Sign in to use this feature.

Years

Between: -

Subjects

remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline

Journals

remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline

Article Types

Countries / Regions

remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline

Search Results (2,786)

Search Parameters:
Keywords = Ag2Al

Order results
Result details
Results per page
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
18 pages, 2020 KB  
Article
Comparative Assessment of Proximal Humeral Bone Density Using CT Osteoabsorptiometry, Bone Microarchitecture Analysis, and a HU-Based Calibration Method: A CT and Micro-CT Study in Elderly Body Donors (65–86 Years)
by Susanne Strasser, Lorenz Adam, Lukas Kampik, Rohit Arora and Johannes Dominikus Pallua
Diagnostics 2026, 16(5), 756; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics16050756 (registering DOI) - 3 Mar 2026
Abstract
Background: Local bone quality of the proximal humerus is a key determinant of fracture risk and implant stability in osteoporotic bone. Beyond established HU-based calibration, CT-osteoabsorptiometry (CT-OAM)-derived indices and microarchitecture-oriented workflows warrant systematic cross-modality evaluation. Methods: Twelve proximal humeral heads from [...] Read more.
Background: Local bone quality of the proximal humerus is a key determinant of fracture risk and implant stability in osteoporotic bone. Beyond established HU-based calibration, CT-osteoabsorptiometry (CT-OAM)-derived indices and microarchitecture-oriented workflows warrant systematic cross-modality evaluation. Methods: Twelve proximal humeral heads from six body donors (age 65–86 years; bilateral specimens) were analyzed using paired clinical CT and high-resolution micro-CT. Bone quality was quantified by (i) a HU-calibrated cancellous vBMD method (Krappinger et al.), (ii) a CT-OAM-inspired workflow reporting an ROI-averaged mean-intensity index in arbitrary units (a.u.), and (iii) a calibrated Bone Microarchitecture Analysis (BMA) workflow in Analyze 15.0. Paired tests, linear regression, and repeated-measures ANOVA after z-standardization were applied. Results: HU calibration yielded a mean trabecular vBMD of 114.37 ± 35.15 mg/cm3 on clinical CT. The BMA workflow produced higher CT-based values (207.37 ± 23.78 mg/cm3, p < 0.001) and markedly higher micro-CT values (469.34 ± 30.99 a.u.), indicating a systematic level shift between calibration frameworks. The CT-OAM index averaged 166.94 ± 40.12 a.u. on clinical CT and 455.89 ± 132.63 a.u. on micro-CT. Cross-modality agreement was very strong for CT-OAM (R2 = 0.888) and moderate for BMA (R2 = 0.502). After z-standardization, no significant differences were detected between the three CT-based approaches. Conclusions: A CT-OAM-inspired ROI-mean index and a BMA-based workflow provide complementary, transferable readouts of proximal humeral bone quality across clinical CT and micro-CT, with stronger cross-modality rank consistency for CT-OAM. Absolute density values differ systematically between calibration frameworks and should not be interpreted as directly interchangeable. These approaches support opportunistic, site-specific bone quality assessment from routine CT, but require prospective validation against fixation-related outcomes and robust scanner-independent standardization. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Medical Imaging and Theranostics)
Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 2265 KB  
Article
Interdevice Agreement of Keratometry, Astigmatism Vectors, and Ocular Biometry in Cataract Candidates: SS-OCT (Argos) vs. OLCI (Aladdin) vs. Scheimpflug–Placido (Sirius)
by Leila Al Barri, Ionela-Iasmina Yasar, Nadina Mercea, Anca Tudor, Horia T. Stanca, Cosmin Roșca and Mihnea Munteanu
Bioengineering 2026, 13(3), 296; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering13030296 - 3 Mar 2026
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Accurate anterior segment measurements are central to intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation and toric planning, yet different optical platforms may yield non-interchangeable values. This study compared keratometry, astigmatism metrics, and ocular biometry obtained with a swept-source OCT biometer (Argos), an [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Accurate anterior segment measurements are central to intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation and toric planning, yet different optical platforms may yield non-interchangeable values. This study compared keratometry, astigmatism metrics, and ocular biometry obtained with a swept-source OCT biometer (Argos), an optical low-coherence interferometry biometer (Aladdin), and a combined Scheimpflug–Placido topographer (Schwind Sirius). Methods: This is a retrospective observational study (January 2022–June 2024) including eyes undergoing uncomplicated cataract surgery. All eyes were measured in a single session by one examiner. Outcomes included K1, K2, cylinder, astigmatism axis (degrees; device-reported corneal cylinder axis, labeled “Powerful Angle” in the Sirius export), vector components (J0 and J45), and—where available—lens thickness (LT), axial length (AL), anterior chamber depth (ACD), white-to-white (WTW) distance, and central corneal thickness (CCT). Friedman tests assessed 3-device differences, and pairwise comparisons were evaluated using Wilcoxon signed-rank tests (paired data). Results: A total of 170 eyes (102 patients) were analyzed (mean age: 69.12 ± 10.26 years). Significant inter-device differences were detected for K1 (Argos: 43.45 ± 1.64 D; Aladdin: 43.41 ± 1.70 D; overall: p < 0.001; Argos vs. Aladdin: p = 0.019), K2 (Argos: 44.45 ± 1.67 D; Aladdin: 44.34 ± 1.71 D; overall and pairwise: p < 0.001), and cylinder (Argos: −0.83 ± 0.74 D, Aladdin: −0.77 ± 0.76 D; Sirius: −0.68 ± 0.75 D; overall: p < 0.001). “Powerful Angle” differed across devices (p = 0.003) but not between Argos and Aladdin (p = 0.512). J0 (p = 0.277) and J45 (p = 0.084) did not differ significantly. Argos reported higher ACD (3.19 ± 0.42 vs. 3.13 ± 0.41 mm, p < 0.001) and WTW (11.95 ± 0.42 vs. 11.65 ± 0.39 mm, p < 0.001) values than Aladdin. CCT was similar between Aladdin and Sirius (540.27 ± 33.44 vs. 540.47 ± 33.78 µm, p = 0.169). Conclusions: Several keratometric and biometric parameters differed significantly by device, indicating limited interchangeability—particularly relevant for toric and premium IOL planning—while vector astigmatism components and CCT showed better agreement. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioengineering Strategies for Ophthalmic Diseases)
Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 6394 KB  
Article
Effect of Rapid Solidification on the Structure and Properties of Ag–Cu–(Ti,Zr) Brazing Alloys for Metal–Ceramic Joining
by Sofya Terekhova, Alexander Ivannikov, Anton Abramov, Veronika Kirillova, Vladimir Mikhalchik, Alexander Bazhenov, Pavel Morokhov, Ivan Fedotov, Ivan Klyushin, Nikita Popov and Oleg Sevryukov
J. Manuf. Mater. Process. 2026, 10(3), 90; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmmp10030090 (registering DOI) - 3 Mar 2026
Abstract
Four compositions of rapidly quenched ribbon brazing alloys based on Ag–Cu–Ti (Ag–26.5Cu–1.5Ti, Ag–25Cu–5Ti) and Ag–Cu–Zr (Ag–26.5Cu–1.5Zr, Ag–25Cu–5Zr) systems were produced. Initial ingots were synthesized by arc melting. Rapidly solidified ribbons, 50–100 μm thick, were then fabricated from homogenized ingots using a “Crystall-702” facility. [...] Read more.
Four compositions of rapidly quenched ribbon brazing alloys based on Ag–Cu–Ti (Ag–26.5Cu–1.5Ti, Ag–25Cu–5Ti) and Ag–Cu–Zr (Ag–26.5Cu–1.5Zr, Ag–25Cu–5Zr) systems were produced. Initial ingots were synthesized by arc melting. Rapidly solidified ribbons, 50–100 μm thick, were then fabricated from homogenized ingots using a “Crystall-702” facility. A comparative analysis of the microstructure and phase composition of both the ingots and ribbons was conducted using scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The analysis revealed the presence of Cu4Ti and CuTi intermetallic compounds in the Ag–Cu–Ti alloys, and AgCu4Zr and Zr2Cu in the Ag–Cu–Zr alloys. Rapid quenching was found to produce metastable structures and significantly refine the intermetallic phases. Microhardness measurements of the ingot and ribbon states demonstrated a substantial influence of the processing route on the mechanical properties. The tensile strength of the ingots was also evaluated. The wetting angles of the rapidly quenched alloy melts on 99% Al2O3 (alumina) ceramic substrates under vacuum were determined. All produced ribbons, except for the Ag–26.5Cu–1.5Zr composition, demonstrated adequate wettability. Thus, these materials are considered promising for further research into heat-resistant metal–ceramic joints. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 899 KB  
Article
Evaluating the Reliability and Validity of Predictive Anthropometric Equations for Estimating Fat Mass, Lean Mass and the Role of Maturity Offset in Lean Mass Prediction Within Professional, Academy Soccer Players from the United Kingdom
by Elena Efstathiou, Laura J. Wilson, Brent Dickinson and Christopher Curtis
Sports 2026, 14(3), 91; https://doi.org/10.3390/sports14030091 (registering DOI) - 2 Mar 2026
Abstract
The reliability and validity of anthropometric equations remain uncertain in young athletes experiencing biological maturation. This study assessed the reliability and validity of anthropometric equations against dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)-derived fat mass (FM) and lean mass (LM) values and examined the influence of [...] Read more.
The reliability and validity of anthropometric equations remain uncertain in young athletes experiencing biological maturation. This study assessed the reliability and validity of anthropometric equations against dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)-derived fat mass (FM) and lean mass (LM) values and examined the influence of maturity offset within academy soccer players. Twenty-five male academy soccer players (age: 18.6 ± 0.8 years, height: 182.7 cm ± 5.9 cm, BM: 79.3 kg ± 7.6 kg) completed skinfold and DXA assessments. FM and LM were estimated using commonly adopted anthropometric equations. Reliability and validity were assessed. Linear regression examined the influence of maturity offset. Acceptable agreement for the equations of Wilmore & Behnke and Oliver et al. for LM and FM was observed (FM; ICC: 0.858–0.891, CV%: 8.1–8.8 ± 4.6–6.4, LoA: 2.62–3.06 to −1.33–−1.62, ES: 0.27–0.47, Z = −2.257–−3.150; LM: ICC: 0.886–0.905, CV%: 2.9–3.3 ± 1.3, LoA: 5.17–5.62 to 0.54–0.78, ES: 0.42–0.48, both p < 0.001). Bland–Altman inspection showed mean bias and wide LoA for all equations. Maturity offset modestly predicted LM for all equations. Observed anthropometric equations have limited validity vs. DXA-derived FM and LM in academy soccer players. Maturity offset warrants consideration for maturity-sensitive, population-specific equations to avoid systematic errors. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 5640 KB  
Article
Effects of Cold Work and Artificial Aging on Microabrasive Wear of 6201 Aluminum Conductor
by Paul Andre, Clayton Rovigatti Leiva, José Alexander Araújo, Jorge Luiz de Almeida Ferreira and Cosme Roberto Moreira da Silva
Metals 2026, 16(3), 278; https://doi.org/10.3390/met16030278 - 28 Feb 2026
Viewed by 96
Abstract
Aluminum conductor cables are exposed to environmental conditions in service, where wind-induced vibrations generate multiaxial stresses and cause partial sliding between the stranded layers. Such dynamic loading can lead to fatigue or wear failure, particularly at the contact zones between wire layers. The [...] Read more.
Aluminum conductor cables are exposed to environmental conditions in service, where wind-induced vibrations generate multiaxial stresses and cause partial sliding between the stranded layers. Such dynamic loading can lead to fatigue or wear failure, particularly at the contact zones between wire layers. The influence of heat treatment and cold work on the wear of these aluminum wires remains unstudied. This work aims to evaluate the microabrasive wear of rolled and heat-treated 6201 aluminum alloy wires used in conductor cables. The wear tests were performed using free-ball microabrasive wear equipment and alumina (Al2O3) abrasive paste at a concentration of 0.40 g/mL of distilled water. The parameters used were as follows: 100 Cr6 steel balls with a diameter of 25.4 mm, sample inclination of 60°, normal force of 0.3 N, and shaft speed of 0.185 m/s or 280 rpm. The test time was set at 20 min, 30 min, 40 min, 50 min, and 60 min. The wear test data were processed using the Achard equation. The microabrasive wear test results indicate that the wear coefficient decreased by 19.1% after the artificial aging process, compared with the solution-treated alloy (95% CI: 15.5–22.3%), and this reduction was statistically significant (p < 0.001). After the combined treatment of rolling and artificial aging, the alloy had a drop in wear coefficient of 36.1% compared to the same solution-treated alloy (95% CI: 32.6–39.6%), representing the largest statistically significant improvement among the tested conditions (p < 0.001). Cold work (rolling) reduces the mobility of dislocations, requiring greater stress to deform the material, thereby increasing its stiffness and wear resistance. In this 6201 alloy, it is inferred that artificial aging led to the formation of Guinier-Preston zones, which evolved into the formation of metastable β” precipitates in needle-like form, coherent with the matrix. As the aging process progresses, the β’ particles evolve into larger β particles that are no longer coherent with the matrix. The combined processes of rolling and aging decrease the wear coefficient. Statistical analysis demonstrated that microstructural conditions explain approximately half of the total variability in the wear coefficient (η2 = 0.495), indicating that the wear performance under the present experimental configuration is primarily governed by intrinsic strengthening mechanisms rather than experimental variability. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

31 pages, 22891 KB  
Article
Geochemical Indicators of the Peraluminous W-Cu-Mo-(±Sn-Li-Ta-Nb) Granites in Dahutang Orefield in Northern Jiangxi and Their Significance for Exploration
by Haimin Ye, Mangting Shen, Minggang Yu, Cunzhi Wang and Feipeng Fan
Minerals 2026, 16(3), 262; https://doi.org/10.3390/min16030262 - 28 Feb 2026
Viewed by 133
Abstract
The origin of Mesozoic granites associated with the Dahutang W-Cu-Mo orefield in northern Jiangxi, which hosts the world’s second-largest tungsten deposit, remains a compelling subject despite extensive geochemical and geochronological studies. In this contribution, we present wolframite mineral and whole-rock geochemistry, as well [...] Read more.
The origin of Mesozoic granites associated with the Dahutang W-Cu-Mo orefield in northern Jiangxi, which hosts the world’s second-largest tungsten deposit, remains a compelling subject despite extensive geochemical and geochronological studies. In this contribution, we present wolframite mineral and whole-rock geochemistry, as well as monazite and zircon U-Pb ages, for the Mesozoic granites to constrain our understanding of the petrogenesis of these granites and their coupling relationship with the mineralization. The following two magmatic phases and four types of rocks in the study area are identified: the early stage (152–147 Ma) biotite (G1) granites and the late stage (144–130 Ma) two-mica (G2),muscovite (G3), and albite (G4) granite series. These two magmatic phases are temporally coincident with two mineralization stages (~150 Ma and 144–139 Ma). All the Mesozoic granites share the characteristics of high silica content, peraluminosity (A/CNK > 1.1), and low Zr + Nb + Ce + Y values (<200 ppm); they are derived from the partial melting of a Proterozoic crustal source and classified as S-type granites. Specifically, the G1 granites are characterized by relatively high MgO (~0.5%), CaO (~1%), and low P2O5 (0.13%–0.20%). They formed through a relatively high degree of partial melting at approximately 766 °C (zircon saturation temperatures), a process influenced by biotite dehydration reactions, with minor contributions from mantle-derived materials. In contrast, the G2–G4 granite series exhibits more typical peraluminous S-type granite features, such as high Al2O3, Na2O, and P2O5 (mostly > 0.2%) contents, and low Sr and Ba contents. They are products of low-degree partial melting that occurred under conditions close to muscovite breakdown at ~726 °C. Additionally, fluid–melt interaction is recorded in both granites by distinctive geochemical signatures, including enrichment in Sn (>30 ppm), Cs (>35 ppm), Li (>250 ppm), F (>0.4%), and W (10–1000 ppm), coupled with low K/Rb (<150) and Nb/Ta (<5) ratios. The near-chondritic Zr/Hf (22.6–34.1) and Y/Ho (24.5–31.5) ratios of the G1 granites imply a relatively limited role of magmatic fluid–melt interaction during its evolution. For the G2–G4 granites, however, intense crystal fractionation and late-stage fluid–melt interaction are well-documented by their highly variable and low ratios of Y/Ho (14.8–41.4), Nb/Ta (0.89–5.57), Zr/Hf (8.84–41.67), and K/Rb (13.96–128.29). In the long-lived, reduced, and volatile-rich aqueous environment of the G2–G4 magmas, fractional crystallization and albitization collectively enhanced the solubility and hydrothermal transport capacity of W, Sn, Li, Nb, and Ta by multiple orders of magnitude. In contrast, in the earlier, more oxidized G1 magmas (which incorporated mantle materials), the exsolution and hydrothermal transport of Cu and Mo were associated with localized greisenization, but their capacity diminished with fractional crystallization. Historically, mineral exploration in the Dahutang mining area has focused primarily on W, Cu, and Mo. Based on this research, we conclude that there is significant mineral potential for rare metals (particularly Sn, Li, and Ta), and future exploration should prioritize areas adjacent to the evolved G2–G4 peraluminous leucogranites to search for new concealed mineral occurrences. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Mineral Exploration Methods and Applications)
Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 3981 KB  
Article
Pearl River Estuary Shelf Elements Reveal Asynchronous Enhanced Human Activities During Late Holocene in South China
by Meng Tang, Rou Wen, Junyu Lin, Liang Chen, Zhenyu Mao and Mingkun Li
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2026, 14(5), 467; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse14050467 - 28 Feb 2026
Viewed by 46
Abstract
Human-driven soil erosion is a signal of the widely debated “Anthropocene”. There is widespread controversy regarding the time consistency and time transgression of human-driven soil erosion in the Late Holocene. In this study, three well-dated cores, B10, B14 and W20 from west to [...] Read more.
Human-driven soil erosion is a signal of the widely debated “Anthropocene”. There is widespread controversy regarding the time consistency and time transgression of human-driven soil erosion in the Late Holocene. In this study, three well-dated cores, B10, B14 and W20 from west to east, spanning the past 4–6 ka from the Pearl River Estuary (PRE) shelf, southern China, were selected for elemental tests. Principal component analysis divides the elements into four components. The first principal component (PC1) includes TFe2O3, Al2O3, V, Cs, Rb, Ga, TiO2, K2O, Ta, Nb, MnO, Th, LOI, and Cl, being the proxy for fine-grained terrigenous input and watershed soil erosion. The PC1 variations in B10 and B14 reveal that erosion enhanced at ~2.2 ka BP, and less erosion occurred at ~1.5 ka BP but has intensified since ~1.2 ka BP, which is consistent with the simulated cropland area of the Pearl River Basin and lake records in the upper West River, southwestern China. However, the records from the W20 reveal a continuous increase in terrestrial input since 2.2 ka BP, which is consistent with the soil erosion changes recorded by the South China coast lakes at its provenance region. Hence, differences in the initial age of the signals of human activities were revealed in the PRE shelf system. Our study not only reveals the time transgression of the “Anthropocene” boundary but also updates the sediment source-to-sink model of the PRE shelf system. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Geological Oceanography)
Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 2060 KB  
Article
Production and Purification of 165Er from Pressed Ho2O3:Al Targets on a 16.5 MeV Cyclotron
by Kristina Søborg Pedersen, Claire Deville, Trine Borre, Ghazal Torabi, Clive Naidoo and Mikael Jensen
Instruments 2026, 10(1), 14; https://doi.org/10.3390/instruments10010014 - 27 Feb 2026
Viewed by 117
Abstract
Erbium-165 (165Er) is an Auger electron emitter with 7.2 electrons per decay and very few other emissions, making it an interesting candidate for Auger electron therapy. We present here a procedure for producing 165Er by the natHo(p,n)165Er [...] Read more.
Erbium-165 (165Er) is an Auger electron emitter with 7.2 electrons per decay and very few other emissions, making it an interesting candidate for Auger electron therapy. We present here a procedure for producing 165Er by the natHo(p,n)165Er nuclear reaction on a 16.5 MeV medical cyclotron. The target was prepared by pressing a Ho2O3:Al 1:1 (w/w) powder mixture on a Ag disc with a cylindrical depression in the center. With a 0.1 mm Nb foil in front, degrading the energy to 15 MeV, and water cooling at the back of the Ag disc, the target could withstand irradiation at currents up to 45 µA without showing any signs of damage. The beam tolerance of the target was also estimated by calculating the temperature and heat dissipation in the target via the numerical solution of the heat transport equations. For a 180 mg target, the production yield was 12.3 ± 1.9 MBq/µAh. The separation of two neighboring lanthanides is challenging, which led us to study the distribution coefficients for Er and Ho on commercially available LN2 resin for both HNO3 and HCl eluents. Based on these values, we propose a purification procedure involving two successive LN2 columns for separating the 165Er from Ho and Al, followed by a small TK221 column to concentrate the final eluate. No radionuclidic impurities were detected, and the chemical impurities found in the final formulation were traces of Ho, Er, Ca, Pb, and Fe. For three different chelators (DOTA, DTPA, and CHX-A″-DTPA), the effective molar activity of the final formulation was measured. The stability of the three complexes formed was also assessed upon incubation in mouse serum for 28 h. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 1329 KB  
Article
Quantification of Tongue Motor Dysfunction in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Using a Smartphone-Based Task and Deep Learning
by Pedro S. Rocha, Duarte Folgado, Vasco A. Conceição, Miguel Oliveira Santos and Mamede de Carvalho
Sensors 2026, 26(5), 1498; https://doi.org/10.3390/s26051498 - 27 Feb 2026
Viewed by 106
Abstract
Background: Bulbar dysfunction is a major complication of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). This study aimed to develop and validate a simple, smartphone-based task for the objective assessment of tongue movements and to examine their association with clinical variables. Methods: 37 ALS patients and [...] Read more.
Background: Bulbar dysfunction is a major complication of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). This study aimed to develop and validate a simple, smartphone-based task for the objective assessment of tongue movements and to examine their association with clinical variables. Methods: 37 ALS patients and 20 age- and sex-matched controls performed a tongue lateralization task, recorded with a smartphone. A deep-learning U-Net++-based model was used for segmentation and feature extraction. The frequency and maximum amplitude of tongue movements were quantified. Clinical measures included the ALS Functional Rating Scale-revised (ALSFRS-r) bulbar sub-scores, tongue fasciculations, jaw jerk, and tongue “spasticity”. Between-group differences and associations between tongue metrics and clinical features were assessed. Results: The U-Net++-based model achieved robust segmentation performance. Patients showed lower tongue movement frequency than controls (0.14 vs. 0.40, t = −9.58, p < 0.001). Normalized frequency was associated with dysarthria (t = −3.13, p = 0.003) but not dysphagia (t = −1.05, p = 0.30). Normalized frequency (t = 2.77, p = 0.009) and tongue “spasticity” (t = −2.57, p = 0.015) were both associated with speech performance in a multiple-regression model (R = 0.51, adjusted R2 = 0.43). Conclusions: Our method provides an objective, minimally invasive measure of bulbar function in ALS, which correlates with clinical ratings and may detect subtle impairments not captured by standard assessments. This approach offers a promising tool for remote monitoring and may support more effective disease management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Physical Sensors)
Show Figures

Figure 1

10 pages, 820 KB  
Article
Impact of PAX6-Related Congenital Aniridia on Corneal Diameter, Central Corneal Thickness and Keratometry
by Kitti Kormányos, Béla Csákány, Mária Csidey, Annamária Náray, Klaudia Kéki-Kovács, Orsolya Németh, Krisztina Knézy, Mária Bausz, Andrea Szigeti, Anita Csorba, Dorottya Szabó, Marta Corton, Kálmán Tory, Eszter Jávorszky, Zoltán Zsolt Nagy, Achim Langenbucher, Erika Maka and Nóra Szentmáry
J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(5), 1805; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15051805 - 27 Feb 2026
Viewed by 71
Abstract
Background/Objectives: PAX6 haploinsufficiency-related congenital aniridia is a panocular disease affecting multiple ocular structures. The aim of this study was to determine the biometric properties of eyes affected by PAX6 haploinsufficiency-related classical congenital aniridia using a non-contact device. Methods: Fifty-nine eyes from [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: PAX6 haploinsufficiency-related congenital aniridia is a panocular disease affecting multiple ocular structures. The aim of this study was to determine the biometric properties of eyes affected by PAX6 haploinsufficiency-related classical congenital aniridia using a non-contact device. Methods: Fifty-nine eyes from 31 aniridia patients (48.39% male; mean age 27.0 ± 17.65 years, range 7–56) and 99 eyes from 50 healthy controls (44.00% male; mean age 28.56 ± 21.73 years, range 4–81) were examined using the Movu biometer (Argos Inc.). Axial length (AL), corneal diameter (CD), central corneal thickness (CCT), anterior chamber depth (ACD), lens thickness (LT), pupil size (PS), and mean keratometric value (K-mean) were measured. Results: Linear mixed-effects models showed significant effects of diagnosis on CCT (β = 182.39, p < 0.001), CD (β = −0.55, p = 0.02), and K-mean (β = −1.10, p = 0.03), while axial length was associated with gender (β = −0.90, p = 0.03). Mann–Whitney testing showed no interocular asymmetry (all p ≥ 0.07; η2 ≤ 0.04) overall. Conclusions: PAX6-related congenital aniridia eyes are associated with increased CCT and reduced CD, and K-mean, while AL appears to be mainly influenced by gender. The absence of marked interocular asymmetry suggests relatively symmetrical bilateral involvement. These differences should be considered in corneal and lens surgery planning. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Ophthalmology)
Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 826 KB  
Article
External Validation of Two Different Cardiac Damage Staging Systems for Aortic Stenosis in Patients Treated with Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement
by Carlos Gil, Carmen Olmos, Patrick O’Neill, Ricardo Román, Manuel Carnero, Daniel Pérez-Camargo, Lourdes Montero, María Rivadeneira, Sandra Gil-Abizanda, Eduardo Pozo and Fabián Islas
J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(5), 1795; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15051795 - 27 Feb 2026
Viewed by 68
Abstract
Background: Several cardiac damage staging systems for aortic stenosis (AS) have been proposed, but their usefulness in patients undergoing surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) remains unknown. Objectives: We aim to externally validate two staging systems in patients who underwent SAVR. Methods [...] Read more.
Background: Several cardiac damage staging systems for aortic stenosis (AS) have been proposed, but their usefulness in patients undergoing surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) remains unknown. Objectives: We aim to externally validate two staging systems in patients who underwent SAVR. Methods: Single-centre prospective cohort of patients treated with SAVR (2017–2022). Based on baseline echocardiographic parameters, patients were classified into the different stages of two published staging systems (Généreux et al. and Gutiérrez et al.), and the discriminatory yield of these systems for 1-year mortality was evaluated. Results: In total, 350 patients were analysed (mean age 69 (9.4) years, 37.8% were female). The median EuroSCORE II was 1.7 (1.1–3.1), and 1-year mortality occurred in 17 (4.8%) patients. The staging system developed by Gutiérrez et al. had an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.687 (95% CI: 0.571–0.803) and was superior to Généreux et al.’s system (AUC of 0.554; 95% CI: 0.439–0.669; p = 0.008). Applying Gutiérrez et al.’s system, 1-year mortality rates progressively increased with higher damage staging: 1.9% (2/103) for Stage 0; 5.1% (5/175) for Stage 1; 12.5% (5/40) for Stage 2; and 15.6% (5/32) for Stage 3 (which represents right-sided damage measured by right ventricular–arterial coupling (RVAc); p= 0.038). No significant differences in outcomes between stages were found when using the staging proposed by Généreux et al. (p = 0.218). Conclusions: In a surgical cohort of patients with AS, a cardiac staging system that included RVAc showed greater discriminatory power for 1-year mortality. Assessing the interrelation between right ventricular function and afterload could help in better risk stratification in this context. Full article
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

20 pages, 5349 KB  
Article
The Effect of Si and Zr on the Formation of Al3X and V-Phase in a 6005A Alloy with Sc—Part 1: Alloy Design and Heat Treatment Selection
by Eli Harma, Timothy Langan and Paul Sanders
J. Manuf. Mater. Process. 2026, 10(3), 83; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmmp10030083 - 27 Feb 2026
Viewed by 100
Abstract
Adding Sc to 6xxx series alloys has led to inconsistent results due to the formation of the high-temperature, thermodynamically stable V-phase (AlSc2Si2). Thermo-Calc single-axis equilibrium and phase diagram calculations were employed to identify V-phase formation with varying Si and [...] Read more.
Adding Sc to 6xxx series alloys has led to inconsistent results due to the formation of the high-temperature, thermodynamically stable V-phase (AlSc2Si2). Thermo-Calc single-axis equilibrium and phase diagram calculations were employed to identify V-phase formation with varying Si and Zr concentrations, indicating that increasing Zr and decreasing Si lowered the V-phase equilibrium volume fraction. Increasing Zr also shifted the V-phase equilibrium to higher Si concentrations. To access real-world influences of Zr and Si, four compositions were cast with different Si and Zr concentrations: a high-Si, low-Zr alloy; a medium-Si, medium-Zr alloy; a low-Si, high-Zr alloy; and a baseline alloy without Zr and Sc. The compositions were DC-cast followed by multi-step isochronal and isothermal heat treatments, which revealed that increasing Zr concentration did not influence the formation of V-phase but did result in higher hardness at high temperatures, likely due to Al3Zr precipitation. In contrast, higher Si and lower Zr concentrations produced higher hardness in the peak-aged condition but lower hardness at homogenization temperatures in the 400 °C to 520 °C range. Given these conclusions, a new alloy and a multi-step homogenization process are proposed to further develop Sc- and Zr-containing 6xxx extrusion alloys. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

9 pages, 3834 KB  
Communication
Improved Mechanical Property Synergy of CoCrNiAlTi Medium-Entropy Alloy Through Boron Microalloying, Thermomechanical Treatment and Aging Treatment
by Po-Sung Chen, Huai-Te Wu, Hao Chen, Jason Shian-Ching Jang and I-Yu Tsao
Materials 2026, 19(5), 871; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma19050871 - 26 Feb 2026
Viewed by 182
Abstract
Medium-entropy alloys (MEAs) with a simple phase structure and nanoprecipitates have excellent mechanical properties and considerable potential for advanced structural applications. The current study investigated the effect of boron microalloying and thermomechanical treatment on the microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of Co43 [...] Read more.
Medium-entropy alloys (MEAs) with a simple phase structure and nanoprecipitates have excellent mechanical properties and considerable potential for advanced structural applications. The current study investigated the effect of boron microalloying and thermomechanical treatment on the microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of Co43Cr15Ni30Al5Ti7 and (Co43Cr15Ni30Al5Ti7)99.7B0.3 MEAs. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed a single phase of face-centered cubic (FCC) structure in all as-cast samples. After cold rolling and recrystallization annealing were completed, a clear ordered FCC (L12) phase was observed concurrently with the FCC matrix. In the alloy doped with 0.3 at.% B, the grain size was refined from 600 to 200 nm. TEM analysis revealed a nano-sized L12 phase coherently embedded in the FCC matrix. Analysis of the mechanical properties of boron-doped MEA samples revealed that cold rolling to 80% thickness followed by annealing at 900 °C for 2 h and aging at 750 °C for 4 h yielded the best mechanical performance. Among all samples, the alloy doped with 0.3 at.% boron achieved an optimal combination of mechanical properties (yield strength: 1817 MPa; ultimate tensile strength: 2313 MPa; ductility: 14.5%). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Advances in High-Temperature Structural Materials)
Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 295 KB  
Article
Pesticide Residues in Apples and Pears: A Deterministic Assessment of Chronic Exposure and Non-Carcinogenic Risk for European Consumers
by Jarosław Chmielewski, Barbara Gworek, Magdalena Florek-Łuszczki and Jarogniew J. Łuszczki
Molecules 2026, 31(5), 767; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31050767 - 25 Feb 2026
Viewed by 148
Abstract
(1) Pome fruits (apples and pears) are among the most frequently consumed fruits in Europe and may contribute to dietary exposure to pesticide residues. Although residue levels generally comply with maximum residue limits (MRLs), even low concentrations may cumulatively contribute to chronic health [...] Read more.
(1) Pome fruits (apples and pears) are among the most frequently consumed fruits in Europe and may contribute to dietary exposure to pesticide residues. Although residue levels generally comply with maximum residue limits (MRLs), even low concentrations may cumulatively contribute to chronic health risks under conditions of frequent and long-term consumption. This study aimed to quantitatively assess dietary exposure and the potential non-carcinogenic health risks associated with pesticide residues in apples and pears, using representative monitoring and consumption data. (2) The assessment was based on results of the Polish national official monitoring program for pesticide residues in food, specifically apples and pears sampled in 2022, as reported by the National Institute of Public Health (NIZP-PZH). These data were combined with age- and body weight-specific consumption scenarios derived from FAO/WHO GEMS/Food cluster diets and national Polish statistics. For the most frequently detected pesticides (captan, flonicamid, acetamiprid and fosetyl-Al in apples; captan and acetamiprid in pears), the mean and 95th percentile concentrations were used to estimate the estimated daily intake (EDI). Non-carcinogenic risk was characterized using the hazard quotient (HQ = EDI/ADI) and the cumulative Hazard Index (HI). The hazard quotient (HQ) was calculated as the ratio of estimated daily intake to the acceptable daily intake (HQ = EDI/ADI), while the Hazard Index (HI) was defined as the sum of individual HQ values for pesticides detected in a given commodity and exposure scenario (HI = ΣHQ). Calculations were performed separately for children and adults under several dietary scenarios (Polish general population, German child, German general population, GEMS/Food G08). (3) For all pesticides and exposure scenarios, the HQ values were well below 1, indicating no exceedance of the acceptable daily intake (ADI). The highest chronic exposure was observed for apples in children (German child scenario), with the HQ values for captan, flonicamid and acetamiprid in the approximate range of 0.01–0.05, while the HI remained < 0.1 even under high-consumption conditions. In adults (Polish and German general populations, GEMS/Food G08), HQ values were approximately one order of magnitude lower than in children, and the cumulative HI values for both apples and pears were far below 1. The contribution of pears to total exposure was limited, reflecting lower consumption and fewer active substances detected. (4) This quantitative risk assessment, based on Polish monitoring data from 2022, indicates that under current residue levels and consumption patterns, chronic dietary exposure to pesticide residues from apples and pears does not pose a relevant non-carcinogenic health concern for either children or adults. Nevertheless, children consistently showed higher relative exposure than adults, underscoring the importance of age-stratified risk assessment and continued monitoring of residues in commonly consumed fruits. The findings support existing regulatory frameworks while justifying sustained, targeted surveillance of key active substances in pome fruits as part of public health prevention strategies. Full article
15 pages, 3014 KB  
Article
Enhanced Microhardness and Conductivity in a Heat-Resistant Al-Er-Zr Alloy via Optimized Thermomechanical Processing
by Chengxi Xie, Jingyang Li, Yi Lu, Shengping Wen, Shangshang Liang, Wu Wei, Xiaolan Wu, Hui Huang, Kunyuan Gao and Zuoren Nie
Materials 2026, 19(5), 855; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma19050855 - 25 Feb 2026
Viewed by 168
Abstract
To meet the demand for high-performance heat-resistant aluminum alloy conductors in energy transmission, this study systematically explores the effects of synergistic aging and deformation treatment on the microstructure, mechanical properties, and heat resistance of Al-0.04Er-0.08Zr alloy. Through isochronous/isothermal aging, rolling with varying deformation [...] Read more.
To meet the demand for high-performance heat-resistant aluminum alloy conductors in energy transmission, this study systematically explores the effects of synergistic aging and deformation treatment on the microstructure, mechanical properties, and heat resistance of Al-0.04Er-0.08Zr alloy. Through isochronous/isothermal aging, rolling with varying deformation amounts, and microstructural characterization coupled with performance testing, the following findings emerged: 425 °C represents the peak aging temperature, at which a dispersed L12 structure of Al3(Er1−xZrx) composite precipitates with an average size of 4 nm is formed; Dispersed L12 structure Al3(Er1−xZrx) composite precipitation phase achieved an alloy hardness of 49.45 HV and electrical conductivity of 58.68% IACS; the synergistic treatment of peak aging (425 °C) with 60% deformation amount yielded optimal comprehensive properties. After 150 h of isothermal annealing at 350 °C, hardness decreased by less than 5%, and the alloy demonstrated stable service life of approximately 40 years at 227 °C based on Arrhenius model extrapolation. This study reveals the synergistic regulation mechanism between deformation and aging, providing theoretical support and technical reference for developing low-cost, high thermal stability, and high-conductivity aluminum alloys. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Metals and Alloys)
Show Figures

Figure 1

Back to TopTop