Search Results (36,280)

Skin cells exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation may experience reduced elasticity in skin tissue due to the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the overexpression of collagen type I-degrading enzymes (MMP-1). Beyond preventing UV exposure with sunscreen, components that protect the inner surface of skin tissue may suppress the expression of ROS and their subsequent effects. In this study, the suppression of ROS production from UV-A-irradiated normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDFs) using Chaga-derived polyphenol decoction (CPD) was examined with confocal laser scanning microscopy. Pretreatment with CPD reduced ROS expression to less than 5% compared to the blank. The evaluation of MMP-1 expression levels induced by ROS production from UV-A-irradiated NHDFs using an ELISA showed that MMP-1 expression in CPD-pretreated NHDFs was suppressed by more than 30% compared to untreated NHDFs. Furthermore, three-dimensional collagen gels containing NHDFs were prepared, and a dynamic mechanical analysis of the elasticity of UV-A-irradiated gels revealed that pretreatment with CPD maintained elasticity at more than five times that of the CPD-untreated gel. These findings suggest that CPD may be promising as a functional food for protecting skin tissue. Full article

This paper presents the results of research on the influence of the post-weld treatment process on deformation and residual stresses in structural steel welded joints. For this purpose, T-joints were welded with 135 (MAG) methods from the following five steel grades: S235JR, S355J2+N, S460NL, S690QL and S960QL, maintaining a similar linear energy of the welding process. The welded joints in the post-weld heat treatment (stress relieving annealing) and High-Frequency Mechanical Impact (HFMI) condition were then measured for flatness and straightness deviations of the sheets to determine the effect of the post-weld treatment on their deformation. Based on the results of laser tracker tests, it was confirmed that HFMI processing effectively reduces the level of deformation, achieving better results than traditional post-weld heat treatment (PWHT). In symmetry, to determine the effect of post-weld machining on the level and distribution of stresses, a three-dimensional numerical model was made, and a numerical analysis was performed using the FEM method for the selected material variant (S355). The results of the numerical analyses confirmed that HFMI reduces stress in welded joints, although it is less effective in this respect than heat treatment process used. Full article

Virtually all spaceborne topographic lidars to date have used a single beam, with the exception of the ATLAS lidar on NASA’s ICESat-2 satellite, which split the beam into 3 “strong” and 3 “weak” beamlets distributed perpendicular to the along-track path of the satellite. This approach has provided high-resolution along-track surface measurements but relatively poor resolution cross-track measurementswithin a given surface area. The present paper attempts to resolve this discrepancy by (1) transmitting and scanning a single Gaussian beam and (2) imaging the return onto a 14 × 14 pixelated, single-photon sensitive, detector array, thereby providing between 100 and 196 measurements per pulse, depending on the solar background. Besides enhancing the lidar’s capability to penetrate tree canopies and water bodies, the proposed single-beam approach provides one to two orders of magnitude more measurements per pulse with equal spatial resolution in boththe along-track and cross-track directions. At the 10 kHz pulse rate of the ATLAS laser on NASA’s ICESat-2 satellite, this implies between 1 and 2 million topographic measurements per second. The maximum surface area observable by a single pulse increases with the laser peak power defined by the ratio of the pulse energy to the temporal pulsewidth. Larger surface areas per pulse result in more time for cross-track scanning while still maintaining contiguous along-track mapping. Two scanning methods appear to be feasible: (1) circular scans using individual but temporally coordinated wedge scanners for the transmitted and received beams, and (2) unidirectional linear scans utilizing Acousto-Optic Deflectors. The circular scan approach is probably easier to implement, but it also requires additional post-processing to obtain an accurate contiguous 3D image of the planetary terrain. Full article

Background: This study assessed the 5-year clinical outcomes of phacoemulsification combined with implantation of either the first-generation iStent Trabecular Micro-Bypass or the Hydrus Microstent in eyes with open-angle glaucoma. Methods: In this prospective, non-randomized comparative study, 65 eyes of 65 patients underwent combined cataract and micro-invasive glaucoma surgery with either iStent or Hydrus implantation. Intraocular pressure (IOP), number of glaucoma medications, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), surgical success, postoperative complications, and subsequent glaucoma procedures were analyzed over a 60-month follow-up. Results: At 60 months, outcome data were available for 47 eyes (72.3%), including 25 eyes in the iStent group and 22 eyes in the Hydrus group. Baseline characteristics did not differ significantly between groups. Mean IOP at 60 months was similar after iStent and Hydrus implantation (16.7 ± 1.8 mmHg vs. 16.5 ± 1.9 mmHg, respectively). The mean number of glaucoma medications decreased from 1.86 ± 0.94 to 1.36 ± 1.08 in the iStent group and from 1.60 ± 0.72 to 0.36 ± 0.49 in the Hydrus group, with significantly fewer medications required after Hydrus implantation at 60 months. Medication-free complete surgical success using the IOP ≤ 18 mmHg criterion was achieved in 20.0% of iStent-treated eyes and 63.6% of Hydrus-treated eyes. No eye underwent additional glaucoma surgery or selective laser trabeculoplasty during follow-up. Conclusions: In this prospective non-randomized comparative cohort, both procedures provided comparable long-term treated IOP control when combined with phacoemulsification. Hydrus implantation was associated with a greater medication-sparing effect and a higher proportion of medication-free complete surgical success at 5 years; however, these findings should be interpreted in the context of the non-randomized design and available-case follow-up. Full article

Germanium (Ge) is a high-tech critical metal typically hosted at trace levels in sphalerite, making its detection and characterization challenging in both primary ores and mine residues. This study presents a multi-scale analytical workflow combining laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), electron probe micro-analysis (EPMA), and multivariate statistics to detect, map and quantify Ge distribution in a representative Pb-Zn sample from the Les Malines deposit (France). µ-LIBS mapping enables rapid centimeter-scale screening at 15 µm resolution and identifies Ge-bearing domains over large areas, which are subsequently investigated at micrometer scale using EPMA chemical mapping and quantitative analyses. Results reveal a strong µm-scale heterogeneity of Ge distribution within sphalerite, with Ge systematically concentrated in an Fe-rich intermediate zonation associated with prismatic growth textures, while Cu/Cd/Ag are enriched in distinct collomorph domains. Multivariate statistical analyses (correlation matrices and PCA) confirm a strong geochemical structuring opposing an Fe/Ge association against a Cu/Cd/Ag pole. These findings demonstrate that Ge incorporation is controlled by localized growth conditions rather than bulk composition. The proposed workflow provides an efficient and scalable framework for exploration, enabling rapid targeting of critical metal enrichments and supporting their extension to multiple mineralization stages, Pb-Zn deposits, and other high-tech critical metals (HTCMs) such as Ga and In. Full article

Background: Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is commonly regarded as a sporadic malignancy primarily driven by ultraviolet exposure. However, the occurrence of multiple, aggressive tumors at a relatively young age suggests the presence of underlying genetic susceptibility. The role of germline variants affecting extracellular matrix organization, pigmentation pathways, and tumor metabolism in aggressive cSCC remains incompletely understood. Case Presentation: We describe a 53-year-old patient with a long-standing history of multiple aggressive cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas involving the scalp and facial regions, characterized by recurrent and multifocal disease. A comprehensive diagnostic approach was undertaken, including histopathological examination, fluorescence confocal microscopy, high-frequency cutaneous ultrasound, and genetic analysis using whole-exome sequencing (WES). Results: Histopathology confirmed high-risk features consistent with aggressive cSCC. Cutaneous ultrasound and fluorescence confocal microscopy provided complementary, non-invasive insights into tumor depth, architecture, and invasive patterns. Whole-exome sequencing identified a heterozygous truncating variant in COL6A3 (NM_004369.4:c.5645C>A, p.Ser1882Ter), classified as likely pathogenic according to ACMG criteria. Additionally, two heterozygous variants of uncertain significance were detected in TYR (NM_000372.5:c.1569C>A, p.Ser523Arg) and FH (NM_000143.4:c.1237-5_1237-4insTCTCCCTCCCTC). Although individually inconclusive, the combined germline genetic background may have contributed to the patient’s aggressive and multifocal cutaneous phenotype. Discussion: This case report supports a potential role of extracellular matrix remodeling, pigmentation-related susceptibility, and metabolic dysregulation in cutaneous carcinogenesis and tumor aggressiveness. This case illustrates how integrating WES with advanced non-invasive imaging techniques can enhance the understanding of biologically aggressive cSCC. Conclusions: This report highlights a unique case of multifocal aggressive cSCC characterized by a distinct germline genetic profile identified by WES and multimodal imaging assessment. Comprehensive molecular and imaging evaluation may be beneficial in selected patients with atypical or aggressive cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, with implications for personalized surveillance and management. Full article

The modernization of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is significantly impeded by the elusive material basis of its meridian system and by a lack of objective, quantitative diagnostic standards. Recent breakthroughs in photonic technologies and optoelectronic chips offer transformative paradigms to address these systemic bottlenecks. This review systematically evaluates the complete academic and engineering chain of “Photonic TCM,” spanning fundamental mechanisms, optical diagnostics, advanced therapeutics, and core chip-level technologies. Specifically, we analyze how ultra-weak photon emission (UPE), two-photon microscopy, and infrared thermography can objectify meridian dynamics and acupuncture pathways. For clinical translation, laser acupuncture has emerged as a robust, non-invasive modality for managing disorders such as chronic pain and insomnia, supported by cumulative evidence-based data. At the device level, vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL)-based photonic computing chips enable ultrafast herbal medicine recognition, while flexible optoelectronics and lab-on-a-chip systems lay the technical groundwork for wearable neuromodulation. Crucially, this review concludes that the Photonic TCM paradigm is transitioning from isolated clinical validation to integrated engineering implementation. We identify biological tissue scattering and parameter heterogeneities as the primary bottlenecks. To navigate these challenges, we propose that the field’s future should converge toward edge-computing-driven wearable closed-loop systems and multi-dimensional optical big data ecosystems. Ultimately, these technological trajectories will steer TCM from an empirical discipline toward a data-driven, precise, and standardized medical science. Full article

Nuclear fusion represents a transformative solution for global energy systems, offering a carbon-free, inherently safe, and virtually inexhaustible power source. As the field transitions from experimental reactors like ITER to demonstration power plants (DEMO) capable of delivering net electricity to the grid (300–500 MW), the computational demands for plasma control have escalated. Modern fusion diagnostics, particularly soft X-ray (SXR) systems, generate massive data volumes that require high-throughput processing to ensure plasma stability and optimize energy gain. Recent breakthroughs in record-breaking plasma durations have further exposed the critical latency bottlenecks in traditional analytical workflows. This work addresses these challenges by introducing advanced computational strategies optimized towards next-generation reactors. Firstly, we present new data-processing algorithms in C++ and CUDA, achieving significant reductions in computation time. This allowed for more efficient analysis of collected experimental data for plasma confinement studies. Secondly, we discuss hardware architectures that will allow, in the future, up-scaling and parallel runtime processing of data with a feedback signal to the reactor control systems. We present a detailed analysis of the computational workflows underlying soft X-ray diagnostics, followed by a presentation of the proposed optimized algorithms. Their impact on prospective hardware system designs is then evaluated in terms of scalability, latency, and throughput. Performance evaluations demonstrated substantial speedups of both the sequential CPU-based and the parallel GPU-based algorithms, highlighting the potential of these methods for future real-time plasma control for energetically stable and efficient fusion power generation. The sequential and parallel algorithms were 18.8 and 89.1 times faster, respectively, versus the baseline implementation. The processing rate was increased from 31.8 MiB/s to 4.32 GiB/s. The results show the effectiveness of massively parallel computation for plasma diagnostics and pave the way towards further research to produce a cluster-based distributed system. The demand for such high-performance, real-time data processing methodologies extends beyond the plasma confinement domain and is expected to grow across energy systems as they become increasingly complex and data-driven. Full article

Graphene-reinforced CrCoNiFeMo high-entropy alloy composite coatings were fabricated on 17-4PH stainless steel by laser cladding for the surface protection of industrial robotic end-effector grippers. The effects of graphene content on microstructure, hardness, wear behavior and corrosion resistance were investigated. Graphene-derived carbon suppressed Laves and σ phases and promoted the in situ formation of M23C6, M7C3 and Co2C carbides, transforming the coating into a carbide-reinforced FCC/BCC composite structure. The average hardness increased from 462 HV0.2 to 676 HV0.2 with increasing graphene content. The 0.4 wt.% graphene coating showed the best wear resistance, with the lowest friction coefficient of 0.42 and minimum wear scar width and depth of 546 μm and 5.72 μm, which was attributed to carbide strengthening and the possible formation of a carbonaceous lubricating tribo-layer. The 0.2 wt.% graphene coating exhibited the best corrosion resistance, with the lowest corrosion current density of 5.81 μA/cm² and the highest impedance response. Excessive graphene caused carbon-rich agglomeration, excessive carbide precipitation and weakened passivation. This work provides a feasible surface strengthening strategy for 17-4PH stainless steel robotic gripper components. Full article

As semiconductor packaging technology evolves from two-dimensional to three-dimensional integration, the through-glass via (TGV) technique, as a core interconnect method in advanced packaging, is emerging as a strong candidate to replace through-silicon vias (TSVs) and plated through-holes (PTHs) in organic substrates. Glass substrates offer excellent electrical insulation, low dielectric loss, tunable thermal expansion coefficients, and the potential for large-scale panel-level manufacturing. However, issues related to TGV hole quality, metallization uniformity, and thermomechanical reliability remain key bottlenecks limiting their large-scale industrialization. This investigation provides a comparative review of non-laser and laser machining for TGVs to address the above problems. First, the technical background and core advantages of TGVs are outlined. Second, this study details non-laser processing methods, including sandblasting erosion, mechanical drilling, the photosensitive glass method, electrochemical discharge machining (ECDM), deep reactive ion etching (DRIE), and others. Third, laser processing methods, covering laser ablation drilling, laser-induced deep etching (LIDE), femtosecond laser-assisted wet etching and others, are given focus. Moreover, this study analyzes typical applications of TGVs in 3D/2.5D packaging, MEMS devices, optoelectronic integration, and others. In addition, the machining processes of non-laser and laser-based TGVs, such as mechanical machining, ECDM, and LIDE, are compared, and key process challenges, technical trade-offs, and reliability failure mechanisms are discussed. Finally, this review looks ahead to future trends, aiming to provide a systematic technical reference for researchers in the TGV field. Full article

Additive manufacturing has become an important technology for turbomachinery blades because it enables lightweight components of high geometric complexity and allows the external shell and internal infill to be designed separately. However, published studies on blade internal structures remain fragmented because different works consider different cell types, materials, optimization formulations, and evaluation criteria, which complicates cross-study comparison. This review synthesizes 47 sources and classifies internal structures according to the method of geometric definition, distinguishing 2D parametric structures (class A1), 3D parametric strut-based and TPMS-based structures (class A2), free-topology structures obtained by topology optimization or generative design (class B), and hybrid structures combining parametric infill with free topology (class AB). Comparative analysis based on normalized data extracted from 17 studies is used to examine the effects of these structure classes on natural frequencies, stress state, thermal state, and fatigue life. The review is complemented by a structured study-by-study summary, which systematizes the studies used in the review discussion in terms of component type, material, additive-manufacturing process, internal-structure class, analysis method, investigated indicators, main results, and limitations. The available evidence indicates that class A1 structures are used mainly for mass reduction in narrow internal cavities, class B structures are especially effective for targeted material redistribution and often provide the largest increase in lower natural frequencies, whereas TPMS-based structures appear particularly promising for thermal-state-related applications. At the same time, fatigue life and manufacturing accuracy remain among the least studied and least experimentally validated characteristics. Full article

This article proposes and experimentally demonstrates a covert key distribution scheme based on the phase fluctuation of a gain-switched laser diode (GSLD). The gain-switched pulse is used to generate the covert signal through spectral broadening and temporal spreading. The amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) light is used to generate ASE noise in the public channel. Eavesdroppers cannot perceive signals hidden in the public noise. The experimental results show that the correlation coefficient of the key waveforms reaches 0.95, and the scheme’s key generation rate (KGR) reaches 1.88 Gbit/s through a 25 km single-mode fiber (SMF). Moreover, the binary bitstreams have passed the NIST statistical test suite. The covert key distribution scheme proposed in this article provides an efficient way for the method of “one-time-pad” key distribution in high-speed optical communication systems. Full article

CoCrFeMnNi high-entropy alloy (HEA) coatings were fabricated on an S41500 stainless steel substrate by laser cladding and subsequently strengthened using machine hammer peening (MHP) at three hammering energies of 1.7 J, 3.5 J, and 5.0 J. The effects of MHP treatment on the phase structure, surface morphology, microhardness, and tribological properties of the coatings were systematically investigated. The results showed that all coatings retained a single-phase face-centered cubic (FCC) structure after MHP treatment, indicating excellent microstructural stability during impact-induced strengthening. With increasing hammering energy, the surface morphology gradually evolved from discrete hammering indentations to a more continuous orange-peel-like texture, while the surface roughness initially increased and then decreased. MHP significantly enhanced the surface hardness of the coatings. In particular, the MHP3.5 sample exhibited the highest surface hardness of approximately 420 HV, representing an increase of about 120% compared with the untreated coating. Under dry sliding conditions at a load of 30 N, the MHP3.5 sample exhibited the lowest and most stable friction coefficient, maintaining a steady-state value of approximately 0.40–0.45. Its specific wear rate decreased by nearly 45% compared with that of the untreated coating. The improved wear resistance was mainly attributed to the combined effects of strain hardening, grain refinement, and dislocation strengthening induced by machine hammer peening. Considering the hardness, friction coefficient, and specific wear rate results together, a hammering energy of 3.5 J was identified as the most suitable MHP parameter under the low-load wear conditions investigated in this study. Full article

A distributed cavity-enhanced Raman spectroscopy system was developed for the simultaneous detection of H₂, O₂, N₂, and CO₂ in confined spaces and complex gas environments. The system adopts an external-host/distributed-detection-cavity configuration, in which laser excitation, cavity-enhanced detection, Raman signal collection, and spectral detection are functionally separated to improve deployment flexibility for remote in situ measurements. Multi-peak fitting was used to extract the spectral band areas of different gas components, and band-area normalization was introduced to reduce the influence of laser power fluctuations, fiber coupling variations, and cavity coupling changes on concentration retrieval. The results show that H₂, O₂, N₂, and CO₂ exhibit clearly distinguishable Raman peaks and good linear concentration responses. The fitting correlation coefficients for H₂, O₂, N₂, and CO₂ are 0.998, 0.997, 0.996, and 0.998, respectively, with RMSE values of 0.03%, 0.21%, 0.35%, and 0.06%. After normalization, the average relative errors are reduced to 1.6%, 1.5%, 1.4%, and 1.3%, while the maximum relative errors are reduced to 3.2%, 3.1%, 2.9%, and 2.7%, respectively. Continuous measurements yield RSD values of 1.5%, 0.90%, 0.56%, and 1.25%, demonstrating good simultaneous detection capability and quantitative stability. The proposed system provides a feasible approach for online multicomponent gas monitoring in confined and complex environments. Full article