Search Results (15,577)

To address grassland ecosystem degradation caused by mining disturbance and its severe threats to regional ecological security in alpine mining areas, this study systematically evaluated the synergistic effects of different application ratios of Effective Microorganisms inoculant and organic fertilizers on artificial grassland ecosystem functions in the Muli alpine mining region of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, based on field experiments conducted from 2022 to 2024. The results demonstrated significant improvements in production performance. The Y2E2 treatment (0.60 t·hm⁻² Effective Microorganisms inoculant + 20 t·hm⁻² organic fertilizer) exhibited optimal effects, with aboveground biomass increasing by 75.97% and 68.88% in 2023 and 2024, respectively, compared to the control (p < 0.05), while belowground biomass simultaneously increased by 36.05% and 35.53% (p < 0.05), showing a sustained upward trend. Nutritional quality was markedly enhanced, with the Y2E2 treatment consistently achieving the best performance across both years. Crude protein and ether extract contents increased by 46.18%~46.52% and 62.42%~63.25%, respectively (p < 0.05), while soluble sugar content rose significantly by 19.49%~20.56% (p < 0.05). Concurrently, crude ash and fiber fractions were significantly reduced. Soil physicochemical properties improved substantially, with the Y2E2 treatment in 2024 reducing soil pH and bulk density by 11.10% and 37.20%, respectively (p < 0.05), while increasing soil organic carbon, available nitrogen, and available potassium by 92.94%, 49.25%, and 96.08% (p < 0.05). Soil biological activity was significantly enhanced, as evidenced by increases of 78.33%, 55.69%, 55.87%, and 183.67% in β-glucosidase, dehydrogenase, urease, and acid phosphatase activities, respectively (p < 0.05), alongside rises of 117.64% and 94.78% in microbial biomass carbon and phosphorus (p < 0.05). Mechanistic analysis via structural equation modeling revealed strong positive direct effects of the Effective Microorganisms inoculant–organic fertilizer combination on forage yield (β = 0.27, p < 0.001) and nutritional quality (β = 0.73, p < 0.001). Principal component analysis (cumulative variance explained: 88.90%) further confirmed Y2E2 treatment superior performance in soil improvement, microbial function enhancement, and grassland productivity. In conclusion, the optimal remediation strategy for alpine mining grasslands was identified as the combined application of 0.60 t·hm⁻² Effective Microorganisms inoculant and 20 t·hm⁻² organic fertilizer. This approach drives ecosystem function restoration through a multidimensional synergistic mechanism involving soil physicochemical amelioration–microbial activity stimulation–nutrient supply optimization, providing both theoretical foundations and practical solutions for ecological restoration of degraded grasslands in similar regions. Full article

This study investigates the microscale mechanisms underlying the compressibility of biochar-amended soils through combined discrete element method (DEM) simulations and laboratory consolidation tests. A three-dimensional discrete element model was established based on the MatDEM platform, accounting for the particle crushing process of biochar particles and its impact on soil mechanical properties. The biochar agglomerate particles generated in the simulation exhibit irregular morphology, and particles within different size ranges were selected for investigation. According to the model and experimental results, the average relative error is about 7%. Results demonstrate that moderate biochar content effectively reduces soil compressibility by enhancing load transfer through stable force chains formed by biochar particles, which exhibit larger contact areas and higher stiffness compared to native soil particles. However, when the biochar content exceeds approximately 40%, particle crushing intensifies, particularly under high initial void ratios, leading to increased soil compressibility. Furthermore, a larger initial void ratio weakens interparticle confinement, promotes microcrack propagation, and thereby exacerbates compressive deformation. Biochar fragmentation progresses through three stress-dependent stages: initial compaction (<100 kPa), skeletal damage (100–800 kPa), and crushing saturation (>800 kPa). Increased biochar particle size correlates with higher fragmentation rates, refined particle gradation, and reduced coordination numbers, collectively weakening the soil skeleton and promoting deformation. These findings underscore the importance of optimizing biochar content and applying graded loading strategies to balance enhanced soil performance with material integrity. These findings emphasize the necessity of optimizing biochar application rates to balance enhanced soil performance with resource efficiency, providing critical insights for sustainable geotechnical practices. Full article

This study examines the impact of varying pulse conditions on the properties of titanium diboride (TiB₂) coatings deposited by high-power impulse magnetron sputtering (HiPIMS). The coatings were prepared on steel substrates using an industrial-scale system. During the experiments, the HiPIMS frequency and pulse width were systematically varied to examine their influence on the coating’s microstructural, mechanical, and tribological properties. The obtained results show a correlation between process parameters and coating performance. A maximum hardness of 39.7 GPa and a coefficient of friction (CoF) as low as 0.68 were achieved. The best combination of mechanical properties was observed for coatings prepared in a frequency range of 600–1000 Hz and with a pulse width of 50 µs. Notably, the optimal tribological properties and surface roughness were obtained at 800 Hz and a 50 µs pulse width. This work demonstrates that fine-tuning HiPIMS pulse conditions is crucial for achieving high-quality TiB₂ coatings with enhanced functional performance. Full article

This study addresses the critical need for sustainable material development by thoroughly investigating the synergistic effects of artichoke stem waste (ASW) and titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO₂ NPs) on the properties of epoxy matrix composites. This research uniquely utilizes stereolithography (SLA)-based 3D printing technology for the fabrication and characterization of polymer matrix composites. The study systematically investigates three distinct composite formulations: artichoke stem waste/epoxy, TiO₂ nanoparticles/epoxy, and a novel hybrid of artichoke stem waste/TiO₂ nanoparticles/epoxy composites. Each formulation was prepared at three different loading concentrations to determine their optimal performance. The fabricated composites underwent comprehensive characterization, including meticulous evaluations of their mechanical (tensile), thermal (Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA)), morphological (Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)), and chemical-bonding (Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy) properties. Additionally, X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and FT-IR analyses were performed to structurally characterize the raw materials (pristine (cured epoxy), ASW, and TiO₂ NPs) and the final composite structures. The findings indicate that the incorporation of ASW and TiO₂ NPs significantly enhances the performance of epoxy composites. This discovery is significant as it demonstrates the successful valorization of agricultural waste into high-performance composite materials and advances the capabilities of 3D printing technology in sustainable materials science. The results of this study offer critical insights, substantially contributing to the development of sustainable and high-value materials. Full article

Current cavitating water jet technology for mineral liberation predominantly relies on the micro-jet impact generated by bubble collapse. Consequently, conventional nozzle designs often overlook the shear effects on mineral particles within the internal flow path. Moreover, the cavitation cloud evolution mechanisms in nozzles operating on this innovative principle remain insufficiently explored. This study systematically evaluates the cavitation performance of an innovatively designed cavitating jet nozzle with friction-shear effects (CJN-FSE), whose optimized internal structure enhances the interlayer shear and stripping effects crucial for the liberation of layered minerals. Utilizing high-speed imaging, we visualized submerged friction-shear cavitating water jets and systematically investigated the dynamic evolution patterns of cavitation clouds under jet pressures ranging from 15 to 35 MPa. The results demonstrate that the nozzle achieves effective cavitation, with jet pressure exerting a significant influence on the morphology and evolution of the cavitation clouds. As the jet pressure increased from 15 to 35 MPa, the cloud length, width, and average shedding distance increased by 37.05%, 45.79%, and 211.25%, respectively. The mean box-counting dimension of the cloud contour rose from 1.029 to 1.074, while the shedding frequency decreased from 1360 to 640 Hz. Within the 15–25 MPa range, the clouds showed periodic evolution, with each cycle comprising four stages: inception, development, shedding, and collapse. At 30 MPa, mutual interference between adjacent clouds emerged, leading to unsteady shedding behavior. This study thereby reveals the influence of jet pressure on the dynamic evolution patterns and unsteady shedding mechanisms of the clouds. It provides a theoretical and experimental basis for subsequent research into the nozzle’s application in liberating layered minerals and proposes a new design paradigm for cavitation nozzles tailored to the mechanical properties of specific minerals. Full article

Australia consumes approximately 29 million m³ of concrete each year with an estimated embodied carbon (EC) of 12 Mt CO_2e. High consumption of concrete makes it critical for successful decarbonization to support the achievement of ‘Net Zero 2050’ objectives of the Australian construction industry. Portland cement (PC) constitutes only 12–15% of the concrete mix but is responsible for approximately 90% of concrete’s EC. This necessitates reducing the PC in concrete with supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) or using alternative binders such as geopolymer concrete. Concrete mixes including a combination of PC and SCMs as a binder have lower embodied carbon (EC) than those with only PC and are termed as low-carbon concrete (LCC). SCM addition to a concrete mix not only reduces EC but also enhances its mechanical and durability properties. Fly ash (FA) and granulated ground blast furnace slag (GGBFS) are the most used SCMs in Australia. It is noted that other SCMs such as limestone, metakaolin or calcinated clay, Delithiated Beta Spodumene (DBS) or lithium slag, etc., are being trialed. This technical paper presents a methodology that enables selecting LCCs with various degrees of SCMs for various elements of bridge structure without compromising their functional performance. The proposed methodology includes controls that need to be applied during the design/selection process of LCC, from material quality control to concrete mix design to EC evaluation for every element of a bridge, to minimize the overall carbon footprint of a bridge. Typical properties of LCC with FA and GGBFS as binary and ternary blends are also included for preliminary design of a fit-for-purpose LCC. An example for a bridge located in the B2 exposure classification zone (exposed to both carbonation on chloride ingress deterioration mechanisms) has also been included to test the methodology, which demonstrates that EC of the bridge may be reduced by up to 53% by use of the proposed methodology. Full article

Background/Objectives: T cell dysfunction represents a fundamental barrier to effective cancer immunotherapy. Although immune checkpoint blockades and adoptive cell transfer have achieved clinical success, therapeutic resistance remains prevalent across cancer types. Thymopentin (TP5), a synthetic immunomodulatory pentapeptide (Arg-Lys-Asp-Val-Tyr), has demonstrated immunostimulatory properties, yet its anticancer potential remains unexplored. The aim of this study was to investigate TP5’s antitumor efficacy and underlying immunological mechanisms. Methods: We evaluated TP5’s therapeutic effects in multiple murine tumor models, including B16-F10 melanoma, MC38 colorectal carcinoma, Hepa 1-6, and LM3 hepatocellular carcinoma. Immune cell populations and functional states were characterized using flow cytometry, ELISAs, and immunofluorescence analyses. The potential of TP5 as an adjuvant for T cell-based therapies was also systematically assessed. Results: The TP5 treatment markedly suppressed tumor growth across caner models through strictly T cell-dependent mechanisms. Critically, TP5 promoted thymic rejuvenation under immunocompromised conditions, restoring the thymus–tumor immunological balance and revitalizing peripheral T cell immunity. TP5 functionally reprogrammed T cell states, preserving effector function while ameliorating exhaustion. Furthermore, TP5 demonstrated synergistic efficacy when combined with adoptive T cell therapies, enhancing both proliferation and effector functions. Conclusions: TP5 represents a promising immunomodulator that addresses fundamental limitations of current T cell therapies by simultaneously enhancing T cell function and reversing thymic involution under immunocompromised conditions. Our findings provide compelling evidence for TP5’s clinical translation in cancer treatment. Full article

The antibacterial properties of Ag(I) coordination compounds are well documented; however, their effectiveness is highly dependent on the choice of appropriate ligands, and it is frequently hindered by their low water solubility and limited bioavailability. Herein, six new Ag(I) complexes incorporating the quinazolinone thioamide mqztH (=2-mercapto-4(3H)-quinazolinone) and phosphine co-ligands were synthesized and investigated for their antibacterial activity. In vitro activity assays against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) bacterial strains revealed that all complexes selectively inhibited S. aureus bacterial growth. Structure–activity relationship analysis showed that monodentate PPh₃ co-ligands play a key role in enhancing the antibacterial efficacy of their complexes. Notably, complex [AgCl(mqztH)(PPh₃)₂] (1) exhibited broad-spectrum activity, with IC₅₀ values of 4.2 ± 1.4 μg mL⁻¹ (4.9 μΜ) for S. aureus and 63 ± 1.9 μg mL⁻¹ (75 μΜ) for E. coli bacteria. To improve solubility and antibacterial activity, complex 1 was encapsulated in barium alginate (BaAlg) matrices to form hydrogel-based drug delivery formulations [1]@BaAlg. The synthesized formulations retained the bactericidal effect of the complex, achieving comparable activity at concentrations lower by an order of magnitude compared to complex 1 in free form. Combined with the demonstrated high biocompatibility of complex 1 toward L929 normal eukaryotic cells, as well as the biocompatible nature of the alginate matrix, these findings underscore the strong potential of the complex 1-loaded hydrogel formulations for further investigation and development as effective antibacterial drug platforms. Mechanistic studies confirmed the redox-active nature of complex 1 and its potential to inhibit the function of glutathione reductase (GR) and thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) at low concentrations, suggesting the interference with bacterial redox homeostasis as a relevant mechanism of bioactivity. Full article

Modern tissue regeneration strategies rely on soft biocompatible materials with adequate mechanical properties to support the growing tissues. Polymer hydrogels have been shown to be available for this purpose, as their mechanical properties can be controllably tuned. In this work, we introduce interpenetrating polymer networks (IPN) hydrogels with improved elasticity due to a dual cross-linking mechanism in one of the networks. The proposed hydrogels contain entangled polymer networks of covalently cross-linked poly(ethylene glycol) methacrylate/diacrylate (PEGMA/PEGDA) and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) with two types of physical cross-links—microcrystallites and tannic acid (TA). Rheological measurements demonstrate the synergistic enhancement of the elastic modulus of the single PEGMA/PEGDA network just upon the addition of PVA, since the entanglements between the two components are formed. Moreover, the mechanical properties of IPNs can be independently tuned by varying the PEGMA/PEGDA ratio and the concentration of PVA. Subsequent freezing–thawing and immersion in the TA solution of IPN hydrogels further increase the elasticity because of the formation of the microcrystallites and OH-bonds with TA in the PVA network, as evidenced by X-ray diffraction and ATR FTIR-spectroscopy, respectively. Structural analysis by cryogenic scanning electron microscopy and light microscopy reveals a microphase-separated morphology of the hydrogels. It promotes extensive contact between PVA macromolecules, but nevertheless enables the formation of a 3D network. Such structural arrangement results in the enhanced mechanical performance of the proposed hydrogels, highlighting their potential use for tissue engineering. Full article

This study presents an enantiomeric-ratio-driven strategy for constructing mechanically robust supramolecular gels using cyclohexane bisurea derivatives. By employing non-equimolar enantiomeric mixtures, we achieved an ultralow critical gelation concentration (CGC < 2 mg/mL) in toluene, representing a reduction of more than fivefold compared to homochiral single-enantiomer systems. Rheological measurements revealed substantially enhanced mechanical properties in the non-equimolar gels, with yield stress and storage modulus values up to 17 and 20 times higher, respectively, than those of single-enantiomer gels. Morphological analyses (SEM and POM) indicated that pure enantiomers form isolated crystalline fibers with limited connectivity, whereas racemic mixtures yield disordered amorphous aggregates. In contrast, non-equimolar mixtures self-assemble into hierarchical “sea urchin-like” architectures, wherein crystalline fibers radiate from central cores to form densely interconnected networks. This unique structural motif underpins both the ultralow CGC and superior mechanical performance. Complementary FT-IR, XRD, and DSC analyses demonstrated that chiral imbalance modulates hydrogen-bonding interactions and structural order, while molecular dynamics (MD) simulations provided insight into the divergent self-assembly pathways among homochiral, racemic, and non-equimolar systems. This work provides a stereochemically guided approach for designing high-performance supramolecular gels with tailored hierarchical structures and enhanced functionality. Full article

Infrastructure development increasingly requires sustainable construction materials, with waste utilization serving as a key strategy to address this need. Employing eco-friendly materials with enhanced engineering properties not only mitigates the environmental impact of waste but also lowers the carbon footprint associated with cement production. Accordingly, this research aims to investigate the potential of enhancing the performance of municipal solid waste incineration ash (MSWIA) mortar through the incorporation of rice husk ash (RHA) as a supplementary cementitious material (SCM), thereby supporting the principles of a circular economy. The MSWIA mortar comprised 25% bottom ash (BA) and 5% fly ash (FA) as substitutes for fine aggregate and cement, respectively. Cement was then replaced with RHA at 5–30% to assess the influence of RHA on the properties of MSWIA mortars such as workability, strength development, and water absorption. Adding RHA led to a lower flow rate and setting time than mortar content-only MSWIA. Nonetheless, the various mechanical properties of MSWIA mortar, such as compressive strength, split tensile strength, and flexure strength, were found to be increased when the RHA quantity was used at 10% as a cement replacement. The water absorption of the mortar mixes was reduced by increasing RHA up to 15%. The test results revealed that the mortar’s microstructural properties were notably enhanced, and the UPV measurements confirmed the overall good quality of the mortar specimens. Therefore, incorporating RHA and MSWIA in construction not only enhances performance but also contributes to environmental sustainability by reducing the carbon dioxide emission and landfill waste. Full article

Cryopreservation and transplantation of intact ovaries offer a promising approach to fertility restoration in cancer patients. However, ischemia–reperfusion injury following transplantation significantly impairs graft function. This study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of melatonin and elucidate its underlying mechanisms of action, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Intact ovaries from 8 to 12-week-old LEWIS rats were cryopreserved and subsequently transplanted. Melatonin (25 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg) was administered daily from day 1 to day 4 postoperatively. Estrous cycle recovery and ovarian histology were examined, along with measurements of hormone concentrations, antioxidant activity, and inflammatory mediators. The oxidative stress response, particularly the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/antioxidant response elements (ARE) signaling pathway—including Nrf2, Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), and sMafg—was investigated to elucidate melatonin’s protective mechanisms. The roles of melatonin receptors and Nrf2 were investigated using specific receptor antagonists (Luzindole, 4P-PDOT) and an inhibitor (ML385) to confirm the involvement of the MT1/Nrf2/ARE pathway. As a result, rats treated with high-dose melatonin (50 mg/kg) exhibited accelerated estrous cycle recovery, reduced follicular loss, improved serum hormone levels, enhanced antioxidant capacity in serum and ovarian tissue, and decreased levels of inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, melatonin exerted its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects through activation of the Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway via the MT1 receptor. These protective effects were abolished by the inhibition of either Nrf2 or MT1 receptor. In conclusion, these findings demonstrate that melatonin mitigates oxidative stress and inflammatory damage in intact transplanted ovaries through the MT1/Nrf2/ARE signaling axis, thereby preserving ovarian function post-transplantation. Full article

Marine-derived bioactive peptides (MBPs) are emerging as promising natural agents for regulating inflammatory responses. MBPs, typically obtained through enzymatic hydrolysis of proteins from various marine organisms such as fish, mollusks, and algae, exhibit diverse biological activities, including antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory effects. The ability of MBPs to modulate key inflammatory mediators such as TNF-α, IL-6, and COX-2, primarily through pathways like NF-κB and MAPK, highlights the therapeutic potential of MBPs in managing chronic inflammatory diseases. However, most existing studies are confined to in vitro assays or animal models, with limited translation to human clinical applications. This review explores the stability, bioavailability, and metabolic rate of MBPs under physiological conditions, which remain poorly understood. In addition, a lack of standardized protocols for peptide extraction, purification, and efficacy evaluation hinders comparative analysis across studies and also different proteomics approaches for separation, purification, identification, and quantification of marine-derived peptides with therapeutic properties. The structure–function relationship of MBPs is also underexplored, limiting rational design and targeted applications in functional foods or therapeutic products. These limitations are largely due to a lack of consolidated information and integrated research efforts. To address these challenges, this review summarizes recent progress in identifying MBPs with anti-inflammatory potentials, outlines key mechanisms, and highlights current limitations. Additionally, this review also emphasizes the need to enhance mechanistic understanding, optimize delivery strategies, and advance clinical validation to fully realize the therapeutic potential of MBPs. Full article

As styrene–butadiene rubber (SBR) is widely used and tends to age, the performance improvement in aging resistance is greatly important to rubber industrial fields. To this end, this study considered using layered double hydroxides (LDHs) as inorganic fillers and subsequently modified them by silane coupling agent KH−580 to obtain organically functionalized LDHs (m−LDHs) for solving the compatibility and aging concerns. The modified fillers were incorporated into styrene–butadiene rubber (SBR) to prepare m−LDHs/SBR composites. To evaluate their aging resistance, both SBR and m−LDHs/SBR samples were subjected to ultraviolet (UV) accelerated aging tests. Comprehensive characterizations were carried out using Fourier−transform infrared spectroscopy (FT−IR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and standard mechanical property testing. FT−IR confirmed the successful grafting of KH−580 onto LDHs surfaces, while TGA demonstrated a ~50 °C increase in decomposition temperature of the modified SBR compared to the pristine sample, indicating enhanced thermal stability. Mechanical performance, including tensile strength, elongation at break, and hardness, was better retained in m−LDHs/SBR after aging, revealing the role of m−LDHs as both UV shielding and interfacial reinforcing agents. These findings highlight the potential of surface−functionalized LDHs as multifunctional fillers to enhance the durability and service lifetime of rubber materials. Full article

The development of effective materials for uranium extraction from seawater is vital for advancing sustainable energy solutions. However, the efficient recovery of uranium from seawater presents significant challenges due to its extremely low concentration, the presence of competing ions, and the complex marine environment. To address these issues, various materials such as inorganic and organic sorbents, chelating resins, nanostructured sorbents, and composite materials have been explored. More recently, the functionalization of carbon-based materials for enhanced adsorption properties has attracted much interest because of their high specific surface area, excellent chemical and thermal stability, and tunable porosity. These materials include activated carbon, graphene oxide, biochar, carbon cloths, carbon nanotubes, and carbon aerogels. The enhancement of carbonaceous materials is typically achieved through surface functionalization with chelating groups and the synthesis of composite materials that integrate other high-performance sorbents. This review aims to summarize the work of these functionalized carbon materials, focusing on their adsorption capacity, selectivity, and durability for uranium adsorption. This is followed by a discussion on the binding mechanisms of uranium with major chelating functional groups grafted on carbonaceous sorbents. Finally, an outlook for future research is suggested. We hope that this review will be helpful to researchers engaged in related studies. Full article