Search Results (3,812)

In order to meet the ever-growing demand in modern power electronics, the advanced soft magnetic materials (SMMs) are required to exhibit both excellent soft magnetic performance and mechanical properties. In this work, the effects of an annealing treatment on the soft magnetic properties, mechanical properties and microstructure of the Fe_24.94Co_24.94Ni_24.94Al_24.94Si_0.24 high-entropy alloy (HEA) are investigated. The as-cast HEA consists of a body-centered cubic (BCC) matrix phase and spherical B2 nanoprecipitates with a diameter of approximately 5 nm, where a coherent relationship is established between the B2 phase and the BCC matrix. After annealing at 873 K, the alloy retains both the BCC and B2 phases, with their coherent relationship preserved; besides the spherical B2 nanoprecipitates, rod-shaped B2 nanoprecipitates are also observed. After the annealing treatment, the saturation magnetization (M_s) of the alloy varies slightly within the range of 103–113 Am²/kg, which may be induced by the precipitation of this rod-shaped nanoprecipitate phase in the alloy. The increase in the coercivity (H_c) of annealed HEA is due to the inhomogeneous grain distribution, increased lattice misfit and high dislocation density induced by the annealing. The nanoindentation result reveals that the hardness after annealing at 873 K exhibits a 25% improvement compared with the hardness of as-cast HEA, which is mainly due to dislocation strengthening and precipitation strengthening. This research finding can provide guidance for the development of novel ferromagnetic HEAs, so as to meet the demands for materials with excellent soft magnetic properties and superior mechanical properties in the field of sustainable electrical energy. Full article

Recent advances in biomaterials, immunomodulation, stem cell therapy, and biofabrication are reshaping maxillofacial surgery, shifting reconstruction paradigms toward biologically integrated and patient-specific tissue regeneration. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of current and emerging strategies for bone and soft-tissue regeneration in the craniofacial region, with particular emphasis on bioactive ceramics, biodegradable polymers, hybrid composites, and stimuli-responsive smart materials. We further examine translational technologies such as extracellular vesicles, decellularized extracellular matrices, organoids, and 3D bioprinting, highlighting key challenges such as bioink standardization, perfusion limitations, and regulatory classification. Maxillofacial surgery is positioned for a paradigm shift toward personalized, biologically active, and clinically scalable regenerative solutions. Full article

To investigate the shear behavior of rock mass joint surfaces with varying roughness and lithology, this study introduces a novel experimental framework that combines high-precision 3D printing and direct shear testing. Ten artificial joint surfaces were fabricated using Barton standard profiles with different joint roughness coefficients (JRC) and were cast using two representative rock-like materials simulating soft and hard rocks. The 3D printing technique employed significantly reduced the staircase effect and ensured high geometric fidelity of the joint morphology. Shear tests revealed that peak shear strength increases with JRC, but the underlying failure mechanisms vary depending on the lithology. Experimental results were further used to back-calculate JRC values and validate the empirical JRC–JCS (joint wall compressive strength) model. Numerical simulations using FLAC3D captured the shear stress–displacement evolution for different lithologies, revealing that rock strength primarily influences peak shear strength and fluctuation characteristics during failure. Notably, despite distinct lithologies, the post-peak degradation behavior tends to converge, suggesting universal residual shear mechanisms across rock types. These findings highlight the critical role of lithology in joint shear behavior and demonstrate the effectiveness of 3D-printing-assisted model tests in advancing rock joint characterization. Full article

Background and Objectives: Soft tissue sarcomas account for approximately 7% of all malignant tumors in the pediatric population. Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) with apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) measurements may provide early functional biomarkers of treatment response by reflecting changes in tumor cellularity. This study evaluated whether ADC-derived parameters can serve as quantitative biomarkers of neoadjuvant chemotherapy response in pediatric rhabdomyosarcoma. Materials and Methods: This retrospective single-center study included 14 patients aged ≤18 years with histopathologically confirmed rhabdomyosarcoma who underwent MRI before treatment and after three cycles of chemotherapy. Twenty-five patients were initially identified; eleven were excluded due to imaging artifacts or absence of baseline examination. ADC maps were generated on 1.5T and 3T scanners. Regions of interest were placed over the entire lesion and areas with the lowest ADC signal. Relative ADC (rADC) was calculated by normalizing tumor ADC to adjacent healthy muscle. Paired t-tests were used to compare pre- and post-treatment values. Results: At baseline, 13/14 patients (93%) demonstrated diffusion restriction. Mean ADC increased from 1.11 × 10⁻³ mm²/s (SD ± 0.48) at baseline to 1.63 × 10⁻³ mm²/s (SD ± 0.67) after treatment. The paired t-test for rADC yielded t = −3.089 (p = 0.0086, 95% CI: −0.79 to −0.14), indicating a statistically significant change. There was a significant difference between the ADC values of the entire lesion and the areas with the lowest signal in tumors with a heterogenic structure, t = 2.862, p = 0.013. Conclusions: ADC and rADC increased significantly after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in pediatric rhabdomyosarcoma, suggesting potential utility as early functional biomarkers of treatment response. These preliminary findings require validation in larger multicenter prospective studies with correlation to histopathological response and clinical outcomes before clinical implementation. Full article

This review presents a focused assessment of the rapidly expanding field of gelatin-based eutectogels and identifies the gaps in current literature that justify this examination. Research on deep eutectic solvents (DESs and NADES) has advanced quickly, yet there is still no integrated view of how these solvent systems influence adhesion in gelatin-based gels. Eutectogels are soft materials formed by gelling DESs or NADES with biopolymers. Gelatin is widely used because it is biocompatible, biodegradable, and readily available. We provide a clear overview of the chemistry of DESs and NADES and describe how gelatin forms networks in these media. The review summarizes established knowledge on adhesion, highlighting the contributions of polymer network density, interfacial hydrogen bonding, and solvent mobility. New perspectives are introduced on how these factors interact to control adhesion strength, toughness, and reversibility. A key topic is the role of hydrogen bond donors (HBDs) and acceptors (HBAs). They define the hydrogen bonding environment of the solvent and represent an underexplored way to tune mechanical and adhesive behavior. Examples such as moisture-resistant adhesion and temperature-responsive bonding show why these systems offer unique and adjustable properties. The review concludes by outlining major challenges, including the lack of standardized adhesion tests and constraints in scalable production, and identifying directions for future work. Full article

This study investigated the use of Marine Recyclable Aggregate (MRA), synthesized from Recycled Particles from Paste (RPPs) obtained from construction waste, seawater, and alkali activator (Na₂O∙3.3SiO₂, NS), for reinforcing marine soft clay. RPP is a laboratory-prepared material used to simulate construction waste. The physicochemical properties of MRA were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermal field emission scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The results revealed that the key hydration products in MRA are Friedel’s salt (3CaO·Al₂O₃·CaCl₂·10H₂O, FS), xCaO·SiO₂·nH₂O (C-S-H), and CaO·Al₂O₃·2SiO₂·4H₂O (C-A-S-H). The formation of these hydration products enables MRA to maintain stability in marine environments. The deformation characteristics of MRA-reinforced soft clay under various conditions were investigated by integrating X-ray computed tomography with triaxial compression tests, allowing for the three-dimensional visualization and reconstruction of the failure process. The application of MRA for soft clay reinforcement in seawater environments enhances the bearing capacity of the clay and provided significant environmental benefits. Full article

The recognition of liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS) as a widespread organizing principle has revolutionized our view of cellular biochemistry. By forming biomolecular condensates, cells spatially orchestrate reactions without membranes. However, the dysregulation of this precise physical organization is emerging as a driver of diverse pathologies, collectively termed “Condensatopathies.” Unlike traditional proteinopathies defined by static aggregates, these disorders span a dynamic spectrum of material state dysfunctions, from the failure to assemble essential compartments to the formation of aberrant, toxic phases. While research has largely focused on neurodegeneration and cancer, the impact of condensate dysfunction likely extends across broad physiological landscapes. A central unresolved challenge lies in deciphering the “molecular grammar” that governs the transition from functional fluids to pathological solids and, critically, visualizing these transitions in situ. This “material science” perspective presents a profound conundrum for drug discovery: how to target the collective physical state of a protein ensemble rather than a fixed active site. This review navigates the evolving therapeutic horizon, examining the limitations of current pharmacological approaches in addressing the complex “condensatome.” Moving beyond inhibition, we propose that the future of intervention lies in “reverse-engineering” the biophysical codes of phase separation. We discuss how deciphering these principles enables the creation of programmable molecular tools—such as synthetic peptides and state-specific degraders—designed to precisely modulate or dismantle pathological condensates, paving the way for a new era of precision medicine governed by soft matter physics. Full article

Ceramic-on-ceramic (CoC) bearings are widely used in total hip arthroplasty due to their extremely low wear rate, excellent chemical stability, and good biocompatibility. They are considered one of the most reliable long-term friction bearing systems. Although frictional instability, lubrication regime transitions, and microstructural damage mechanisms have been widely reported at the experimental and retrieval-analysis levels, current clinical evidence, limited by follow-up duration and event incidence, has not demonstrated a definitive negative impact on the clinical performance of fourth-generation ceramic components, including BIOLOX^® delta. Data from national arthroplasty registries consistently demonstrate excellent survivorship and low complication rates for 4th-generation ceramics in both hard-on-soft and hard-on-hard configurations. The most reported causes for revision, such as infection, dislocation, aseptic loosening, and periprosthetic fracture, are not primarily associated with ceramic-related complications, such as ceramic fracture, excessive wear, squeaking, and revision, related to bearing failure; however, these mechanisms remain highly relevant for the design and evaluation of emerging ceramic materials and next-generation implant systems, where inadequate control may potentially impact long-term clinical performance. This review summarizes recent advances in the tribological research of CoC artificial joints, focusing on clinical tribological challenges, material composition and surface characteristics, lubrication mechanisms, wear and microdamage evolution, and third-body effects. Recent progress in ceramic toughening strategies, surface engineering, biomimetic lubrication simulation, and structural optimization is also discussed. Finally, future research directions are outlined to support the performance optimization and long-term reliability assessment of CoC artificial joint systems. Full article

Understanding how primary structural features and secondary material properties adapt to functional loads is essential to determining their effect on changes in joint biomechanics over time. The objective of this study was to map and correlate spatiotemporal changes in primary structural features, secondary material properties, and dentoalveolar joint (DAJ) stiffness with age in rats subjected to prolonged chewing of soft foods versus hard foods. To probe how loading history shapes the balance between the primary and secondary features, four-week-old rats were fed either a hard-food (HF, N = 25) or soft-food (SF, N = 25) diet for 4, 12, 16, and 20 weeks, and functional imaging of intact mandibular DAJs was performed at 8, 12, 16, 20, and 24 weeks. Across this time course, the primary structural determinants of joint function (periodontal ligament (PDL) space, contact area, and alveolar bone socket morphology) and secondary material and microstructural determinants (tissue-level stiffness encoded by bone and cementum volume fractions, pore architecture, and bone microarchitecture) were quantified. As the joints matured, bone and cementum volume fractions increased in both the HF and SF groups but along significantly different trajectories, and these changes correlated with a pronounced decrease in PDL-space from 12 to 16 weeks in both diets. With further aging, older HF rats maintained significantly wider PDL-spaces than SF rats. These evolving physical features were accompanied by an age-dependent significant increase in the contact ratio in the SF group. The DAJ stiffness was significantly greater in SF than HF animals at younger ages, indicating that food hardness-dependent remodeling alters the relative contribution of structural versus material factors to joint function across the life course. At the tissue level, volumetric strains, representing overall volume changes, and von Mises bone strains, representing shape changes, increased with age in HF and SF joints, with volumetric strain rising rapidly from 16 to 20 weeks and von Mises strain increasing sharply from 12 to 16 weeks. Bone in SF animals exhibited higher and more variable strain values than age-matched HF bone, and changes in joint space, degrees of freedom, contact area, and bone strain correlated with joint biomechanics, demonstrating that multiscale functional biomechanics, including bone strain in intact DAJs, are colocalized with anatomy-specific physical effectors. Together, these spatiotemporal shifts in primary (structure/form), and secondary features (material properties and microarchitecture) define divergent mechanobiological pathways for the DAJ and suggest that altered loading histories can bias joints toward early maladaptation and potential degeneration. Full article

Shape-memory polymers (SMPs) are a class of smart materials capable of recovering their original shape from a programmed temporary shape in response to external stimuli such as heat, light, or magnetic fields. SMPs have attracted significant interest for biomedical devices and soft robotics due to their large recoverable strains, programmable mechanical and thermal properties, tunable activation temperatures, responsiveness to various stimuli, low density, and ease of processing via additive manufacturing techniques, as well as demonstrated biocompatibility and potential bioresorbability. This review summarises recent progress in the fundamentals, classification, activation mechanisms, and fabrication strategies of SMPs, focusing particularly on design principles that influence performance relevant to specific applications. Both thermally and non-thermally activated SMP systems are discussed, alongside methods for controlling activation temperatures, including plasticisation, copolymerisation, and modulation of cross-linking density. The use of functional nanofillers to enhance thermal and electrical conductivity, mechanical strength, and actuation efficiency is also considered. Current manufacturing techniques are critically evaluated in terms of resolution, material compatibility, scalability, and integration potential. Biodegradable SMPs are highlighted, with discussion of degradation behaviour, biocompatibility, and demonstrations in devices such as haemostatic foams, embolic implants, and bone scaffolds. However, despite their promising potential, the widespread application of SMPs faces several challenges, including non-uniform activation, the need to balance mechanical strength with shape recovery, and limited standardisation. Addressing these issues is critical for advancing SMPs from laboratory research to clinical and industrial applications. Full article

Conductive hydrogels have gained considerable interest in the biomedical field because they provide a soft, hydrated, and electrically active microenvironment that closely resembles native tissue. Their unique combination of electrical conductivity and biocompatibility enables monitoring and modulation of biological activities. With the rapid development of conductive hydrogel technologies in recent years, a comprehensive overview is needed to clarify their biological functions and the latest biomedical applications. This review first summarizes the fundamental design strategies, fabrication methods, and conductive mechanisms of conductive hydrogels. We then highlight their applications in wearable device, implanted bioelectronics, wound healing, neural regeneration and cell regulation, accompanied by discussions of the underlying biological and electroactive mechanisms. Potential challenges and future directions, including strategies to optimize fabrication methods, balance key material properties, and tailor conductive hydrogels for diverse biomedical applications, are also highlighted. Finally, we discuss the existing limitations and future perspectives of the biomedical applications of conductive hydrogels. We hope that this article may provide some useful insights to support their further development and potential biomedical applications. Full article

Background: Extended platelet-rich fibrin (e-PRF) membranes are a novel 100% autologous biomaterial with a longer resorption time (4–6 months) than traditional solid-PRF membranes (two weeks). In part 1 of this 2-part publication series, four clinical variations for using these novel e-PRF membranes for socket preservation were introduced. In this randomized clinical trial (RCT), all four iterations of e-PRF membranes were compared to traditional collagen membranes in alveolar ridge preservation for hard and soft tissue dimensional changes and early wound healing outcomes. Methods: A single-center RCT was conducted, including 55 patients requiring the extraction of a single tooth with planned implant placement. All sockets were grafted with a “sticky bone” (bone allograft mixed with PRF) and secured with either a collagen membrane (control) or e-PRF membranes utilizing the four variations present in Part 1 (both formed extra-orally or intra-orally, each with or without an overlying solid PRF membrane). The time of fabrication and application of each e-PRF iteration was recorded. Cone beam computed tomography was utilized to evaluate horizontal and vertical ridge dimensions at baseline and 3 months post-operatively, and soft tissue thickness was also measured at both time intervals utilizing an endodontic reamer. Early wound healing was recorded at 2 weeks, utilizing the Landry, Turnbull, and Howley Index by three blinded clinicians. Results: The results demonstrated that, at 3 months, the e-PRF membranes fabricated utilizing all 4 treatment variations demonstrated equal improvements in horizontal and vertical ridge dimensions and soft tissue thickness when compared to collagen membranes. Additionally, the membrane (p = 0.029) and membrane w/solid (p = 0.021) groups demonstrated statistically significant superior early wound healing compared to the collagen membrane group. Notably, the Bio-Filler groups demonstrated statistically significant reduction in fabrication/application time compared to the membrane groups. Conclusions: Within the limitations of this RCT, all e-PRF iterations performed comparably to collagen membranes in maintaining both hard and soft tissue ridge dimensions when combined with sticky bone, while also significantly improving soft tissue wound healing. Future RCTs with alternative grafting materials, direct wound-margin assessment, and evaluation of patient-reported outcomes are necessary to clarify the advantages of each membrane type. Full article

Soft magnetic materials are critical for efficient electromagnetic energy conversion, with their development evolving from traditional alloys like ferrites to amorphous/nanocrystalline materials and advanced multi-component alloys. While multi-component alloys address key limitations of prior materials (e.g., low resistivity, poor thermal stability), gaps remain in understanding how preparation parameters regulate the microstructure and properties. This study systematically investigates the effects of sputtering power and substrate temperature on the microstructural evolution and soft magnetic properties of an FeGaYCo film. First, the sputtering power increases from 70 W to 160 W. This adjustment refines grains, promotes crystallization, and drives coercivity (H_C) and saturation magnetization (M_S) to first decrease then increase —with optimal soft magnetic properties (H_C = 5.7 Oe, M_S = 1164.3 emu/cm³) being achieved at 100 W. For substrate temperature, increasing the temperature from 25 °C to 100 °C enhances atomic migration (leading to larger grains) but exerts limited influence on the overall number of grains per unit volume; the lowest H_C (3.8 Oe) and highest M_S (1321.2 emu/cm³) occur at 75 °C. These findings provide theoretical and experimental support for developing a high-performance next-generation soft magnetic film. Full article

Spent coffee grounds (SCGs) are abundantly produced worldwide as a by-product of coffee brewing, and production is surging following the rise in global coffee consumption. Although the adsorption properties of raw SCGs have been investigated in previous studies, limited attention has been paid to the use of SCG-derived hydrochars as engineered adsorbents. In this work, hydrochars produced via hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) of SCGs at different temperatures were systematically assessed for their capacity to remove methylene blue (MB) dye from aqueous solution. The effect of HTC temperature and soft alkaline activation on MB adsorption were evaluated through adsorption batch tests. The soft alkaline activation increased the experimental adsorption capacity from <20 mg g⁻¹ for untreated hydrochars to approximately 100 mg g⁻¹ at 20 °C, while Langmuir isotherm analysis yielded a monolayer capacity of 147.1 mg g⁻¹ at the same temperature; experimental uptake further increased to 215.6 mg g⁻¹ at 40 °C and high dye concentrations. Kinetic, isotherm, and thermodynamic tests were performed on selected materials to describe their adsorption behavior and potential mechanisms. Microscopic, diffraction, spectroscopic, and porosimetric analyses were performed to investigate the structural differences among the tested materials. This study shows that temperature regulation and soft alkaline activation can strongly improve the adsorption capacity of the hydrochars, producing competitive low-cost adsorbents from a waste material in compliance with the principles of the circular economy. Full article

Background and Objectives: Keratoconus (KC) is a progressive ectatic corneal disease that can cause irregular astigmatism and visual impairment. To describe the demographic and clinical profile of KC patients attending major eye care centers in Riyadh City, Saudi Arabia, and to explore associations with laterality, disease severity, and management patterns. Materials and Methods: This multi-center hospital-based cross-sectional study enrolled consecutive patients with a confirmed diagnosis of KC (new or follow-up) presenting between April 2022 and April 2023. All participants underwent standardized ophthalmic assessment and Scheimpflug tomography (Pentacam). Disease severity was categorized as early, moderate, or advanced using Pentacam-derived keratoconus staging, and ocular parameters (refraction, keratometry, pachymetry, and higher-order aberrations) were compared across severity categories. Results: A total of 157 patients (264 eyes) were included (mean age 31.8 years; 56.7% female), with bilateral KC in 68.2%. Eye rubbing (67.8%) and allergic symptoms (61.7%) were common. Keratometric indices and higher-order aberrations differed significantly by severity grade (p < 0.001). Management patterns differed by sex and laterality, with corneal cross-linking and glasses reported more frequently in males, and soft contact lens use concentrated among bilateral cases. Conclusions: In this hospital-based Riyadh sample, KC was often associated with eye rubbing and allergic symptoms and showed clear stage-dependent worsening of tomographic indices and optical quality. These findings support early detection and targeted counseling on modifiable behaviors, while population-based studies with non-diseased comparators are needed to quantify incidence and prevalence in Riyadh. Full article