Search Results (10,611)

Intra-fractional respiratory management represents one of the greatest challenges of modern cancer radiotherapy (RT), as significant breathing-induced lesion motion might affect target coverage and organs at risk (OARs) sparing, jeopardizing oncological and toxicity outcomes. The detrimental effects on dosage of uncompensated organ motion are exacerbated in RT with charged particles (e.g., protons and carbon ions), due to their higher ballistic selectivity. The simplest strategies to counteract this phenomenon are the use of larger treatment margins and reductions in or control of respiration (e.g., by means of compression belts, breath hold). Gating and tracking, which synchronize beam delivery with the respiratory signal, also represent widely adopted solutions. When tracking the tumor itself or surrogates, invasive procedures (e.g., marker implantation), an unnecessary imaging dose (e.g., in X-ray-based fluoroscopy), or expensive equipment (e.g., magnetic resonance imaging, MRI) is usually required. When chest and abdomen excursions are measured to infer internal tumor displacement, the additional devices needed to perform this task, such as pressure sensors or surface cameras, present inherent limitations that can impair the procedure itself. In this context, radars have intrigued the radiation oncology community, being inexpensive, non-invasive, contactless, and insensitive to obstacles. Even if real-world clinical implementation is still lagging behind, there is a growing body of research unraveling the potential of these devices in this field. The purpose of this narrative review is to provide an overview of the studies that have delved into the potential of radar-based technologies for motion-adaptive photon and particle RT applications. Full article

Bamboo forest density is a factor that critically impacts the growth of moso bamboo, soil quality, and productivity. In this study, four bamboo forest density treatment groups were established under a long-term bamboo-stocking retention model, namely 1200 ± 100, 1800 ± 100, 2400 ± 100, and 3000 ± 100 plants·hm⁻², while a traditional management model focused on selective logging, with a bamboo forest density of 2100 ± 100 plants·hm⁻² (CK), serving as the control group. The study aimed to investigate the impact of bamboo forest density on bamboo shoots, roots, and soil, identify key influencing factors, and determine the optimal management density for this management model. Under the novel management model, bamboo shoot yield and number exhibited a unimodal response to stand density. At a density of 2400 plants·hm⁻², the bamboo shoot yield reached its highest value of 18,822 kg·hm⁻², with 7080 shoots·hm⁻². Under the density of 2400 plants·hm⁻², the specific root length, specific root surface area and total nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium contents of 0–1 mm fine roots were higher, and the contents of soil organic matter, total nitrogen, available phosphorus and available potassium were also better. Correlation analysis showed that the bamboo shoot yield and the number of shoots were closely related to soil quality (water content, organic matter, total nitrogen, available phosphorus and available potassium), and the effect of root total nitrogen content on shoot yield was particularly significant (the explanation rate was 75.7%). The comprehensive growth status assessment (D3 > D4 > D2 > CK > D1) showed that there were differences in the performance of different density treatment groups. This information could help bamboo farmers improve yield while protecting soil quality. Full article

This paper presents a control method for achieving precise robotic contact on complex and curved surfaces in manufacturing and automation. The method combines smooth trajectory planning with contact force control to improve finishing accuracy while reducing processing time. It integrates a Bézier curve with a simplified hexic polynomial implemented through a position-based impedance controller that is enhanced by a novel force corrector unit. The model is referred to as the Adaptive Bézier–Based Impedance Constant Force Controller (ABBIFC), where the Bézier curve length is calculated using Simpson’s rule, and surface orientations are interpolated using quadratic quaternions. A hexic polynomial velocity profile ensures consistent motion speed throughout the process. This method effectively regulates both contact force and positional accuracy, resulting in high-quality surface finishes. Simulation studies and real-time polishing experiments demonstrate the system’s capability to accurately track path, speed, and force, with significantly reduced force errors. This approach advances robotic automation in applications such as polishing, grinding, and other surface finishing tasks by ensuring smooth motion and precise force control. Full article

In this study, the ultrasonic-assisted extraction of silkworm pupae protein (SPP) was optimized using response surface methodology. Subsequently, the effects of ultrasonic treatment on the structural and functional characteristics of SPP were systematically analyzed and verified through Pearson correlation analysis. The results showed that the optimal extraction parameters were an ultrasonic treatment time of 120 min, a power of 115 W, a temperature of 54 °C, pH of 10.5, and the average extraction yield was 68.087%. Compared to the control, ultrasonic treatment significantly improved the functional properties of SPP, including solubility (13.13 g/L), water holding capacity (0.18%), oil holding capacity (0.28%), foaming capacity (55.35%), foam stability (12.71%), emulsification activity (2.15 m²/g), emulsification stability (21.95%), gel water holding capacity (11.5%), gel hardness (1.02 N), and gel elasticity (0.49 mm). In addition, the adsorption ability of SPP for 2-octanone and aldehyde was enhanced after ultrasonic treatment. Furthermore, the absorption intensity and maximum wavelength of the SPP fluorescence spectrum extracted via ultrasonic treatment were enhanced, along with the increased surface hydrophobicity and more stable secondary structure which contributed to promoting the functional properties of SPP, proven by Pearson correlation analysis. This study provides a theoretical basis for the further utilization of SPP in the food industry. Full article

Supported metal catalysts are extensively applied in the heterogeneous catalysis field. However, metal species are prone to migration and aggregation during catalytic reactions due to their high surface energy, which leads to deactivation. In recent years, the use of porous materials, particularly zeolites, to anchor metal species has gained significant attention. By confining metal single atoms, subnanometer metal clusters, and nanoparticles within the pores or nanocavities of these materials, the dispersion and stability of the metal species can be greatly enhanced, thereby improving the catalytic performance. This review systematically discussed the synthesis principles and diverse methodologies to fabricate zeolite-encapsulated metal catalysts. It further outlined their catalytic applications across various catalysis fields, emphasizing enhanced stability and selectivity enabled by confinement effects. Finally, the review provided critical perspectives on future developments, addressing challenges in precise structural control and scalability for industrial implementation. Full article

The photonic spin Hall effect (PSHE) has emerged as a powerful metrological approach for precision measurements. Dynamic manipulation of PSHE through external stimuli could substantially expand its applications. In this work, we present a simple and active modulation scheme for PSHE in a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) structure by exploiting electric-field-tunable refractive indices of electro-optic materials. By applying an electric field, the enhancement of PSHE spin shifts is observed, and the dual-field control can further amplify these spin shifts through synergistic effects in this SPR structure. Notably, various operation modes of external electric field enable the real-time switching between two high-performance sensing functionalities (refractive index detection and angle measurement). Therefore, our designed PSHE sensor based on SPR structure with a simple structure of only three layers not only makes up for the complex structure in multi-functional sensors, but more importantly, this platform establishes a new paradigm for dynamic PSHE manipulation while paving the way for advanced multi-functional optical sensing technology. Full article

Underground pressurized pipe leakage can induce sand fluidization, leading to ground collapses in urban areas. Additionally, the defluidization process is one of the main causes of sinkholes. In this study, a physical model test was conducted to examine sand bed fluidization and defluidization through a slot, which allowed precise control of the water flow rate in increments of 10 mL/s. The sand layer movement during the experiments was recorded, and the pressure field was accurately measured. The fluidization and defluidization processes were classified into five stages: fluidization static bed, internal fluidization, surface fluidization, internal defluidization, and defluidization static bed. Subsequently, the static bed stage included slow fluidization and fast fluidization, with the former driven by seepage and the latter involving densification and upward movement of sand particles above the orifice. Fluidization initiated at 240 mL/s when the sand particles near the orifice were compressed to approximately minimum porosity 0.37. The head losses comprised orifice head loss, seepage head loss, and vortex head loss, each exhibiting different variation patterns with the water flow rate. Hysteresis was observed in the cavity height curve, attributed to the arching effect. The findings of this study contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of effective strategies for preventing ground collapse. Full article

This review summarizes the recent advances in the application of nanomaterial coatings in optical fiber sensors, with a particular focus on deposition techniques and the research progress over the past five years in humidity sensing, gas detection, and biosensing. Benefiting from the high specific surface area, abundant surface active sites, and quantum confinement effects of nanomaterials, advanced thin-film fabrication techniques—including spin coating, dip coating, self-assembly, physical/chemical vapor deposition, atomic layer deposition (ALD), electrochemical deposition (ECD), electron beam evaporation (E-beam evaporation), pulsed laser deposition (PLD) and electrospinning, and other techniques—have been widely employed in the construction of functional layers for optical fiber sensors, significantly enhancing their sensitivity, response speed, and environmental stability. Studies have demonstrated that nanocoatings can achieve high-sensitivity detection of targets such as humidity, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and biomarkers by enhancing evanescent field coupling and enabling optical effects such as surface plasmon resonance (SPR), localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR), and lossy mode resonance (LMR). This paper first analyzes the principles and optimization strategies of nanocoating fabrication techniques, then explores the mechanisms by which nanomaterials enhance sensor performance across various application domains, and finally presents future research directions in material performance optimization, cost control, and the development of novel nanocomposites. These insights provide a theoretical foundation for the functional design and practical implementation of nanomaterial-based optical fiber sensors. Full article

Localized therapeutic action and targeted drug release offer compelling advantages over traditional systemic drug administration. This is particularly important for nitric oxide (NO), whose biological effects vary greatly depending on concentration and cellular environment. Light-sensitive NO donors are promising for achieving precise, on-demand NO release. However, their efficiency and photostability are limited by competing photophysical processes and the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In this study, we investigate hybrid systems composed of photosensitive nitric oxide (NO) donors and silver island films (SIFs). The influence of localized surface plasmon on non-radiative relaxation pathways and ROS generation is the main focus of the paper. Upon excitation at 500 nm, we observed several-fold increase in NO release, attributed to resonant interactions between the plasmonic field and the dye molecules. By tuning the thickness of a SiO₂ buffer layer, we identified key parameters affecting process efficiency: the spectral overlap between the plasmon resonance and the sensitizer’s absorption band, and the distance between the nanoparticle and the molecule. Additionally, singlet oxygen generation increase was observed. These findings demonstrate the potential of plasmonic enhancement to controllably boost photochemical activity in organic systems, paving the way for advanced applications in phototherapy and biomedical diagnostics. Full article

Nanoporous gold nanoparticles (np-AuNPs) combine inertness, a nanoscale structure, and a porous framework with high surface area, conductivity, and biocompatibility, making them ideal for biosensing, catalysis, fuel cells, and drug delivery. Their open pore structure and low-coordinated atoms enhance biomolecule capture and mass transfer, while their tunable size, pore volume, and ease of surface modification make them promising biosensor transducers. However, synthesizing colloidal np-AuNPs in a simple way with controllable size and scalability remains challenging. The existing approaches mostly rely on specialized equipment, complex setups, and expert knowledge, while still facing challenges in terms of scalability. In this study, we present a simple, seedless, wet-chemical synthesis of colloidal np-AuNPs via the co-reduction of Au/Ag alloys followed by dealloying. By adjusting the Au:Ag ratio, we produced np-AuNPs sized ~120–530 nm, which were immobilized on electrodes for detecting lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a toxic component of Gram-negative bacterial membranes. The LPS biosensor exhibited excellent sensitivity towards detecting wild-type LPS, with a low limit of detection (LOD) of 0.1244 ng/L. This work demonstrates the effective synthesis and application of np-AuNPs in LPS biosensing. Full article

This study explores the critical role of the flow deflector in suppressing boundary layer separation and enhancing aerodynamic efficiency through systematic geometric parameterization and computational analysis. By defining eight key design variables, this research identifies optimal configurations that significantly delay flow separation at high angles of attack. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations reveal that optimized deflector geometries enhance suction peaks near the airfoil leading edge, redirect separated flow toward the upper surface, and inject momentum into the boundary layer to generate a more positive lift coefficient. The numerical results demonstrate that the optimized design achieves a 58.4% increase in lift coefficient and an 83.3% improvement in the lift–drag ratio by effectively mitigating large-scale vortical structures inherent in baseline configurations. Sensitivity analyses further highlight threshold-dependent “sudden-jump” behaviors in lift coefficients for parameters such as element spacing and deflection angles, while thickness exhibits minimal influence. Additionally, pre-stall optimizations show that strategically aligned deflectors preserve baseline performance with a 0.4% lift gain, whereas misaligned configurations degrade aerodynamic efficiency by up to 9.1%. These findings establish a direct correlation between deflector-induced flow redirection and separation suppression, offering actionable insights for passive flow control in stalled regimes. This research advances fundamental understanding of flow deflector-based separation management and provides practical guidelines for enhancing aerodynamic performance in aerospace applications. Full article

The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of two nitrogen doses in combination with strong creeping fescue (Festuca rubra L. ssp. rubra Gaudin) and Chewing’s red fescue (Festuca rubra L. ssp. commutata Gaudin) used as living mulches on the weed community in an apple tree (Malus domestica Borkh.) orchard. The cover grasses were sown in the tree rows, and herbicide fallow served as the control. Grass living mulches effectively reduced the number and share of annual weed cover and limited the spread of perennial plants compared with herbicide fallow. Use of F. rubra L. subspecies did not favor the biodiversity of the orchard agroecosystem flora, due to the effective soil surface coverage by sod in the tree rows. Living mulch sod was characterized by lower variability in weed taxa compared with the abundant weed composition in the herbicide fallow, which also exhibited the highest number of weed taxa each year. Dominant species in the orchard across all treatments included Trifolium repens L. and Taraxacum spp. Doubling the nitrogen fertilization rate, while limiting the application area to the tree canopy, did not increase the perennial weed population in the living mulch sod. Both subspecies are useful as living mulch in a young apple orchard, but from the perspective of sod durability and weed control, strong creeping red fescue offers better prospects. Full article

This paper investigates the fundamental challenges in planar manipulation of deformable linear objects (DLOs), where conventional rigid-body pushing and rotation strategies are often inadequate due to complex deformation dynamics. While the robotic manipulation of rigid objects has been extensively explored, the inherent conflict between the infinite degree of freedom in DLOs and the limited control points available in a robotic system presents significant obstacles to effective shape maintenance and force regulation. To address these limitations, we proposed a unified systematic framework for two-dimensional DLO manipulation that integrates object shape modeling with constraint force derivation. By leveraging the principles of system energy minimization and Lagrangian mechanics, our method generates gripper trajectories that simultaneously satisfy the requirement of object shape deformation and force constraints. The efficacy of the framework is validated via a dual-mode manipulation of DLOs, comprising (1) pushing with a static contact point, followed by (2) rotation-based surface alignment through continuous changing contact points. Results demonstrate that our approach achieves integrated shape and force regulation within a single computational framework. Full article

Background/Objectives: Dairy and soybean are important potential dietary sources of bone health. However, their comparative effectiveness and the role of specific components remain unclear. In this network meta-analysis (NMA), we aimed to compare the effects of various dairy and soy products (food level) and their key bioactive components (component level) on bone health in healthy women. Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science (up to 28 February 2025) for randomized controlled trials. A frequentist random-effects NMA was used to compare interventions for lumbar spine (LS) and total body (TB) bone mineral density (BMD) and bone turnover markers [osteocalcin (OC), deoxypyridinoline (DPD)]. Mean differences (MDs) and 95% confidence intervals were pooled. Interventions were ranked using the surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA). Results: Sixty RCTs involving 6284 participants (mean age: 54.2 years) were included. At the food level, no dairy or soy interventions significantly improved outcomes versus control, although milk + yogurt ranked numerically highest based on SUCRA values. At the bioactive-component level, the combination of casein + whey protein (MD 0.04 g/cm², 95% CI 0.01–0.06) and soybean protein (MD: 0.03 g/cm², 95% CI: 0.01–0.05) significantly increased TB BMD. Whey protein alone (SUCRA 74.4% for LS BMD) and casein + whey protein (SUCRA 86.3% for TB BMD and 75.9% for DPD) were among the highest-ranked interventions for bone health. Conclusions: The combination of milk and yogurt may be relatively promising among dairy products for bone health. Whey protein appears to be a key bioactive component beneficial for women’s bone health. Full article

Postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP) has become an important public health issue. The diagnosis of PMOP relies on clinical symptoms and radiology. However, most patients with PMOP do not exhibit obvious symptoms in the early stages of this disease. This study aimed to explore the feasibility of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) technology in the auxiliary screening of PMOP. PMOP rats were induced by ovariectomy (OVX) surgery, with a Sham group and an icariin (ICA) treatment group serving as controls. A monolayer film of Au nanoparticles (NPs) was prepared using the Marangoni effect in an oil/water/oil three-phase system, and was used to detect serum SERS signals in the Sham, OVX, and ICA treatment groups. Then, the spectral diagnostic model for PMOP screening was established utilizing partial least squares (PLS) and support vector machine (SVM) algorithms. Histopathology confirmed the establishment of the PMOP rat model. The assignment of Raman peaks and the analysis of spectral differences revealed the biochemical changes associated with PMOP, including the upregulation of tyrosine levels and the downregulation of arginine, tryptophan, lipids, and collagen. When employing the PLS-SVM algorithm to simultaneously classify and discriminate three groups of samples, the diagnostic sensitivity for PMOP is 93.33%, the specificity is 96.67%, and the accuracy of three-class classification is 91.11%. This study demonstrated the potential of SERS for the auxiliary screening of PMOP. Full article