Search Results (40,744)

Investigating slope deformation in densely vegetated or remote areas is a major challenge for slope stability assessment. This study introduces and validates an integrated UAV-borne low-frequency Ground Penetrating Radar (UAV-GPR) and LiDAR methodology to characterize an unstable slope in Melizzano, Southern Italy. Radar data were acquired along an east–west transect at ~1 m above ground level, while high-resolution LiDAR were used to generate a detailed Digital Terrain Model for topographic correction and geomorphological analysis. The processed radargram images subsurface features down to ~15 m, revealing a laterally continuous high-amplitude reflector at ~10 m, interpreted as a key main sliding surface. Chaotic reflections above this interface indicate heterogeneous deposits associated with gravitational deformation, while more homogeneous reflections below correspond to stable geological units. The geometry of the reflector suggests a compound landslide mechanism. Borehole data validate the geophysical interpretation, showing depth discrepancies lower than 2 m. The integration of UAV-GPR and LiDAR enables a reliable correlation between surface morphology and subsurface structures. This non-invasive, spatially continuous approach provides an effective framework for subsurface characterization and for improving the interpretation of landslide geometry and internal structure in challenging environments. This study demonstrates the capability of low-frequency UAV-borne GPR to detect deep-seated sliding surfaces (>10 m) in vegetated environments when integrated with high-resolution LiDAR topography. Full article

Structural materials in nuclear energy, aerospace, and electronics face long-term irradiation by high-energy particles, triggering microscopic defect evolution and macroscopic performance degradation that limits service safety. This review provides a systematic overview of irradiation damage mechanisms, with particular emphasis on the role of surfaces. The discussion traces the evolution from initial defect generation through energy deposition and displacement cascades to the migration and aggregation of defects toward surfaces, culminating in their interactions with near-surface microstructures. A comparative analysis of damage behaviors in metals, ceramics, silicon-based materials, and polymers is presented, elucidating how distinct mechanisms arise from fundamental differences in crystal structure and chemical bonding. The integration of multiscale simulation techniques with advanced in situ characterization is highlighted as a critical approach for deciphering the cross-scale processes. Current strategies for enhancing radiation resistance including composition optimization, microstructure regulation, and interface design are summarized. Finally, the review outlines key challenges such as multi-field coupling damage characterization and long-term predictive modeling. Future research directions are foreseen to emphasize closer simulation–experiment integration and the design of smart, self-adapting materials, thereby providing comprehensive theoretical and technical support for the development of next-generation radiation-tolerant materials. Full article

Elevated temperatures due to global climate change adversely affect plant growth and development, which has become a major factor restricting wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) production. Despite the introduction of dwarfing genes that have enhanced lodging resistance as well as productive potential in wheat breeding, lodging still affects wheat yields. Plant growth regulators are widely recognized as effective agents in mitigating crop lodging. Few studies have investigated the high-temperature lodging sensitivity of wheat genotypes from different breeding periods, nor have they examined how uniconazole-sucrose regulates lodging resistance under heat stress. To fill this research gap, an experiment was conducted in which two contrasting wheat genotypes from different periods, Bima 1 (BM1, ~135 cm tall, a historical genotype released in 1953, lodging-susceptible) and Shannong 28 (S28, ~75 cm tall, a modern genotype released in 2014, lodging-resistant), were exposed to high temperature stress combined with uniconazole-sucrose application. The results showed that high-temperature-induced increases in plant gravity center height, together with decreased stem diameter coefficient, stem plumpness, and lignin deposition, were the main factors responsible for the reduction in bending section factor and mechanical strength of wheat stems. These modifications are associated with reduced lodging resistance, increased susceptibility to lodging, and significant yield losses. Nevertheless, exogenous application of uniconazole-sucrose lowers plant gravity center height, enhances stem diameter coefficient, stem plumpness, and lignin content, thus alleviating lodging risk and boosting wheat yield under high temperature stress. High temperature stress was associated with downregulated relative expression levels of key genes involved in lignin metabolism and reduced activities of the corresponding key enzymes, as well as inhibited lignin biosynthesis and accumulation in stems and increased incidence of wheat lodging. Conversely, foliar spraying of uniconazole-sucrose alleviated these suppressive effects on lignin biosynthesis, thus enhancing stem mechanical strength and reducing the lodging index of wheat. Moreover, these indicators were more sensitive to heat stress or uniconazole-sucrose treatment in BM1. The two genotypes examined suggested a potential trend that S28 may exhibit reduced sensitivity to high temperature in terms of mechanical traits and lignin synthesis, which could contribute to enhanced lodging resistance under heat stress. Full article

The optimization of impact localization in 3D-printed structures is critical for their application in smart monitoring and damage detection systems. This study investigates the influence of infill density on the accuracy of low-velocity impact localization in 3D-printed plates. Specimens with cubic infill patterns and varying densities (30%, 50%, and 100%) were fabricated and subjected to impacts with varying locations and magnitudes using two different sensor network configurations. A genetic algorithm integrated with continuous wavelet transform was employed to simultaneously determine impact coordinates and group velocity. Key findings reveal that lower infill structures act as mechanical low-pass filters, producing clean and low-frequency signals, while higher densities support complex wave propagation with higher energy and broader frequency content. The dominant frequency of first arrival shifts toward lower values with increasing impact energy across all densities. Group velocity increases with both impact energy and infill density. For 30% infill, it averages around 450 m/s, while for 100% infill it exceeds 800 m/s. The genetic algorithm demonstrated robust performance across all experimental conditions, simultaneously estimating impact coordinates and group velocity with average errors below 6% for all infill densities. Spatial probability mass functions revealed tightly clustered predictions around true impact locations, with maximum probabilities reaching 68% and uncertainties below 5%. Computational efficiency varied modestly with infill density. These findings provide quantitative relationships between infill density, wave propagation characteristics, and localization performance for designing a reliable structural health monitoring of additively manufactured structures. Full article

Generalized Arterial Calcification of Infancy (GACI) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by pathological calcium deposition in large and medium-sized arteries, leading to severe cardiovascular complications such as hypertension, heart failure, and stroke. The mortality rate is approximately 50% within the first six months of life if untreated. The disease is primarily caused by mutations in the ENPP1 or ABCC6 genes, resulting in a deficiency of inorganic pyrophosphate (PPi), a key inhibitor of arterial calcification. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the pathophysiology, genetic basis, and clinical features of GACI. In addition, we summarize current and emerging therapeutic strategies, including enzyme replacement therapy with recombinant ENPP1 (INZ-701), critically discussing available preclinical and early clinical evidence, as well as current limitations. Full article

Canities results from a progressive decline in melanocyte activity and melanin synthesis and is commonly associated with aesthetic concerns that motivate the use of cosmetic products for hair color correction. Shampoo, due to its frequent use, represents a suitable vehicle for the gradual deposition of pigments on the hair fiber. This study aimed to design and develop a shampoo containing dark synthetic semi-permanent dyes for the gradual coverage of gray hair. Four shampoo formulations were developed and evaluated through in vitro tests using bleached hair tresses to assess color deposition and performance. The selected formulation was subsequently subjected to accelerated stability studies and color sustainability evaluation. The results showed that the formulation maintained organoleptic, physicochemical, microbiological, and functional stability. Color sustainability assays indicated that the gray–black coloration persisted on hair tresses containing approximately 90% canities after eight washing cycles. The formulation incorporating the semi-permanent dyes Basic Blue 124, Basic Yellow 87, Basic Orange 31, and Basic Red 51 achieved a gradual gray–black tonal effect. In conclusion, the developed shampoo demonstrated stability and effectiveness for the gradual cosmetic coverage of gray hair. Full article

Here, we report a highly efficient and stable catalytic system based on monometallic oxides supported on HY zeolites for the catalytic oxidation of chlorobenzene (CB). Among the transition and rare-earth metal oxides screened, the 30Cu/HY catalyst demonstrates exceptional performance, achieving near 100% CB conversion at 300 °C (500 ppm CB, 10,000 h⁻¹) alongside outstanding 24 h continuous stability without deactivation. Quantitative Py-IR analysis reveals that this superior activity is fundamentally driven by extensive solid-state ion exchange, forming robust Lewis acid centers (Cu-Y structures) that synergize with zeolitic Brønsted acid sites to efficiently polarize and cleave C-Cl bonds. Through an integrated approach combining in situ DRIFTS, real-time mass spectrometry, TGA, and NLDFT pore size analysis, we elucidate that the exceptional deep-oxidation capability of Cu/HY continuously mineralizes carbonaceous intermediates. This property minimizes coke deposition (2.91 wt%) and preserves the hierarchical pore architecture, preventing the coverage of active sites and severe pore blockage by partially oxidized intermediates (such as phenolic, aldehydic, and quinonic species) and stable carbonate species responsible for the deactivation of other metal oxides. These insights provide a mechanistic framework for the rational design of robust, chlorine-resistant catalysts for the sustainable abatement of persistent organic pollutants. Full article

Binder jetting relies on the infiltration of binder droplets into a porous powder bed, where the spatial arrangement of droplets critically influences feature formation and structural integrity. In particular, the role of droplet spacing in regulating infiltration behavior remains insufficiently understood. In this study, droplet infiltration is investigated using a reconstructed three-dimensional powder bed combined with a Volume of Fluid (VOF) model. Both single- and dual-droplet configurations are examined to isolate the effect of droplet spacing on spreading, merging, and capillary-driven penetration. The results show that droplet spacing governs the redistribution of liquid flow between lateral spreading and vertical infiltration. Three distinct regimes are identified as spacing decreases: independent infiltration at large spacing, cooperative merging at intermediate spacing, and over-penetration at small spacing. These regimes reflect a transition from isolated droplet behavior to strongly coupled infiltration within the pore network. An optimal spacing of approximately 150 μm is found to balance spreading and penetration, enabling continuous deposition with controlled infiltration depth. Experimental measurements show good agreement with numerical predictions, with an average deviation of 8.66%. The present study clarifies the mechanism by which droplet spacing controls infiltration behavior and provides practical guidance for parameter selection in binder jetting processes. Full article

Background: Apremilast (APM) is a selective phosphodiestrase-4 (PDE-4) inhibitor currently administered orally for the treatment of psoriasis. However, gastrointestinal irritation, frequent dosage regimens, and patient noncompliance limit its oral administration. Additionally, the poor permeability and solubility of APM make dermal administration challenging. Objective: The current study aims to formulate an optimized APM-loaded nanoemulsion formulation (APM-NE) to enhance drug delivery to deep psoriatic skin layers, thereby increasing dermal drug concentration for the effective treatment of psoriasis. Method: Using the phase titration method, the nanoemulsion (NE) was made with Capryol 90, Tween 20, and Labrasol as oil, surfactant, and co-surfactant, respectively. Results: The optimized formulation (F5) exhibited favorable physicochemical properties: mean droplet size of 147.4 ± 2.4 nm, and an entrapment efficiency (EE) reaching 86.30 ± 2.54%. TEM confirmed spherical, uniformly distributed droplets. In vitro release (86.1 ± 0.24%) followed zero-order kinetics. To enhance skin retention, F5 was incorporated into 2% Carbopol 980 gel, yielding F5G with pseudoplastic flow. Ex vivo permeation showed significantly higher drug delivery for F5 (1266.50 ± 5.6 µg/cm²) and F5G (1057.7 ± 6.76 µg/cm²) compared to crude APM gel (CR-APMG). In vivo, the inhibition of edema in rat paws was highest with F5G (66.83 ± 0.23%). RAW 264.7 cell studies showed 92.37% nitric oxide inhibition, and histopathology confirmed reduced inflammation. Conclusions: These results support APM-NE gel as a promising topical strategy for psoriasis therapy. Full article

Deep mining of geologically challenging deposits, such as narrow, steeply dipping orebodies, is increasingly pursued to meet the rising demand for mineral resources. However, the geotechnical stability of operations in such environments remains a persistent challenge. A paramount concern is the insufficiently understood mechanisms governing the surface subsidence and stability of underground excavations, which diverge significantly from those in flat or gently dipping deposits. This study bridges this gap through an integrated methodology applied to a deep cut-and-fill gold mine in China. We combined nine years (2016–2025) of SBAS-InSAR monitoring, utilizing 120 Sentinel-1 images corrected with precise orbit and atmospheric correction data, with a comprehensive three-dimensional (3D) numerical simulation. The results reveal a unique subsidence pattern: surface subsidence is highly localized, forming an elliptical basin directly above the orebodies, with a footwall movement angle exceeding 90°. Furthermore, the subsidence magnitude showed minimal progression despite increasing mining depth, with a maximum cumulative subsidence of only 9.3 mm. Numerical simulation confirmed these findings and demonstrated that underground shafts and tunnels remained stable under the sequential extraction of multiple orebody levels. This exceptional geotechnical response is attributed to a synergistic mechanism involving the intrinsic geomechanical advantages of the steeply dipping geometry, the low-disturbance nature of narrow-vein mining, and the crucial structural support provided by the backfilling. This study demonstrates the efficacy of cut-and-fill mining for ensuring operational safety and minimizing surface environmental impact in the deep mining of narrow, steeply dipping orebodies, providing critical insights for the sustainable exploitation of deep mineral resources. Full article

Rising human-caused nitrogen (N) deposition and increased rainfall variability threaten the capacity of temperate forests to sequester carbon. However, the combined effects of N enrichment and moisture changes on total soil respiration (Rs), including its autotrophic (Ra) and heterotrophic (Rh) components, remain poorly understood, especially in northern China’s warm-temperate forests. To explore this, a factorial field experiment was conducted at the Beijing Yanshan Earth Critical Zone National Research Station in Huairou District, Beijing. The experiment involved N addition (50 kg N ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹ as urea [CO(NH₂)₂]) and precipitation manipulation (±50% of ambient throughfall) during the 2024 growing season. Six treatments were implemented: control (CK), nitrogen addition (NA), 50% increased precipitation (W+50%), 50% decreased precipitation (W−50%), nitrogen addition with increased precipitation (NW+50%), and nitrogen addition with decreased precipitation (NW−50%). Under natural rainfall conditions, N addition increased Rs (+11.8%; p < 0.05). However, the effects of N largely depended on water availability: with increased rainfall, N addition significantly boosted Rs, Rh, and Ra by promoting fine root biomass and accelerating litter decomposition; under reduced rainfall, N addition still increased Rs, Rh, and Ra compared to drought alone (NW−50% vs. W−50%), though the extent of stimulation was considerably lower than under elevated precipitation, indicating that water availability influences the strength of N effects on forest soil respiration. Structural equation modelling (SEM; χ²/df = 1.8, RMSEA = 0.040, CFI = 0.97) revealed that water availability was a key mediator of the interaction between N addition and precipitation. These findings enhance understanding of how nitrogen supply and water availability interact in temperate forest soils, though further validation across other forest types and over longer periods remains necessary. Full article

Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) magnetic sensors are traditionally fabricated on rigid substrates, which severely limits their application on curved or irregular surfaces. To address this critical limitation, this paper presents a novel flexible SAW magnetic sensor based on a grating-arrayed Terfenol-D thin film deposited on a 50 µm thick flexible lithium niobate (LiNbO₃) substrate. Unlike conventional designs using a continuous magnetostrictive layer, the proposed grating-arrayed structure is designed to aid in hysteresis compensation and minimize measurement errors associated with residual magnetization. As demonstrated experimentally, the sensors achieve a high sensitivity of 85.8 kHz/mT for devices with λ-wide gratings and a maximum frequency shift of 377 kHz at 5 mT. A systematic investigation reveals that sensitivity is critically dependent on the grating width and film thickness, with 500 nm thick gratings yielding optimal performance. Crucially, the sensor’s functionality under mechanical deformation is validated, and a differential measurement method is introduced to effectively compensate for stress-induced frequency shifts, ensuring reliable operation in practical, non-ideal conditions. The results confirm the sensor’s robust performance under the tested stress conditions, positioning this flexible SAW magnetic sensor as a promising solution for advanced, conformable sensing applications. Full article

Drought and nitrogen deposition are major drivers of global change that can influence forest ecosystems and plant–microbe interactions, yet their combined effects on endophytic fungal communities and the roles of dark septate endophytes (DSE) remain unclear. In this study, we examined the diversity of culturable endophytic fungi in leaves and roots of Quercus dentata under different drought and nitrogen deposition treatments and evaluated the functional effects of representative DSE strains on host growth and physiology. A total of 1488 fungal isolates were obtained, revealing distinct organ-specific community patterns. Root-associated communities showed greater compositional stability across treatments, whereas leaf communities were more responsive to environmental variation. Severe drought reduced the dominance of several genera and promoted community restructuring, while nitrogen deposition had contrasting effects on α-diversity in leaves and roots. Beta diversity analyses indicated significant interaction effects between drought and nitrogen addition. Inoculation with four DSE strains produced strain-dependent effects on plant biomass, photosynthesis, water-use efficiency, physiological traits, and nutrient contents. These results indicate that drought and nitrogen deposition jointly influence endophytic fungal communities and that functional differences among DSE strains may affect host responses to combined stress. Full article

In laser metal deposition (LMD), complex thermo-mechanical coupling and irregular layer morphology significantly affect residual stress distribution. However, most simulations rely on idealized geometries, limiting prediction accuracy. This study proposes a data-driven framework integrating in situ vision-based morphology reconstruction with thermo-mechanical simulation for high nitrogen steel (HNS). An improved DeepLabv3+ network is developed to extract deposition layer contours under strong illumination and spatter interference, achieving a mean intersection over union (mIoU) of 97.32% and an overall accuracy of 99.42%. The reconstructed morphology is incorporated into a finite element model to enable dynamic heat source tracking and realistic geometric representation. The proposed method demonstrates high morphology reconstruction accuracy, with all measurement errors controlled within 0.91%. The simulated temperature field agrees well with experimental measurements. Furthermore, the predicted residual stress distribution is consistent with X-ray diffraction (XRD) results under different laser power conditions. The results indicate that local surface morphology significantly influences stress concentration, with protrusion regions exhibiting stress peaks up to 989 MPa, markedly higher than those in concave regions. This study improves the accuracy of residual stress prediction in LMD by incorporating real morphology data and provides insight into the relationship between morphological features and stress evolution in additively manufactured HNS components. Full article

To elucidate the role of environmentally friendly oxide additives in a molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂)-based solid lubricant, this study investigates the tribological behavior of a MoS₂–TiO₂ coating deposited via a spray-bonding process and compares it with a commercial Sb₂O₃-containing formulation (Everlube 620C). Interfacial characteristics and wear-related mechanisms were systematically analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), focused ion beam (FIB), Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The MoS₂–TiO₂ coating exhibited a higher steady-state coefficient of friction (0.35–0.45) and wear compared to the baseline. Its wear behavior was governed by fracture-induced three-body abrasion, driven by the hard and brittle nature of TiO₂, which promotes stress concentration at particle–matrix interfaces, crack initiation, particle pull-out, and debris generation. These processes suppress the formation of a desirable MoS₂-rich tribo/transfer film, leading to deformation-dominated friction. Overall, the findings indicate that the intrinsic mechanical properties and interfacial behavior of TiO₂ limit its effectiveness as an additive in MoS₂-based coatings, highlighting the importance of additive selection and compatibility in achieving optimal tribological performance. Notably, this study was performed at an additive volume fraction equivalent to that of Sb₂O₃ in Everlube 620C, serving as a foundation and indicating that further optimization of TiO₂ particle size and concentration is required to achieve comparable performance. Full article