The phase transitions of Li3PO4 solid electrolyte for secondary batteries during heating and isothermal annealing in air have been studied by using real-time synchrotron X-ray scattering. As results of the heating annealing in air, the crystal β-Li3PO4 phase only existed from RT to 440 °C. The crystal γ-Li3PO4 phase appeared at 450 °C and the crystal β-Li3PO4 phase disappeared at 480 °C. The transition from the β-Li3PO4 to the γ-Li3PO4 phases occurred mainly at 450 °C. In the early hours of the isothermal annealing at 450 °C in air, the β-Li3PO4 and the γ-Li3PO4 phases existed together. As the annealing time increased to 12 hours, the β-Li3PO4 phase was wholly transitioned to γ-Li3PO4 phase. Our study revealed the detailed transition behavior from β-Li3PO4 to γ-Li3PO4 phases during real-time annealing in air.
Barium titanate (BaTiO3) crystals have various crystal structures, such as tripartite, cubic, tetragonal, hexagonal, and orthogonal, and their asymmetric crystal structure gives them significant ferroelectric, piezoelectric, and thermoelectric properties. This article first summarizes the basic crystal structure and existence conditions of BaTiO3. Secondly, the advantages and disadvantages of solid-state sintering, sol–gel, hydrothermal and coprecipitation methods for preparing BaTiO3 were compared. It was also found that BaTiO3 composite nanofiber membrane with high flexibility and stable structure could be prepared by sol–gel electrospinning and high-temperature sintering process, providing a reference basis for the application of BaTiO3 low dimensional materials in different fields such as sensors, energy storage devices, and catalysis.
By impregnating modified carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with Nafion in an ester solution, we prepared and characterized CNTs-Nafion composite materials using FT-IR. We fabricated a composite electrode, Ti/Nafion-CNTs/PbO2, through the coating and electro-deposition processes on a titanium substrate. Additionally, we characterized the physical and electrochemical properties of the composite electrode using techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and cyclic voltammetry (CV). We analyzed the ability to generate hydroxyl radicals and the electrocatalytic oxidation of methyl orange by the composite electrode to assess its electrocatalytic oxidation capability. The results indicate that incorporating CNTs-Nafion composite material into the composite electrode can modify the electrode’s electrochemical properties and enhance its electrocatalytic oxidation capability.
In this study, we investigated the role of miR-23b-3p in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) progression and lipid accumulation by regulating SREBP-1c, aiming to identify potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for RCC management. We assessed miR-23b-3p and SREBP-1c expressions in RCC cell lines ACHN, A498, and Caki-2, compared with normal HRCE cells. A498 cells showed notably elevated miR-23b-3p and SREBP-1c levels. Inhibition of miR-23b-3p reduced A498 cell viability, migration, invasion, FASN, ACC1, SCD1, and SREBP-1c expression, and triglyceride content. Overexpression of SREBP-1c reversed the effects of miR-23b-3p downregulation on cell viability and triglyceride levels in A498 cells. Our findings highlight the role of miR-23b-3p in promoting RCC progression and lipid accumulation via SREBP-1c activation, providing potential avenues for novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets in RCC management.
Research on ovarian cancer, the most dangerous female reproductive tumor, requires deeper understanding of its development and effective therapies. Eupalinolide B (EB), found in Eupatorium lindleyanum DC., shows potential against ovarian cancer, but its precise impact and mechanisms are unclear. This study aims to assess EB’s effect on ovarian cancer cells and uncover its underlying mechanism. The CCK8 assay was used to detect the effect of EB on the proliferation of ovarian cancer Anglne cells and A2780 cells. The wound healing assay was used to detect the effect of EB on the migration of Anglne cells and A2780 cell. The expression of ST6GalI was determined by WB. After 12, 24, and 48 hours of treatment, the proliferation activity and migration of EB-treated cells was significantly reduced. The inhibitory effect of EB on the proliferation and migration of ovarian cancer Anglne cells and A2780 cells showed a time-dependent and concentration dependent manner. WB results showed that after 48 h treatment with EB, the protein expression of ST6GalI in ovarian cancer Anglne cells and A2780 cells significantly decreased. EB inhibited the proliferation and migration of ovarian cancer Anglne cells and A2780 cells, and its mechanism of action may be related to the decrease in ST6GalI mediated sialylation levels.
Direct laser deposition Inconel 625 super alloy has important application prospects in the field of key parts preparation due to its good high temperature resistance. However, due to the easy formation of cracks and pores during the direct laser deposition, the high temperature service performance of the parts is difficult to meet the engineering needs. How to regulate the formation of the super alloy composition to eliminate defects and obtain fine grain strengthening effect so as to effectively improve the performance of the super alloy needs in-depth research. In this paper, to prevent super alloy from cracking, 0 wt.%, 0.5 wt.%, 1 wt.%, 2 wt.%, 2.5 wt.% Y2O3 rare earth oxide were separately added in the Inconel 625 super alloy powder, and the Inconel 625 super alloys with high wear and oxidation resistance were prepared by direct laser deposition. The microstructure, hardness, wear resistance, oxidation resistance and crack elimination mechanism of laser deposited samples were studied. The results show that the samples with high hardness, wear resistance and oxidation resistance were successfully prepared using optimized parameters. It was found that Y2O3 has obvious effect of refining structure, eliminating defects and enhancing the performance. The microstructure size of the sample with 0.5%Y2O3 was obviously refined and reduced from the average size of 21 μm to 10 μm, the composition segregation was decreased, and the cracks and pores were obviously eliminated. In addition, a small amount of fine NbC carbides were precipitated at the grain boundaries to improve the hardness and wear resistance. The average hardness of the deposited sample with 0.5%Y2O3 is up to 279 HV, and the wear rate of it was significantly higher than that of the deposited sample without Y2O3. The oxide film on the surface of the sample with Y2O3 became more compact and the thickness of the oxide layer was smaller, which shows that it had a higher oxidation resistance at 750 °C. This work provides a useful reference for direct laser deposited Inconel 625 super alloy with high hardness, high wear resistance and high temperature oxidation resistance.
Human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) were obtained using standard chemical definitions and small molecule induction protocol (CDM3), and further mechanical stretching was applied to them to explore the effect of mechanical stretch on hiPSC-CMs maturation and the potential mechanism. After recovery, culture, and identification of hiPSCs, hiPSCs were inoculated on traditional culture dishes covered with matrigel. After 24 h, the cell growth was observed by DAPI fluorescence under a fluorescence microscope, and dry identification of hiPSCs was performed by octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (OCT4) fluorescence. CDM3 differentiation medium was replaced when the cell connexion reached 80%. After 6 days of differentiation, hiPSC-CMs obtained were divided into control group and mechanical stretch group. After the stretching, PIEZO1 fluorescence was used to investigate the potential mechanism of PIEZO1 fluorescence. The growth of the cells was observed by DAPI fluorescence under a fluorescence microscope. The hiPSC-CMs myocardial markers were identified by cardiac troponin T (cTnT) and Myosin Light Chain 2 V (MLC2V) fluorescence. The immunofluorescence showed that the expressions of cTnT and MLC2V in mechanical stretch group were higher than those in control group (P <0.05). Interestingly, the fluorescence expression of PIEZO1 protein was increased in the mechanical stretch group (P <0.05). Mechanical extension may stimulate the maturation of human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes by facilitating the increased expression of the protein PIEZO1.
This study explores a novel approach to amplify the photothermal efficiency of gold nanorod conjugates (GNRC) for photothermal applications. By combining the joule heat of gold nanorods (GNRs) with the non-radiative coupling of excited dye molecules, we have achieved a 1.9-fold increase in photothermal efficiency compared to bare GNRs. This synergistic effect enables us to reach target temperatures with reduced nanoparticle (NP) concentration or lower-powered near-infrared (NIR) light sources. The study introduces the concept of non-radiative decay engineering, demonstrating its potential to revolutionize photothermal treatments. Our work opens doors for tailored, more efficient photothermal therapies and encourages further exploration of this intriguing field.
This paper investigates theoretically and experimentally the thermal and steady-state properties of colloidal gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) under the excitation of electromagnetic (EM) light. Theoretically, it investigates absorption and extinction phenomena by discrete dipole approximation (DDA), focusing on the efficient conversion of photon energy into thermal energy during the absorption phase for AuNPs sizing from 5 to 10 nm. Size-dependent behavior is observed, with smaller AuNPs exhibiting effective light-to-heat conversion. As size increases to 40 nm, scattering becomes prominent, influencing total extinction values. The study introduces photothermal parameters for designing nanomaterials and analyzes steady-state temperature and absorption cross section (σabs) as a function of NP size and power density. Controlling temperature elevations is demonstrated, emphasizing the importance of understanding the absorption process for efficient heat generation. The study introduces a figure of merit, steady-state factor (S2F), which increases with NP size but declines beyond 80 nm. Steady-state time (τ) exponentially increases with NP size. To validate the theoretical results obtained by DDA, this paper experimentally measured the absorption cross-section, steady-state temperature, S2F, and heat generation for 20 and 30 nm AuNPs. It found that the variations between experimental and theoretical results are within 15% for 20 nm and 27% for 30 nm AuNPs. Overall, the research provides valuable insights into optimizing AuNPs for diverse applications in nanotechnology and biomedicine.
Color change after repeated firings and the effect of bleaching gel on the surface roughness of different ceramic types. Using two metal ceramics and two zirconia systems, twenty disc-shaped ceramic specimens were prepared. Repeated firings were carried out, and the L.a.b. values and color differences (E) were recorded, surface roughness readings were recorded at intervals of one day, two days, one week, two weeks, three weeks, and four weeks. To evaluate the effect of bleaching samples were submerged in 15% carbamide peroxide gel. The firings number and veneering porcelain type changed the L.a.b. values with a significant relationship with the veneering porcelain type and surface roughness. Mean surface roughness and color change was assessed using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Repetition of firings has caused acceptable color changes. The IPS InLine POM and IPS e-max Zirpress had the fewest color alterations. Surface roughness was unaffected by 15% carbamide peroxide gel.
During the comprehensive maintenance of nuclear power plants, the purification of the reactor pool is a critical task. Integrating foam decontamination with traditional high-pressure water washing can effectively shorten decontamination time and reduce radiation exposure to maintenance personnel. This study developed a novel foam decontamination agent through experimentation, assessing the effects of each component in the decontaminant on the foaming and liquid-carrying capabilities of the foam solution. Immersion corrosion tests confirmed that this foam decontaminant does not corrode the reactor pool material (022Cr23Ni5Mo3N). Additionally, a laboratory evaluation method for the performance of foam decontaminants was established, and by comparing the foaming and decontaminating performance between a commercial foam decontaminant (NETAMIX-F) and the developed foam decontaminant, it revealed that the developed decontaminant can effectively prevent the re-deposition of pollutants. Furthermore, the decontaminant developed in this work has superior liquidcarrying capacity than the commercial product, achieving a 98.6% removal rate of Fe3O4 after the first wash, with a re-deposition removal rate of 99.4%. This work identified a foam decontamination system suitable for nuclear power stations, providing operational guidelines and serving as a reference for future reactor pool decontaminations.
The presented manuscript studies extinction efficiencies (Qext) essential for understanding the interaction between matter and electromagnetic waves, focusing on silver (AgNPs) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) for different nanoparticle sizes ranging from 10 to 60 nm and for two different surrounding mediums. For AgNPs, smaller sizes exhibit sharper plasmonic resonances, with a blue shift, while larger ones experience a redshift. Qext increase with AgNP size. AuNPs show higher Qext with size increase, with consistent full width at halfmaximum (FWHM). Both small and large AuNPs display sensitivity to refractive index (RI) changes, with AgNPs exhibiting greater sensitivity. The introduction of the figure of merit (FOM) highlights AgNPs’ good FOM values for smaller sizes and AuNPs’ enhanced sensitivity for larger sizes. This study underscores optical property differences, offering insights for diverse scientific and engineering applications.
Background: The uterine endometrium plays a important role in the processes of fertilization and embryogenesis, with its impairment or dysfunction leading to pathologies such as intrauterine adhesions, miscarriage, and infertility. In addressing endometrial damage, the application of stem cell has attracted considerable attention. To promote the paracrine capabilities of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), this study employed pro-inflammatory cytokines (Tumor Necrosis Factor-α and Interferon-γ, TNF-α and IFN-γ, IT) along with 3D culture techniques on pretreated MSCs (3D-IT-MSCs). We focused on evaluating the therapeutic potential of 3D-IT-MSCs and elucidating the mechanisms involved in endometrial repair. Method: Pretreated MSCs were co-cultured with human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) or drug-induced endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) to observe the promoting effect on biological function. Results: The findings demonstrated that 3D-IT-MSCs exhibit markedly elevated paracrine molecule expression and secretion compared to conventional MSCs. Additionally, treatment with 3D-IT-MSCs significantly promoted the proliferation and migration of HUVECs and ESCs, resulting in increased HUVECs angiogenesis and inhibition of mifepristone-induced ESCs apoptosis. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrated that the combined approach of applying pro-inflammatory cytokines and 3D culture techniques on pretreated MSCs holds substantial promise as a therapeutic strategy for repairing endometrial injuries.
Cu3SbS4 is a promising thermoelectric material because it contains non-toxic, economical, and earth-abundant components. This study refers to the practical synthesis of an array of Cu3Sb1−xPbxS4 (x = 0–0.02) samples through the process of melting response, sulfuration technique, and plasma activated sintering. XRD and SEM analysis show that all the Cu3SbS4-based samples are pure phases. Based on analyses employing density functional theory (DFT), the band gap of Pb-doped Cu3SbS4 increases from 0.57 eV to 0.89 eV, alleviating the bipolar. The thermoelectric performance of Pb doped Cu3SbS4 is improved due to the band convergence and the increase of conductivity. Moreover, the Vicker’s hardness of Pb-doped Cu3SbS4 samples is 2.8 GPa, and the ratio of c/d is 1.6, indicating that the Pb-doped Cu3SbS4 samples exhibit high mechanical properties.
The aim of this research aimed to analyze the effects of degradable mifepristone nano-drug delivery system (DDS) on the ultrastructure, proliferation, apoptosis, and angiogenesis of adenomyosis cells. Drug-loaded nanoparticles (DNPs) of poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) were prepared. The particle size distribution and surface Zeta potential (SZP) of nanoparticles (NPs) were detected. The morphology of NPS was subjected to observation by transmission electron microscope (TEM). Adenomyosis lesion cells were cultured by tissue digestion method, and the cell morphology was observed and identified. The cells were divided into blank control (NC), mifepristone, and mifepristone/PLGA groups. The cell proliferation, ultrastructure, apoptosis, and the expression of Survivin, VEGFR1, and VEGFR2 were detected by MTT, TEM, flow cytometry (FC), and immuno-histochemistry, respectively. The results suggested that the average particle size of mifepristone/PLGA NPs was (185.6±12.9) nm, and the SZP was (−9.5±0.9) mV. It presented the characteristics of circularity, uniform distribution, and smooth surface under TEM. As against the raw drug mifepristone, the release time of mifepristone/PLGA NPs was prolonged, and the drug release rate reached 87.4% at 72 h. As against NC, the cell proliferation rate (CPR) was clearly decreased, the apoptosis rate (AR) was increased, and Survivin, VEGFR1, and VEGFR2 had a decrease in mifepristone and mifepristone/PLGA groups ( P <0.05). As against mifepristone group, the CPR was clearly decreased, the AR was increased, and Survivin, VEGFR1, and VEGFR2 had a decrease in mifepristone/PLGA group ( P <0.05). In conclusion, mifepristone PLGA DNPs were able to delay drug release. Mifepristone can inhibit angiogenesis and promote apoptosis of adenomyosis by affecting the expression of Survivin, VEGFR1, and VEGFR2, thus playing a role in the treatment of adenomyosis.
This study explores the transformative impact of the innovative surface nano zinc oxide coatings on grapes, emphasizing their influence on postharvest attributes, phytochemical composition, and fungal population. Distinct coating formulations, including distilled water (Control), chitosan (C), chitosan-nano zinc oxide (C-NZO), and chitosan-nano zinc oxide with the addition of essential oils (C-NZO-EO), were applied to fresh grapes. Results unveiled that the C-NZO-EO treatment positively impacted potassium, calcium, and magnesium levels. Control samples exhibited the highest acidity (3.8), while C-NZO-EO demonstrated superior visual rachis scores (3.41). Anthocyanidin analysis revealed elevated values especially for C-NZO-EO-treated grapes. Fungal populations were significantly reduced in samples treated with C-NZO-EO to reach (3.44 CFU/g). In conclusion, coating with C-NZO-EO emerged as a highly effective strategy for grape preservation, offering enhanced nutritional quality and fungal resistance.
Nanotechnology has a profound impact on various aspects of our daily lives, revolutionizing industries and enabling new technologies. Nanomaterials have become a very interesting and promising field of study because of their remarkable physical, chemical, and electrical characteristics at the nanoscale. The development of electrochemical biosensors based on nanomaterial indeed represents one of the most rapidly advancing scientific fields today, driven by the convergence of nanotechnology, biotechnology, and materials science. The integration of receptor molecules with nanomaterial characteristics for biomarker detection has resulted in the fabrication of biosensors with improved sensing capabilities. The development techniques of nanostructures and nanomaterials enable careful design of materials with specific characteristics for an extensive variety of industrial applications, including energy, electronics, healthcare, and environmental technologies. Nanomaterials are revolutionizing electrochemical biosensor technology offering unique properties that enhance sensor sensitivity, selectivity, and performance. This review explores various types of nanomaterials, their synthesis methods, functionalization strategies, and applications in sensor technologies as well as the difficulties and opportunities in this fascinating sector going forward. Electrochemical biosensor platforms represent transformative tools in healthcare, with diverse applications ranging from early disease detection to personalized therapy monitoring. The primary aim of this review is to showcase the latest developments in the creation of biosensing and functional nanomaterial-based sensing systems for biomedical applications.
The behavior of PM60 steel under hot compression was investigated across a temperature variation of 1223 to 1423 K and a strain rate variation of 0.001 to 10 s −1 . The Arrhenius constitutive model was developed by utilizing flow stress curves adjusted for friction and temperature, taking into account the influential factors of temperature and strain rate. To incorporate the effect of strain into the constitutive model, a sixth-order polynomial was utilized to model the relationship of the material constants and strain. The strain-compensated constitutive model was subsequently evaluated by the correlation coefficient ( R c ) and the average absolute relative error (AARE). The R c and AARE values were 0.9860 and 6.32%, respectively, indicating the high precision of the constitutive model for stress prediction. 3D hot processing maps of PM60 steel were constructed using the dynamic materials model (DMM) in accordance with Prasad’s instability criterion. Combined with microstructure analysis, the optimal processing zones are predicted to be within the ranges of 1323∼1373 K, 0.001∼0.01 s −1 and 1400∼1423 K, 1∼10 s −1 . Within the proposed domains, the maximum power dissipation efficiency attained a value of 46%.
The present study investigated the maximum load and tensile bond strength (TS) of three dimensionally printed (3DP) polymeric implant provisional crowns (PCs) to titanium base abutment. The study involved fabricating 90 implant analogs and prosthetic titanium bases, with two groups undergoing surface modifications. A PC design resembling a maxillary central incisor was created, resulting in 90 3DP PCs assigned to six groups. Treatment methods included airborne APA, phosphoric acid application, or no surface treatment, followed by cleaning processes. Retention testing using a universal testing machine measured the maximum force applied during vertical pull-out tests. Group-5 demonstrated the highest mean load (435.67 N), followed by Group-4 (397.04 N) and Group-2 (305.93 N). Group-3 had the lowest mean load (179.47 N). Abutments APA showed significantly higher mean maximum load (372.09 N) compared to untreated abutments (241.21 N). Similarly, PCs subjected to APA exhibited a higher mean maximum load (317.63 N) than acid-etched PCs (370.80 N) and untreated PCs (231.52 N). In comparison to acid etching and no surface treatment, APA significantly enhanced the mechanical properties of provisional crowns, resulting in the highest maximum load and tensile strength values.
Latent heat storage using Phase Change Materials (PCMs) is a promising solution to deal with the renewable energy fluctuation problem. The PCM modeling is based on the resolution of the energy equation. The solidification-melting process are resolved by the finite volume method by considering the enthalpy formulation with a specific boundary and initials conditions. In the present application, a tubular exchange with five circular horizontal fins was considered. Our aims is to investigate the storage phenomena collected by the solar energy in the PCM. The numerical results highlight the temperature evolution over the PCM Melting in exchange with the air circulation.
