Search Results (149)

Lithium metal batteries (LMBs) have been widely studied due to their high energy density; however, the practical implementation of LMBs is limited by issues of uncontrolled dendrite growth, continuous electrolyte decomposition, and poor Coulombic efficiency (CE). Highly concentrated electrolytes (HCEs) have emerged as a promising approach to addressing the above issues. In this work, we propose a new HCE system based on a single carbonate solvent of 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl methyl carbonate (FEMC) with a high concentration of lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (LiFSI). The resulting electrolytes exhibit enhanced anodic stability and improved compatibility with lithium metal anodes and high-voltage cathodes. The optimized 4 M LiFSI–FEMC HCE achieved the highest CE for Li plating/stripping in Li/Cu cell and lowest overpotential in Li/Li symmetric cells, outperforming both low-concentration FEMC and ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC)-based electrolytes. In full-cell configurations with LiNi_0.8Co_0.1Mn_0.1O₂ (NCM811) cathodes, the HCE demonstrates stable cycling with minimal capacity fade over 250 cycles. Importantly, the HCE enables stable operation of 4.6 V high-voltage NCM811/Li cells for more than 120 cycles with a high-capacity retention of 88.61%. Post-mortem analysis revealed a more uniform and compact solid electrolyte interphase and a thinner cathode electrolyte interphase, contributing to the enhanced cycling performance. Full article

Compared with single-radar systems, multi-radar systems generally achieve superior detection performance due to their spatial and frequency diversity. To further enhance multi-target tracking, this paper proposes a multi-radar distributed fusion algorithm aided by multi-feature information. Each radar computes its measurement-updated Labeled Multi-Bernoulli (LMB) posterior, and track association is performed using multi-feature information extracted from radar echoes, including Doppler frequency and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), improving robustness in complex scenarios. Distributed fusion is then carried out via the Generalized Covariance Intersection (GCI) algorithm. Simulation results show that, compared with other fusion methods, the proposed approach achieves superior multi-target tracking accuracy while maintaining lower computational cost. Full article

This study evaluated the viability, microbiological composition, functional traits, and safety of probiotic bacteria isolated from commercial products marketed as containing Limosilactobacillus reuteri. Viable cell counts, biochemical characterization, strain-level identification, functional properties, gastrointestinal tolerance, and safety attributes were assessed. Among the evaluated products, only four presented colony-forming units (CFU) counts consistent with label claims (products E, F, G, and H), while two showed no detectable viable microorganisms (products B and L). All isolates were Gram-positive, catalase-negative, and predominantly rod-shaped. rep-PCR analysis revealed strain homogeneity in most products, whereas others (products A and K) exhibited heterogeneous microbial compositions. Molecular identification based on 16S rRNA sequencing showed a predominance of Lmb. reuteri and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus, with some products containing additional species such as Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus acidophilus. Functional assays demonstrated strain-dependent proteolytic and diacetyl-producing capacities, as well as variable tolerance to simulated gastrointestinal conditions. Most strains preferentially produced L-lactate, although some generated substantial amounts of D-lactate. All isolates were susceptible to antibiotics recommended by EFSA, except for intrinsic vancomycin resistance, and no transferable virulence markers, biogenic amine production, or Salmonella contamination were detected. Furthermore, virulence-related genes such as hdc, tdc, odc, hyl, cylA, and ace were not identified. Overall, the results highlight pronounced discrepancies between label claims and microbiological quality among commercial probiotic products and reinforce the importance of strain-level characterization to ensure safety, functional performance, and regulatory compliance. Full article

Aiming to address the challenges of excessive model parameters, high computational complexity, strong complex background interference, and inadequate small-target detection found in insulator defect detection when using UAV remote sensing imagery of transmission lines, we propose a lightweight multi-defect detection model—Insulator Defect Detection-DETR (IDD-DETR). Specifically, we introduce a lightweight multi-starblock feature extractor (LMS-FE) as the backbone network to enhance its feature extraction capacity. Next, in order to enhance small-defect detection performance, a multi-scale feature pyramid (SOEP) is constructed by integrating shallow high-resolution features into the neck network. Additionally, a lightweight multi-branch feature fusion module (LMB-FF) is designed to efficiently fuse spatial and semantic information of small defects, suppressing background interference while optimizing model complexity. Finally, experimental results demonstrate that IDD-DETR achieves a 2.2% improvement in mean average precision (mAP) on the insulator small-defect dataset compared with the baseline algorithm, with model parameters and computation reduced by 44.9% and 47.1%, respectively. It also reaches a detection speed of 61.2 frames per second, satisfying the lightweight and high-precision requirements for edge deployment in transmission line inspection scenarios. Full article

Infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) causes a highly contagious disease in chickens. The prevalence of GVI-1 is increasing; however, the genomic characteristics and antigenic properties of this genotype strain remain insufficiently characterized. In this study, the genome characteristics and antigenic properties of a naturally attenuated CK/CH/SC/YC_GVI-1-DK/LMB20210104 (abbreviated as YC_GVI-1) strain were systematically analyzed. YC_GVI-1 occupies a distinct phylogenetic lineage and shares a similarity of 98.2%, the highest nucleotide sequence homology, with the reference strain CK/CH/FJ/202005 (accession number: MW791835.1). This strain was likely originated through a genetic recombination event between two major parental strains, CK/CH/FJ/202005 and CK/CH/GX/HX (accession number: PP817796.1). However, its S protein harbors ten unique amino acid substitutions, compared to the same protein in the other two virulent strains in the same genotype. AlphaFold3-based structural prediction reveals that one of these substitutions, methionine 485 to valine substitution, may induce a conformational change in the adjacent phenylalanine residue at position 431, resulting in a shift in the local secondary structure from β-sheet to random coil. Characterization of its antigenicity showed that this strain induces a strong humoral immune response, with neutralizing antibody titers of 2^6.40 against homologous strain YC_GVI-1 and 2^4.00 against heterologous strain JS96_GI-19. Furthermore, vaccination of chickens with this strain conferred complete protection (100%) against JS96_GI-19. The findings provide novel insights into the molecular evolution and antigenicity of YC_GVI-1, offering key information for improving IBV surveillance and vaccine development. Full article

Historically, systemic therapy has been the primary treatment for metastatic prostate cancer (MPC), with radiotherapy and surgery reserved for palliation. The recent literature suggests that adding local therapy (i.e., radiotherapy or surgery) to systemic therapy may improve survival for MPC patients with low metastatic burden (LMB). While some evidence supports the use of early intervention with local therapy targeting both the primary tumor and limited metastatic sites, the definition of LMB disease requires further clarification. Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) positron emission tomography (PET) scans play a vital role in staging MPC because they offer superior sensitivity and specificity compared to conventional imaging. PSMA PET thus improves patient selection and helps direct treatment planning. Local therapy in MPC can be separated into the treatment of primary and metastatic tumors. Furthermore, treatment of both the primary tumor and metastases can be managed using either radiotherapy or surgical intervention. Studies exploring the use of local therapy for both the primary tumor and oligometastatic sites have demonstrated promising clinical outcomes in patients with LMB or oligometastatic disease. This review provides a detailed description of the current optimal management of patients with metastatic prostate cancer with limited disease. Full article

Waterborne polyurethane (WPU) and waterborne poly(urethane-urea) (WPUU) dispersions allow safer and more sustainable manufacturing of rechargeable batteries via water-based processing, while offering tunable adhesion and segmented-domain mechanics. Beyond conventional roles as binders and coatings, WPU/WPUU chemistries also support separator/interlayer and polymer-electrolyte designs for lithium-ion and lithium metal systems, where interfacial integrity, stress accommodation, and ion transport must be balanced. Here, we review WPU/WPUU fundamentals (building blocks, dispersion stabilization, morphology, and film formation) and review prior studies through a battery-centric structure–processing–property lens. We point out key performance-limiting trade-offs—adhesion versus electrolyte uptake and ionic conductivity versus storage modulus—and relate them to practical formulation variables, including soft-/hard-segment selection, ionic center/counterion design, molecular weight/topology control, and crosslinking strategies. Applications are reviewed for (i) electrode binders (graphite/Si; cathodes such as LFP and NMC), (ii) separator coatings and functional interlayers, and (iii) gel/solid polymer electrolytes and hybrid composites, with a focus on practical design guidelines for navigating these trade-offs. Future advancements in WPU/WPUU chemistries will depend on developing stable, low-impedance interlayers, enhancing electrochemical behavior, and establishing application-specific design guidelines to optimize performance in lithium metal batteries (LMB). Full article

Climate change and river flow alterations in the Mekong River have significantly exacerbated drought conditions in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta (VMD). Understanding the temporal dynamics and propagation mechanisms of drought, coupled with the compounded impacts of human activities, is crucial. This study analyzed meteorological (1992–2021) and hydrological (2000–2021) drought trends in the Lower Mekong River Basin (LMB) using the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) and the Streamflow Drought Index (SDI), respectively, complemented by Mann–Kendall (MK) trend analysis. The results show an increasing trend of meteorological drought in Cambodia and Lao PDR, with mid-Mekong stations exhibiting a strong positive correlation with downstream discharge, particularly Tan Chau (Pearson r ranging from 0.60 to 0.70). A key finding highlights the complexity of flow regulation by the Tonle Sap system, evidenced by a very strong correlation (r = 0.71) between Phnom Penh and the 12-month SDI lagged by one year. Crucially, the comparison revealed a shift in drought severity since 2010: hydrological drought has exhibited greater severity (reaching severe levels in 2020–2021) compared to meteorological drought, which remained moderate. This escalation is substantiated by a statistically significant discharge reduction (95% confidence level) at the Chau Doc station during the wet season, indicating a decline in peak flow due to upstream dam operations. These findings provide a robust database on the altered hydrological regime, underlining the increasing vulnerability of the VMD and motivating the urgent need for comprehensive, adaptive water resource management strategies. Full article

Follicle selection is a pivotal process that determines which dominant prehierarchical follicle will enter the preovulatory hierarchy in the hen ovary and directly affects egg-laying productivity, in which granulosa cells (GCs) are characterized by active proliferation and significantly enhanced FSHR mRNA expression. Increasing evidence has shown that the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and its important target and effector FOXO1, which promotes GC apoptosis, play crucial roles in ovarian follicular development in mammals. To investigate the molecular mechanism by which follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)-mediated forkhead box O1 (FOXO1) participates in follicle selection, we treated granulosa cells from 6–8 mm prehierarchical follicles of chickens with FSH and leptomycin B (LMB). The results showed that under FSH and/or LMB treatment, the expression levels of FSHR, FOXO1, and its phosphorylated forms (p-FOXO1) at the predicted protein kinase B (PKB/Akt) phosphorylation sites Thr²⁴, Ser²⁴⁸, and Ser³¹¹ were differentially regulated. The subcellular localization of p-FOXO1 in hen ovarian GCs was determined by Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining (IF) analysis. And the expression of FOXO1 was significantly reduced, whereas the expression of p-FOXO1 corresponding to the PKB phosphorylation sites Ser²⁴⁸ and Ser³¹¹ was noticeably boosted in cultured GCs induced by FSH, accompanied by exclusion of FOXO1 from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. Subsequently, the effects of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway on phosphorylation levels and nuclear exclusion of p-FOXO1 at the sites Ser²⁴⁸ and Ser³¹¹ were examined. The results indicate that the PI3K/Akt-dependent phosphorylation at these sites directly resulted in nuclear exclusion of FOXO1 in ovarian GCs, in which the Ser²⁴⁸ site is more essential than the Ser³¹¹ site. Subsequently, the FSH-induced acetylation of FOXO1 mediated by the cAMP/PKA pathway can enhance the phosphorylation level of FOXO1 at the Ser²⁴⁸ site. In summary, our findings demonstrate that FSH induces FOXO1 phosphorylation, nuclear exclusion, and functional inactivation by activating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Moreover, during follicular development and selection, FOXO1 acts as a pivotal mediator linking the PI3K/Akt and P62/Keap1/Nrf2 signaling pathways to regulate granulosa cell proliferation and apoptosis, thereby exerting a central regulatory role. Full article

The search for novel microbial lipases with robust and versatile biochemical properties remains a priority in industrial biotechnology. In this study, the gut microbiota of the Peruvian anchovy (Engraulis ringens) was explored as a potential source of lipase-producing bacteria. A total of 31 distinct bacterial strains were isolated, among which 10 exhibited extracellular lipase activity in qualitative plate assays. Molecular identification revealed representatives of the genera Staphylococcus, Serratia, and Aeromonas. Two promising strains, Staphylococcus ureilyticus LMB-06 and LMB-Ju02, were selected based on their superior lipase productivity and were further subjected to partial biochemical characterization. Their lipase-containing secretomes displayed activity across a broad temperature range, retained stability under mildly acidic conditions (pH 5.0–6.0), tolerated several organic solvents, and exhibited enhanced activity in the presence of Ca²⁺. Notably, the lipase activity of LMB-06 was positively influenced by Mg²⁺ and K⁺—a response not previously reported for Staphylococcus lipases—suggesting unique enzymatic properties. In addition, LMB-06 retained activity in the presence of H₂O₂, highlighting its suitability for biodiesel production from recycled oils. Furthermore, hydrolysis assays using various natural oils as substrates revealed a marked preference for plant-based oils, particularly olive oil. Altogether, these findings highlight the value of S. ureilyticus strains from anchovy gut microbiota as novel biocatalyst sources for sustainable oil bioprocessing and oleochemical applications. Full article

As a strong candidate for energy storage applications, Liquid Metal Batteries (LMBs) have the advantages of higher current density, longer cycle life, and simpler manufacturing of large-scale storage systems. Owing to the all-liquid construction, various kinds of Magnetohydrodynamic instabilities (MHDIs) are present in LMBs. In this paper, an in-depth study of the evolution process of MHDIs within LMBs has been conducted. By analyzing the characteristic velocity, the growth rate of instabilities γ has been defined so that the critical Hartmann number at which the instability occurs can be ascertained. A new critical parameter, mixed Reynolds number Re_mix, has been introduced to determine the duration of stable battery operation across varying charging/discharging currents, including those that may surpass the prescribed safe limits. Finally, a method for mitigating magnetohydrodynamic instability in LMBs through the configuration of busbar current is proposed, which can be seamlessly integrated with parallel battery packs. A comparative analysis of LMBs operation with/without bus current configuration reveals that when bus current is appropriately configured, the magnetic field strength within the battery undergoes a notable reduction of 40%, leading to a significant suppression of instability. The conclusions offer theoretical underpinnings for the application of LMBs in large-scale grid-level energy storage systems. Full article

Background: Burkitt lymphoma is a rare, aggressive B-cell neoplasm with frequent central nervous system (CNS) involvement, treated with intensive multidrug regimens associated with rituximab. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy, safety, and feasibility of the LMB protocol in adults with BL in a real-world setting. Methods: We included 55 patients with BL diagnosis according to the 2008 WHO classification, treated with LMB protocol associated with rituximab. Low-risk patients (no bone marrow or CNS involvement) were treated in the group B arm, while high-risk patients were placed in group C, which was further stratified by age and CNS infiltration. Results: Thirty-four patients (62%) were treated in group B and 21 patients (38%) were treated in group C, with a median age of 34 years (16–77). Extranodal infiltration was present in 71% patients, including 11 (20%) with CNS involvement. After a median follow up time of 7 years, the complete remission rate was 85%, and progression-free and overall survival at 3 years were 79% and 84%, respectively. Patients with CNS infiltration had an inferior survival rate (55% at 3 years). Grade 3–4 toxicities were frequent, mainly hematologic, infectious, and mucosal. Treatment required substantial supportive care, including 1604 transfusions and 4696 days of hospitalization. Patients over 60 years had poorer outcomes and higher toxicity. Conclusions: The LMB protocol demonstrated high survival rates in adult BL, although at the cost of significant toxicity and considerable health care resource utilization. Outcomes remained suboptimal in patients with CNS involvement despite treatment intensification. Full article

Largemouth bass (LMB; Micropterus nigricans) are popular both as a sportfish and an aquaculture species. At present, six described viruses are associated with LMB, of which two are typically considered in cases of LMB mortality events. Advances in discovery and diagnostic capabilities using next-generation sequencing have augmented surveillance efforts and subsequently led to the discovery of novel cryptogenic viruses. Here, we present evidence of three novel viruses from a single skin sample collected from a hyperpigmented melanistic lesion of an LMB with blotchy bass syndrome associated with MnA-1 co-infection. These viruses represent recently described groups of viruses (adomaviruses and nackednaviruses) that infect fish. Both are markedly understudied and of unknown significance to fish health. This work highlights the diversity of viruses associated with LMB and further advances our understanding of the LMB virome. Application of de novo sequencing approaches presents an opportunity to explore a new frontier of host–pathogen relationships and microbes associated with changing environments. Full article

Agricultural by-products, such as banana pseudostems (BPS), present a sustainable solution for waste reduction and the recovery of valuable metabolites with biotechnological applications. This study investigated the potential of BPS as a substrate for bio-fermentation, specifically for the cultivation of lactic acid bacteria (LAB). Maçã cultivar BPSs (MBPS) and Nanica cultivar BPSs (NBPS) flour samples showed differences in carbohydrate composition, especially in resistant starch (16.7 and 2.7%), cellulose (27.0 and 52.4%), and hemicellulose (25.4 and 33.8%), respectively. Phenolic compound content in NBPS was higher than in MBPS (193.9 and 153.5 GAE/100 g, respectively). The BPS starches and flour were well assimilated by the probiotic LAB cultures. Limosilactobacillus fermentum SJRP30 and SJRP43 showed significant growth in media with gelatinized Maçã flour (GMF) and non-gelatinized Nanica flour (NGNF) BPS by-products (Log 9.18 and 9.75 CFU/mL, respectively), while Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG exhibited the highest growth (Log 11.31 CFU/mL) in the medium with NGNF BPS by-products. The probiotic Lbs. casei SJRP146 and Lmb. fermentum SJRP30 and SJRP43 presented high enzymatic activity and the ability to assimilate D-xylose. Only Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus SJRP57 and SJRP49 were able to assimilate starch. Their prebiotic potential under in vitro gastrointestinal digestion was evidenced by promoting the selected probiotic bacteria’s protection and maintaining their viable cells after challenging conditions, likely associated with the BPS composition. Lab. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus SJRP57, Lacticaseibacillus casei SJRP145, and Lmb. fermentum SJRP43 performed similarly to the commercial strain Lbs. rhamnosus GG. These results demonstrate the feasibility of using cost-effective and abundant agricultural waste as a promising sustainable ingredient with potential prebiotic activity, via eco-friendly production methods that do not require chemical or enzymatic extraction. Full article

The transition to high-energy-density lithium metal batteries (LMBs) is essential for advancing electric vehicle (EV) technologies beyond the limitations of conventional lithium-ion batteries. A key challenge in scaling LMB production is the precise, contamination-free separation of lithium metal (LiM) anodes, hindered by lithium’s strong adhesion to mechanical cutting tools. This study investigates high-speed, contactless laser cutting as a scalable alternative for shaping double-coated LiM anodes. The effects of pulse duration, pulse energy, repetition frequency, and scanning speed were systematically evaluated using a nanosecond pulsed laser system on 30 µm LiM foils laminated on both sides of an 8 µm copper current collector. A maximum single-pass cutting speed of 3.0 m/s was achieved at a line energy of 0.06667 J/mm, with successful kerf formation requiring both a minimum pulse energy (>0.4 mJ) and peak power (>2.4 kW). Cut edge analysis showed that shorter pulse durations (72 ns) significantly reduced kerf width, the heat-affected zone (HAZ), and bulge height, indicating a shift to vapor-dominated ablation, though with increased spatter due to recoil pressure. Optimal edge quality was achieved with moderate pulse durations (261–508 ns), balancing energy delivery and thermal control. These findings define critical laser parameter thresholds and process windows for the high-speed, high-fidelity cutting of double-coated LiM battery anodes, supporting the industrial adoption of nanosecond laser systems in scalable LMB electrode manufacturing. Full article