Search Results (3,312)

Peanut cultivation is widely practiced using plastic mulch film, resulting in the accumulation of microplastics/nanoplastics (MPs/NPs) in agricultural soils, potentially negatively affecting peanut growth. To investigate the effects of two polystyrene (PS) sizes (5 μm, 50 nm) and three concentrations (0, 10, and 100 mg L⁻¹) on peanut growth, photosynthetic efficiency, and physiological characteristics, a 15-day hydroponic experiment was conducted using peanut seedlings as the experimental material. The results indicated that PS-MPs/NPs inhibited peanut growth, reduced soil and plant analyzer development (SPAD) values (6.7%), and increased levels of malondialdehyde (MDA, 22.0%), superoxide anion (O₂⁻, 3.8%) superoxide dismutase (SOD, 16.1%) and catalase (CAT, 12.1%) activity, and ascorbic acid (ASA, 12.6%) and glutathione (GSH, 9.1%) contents compared to the control. Moreover, high concentrations (100 mg L⁻¹) of PS-MPs/NPs reduced the peanut shoot fresh weight (16.1%) and SPAD value (7.2%) and increased levels of MDA (17.1%), O₂⁻ (5.6%), SOD (10.6%), POD (27.2%), CAT (7.3%), ASA (12.3%), and GSH (6.8%) compared to low concentrations (10 mg L⁻¹) of PS-MPs/NPs. Notably, under the same concentration, the impact of 50 nm PS-NPs was stronger than that of 5 μm PS-MPs. The peanut shoot fresh weight of PS-NPs was lower than that of PS-MPs by an average of 7.9%. Additionally, we found that with an increasing exposure time of PS-MPs/NPs, the inhibitory effect of low concentrations of PS-MPs/NPs on the fresh weight was decreased by 2.5%/9.9% (5 d) and then increased by 7.7%/2.7% (15 d). Conversely, high concentrations of PS-MPs/NPs consistently reduced the fresh weight. Correlation analysis revealed a clear positive correlation between peanut biomass and both the SPAD values as well as Fv/Fm, and a negative correlation with MDA, SOD, CAT, ASA, and GSH. Furthermore, the presence of PS-MPs/NPs in roots, stems, and leaves was confirmed using a confocal laser scanning microscope. The internalization of PS-MPs/NPs within peanut tissues negatively impacted peanut growth by increasing the MDA and O₂⁻ levels, reducing the SPAD values, and inhibiting the photosynthetic capacity. In conclusion, the study demonstrated that the effects of PS on peanuts were correlated with the PS size, concentration, and exposure time, highlighting the potential risk of 50 nm to 5 μm PS being absorbed by peanuts. Full article

Titanium–aluminum–vanadium (Ti6Al4V) is a material chosen for spine, orthopedic, and dental implants due to its combination of desirable mechanical and biological properties. Lasers have been used to modify metal surfaces, enabling the generation of a surface on Ti6Al4V with distinct micro- and nano-scale structures. Studies indicate that topography with micro/nano features of osteoclast resorption pits causes bone marrow stromal cells (MSCs) and osteoprogenitor cells to favor differentiation into an osteoblastic phenotype. This study examined whether the biological response of human MSCs to Ti6Al4V surfaces is sensitive to laser treatment-controlled micro/nano-topography. First, 15 mm diameter Ti6Al4V discs (Spine Wave Inc., Shelton, CT, USA) were either machined (M) or additively manufactured (AM). Surface treatments included no laser treatment (NT), nanosecond laser (Ns), femtosecond laser (Fs), or nanosecond followed by femtosecond laser (Ns+Fs). Surface wettability, roughness, and surface chemistry were determined using sessile drop contact angle, laser confocal microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Human MSCs were cultured in growth media on tissue culture polystyrene (TCPS) or test surfaces. On day 7, the levels of osteocalcin (OCN), osteopontin (OPN), osteoprotegerin (OPG), and vascular endothelial growth factor 165 (VEGF) in the conditioned media were measured. M NT, Fs, and Ns+Fs surfaces were hydrophilic; Ns was hydrophobic. AM NT and Fs surfaces were hydrophilic; AM Ns and Ns+Fs were hydrophobic. Roughness (Sa and Sz) increased after Ns and Ns+Fs treatment for both M and AM disks. All surfaces primarily consisted of oxygen, titanium, and carbon; Fs had increased levels of aluminum for both M and AM. SEM images showed that M NT discs had a smooth surface, whereas AM surfaces appeared rough at a higher magnification. Fs surfaces had a similar morphology to their respective NT disc at low magnification, but higher magnification revealed nano-scale bumps not seen on NT surfaces. AM Fs surfaces also had regular interval ridges that were not seen on non-femto laser-ablated surfaces. Surface roughness was increased on M and AM Ns and Ns+Fs disks compared to NT and Fs disks. OCN was enhanced, and DNA was reduced on Ns and Ns+Fs, with no difference between them. OPN, OPG, and VEGF levels for laser-treated M surfaces were unchanged compared to NT, apart from an increase in OPG on Fs. MSCs grown on AM Ns and Ns+Fs surfaces had increased levels of OCN per DNA. These results indicate that MSCs cultured on AM Ns and AM Ns+Fs surfaces, which exhibited unique roughness at the microscale and nanoscale, had enhanced differentiation to an osteoblastic phenotype. The laser treatments of the surface mediated this enhancement of MSC differentiation and warrant further clinical investigation. Full article

Aiming to address the problems of asynchronous acquisition time of multiple sensors in the crop phenotype acquisition system and high cost of the acquisition equipment, this paper developed a low-cost crop phenotype synchronous acquisition system based on the PTP synchronization protocol, realizing the synchronous acquisition of three types of crop data: visible light images, thermal infrared images, and laser point clouds. The paper innovatively proposed the Difference Structural Similarity Index Measure (DSSIM) index, combined with statistical indicators (average point number difference, average coordinate error), distribution characteristic indicators (Charm distance), and Hausdorff distance to characterize the stability of the system. After 72 consecutive hours of synchronization testing on the timing boards, it was verified that the root mean square error of the synchronization time for each timing board reached the ns level. The synchronous trigger acquisition time for crop parameters under time synchronization was controlled at the microsecond level. Using pepper as the crop sample, 133 consecutive acquisitions were conducted. The acquisition success rate for the three phenotypic data types of pepper samples was 100%, with a DSSIM of approximately 0.96. The average point number difference and average coordinate error were both about 3%, while the Charm distance and Hausdorff distance were only 1.14 mm and 5 mm. This system can provide hardware support for multi-parameter acquisition and data registration in the fast mobile crop phenotype platform, laying a reliable data foundation for crop growth monitoring, intelligent yield analysis, and prediction. Full article

This paper presents field investigations of a corrugated steel soil–steel arch structure with a span of 25.7 m and a rise of 9.0 m—currently the largest single-span structure of its kind in Europe. The structure, serving as a wildlife crossing along the DK16 expressway in northeastern Poland, was constructed using deep corrugated steel plates (500 mm× 237 mm) made from S315MC steel, without additional reinforcements such as stiffening ribs or geosynthetics. The study focused on monitoring the structural behavior during the critical backfilling phase. Displacements and strains were recorded using 34 electro-resistant strain gauges and a geodetic laser system at successive backfill levels, with particular attention to the loading stage at the crown. The measured results were compared with predictions based on the Swedish Design Method (SDM). The SDM equations did not accurately predict internal forces during backfilling. At the crown level, bending moments and axial forces were overestimated by approximately 69% and 152%, respectively. At the final backfill level, the SDM underestimated bending moments by 55% and overestimated axial forces by 90%. These findings highlight limitations of current design standards and emphasize the need for revised analytical models and long-term monitoring of large-span soil–steel structures. Full article

Background/Objetives: Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is a multifaceted issue that the World Health Organization (WHO) identifies as one of the primary threats to global health for humans, animals, and the environment. In Colombia, AMR has been extensively studied at the hospital level; however, there are limited environmental studies, particularly concerning leachates from landfills. The objective of this study was to identify and determine the genetic relationships, as well as the sensitivity profiles to antibiotics and heavy metals, of ten Pseudomonas mendocina isolates from a leachate pond. Methods: Identification was conducted using MALDI-TOF (Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-of-Flight), while genotyping was performed via rep-PCR. Antibiotic susceptibility to β-lactams, aminoglycosides, and quinolones was assessed using the Kirby-Bauer method. Additionally, sensitivity profile to heavy metals was evaluated using the broth microdilution technique. Results: Rep-PCR analysis indicated that 60% (n = 6/10) of the isolates exhibited a clonal relationship. Sensitivity testing revealed that 30% (n = 3/10) of the isolates displayed reduced sensitivity to aminoglycosides and β-lactams. Finally, the broth microdilution showed that 90% (n = 9/10) of the isolates were tolerant to copper sulfate. Conclusions: These results provide evidence that landfill leachates may serve as a potential reservoir for bacteria harboring antimicrobial resistance determinants. Full article

Background: Clinical diagnostics, food industries, and biotechnological processes typically use an enzyme called alpha-amylase to metabolize carbohydrates. Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate how low-level laser irradiation (LLLI) affects alpha-amylase activity towards determining the usability of LLLI in non-invasive enzymatic modulation. Methods: Enzyme solutions were irradiated at 10, 20, 30, and 40 J/cm² utilizing 589 nm and 532 nm diode-pumped solid-state lasers. The iodine–starch colorimetric method was used to quantify post-irradiation enzymatic activity, with inverse correlations found between absorbance and activity levels. Modulation was determined by the wavelength and dosage. Results: Enzymatic activity significantly improved when utilizing 589 nm irradiation at lower doses, maximizing at 120% at 20 J/cm² (p < 0.01). Neutral or inhibitory effects were revealed when higher doses were applied. Enzymatic activity showed progressive inhibition when 532 nm irradiation was applied, declining to 75% at 40 J/cm² (p < 0.01). Conclusions: These outcomes indicate that conformational flexibility and catalytic efficiency occur when applying lower-energy photons at 589 nm, whilst oxidative stress and impaired enzymatic function are induced by higher-energy photons at 532 nm. This is consistent with the biphasic dose–response characteristic of photobiomodulation. Full article

Elevated extracellular potassium (K⁺) in the tumor microenvironment (TME) of breast and other cancers is increasingly recognized as a critical factor influencing tumor progression and immune suppression. Current methods for noninvasive mapping of the potassium distribution in tumors are limited. Here, we employed photoacoustic chemical imaging (PACI) with a solvatochromic dye-based, potassium-sensitive nanoprobe (SDKNP) to quantitatively visualize extracellular potassium levels in an orthotopic metaplastic breast cancer mouse model, Ccn6-KO. Tumors of three distinct sizes (5 mm, 10 mm, and 20 mm) were imaged using multi-wavelength photoacoustic imaging at five laser wavelengths (560, 576, 584, 605, and 625 nm). Potassium concentration maps derived from spectral unmixing of the photoacoustic images at the five laser wavelengths revealed significantly increased potassium levels in larger tumors, confirmed independently by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The PACI results matched ICP-MS measurements, validating PACI as a robust, noninvasive imaging modality for potassium mapping in tumors in vivo. This work establishes PACI as a promising tool for studying the chemical properties of the TME and provides a foundation for future studies evaluating the immunotherapy response through ionic biomarker imaging. Full article

Interferometric fiber optic hydrophones (IFOHs) are highly sensitive for underwater acoustic detection but face challenges owing to the trade-off between laser monochromaticity and coherence length. In this study, we propose a pseudo-random binary sequence (PRBS) phase modulation method for laser coherence length control, establishing the first theoretical model that quantitatively links PRBS parameter to coherence length, elucidating the mechanism underlying its suppression of parasitic interference noise. Furthermore, our research findings demonstrate that while reducing the laser coherence length effectively mitigates parasitic interference noise in IFOHs, this reduction also leads to elevated background noise caused by diminished interference visibility. Consequently, the modulation of coherence length requires a balanced optimization approach that not only suppresses parasitic noise but also minimizes visibility-introduced background noise, thereby determining the system-specific optimal coherence length. Through theoretical modeling and experimental validation, we determined that for IFOH systems with a 500 ns delay, the optimal coherence lengths for link fibers of 3.3 km and 10 km are 0.93 m and 0.78 m, respectively. At the optimal coherence length, the background noise level in the 3.3 km system reaches −84.5 dB (re: rad/√Hz @1 kHz), representing an additional noise suppression of 4.5 dB beyond the original suppression. This study provides a comprehensive theoretical and experimental solution to the long-standing contradiction between high laser monochromaticity, stability and appropriate coherence length, establishing a coherence modulation noise suppression framework for hydrophones, gyroscopes, distributed acoustic sensing (DAS), and other fields. Full article

Although corn germ meal is a rich source of dietary fiber, it contains a relatively low proportion of soluble dietary fiber (SDF) and is frequently contaminated with high levels of zearalenone (ZEN). Solid-state fermentation has the dual effects of modifying dietary fiber (DF) and degrading mycotoxins. This study optimized the solid-state fermentation process of corn germ meal using Bacillus subtilis K6 through response surface methodology (RSM) to enhance SDF yield while efficiently degrading ZEN. Results indicated that fermentation solid-to-liquid ratio and time had greater impacts on SDF yield and ZEN degradation rate than fermentation temperature. The optimal conditions were determined as temperature 36.5 °C, time 65 h, and solid-to-liquid ratio 1:0.82 (w/v). Under these conditions, the ZEN degradation rate reached 96.27 ± 0.53%, while the SDF yield increased from 9.47 ± 0.68% to 20.11 ± 1.87% (optimizing the SDF/DF ratio from 1:7 to 1:3). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM) revealed the structural transformation of dietary fiber from smooth to loose and porous forms. This structural modification resulted in a significant improvement in the physicochemical properties of dietary fiber, with water-holding capacity (WHC), oil-holding capacity (OHC), and water-swelling capacity (WSC) increasing by 34.8%, 16.4%, and 15.2%, respectively. Additionally, the protein and total phenolic contents increased by 23.0% and 82.61%, respectively. This research has achieved efficient detoxification and dietary fiber modification of corn germ meal, significantly enhancing the resource utilization rate of corn by-products and providing technical and theoretical support for industrial production applications. Full article

Background: Choroidal nevi are common, benign tumors. These tumors rarely cause adverse retinal sequalae, but when they do, they can lead to disruption of the outer retina and vision loss. In this paper, we used high-resolution retinal imaging modalities, optical coherence tomography (OCT) and adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (AOSLO), to longitudinally monitor retinal sequelae of a submacular choroidal nevus. Methods: A 31-year-old female with a high-risk choroidal nevus resulting in subretinal fluid (SRF) and a 30-year-old control subject were longitudinally imaged with AOSLO and OCT in this study over 18 and 22 months. Regions of interest (ROI) including the macular region (where SRF was present) and the site of laser photocoagulation were imaged repeatedly over time. The depth of SRF in a discrete ROI was quantified with OCT and AOSLO images were assessed for visualization of photoreceptors and retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE). Cell-like structures that infiltrated the site of laser photocoagulation were measured and their count was assessed over time. In the control subject, images were assessed for RPE visualization and the presence and stability of cell-like structures. Results: We demonstrate that AOSLO can be used to assess cellular-level changes at small ROIs in the retina over time. We show the response of the retina to SRF and laser photocoagulation. We demonstrate that the RPE can be visualized when SRF is present, which does not appear to depend on the height of retinal elevation. We also demonstrate that cell-like structures, presumably immune cells, are present within and adjacent to areas of SRF on both OCT and AOSLO, and that similar cell-like structures infiltrate areas of retinal laser photocoagulation. Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that dynamic, cellular-level retinal responses to SRF and laser photocoagulation can be monitored over time with AOSLO in living humans. Many retinal conditions exhibit similar retinal findings and laser photocoagulation is also indicated in numerous retinal conditions. AOSLO imaging may provide future opportunities to better understand the clinical implications of such responses in vivo. Full article

This study examined the integraftion of airborne Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR), Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM)-based handheld LiDAR, and iPhone LiDAR to inspect forest road networks following forest operations. The goal is to overcome the challenges posed by dense canopy cover and ensure accurate and efficient data collection and mapping. Airborne data were collected using the DJI Matrice 300 RTK UAV equipped with a Zenmuse L2 LiDAR sensor, which achieved a high point density of 285 points/m² at an altitude of 80 m. Ground-level data were collected using the BLK2GO handheld laser scanner (HPLS) with SLAM methods (LiDAR SLAM, Visual SLAM, Inertial Measurement Unit) and the iPhone 13 Pro Max LiDAR. Data processing included generating DEMs, DSMs, and True Digital Orthophotos (TDOMs) via DJI Terra, LiDAR360 V8, and Cyclone REGISTER 360 PLUS, with additional processing and merging using CloudCompare V2 and ArcGIS Pro 3.4.0. The pairwise comparison analysis between ALS data and each alternative method revealed notable differences in elevation, highlighting discrepancies between methods. ALS + iPhone demonstrated the smallest deviation from ALS (MAE = 0.011, RMSE = 0.011, RE = 0.003%) and HPLS the larger deviation from ALS (MAE = 0.507, RMSE = 0.542, RE = 0.123%). The findings highlight the potential of fusing point clouds from diverse platforms to enhance forest road mapping accuracy. However, the selection of technology should consider trade-offs among accuracy, cost, and operational constraints. Mobile LiDAR solutions, particularly the iPhone, offer promising low-cost alternatives for certain applications. Future research should explore real-time fusion workflows and strategies to improve the cost-effectiveness and scalability of multisensor approaches for forest road monitoring. Full article

The development of mining operations in high-altitude regions is associated with a number of geomechanical challenges caused by increased rock fracturing, adverse climatic conditions, and high seismic activity. These issues are particularly relevant for the exploitation of gold ore deposits, where the stability of open-pit slopes directly affects both safety and extraction efficiency. The aim of this study is to develop and practically substantiate a comprehensive approach to assessing and ensuring slope stability, using the Bozymchak gold ore deposit—located in a high-altitude and seismically active zone—as a case study. The research involves the laboratory testing of rock samples obtained from engineering–geological boreholes, field shear tests on rock prisms, laser scanning of pit slopes, and digital geomechanical modeling. The developed calculation schemes take into account the structural features of the rock mass, geological conditions, and the design contours of the pit. In addition, special bench excavation technologies with pre-shear slotting and automated GeoMoS monitoring are implemented for real-time slope condition tracking. The results of the study make it possible to reliably determine the strength characteristics of the rocks under natural conditions, identify critical zones of potential collapse, and develop recommendations for optimizing slope parameters and mining technologies. The implemented approach ensures the required level of safety. Full article

Fluid resuscitation after thermal injury is paramount to avoid burn shock and restore organ perfusion. Both over- and under-resuscitation can lead to unintended consequences affecting patient outcomes. While many studies have examined systemic effects, limited data exist on how fluid resuscitation impacts burn wound progression in the acute period. Furthermore, the mechanisms underlying burn wound progression remain not fully understood. This study used a swine model to investigate how varying resuscitation levels affect peri-burn wound dynamics. Twenty-seven female Yorkshire pigs were anesthetized, subjected to 40% total body surface area burn and 15% hemorrhage, then randomized (n = 9) to receive decision-support-driven (adequate, 2–4 mL/kg/%TBSA), fluid-withholding (under, <1 mL/kg/%TBSA), or high-constant-rate (over, >>4 mL/kg/%TBSA) resuscitation. Pigs were monitored for 24 h in an intensive care setting prior to necropsy. Laser Doppler Imaging (LDI) was conducted pre-burn and at 2, 6, 12, and 24 h post burn to assess perfusion. Biopsies were taken from burn, peri-burn (within 2 cm), and normal skin. RNA was isolated at 24 h for the qRT-PCR analysis of IL-6, CXCL8, and IFN-γ. At hour 2, LDI revealed increased peri-burn perfusion in over-resuscitated animals vs. under-resuscitated animals (p = 0.0499). At hour 24, IL-6 (p = 0.0220) and IFN-γ (p = 0.0253) were elevated in over-resuscitated peri-burn skin. CXCL8 showed no significant change. TUNEL staining revealed increased apoptosis in over- and under-resuscitated peri-burn skin. Differences in perfusion and cytokine expression based on resuscitation strategy suggest that fluid levels may influence burn wound progression. Full article

Real-time quality monitoring using molten pool images is a critical focus in researching high-quality, intelligent automated welding. To address interference problems in molten pool images under complex welding scenarios (e.g., reflected laser spots from spatter misclassified as porosity defects) and the limited interpretability of deep learning models, this paper proposes a multi-granularity spatiotemporal representation learning algorithm based on the hybrid enhancement of handcrafted and deep learning features. A MobileNetV2 backbone network integrated with a Temporal Shift Module (TSM) is designed to progressively capture the short-term dynamic features of the molten pool and integrate temporal information across both low-level and high-level features. A multi-granularity attention-based feature aggregation module is developed to select key interference-free frames using cross-frame attention, generate multi-granularity features via grouped pooling, and apply the Convolutional Block Attention Module (CBAM) at each granularity level. Finally, these multi-granularity spatiotemporal features are adaptively fused. Meanwhile, an independent branch utilizes the Histogram of Oriented Gradient (HOG) and Scale-Invariant Feature Transform (SIFT) features to extract long-term spatial structural information from historical edge images, enhancing the model’s interpretability. The proposed method achieves an accuracy of 99.187% on a self-constructed dataset. Additionally, it attains a real-time inference speed of 20.983 ms per sample on a hardware platform equipped with an Intel i9-12900H CPU and an RTX 3060 GPU, thus effectively balancing accuracy, speed, and interpretability. Full article

To enable accurate evaluation of satellite laser communication terminals under solar outage interference, this paper presents the design and implementation of a solar radiation simulation system targeting the 1540–1560 nm communication band. The system reconstructs co-propagating interference conditions through standardized and continuously tunable output, based on high irradiance and spectral uniformity. A compound beam homogenization structure—combining a multimode fiber and an apodizator—achieves 85.8% far-field uniformity over a 200 mm aperture. A power–spectrum co-optimization strategy is introduced for filter design, achieving a spectral matching degree of 78%. The system supports a tunable output from 2.5 to 130 mW with a 50× dynamic range and maintains power control accuracy within ±0.9%. To suppress internal background interference, a BRDF-based optical scattering model is established to trace primary and secondary stray light paths. Simulation results show that by maintaining the surface roughness of key mirrors below 2 nm and incorporating a U-shaped reflective light trap, stray light levels can be reduced to 5.13 × 10⁻¹² W, ensuring stable detection of a 10⁻¹⁰ W signal at a 10:1 signal-to-background ratio. Experimental validation confirms that the system can faithfully reproduce solar outage conditions within a ±3° field of view, achieving consistent performance in spectrum shaping, irradiance uniformity, and background suppression. The proposed platform provides a standardized and practical testbed for ground-based anti-interference assessment of optical communication terminals. Full article