Type Phase Research Articles

Unique Berry phase in one-dimensional topological photonic systems

A new concept, to the best of our knowledge, of the unique Berry phase (UBP) for identifying the topological nature of one-dimensional (1D) topological photonic systems is presented. The advantage of this concept compared to the typical Zak phase (TZP) is that the origin position can be chosen arbitrarily. Traditionally, there are always two inversion centers for a 1D binary photonic system with inversion symmetry. The TZP is quantized at either 0 or π if one of the inversion centers is selected as the origin. Its value depends on the choice of origin location of the unit cell. However, the dependence of the TZP on the choice of the inversion center leads to ambiguities in the distinguished topology. Moreover, when the origin position is not chosen to be in the center of inversion symmetry, the TZP cannot be quantized by integer multiples. A UBP is proposed to avoid this issue in advance. The quantitative value of the UBP is the same, regardless of which inversion center is selected as the origin. It can efficiently predict a topological phase change in a 1D photonic system called the unique Berry phase.

Machine Learning-driven Identification of the Honeymoon Phase in Pediatric Type 1 Diabetes and Optimizing Insulin Management.

The honeymoon phase in Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) presents a temporary improvement in glycemic control, complicating insulin management. This study aims to develop and validate a machine learning-driven method for accurately detecting this phase to optimize insulin therapy and prevent adverse outcomes. Data from pediatric T1D patients aged 6-17 years, including continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) data, Glucose Management Indicator (GMI) reports, HbA1c values, and patient medical history, were used to train machine learning models. These models Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks, Transformer models, Random Forest, and Gradient Boosting Machines were designed to analyze glucose trends and identify the honeymoon phase in T1D patients. The Transformer model achieved the highest accuracy at 91%, followed by Gradient Boosting Machines at 89%, LSTM at 88%, and Random Forest at 87%. Key features such as glucose variability, insulin adjustments, GMI values, and HbA1c levels were critical in model performance. Accurate identification of the honeymoon phase enabled optimized insulin adjustments, enhancing glucose control and reducing hypoglycemia risk. The machine learning-driven approach provides a robust method for detecting the honeymoon phase in T1D patients, demonstrating potential for improved personalized insulin management. The findings suggest significant benefits in patient outcomes, with future research focused on further validation and clinical integration.

Initial Multicenter Experience With the New Castor Arch Branched Device in Europe: A Middle-term Results Study.

Published reports demonstrate that the use of Castor stent-graft is a promising treatment of aortic pathologies with the need to land in zone 2. However, there is a lack of publications on the medium-term results of Castor in the European population. This research evaluates the mid-term results of the Castor stent-graft in several Polish centers for the treatment of aortic pathologies and enriches the current knowledge of Castor stent-grafts. Twenty-one patients from 5 polish vascular surgery centers in subacute phase of type B aortic dissection (TBAD) with at least 1 classic risk factor of aneurysmatic degeneration, thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAAs) exceeding 5.5 cm, subacute phase of intramural hematomas (IMHs) and penetrating aortic ulcerations (PAUs) with at least 1 indication to endovascular treatment. Structure of the aortic arch and factors of aneurysmal degeneration for TBAD were highlighted. Early complications, long-term complications, and reinterventions after Castor device implantation are reported in the study. Twenty (95.24%) patients survived, of which a technical success involving implantation of the Castor device in the correct location with a patent branch for the left subclavian artery, and no endoleaks were noted in 19 (90.48%) patients. After the procedure, there were 2 (9.52%) cases of type I endoleak (in which technical success was not achieved) and 2 (9.52%) cases of bird beak. In addition, 1 case of access site hematoma, 1 case of pseudoaneurysm, and 1 case of access iliac artery rupture requiring implantation of a Viabahn device were observed. During the follow-up period (mean 14 months; range = 1-40 months), 1 patient required reintervention due to type I endoleak and 1 patient due to left subclavian artery (LSA) branch thrombosis. Two patients required subsequent branched endovascular aortic repair procedure due to unfavorable remodeling and fast aneurysm formation in visceral aorta, regardless of Castor results. The Castor device is an easy-to-use stent-graft with good medium-term results. It is an excellent option in cases requiring LSA revascularization during TEVAR. In this study, we investigate the medium-term results of the Castor stent graft in patients with type B aortic dissection, thoracic aortic aneurysm, intramural hematoma and penetrating aortic ulceration. The medium-term results of treatment with the Castor device are not yet well studied. Currently, there are only a small number of publications on the safety, complications and success of Castor device implantation.

Phase Evolution of Li-Rich Layered Li-Mn-Ni-(Al)-O Cathode Materials upon Heat Treatments in Air

The phase evolution of Li-rich Li-Mn-Ni-(Al)-O cathode materials upon heat treatments in the air at 900 °C was studied by X-ray and neutron powder diffraction. In addition, the structures of Li1.26Mn0.61−xAlx Ni0.15O2, x = 0.0, 0.05, and 0.10, were refined from neutron powder diffraction data. For two-phase mixtures containing a monoclinic Li2MnO3 type phase M and a rhombohedral LiMn0.5Ni0.5O2 type phase R, the structures, compositions, and phase fractions change with heat treatment time. This is realized by the substitution mechanism 3Ni2+ ↔ 2Li+ + 1Mn4+, which enables cation transport between the phases. A whole-powder pattern fitting analysis of size and strain broadening shows that strain broadening dominates. The X-ray domain size increases with heat treatment time and is larger than the sizes of the domains of M and R observed by electron microscopy. For heat-treated samples, the domain size is smaller for R than for M and decreases with increasing Al doping.

Daily and seasonal changes in steroidogenic markers in the hypothalamus and testes of tree sparrow (Passer montanus).

The population responds to environmental variability largely determined by the dynamic interactions between fitness components within- and among-individual variation in the expression of the environmentally sensitive phenotype. The study was conducted on daily and seasonal changes in the expression of steroidogenic gene markers and corresponding seasonal changes in the physiological characters in adult male tree sparrows. Two experiments were performed. In experiment one, birds (n = 5/time points) were sampled during the breeding season at 6-time points, i.e., ZT1, ZT5, ZT9, ZT13, ZT17, and ZT21 [Zeitgeber time (ZT) 0 = sun rise time at the respective time of the year], and daily variation in expression of steroidogenic markers was observed in hypothalamus and testes tissues. In experiment two, birds (n = 5/month) were sampled every month at mid-day for a year. Body mass, bill color, testes size, and molt in feathers were recorded. The hypothalamus and testes tissues were used for gene expression studies. Blood plasma cholesterol and testosterone levels were measured. Higher testicular volumes were recorded from March to May, whereas maximum molt was observed during the post-breeding phase. Plasma cholesterol levels were highest before the breeding phase. Higher testosterone levels corresponded with the breeding phase. Higher expressions of thyroid-stimulating hormone subunit beta (tshβ), type 2 deiodinase (dio2), and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (gnrh) during the breeding phase and higher expression of type 3 deiodinase (dio3) and gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (gnih) were observed during the non-breeding phase. The steroidogenic transcripts showed seasonal changes in their expression in the hypothalamic and testicular tissue and were upregulated either during the pre-breeding or breeding phase. The study reveals that mRNA levels of steroidogenic enzymes exhibit daily rhythmicity both in the hypothalamus and testis tissues. Further, steroidogenic transcripts show seasonal variations that correspond to the annual reproductive cycle of the tree sparrow (Passer montanus).

Methodology for Searching for the Dependence Between Data Defensiveness and Volume of Social Network Evolution

For the first time was researched the dynamic models of the data defensive system (DMDDS) in social networks (SN) from the volumes of development of social networks (VSNE) were investigated and the reliability of the data defensive system (RDDS), which indicates the academic achievements of this work. Created DMDDS in CN from the conditions of RDDS. In the DMDDS, currently known opportunities, actions and technologies are involved, for which the modality of uncertainty is confirmed as a state of a defined condition on a time grid, and this relationship interprets the transformation of the previous state over time. SN is a set of actors and their types of communications. Actors can be people themselves, their subgroups, associations, settlements, territories, continents. The form of interaction includes not only the transmission and reception of information, but also communication, exchange of opportunities and types of activities, including controversial points and views. From the point of view of mathematics, a prototype of the DMDDS was developed on the basis of nonlinear differential equations (NDE) and its transcendental review was carried out. Transcendental review of dynamic models of DMSDD in SN proved that parameters of VSNE significantly influence data defensives (DD) at possible value values - up to one hundred percent. The phase types (PT) of DD have been checked, which prove RDDS in the working volume of values even at the maximum values of negative excitations. For the first time the research of the developed NDE systems was conducted and the quantitative values between the VSNE parameters and the DD values, as well as the RDDS, were shown, which indicates the theoretical and practical value of the scientific work and its significance for the further development of scientific research in the field of SN. The proposed model will contribute to increasing the quality and reliability of DD in SN around the world.

Computational characterization of structural, electronic, elastic and magnetic properties of double half-Heusler alloy Fe2MnCoGe2

Using the augmented plane wave method based on density functional theory and implemented in the WIEN2k code, we study the structural, elastic, electronic, and magnetic properties of FeCoGe, FeMnGe, and the parent half-Heusler (HH) alloys, as well as their derivative Fe2CoMnGe2 double half-Heusler (DHH) compounds. By analysing the stability of the HH structure in both the ferromagnetic and non-magnetic phases of FeCoGe and FeMnGe alloys, we determine that the latter phase of type II and type III FeCoGe and FeMnGe arrangements is the most stable. The Fe2CoMnGe2 DHH alloy, which is derived from the magnetic and structural ground states of FeCoGe and FeMnGe HH alloys, is found to be most stable in the type II arrangement. Among these materials, the FeMnGe HH alloy demonstrates greater resistance to reversible deformation by shear strain, indicated by its higher Young's modulus, while FeCoGe shows the best overall resistance to deformation. The electronic structures of FeCoGe, FeMnGe, and Fe2CoMnGe2 compounds reveal metallic behavior in the spin-up channel and semiconducting behavior in the spin-down channel. Their half-metallic gaps are 0.437 (0.181) eV, 0.543 (0.224) eV, and 0.353 (0.035) eV, respectively, with Fe2CoMnGe2 DHH retaining half-metallicity despite a lower band gap. The total magnetic moments for FeCoGe, FeMnGe, and Fe2CoMnGe2 are found to be 3, 1, and 4 μB, respectively. Given their half-metallic properties, these alloys show potential as candidates for spintronic applications.

Changes in the structural properties of polycrystalline oxide La<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> at heating it in air and in vacuum

Changes in the phase’s structure of polycrystalline La2O3 upon heating in air and vacuum have been established. For the first time, on La2O3 samples after annealing in the range 700‒1900 оC in air, the microstructure of a monoclinic phase of type B and a hexagonal phase of type A with the presence of texture was obtained. For the first time, after annealing La2O3 samples at 1900 °C in air, the formation of loops and screw dislocations on La2O3‒х grains was discovered, through which the evaporation of crystals of different colors and the decomposition of hexagonal phase grains into cubic phase crystals of type F with an fcc lattice and type C with a bcc lattice occurred. For the first time, it has been theoretically substantiated and experimentally confirmed that heating lanthanum oxide samples at 1750 and 1900 °C leads to the decomposition of the hexagonal phase of type A with the presence of texture into two cubic phases: type F with the content of anionic vacancies and a crystal lattice parameter a = 0.5677 nm (Fm3m) and type C containing color centers and a = 1.14838 nm (Ia3). The refractive indices of these phases were determined. The energy of formation of anion vacancies in the lattice of the hexagonal phase of type A is calculated and the critical concentration of anion vacancies leading to the decomposition of this phase is determined.

An assessment of the pozzolanic potential and mechanical properties of Nigerian calcined clays for sustainable ternary cement blends

This study investigates the potential of calcined clays from Nigerian deposits as supplementary cementitious materials. Clay materials were obtained from three sites namely: Ikpeshi, Okpilla and Uzebba. The raw clay samples were then calcined at 700°C and 800°C. Chemical and mineralogical compositions were determined for the raw and calcined clay samples using XRF and XRD respectively. The chemical composition by XRF confirmed these clays as potential pozzolans with SiO2, Al2O3, and Fe2O3 collectively exceeding 70%. XRD analysis identified kaolinite and quartz as major mineral phases in the raw clays, which transformed into metakaolin upon calcination. Thermo Gravimetric Analysis (TGA) indicated varying lime consumption levels among the clays, with Ikpeshi clay displaying the highest pozzolanic reactivity and Uzebba clay the least. Compressive strength investigation on mortar cubes prepared with 50% substitution of Portland cement with the calcined clay and limestone, showed that Ikpeshi clay at 800°C had the best strength performance, with strength activity index of 0.92 (at age 28 days), demonstrating superior pozzolanic potential. Strength development was more significant between 7 and 28 days, indicating the pozzolanic reaction's contribution to long-term strength. However, initial strength at 3 days was lower than the reference Portland cement due to a delayed pozzolanic reaction. XRD analysis of blended pastes revealed typical phases of hydration like portlandite, calcium silicate hydrate phase, strätlingite, and ettringite, with the calcined clay blends showing reduced portlandite content, indicating absorption by the pozzolan's alumina phase.

High-pressure phase transition of olivine-type Mg2GeO4 to a metastable forsterite-III type structure and their equations of state

Abstract Germanates are often used as structural analogs of planetary silicates. We have explored the high-pressure phase relations in Mg2GeO4 using diamond-anvil cell experiments combined with synchrotron X-ray diffraction and computations based on density functional theory. Upon room temperature compression, forsterite-type Mg2GeO4 remains stable up to 30 GPa. At higher pressures, a phase transition to a forsterite-III type (Cmc21) structure was observed, which remained stable to the peak pressure of 105 GPa. Using a third-order Birch Murnaghan fit to the experimental data, we obtained V0 = 305.1(3) Å3, K0 = 124.6(14) GPa, and K0′ = 3.86 (fixed) for forsterite-type Mg2GeO4 and V0 = 263.5(15) Å3, K0 = 175(7) GPa, and K0′ = 4.2 (fixed) for the forsterite-III type phase. The forsterite-III type structure was found to be metastable when compared to the stable assemblage of perovskite/post-perovskite + MgO, as observed during laser-heating experiments. Understanding the phase relations and physical properties of metastable phases is crucial for studying the mineralogy of impact sites, understanding metastable wedges in subducting slabs, and interpreting the results of shock compression experiments.

Formation of the Cu+Nb Interlayer in the Inconel 718/Ti6Al4V Multi-Material Obtained by Selective Laser Melting.

This study examines the Inconel 718/Ti6Al4V multi-material with a Cu and Nb interlayer produced by SLM. To achieve this, it is necessary to investigate the microstructure, the chemical and phase composition, and the hardness of the interfacial zone in the multi-material samples. Furthermore, it is necessary to determine the impact of interlayer utilization on the mechanical properties of multi-material samples. The investigation showed that the formation of island macro-segregation was observed in all interfacial zones of the multi-material samples. The interfacial zones, Ti6Al4V/Nb and Cu/Inconel 718, exhibited a relatively sharp transition in the chemical composition. In contrast, the Cu/Nb interfacial zone exhibited a gradual transition. The results of the chemical composition study indicated that the width of the Nb/Cu transition zone was approximately 700 μm. No new phases were identified in the production of the multi-material samples. The typical phases were present in the alloy zone, as well as in the Nb/Cu interfacial zone. During the transition from the Ti6Al4V zone to the Inconel 718 zone through the Nb and Cu zones, the average microhardness values changed as follows: 270 → 190 → 120 → 300 HV. The ultimate tensile strength values for the multi-material samples reached 910 MPa.

Straightforward Phase I Dose-Finding Design for Healthy Volunteers Accounting for Surrogate Activity Biomarkers

Conventionally, a first-in-human phase I trial in healthy volunteers aims to confirm the safety of a drug in humans. In such situations, volunteers should not suffer from any safety issues and simple algorithm-based dose-escalation schemes are often used. However, to avoid too many clinical trials in the future, it might be appealing to design these trials to accumulate information on the link between dose and efficacy/activity under strict safety constraints. Furthermore, an increasing number of molecules for which the increasing dose–activity curve reaches a plateau are emerging. In a phase I dose-finding trial context, our objective is to determine, under safety constraints, among a set of doses, the lowest dose whose probability of activity is closest to a given target. For this purpose, we propose a two-stage dose-finding design. The first stage is a typical algorithm dose escalation phase that can both check the safety of the doses and accumulate activity information. The second stage is a model-based dose-finding phase that involves selecting the best dose–activity model according to the plateau location. Our simulation study shows that our proposed method performs better than the common Bayesian logistic regression model in selecting the optimal dose.

Nanosecond electric pulse-induced ultrafast piezoelectric responses in Co3+ substituted BiFeO3 epitaxial thin films

Understanding the ultra-fast dynamics of ferroelectric materials is essential for advancing the development of next-generation high speed electronic and photonic devices. Here, the ultrafast piezoelectric response of cobalt-substituted BiFeO3 (BiFe1-xCoxO3) with x = 0.15, consisting of morphotropic phase boundary of monoclinic MC and MA –type phases is investigated. The real-time piezoelectric response in (001)-oriented BiFe0.85Co0.15O3 (BFCO) epitaxial thin film was monitored using the time-resolved X-ray microdiffraction technique under an applied electric field with pulse widths 70 ns and 100 ns. The BFCO thin film yielded a high piezoelectric strain of approximately 0.53 % along [001] direction, with a giant c/a ratio (∼ 1.26) at an electric field of 1.3 MV/cm and a pulse width of 100 ns, with a piezoelectric coefficient of 40 pm/V. This finding is an important step towards the development of a high performance lead-free piezoelectric material for ultrafast operations in advanced technological applications.

Direct Extraction of Lithium from α-Phase Spodumene By Electrochemical Leaching

With the rapid increase in lithium consumption for electric vehicle applications, its price soared during the past decade. To secure a reliable and cost-effective supply chain, it's critical to unlock alternative resources for lithium extraction, beyond conventional brine. In this study, we developed an electrochemical method to directly leach lithium from solid-state α-phase spodumene. We found the H2O2 promoter can significantly reduce the leaching potential by facilitating the electron transfer and changing the reaction path. Upon leaching, β-phase spodumene shows a typical phase transformation to HAlSi2O6, while leached α-phase remains its original phase with a lattice shrinkage. To demonstrate scale-up capability, we designed a high-throughput current collector for suspended spodumene feedstock, achieving a leaching current of 18 mA and a leaching efficiency of 92.2%. By minimizing the environmental footprint and reducing energy consumption, electrochemical leaching will revolutionize traditional mining and recycling processes for more sustainable energy applications.Acknowledgments: H.Z. and F.S. thank the support from the Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Office of Vehicle Technologies of the US Department of Energy through the Advanced Battery Materials Research Program. F.S. thanks the support from the U.S. Department of Energy under contract DE-NE0009286. F.S. thanks the support from the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 2239690.

Revisiting thermodynamic topology of Hawking-Page and Davies type phase transitions

In this work, we propose a common vector field to study the thermodynamic topology of the Davies type and Hawking-Page phase transitions. Existing literature has shown that studying these two types of phase transitions typically requires defining two separate vector fields. In our approach, we adopt Duan's ϕ-mapping topological current theory to define a novel vector field, denoted as ϕ, whose critical points exactly correspond to the Davies point and the Hawking-Page phase transition point. More importantly, we can differentiate between these two points by their topological charge. While, the topological charge for the critical point corresponding to the Davies-type phase transition is found to be −1, the same for the Hawking-Page phase transition point, it is +1. Although our analysis is applicable to all black hole systems where both types of phase transitions are found, we illustrate it using three simple systems as examples: the Schwarzschild AdS black hole, the Reissner-Nordström AdS black hole in the grand canonical ensemble, and finally the Kerr AdS black holes in the grand canonical ensemble. It is well-known that these black holes exhibit both Davies and Hawking-Page phase transitions. With our proposed vector ϕ, the critical points obtained for these three systems exactly match the Davies-type and Hawking-Page phase transition points, and the associated topological charges are found to be −1 for the Davies point and +1 for the Hawking-Page phase transition point.

An Intermediate Resolution Model of RNA Dynamics and Phase Separation with Explicit .

RNAs are major drivers of phase separation in the formation of biomolecular condensates. Recent studies suggest that RNAs can also undergo protein-free phase separation in the presence of divalent ions or crowding agents. Much remains to be understood regarding how the complex interplay of base stacking, base pairing, electrostatics, ion interactions, and structural propensities governs the phase behaviour of RNAs. Here we develop an intermediate resolution model for condensates of RNAs (iConRNA) that can capture key local and long-range structure features of dynamic RNAs and simulate their spontaneous phase transitions in the presence of . Representing each nucleotide using 6 or 7 beads, iConRNA considers specific RNA base stacking and pairing interactions and includes explicit ions to study -induced phase separation. Parametrized using theoretical and experimental data, the model can correctly reproduce the chain properties of A-form helical poly(rA) and coil poly(rU), and essential structures of several RNA hairpins. With an effective ion model, iConRNA simulations successfully recapitulate the experimentally observed lower critical solution temperature (LCST)-type phase separation of poly(rA) and the dissolution of poly(rU). Furthermore, the phase diagrams of CAG/CUG/CUU-repeat RNAs correctly reproduce the experimentally observed sequence- and length-dependence of phase separation propensity. These results suggest that iConRNA can be a viable tool for studying homotypic RNA and potentially heterotypic RNA-protein phase separations.

Surface-induced nano-generator utilizing a thermo-responsive smart window based on ionic liquid aqueous solution that exhibits lower critical solution temperature type phase separation

We demonstrate a surface-induced nano-generator utilizing a thermo-responsive smart window based on ionic liquid aqueous solution that exhibits lower critical solution temperature (LCST) type phase separation. This smart window was fabricated by filling an aqueous solution of [nBu4P][CF3COO] between the glass substrates coated with two different polymers: a polyimide with an alkyl side chain and an amorphous fluoropolymer. Below the LCST, the transmittance of the smart window was 87 %, nearly identical to that of a glass substrate. In contrast, when heated above the LCST, the [nBu4P][CF3COO] aqueous solution undergoes phase separation, causing the [nBu4P] cations and [CF3COO] anions to adsorb onto the polyimide with the alkyl side chain and the amorphous fluoropolymer facilitated by the surface pinning effect. This adsorption process results in the smart window generating electricity while transitioning to an opaque state. Therefore, the proposed smart window functions as an electricity-generating thermo-responsive device that can switch between transparent and opaque states in response to temperature changes.

What influences the on-site recycling behaviour of C&D plastic waste in Australia? An action determination model approach

While the recycling of construction waste has received widespread attention, plastic waste generated at construction sites has been overlooked. At the same time, existing studies on pro-environmental behaviour have only considered practical knowledge of implementing recycling, while ignoring the possible impact of circular economy knowledge on recycling behaviour. This study investigates on-site personnel's behaviour regarding C&D plastic waste recycling through the lens of the comprehensive action determination model (CADM), which uniquely incorporates behaviour as a key variable and extends with moderating effect of knowledge of the circular economy. Utilizing Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM), results indicate that perceived behavioural control is the most substantial factor influencing recycling behaviour of plastic waste on construction sites rather than intention. This is in stark contrast to existing pro-environmental behaviours research and reflects the importance of providing resources and encouragement to increase personnel's confidence in performing recycling behaviours on site, contributing more to actual behaviours than intention. Key areas for improvement were identified, including management encouragement, resource allocation (site area, timeline, budget), and recycling training. Contrary to expectations, awareness of the circular economy did not statistically significantly moderate the predictors of recycling behaviour and intentions, perhaps because participants had limited knowledge of plastic consumption and recycling rates in the construction industry. As construction personnel become more familiar with the circular economy, future research should re-evaluate these moderating effects and consider conducting categorical moderation analyses with larger sample sizes, incorporating variables such as work experience, project type, and project phase.

Early apoptosis detection in canine granulosa cells through the analysis of BCL-2 and BAX proteins during the follicular development associated with oocyte maturation

The objective of this study was to investigate the early follicular apoptosis in canine ovarian follicles by examining the expression of anti-apoptotic BCL-2 and pro-apoptotic BAX proteins throughout the estrous cycle associated with oocyte maturation. Follicular cells from preantral and antral follicles of varying sizes were isolated and grouped based on follicle type and estrous phase. Antral follicles underwent flow cytometry analysis, whereas preantral follicles were subjected to Western blotting. The meiotic capacity of oocytes from these different follicle types was evaluated through in vitro maturation. Statistical analysis included ANOVA and Duncan’s test. Results showed fluctuations in BCL-2 and BAX levels across different follicular stages and estrous phases. BCL-2 levels increased (P<0.05) with follicular development in antral follicles, particularly during estrus, while BAX exhibited variations peaking (P<0.05) during estrus. The BCL-2/BAX ratio in antral follicles was higher (P<0.05) in estrus and diestrus compared to anestrus and proestrus. Additionally, BCL-2 and BAX proteins were detected in preantral follicles, with varying expression levels (P<0.05) across estrous phases. The BCL-2/BAX ratio in preantral follicles was highest (P<0.05) during anestrus and estrus and decreased (P<0.05) in proestrus and diestrus. Oocytes from preantral follicles did not reach the MII stage, regardless of the levels of BCL-2/BAX. Conversely, oocytes obtained from large follicles during estrus showed the highest (P<0.05) maturation percentages, which were associated with the highest BCL-2/BAX ratio. These findings provide insights into the dynamic patterns of BCL-2 /BAX in canine follicles across the estrous cycle, shedding light on their potential roles in oocyte development.

Exposure of Bromus hordeaceus to fossil- and plant-based micro- and nanoplastics: Impacts and plant-plastic interactions vary depending on polymer type and growth phase

Plastic pollution, especially pollution by micro- and nanoplastics, is now considered a potential threat to all ecosystems, including terrestrial ecosystems such as grassland habitats. This study investigated the impacts of micro- and nano-sized plastics on Bromus hordeaceus, a common grass species in European grasslands. The micro and nanoparticles were fossil-based polyethylene (PE) or plant-based polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), and these two plastics were used at two different concentrations. Here, we report data on plant development and plastic-plant interactions from two different experiments, (1) an in vitro experiment to test seed germination and establishment and (2) a soil experiment to test plant development and plastic-plant interactions specifically investigated as a form of perforation. Results from the in vitro experiment indicate that while seed germination success was unaffected by plastic type, the presence of all plastic particle types acted as a stimulant, increasing the total length of radicles and sprouts of germinated seeds. Conversely, results from the soil experiment showed that the growth of Bromus hordeaceus was negatively affected by the presence of microPBAT in the soil during the pot assay.Microscopic analysis confirmed that seed and plant structures interacted with all plastic particles via adsorption or perforation. This study demonstrates for the first time the ability of roots to penetrate plastics, especially microPBAT particles. Overall, our study concludes that both fossil-based and plant-based micro- and nano-plastics can influence plant growth, with effects varying based on plastic type, concentration, and plant growth phase. Further research is crucial to fully understand the intricate interactions between microplastics, soil properties, and plant development.