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Synergistic Cu-Sb oxide electrocatalyst synthesized by sol-gel method for high-efficiency nitrate reduction to ammonia with suppressed hydrogen evolution
Dual-function ethoxylated cationic surfactant for pipeline corrosion and sulfate-reducing bacteria control: electrochemical and theoretical studies
Abstract Effective corrosion inhibitors are essential for preventing metal degradation. In this study, a novel polyoxyethylene-based cationic surfactant (ECS) was synthesized and its structure was confirmed using various spectroscopic techniques, including FTIR and ¹H NMR. The ECS exhibits both surface-active and antibacterial properties due to the presence of quaternary ammonium, polyoxyethylene, and alkyl chain moieties, which facilitate its adsorption onto bacterial membranes and carbon steel (C-steel) surfaces. Potentiodynamic polarization (PDP) results indicated that ECS effectively suppresses both the anodic and cathodic reactions of C-steel via blocking effect. Corrosion current density (i corr ) of C-steel dropped to 48.7µA/cm 2 in presence of 175 ppm ECS. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) revealed that corrosion proceeded via a charge transfer-controlled mechanism. 175 ppm of ECS increased the charge transfer resistance (R ct ) of C-steel to 497.81 Ω·cm 2 , compared to 38.6 Ω·cm 2 for the blank confirming its effective adsorption. Langmuir adsorption isotherm analysis suggested that ECS is physically adsorbed on the C-steel surface, with a calculated free energy of adsorption (ΔG ads ) of − 27.314 kJ/mol. Furthermore, the activation energy (E a ) increased from 25.76 to 41.49 kJ/mol in the presence of ECS, indicating the formation of an energy barrier that inhibits the C-steel dissolution process. The ECS achieved a 92% reduction in C-steel degradation. Surface characterization techniques, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), water contact angle (WCA) measurements, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), confirmed the formation of a protective ECS layer that effectively shielded the carbon steel from the aggressive attack of the HCl solution. Theoretical studies, including density functional theory (DFT) and Monte Carlo (MC) simulations, were utilized to investigate the adsorption mode of ECS molecules on the C-steel surface and to elucidate how the molecular structure influenced inhibition efficiency.
Investigating urea is an ideal additive to the Accu-OptiClearing delipidation cocktail
Abstract The brain is a complicated tissue with high lipid content. Different tissue clearing methods have been used to study its complex structures and functions. However, the balance between myelin preservation and clearing efficiency remains an obstacle in brain tissue clearing. In the previous study, Accu-OptiClearing has been developed to overcome this challenge by combining detergent and RI matching solution in the delipidation solution. This successfully preserves brain tissue structure and lipid content, but the clearing efficiency can be further improved. Here, we investigated the effects of adding urea as a non-detergent permeabilizing agent to the delipidation solution of Accu-OptiClearing by measuring the clearing efficiency, protein loss, tissue size change and myelin preservation. Different concentrations of urea (2 M, 4 M, 6 M and 8 M) were added to the 10% HxD-OPTIClear solution for comparison. From the results, we found that the 2 M urea additive can achieve sufficient improvement in clearing efficiency with unchanged tissue preservation and probe compatibility. These findings demonstrate that the addition of non-detergent urea could potentially modify the Accu-OptiClearing delipidation solution. Hence, it opens room for screening other non-detergent chemicals in optimizing the Accu-OptiClearing delipidation cocktail for future neuroscience studies.
Visualizing intracellular milieu and electric field-induced cell responses by fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy
Biofilm and planktonic lifestyles modulate lipid A structure and inflammatory response in Pseudomonas aeruginosa from people with cystic fibrosis
Sustainable bio-based PET hybrid composites reinforced with organic waste and basalt fibres with antibacterial addition
A novel, non-spirometric “BMP index” for predicting severe adverse outcomes in fibrosing interstitial lung diseases
Abstract Fibrosing interstitial lung diseases (fILDs) exhibit diverse clinical courses and prognoses, with no established biomarkers for predicting acute exacerbation (AE) and early death. This study introduces a novel composite “BMP index”, integrating body mass index (BMI), mucin-1, and pentraxin 3 (PTX3) to assess AE and early death risk in fILDs. Between January, 2017, and May, 2025, we enrolled 366 patients with fILDs diagnosed, managed and followed at three hospitals in southern Taiwan. Using stratified randomization with a ratio 3:2, participants were assigned to derivation (218 patients) and validation (148 patients) cohorts. Baseline circulating mucin-1 and PTX3 levels were measured via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. One point was assigned for each of the three components of the BMP index: BMI < 24 kg/m 2 , mucin-1 ≥ 2.5 ng/mL, and PTX3 ≥ 2.2 ng/mL, yielding a total score from 0 to 3. The BMP index consistently stratified risk across the derivation, validation, and combined whole cohorts, with higher scores indicating increased AE and early death risks. Sensitivity analyses and comparative performance assessments confirming its robustness and superior predictive performance compared to multiple recently reported predictors. Our findings support the BMP index as a non-spirometric, noninvasive, radiation-free tool for early clinical risk stratification in fILDs.
Design of isolated lithographic SERS structures with enhanced sensitivity
Detection of diabetic retinopathy using multicolor image by multimodal network incorporating information bottleneck (MNIIB)
Integrated energy optimization and emulation attack mitigation technique for CRSN under Rayleigh fading channel
Abstract Cognitive Radio Sensor Networks (CRSNs) are envisioned to overcome spectrum scarcity by enabling opportunistic spectrum access. However, their performance is severely degraded by Primary User Emulation Attacks (PUEAs), inefficient routing, and unfair channel allocation. In this paper, we present an Energy and PUEA-Aware Algorithm for Rayleigh Fading Channels (EPA-RF) that integrates PUEA mitigation, energy efficiency, and fairness in CRSN operating over Rayleigh flat fading channels. A PUEA mechanism is introduced, in which a malicious user intelligently senses the spectrum environment and transmits signals that imitate genuine primary users to deceive secondary users and optimize spectrum utilization. The Moth Flame Optimization (MFO) based channel allocation scheme is employed to maximize throughput while ensuring fairness among secondary users. Further, to improve network longevity, the algorithm optimally adjusts cluster radius and supports multi-hop forwarding with minimized control overhead. Simulation results verify that the proposed integrated framework significantly enhances throughput, prolongs network lifetime, and mitigates the adverse effects of PUEA compared to existing approaches.
Quantitative analysis of sediment source contributions to the different deposits in the Taklamakan Desert, western China, determined using discriminant function analysis
Inhalation of 1-bromopropane alters hippocampal expression of pathways related to immune system/inflammation and insulin signaling in experimental rats
Ginsenoside Rg3-encapsulated pegylated niosomes exhibit multimodal therapeutic potential in Alzheimer’s disease
Abstract Ginsenoside Rg3 (GRg3), a bioactive compound extracted from ginseng, has demonstrated the ability to inhibit Aβ production and deposition. In this study, PEGylated GRg3-loaded niosomes were developed and characterized for potential AD treatment. Their efficacy was assessed using in vitro and in vivo models, as well as molecular dynamics simulations of self-assembly. Our formulation achieved a relatively high encapsulation efficiency of 83.02% and a controlled release profile, with 75.73% of the drug released over 48 h. In vitro , co-administration of Aβ with free or PEGylated GRg3-loaded niosomes markedly reduced the levels of Total Antioxidant Capacity, Malondialdehyde (MDA), and caspase-3 gene expression compared to the Aβ-only group. In vivo evaluations revealed that treatment with the niosomal formulation did not significantly alter behavioral parameters, MDA levels, or Superoxide Dismutase activity. However, catalase activity was significantly higher than in the control group. Histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses showed reduced neurovascular damage and preservation of blood–brain barrier (BBB) and hippocampal integrity in the treated group. MD simulations confirmed the spontaneous self-assembly of surfactant molecules into a bilayer structure with successful incorporation of GRg3. Our findings underscore the potential of PEGylated niosomes as efficient nanocarriers for GRg3 delivery in the AD treatment.
Genome-wide characterization of WD40 repeat proteins in cucumber reveals their functional roles in stress response and parthenocarpy
Automatic classification of criminal activities for security surveillance by keyframes detection and advanced inception techniques
Hybrid robust beamforming for enhanced multiple moving object detection with phased array scanning radar
Optimizing grout formulations for post-tensioning using pozzolanic and filler blends
Abstract The use of post-tensioning (PT) technology has grown rapidly due to the increasing demand for longer spans and reduced section depths in concrete structures. However, conventional grout used in bonded PT systems often suffers from bleeding and segregation, leading to void formation, tendon corrosion, and reduced durability. To overcome these issues, high-performance grout (HPG) mixes are typically produced using supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) such as silica fume and fly ash. Although effective, these materials are expensive and not always readily available. This study investigates the feasibility of using limestone powder as a cost-effective and locally available alternative to traditional SCMs. Thirteen grout mixes were developed with varying water-to-cementitious material ratios (0.27–0.45) and partial replacements of cement by limestone powder (25% and 35%), fly ash (25% and 35%), and silica fume (2–10%).Experimental results demonstrated that increasing limestone powder content reduced bleeding from 1.4% to 0.5% due to its filler effect, but also increased efflux time beyond 50 s and reduced compressive strength from 35 MPa to 24 MPa. In contrast, silica fume-based mixes exhibited superior performance, achieving compressive strengths of 40–55 MPa, bleeding rates below 0.2%, and efflux times of 23–26 s, fully complying with ACI/PTI HPG standards. Fly ash improved workability and long-term strength but did not fully control bleeding. Overall, silica fume provided the best balance of strength, flowability, and durability, while limestone powder served as a low-cost, non-reactive filler capable of moderately enhancing bleeding resistance. The findings indicate that limestone powder can be utilized as a partial substitute for costly SCMs in resource-limited regions, contributing to more sustainable and economical PT grout formulations.