Search Results (2,168)

Natrium superionic conductor (NASICON) compounds have emerged as a rising star in the field of sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) owing to their stable framework structure and high Na⁺ ionic conductivity. The NASICON-structured Na₂VTi(PO₄)₃ manifests significant potential as Na⁺ storage material, characterized by decent rate capability and cyclability. However, the low redox potential of Ti³⁺/Ti⁴⁺ and undesirable energy density limit its practical applications. We developed a NASICON-structured Na₃Co_2/3V_2/3Ti_2/3(PO₄)₃ (NCTVP) cathode material by doping an appropriate amount of cobalt into Na₂VTi(PO₄)₃. Cobalt doping introduces a Co³⁺/Co²⁺ redox couple at ~4.1 V and activates the V⁵⁺/V⁴⁺ redox at ~3.9 V, resulting in significantly increased medium discharge voltage and capacity. NCTVP demonstrates a high capacity of over 160 mAh g⁻¹ at 20 mA g⁻¹. With a medium discharge voltage of ~2.7 V, the energy density of NCTVP reaches 432.0 Wh kg⁻¹. NCTVP also demonstrates desirable cycling stability (87.4% retention for 100 cycles at 50 mA g⁻¹). In situ X-ray diffraction discloses a solid solution reaction mechanism for NCTVP, while the galvanostatic intermittent titration technique demonstrates fast Na⁺ diffusion kinetics. NCTVP also demonstrates high capacity and good cyclability in full cells. This contribution demonstrates an effective approach for the construction of NASICON materials for SIBs. Full article

I dispute the conventional claim that the second law of thermodynamics is saved from a “Maxwell’s demon” by the entropy cost of information erasure and show that instead it is measurement that incurs the entropy cost. Thus, Brillouin, who identified measurement as savior of the second law, was essentially correct, and putative refutations of his view, such as Bennett’s claim to measure without entropy cost, are seen to fail when the applicable physics is taken into account. I argue that the tradition of attributing the defeat of Maxwell’s demon to erasure rather than to measurement arose from unphysical classical idealizations that do not hold for real gas molecules, as well as a physically ungrounded recasting of physical thermodynamical processes into computational and information-theoretic conceptualizations. I argue that the fundamental principle that saves the second law is the quantum uncertainty principle applying to the need to localize physical states to precise values of observables in order to effect the desired disequilibria aimed at violating the second law. I obtain the specific entropy cost for localizing a molecule in the Szilard engine and show that it coincides with the quantity attributed to Landauer’s principle. I also note that an experiment characterized as upholding an entropy cost of erasure in a “quantum Maxwell’s demon” actually demonstrates an entropy cost of measurement. Full article

Background: Tuberculosis remains a significant global health issue, and the rise of drug-resistant strains is becoming increasingly concerning. Currently, treatment options are limited to systemic regimens; however, developing topical drug delivery systems could offer advantages for treating cutaneous tuberculosis (CTB) when applied directly to the lesions. We developed topical emulsions using the self-emulsification mechanism that combine fixed doses of isoniazid (INH) and rifampicin (RIF) using a quality-by-design approach. Methods: Preformulation studies pertaining to drug solubility in various solvents, the construction of pseudoternary diagrams to identify self-emulsification regions for each tested excipient combination, and the preparation of checkpoint formulations were conducted and visually examined. Formulations displaying no physical instabilities were subsequently exposed to characterization experiments, including droplet size determination, zeta potential, size distribution, viscosity, pH, self-emulsification, cloud point, robustness to dilution, and thermodynamic stability assessment. Three selected formulations were consequently subjected to membrane release experiments, followed by skin diffusion studies, and INH and RIF stability in these emulsions was determined, because these drugs have a known interaction. Conclusions: While incorporating essential oils in a topical formulation improved RIF solubility, it also resulted in several instabilities. RIF exhibited greater susceptibility to degradation under higher temperatures and lower pH conditions. However, drug release from all formulations tested was confirmed. Notably, olive oil microemulsions demonstrated the most favorable characteristics for dermal drug delivery; nonetheless, drug diffusion into and through the skin (which was not desired) could not be quantified. Despite these challenges, the findings indicate that topical drug delivery systems using the self-emulsification process can facilitate the direct treatment of CTB. Full article

Auricularia mushrooms, common bulk edible fungi, have considerable culinary and medicinal value. The Qinling region, represented by Zhashui County, is the main production area of Auricularia mushrooms in China. In this study, two wild Auricularia strains, M12 and M13, selected from the Qinling region for their desirable horticultural traits after domestication, were sequenced and characterized. Sequencing assembly results based on Illumina NovaSeq and PacBio Sequel II HiFi showed that the M12 genome was 56.04 Mbp in size, with 2.58% heterozygosity and 14.13% repetitive sequences, and was anchored on 12 chromosomes using HI-C technology. In contrast, the M13 genome was 52.10 Mbp, showed 2.34% heterozygosity, 13.89% repetitive sequences, and was assembled into 12 scaffolds. Collinearity analysis revealed extensive homologous regions between the M12 and M13 genomes. Phylogenetic analysis suggested that the divergence between M12 and M13 occurred approximately 4.575 million years ago (MYAs), while their divergence from Auricularia subglabra TFB-10046 SS5 occurred approximately 33.537 MYAs. Analyses of CYP450, carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes), and gene family expansion/contraction revealed distinct genomic features between the two strains. SSR and LTR insertion time analyses revealed the genome dynamics of the two strains during their evolution. Analysis of secondary metabolite-associated biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) provides powerful clues to understand the origin of bioactive compounds in the Auricularia mushroom. This work represents the first genome sequencing of the Auricularia species derived from the Qinling region. These results not only enriched our understanding of the Auricularia genome but also provided an important genomic resource and theoretical basis for the subsequent genetic breeding, functional gene mining, and development of medicinal components of Auricularia species. Full article

This article investigates a distinctive discursive space within Soviet society where scientific inquiry and mystical thought coexisted, despite the state’s official commitment to atheism. Referred to as the mystified unknown, this space provides a framework for understanding the persistence and intertwining of religious and mystical elements within Soviet scientific discourse. By focusing on the concept of “influence”, the study examines discussions in Soviet psychology to demonstrate how the regime’s political need to influence the masses, coupled with its suspicion of foreign ideas and a covert desire to wield influence, shaped the development of certain scientific disciplines, particularly the imaginaries they produced. This environment, characterized by doublethink and secrecy, nurtured the growth of scientific fantasies and mysterious imaginaries, allowing mystical concepts to endure under the veneer of science. Consequently, Soviet society became more inclined to re-enchant science rather than uphold it strictly as a symbol of secularism. Full article

Aim: In addition to numerous benefits provided by nanosuspensions (NSs) (e.g., enhanced saturation solubility, increased area for interaction with fluids), they suffer from major stability, handling and compliance issues. To overcome these challenges, we evaluated the feasibility of hot melt extrusion (HME) in transforming a cinnarizine-based NS, selected as a case study, into granules for oral intake. Methods: Thermoplastic polymers, in principle compatible with the thermal behavior of the selected drug and characterized by different interaction mechanisms with aqueous fluids, were used as carriers to absorb the NS and were processed by HME. Results: The extruded granules pointed out good physio-technological characteristics, a drug content > 85% with coefficient of variation (CV) < 5% and tunable in vitro performance coherent with the polymeric carriers they were composed of. Particle size as well as the solid state of cinnarizine was checked using several analytical techniques in combination (e.g., DSC, SEM, FT-IR, Raman). Depending on the composition of the granules, and specifically for formulations processed below 85 °C, the drug was found to remain crystalline and in the desired nanoscale. Conclusions: HME turned out to be a versatile process to transform, in a single-step, NSs into multi-particulate solid products for oral administration showing a variety of release profiles. Full article

The role of metal additives in the synthesis of composite materials based on the silicon and carbon-containing materials to create the desired structural and adsorption properties is analyzed. A two-step procedure was applied to obtain a series of nanocomposites doped with metal oxides. Various techniques were used to characterize the phase composition and the textural, structural, morphological, and thermal properties of the synthesized materials: X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, nitrogen adsorption–desorption, and thermal analysis. The adsorption processes on the obtained nanocomposites were studied for aqueous solutions of aniline, benzoic acid, and phenol. The influence of the metal additives on the formation of carbonaceous structures, the adsorption efficiency, and the adsorption mechanism was determined. The synthesized composites show mesoporous and microporous structures, with varied proportions of both pore types. They are differentiated, taking into account the quality of the carbon material (defect density and degree of graphitization), which decreases in the Co > Ni > Cu > Zn > SiO line. The complex effect of the factors determining the adsorption mechanism and efficiency was investigated: textural, structural, and morphological characteristics and the role of the active metal centers. Generally, the results provide valuable insights into the adaptation of hybrid materials for various industrial applications and underline their versatility. Full article

UiO-66-NH₂ is a metal–organic framework (MOF) with open metal sites, making it a promising candidate for adsorption and catalysis. However, the powdery texture of MOFs and the use of toxic solvents during synthesis limit their application. A novel solution to this issue is to create a layered porous composite by encasing the MOF within a flexible and structurally robust aerogel substrate using safe, eco-friendly, and green solvents such as ethanol. The fibrous MOF aerogels, characterized by a desirable macroscopic shape of cylindrical block and hierarchical porosity, were synthesized by two approaches: in situ growth of amine-functionalized UiO-66-NH₂ crystals on a TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanofiber (TOCNF) and ex situ crosslinking of UiO-66-NH₂ crystals onto a TOCNF network to form UiO-66-NH₂/TOCNF. The incorporation of MOF into the cellulose nanofibrils via the in situ method reduces their aggregation potential, alters the nucleation/growth balance to produce smaller MOF crystals, and enhances mechanical flexibility, as evidenced by SEM images. The three adsorbents, including UiO-66-NH₂, ex situ UiO-66-NH₂/TOCNF, and in situ UiO-66-NH₂/TOCNF, were synthesized and used in this study. The effects of pH, time, temperature, and initial concentration were studied. A maximum adsorption capacity (Qmax) of 549.45 mg/g for Congo Red (CR) and 171.23 mg/g for Orange II (ORII) was observed at pH 6, using 10 mg of in situ UiO-66-NH₂/TOCNF at 40 °C with a contact time of 75 min for CR and 2 h for ORII. The adsorption of both dyes primarily occurs through monolayer chemisorption on the in situ UiO-66-NH₂/TOCNF. The main removal mechanisms were hydrogen bonding and surface complexation. The noteworthy adsorption capacity of in situ UiO-66-NH₂/TOCNF coupled with environment-friendly fabrication techniques indicates its potential applications on a large scale in real wastewater systems. Full article

To enhance the mechanical properties and low-carbon characteristics of industrial solid waste concrete, this paper proposes a synergistic modification strategy using nano-SiO₂ and sodium silicate. The nano-SiO₂ sol and sodium silicate activator were prepared using magnetic heating and stirring technology, and a quadratic regression model (R² = 0.9575, p < 0.0001) for compressive strength with three factors and three levels was established using the response surface method (RSM-CCD). The modification mechanism was verified through optimization of the mix ratio using a desirability function, along with microscopic characterization via SEM and XRD. The results indicate the following: (1) the content of nano-SiO₂ (2.4%) contributed the most to the compressive strength of the concrete, and its interaction with sodium silicate (2.1%) significantly promoted the formation of C-S-H gel; (2) the optimized fly ash substitution rate (21.7%) can achieve a 28-day compressive strength of 34.8 MPa, with the model prediction error controlled within 5%; (3) microscopic analysis showed that the synergistic effect of multiple components lowered the volume porosity of the cementitious phase, forming a densified network structure. The multi-factor synergistic optimization approach for nano-SiO₂-modified alkali-activated concrete (NS-AAC) proposed in this study offers a reference for multi-objective mix design optimization of industrial waste-based concrete. Full article

This study uses generative AI to investigate the influence of building façade geometry on human physiological and psychological health. Employing Christopher Alexander’s fifteen fundamental properties of living geometry and a set of ten emotional descriptors {beauty, calmness, coherence, comfort, empathy, intimacy, reassurance, relaxation, visual pleasure, well-being} in separate tests, ChatGPT 4.5 evaluates simple, contrasting window designs. AI analyses strongly and consistently prefer traditional window geometries, characterized by symmetrical arrangements and coherent visual structure, over fragmented or minimalist–modernist alternatives. These results suggest human cognitive–emotional responses to architectural forms are hardwired through evolution, privileging specific geometric patterns. Finally, ChatGPT o3 formulates ten detailed geometric rules for empathetic window design and composition. It then applies these criteria to select contemporary window typologies that generate the highest anxiety. The seven most anxiety-inducing designs are the most favored today worldwide. The findings challenge contemporary architectural preferences and standard window archetypes by emphasizing the significance of empathetic and health-promoting façade designs. Given the general suspicion among many readers of the frequently manipulative and unreliable use of AI, its use in this experiment is not to validate design decisions directly, which would put into question what the AI is trained with, but to prove a correlation between two established methodologies for evaluating a design. AI is used as an analytical tool to show that Alexander’s geometric rules (the guidelines proposed beforehand) closely match emotional reactions (the desirable outcomes observed afterward). This novel use of AI suggests integrating neurodesign principles into architectural education and practice to prioritize urban vitality through psychological well-being. Full article

Polygalacturonic acid (PGA), derived from the natural plant polysaccharide, pectin, has been suggested as a biomaterial for implantable medical devices and tissue engineering; particularly in the field of bone implant materials. As a negatively charged polysaccharide, PGA can be considered similar to hyaluronic acid, a component of the extracellular matrix (ECM). PGA-based biomaterials may therefore exhibit favorable biocompatibility with surface chemistry mimicking the natural ECM. In this study, we synthesized semi-interpenetrating polymer networks (SIPNs) incorporating PGA, and conducted physical characterization and in vitro biocompatibility studies. Biocompatibility testing revealed the SIPNs to be cytocompatible, with the PGA component conferring some resistance to the adherence of the macrophage cell line RAW264.7. In addition, SIPNs did not support the fusion of primary murine macrophages into foreign body giant cells (FBGCs). Macrophage adherence and FBGC formation on implanted biomaterial surfaces are important events in the progression of a foreign body response. Our in vitro studies suggest that PGA-based materials may offer desirable biocompatibility profiles, holding promise for future clinical applications. Full article

Blue maize is rich in bioactive compounds which are at risk of extinction due to monoculture practices. Carrot bagasse, considered a byproduct of the food industry, contains compounds that have been shown to benefit human health while also enhancing sustainability. Ellagic acid can prevent and assist in the treatment of various pathologies. Extrusion is a process characterized by its use of low energy, which minimizes the degradation of nutrients and bioactive compounds compared to other technologies. The objective of this research was to develop a functional food with high value of sensorial acceptance, desirable physicochemical, and antioxidant properties, using an 85:13:2% mixture of nixtamalized blue maize flour, carrot bagasse flour, and ellagic acid, processed with optimal conditions of extrusion determined with a surface response model. Operational conditions using a central rotatable experimental design were die temperature (DT = 120–170 °C), and screw speed (SS = 50–240 rpm), while response variables were physicochemical properties (expansion index, bulk density, breaking force, water absorption index and water solubility index) and antioxidant activity (free phenols inhibition of ABTS and DPPH). Sensory analysis, bromatological characterization and ellagic acid content determination with HPLC-DAD in reversed phase were also made. The optimal operational conditions were found to be DT = 144 °C and SS = 207 rpm, resulting in a mixture with high sensorial acceptability on a five-point hedonic scale. The optimized functional food may be used to promote the utilization of endemic ingredients and reduce food waste in the treatment of pathologies and prevention of diseases due to its high antioxidant activity attributed to phenolic and terpene compounds. Full article

Acmella oleracea (L.) R.K. Jansen, also called jambù, is a medicinal and aromatic plant native to the Brazilian Amazon rainforest and phytochemically characterized by N-alkylamides with spilanthol as the main active compound. Jambù recently attracted the interest of many companies because of its wide range of pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and cosmetic applications. In this context, it is desirable to identify eco-friendly cultivation methods that not only minimize the environmental footprint but also support the biosynthesis of the plant’s valuable bioactive compounds. The zero-discharge approach of aquaponics makes this growing system an eco-friendly and sustainable production strategy for crops. Thus, a greenhouse experiment was conducted on two jambù cultivars, i.e., cv ‘purple’ and cv ‘yellow’, grown in aquaponic and hydroponic systems. The objective was to compare their contents of N-alkylamides, their numbers of capitula, which are the main source of these bioactives, and their volatile profiles. The results highlighted differences between the two cultivars and among plants harvested at different periods. Interestingly, aquaponics yielded plants with a high N-alkylamide content, which was comparable to that obtained with hydroponics. Overall, this study highlighted the feasibility of adopting aquaponics to grow A. oleracea, paving the way for circular economy-based and sustainable agricultural practices. Full article

Background: The Orah mandarin is an economically important variety of Citrus reticulata for citrus growers in Yunnan Province, China. Generally, the fruit peel is smooth, an attractive feature for consumer preferences. Recently, rough peels have been observed in several orchards, making the fruit aesthetically less desirable. Little is known about the mechanism of rough skin development. Methods: In this study, we used global metabolomics and a comparative transcriptomic approach to characterize the differences between smooth (CK) and rough (CP) Orah mandarin peels. Results: Our results indicate that CP fruits have a significantly larger diameter, peel weight and thickness, total soluble solids, and titratable acid content compared to CK. Metabolomic analysis detected 810 metabolites, of which 192 were differentially accumulated in CP and CK. CP is characterized by higher levels of flavonoids, amino acids and derivatives, terpenoids, and alkaloids. We also report nine compounds detected exclusively in CP, including dambonitol, 3-methyl-L-histidine, deacetylnomilinic acid, obacunoic acid, and 6-O-acetylarbutin. The transcriptome results showed that the expression of genes enriched in flavonoids, lipid, and amino acid metabolism and related pathways were consistent with the metabolome profiles. We also discuss the possible involvement of phytohormones in peel roughening. Conclusions: Overall, we present, for the first time, a detailed comparative metabolome and transcriptome profile in smooth and rough Orah mandarin peels. Our data and discussion highlight the potential mechanisms and provide a theoretical basis for the improvement of rough peel Orah mandarins. Full article

Recently, an old drug, disulfiram, has been shown to reduce cocaine intake by inhibiting dopamine beta (β)-hydroxylase. Its effectiveness was also reported in opioid treatment, as disulfiram attenuated morphine-induced tolerance and dependence. A similar mechanism of action was evident in a selective inhibitor of DβH, nepicastat, particularly in the aspect of cocaine-seeking behavior. Hence, the objective of this study was to verify whether or not nepicastat reproduces disulfiram activity in pain reduction. Moreover, determination of its likely biological effects resulting from interactions with targets other than DβH has been given, in particular acetylcholinesterase. As was found, nepicastat was characterized by the absence of desired antinociceptive activity, though its co-administration with morphine resulted in a dose- and time-dependent enhancement of morphine-induced analgesic effect and attenuation of tolerance. Similarly, nepicastat was found to manifest antimicrobial potency against selected bacterial strains, although the effect was found to be weak. Intriguingly, this compound interacted with acetylcholinesterase through inhibition of its activity. These results clearly indicate nepicastat as a potent molecule that exhibits various biological effects. This, in turn, suggests its possible application in pathological conditions that still require effective treatment. Full article