Search Results (359)

Aim: The aim of this study was to comparatively evaluate the shear bond strengths between different calcium silicate-based biomaterials and glass ionomer-based restorative materials. Materials and Methods: In this in vitro study, a total of 96 acrylic blocks were prepared, each containing a standardized cylindrical cavity measuring 4 mm in diameter and 2 mm in depth. Four different calcium silicate-based biomaterials (ProRoot MTA, Biodentine, TheraCal LC, and MTA BioRep) were placed into the cavities according to the manufacturers’ instructions. Three different glass ionomer restorative materials (Fuji II LC, Equia Forte HT, and Riva Self Cure) were then applied onto the biomaterial surfaces using molds measuring 2 mm in diameter and 2 mm in height, resulting in 12 experimental groups (n = 8). After storage at 37 °C for 24 h, the shear bond strengths were measured using a universal testing machine. The data were analyzed using the Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney U tests with Bonferroni correction (p < 0.05). Results: The highest bond strength was observed in the TheraCal LC–Fuji II LC combination, whereas the lowest value was obtained in the MTA BioRep–Equia Forte HT group. Both the type of biomaterial and type of glass ionomer cement had a statistically significant effect on the bond strength (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The combination of calcium silicate-based biomaterial and glass ionomer-based restorative material influenced the early shear bond strength. These findings suggest that material selection may play an important role in early bonding behavior at the biomaterial–restorative material interface. Full article

Objectives: This study evaluated the influence of shade, irradiance, and exposure time on the depth of cure (DoC) of a simplified bulk-fill universal composite (Tetric plus Fill) and a conventional composite (Filtek Supreme Ultra). Methods: The 80% bottom-to-top hardness ratio was used as an empirical cutoff, and 99% confidence intervals were calculated using R version 4.5.1. Results: The DoC values were material and protocol dependent. Tetric plus Fill reached the 80% threshold to depths ranging from 3.5 to 4.5 mm, depending on shade and exposure protocol. All the Tetric plus Fill and the Filtek Supreme Ultra products reached their manufacturer’s claimed DoC depth with both 3 s extra-high and 10 s high exposures from the Bluephase PowerCure. Significance: This study highlights the importance of following the manufacturers’ recommendations for increment thickness and exposure time and of recognizing that shade and material formulation influence DoC. Full article

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) represents a paradigm of targeted therapy, driven by the BCR::ABL1 fusion kinase. Over the past four decades, therapeutic strategies have evolved from early molecular targeting approaches and interferon-α to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), dramatically improving survival and transforming CML into a largely controllable disease. To provide a comprehensive overview of this evolution, we conducted a narrative literature search across the PubMed and Embase databases, selecting peer-reviewed articles, international guidelines, and landmark clinical trials based on their historical and clinical relevance. Through this expert-driven synthesis, focusing on key milestones in CML therapy, including antisense strategies, interferon-based treatment, first-, second-, and third-generation TKIs, and the development of allosteric inhibitors, this paper analyzes current management strategies, treatment-free remission (TFR), and emerging therapies. The introduction of imatinib established proof of principle for oncogene-targeted therapy, leading to sustained survival improvements. Second- and third-generation TKIs further enhanced response depth and addressed resistance, including the T315I mutation. More recently, the development of the allosteric inhibitor asciminib introduced a novel mechanism of action and expanded therapeutic options for pretreated patients. Furthermore, the achievement of deep molecular responses has enabled TFR in approximately 40–60% of selected patients, redefining treatment goals toward functional cure. Emerging agents, including next-generation ATP-competitive and allosteric inhibitors, are showing promising activity in resistant disease and may further improve outcomes. Thus, CML represents a unique model of translational oncology, demonstrating how mechanistic insight can drive therapeutic innovation. Future strategies will focus on increasing TFR rates, overcoming resistance, targeting leukemic stem cells, and improving global access to therapy and monitoring, with the ultimate aim of achieving functional cure in the majority of patients. Full article

Low-lime calcium silicate cement develops strength mainly through carbonation curing. However, long curing times can limit precast productivity. This study examined whether recycled coarse aggregates promote carbonation in CSC concrete via porous adhered mortar, which facilitates CO₂ transport. Two mixes (CSC replacement 50%, W/B 0.45) were prepared: NCA-CSC50 and RCA-CSC50 (100% NCA replacement). After steam curing, the specimens were carbonated in 20% CO₂ at 20 °C and 60% RH for 1–14 days. The carbonation degree was quantified from phenolphthalein-sprayed cross-sections by image binarization, and depth-dependent phase evolution and ITZ changes were assessed by XRD and SEM–EDS. RCA-CSC50 exhibited a higher carbonation degree and coefficient and achieved higher compressive strength, exceeding those of NCA-CSC50 after 3 days. XRD analysis performed after 14 days of carbonation curing revealed that portlandite peaks remained in NCA-CSC50 at depths of 35–50 mm, whereas they were not detected at the same depths in RCA-CSC50, indicating more extensive carbonation penetration in the RCA-containing mixture. This result is consistent with the quantitatively higher carbonation degree and carbonation coefficient of RCA-CSC50 compared with NCA-CSC50. SEM–EDS observations further revealed multiple ITZs around the recycled aggregate. Although the ITZs were not directly quantified as CO₂ diffusion paths, their presence is likely associated with the enhanced carbonation observed in RCA-CSC50 by providing additional connected zones for CO₂ ingress. These findings suggest that RCA can be considered not only as a recycled aggregate source but also as a potential means of facilitating CO₂ transport in carbonation-cured CSC concrete. Furthermore, the combined use of carbonation-reactive binders and recycled aggregates is expected to contribute to the broader application of low-carbon concrete technologies by reducing construction waste and expanding the implementation of CCUS-based approaches. Full article

The integration of advanced additive manufacturing technologies, particularly 3D printing (3DP), also known as Additive Construction (AC), could influence a shift in the construction industry towards improved efficiency and automation. This research evaluated the effect on hardened properties of two different concrete mixes for use in 3DP based on the presence or absence of alkaline-resistant (AR) glass fibers. Furthermore, three different curing methods were evaluated: air-curing, plastic-covered curing, and spray-curing. Concrete beams were printed for flexural testing, and cores were taken from other depositions to evaluate compressive strength and split-tensile strength. An analysis of the size and location of cracks on the beams after curing was performed for the different mixes and curing methods. For beams without fibers, plastic-covered curing produced the highest flexural modulus values, and air-curing produced the lowest flexural modulus values. Plastic-cured beams with fibers had higher flexural modulus values than the air-cured beams with fibers. However, the spray-cured beams with fibers produced somewhat anomalous results, with one flexural modulus value being larger than those of the plastic-cured beams, and the other flexural modulus value being less than those of the air-cured beams. All 28-day compressive strengths and split-tensile strengths across mixes and curing conditions fell within a small band ranging between ~19.3–22.1 MPa and ~1.7–2.0 MPa (~2800–3200 psi, and 240–290 psi), respectively. There was a large amount of scatter in some of the tests. It appears that neither the presence of the AR-glass fibers, nor the type of curing had a large influence on compressive strength or split-tensile strength. Results showed that the addition of fibers and the use of the plastic during curing significantly reduced the occurrence, the width, and the depth of cracks as a result resulting from the curing process. Plastic-curing was the most effective curing method for minimizing the occurrence of cracks. Any cracks that formed during plastic-curing were extremely fine and had little or no effect on mechanical properties. Full article

Direct current (DC) surface flashover on polystyrene (PS) remains a critical bottleneck that impedes its reliable application in high-voltage insulation apparatus. To circumvent the protracted processing durations and stringent film-forming conditions inherent in conventional surface modification techniques, this study proposes a novel “liquid-film-assisted in situ rapid plasma curing” strategy. By harnessing atmospheric-pressure dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) technology within an argon ambient, the rapid (<6 min) and efficient deposition of a fluorosilane (FAS-13) functional coating onto the substrate was achieved. Microscopic characterizations coupled with isothermal surface potential decay (SPD) measurements reveal that this coating substantially mitigates the detrapping and surface migration of charge carriers. Macroscopic DC flashover testing corroborates that, under the optimal modification ratio, the surface breakdown voltage of PS is elevated to 14.04 kV, yielding an insulation gain of 26.94%. To elucidate the underlying physical mechanisms, density functional theory (DFT) calculations were conducted, revealing that the energy band misalignment between the wide-bandgap fluorinated layer and the substrate facilitates the construction of a high-density deep trap network (with a depth of ~0.8 eV) at the coating–substrate interface. By robustly anchoring primary electrons and inducing the formation of a homopolar space charge shielding layer, these deep traps physically arrest the evolution of the secondary electron emission avalanche (SEEA). Consequently, this work not only establishes a viable engineering framework for the rapid, large-scale surface reinforcement of DC insulation equipment but also provides profound quantum chemical insights into interfacial trap regulation within all-organic dielectrics. Full article

In the rapid chloride migration (RCM) test, the chloride concentration at the chromogenic boundary often differs from the standard value of 0.07 mol/L, leading to an overestimated migration coefficient, especially when the penetration depth is shallow. This study investigates the effect of penetration depth on the measured migration coefficient and proposes a practical correction method. RCM tests were carried out on four concrete mixtures with fly ash and slag under various voltages, two curing ages, and multiple test durations. The results show that the migration coefficient decreases as the penetration depth increases. A simple empirical correction model is introduced, using a chromogenic error ε obtained by fitting the experimental data. After correction, most of the modified migration coefficients fall within ±20% of the true values. The proposed model provides a useful engineering tool for rapid estimation of chloride migration coefficients in field laboratories where direct chloride concentration measurement is not available. Full article

Pavement repair has become an increasingly time-critical operation as traffic volumes grow and lane-closure windows shrink. This has driven demand for materials that gain full structural strength quickly, reopen to traffic within hours, and hold up longer than conventional patches. This study evaluates polymer concrete (PC), a thermosetting resin-bound aggregate system, through combined laboratory characterization and three-dimensional finite element analysis. Compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, unit weight, and apparent porosity were measured at 1, 3, 7, and 28 days of curing. PC reached 85.97 MPa in compression and 7.63 MPa in tension by day three, with near-zero porosity (0.15%) maintained throughout. These three-day values were used directly as material inputs in the three-dimensional finite element analysis (FEA), reflecting the early traffic reopening scenario that defines rapid repair practice. Structural performance was assessed through 36 static analyses in ANSYS 2024 R2, covering flexible (Hot Mix Asphalt, HMA) and rigid (Jointed Plain Concrete Pavement, JPCP) pavement types, three patch sizes (250 × 250 mm, 500 × 500 mm, and 1000 × 1000 mm), and nine load scenarios per configuration. Safety factors (SF) against internal cracking, interfacial debonding, and compressive failure were computed for both PC and traditional patches. PC consistently outperformed HMA and Portland cement concrete patches across all metrics. On rigid pavements, interfacial safety factors exceeded 22.0, confirming that standard surface preparation is sufficient. On flexible pavements, adopting 0.78 MPa as a conservative lower-bound estimate of PC-HMA interfacial bond strength, five scenarios exhibit debonding risk (250-C, 500-C, 500-D, 1000-C, and 1000-D; SF = 0.47–0.99), while the remaining four show high interfacial risk (SF = 1.11–1.30); primer application and mechanical scarification are required for all PC repairs on flexible pavements regardless of patch geometry. Taken together, the experimental and numerical evidence positions PC as a credible, high-performance option for highway repair. Full article

The composition and interface quality of jointed concrete can significantly influence chloride ion penetration, especially in coastal environments. This study investigates the transport behavior of chloride ions in concrete flexural members with varying joint configurations—no joint, smooth wet joint, and roughened wet joint—under different bending loads. After 28 days of curing, specimens were subjected to bending loads and immersed in an 8% NaCl solution for 300 days. Chloride ion concentrations were then measured at different depths and locations. Results revealed that joints, particularly smooth wet joints, significantly accelerate chloride ion transmission, and that chloride accumulation at the joint is consistently higher than in adjacent areas or jointless concrete. The apparent diffusion coefficient of chloride ions was notably higher at joint interfaces and increased with bending load level due to microcrack formation. Notably, the incorporation of Cementitious Capillary Crystalline Waterproofing (CCCW) in the concrete mix improved resistance to chloride ion penetration. A dosage of 1% CCCW proved most effective, reducing the diffusion coefficient at the joint by approximately 10%—demonstrating an optimal balance between performance and material efficiency. These findings provide practical guidance for improving the durability of jointed concrete structures in chloride-rich environments. Full article

Background/Objectives: We evaluated whether resin infiltration treatment of demineralized enamel improves shear bond strength (SBS). Methods: Thirty permanent bovine incisor teeth were assigned randomly into three groups (n = 10 per group): control group, demineralized enamel pretreated with ICON^® resin infiltrant (Exp1 group), and demineralized enamel without pretreatment (Exp2). Demineralization was induced using a pH 4.5 solution for 21 days and was monitored using swept-source optical coherence tomography on days 0, 7, 14, and 21. The lesion depth (LD) was quantified and evaluated using ImageJ software. In the Exp1 group, ICON^® was applied prior to bracket bonding; no pretreatment was applied in the Exp2 group. In all groups, brackets were bonded using Super-Bond/Clear fluoride-free self-cure adhesive resin (4-META/MMA-TBB, Sun Medical) following Phosphoric acid (65%; Red Activator, Sun Medical). After debonding, enamel surfaces were evaluated to determine the adhesive remnant index (ARI). Results: No significant difference (p = 0.631) was noted in LD between Exp1 and Exp2 groups. The SBS values significantly differed (p < 0.05) between the control (4.1 ± 1.0 MPa) and Exp1 (5.5 ± 1.4 MPa) groups and between the Exp1 and Exp2 (3.8 ± 1.3 MPa) groups. However, SBS did not differ significantly between the control and Exp2 groups. Furthermore, ARI scores showed no significant difference between the control and Exp1 groups, whereas the Exp2 group recorded significantly elevated ARI scores relative to the control group (p = 0.0127). Conclusions: These findings suggest that resin infiltration with ICON^® may improve bracket adhesion on demineralized enamel. Full article

In recent years, the application of fly ash concrete (FAC) has witnessed a remarkable expansion worldwide. Compared with ordinary Portland cement (OPC), the incorporation of fly ash (FA) reduces the consumption of cement, realizes solid waste resource utilization, and concurrently cuts down carbon emissions from cement production, thus yielding notable environmental benefits. With the gradual popularization of concrete carbon sequestration technology, the research focus of academic circles on concrete carbonation behavior has shifted from the traditional orientation of “optimizing carbonation resistance” to the new direction of “enhancing carbon sequestration efficiency”. Nevertheless, current research on the mechanical properties, durability, and other behaviors of FAC after carbonation remains scarce, lacking systematic and in-depth exploration, and the mechanism underlying the impacts of carbonation on material properties still requires further systematic collation and generalization. Consequently, research on the carbonation behavior of FAC holds profound academic significance and promising application value. This paper reviews the microscopic mechanisms and influencing factors of FAC carbonation; summarizes and analyzes the effects of FAC carbonation on its various properties and microscopic pore structure; introduces the innovative breakthroughs in FAC technology in recent years; and finally, prospects future research directions. It is anticipated to provide a valuable reference for subsequent relevant studies. Full article

Flowable composites improve adaptability at the gingival margin but may affect mechanical properties. This study tested the surface hardness of proximal restorations as indicator of depth-of-cure and mechanical properties. Typodont teeth with 4 mm deep disto-occlusal preparations were (a) restored with three flowable composites in 4 mm bulk, and (b) restored with a thin layer of a flowable at the gingival margin under a universal composite. For the latter, two techniques were tested: ‘pre-cure’ and ‘snowplow’. In the pre-cure technique, the flowables were cured separately; in the snowplow technique, they were cured together with the universal composite. The universal composite placed in two 2 mm increments was the control. After 24 h, the Vickers hardness of the proximal restorations was measured every 0.5 mm from occlusal to gingival. The results were statistically analyzed using ANOVA and post hoc tests (α = 0.05). The sample size was 10/group. Bulk-filled restorations having undergone 40 s of light curing were significantly harder than those cured for 20 s. The pre-cure technique decreased hardness at depths of 3 mm and greater. The snowplow technique also led to significantly lower hardness at 4 mm, but less reductions at the 3.0 and 3.5 mm depths. The fiber-reinforced flowable composite increased the overall hardness of the restorations. In conclusion, using a flowable composite in a thin layer at the gingival margin to improve adaptation affected the hardness of the restoration. The snowplow technique reduced the softening effect associated with flowable composites compared to the pre-cure technique. Full article

Dispensing-based in situ casting offers a practical route for introducing dense or mechanically distinct polymer regions into fused deposition modeling (FDM) parts during fabrication. This study investigates the curing-dependent process constraints governing stable integration of in situ casting within an FDM workflow. In the proposed process, FDM is used to fabricate thermoplastic confinement geometries, after which liquid polymer is dispensed into selected cavities and cured before printing resumes. Two representative curing systems were examined: a UV-curable photopolymer and a two-component epoxy resin. The experimental program included UV curing characterization under perpendicular 405 nm exposure, infrared thermal imaging of curing-induced heat generation and dissipation, confined curing of epoxy resin, layer-wise integration within an FDM-printed cavity, and a representative mechanical linkage demonstration. The results show that UV-based in situ casting is constrained by the coupled effects of curing depth, peak temperature, and visible deformation, making staged curing with intermediate thermal relaxation necessary for stable operation. In contrast, the epoxy system enabled bulk cavity filling with lower peak temperature, but required substantially longer curing time, introducing a different process limitation. A layer-wise UV curing strategy enabled successful stacking of four cast layers within an FDM-printed confinement without visible leakage or shell collapse. Mechanical testing of hybrid linkage specimens further showed that localized casting can modify structural stiffness through selective reinforcement. These findings demonstrate that dispensing-based in situ casting can be integrated into FDM when thermal, temporal, and filling constraints are explicitly managed, and they provide practical process guidance for hybrid polymer fabrication involving confined casting during printing. Full article

The textile industry is seeking alternative coloration methods to comply with the global demands for eco-friendly and non-hazardous dyes, as synthetic colorants are costly and substantially toxic in nature, having deleterious effects on the environment as well as ecosystems. This research aimed to develop a printed functional cotton fabric using a new bio-based pigment from acacia wood waste (Acacia nilotica) charcoal. Acacia charcoal was ground into fine powder and added into pigment paste with polyacrylic binder and screen printed on cotton fabric, followed by drying and curing. The printed fabric was tested for color strength (K/S), colorfastness, flame resistance, contact angle (for checking the hydrophobicity), thermal insulation, and tensile strength following standard testing protocols. Using different charcoal concentrations (in the range of 0.5–5%), the samples presented light to dark gray color and the K/S value gradually increased from 1.85 (0.5%) to 12.31 (5%), demonstrating stronger color depth. The printed fabrics revealed good results in terms of color fastness ratings (washing 3–5, dry rubbing 3–5, wet rubbing 3–5), satisfactory flame resistance, good thermal insulation, and excellent hydrophobicity. The obtained results contribute to sustainable and durable textile development for achieving better performance. Full article

The rapid development of archaeology in China has led to the excavation of numerous fragmented porcelain artifacts, for which adhesive materials play a critical role in conservation and restoration. The long-term stability of these adhesives directly affects the structural safety and visual integrity of restored objects. In this study, four adhesives widely used in Chinese conservation practice—epoxy resin Hezhong AAA, epoxy resin Hongxing 509, acrylic resin Paraloid B-72, and cyanoacrylate adhesive 502—were systematically investigated through simulated cyclic aging experiments. A multi-analytical approach was employed, including ultra-depth-of-field microscopy, CIE Lab* colorimetric analysis, pencil hardness testing, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The results reveal distinct aging behaviors among different adhesive types. Epoxy resin adhesives exhibit high initial hardness and pronounced hardening during aging, with coating hardness increasing from the B range to the H range after 15 aging cycles; however, they also show significant yellowing, with total color differences (ΔE) exceeding 10 and dominated by increases in the b* parameter. Paraloid B-72 maintains excellent color stability throughout aging, with ΔE values consistently below 2, although it shows limited thermal stability and delayed physical stabilization. The cyanoacrylate adhesive 502 demonstrates rapid curing and minimal discoloration but undergoes embrittlement and interfacial debonding during aging, indicating reduced long-term bonding reliability. By correlating macroscopic performance evolution with molecular-level chemical changes, this study elucidates the aging mechanisms of commonly used restoration adhesives and provides a scientific basis for adhesive selection, risk assessment, and long–term preservation strategies in porcelain conservation. Full article