Search Results (9,061)

Peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCLs) are malignancies of mature T cells with a poor prognosis. Most PTCL cases express follicular T-helper (T_FH) cell antigens and are classified as T_FH cell lymphoma (TFHL). Contact-dependent signaling between CD40 and its ligand, CD154, is essential for immune functions. CD154 is expressed by activated T cells, while CD40 is found on B cells, follicular and other dendritic cells, macrophages, and stromal cells. Although the CD40–CD154 crosstalk is a key costimulatory pathway in immune responses, data on its role in PTCLs are limited. To explore the role of the CD40–CD154 axis in TFHLs, we conducted an in-depth immunomorphological study of 111 PTCL cases, including 93 TFHL cases. We found that neoplastic T cells in TFHL are consistently CD154-positive. The CD154 expression increased in histologically advanced cases and correlated with the extent of CD40 positivity. We showed that CD154-positive neoplastic T cells recapitulate the intranodal migration of normal TFH cells, disrupting and remodeling each functional compartment, thereby explaining the disease-related immune dysfunction. Our findings indicate that pathological CD40–CD154 interaction is a potential driver mechanism in TFHL and offers a promising target for future therapies. Full article

Single-point mooring systems are among the key systems for offshore oilfield development. The fluid swivel is a core component of such systems, enabling fluid transfer while allowing the vessel to follow the weather vane effect. The spring-energized seal is critical for ensuring reliable fluid transmission. Existing studies on spring-energized seals primarily focus on small-scale mechanisms, with limited research on large-scale seal design under complex operating conditions. This work investigates the dynamic sealing performance of the oil-transferring rotary joint in a 300,000 ton VLCC catenary single-point mooring system. A spring-energized seal is designed with a PTFE-based composite as the sealing jacket and Inconel 718 as the spring material. A finite element model of the spring-energized seal is developed in ANSYS 2022 R1, and the design is optimized to achieve lower equivalent strain, more uniform contact pressure distribution, larger contact width, and reduced friction. Fatigue life analysis of the optimized design verifies its reliability over a 10-year service period. The proposed study provides a reference for the design of dynamic seals in high-end offshore engineering equipment. Full article

Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) can result from genetic mutations, excessive noise exposure, ototoxic drugs, and aging. Glutamate excitotoxicity is one of the underlying mechanisms of SNHL. However, the specific roles of different glutamate receptor subtypes in normal signaling and excitotoxic damage remain unclear. Addressing these questions requires relevant experimental models. This review compares existing protocols for the isolation and cultivation of primary spiral ganglion cells. It also evaluates the utility of this model for studying glutamatergic transmission and glutamate-induced excitotoxicity. A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science. We identified 16 relevant English-language articles published since 1990, when the model was first used to study glutamatergic signaling. Our analysis reveals significant heterogeneity in spiral ganglion cell isolation protocols and culture conditions. We highlight major differences in glutamate concentrations and exposure times used to model excitotoxicity. The most significant limitation of this model is the loss of the native microenvironment of auditory neurons, including their dendritic and axonal contacts. Nevertheless, primary spiral ganglion cells serve as a suitable in vitro model for investigating auditory neuron function and pathology. The number of neurons and neurite length serve as reliable indicators of otoprotective effects under conditions of glutamate excitotoxicity. Based on an analysis of the key stages of primary SGC culture establishment, this study proposes approaches to overcome limitations and improve the practice of using this model. A better understanding of the function of glutamate receptors of SGNs and the mechanisms behind glutamate excitotoxicity could help us to develop new treatments for SNHL. This review serves as a practical guide for researchers implementing or optimizing primary SGC cultures. Full article

Graphite remains the predominant negative electrode material in commercial lithium-ion batteries (LIBs); however, its practical performance is increasingly limited by interface-driven degradation rather than bulk intercalation. This review examines the interconnected electrochemical, mechanical, and safety challenges associated with uncoated and coated graphite, with particular focus on how solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) formation and evolution deplete cyclable lithium, increase interfacial resistance, and induce polarization that leads to lithium plating and dendritic growth during rapid charging and low-temperature operation. Electrolyte and solvation engineering are highlighted as coating-free strategies to mitigate these issues by reducing Li⁺ desolvation barriers and directing interphase chemistry toward thinner, more ion-conductive, fluorinated SEI films that inhibit plating while maintaining high-rate capability. Coated graphite approaches are compared, including carbon, inorganic, and polymer coatings that function as artificial SEI layers to minimize direct electrolyte contact, stabilize interphase composition, and enhance mechanical durability. Key trade-offs are discussed, including decreased first-cycle coulombic efficiency (FCCE) due to increased surface area, transport limitations arising from excessively thick coatings, nonuniform coverage leading to local current hotspots, and side reactions induced by the coatings. The discussion is further extended to sodium and potassium systems, explaining how larger ion sizes, unfavorable thermodynamics, and significant lattice expansion hinder their insertion into graphite, and summarizing strategies such as interlayer expansion and alternative carbon architectures that improve reversibility for larger ions. This review concludes that achieving durable, safe, and fast-charging graphite electrodes requires an integrated interfacial design that combines optimized graphite morphology, electrode architecture, and electrolyte chemistry. Full article

In order to protect the high-sensitivity optical lens of the “magnetic field and velocity field imager” in extreme deep space environments, this paper proposes a new type of dual redundant planetary differential lens cover drive mechanism. In view of the critical vulnerability that traditional single-motor direct drive is prone to sudden mechanical jamming and catastrophic single-point failure (SPF) in severe tasks such as Jupiter exploration, this study constructs a “dual input single output (DISO)” rigid decoupling architecture from the perspective of physical topology. Through theoretical analysis and kinematic modeling, the adaptive decoupling mechanism of the two-degree-of-freedom (2-DOF) system under unilateral mechanical stalling is revealed. Dynamic analysis shows that in the nominal dual-motor synergy mode, the system shows a significant “kinematic load-sharing effect”, thus greatly reducing the sliding friction and gear wear rate. In addition, under the severe dynamic fault injection scenario (maximum gravity deviation and sudden jam superposition of a single motor), the cold standby motor is activated and the dynamic takeover is quickly performed. The high-fidelity transient simulation based on ADAMS verifies that although the fault will produce transient global torque spikes and pulsed internal gear contact forces at the moment, all extreme dynamic loads remain well within the structural safety margin. The output successfully achieved a smooth transition, which is characterized by a non-zero-crossing velocity recovery. This research provides an innovative theoretical basis and a practical engineering paradigm for the design of high-reliability fault-tolerant mechanisms in deep space exploration. Full article

Molten salt chlorination is a key industrial route for producing titanium tetrachloride (TiCl₄), yet the atomistic catalytic role of iron (Fe) in the carbothermic chlorination of titanium oxides remains unclear. Here, the chlorination behavior of the NaCl–C–Cl₂–FeTiO₃ system was investigated by combining thermodynamic calculations with Ab Initio Molecular Dynamics (AIMD) and Deep Potential Molecular Dynamics (DPMD) simulations. AIMD results show that carbon adjacent to Fe exhibits enhanced reactivity, and that Fe-C synergistic electron transfer promotes both titanium oxide reduction and subsequent titanium chlorination. DPMD results further reveal that Fe not only accelerates these transformations, but also improves interfacial contact among carbon, titanium oxides, and molten salt, thereby enhancing mass transfer and shortening the formation time of TiCl₄. Temperature-dependent analysis indicates that Fe-C and C-O coordination numbers remain high near 1073 K, where TiCl₄ formation is efficient and relatively stable. Although increasing temperature can further enhance diffusion, its effect on reaction acceleration is limited, while excessively high temperatures weaken Fe-C interactions and reduce catalytic efficiency. These findings clarify the catalytic mechanism of Fe in molten salt chlorination at the atomic scale and provide theoretical support for process optimization. Full article

Two-dimensional (2D) materials are promising candidates for nanoscale wear-protective coatings. The mechanisms governing their tribological behaviour (i.e., friction and wear) are material-dependent. In this work, we use atomistic molecular dynamics simulations to investigate nanoscale sliding, friction, and lithographic tracks in two 2D materials, graphene and MoS${}_2$, both placed on a SiO${}_2$ substrate. Our results reveal fundamentally different deformation mechanisms in the two materials, where deformation comes as a consequence of applied normal load. MoS${}_2$ deforms via the formation of a stable out-of-plane pucker beneath the contact, enabling efficient absorption and elastic redistribution of mechanical energy within the coating as well as simultaneous reduction of plastic deformation of the underlying material. Wear prevention in the substrate comes at the cost of localised damage to the MoS${}_2$ layer along the sliding path once it reaches the rupture point. On the contrary, graphene exhibits strongly localised deformation due to its high in-plane stiffness and atomic thickness, leading to plastic deformation of the underlying material and mitigating layer damage. These findings provide clear design guidelines for 2D coatings in nanotribological applications, and highlight layered materials, such as MoS${}_2$, as particularly effective for wear protection. Full article

Polycaprolactone (PCL) is widely utilized in bone tissue engineering due to its excellent biocompatibility and processability; however, its inherent bioinertness and hydrophobicity significantly restrict its clinical osteogenic efficacy. To overcome these limitations, we incorporated sol–gel synthesized silicate-based bioactive glass (BG) into a PCL matrix and fabricated a series of composite scaffolds with varying BG contents via direct ink writing (DIW) 3D printing. Rheological characterization confirmed that all ink formulations exhibited shear-thinning behavior, with viscosity increasing monotonically with BG content. DSC analysis revealed that BG incorporation progressively reduced the crystallinity of PCL from 51.47% to 36.23%. We systematically evaluated the physicochemical properties, mechanical resilience, and in vitro degradation behavior of these scaffolds. The results indicated that BG incorporation significantly improved the surface hydrophilicity, with the contact angle decreasing from 104.8 ± 2.81° to 69.8 ± 2.91°. Furthermore, as the BG content increased, the porosity and mechanical strength exhibited an initial increase followed by a subsequent decrease, yet all values remained within the range of human cancellous bone. Notably, cellular assays revealed that the introduction of 58SBG enhanced cell–matrix interactions; the PCL/BG scaffolds promoted superior cell attachment and more extensive morphological spreading compared to pure PCL. Among all groups, the PCL/30BG composite scaffold demonstrated the most optimal balance of mechanical integrity and biological response. Consequently, the PCL/30BG scaffold developed in this study exhibits immense potential as a bone graft substitute, providing a promising approach for clinical bone defect repair strategies. Full article

Diamond-like carbon (DLC) coatings are widely used as protective and self-lubricating surfaces in metal–metal contacts. Their frictional behavior is governed by the formation and evolution of carbon-rich transfer layers (TLs), which can be tailored through functionalization with carbon nanomaterials. Recent studies have shown that graphene sheets (GSs) and nanodiamonds (NDs) act synergistically to achieve ultra-low friction in microrough (~0.2 μm) metal–DLC contacts under dry N₂ at a 1 N load. Here, we probe how this lubrication mechanism evolves with increasing load from 1 to 10 N—corresponding to local contact pressures up to ~11–16 GPa—respectively, in dry N₂ and humid air conditions. Ball-on-disk experiments are performed on an industrial hydrogenated DLC coating sliding against stainless-steel. In dry N₂, GS–ND functionalization yields a low and stable coefficient of friction across the entire load range, reaching a minimum of about 0.05. In humid air, higher friction levels are observed across all loads (CoF ~0.10–0.15), accompanied by oxidation-driven modifications of both wear debris and the counterface contact region, with oxygen content increasing by more than a factor of three compared to dry N₂. Detailed microscopy and spectroscopy analyses indicate that enhanced lubricity in dry N₂ arises from TLs incorporating GSs, NDs, and nanoscroll-like structures, whereas humid air promotes interfacial amorphization and oxidation, leading to load-insensitive friction and boundary lubrication effects through physisorbed water molecules. Full article

In mechanical material evaluation and biomechanical studies, Young’s modulus is commonly used to describe the elastic response of materials. Existing measurement approaches are mainly based on contact loading or large-scale experimental instruments, which may limit excitation controllability and system integration in practical applications. In this work, a Young’s modulus measurement system based on electromagnetic excitation and capacitive sensing is designed and experimentally implemented. The system is composed of an electromagnetic driving unit and a capacitive sensing unit. In the driving unit, a coaxial copper wire coil is arranged with a ring-shaped neodymium–iron–boron permanent magnet assembly. When a square-wave electrical signal is applied, the coil generates a Lorentz force, which produces transient mechanical excitation on the tested sample. The resulting micro-scale deformation of the material surface is monitored using a coaxial passive capacitive sensor. The sensor records the relative capacitance variation (ΔC/C₀) induced by deformation during excitation. Based on the measured capacitance response, a force–capacitance coupling model is established to relate the electrical signal to the mechanical behavior of the material, enabling the inverse calculation of Young’s modulus. Commercial standard hardness blocks were used for system calibration and performance verification. The experimentally obtained Young’s modulus values are consistent with reference data within an acceptable deviation range, indicating that the proposed system can be used for quantitative evaluation of elastic properties. Due to its compact configuration and controllable excitation, the system is suitable for non-invasive surface mechanical characterization of soft materials, including biological tissues. Full article

Water is one of the most valuable resources on the planet; without it, life as we know it could not exist. Consequently, its increasing scarcity and pollution, which are mainly due to industrialization and changing consumption patterns, intensify the stress on water resources. At the same time, industrial activities contribute to water contamination with pollutants such as heavy metals, further reducing water availability. Due to their risks to human health and ecosystems, effective removal strategies are essential. Among the emerging approaches, polymer-based additive manufacturing (AM), commonly known as 3D printing (3DP), has gained attention for water treatment due to its versatility, precise control over structure and porosity, and ease of processing, while remaining at a low cost. Additionally, the polymers used have interesting adsorbent properties and allow for the incorporation of functional additives, further enhancing their performance. This review analyses the recent advances in 3D-printed polymeric materials for the removal of heavy metals and dyes, focusing on material composition, manufacturing technologies, geometry, removal mechanisms, performance, and regeneration. It was concluded that metal ions and cationic dyes are primarily removed through adsorption, due to interactions with negatively charged surfaces that are often enhanced by high-affinity additives. Anionic dyes are generally less effectively removed by adsorption and often rely on degradation mechanisms. However, adsorption of anionic dyes can occur, for instance when the adsorbent surface is modified to introduce positively charged functional groups. The ability of 3DP to create hierarchical porous structures combining micro-, meso-, and macropores improves fluid flow and contact area, thereby enhancing the removal efficiency. Full article

Obesity is recognized as a risk factor for breast cancer development and progression. Adipocytes exert their oncogenic effects through complex and interconnected biological mechanisms that encompass metabolic dysfunction, chronic low-grade inflammation, and systemic endocrine alterations. Herein, we reviewed the current evidence explaining how obesity induces a state that reprograms adipose tissue and remodels the breast cancer tumor microenvironment (TME). We first discuss the systemic and local mechanisms linking obesity to inflammation and how these alterations reshape the functional organization of the mammary gland. Then, we discuss how the chronic exposure to tumor-derived signals, together with the altered metabolic state of obese adipose tissue, induces a functional reprogramming of adipocytes, giving rise to so-called cancer-associated adipocytes (CAAs), which actively contribute to tumor progression. Also, the strengths and limitations of biological models to study the crosstalk between adipocytes and tumor cells, including two-dimensional (2D) monolayers and three-dimensional (3D) cell cultures, as well as animal models, are discussed. Special emphasis is placed on 3D co-culture models, which more accurately reproduce spatial organization, direct cell–cell contact, and diffusion dynamics, providing a more physiologically relevant environment for studying how obesity and inflammation reshape the TME in breast cancer. Finally, we highlight the limitations of conventional experimental models and review recent advances in 3D-based platforms, emphasizing their mechanistic insights and translational potential. Full article

Contact–impact phenomena caused by joint clearances can significantly alter the dynamic response of high-speed mechanical systems, yet fewer studies combine analytical impact-force modeling, virtual prototyping, and experimental observations for multi-cylinder internal combustion engine mechanisms within a unified framework. This problem is scientifically important because the piston–connecting rod–crankshaft chain is subjected to rapid motion reversals, high transmitted loads, and local clearances that may generate shocks, force amplification, and vibration growth. The objective of this study is to evaluate the influence of mechanical impact on the dynamic response of a three-cylinder inline engine mechanism by combining analytical modeling, MSC Adams virtual prototyping, and experimental investigation. The mechanism was analyzed in two operating conditions: under load, using an experimentally derived gas pressure input, and without load at low speed imposed on the crankshaft, using a sectioned engine test bench. The loaded virtual model was studied at a crankshaft speed of 6000 rpm, with cylinder gas pressure peaks above 90 bar and engine torque oscillating around 170 Nm. A radial clearance of 0.03 mm was introduced in the connecting rod–piston joint to evaluate clearance-induced impacts. The results showed that the damping coefficient strongly influences the amplitude and harmonic content of the impact force. For the analyzed no-load case at low speed, the simulated impact force reached a maximum value of 3000 N. Experimentally, the worn connecting rod with 0.03 mm clearance exhibited markedly higher dynamic response than the clearance-free case, with the maximum longitudinal acceleration increasing from 17.77 to 48.26 m/s² at 1.341 Hz. The novelty of the study lies in the integrated analytical–virtual–experimental investigation of clearance-induced impact in a three-cylinder inline engine mechanism and in the comparative evaluation of its effects on joint forces and vibration signatures. In addition, compared to other models, the novelty lies in introducing and adapting the impact force damping component for mechanisms with rapid motion and high dynamic loads. Full article

Electric energy metering cabinets serve as critical nodes in power grid operations, providing essential protection for key components in distribution networks. Under environmental stressors, the non-metallic casings of electric energy metering cabinets are susceptible to aging-induced performance degradation, which may result in electrical safety hazards. However, rapid and precise methods for evaluating the performance of these non-metallic casings are still lacking. Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), capable of rapid multi-element detection with non-contact analytical advantages, was employed in this study. Thermal aging experiments were conducted to investigate the performance degradation mechanisms of sheet molding compound (SMC)—a representative non-metallic cabinet material. The research analyzed time-dependent trends in material performance and microstructural evolution during aging. By integrating LIBS with multi-analytical techniques, this study further explored the feasibility of quantitatively evaluating the bending strength of thermally aged SMC, which has rarely been reported in previous studies. Based on LIBS spectral data, bending strength characterization revealed its attenuation patterns with aging duration. The relationships between bending strength and plasma temperature, as well as the characteristic line intensity ratios of K, Al, and Ca, were systematically examined. A multivariate linear regression model incorporating these key variables was subsequently developed, yielding a high coefficient of determination (R² = 0.9657) between the predicted and measured bending strength values. This model represents a promising initial step, but further validation with a larger dataset is necessary to enhance its reliability and generalizability. Full article

Industrial synthetic and natural fibers play an indispensable role in modern manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, and textile engineering. However, the enhanced mechanical performance of advanced industrial fibers has introduced significant challenges in cutting processes, since brittle, high-tensile, and viscoelastic fibers exhibit totally different fracture behaviors from conventional solid materials. At present, the complex motion coupling mechanisms between fibers and cutting tools under free-form conditions are insufficient; there is no unified framework for understanding the mechanisms of fiber cutting; it is difficult to effectively link the microscopic fracture physics of different fiber types with their macroscopic cutting properties. Furthermore, research into the dynamic interaction between the cutting tool and the fiber, cross-scale cutting characteristics, and tool wear mechanisms has not been sufficiently systematic, and non-contact cutting methods have not yet been the subject of systematic study. Through a systematic review, this review identified three primary categories of difficult-to-cut industrial fibers and summarized the distinctions in their fundamental material properties. The static, kinematic, and dynamic characteristics of fiber cutting under both free and fixed forms were discussed. The fracture mechanisms of fibers under diverse loading scenarios were also systematically revealed. Furthermore, this review summarizes the effects of cutting tool wear characteristics, geometric parameters, and material types on cutting performance. Finally, non-contact methods for cutting fiber were listed. Based on the above analysis, three critical directions for future research were proposed to bridge the existing knowledge gaps in the literature. This review of the interdisciplinary interactions among mechanics, materials science, and textile engineering provides a theoretical foundation and research directions for achieving high efficiency and a long tool life during cutting industrial fibers. Full article