognition by AI-aided interpretation showed moderate to very good agreement with VI. Further research and algorithm refinement (e.g., improved pattern recognition and titer calibration) are necessary to support its future implementation as a reliable screening method. Full article

The early stages of plant–microbe interaction are critical for establishing beneficial symbioses. We investigated how the endophytic fungus Fusarium solani strain FsK modulates tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) development and hormone pathways during in vitro co-cultivation. Seedlings were sampled at three early interaction stages (pre-contact, T1; initial contact, T2, 3 days post-contact, T3). Root traits and root and leaf transcripts for abscisic acid (ABA) and ethylene (ET) pathways were quantified, alongside fungal ET-biosynthesis genes. FsK altered root system architecture, increasing root area, lateral root number, root-hair length, and fresh biomass. These morphological changes coincided with tissue- and time-specific shifts. In leaves, FsK broadly affected ABA biosynthetic and homeostasis genes (ZEP1, NCED1, ABA2, AAO1, ABA-GT, BG1), indicating reduced de novo synthesis with enhanced deconjugation of stored ABA. ET biosynthesis was curtailed in leaves via down-regulation of ACC oxidase (ACO1–3), with isoform-specific changes in ACC synthase (ACS). The ET receptor ETR1 was transiently expressed early (T1–T2). FsK itself showed staged activation of fungal ET-biosynthesis genes. These results reveal coordinated fungal–plant hormone control at the transcriptional level that promotes root development during early interaction and support FsK’s potential as a biostimulant. Full article

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a 12-week Active Breaks (ABs) program on physical, cognitive, and academic outcomes in primary school children. Methods: Eighty primary school students (age: 7.52 ± 0.50) (BMI: 18.35 ± 3.07) were recruited and randomly assigned to three experimental groups—involving creativity-based (CRE) (age: 7.97 ± 0.18 years) (BMI: 20.01 ± 3.59), fitness-based (FIT) (age: 7.93 ± 0.26 years) (BMI: 16.74 ± 1.76), and combined (COM) (age: 7.97 ± 0.18 years) (BMI: 19.38 ± 4.24) ABs—and a control group (CON) (age: 7.42 ± 0.49 years) (BMI: 18.31 ± 2.64). The intervention consisted of two daily sessions (10 min each) three times per week over a 12-week period. Numerical skills, calculation abilities, and arithmetic problem-solving performance were evaluated using the “Test for the Assessment of Calculation and Problem-Solving Skills” (AC-MT 6-11). Attention and concentration performance were assessed using the Reynolds Interference Task (RIT). Motor skill performance was assessed using the MOTORFIT tests. Results: The FIT and CRE groups showed higher improvement in physical performances (p < 0.05). Regarding cognitive outcomes, the COM group outperformed the CON group in the Total Correct Index (p = 0.032). Regarding mathematical performance, all EGs achieved higher results than the CON group (p < 0.042), with the COM group achieving the highest scores in operations, problem-solving, and total scores (p < 0.032). Conclusions: Incorporating structured physical activity through ABs during curricular hours is an effective strategy to enhance physical, cognitive, and academic performance in primary school children. A combined approach appears to be especially beneficial, supporting both physical and cognitive development simultaneously. Full article

In Florida, many agricultural soils contain up to 600 mg/kg of Mehlich-3 extractable phosphorus (P), yet potato growers continue to apply P fertilizers, indicating complex P dynamics that remain underexplored. Previous studies have mainly focused on P fertilizer trials, overlooking crucial factors like phosphatase activity and P sorption isotherms in high-legacy P systems. This study aimed to address this gap by examining acid phosphatase activity (AcPA) and P sorption dynamics in a potato field in northeastern Florida. Utilizing a split-block design, 24 plots were subjected to two P application rates (0 and 49 kg/ha) and three management treatments: a multispecies cover crop (MSCC), MSCC with Telone-C35 (a nematicide), and an untreated control. Significant increases in AcPA were observed during the tuber bulking stage, suggesting that applied P was insufficient for plant needs. P sorption isotherms indicated that the soil had reached maximum P sorption capacity, with applied P primarily fixed through chemical processes. These findings underscore the need for revised P fertilizer strategies in high-legacy P soils and highlight the importance of monitoring AcPA and sorption phases for effective nutrient management. Full article

This study examined the expression of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and inflammatory markers in cardiovascular complications associated with long-term type 1 diabetes (T1D) using a rat model. After 24 weeks of streptozotocin-induced T1D, the animals exhibited metabolic alterations indicative of both cardiac and renal dysfunction. Tissue-specific dysregulation of RAS components and pro-inflammatory markers were observed in the heart, aorta, and perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT). In the heart, there was a significant upregulation of both classical (AT1R, 1.00 (0.22) vs. 1.70 (0.45) R.U.) and counter-regulatory RAS components (ACE2, 1.00 (0.43) vs. 1.96 (0.67) R.U.; p < 0.001) and MasR (1.00 (0.56) vs. 1.33 (0.29) R.U.; p = 0.004). The aorta displayed increased expression of classical RAS components alongside a significant reduction in ACE2 expression (1.00 (0.74) vs. 0.51 (0.48) R.U.; p < 0.032). Notably, PVAT showed a significant overexpression of classical RAS components (ACE 1.00 (0.22) vs. 4.08 (1.32) R.U.; p < 0.001, AT1R 1.00 (0.59) vs. 7.22 (4.14) R.U.; p < 0.001) and MasR (1.00 (0.70) vs. 4.52 (1.91) R.U.; p < 0.001), accompanied by increased expression of TNFα and ADAM17. These findings suggest that long-term T1D induces tissue-specific activation patterns of the RAS and inflammatory pathways within the cardiovascular system, which may contribute to the progression of diabetic cardiovascular complications. Therapeutic targeting of RAS components may represent a viable strategy for mitigating cardiovascular damage in T1D. Full article

For power electronic transformer (PET) based Modular Multilevel DC-Link Based T-type Converters (MMDTC) with Double Active Bridges (DABs) (namely DABs-based MMDTC-PET), the sub-module capacitor voltages exhibit relatively large ripples. To reduce the voltage ripple of sub-module capacitors, this paper proposes a novel MMDTC-PET structure that utilizes the Three-Port Active Bridges (TABs) to replace the DABs as the isolation stage (TABs-based MMDTC-PET). When the two full bridges of the TAB on the primary side adopt identical phase-shift modulation, the two sub-module capacitors within the upper and lower arms form a parallel connection. This configuration endows the sub-module capacitors with switched-capacitor characteristics, suppressing voltage ripple in the sub-module capacitors and enabling power ripple flow to the secondary side. Meanwhile, by leveraging the characteristic that the AC power components of the upper and lower arm sub-modules have equal amplitudes but opposite phases, these AC power components are mutually canceled on the secondary side of the TAB. Simulation and experimental results verify the effectiveness of the proposed scheme. Full article

Optimizing pavement maintenance and rehabilitation (M&R) strategies is essential, especially in developing countries with limited budgets. This study presents an integrated framework combining a deterioration prediction model and a genetic algorithm (GA)-based optimization model to plan cost-effective M&R strategies for flexible pavements, including asphalt concrete (AC) and double bituminous surface treatment (DBST). The GA schedules multi-year interventions by accounting for varied deterioration rates and budget constraints to maximize pavement performance. The optimization process involves generating a population of candidate solutions representing a set of selected road sections for maintenance, followed by fitness evaluation and solution evolution. A mixed Markov hazard (MMH) model is used to model uncertainty in pavement deterioration, simulating condition transitions influenced by pavement bearing capacity, traffic load, and environmental factors. The MMH model employs an exponential hazard function and Bayesian inference via Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) to estimate deterioration rates and life expectancies. A case study on Cambodia’s road network evaluates six budget scenarios (USD 12–27 million) over a 10-year period, identifying the USD 18 million budget as the most effective. The framework enables road agencies to access maintenance strategies under various financial and performance conditions, supporting data-driven, sustainable infrastructure management and optimal fund allocation. Full article

Aluminum and its alloys are widely used in aerospace and industrial sectors due to their high specific strength, low density, and abundance. However, their low hardness, high corrosion susceptibility, and poor wear resistance limit broader applications. Surface treatments such as electroplating, PVD/CVD, and anodizing have been used to enhance surface properties. Plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO), also known as micro-arc oxidation (MAO), has emerged as a promising technique for producing durable ceramic coatings on light metals like Al, Mg, and Ti alloys. In this study, PEO was applied to AA6061 aluminum alloy using an AC power source in potentiostatic mode at 350 V and 400 V, 1000 Hz, and 80% duty cycle for 30 min in a silicate-based electrolyte (5 g/L Na₂SiO₃ + 5 g/L KOH) maintained at 25–40 °C. The effect of voltage on the coating morphology, thickness, and corrosion resistance was investigated. The coatings exhibited porous structures with pancake-like, crater, and nodular features, and thicknesses ranged from 0.053 to 83.64 µm. XRD analysis confirmed the presence of Al, α-Al₂O₃, Ƴ-Al₂O₃, and mullite. The 400 V-coated sample showed superior corrosion resistance ( $E_{corr}= -0.77 \mathrm{V}$; $i_{corr}=0.28 \mu \mathrm{A}/{\mathrm{c}\mathrm{m}}^2$) and improved hardness (up to 233 HV), compared to 89 HV for the bare AA6061. Full article

Background: For high-grade dislocation of the acromioclavicular (AC) joint, surgical treatment is widely recommended. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes after arthroscopic-assisted stabilization of acute high-grade AC joint dislocations using a low-profile suture button (LPSB) combined with percutaneous AC cerclage fixation. A secondary objective was to quantify clavicular tunnel widening (cTW) and explore its correlation with clinical and radiological outcomes. Methods: This retrospective study included 45 patients with acute Rockwood type V injuries treated with the LPSB technique and additional AC cerclage. Clinical outcomes were the Constant Score (CS), Subjective Shoulder Value (SSV), Taft Score (TF), AC Joint Instability Score (ACJI), and VAS for pain upon palpation. Radiological assessment included coracoclavicular (CC) distance and percentage deviations compared to the contralateral side, reclassified according to Rockwood, dynamic posterior translation (DPT), cTW measurements, and assessment of ossifications and AC joint osteoarthritis. Results: After 35.3 months, significant improvements were observed in CC distance and percentage deviation. A total of 27.3% were reclassified as Rockwood type III and 2.3% as type V. Initial overreduction persisted in 18.2%. DPT was observed in 34.1% of cases. The mean CS was 89.64, the SSV was 91.1, and the VAS was 0.8. cTW occurred only below the superior button and increased significantly over time, showing a negative correlation with the SSV but no correlation with any radiological outcome parameter. No implant-related revision surgery was reported. Conclusions: Arthroscopic-assisted stabilization of acute high-grade AC joint dislocations using the LPSB technique with AC cerclage fixation provides excellent clinical outcomes and high patient satisfaction, with minimal implant-related complications and no need for revision surgery due to implant issues. Although cTW occurs, its clinical impact appears limited within this procedure. Full article

Background: Acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) injuries frequently result from trauma to the shoulder girdle and are particularly common among young, physically active individuals. These injuries account for approximately 9% of all traumatic shoulder girdle injuries and often lead to functional impairment and pain. The TightRope^® system, LARS™ band, and Bosworth screw are among over 160 currently described surgical techniques for managing ACJ dislocations. However, there is no consensus regarding the optimal surgical approach, particularly for the management of moderate Rockwood Type III ACJ dislocations. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective study, data from 246 patients who underwent surgery for ACJ dislocation between 2010 and 2018 at the Department of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, were analyzed. Patients were divided into four cohorts based on the surgical technique used: Bosworth screw, LARS (acute), LARS (chronic), and TightRope. Clinical and radiological outcomes were assessed pre- and postoperatively using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Constant, Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Score (DASH), Simple Shoulder Test (SST), University of California—Los Angeles Shoulder Score (UCLA), Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score (ASES), as well as radiographic analysis. Radiological measurements of the acromioclavicular (AC) and coracoclavicular (CC) joint spaces were taken on both the injured and uninjured shoulders to analyze and compare the reduction in joint gaps. Results: All surgical methods resulted in significant reductions in AC and CC joint gaps. The TightRope and LARS acute groups showed the greatest reductions, with minimal complication rates. Complication analysis revealed significant differences in clavicular elevation (p < 0.001) and CC-ligament ossification (p = 0.006), which were most frequent in the Bosworth group and least common in TightRope^® patients, with LARS showing intermediate values. AC joint arthrosis was uncommon in all four groups and did not differ significantly (p = 0.13). Overall, TightRope^® was associated with the most favorable complication profile. The postoperative VAS score in the TightRope group was 1.52 ± 2.06, and the Constant score was 96.83 ± 5.41, reflecting high patient satisfaction. Conclusions: All systems led to satisfactory radiological and clinical outcomes, with the LARS™ band showing particular effectiveness in chronic ACJ dislocations. While all techniques provided good results, the TightRope^® system demonstrated the most favorable overall profile in our cohort and may therefore be considered a promising contemporary option. Further studies are needed to determine the optimal treatment for moderate ACJ dislocations and to assess the cost-effectiveness of these surgical techniques. Full article

Amorphous carbon (a-C) materials have attracted significant attention for environmental remediation due to their chemical stability and high surface area; however, their photocatalytic activity remains limited by rapid electron–hole recombination. In this study, ZnO-doped amorphous carbon (a-C@ZnO) composites were synthesized via a one-pot hydrothermal method to enhance charge separation and photocatalytic performance. The synthesis involved the carbonization of glucose and the incorporation of zinc species under controlled conditions, resulting in composites with varying ZnO contents. The physical and chemical properties of the materials were thoroughly characterized by SEM, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, confirming the successful integration of ZnO within the carbon matrix and the formation of Zn–O–C chemical bonds. Photocatalytic tests, evaluated through the degradation of rhodamine 6G under UV irradiation, demonstrated that ZnO doping significantly improved photocatalytic efficiency, with the a-C@ZnO_0.75 sample achieving a 72% degradation rate and the highest kinetic rate constant. The enhancement was attributed to improved charge transfer and reactive oxygen species generation facilitated by the ZnO–a-C interface. These findings highlight the potential of ZnO-doped amorphous carbon composites as effective, low-cost photocatalysts for water purification applications. Full article