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Electrically assisted processing of metallic materials has emerged as a promising paradigm for reducing deformation resistance while concurrently tailoring microstructure and service-related properties under coupled electrical, thermal, and mechanical fields. This review focuses on deformation-dominated and surface-strengthening scenarios, examining recent advances from three interconnected perspectives: fundamental mechanisms, microstructural evolution, and property responses. Available evidence suggests that Joule heating typically constitutes the dominant contribution under high-duty-cycle or near-steady-state current conditions, whereas non-thermal electroplastic effects become increasingly pronounced under short-pulse, high-current-density, and temporally decoupled loading regimes. Current assistance can accelerate recovery and recrystallization, refine grain structure, modify crystallographic texture, and alter phase transformation and precipitation kinetics. Additionally, it can relax or redistribute residual stresses while reducing flow stress and forming forces. In select hybrid surface treatments, these microstructural modifications translate into enhanced resistance to fatigue, wear, and corrosion. Nevertheless, the available evidence precludes a single universal explanation, given that current crowding, defect-selective heating, electron–dislocation interactions, and magnetic effects operate concurrently, with their relative importance varying across material systems and processing conditions. Moving forward, establishing a unified framework that links electrical parameters, defect evolution, microstructure, and performance is imperative, with focused efforts on the quantitative delineation of thermal and non-thermal contributions, predictive constitutive modeling, residual stress stability, and industrial scalability.

Microencapsulated paraffin with polyurea/acrylic resin hybrid shells as phase change energy storage materials was obtained in situ by combining interfacial polymerization and suspension-like polymerization. Glycerin (GC) acts as a cross-linking agent to modify the shells. The morphologies, particle size distributions, thermal storage properties, thermal stabilities and thermal reliabilities of microencapsulated phase change materials (MicroPCMs) were determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermal gravimetric analysis (TG). The temperature regulation performance of the foam with MicroPCMs was investigated by an infrared thermal imager. DSC results showed that MicroPCMs with polyurea/butyl methacrylate (PU/BMA) possess an improved heat ability and thermal reliability compared to MicroPCMs with polyurea/methyl methacrylate (PU/MMA). The incorporation of GC to shell-forming composition led to an enhancement in thermal storage capacity of the MicroPCMs. The MicroPCMs with GC-modified PU/BMA hybrid shell has the highest PCMs content by as much as 82.6 mass%. The change in latent heat of MicroPCMs with GC-modified PU/BMA hybrid shell was very small of less than 4 mass% after 500 thermal cycles. The infrared thermography indicated that the PU foam incorporating the MicroPCMs with GC-modified PU/BMA hybrid shell has better temperature-regulated property. In conclusion, the MicroPCMs with PU/BMA hybrid shells, especially with GC-modified PU/BMA hybrid shell, possess a promising prospect applying in energy-conserving building materials and thermal control system of shipping packages.

Corynebacterium striatum is an emerging multidrug-resistant pathogen in immunocompromised patients. We report a 75-year-old male with paranoid schizophrenia on long-term clozapine who developed sepsis after gastric perforation repair. Within two days, genetically highly homologous Corynebacterium striatum strains were isolated from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and ascitic fluid. Whole-genome sequencing revealed only 54 Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) differences, identical ermX -mediated resistance, and susceptibility to vancomycin and linezolid. Targeted therapy combined with drainage led to full recovery. This case highlights the potential for multi-site clonal infection via ICU environmental spread or endogenous translocation in the setting of postoperative immune suppression and invasive devices. Early multi-site sampling, molecular typing, and tailored antimicrobial therapy are essential, particularly in psychiatric patients requiring coordinated infection and psychiatric care.

This study investigates the synergistic effects of an electropulsing (EP) and ultrasonic impact treatment (UIT) hybrid process on the mechanical and corrosion properties of D36 low-carbon steel. Conventional UIT has been shown to enhance surface hardness and induce compressive residual stress but is limited by a shallow affected depth and potential for increased surface roughness, which can exacerbate corrosion. In this work, we integrate high-energy electropulsing with UIT to overcome these limitations. The EP-UIT process leverages the combined effects of acoustoplasticity, thermal softening, and electroplasticity to achieve a significantly deeper hardened layer, extending beyond 2 mm, which is an order of magnitude thicker than that obtained by UIT alone. Microstructural analysis reveals that the process induces continuous dynamic recrystallization (CDRX), resulting in a gradient nanostructured layer with equiaxed grains near the surface and submicron ferrite grains at greater depths. Additionally, cementite dissolution and reprecipitation lead to a dual-phase microstructure comprising a supersaturated ferrite matrix and spheroidized Fe3C particles. The EP-UIT treatment also forms a dense oxide scale composed primarily of magnetite (Fe3O4) and hematite (α-Fe2O3), significantly enhancing corrosion resistance. Potentiodynamic polarization tests demonstrate that EP-UIT reduces the corrosion current density by 68% compared to UIT-treated samples, while electrochemical impedance spectroscopy confirms the improved barrier properties of the oxide layer. This innovative approach offers a promising strategy for significantly extending the service life of welded marine structures by concurrently enhancing their mechanical properties and corrosion resistance.

The effect of electropulsing-assisted ultrasonic nanocrystalline surface modification (EP-UNSM) on surface mechanical properties and microstructure of Ti-6Al-4V alloy is investigated. Compared to conventional ultrasonic nanocrystalline surface modification (UNSM), EP-UNSM can effectively facilitate surface roughness and morphology, leading to excellent surface roughness (reduced from Ra 0.918 to Ra 0.028 μm by UNSM and Ra 0.019 μm by EP-UNSM) and smoother morphology with less cracks and defects. Surface friction coefficients are enhanced, resulting in lower and smoother friction coefficients. In addition, the surface-strengthened layer and ultra-refined grains are significantly enhanced with more severe plastic deformation and a greater surface hardness (a maximum hardness value of 407 HV and an effective depth of 550 μm, in comparison with the maximum hardness value of 364 HV and effective depth of 300 μm obtained by conventional UNSM). Remarkable enhancement of surface mechanical properties can be attributed to the refined gradient microstructure and the enhanced severe plastic deformation layer induced by coupling the effects of UNSM and electropulsing. The accelerated dislocation mobility and atom diffusion caused by the thermal and athermal effects of electropulsing treatment may be the primary intrinsic reasons for these improvements.

Microcystin-LR (MC-LR) are biologically active cycloheptapeptide compounds that are released by cyanobacteria during water blooms and are extensively found in aquatic ecosystems. The Penaeus vannamei is a significant species in global aquaculture. However, the high level of eutrophication in aquaculture water frequently leads to outbreaks of cyanobacterial blooms, posing a significant threat to its sustainable cultivation. Astaxanthin (AX) is commonly utilized in aquaculture for its physiological benefits, including promoting growth and enhancing immune function in cultured organisms. This study aimed to examine the protective effect of astaxanthin on P. vannamei exposed to microcystin-induced stress. The experiment consisted of three groups: one group was fed formulated feed containing MC (100 μg/kg), another group was fed formulated feed containing MC (100 μg/kg) + AX (100 mg/kg), and the third group was fed basic feed (control group). After 15 days of feeding, the specific growth rate (SGR) was significantly higher in the MCAX group (2.21% day−1) compared to the MC group (0.77% day−1), and there was no significant difference between the MCAX group (2.21% day−1) and the control group (2.24% day−1). Similarly, the percent of weight gain (PWG) was also significantly higher in the MCAX group (14.61%) compared to the MC group (13.44%) and the control group (16.64%). Compared to the control group, the epithelial cells in the MC group suffered severe damage and detachment from the basement membrane. However, in the MCAX group, although there was still a gap between the intestinal epithelial cells and the basement membrane, the overall intestinal morphology was slightly less impaired than it was in the MC group. The analysis of the intestinal microbiota revealed a significant disparity in the community composition (chao 1 and ACE) between the MC and MCAX groups. When comparing the various bacterial genera, the MC group exhibited an increase in Vibrio abundance, whereas the MCAX group showed a decrease in both Shewanella and Vibrio abundance. The results indicate that AX has a positive impact on the growth performance and resistance of P. vannamei against MC by regulating the composition of the intestinal microbiota. AX can be utilized to mitigate the detrimental effects of MC in aquaculture practices. This function could be attributed to the role of AX in preserving the structural integrity of the intestinal mucosa and regulating the composition of the intestinal microbiota.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of low intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) combined with imipenem (IMI) on inflammatory responses and organ protection in septic rats. The study involved 230 Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats, with 80 used for survival analysis and 150 for sampling over 72 h. Histological examination (hematoxylin and eosin [H&E] staining) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed that LIPUS combined with IMI significantly alleviated spleen tissue damage and reduced mitochondrial edema. Key inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 ), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF- ), and IL-6 were significantly decreased, while IL-10 levels increased in the LIPUS + IMI group ( < 0.05). The combined treatment also reduced the expression of cytokines, such as IL-1 receptor (IL-1R), nuclear factor kappa B p65 (NF- B p65), transforming growth factor-beta (TGF- ), and high mobility group protein box 1 (HMGB1), indicating a reduction in inflammation ( < 0.05). This study presents a novel approach by integrating LIPUS with IMI, providing a noninvasive and effective strategy to mitigate cytokine storms, optimize antibiotic use, and reduce organ damage in sepsis. The protective effects observed are primarily attributed to the inhibition of the IL-1R/NF- B signaling pathway, which significantly improves survival outcomes in septic rats. This combined therapy has potential for enhancing sepsis treatment protocols.

Large-area soil moisture (SM) data with high resolution and precision are the foundation for the research and application of hydrological and meteorological models, water resource evaluation, agricultural management, and warning of geological disasters. It is still challenging to downscale SM products in complex terrains that require fine spatial details. In this study, SM data from the Soil Moisture Active and Passive (SMAP) satellite were downscaled from 36 to 1 km in the summer and autumn of 2017 in Sichuan Province, China. Genetic-algorithm-optimized backpropagation (GABP) neural network, random forest, and convolutional neural network were applied. A fusion model between SM and longitude, latitude, elevation, slope, aspect, land-cover type, land surface temperature, normalized difference vegetation index, enhanced vegetation index, evapotranspiration, day sequence, and AM/PM was established. After downscaling, the in situ information was fused through a geographical analysis combined with a spatial interpolation to improve the quality of the downscaled SM. The comparative results show that in complex terrains, the GABP neural network better captures the soil moisture variations in both time and space domains. The GDA_Kriging method is able to merge in situ information in the downscaled SM while simultaneously maintaining the dynamic range and spatial details.

The potential of low‐intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) in regulating ovarian function has been demonstrated; however, there is a lack of scientific evidence regarding the long‐term efficacy of LIPUS in treating ovarian injury and understanding its regulatory mechanisms. In this study, 4‐vinylcyclohexene diepoxide (VCD) was used to induce ovarian injury in rats, and LIPUS was applied to target the damaged ovarian tissues. The research aimed to investigate the long‐term protective effect of LIPUS against ovum toxicity induced by VCD and elucidate the associated molecular mechanisms. During the experiment, HE staining was employed for observing the morphology and structure of the ovary, while protein sequencing was utilized for identifying and confirming the molecular mechanism through which LIPUS restores the damaged ovarian structure. The long‐term effectiveness of LIPUS in protecting against ovarian injury was evaluated through ELISA, estrous cycle monitoring, fertility testing, and behavioral analysis. The results indicated that LIPUS effectively restored the structure of damaged ovaries. Both in vivo and in vitro studies revealed that this protective effect may be attributed to LIPUS inhibiting apoptosis of ovarian granulosa cells (GCs) by regulating Daxx‐mediated ASK1/JNK signaling pathway. Subsequent functional tests demonstrated significant improvements in sex hormone secretion and regulation of estrous cycle within 6 cycles following LIPUS treatment. Additionally, there was a notable increase in offspring numbers after mating. Behavioral analysis revealed that LIPUS effectively alleviated menopausal symptoms resulting from ovarian injury including mood fluctuations, cognitive behavior changes, and reduced muscle excitability levels. These findings suggest that beneficial effects of LIPUS may help reduce VCD‐induced ovarian damage with long‐term efficacy.