Search Results (2,608)

Dpep is a cell-penetrating peptide that targets transcription factors ATF5, CEBPB and CEBPD to selectively suppress growth and survival of diverse tumor cell types in vitro and in vivo. Due to these actions and its apparent safety, the peptide has potential as a cancer therapeutic. How Dpep might be combined with other anti-cancer agents to achieve synergistic efficacy and to overcome possible peptide resistance has not been assessed in depth. Based on prior work indicating that Dpep promotes apoptotic cancer cell death and up-regulates multiple pro-apoptotic and tumor suppressor genes, we studied combinations of Dpep with ABT-263, a pro-apoptotic BCL2 family inhibitor, and decitabine, a hypomethylating drug. Combining Dpep with each agent alone or together synergistically suppressed the growth of a range of solid and liquid tumor cell types. Moreover, the combinations synergistically inhibited the growth of cells lines that were selected either in vivo or in vitro for Dpep resistance. Finally, we tested the combination of Dpep with ABT-263 in a mouse melanoma xenograft model. The combination more effectively inhibited tumor growth than either agent alone and, in contrast to vehicle or ABT-263, produced a 40% durable survival rate. Taken together, these observations highlight potential drug partners for the therapeutic development of Dpep. Full article

Accurate characterization of the true tire–pavement contact state is essential for understanding pavement friction; yet conventional texture indicators and nominal contact assumptions cannot directly represent the actual interfacial interaction between rubber and pavement. This study proposes a rapid and non-destructive method for measuring three-dimensional tire–pavement true contact texture under different loads. A materials testing system was used to apply controlled loads to a rubber pad–carbon paper–pavement assembly, and the resulting imprints were combined with three-dimensional laser profilometer data and support-curve-based slicing to determine the real contact area ratio, penetration texture depth, and self-affine fractal dimension. Tests on nine asphalt pavement samples under loads from 5 to 20 kN showed that the real contact area ratio increased with load but remained below 40% at 20 kN. The predicted contact area from the reconstructed 3D texture agreed well with the imprint-based results, with an absolute error not exceeding 2.59%. Penetration texture depth showed a stronger relationship with skid resistance than fractal dimension. The proposed method provides a practical means of capturing effective tire–pavement contact parameters and offers useful inputs for laboratory-based skid resistance evaluation and texture-informed friction modeling. Full article

Diamond-like carbon (DLC) coatings are increasingly explored as a practical route to enhance the surface performance of biomedical implants and tissue engineering scaffolds, particularly when combined with additive manufacturing. Rather than serving only as protective layers, DLC coatings allow for independent tuning of surface properties without modifying the bulk structure, which is especially relevant for complex 3D-printed components. This flexibility is often what makes them attractive for biomedical design. This review is structured around two main application areas: DLC coatings for prosthetic implants and DLC coatings for tissue engineering scaffolds. Within this context, the influence of DLC structure (e.g., sp²/sp³ bonding, hydrogen content, and doping) on mechanical, tribological, and biological behavior is discussed. Particular attention is given to additively manufactured metallic implants and porous scaffolds, where large surface area and internal architectures complicate coating uniformity and adhesion. Reports show that DLC coatings can improve corrosion resistance, reduce wear, and influence biological responses, such as antibacterial activity and cell interactions. Several challenges remain to be solved, especially in achieving uniform coating penetration in porous networks and in ensuring long-term stability under physiological conditions. The combination of additive manufacturing and DLC coatings has been shown to offer the potential to become an enabling technology for next-generation biomedical devices. Full article

This paper provides a comprehensive review on the effects of plant fibers on cement-based materials, focusing on the enhancement of mechanical properties and durability. Plant fibers, as a sustainable and renewable resource, are increasingly recognized for their potential in improving the performance of cement-based composites. The review begins with an exploration of fiber composition and structure, followed by a detailed discussion of interfacial modification strategies that enhance the bond between plant fibers and cement matrices. Key mechanisms such as fiber dispersion, bridging, and internal curing are examined to explain how plant fibers impact hydration, pore structure, and mechanical properties like compressive strength, flexural strength, splitting tensile strength, and impact toughness. The paper also reviews the role of plant fibers in enhancing the durability of cement-based materials, particularly in terms of resistance to alkali degradation, acid attack, freeze–thaw cycles, chloride ion penetration, and self-healing behavior. The findings suggest that plant fibers offer a dual benefit by improving both the mechanical and durability performance of cement-based materials. The paper concludes with recommendations for future research directions, emphasizing the need for better understanding the interactions between plant fibers and cement matrices to optimize the long-term performance of plant fiber-reinforced cementitious composites. Full article

Wood coatings play a critical role in protecting wood substrates from environmental degradation, particularly ultraviolet (UV)-induced photodegradation. This review comprehensively examines the mechanisms of wood coating photodegradation, the factors influencing their durability, and current anti-aging strategies. Photodegradation arises from polymer chain scission, chemical structure reorganization, and photo-oxidation of lignin and cellulose, leading to coating chalking, cracking, gloss loss, and color changes, ultimately compromising wood mechanical properties and service life. Key anti-aging strategies include UV absorbers, which convert harmful UV radiation into heat; hindered amine light stabilizers (HALSs) that capture free radicals and quench excited-state molecules; barrier and shielding materials that form dense physical or nanostructured networks to block UV penetration and enhance mechanical and water resistance; and antioxidants that neutralize free radicals or decompose peroxides at the molecular level. Each approach can be employed individually or synergistically to enhance coating durability. Challenges remain in achieving long-term outdoor stability, balancing transparency and UV shielding, optimizing nanoparticle dispersion, and maintaining the activity of natural antioxidants. Future research should focus on multifunctional composite coatings integrating bio-based materials and nanotechnology, smart responsive systems, adaptive protection mechanisms, and standardized long-term evaluation protocols. These advancements will facilitate the development of high-performance, sustainable wood coatings and promote the value-added utilization of wood resources. Full article

To investigate the battery impedance variation after the occurrence of nail penetration, this paper adopts Dynamic Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (DEIS) for real-time monitoring of the impedance changes of lithium-ion batteries during the nail penetration process. A piecewise multi-frequency superimposed sinusoidal excitation is designed, which not only complies with the stability principle of battery testing but also ensures the signal-to-noise ratio of the excitation signal. By injecting the designed excitation signal into the operating battery and combining it with the rapid DEIS generation technology, the acquisition of DEIS data within the target frequency band in a short time is realized. Based on the obtained DEIS data, a fractional-order model is established and fitted for analysis before and after nail penetration. The results show that the steel nail introduces inductive reactance and impedance to the battery. Due to the parallel connection between the steel nail and the internal resistance of the battery, the overall impedance decreases, exhibiting a short-circuit state, and both the real and imaginary parts of the impedance experience an abrupt change at the moment of nail penetration. Considering the characteristic of abrupt impedance change of the battery after nail penetration, a battery nail penetration detection method based on DEIS is proposed. Considering the abrupt change characteristics of battery impedance after nail penetration, this paper proposes a battery nail penetration detection method based on DEIS. This method can effectively solve the problem of low sensitivity of traditional voltage monitoring methods in detecting nail penetration during battery operation. It has higher sensitivity and faster response speed compared with traditional methods, enabling online monitoring of battery states. Additionally, this paper also explores its potential application in real-world vehicles. Full article

Improving the durability of reinforced concrete sleepers is essential for railway infrastructure exposed to dynamic loading, moisture, and repeated freeze–thaw action. This study proposes a material-level modification approach for heavy concrete for type 2 reinforced concrete sleepers based on the combined use of activated microsilica, a ferroalloy-production byproduct, electrolyzed mixing water, and a polycarboxylate superplasticizer. The novelty of the work lies in the preliminary electrochemical activation of microsilica in an alkaline medium and in the optimization of its joint use with KN-5 by means of second-order experimental design. The concrete was evaluated by compressive and bending strength tests, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), water-penetration testing, and freeze–thaw resistance testing. All modified mixtures outperformed the reference concrete. The highest 28-day compressive strength reached 67.0 MPa, while bending strength reached 7.26 MPa. SEM observations showed a denser and more homogeneous cement matrix with reduced capillary porosity and improved interfacial transition zones. Water resistance improved from W8 for the reference mixture to W10–W14 for the modified concretes. Most modified mixtures achieved a frost resistance grade of F500, and the composition containing 15% activated microsilica and 1.0% superplasticizer reached F550. The proposed approach is effective at the material level for producing heavy concrete with enhanced strength and durability characteristics for reinforced concrete sleeper applications. Full article

Selecting an appropriate disc coulter is crucial for reducing the power consumption of no-till seeders, preventing straw from being pressed into seed furrows, improving the soil penetration performance of the disc coulter, and thus minimizing the weight of no-till seeders. This study utilized the quadratic regression orthogonal rotation central composite approach. With the application of EDEM and RecurDyn software, a virtual simulation model of the interaction between a toothed disc coulter and soil was developed. The angle of front serration δ, the angle of rear serration θ, and the number of serrations n were taken as experimental factors. The draft F_v and penetration resistance F_N were selected as performance evaluation indicators for parameter combination optimization simulation tests. The results indicated that δ, θ, and n have significant influences on F_v and F_N (p < 0.05). When the optimized parameter combinations δ, θ, and n were respectively determined as 16°, 39.1°, and 13, both F_v and F_N reached their minimum values. A comparative experimental study was conducted with the optimized toothed disc coulter and six existing disc coulters; under the working conditions of 14.4 km·h⁻¹, both the draft and penetration resistance of the toothed disc coulter are minimized. The draft was 227.5 ± 8.9 N and the penetration resistance was 415.9 ± 5.3 N. Meanwhile, the toothed disc coulter had the highest ratio of soil disturbance area to draft, indicating better soil loosening effects. Full article

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a minimally invasive treatment choice whose clinical success in dermatology relies on the interaction between a photosensitizer, light of an appropriate wavelength, and tissue oxygen, leading to reactive oxygen species generation and selective cytotoxicity. This narrative review summarizes contemporary mechanisms and clinical evidence supporting PDT across neoplastic, inflammatory, infectious, and esthetic indications. A comprehensive literature search included randomized trials when available, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and guideline and consensus documents, complemented by mechanistic and translational studies relevant to clinical outcomes. In premalignant and neoplastic disease, strongest evidence supports field-directed PDT for actinic keratosis and high efficacy in Bowen’s disease, with favorable cosmetic outcomes and acceptable recurrence patterns. PDT plays a more selective role in basal cell carcinoma, particularly superficial and selected nodular lesions, while its routine use as monotherapy in squamous cell carcinoma remains limited by higher recurrence. Beyond oncology, PDT shows expanding utility in acne via sebomodulatory and immunomodulatory effects, and in infectious dermatoses through broad antimicrobial activity and biofilm disruption with low resistance potential. Cosmetic applications, including photorejuvenation, benefit from protocol tailoring and combination strategies that enhance penetration and remodeling. Overall, PDT is evolving into an adaptable therapeutic framework best positioned within mechanism-oriented, multimodal algorithms. Full article

This study investigates the stress–strain state of rocks subjected to the impact of penetrators with diverse configurations, employing numerical simulations in the ANSYS Workbench Static Structural module. The research focuses on the interaction between roller cone drill bit teeth and rock formations during blast hole drilling. Through finite element modeling using a linear elastic constitutive model, the influence of penetrator geometry, position relative to borehole walls, angle of attack, and distance to open surfaces on rock fracture parameters is analyzed. Key quantitative findings include: the relative breaking force near the borehole wall reaches 2.8 for soft rocks (siltstones) with a 10 mm tooth diameter, and decreases to approximately 1.0 at a distance of 1.5d from the wall; the optimal angle of attack ranges from 60° to 90° depending on rock hardness; and the proximity to a free surface reduces fracture resistance to as low as 0.23 of the baseline value. Six sets of parabolic regression equations (R² > 0.95) are derived for relative breaking forces across three rock hardness groups and two tooth diameters. Optimal parameters for tooth placement, borehole bottom shapes, and operational conditions are proposed. Implementation of the recommended parameters is estimated to increase drilling efficiency by 10–20% and extend tool service life by 15–30%. The findings provide a scientific foundation for designing advanced roller cone drill bits suitable for rocks with Protodyakonov hardness indices ranging from f = 5 to f = 18. Full article

Tensile fracture in asphalt involves complex mechanical responses and component migration. This study employs molecular dynamics (MD) simulations with the COPMASS II force field to investigate water intrusion at the asphalt–aggregate interface and subsequent tensile cracking at the nanoscale. To evaluate moisture damage, a ternary interface model was constructed using a specific distribution of water molecules at a target density. Results indicate that thickness significantly enhances moisture resistance; specifically, the asphalt film in the thinnest model (AS1) was penetrated by water molecules, leading to localized interfacial failure. Further uniaxial tensile simulations at a loading rate of 0.01 Å/psreveal that as film thickness increases (AS1 to AS4), the peak stress rises from 103.2 to 113.8 MPa, and the fracture energy increases from 136 to 747 kcal/mol. Based on the density redistribution of SARA fractions, component migration is divided into three stages: structural relaxation, resin-driven de-peptization, and polar component re-aggregation. Finally, the Asphaltene Index (I_A) is proposed as a predictive indicator, showing that cracks consistently initiate in regions with minimum I_A values. These findings provide quantitative insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying asphalt durability. Full article

The inherent drying shrinkage of geopolymers restricts their widespread application in concrete crack repair, particularly for medium-to-wide cracks that demand stringent workability and penetrability. This study systematically investigates the effects of three single-component expansive agents (MgO, CaO, and CSA) on the fresh properties, mechanical performance, and microstructural evolution of a slag-fly ash-based geopolymer. The optimal modified formulation was subsequently evaluated for remediating preinduced concrete cracks (2.0, 2.5 and 3.0 mm apertures) and benchmarked against ordinary Portland cement and epoxy resin. The results indicate that while CaO and CSA severely compromise paste fluidity and induce rapid setting, MgO modification provides an exceptional operational window. An 8 wt.% MgO dosage (MG8) induces only a marginal 3.73% reduction in paste fluidity and maintains stable initial and final setting times, thereby preserving excellent workability retention and enabling precise construction scheduling. Microstructural analyses (XRD, SEM, and MIP) reveal that the precipitation of micro expansive Mg(OH)₂ effectively suppresses the 28-day drying shrinkage to 0.23%, while facilitating the attainment of a robust compressive strength of 44.1 MPa and preserving a highly favorable strength development trajectory. In the structural repair phase, the MG8 demonstrated outstanding compressive strength recovery, peaking at 28.80 MPa for 2.0 mm cracks, which significantly outperformed both the cement and epoxy resin repaired groups. Conversely, the epoxy resin repaired specimens exhibited superior splitting tensile strength due to the inherent elongation properties of the flexible macromolecular polymer. Comprehensive durability assessments revealed that the MG8 repair system exhibits exceptional resistance against freeze–thaw cycles and sulfate/chloride attacks, ensuring long-term structural integrity that significantly outperforms conventional materials. Overall, this work presents a viable and durable geopolymer-based alternative to traditional materials, aiming to ensure timely and reliable remediation concrete cracks that do not cause structural damage. Full article

An experimental investigation was conducted to examine the resistance to sulfate attack and chloride ion diffusion of concrete incorporating multiple industrial wastes (MIWC), including limestone powder (LP), tailings sand, and silica fume (SF). The degradation mechanisms of the MIWC under coupled sulfate wet‒dry cycles and chloride ion penetration are systematically revealed. Nine concrete mixtures were designed with variable water-to-binder (w/b) ratios, LP contents, SF dosages, and tailings sand/machine-made sand ratios. The results indicate that reducing the w/b ratio significantly enhances resistance to sulfate attack and chloride penetration. A moderate LP dosage optimizes pore structure and improves long-term sulfate resistance, whereas SF effectively refines the pore matrix and reduces the chloride diffusion coefficient. The coupled action of chloride and sulfate accelerates early-stage pore filling by corrosion products but promotes later-stage cracking because of expansive erosion products. A modified sulfate damage model and a multifactor coupled chloride diffusion model are established, which consider damage evolution, chloride binding, and time-dependent diffusivity. The predicted service life of the MIWC under marine exposure is in reasonable agreement with the experimental trends. This work provides a theoretical basis for durable design and industrial waste utilization in marine concrete structures. Full article

The full-flow T-bar penetrometer has been extensively employed in centrifuge model tests and offshore site investigations to measure the undrained shear strength of soft clays. A rigorous correlation between T-bar resistance and undrained shear strength relies heavily on the elucidation of the resistance factor N_t, which has been widely pursued utilizing classical plasticity according to a full-flow mechanism. However, the adoption of a constant resistance factor N_t in the absence of a full-flow mechanism at shallow penetration due to the cavity above the T-bar cylinder has been identified to underestimate the soil strength. Thus, to accurately interpret T-bar penetration data, this paper presents theoretical investigations into the resistance factor of the T-bar penetrometer considering the cavity effect. A generalized theoretical solution of the resistance factor N_t is deduced in terms of roughness factor α at the T-bar-soil interface and sidewall inclination δ of the cavity, which will degenerate to the well-known plasticity solutions of Randolph and Houlsby (1984) when the cavity vanishes. Theoretical results show that the resistance factor N_t increases with increasing roughness factor α, but decreases with increasing sidewall inclinations δ. Finally, the rationality of the proposed failure mechanism and theoretical results are verified against finite element limit analysis (FELA) conducted in this study, as well as the numerical results and theoretical solutions in the existing literature. Full article

Despite prolonged viral inhibition with combination antiretroviral therapy (ART), HIV-1 survives as genetically intact, replication-capable proviruses within durable CD4+ T-cell fractions, involving central memory, transitional memory, and stem cell-like memory populations, as well as within tissue-resident compartments including lymphoid follicles and gut-associated lymphoid tissue. Reservoir stability is preserved via clonal growth of infected cells and epigenetic processes that impose proviral transcriptional silencing. As a result, current therapeutic approaches seek to either directly alter proviral survival or to improve immune-driven elimination of infected cells. At the molecular level, investigational strategies such as CRISPR–Cas9 and CRISPR–Cas12 gene-editing systems are intended to remove or induce inactivating mutations inside embedded proviral DNA, as well as alter host entrance co-receptors such as CCR5 to provide cellular resistance to infection. In addition, pharmacologic latency regulation is being studied via histone deacetylase inhibitors, protein kinase C agonists, and bromodomain inhibitors to reverse latency, along with Tat inhibitors and other transcriptional repressors aimed to persistently silence proviral expression. Moreover, immunological techniques aim to counteract inefficient endogenous antiviral defenses. Broadly neutralizing antibodies with tailored Fc-driven effector functions are under examination for both neutralization and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity. Therapeutic vaccine approaches seek to elevate polyfunctional HIV-specific CD8+ T-cell responses, while adoptive cellular approaches, involving CAR-T cells aiming HIV envelope epitopes, remain in early clinical research. Immune checkpoint blockade is also being investigated to reverse T-cell depletion inside reservoir-rich tissues. Nevertheless, the key obstacles continue to be the diverse reservoir composition, restricted tissue penetration, viral escape, and safety limitations. The molecular and translational obstacles that characterize attempts toward an HIV cure must be addressed through ongoing multidisciplinary research. Full article