Search Results (1,973)

Steels remain among the most widely used structural and engineering materials in modern infrastructure, energy systems, and industrial facilities. Their long-term reliability depends critically on the early detection of corrosion damage and microstructural degradation. This review surveys recent advances in two complementary families of non-destructive evaluation (NDE) methods: magnetic techniques, including magnetic Barkhausen noise (MBN), magnetic flux leakage (MFL), eddy current testing (ECT), and magnetic hysteresis analysis; and electrochemical methods including electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), linear polarization resistance (LPR), scanning vibrating electrode technique (SVET), and electrochemical noise (EN). Recent progress in sensor miniaturization, signal processing algorithms, and multi-technique integration is reviewed. Particular attention is given to the sensitivity of these methods to microstructural changes reported in the literature, including carbide dissolution, phase transformations, temper embrittlement, and sensitization in stainless steels, as well as to the conditions under which such sensitivity has been demonstrated. The potential synergy between magnetic and electrochemical monitoring is discussed as a possible pathway toward more robust, condition-based maintenance frameworks. Challenges related to field deployment, environmental interference, calibration, and data interpretation are identified, and future directions—including machine learning-assisted analysis and multi-physics sensor arrays—are outlined. Full article

Moyamoya disease (MMD) is a chronic, progressive cerebrovascular disorder characterized by steno-occlusive changes in the intracranial internal carotid arteries and the development of fragile collateral networks. Imaging plays a pivotal role in diagnosis, disease staging, and management, yet the expanding range of available imaging modalities has resulted in heterogeneous evidence that remains difficult to synthesize. This scoping review aimed to systematically map and critically appraise imaging-based diagnostic approaches used in MMD, summarizing their diagnostic performance, clinical utility, and limitations. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across major databases, and original studies evaluating imaging modalities in human MMD were included. Thirty-three studies published between 1995 and 2023 were analyzed, encompassing digital subtraction angiography, magnetic resonance imaging and angiography, perfusion and functional MRI, computed tomography-based techniques, nuclear medicine, ultrasound, neurophysiological methods, and emerging artificial intelligence applications. Digital subtraction angiography remains the diagnostic reference standard, particularly for disease confirmation and surgical planning. However, noninvasive modalities provide critical complementary information. Magnetic resonance-based techniques offer multiparametric assessment of vascular morphology, hemodynamics, vessel wall pathology, and parenchymal injury. Computed tomography angiography and perfusion imaging provide accessible alternatives with high sensitivity for vascular changes, while functional and neurophysiological methods contribute additional hemodynamic and regional assessments. Artificial intelligence applications show promising diagnostic performance but remain in early validation stages. The evidence base is limited by methodological heterogeneity, inconsistent reference standards, incomplete reporting of diagnostic accuracy metrics, and a scarcity of longitudinal and multimodal studies. Collectively, the findings support a multimodal imaging strategy in MMD, integrating structural and functional information to inform diagnosis and management. Future research should prioritize standardized protocols, longitudinal designs, and clinically validated imaging biomarkers to enable evidence-based diagnostic pathways. Full article

Magnetoelectric (ME) materials that exhibit simultaneous coupling between electric polarization and magnetization have attracted significant attention due to their potential technological applications in the emerging generation of multifunctional devices. In this research, Ba_0.85Ca_0.15Ti_0.92Zr_0.08O₃-CoFe₂O₄:x (x = 0.1, 0.2, 0.3% mol) composites were synthesized using solid-state and sol–gel combustion chemical methods to elucidate their ME coupling at ultra-low concentrations of the magnetic phase. Rietveld refinement and Raman spectroscopy results confirm a shift in the morphotropic phase boundary (MPB), evidenced by an increase in the tetragonal phase relative to the orthorhombic structure. High stability of the P4mm and Amm2 symmetries is reached at 1300 °C without diffusion of Fe and Co into the octahedral site. At this temperature, the CoFe₂O₄ spinel structure remains stable without secondary phases. The orthorhombic phase fraction decreases from 55% to 37% as the magnetic phase fraction increases, driven by stress and constraint rather than ionic interactions alone. The Curie temperature decreases from 99 to 90 °C, attributed to the grain-size reduction effect rather than structural disorder. The dielectric permittivity (ε_r) reaches an absolute value of 5070 and progressively decreases with increasing magnetic saturation. An increase in compressive residual stress is observed, which ensures the mechanical stability of the electroceramics. Magnetoelectric (ME) coupling, evaluated through measurements of electric polarization as a function of the magnetic field, shows an increase from 3.8 to 4.9 μC/cm² under a magnetic field of 50 Oe. The composites with x = 0.2 and 0.3 mol% exhibit potential for applications in fast-switching magnetoelectric devices and magnetic field sensors. Full article

Background/Objectives: Radiological assessment has become indispensable for modern clinical decision-making. Image quality plays a critical role in the reliability of radiological interpretation. Unlike most previous studies, this study investigated the effect of monitor type on diagnostic accuracy and ease of diagnosis under physical conditions outside the radiology unit. Methods: Three image sets were prepared for the study, consisting of emergency radiological images, each containing 50 computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and digital radiography images. The image sets were examined by five emergency specialists, who were blinded to each other’s work, under emergency service conditions on a standard monitor (SM), medical monitor (MM), and advanced monitor (AM). The accuracy and ease of diagnosis were analyzed statistically according to the type of monitor used. Results: Overall diagnostic accuracy rates were 98.7% for SM, 100% for AM, and 100% for MM. Cochran’s Q test demonstrated a statistically significant difference between monitor types (p = 0.002), with significant pairwise differences for SM–AM and SM–MM comparisons. The absolute risk difference between SM and AM/MM was 1.3%, corresponding to a relative risk of 1.013 and a number needed to benefit (NNB) of 77. Ease of diagnosis scores increased progressively across monitor types (SM: 7.6 [IQR 7–8], AM: 9.4 [IQR 9–9.8], MM: 9.8 [IQR 9.6–10]; p < 0.001), with a large overall effect size (Kendall’s W = 0.81). Multilevel modeling confirmed that these associations persisted after adjustment for clustering effects. Conclusions: In situations where medical monitors cannot be used due to cost and operational constraints, opting for advanced monitors instead of standard monitors may modestly improve diagnostic accuracy while substantially enhancing perceived ease of diagnosis. Full article

Background/Objectives: Fabry disease (FD) is a lysosomal storage disorder characterized by progressive renal and cardiac involvement and an increased burden of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events. While cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) has significantly advanced structural assessment, circulating biomarkers reflecting disease-related cardiac manifestations remain incompletely understood. We therefore investigated adiponectin and leptin, two adipokines involved in inflammatory, metabolic, and fibrotic pathways, in relation to cardiac involvement and analyzed long-term lipid trajectories in FD. Methods: This longitudinal observational study included 49 patients with FD with 149 study visits. Circulating adiponectin, leptin, NT-proBNP, and conventional lipid parameters were assessed longitudinally and stratified by FD-specific therapy status and sex. Multivariable linear regression was performed to evaluate independent associations with log-transformed NT-proBNP values. Results: Adiponectin was positively associated with NT-proBNP, reflecting cardiac involvement, independent of age, sex, BMI, and eGFR (p < 0.001). Higher adiponectin levels were observed in patients with left ventricular hypertrophy or low T1 and those with fibrosis, detected by CMR (p = 0.009 and p < 0.001, respectively). This association was mainly seen in patients receiving FD-specific therapy, raising the question of whether this reflects underlying organ involvement or treatment effects. Leptin demonstrated weaker, inverse associations. Adiponectin, leptin, Triglycerides, total cholesterol, and HDL- and LDL-cholesterol levels remained stable over long-term follow-up, irrespective of FD-specific therapy or sex. Conclusions: In FD, adiponectin appears to be associated with cardiac involvement, and conventional lipid parameters remained unchanged over time. These findings suggest that alterations in adipokines, rather than progressive dyslipidemia, may reflect disease-related cardiac manifestations. Full article

Heart failure (HF) is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Metabolic abnormalities are increasingly recognized as integral to HF pathophysiology and may provide incremental value for phenotyping and prediction of outcomes. However, a comprehensive synthesis of metabolic alterations and their prognostic implications remains limited. This scoping review aimed to map metabolic changes in HF, describe analytical methods, and evaluate their diagnostic and prognostic relevance for clinical risk assessment. Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Central, and grey literature from January 2010 to December 2024 to identify studies evaluating metabolic profiling in patients with HF. Two independent reviewers screened studies using predefined inclusion criteria and data were extracted using a customized charting form. Discrepancies were resolved by consensus or a third reviewer. We reported and synthesized findings narratively in accordance with scoping review methodology. Results: Seventy-two studies (66 observational and 6 randomized) were included, encompassing HF phenotypes including HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), HF with mildly reduced ejection fraction (HFmrEF), and HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). The analytical approaches included mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H-NMR) platforms. The main metabolite classes that demonstrated prognostic significance were amino acids, acylcarnitines, and lipids, and gut-derived metabolites, which were associated with mortality, HF hospitalization, or disease progression. Several studies reported incremental prognostic value beyond conventional biomarker; however, most were exploratory, with modest sample sizes, limited external validation, and heterogeneous methodologies. Conclusions: Metabolomic profiling identifies biologically relevant alterations predicted worse clinical outcomes in HF and may complement existing risk assessment strategies. Nevertheless, standardized workflows and large prospective validation studies are required before clinical implementation can be considered. Full article

In recent decades, the requirement for materials with excellent electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorption properties has been steadily expanding. Developing and designing multifunctional hybrid absorbers featuring diverse components and synergistic loss mechanisms have become a significant research field. MOF materials feature abundant heterogeneous interfaces and high porosity, and their derivatives exhibit superior magnetic effects. They can enhance EMW absorption through multiple scattering and reflection. These merits enable them to satisfy the demands of diverse EMW absorption applications. Therefore, this work summarizes the investigations and applications of MOF derivatives in EMW absorption. The EMW absorption mechanisms of MOF derivatives are thoroughly investigated from the aspects of precursor design, framework construction, and compounding with reinforcing phases. Meanwhile, the research progress of related materials is summarized, including multi-component MOF-derived EMW absorbers, MOF-derived biomass composite absorbing materials, and MOF-derived conductive polymer composite absorbers. In addition, the subsequent progress of EMW absorbers shows promising prospects. The various deficiencies of MOF-derived absorbers in current research are also analyzed. It is expected to provide more systematic and thorough guidance for the future investigations in related fields. Full article

Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most commonly diagnosed malignancies among men worldwide. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing has improved early detection; however, PSA levels within the so-called “gray zone” (4–10 ng/mL) remain a diagnostic challenge because of their limited specificity and the associated risk of unnecessary biopsies. In this clinical context, an important objective is the accurate identification of clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa), defined as disease with a higher likelihood of progression or clinical impact. In recent years, several diagnostic approaches and risk prediction models have been proposed to improve csPCa detection in patients within the PSA gray zone. These models combine clinical parameters, PSA-derived indices, and imaging findings—particularly magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)—and, in some cases, incorporate advanced biomarkers or radiomic features. Nevertheless, considerable heterogeneity exists across studies with respect to predictor selection, model construction, and reported diagnostic performance. This systematic review aims to synthesize current evidence on the diagnostic characteristics and predictive models used to detect clinically significant prostate cancer in men with PSA levels between 4 and 10 ng/mL. For consistency, heterogeneous outcome terms used in the included studies (e.g., “probable csPCa”, “significant cancer”, “clinically important PCa”) were harmonized and analyzed under the unified term csPCa. By identifying the most consistently reported predictors and comparing univariate with multivariate approaches, this review seeks to support clinical decision-making and to highlight areas for future research in prostate cancer diagnosis within the PSA gray zone. Full article

Background/Objectives: The high risk of CNS dissemination poses a significant challenge in the management of primary vitreoretinal lymphoma (PVRL). We evaluated the clinical value of our institutional protocol for PVRL, which combines targeted vitreous sampling with routine central nervous system (CNS) surveillance using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) every 4–6 months. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 34 consecutive patients who underwent vitreous biopsies at Niigata University Hospital between January 2010 and December 2021; 12 patients were initially diagnosed with PVRL without CNS involvement. The protocol mandates submission of both undiluted vitreous samples and the entire vitreous cassette contents, including perfusion fluid, for cytologic evaluation. Patients with PVRL underwent MRI surveillance every 4–6 months. Results: Among 12 patients with PVRL, vitreous cytology classified as Class IV or higher demonstrated a positivity rate of 75% (9/12) using undiluted samples alone, which increased to 92% (11/12) when cassette contents were included. Ancillary test results revealed an interleukin (IL)-10/IL-6 ratio > 1 in 75% (9/12) and immunoglobulin heavy chain gene rearrangement in 92% (11/12). Extraocular relapse occurred in 92% of patients (11/12), including 10 cases of CNS involvement and one systemic relapse, with a mean time to CNS progression of 11.8 months. The 5-year overall survival was 58%. Conclusions: Comprehensive vitreous sampling incorporating perfusion fluid may improve cytologic detection in PVRL within a single-center setting. Routine MRI surveillance facilitates early detection of CNS relapse in patients with PVRL; however, a survival benefit cannot be established from this retrospective analysis. Full article

Talocalcaneal coalition is a frequent cause of painful rigid flatfoot in adolescents and young adults, resulting from congenital failure of segmentation with fibrous, cartilaginous, or osseous bridging of the subtalar joint. Clinical presentation typically coincides with skeletal maturation and includes hindfoot pain, recurrent ankle sprains, progressive stiffness, and characteristic planovalgus deformity. Although prevalence is likely underestimated, advances in imaging have improved recognition and characterization. Diagnosis relies on the integration of clinical findings with imaging, where computed tomography (CT) remains the reference standard, while magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) enables accurate detection of both osseous and non-osseous coalitions and associated soft-tissue changes. This narrative review aims to provide a comprehensive and updated synthesis of current concepts in talocalcaneal coalition, with specific focus on its clinical implications and contemporary management strategies. We critically analyze diagnostic pathways, including emerging modalities such as weight-bearing CT, and discuss evidence-based indications for conservative treatment, coalition resection, and arthrodesis. Particular attention is devoted to patient selection, prognostic factors, and evolving minimally invasive techniques. Current limitations and areas of controversy are highlighted, emphasizing the need for standardized imaging criteria and optimized treatment algorithms to improve long-term functional outcomes. Full article

Online temperature estimation of key components (windings and magnets) in permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSMs) has emerged as a critical technology for ensuring the safe operation of PMSMs, preventing insulation degradation, and avoiding the demagnetization of magnets. Because of such advantages, online temperature estimation is attracting growing attention from fields with stringent reliability requirements, such as electric vehicles, as well as electrified railway transportation and more/all-electric aircraft, where similar high-reliability demands exist. This paper gives a comprehensive review of the latest and most effective solutions in the online temperature estimation methods for PMSMs. It analyzes the principles, application progress, and limitations of existing methods, including electrical model-based approaches, thermal model-based approaches, and data-driven approaches, in which process the advantages and challenges of different methods are compared. And an outlook on the future application of this technology are summarized. Full article

Driven by the evolution of electric drive systems in electric vehicles, aerospace, and industrial machine tools, high-speed operation has become a key direction in motor development. While progress in emerging manufacturing technologies and novel materials has partially alleviated the inherent contradiction between electromagnetic performance and mechanical strength in high-speed rotors, traditional approaches—including geometric optimization of flux bridges and center posts, macroscopic material replacement, and structural reinforcements—tend to make the multi-physics trade-offs increasingly complex. The application of dual-phase soft magnetic laminate presents a promising alternative. By achieving localized regulation of rotor characteristics, this approach effectively decouples electromagnetic performance from mechanical constraints. Although the technical merits have been verified, the existing literature lacks a systematic overview of the fabrication technologies and application status of dual-phase soft magnetic material laminate. Hence, this paper aims to provide a comprehensive review of recent fabrication approaches and development trends, thereby serving as a fundamental reference for researchers aiming to integrate this material into innovative rotor topologies. Full article

Background: Radiation-induced cystic brain necrosis (RCN) can progress rapidly to life-threatening cerebral herniation. This study aimed to develop a predictive model integrating radiomic features and clinical variables to assess the risk of cerebral herniation in RCN patients. Methods: A total of 130 patients diagnosed with RCN following radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma were retrospectively enrolled and randomly assigned to training (n = 91) and testing (n = 39) cohorts in a 7:3 ratio. Radiomic features were extracted from baseline T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and a radiomic signature was constructed using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression. A multivariate Cox regression model was then developed by incorporating the radiomic signature and clinical variables to predict cerebral herniation. The model’s discriminative ability, calibration, and clinical utility were evaluated. Results: The radiomic signature based on five selected radiomic features demonstrated good predictive performance. The radiomic model, which integrated the radiomic signature and ratios of perilesional enhancement, exhibited favorable performance in both the training cohort (C-index: 0.841) and testing cohort (C-index: 0.867). The model successfully stratified patients into high- and low-risk groups. The calibration curves showed good agreement and the decision curve confirmed the clinical utility of the model. Conclusions: The MRI-based radiomic model, which integrates radiomic features and clinical variables, demonstrates robust performance in predicting cerebral herniation in RCN patients, offering a practical and user-friendly tool to support clinical decision-making. Full article

Background: Schwannomas of the third cranial nerve are exceedingly rare benign tumors, and standardized management guidelines are lacking. Their close relationship with critical neurovascular structures makes diagnosis and treatment challenging, with a significant risk of postoperative neurological deficits. Methods: A systematic review of the literature was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines, including case reports and clinical studies on oculomotor nerve schwannomas (ONSs). Demographic data, clinical presentation, tumor location, diagnostic methods, treatment strategies, and functional outcomes were analyzed. In addition, an illustrative case treated with a multimodal approach is presented. Results: Ninety-six cases met the inclusion criteria. The mean age at diagnosis was 34 years, with a slight female predominance. The most common presenting symptoms were diplopia and ptosis. Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging was the diagnostic modality of choice. Surgical resection was the primary treatment in most cases but was associated with worsening oculomotor nerve function in 43.1% of surgically treated patients. Stereotactic radiotherapy demonstrated favorable tumor control with lower neurological morbidity. In the presented case, subtotal resection followed by stereotactic radiotherapy resulted in sustained tumor stability at the one-year follow-up. Conclusions: Management of oculomotor nerve schwannomas should be individualized. For small or mildly symptomatic lesions, stereotactic radiotherapy appears to be an effective and less invasive option, while surgery should be reserved for large tumors causing a mass effect or progressive neurological deterioration. Full article

α-Fe_2−4xZ_3xO₃ (Z = Ce, Ru) nanoparticles were synthesized via a conventional solid-state reaction route. X-Ray diffraction analysis confirmed that all compositions crystallize in the single-phase hexagonal hematite (α-Fe₂O₃) structure, with no detectable secondary phases. Cerium substitution resulted in a pronounced reduction in crystallite size accompanied by a progressive narrowing of the optical band gap, which decreased to approximately 1.73 eV at higher Ce contents. The optical properties were further investigated through absorption coefficient, optical transmittance, and complex refractive index analyses, revealing that cerium-doped hematite exhibits enhanced light-harvesting capability, highlighting its strong potential for optoelectronic and solar-energy conversion applications. Magnetic hysteresis measurements on α-Fe_2−4xRu_3xO₃ samples showed a systematic increase in both coercive field (H_c) and remanent magnetization (M_r) with increasing Ru concentration. This magnetic hardening behavior is attributed to strengthened magnetocrystalline and shape anisotropy induced by Ru incorporation into the hematite lattice. Mössbauer spectroscopy confirmed the presence of Fe³⁺ and Ru⁴⁺ species, providing valuable insight into the oxidation states and local magnetic environments within the corundum-type structure. Full article