Search Results (1,757)

Electrophysiology, mechanobiology, and the study of soft matter within cells demonstrate increasing amounts of evidence that neuronal signaling arises from interactions between membrane potential, force, and phase. Herein, we have attempted to collect and organize the evidence for each of these areas of study into an approximate structure called the electromechanical connectome: a three-way state–space (membrane potentials, nanoscale mechanical forces, and cytoplasmic rheology, including phase-separated liquid–liquid droplets) where membrane potentials, nanoscale mechanical forces, and cytoplasmic rheology, and phase-separated liquid–liquid droplets are likely to influence one another, influencing synaptic processing, plasticity and network stability. We will also attempt to illustrate the following: how changes in electrostatic fields can be used to alter the arrangement of lipids, hydration, and dielectric microdomains, and the contact geometry between organelles and activity dependent transcription; how mechanical dynamics associated with spines, axons, and the active zone of synapses may be used to modify the energy landscape of channels, the docking and priming of vesicles, and the transport of cytoskeletons; and how viscosity corridors, along with phase-separated micro-reactors, can be used to regulate the kinetics of signaling, molecular trafficking and metabolic processes in local environments. With these connections in mind, we will propose a multiphysical attractor model in which cognition is the result of navigating through metastable manifolds, while neurodegenerative disease may be a result of the progressive loss of electromechanical coherence, phase boundary control and energetic flexibility. Finally, we will present testable hypotheses and use AI-enabled digital twin methods to potentially quantify the early deformation of manifolds and provide precision biomarkers and therapeutic options. Full article

The widespread use of conventional plastic mulch films in agriculture contributes significantly to soil pollution due to their non-biodegradable nature. This study explores the potential of novel bio-based mulch films composed of chitosan, carboxymethyl cellulose, and sodium alginate, formulated in different ratios (1:1 and 17:3), with or without enrichment with monoammonium phosphate (MAP), to serve as biodegradable films with potential nutrient-releasing functionality as alternatives to conventional plastics. A multi-analytical approach, including elemental and isotopic analysis (EA-IRMS), biodegradation assays, and pyrolysis–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (Py-GC-MS), was employed to assess their chemical properties, degradation behavior, and environmental compatibility. The results demonstrated that the 1:1 films, both with and without MAP, achieved over 90% biodegradation within 120 days under controlled soil conditions, in agreement with international criteria for soil biodegradability. In contrast, the 17:3 films showed reduced degradation, especially without MAP enrichment, highlighting the influence of polymer composition on microbial degradation. Isotopic tracing confirmed MAP integration and revealed composition-dependent fractionation effects. Py-GC-MS provided structural fingerprints of film components and putatively annotated nitrogen-containing compounds indicative of chitosan presence. Overall, these results demonstrate that the 1:1 films can be considered viable, multifunctional, and soil-friendly alternatives to conventional plastic mulches for sustainable agriculture. Full article

Bivalves possess a diverse array of photoreceptive organs that are significant for their evolutionary success and systematic classification. Giant clams are the largest bivalve mollusks, with mantle tissue permanently extended in nature to maintain symbiosis with zooxanthellae and perceive environmental cues. Eyes serve as critical sensory organs for these organisms, yet the structural and functional characteristics of tridacnine eyes remain inadequately understood. This study systematically investigated the ocular traits and visual resolution of three ecologically distinct giant clam species (Tridacna crocea, T. squamosa, T. maxima) using morphometric analysis, hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and grating stimulation assays. Significant interspecific differences were observed in eye count, diameter, and pupil-to-eye ratio (PER): T. maxima exhibited the highest mean eye count (221 ± 8), T. squamosa the largest mean eye diameter (0.490 ± 0.082 mm), and T. crocea the highest mean PER (0.363 ± 0.041). Eyes were numerically symmetric on the left and right mantles but positionally asymmetric, showing random distribution patterns along the mantle margin without fixed corresponding locations across species. All three species possessed typical pinhole eyes lacking lenses and retinas, primarily composed of filler cells, receptor cells, and sparse neurons, with symbiotic zooxanthellae distributed in the surrounding mantle tissue. Grating stimulation assays revealed resolvable stripe periods of 5.82–11.64° (T. crocea), 8.62–13.16° (T. squamosa), and 10.15–12.26° (T. maxima), confirming T. crocea as the species with the highest visual resolution. These ocular variations are inferred to reflect adaptive evolution driven by ecological niches and habitat-specific factors (water depth or light intensity), while the simplified pinhole morphology is consistent with their sedentary lifestyle and metabolic dependence on symbiotic zooxanthellae. These ocular variations provide potential morphological markers for the systematic classification of Tridacninae and offer valuable insights for researchers studying the evolutionary plasticity of bivalve visual systems. Full article

Background: Digital technologies, particularly CAD/CAM workflows, have transformed implant prosthodontics by improving the accuracy and efficiency of impression procedures, facilitating clinician–laboratory communication, and supporting the preservation of peri-implant tissues. Objective: To compare the three-dimensional accuracy (trueness) and passive fit of five conventional and digital impression techniques for fixed prostheses supported by two implants. Methods: An in vitro experimental study was conducted using a partially edentulous maxillary model with two implants supporting a three-unit zirconia bridge. Five impression workflows were evaluated: conventional techniques (open-tray and closed-tray, splinted and non-splinted) and digital impressions using plastic and titanium scan bodies. Three-dimensional accuracy was assessed by digital superimposition analysis, and passive fit was evaluated by marginal gap measurements using digital microscopy and ImageJ (version 1.54r) software. Statistical analyses were performed using exploratory ANOVA with Welch’s correction and Games–Howell post hoc tests (p < 0.05), complemented by effect size analysis. Results: Three-dimensional superimposition analysis revealed that digital impression workflows and the splinted conventional open-tray technique exhibited the highest trueness, with minimal spatial deviations relative to the reference model, together with the lowest marginal gap values (<1 µm). The non-splinted open-tray technique presented higher discrepancies (7.37 ± 0.94 µm), although all techniques remained within clinically acceptable tolerance ranges (60–150 µm). Conclusions: Under controlled in vitro conditions, both digital impression techniques and conventional splinted protocols achieve high three-dimensional accuracy and clinically acceptable passive fit for multi-implant-supported fixed prostheses. Digital workflows represent a predictable and efficient alternative, while conventional splinted impressions remain a reliable option depending on clinical and technological considerations. Full article

Phthalates are a class of compounds commonly used as plasticizers in various industrial and consumer products. In line with the increasing environmental and biological exposure concerns regarding these compounds, this study investigated the dose-dependent effects of diethyl phthalate (DEP) on the liver in a subacute rat model. Diethyl phthalate (DEP) was given orally by gavage to female Wistar albino rats at doses of 100, 300, and 600 mg/kg body weight per day for 21 days in order to assess liver tissue and associated function test levels. Liver function was evaluated by analyzing serum biochemical data. Liver tissues were evaluated using histopathological staining (H&E and Masson’s trichrome staining), immunohistochemical analysis of IL-1β and TGF-β, tissue ELISA for IL-6 and TNF-α, and comet assay to determine DNA damage. DEP exposure was found to cause significant, dose-dependent histopathological changes in liver tissue, including hepatocyte necrosis, cytoplasmic vacuolization, sinusoidal dilation, and vascular congestion. AST levels were significantly increased compared to the control group, while no significant changes were observed in other serum biochemical parameters. Compared to the control group, the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α), IL-1β, and TGF-β was found to be elevated in the DEP-treated groups, and their levels increased with increasing exposure dose. DEP exposure also caused significant DNA damage in liver tissue. These findings indicate that despite an increase in AST levels observed in subacute DEP exposure, there were limited changes in serum biochemical parameters; serum liver enzymes alone may not fully reflect the extent of hepatic damage, and DEP can cause significant inflammatory, histopathological, and genotoxic effects in liver tissue. Full article

A novel Lithium triflate-incorporated Solid Polymer Electrolyte (SPE) has been developed by using the optimized blend of Ghatti Gum (GG) and Xanthan Gum (XG) with a biodegradable synthetic polymer, Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), ethylene glycol as a plasticizer, and formaldehyde as a cross-linker for energy storage applications. They are examined by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and electrochemical impedance analysis. The frequency-dependent conductivity adheres to Joshner’s universal power law, with the TF10 composition achieving the higher ionic conductivity of 2.73 × 10⁻⁵ S cm⁻¹. Temperature-dependent conductivity confirms Arrhenius-type behavior and shows a low activation energy of 0.15 eV that supports facile ion transport. The conduction process in TF10 follows the Correlated Barrier Hopping (CBH) model. Dielectric and modulus investigations indicate relaxation dynamics with the shorter relaxation time (6.45 × 10⁻⁶ s) from tangent loss spectra. From the SEM analysis, the uniform distribution and the porous nature of the electrode activated carbon are confirmed. A supercapacitor is assembled with TF10 displays electric double-layer capacitive features, delivering a specific capacitance of 7.1 Fg⁻¹ at 15 mVs⁻¹. Charge–discharge analysis reveals energy and power densities of 2.52 Wh kg⁻¹ and 2500 W kg⁻¹, respectively, for the supercapacitor. Full article

FEM numerical analyses can be indicated as a common and basic tool used in the design of processes based on the plastic forming of metals. In such simulations, the accuracy of the results strongly depends on the quality of the material constitutive data used as the input. Good understanding of metals and their alloys’ deformation behavior, especially at hot working temperatures, is the key to developing or optimizing proper and economical processes. To provide reliable FEM simulation results, it is crucial to select an appropriate experimental method describing material behavior at elevated deformation temperatures. The most commonly method used for this is hot torsion tests, which can effectively provide a basis for developing constitutive models (for example, the Hensel–Spittel equation), but also produce the material constants needed to fully describe the behavior of the metal. This paper analyzes three experimental methods, compression testing, torsion testing, and spherical probe pressing, for determining material flow stress characteristics required for FEM simulations. The study focuses on the EN AW-7075 alloy, a high-strength aluminum alloy with limited hot workability. The methods were validated by comparing FEM predictions of extrusion force and profile temperature with results from industrial extrusion trials conducted on a 5 MN horizontal press. Full article

Surface defects are frequently observed in calendered polyvinyl chloride (PVC) films. Their evaluation in production environments is typically qualitative and operator dependent. Using the common gas entrapment defects as the test case, the present study develops a four-step image-processing workflow that converts scanned film images into pixel intensity matrices and groups defect pixels using density-based clustering (DBSCAN). The procedure provides quantitative measures of defect count, size, and spatial distribution without manual labeling. The effects of roll gap, calendering speed, upstream mixing time, and plasticizer type were examined under controlled conditions. Larger roll gaps and higher speeds reduced degassing efficiency and increased both defect number and defect area. Short mixing times led to incomplete gelation and higher defect frequency. Among the tested plasticizers, TOTM produced the lowest defect counts, followed by DEHP and ESBO. Design-of-experiments analysis ranked parameter sensitivity and identified operating ranges that limit defect formation. The method provides a practical basis for routine surface inspection and supports process adjustment using measurable defect metrics rather than visual judgment alone. Full article

Stainless-steel nitride thin films were deposited onto silicon substrates at different temperatures ranging from 150 to 600 °C using reactive magnetron sputtering. The influence of substrate temperature on nitrogen incorporation, surface roughness, microstructure, and mechanical properties was systematically investigated. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis showed that the nitrogen content increased with substrate temperature, reaching a maximum value of 34 wt.% at 350 °C, while at higher substrate temperatures (450–600 °C), the nitrogen content decreased. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that the coating structure strongly depends on the substrate temperature. At temperatures above 450 °C, the films comprise a multiphase structure consisting of CrN, bcc-Fe, and Ni. In contrast, films deposited below 450 °C are dominated by the S-phase, corresponding to a nitrogen-supersaturated fcc structure. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses confirmed microstructural evolution with substrate temperature, showing fine, compact grains at lower temperatures and coarser structures at higher temperatures. Surface roughness measured by a profilometer exhibited a minimum at 350 °C. The mechanical performance of the films was evaluated using micro-Knoop hardness measurements, together with the calculated elastic strain indicator (H/E) and resistance to the plastic deformation parameter (H³/E²). The results showed that hardness and these mechanical indicators reached their maximum values at a substrate temperature of 350 °C. These findings provide valuable insight into the deposition–structure–property relationships of stainless-steel nitride thin films for wear-resistant and protective coating applications. Full article

Restriction–modification (RM) systems contribute to genome plasticity in Mycoplasma hominis, a facultative pathogen with an extremely small but highly heterogeneous genome. The MhoVII RM system, which contains a fusion of two methyltransferases (MTases), M1 and M2, was recently identified within a family of Type II RM systems, but its specificity and biological function remained unknown. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that M1 and M2 belong to distinct MTase classes clustering within the YhdJ and MTaseD12 branches, respectively. In this study, the dissemination, expression and function of the MhoVII system was analyzed in detail using Oxford Nanopore-based methylation analysis, recombinant expression of the individual RM components in Escherichia coli, and methylation-sensitive restriction assays. It was thus possible to demonstrate that M1 and M2 methylate the complementary non-palindromic motifs GATG and CATC, and that the associated restriction endonuclease cleaves only DNA lacking 6mA methylation at these sites. The transcriptional analysis of mid-to-late logarithmic cultures indicated a polycistronic organization of the MhoVII genes, and GATG/CATC-driven methylation analysis revealed culture-dependent methylation differences, suggesting a post-transcriptional regulation, whereas in the infection of HeLa cells, MhoVII transcription was highest at the beginning and was then gradually downregulated in the later stages of infection. These findings establish MhoVII as a previously uncharacterized Type II RM system. Full article

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate auditory cortical maturation in pediatric cochlear implant (CI) users using speech-evoked cortical auditory evoked potentials (CAEPs) and to compare P1 latency responses with age-matched normal-hearing (NH) peers. Secondary objectives included examining the relationship between P1 latency, age, and duration of implant use to assess experience-dependent cortical plasticity. Materials and Methods: Seventy children were enrolled, including 40 prelingually deaf CI users and 30 NH controls matched for age and sex. CAEPs were recorded using the HEARLab system with three speech tokens representing low (/m/), mid (/g/), and high (/t/) frequencies, presented at 55 dB SPL in a free-field setup. The P1 component was identified as the first positive deflection between 50 and 150 ms after stimulus onset. Group comparisons were performed using Student’s t-test, and correlations between P1 latency, age, and implant-use duration were analyzed using the Pearson correlation test (p < 0.05). Results: Mean P1 latencies were significantly longer in CI users than in NH peers for the /m/ and /t/ stimuli (p = 0.036 and p = 0.045, respectively), while no significant difference was found for /g/ (p = 0.542). In NH children, P1 latency negatively correlated with age (r = −0.44, p < 0.05), indicating maturation-related shortening. Among CI users, longer implant-use duration was associated with shorter P1 latencies across all speech tokens (/m/: r = −0.37; /g/: r = −0.49; /t/: r = −0.43; p < 0.05 for all). Conclusions: Speech-evoked CAEPs provide a sensitive and objective measure of auditory cortical development in children with cochlear implants. P1 latency reflects both chronological and hearing-age-related maturation, supporting its clinical use as a biomarker for cortical plasticity and rehabilitation progress in pediatric CI care. Full article

The reliability of solid rocket motors depends primarily on the structural integrity of their propellants. Internal cavity defects in the widely used hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) propellant, formed during manufacturing and service, significantly degrade its mechanical properties and compromise motor safety. This study developed a constitutive model for HTPB propellant based on the generalized incremental stress–strain damage model (GISSMO). The validity of the constitutive model was verified through uniaxial tensile tests conducted at various tensile rates. Based on this constitutive model, numerical simulations were performed to examine the effects of initial modulus, impact rate, and cavity confining pressure on the failure modes of propellants containing cavities with radii from 40 to 100 mm. The results show that the simulation’s force–displacement curve agrees well with the test. The simulation accurately captures the propellant’s transition from elastic–plastic plateau at low rates to elastic response at high rates. The prediction error for the maximum tensile force is less than 5%. For cavities of 80 mm and 100 mm, local stress concentration causes damage to the inner wall, followed by rapid cavity extrusion, collapse, and possible cross-shaped matrix fracture. However, cavities of 40 mm and 60 mm show greater stability, experiencing only volume compression, which rarely causes overall damage. When the propellant’s initial modulus is higher than 24 MPa, damage propagation in large cavities over 80 mm is suppressed. A low modulus worsens structural deformation. At low impact velocity, cavity compression is significant, and the structure remains conformal. At high impact velocity (4000 MPa/s), the cavity stays conformal, the matrix collapses, and the damage value decreases. For 60 mm cavities, damage is localized, and the overall structure is most stable within a confining pressure of 5 to 9.5 MPa. This study clarifies the interaction between engineering parameters and cavity size, providing a basis for optimizing the safety of the propellant structure. Full article

Background/Objectives: The main objective of optimizing the composition of dental implants is to improve tissue compatibility for enhanced biological/biochemical performance. In this context, research on the development of new titanium alloys in dental implantology considers the careful selection of alloying elements, both in terms of biocompatibility (their lack of toxicity) and their potential to improve the metallurgical processing capacity (thermal and/or thermomechanical), which through controlled microstructural changes lead to the optimal combination of properties for functionality and durability of the implant. The purpose of the research is to study the influence of alloying elements on the phase composition and physical–mechanical properties of experimental titanium alloys. Methods: Four alloys with original chemical compositions were developed, coded in the experiments as follows: Ti1, Ti2, Ti3, Ti4. The characterization of the alloys was carried out by detailed analysis of the chemical composition, phase structure and by testing the physico-mechanical properties (HV hardness, tensile strength, yield strength, elongation, modulus of elasticity), by standardized modern methods. Characterization methods, such as optical microscopy, SEM, EDS and XRD were performed, followed by tensile tests based on ASTM EB/EBM-22 and EN ISO 6892-1-2009 standards. Results: The research results provide information regarding the relationship between the composition and the physico-mechanical properties (Rm, Rp, HV, A, G, E) of the experimental alloys (Ti1–Ti4). Depending on the value level of the properties, these have been highlighted: compositions in which the alloy can be indicated for conditions of intense stress (Ti3), compositions that describe highly ductile alloys, easy to process and adapt to clinical requirements (Ti4), but also alloys compositions characterized by a balanced combination of strength, plasticity/ductility (Ti1, Ti2). Conclusions: Research for the development of new titanium alloys through the optimization of chemical composition has taken into account the requirements regarding the biological/biomechanical compatibility of biomaterials. Analyzed in comparison with Cp-Ti grade 4 and Ti6A4V, the experimental alloys (Ti1–Ti4) can be characterized as follows: The mechanical strength properties (Rm and Rp) are higher than those of pure commercial titanium (Cp-Ti grade 4) for all compositions Ti1–Ti4, but slightly lower than those of alloy Ti6Al4V. The plasticity–ductility properties have values comparable to those of Cp-Ti grade 4 (Ti4 and Ti2 compositions) and Ti6Al4V (Ti1 composition), with one exception, the Ti3 alloy. All four experimental alloys have a lower modulus of elasticity than Cp-Ti grade 4 (102–104 GPa) and Ti6Al4V (113 GPa), commonly used in dental implants. An in-depth analysis, which will also consider information on corrosion behavior and cellular testing, may support the selection of some of the four experimental alloys studied. The research aims to continue the progress to a higher level of testing, through the realization of dental implants (e.g., fatigue, wear, osteointegration capacity, etc.). Full article

Optical synaptic transistors employing polymer dielectrics have emerged as promising building blocks for neuromorphic computing due to their low power consumption and rich photo-induced memory behaviors. While extensive experimental studies have demonstrated various synaptic functions, a unified physical understanding of the coupled charge trapping and ionic polarization processes governing device dynamics remains incomplete. In this work, we develop a unified physical model to investigate optical synaptic behaviors in polymer-based transistors with oxide interlayers. The model explicitly describes the time-dependent evolution of photo-induced charge trapping at the semiconductor–dielectric interface and ionic polarization within the polymer dielectric, which jointly modulate the effective threshold voltage of the transistor channel. Based on this framework, key synaptic functions including excitatory postsynaptic current (EPSC), paired-pulse facilitation (PPF), and pulse-dependent potentiation are quantitatively reproduced. The model further reveals how dielectric structure and trapping strength govern the transition between short-term and long-term plasticity. This study provides a physically intuitive and experimentally relevant modeling framework for understanding optical synaptic transistors, offering guidance for the rational design and optimization of polymer-based neuromorphic devices. Although simplified, the proposed model captures the essential physics governing optical synaptic behaviors and provides a general framework applicable to a wide class of ion–electronic neuromorphic devices. Experimental measurements are used as physically motivated proxies to validate the multi-timescale structure of the model rather than direct numerical fitting. Full article

Microplastics (MPs) and their chemical leachates are increasingly detected in landfill leachate, raising concerns about impacts on biological nitrogen removal. This study examined the effects of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and polypropylene (PP) MPs on anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) performance using suspended, attached, and granular biomass. The results showed that exposure to LDPE and PP MPs did not significantly inhibit specific anammox activity (SAA) across all anammox biomass types. However, the leachates of LDPE and PP MPs under relevant EU migration testing guidelines could cause transient inhibition. Non-targeted GC-MS analysis identified 31 and 37 leachable compounds from LDPE and PP, including the toxic plasticizer dibutyl phthalate (DBP). DBP caused concentration-dependent but transient inhibition of nitrogen removal in granular biomass, peaking at 29.4% after 5 h at 100 mg/L, with full recovery within 24 h. Higher DBP retention was observed in granular and attached growth biomass compared to suspended growth biomass. Crucially, complex biomass structures buffer these effects, emphasizing the need to assess both physical and chemical MP aspects in wastewater systems. Consequently, attached growth and granular systems are recommended over suspended growth configurations for leachate treatment, owing to their superior resilience to toxic shock and enhanced retention capabilities. Full article