Search Results (1,908)

Silver sulfide quantum dots (Ag₂S QDs) are promising nanomaterials for biomedical applications due to their near-infrared emission and biocompatibility. In this study, Ag₂S QDs were synthesized using bovine serum albumin (BSA) as a stabilizing and reducing agent to assess their potential in targeted photothermal therapy. The QDs showed an average size of 1.06 ± 0.38 nm by DLS and 4.42 nm by TEM. Conjugation to an anti-PSG1 monoclonal antibody was performed via EDC/Sulfo-NHS chemistry and confirmed by FTIR spectroscopy, a decrease in zeta potential, and a redshift in emission. The conjugate exhibited an average size of 22.82 ± 9.7 nm and a zeta potential of +85.7 mV, indicating high colloidal stability. Fluorescence studies showed that the conjugate emits at 590 nm when excited at 560 nm, whereas the BSA-Ag₂S QDs (non-conjugated) emit at 480 nm upon excitation at 400 nm, reflecting changes in optical properties due to conjugation. Thermal imaging under 808 nm laser irradiation revealed efficient photothermal conversion, with temperature increases up to 13.6 °C at 200 μg/mL and a conversion efficiency of 11.41 ± 0.04%. The conjugate was non-cytotoxic to fibroblasts but induced selective cytotoxicity in HeLa cells after laser exposure, with a selectivity index of 3.0. These findings suggest that Ag₂S-BSA QDs conjugated with anti-PSG1 represent promising candidates for further investigation in cancer nanotheranostics. Full article

This paper undertakes an in-depth exploration into the issue of quantization errors that occur during color gamut conversion within LED full-color display systems. To commence, a CIE-xyY colorimetric framework, which is customized to the unique characteristics of LED, is constructed. This framework serves as the bedrock for formulating the principles governing the operation of LED color gamuts. Subsequently, the conversions among diverse color spaces are scrutinized with great meticulousness. The core emphasis then shifts to dissecting how discrete control systems, in conjunction with quantization errors at low grayscale levels, precipitate the distortion of color gamut boundaries during the conversion process. The Laplacian operator is deployed to furnish a geometric comprehension of the distortion points, thereby delineating the topological discrepancies between the target and actual points. The quantitative analysis precisely delineates the correlation between quantization precision and the quantity of distortion points. The research endeavors to disclose the intricate relationships among quantization, color spaces, and colorimetric fidelity. This paper is conducive to the prospective calibration and rectification of LED display systems, furnishing a theoretical underpinning for the further enhancement of color reproduction in LED displays. Consequently, LED monitors can be rendered capable of satisfying the stringent accuracy requisites of advanced imaging and media. Full article

Recurrent ovarian cancer (OC) is challenging to detect early using current methods like CA-125 and imaging. Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) may improve disease monitoring. Here, we assess the real-world clinical utility of serial ctDNA analyses in patients with recurrent OC. We analyzed serial plasma samples (N = 23) from six patients with recurrent OC using a tumor-informed next-generation sequencing assay targeting 68 cancer-related genes developed at the University of Washington. ctDNA variant allele frequencies (VAFs) were correlated with CA-125 levels, radiographic findings, and clinical outcomes. ctDNA levels generally reflected clinical status, accurately mirroring disease progression and therapeutic response. In one patient, rising ctDNA preceded clinical recurrence by four months, despite normal CA-125 and imaging, highlighting its potential advantage. Conversely, some patients exhibited clinical progression with undetectable ctDNA, indicating limitations in assay sensitivity, biological factors, or metastatic sites (e.g., brain metastases). ctDNA and CA-125 showed complementary value in most cases, suggesting potential combined use in clinical monitoring. Our findings demonstrate that ctDNA is a promising biomarker to complement existing monitoring approaches for recurrent OC. In some cases, capable of predicting relapse and treatment response ahead of current clinical indicators. However, identified discordances underscore technical and biological challenges that warrant further investigation. Larger prospective studies are necessary to refine ctDNA’s clinical utility and integration into personalized OC care. Full article

This study evaluated how various types of guar meal in diets of broiler chickens affect their rearing results, carcass composition, and liver histology. The experiment was conducted in one hundred sixty Ross 308 broilers randomly allocated to four groups consisting of the same number of birds (C, GM1, GM2, and GM3). The birds were reared for over 42 days and fed with starter (days 1–21), grower (days 22–35), and finisher (days 36–42) rations. All feed rations were prepared using maize meal, soybean meal, oil, mineral, and feed additives. The experimental factor was guar meal type included in feed rations (starter, grower, and finisher stage) at 6% each: C (control group)—without guar meal, GM1—raw guar meal, GM2—Microlam, and GM3—roasted guar meal. Microlam is a high-protein animal feed produced by laminating and micronizing guar meal for enhanced digestibility and protein content, while roasted guar meal (also called korma) is a more basic protein supplement for livestock and poultry that has undergone roasting to improve its taste and digestibility. It was shown that 6% of raw guar meal in the feed rations affected significantly higher (2646 g) body weight of broilers in comparison to birds fed the same amount of Microlam (2583 g), however feed conversion ratio were similar (1.63–1.65 kg/kg; p > 0.05) in all groups. Thus similar musculature and fatness, broiler chickens from GM1 and GM2 groups obtained higher dressing percentage in compare to group GM3 (p ≤ 0.05). No significant effect of guar meal on the physical characteristics (except pH₁), or the results of the proximate composition of the breast muscles was found. Rations fed to broiler chickens had no effect on the microscopic image of the liver or reaction to the presence of neutral fats. In summary, 6% inclusion of raw guar meal should be recommended in broiler chicken diets as a partial substitute for soybean meal because it contributes to achieving the best growth performance results as well as dressing percentage, without deterioration carcass composition, and liver histology. Full article

Background/Objectives: Occlusal analysis is an important component of oral rehabilitation with a determining role in the prognosis of restorations. Over time, several qualitative and quantitative occlusal analysis methods have been proposed, starting with occlusion wax up to the most advanced digital systems. The objective of the present study was to evaluate and compare the data obtained through dental occlusion analysis using the Medit i700 and Exocad Elefsina v3.2 in a group of subjects, in order to establish the reliability or compatibility between the two occlusal analysis systems. Methods: The study was conducted on 20 subjects, aged between 24 and 53 years, who presented in the Dental Prosthetics Clinic of the University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova. Digital impressions were acquired using the Medit Link v.3.3.6 intraoral scanner, and the digital files were subsequently uploaded from the Medit i700 into the Medit Occlusion Analyzer application and the Dental CAD Exocad software. For the analysis of occlusion in dynamics, mandibular movements and data acquisition, positions of edge-to-edge in protrusion, edge-to-edge in right laterotrusion and edge-to-edge in left laterotrusion were recorded, using the corresponding print screens. The 2D occlusal contact images generated by the two software programs were converted into .jpeg format and subsequently imported into Adobe Photoshop CS6 (2021) for comparative analysis. The data were statistically processed for each software used and the obtained data were subsequently compared. Results: The occlusal surfaces recorded with the Medit Occlusion Analyzer application represent 94% of the occlusal surfaces recorded with the Exocad software for the maxilla and 90% of the occlusal surfaces recorded for the mandible. In maximum intercuspation, the highest values were recorded by the Medit i700 software, whereas in edge-to-edge protrusion and both right and left edge-to-edge laterotrusion positions, the highest values were reported by the Exocad software. The discrepancy between maxillary and mandibular values arises from the conversion of the data from a three-dimensional to a two-dimensional format during image processing. Conclusions: The occlusal areas recorded by the DentalCAD Exocad software show higher values than those provided by the Medit Link software with the Medit Occlusion Analyzer application. The differences in recorded values, in the case of the digital flow of prosthetic restorations, require the intervention of the dentist to perform clinical adjustments to optimize occlusal relationships after the fabrication and cementation of restorations. Full article

Although total knee replacements have an insignificant impact on patients’ mobility and quality of life, real-time performance monitoring remains a challenge. Monitoring the load over time can improve surgery outcomes and early detection of mechanical imbalances. Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) present a promising approach as a self-powered sensor for load monitoring in TKR. A TENG was fabricated with dielectric layers consisting of Kapton tape and 3D-printed thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) matrix incorporating CNT and BTO fillers, separated by an air gap and sandwiched between two copper electrodes. The sensor performance was optimized by varying the concentrations of BTO and CNT to study their effect on the energy-harvesting behavior. The test results demonstrate that the BTO/TPU composite that has 15% BTO achieved the maximum power output of 11.15 μW, corresponding to a power density of 7 mW/m², under a cyclic compressive load of 2100 N at a load resistance of 1200 MΩ, which was the highest power output among all the tested samples. Under a gait load profile, the same TENG sensor generated a power density of 0.8 mW/m² at 900 MΩ. By contrast, all tested CNT/TPU-based TENG produced lower output, where the maximum generated apparent power output was around 8 μW corresponding to a power density of 4.8 mW/m², confirming that using BTO fillers had a more significant impact on TENG performance compared with CNT fillers. Based on our earlier work, this power is sufficient to operate the ADC circuit. Furthermore, we investigated the durability and sensitivity of the 15% BTO/TPU samples, where it was tested under a compressive force of 1000 N for 15,000 cycles, confirming the potential of long-term use inside the TKR. The sensitivity analysis showed values of 37.4 mV/N for axial forces below 800 N and 5.0 mV/N for forces above 800 N. Moreover, dielectric characterization revealed that increasing the BTO concentration improves the dielectric constant while at the same time reducing the dielectric loss, with an optimal 15% BTO concentration exhibiting the most favorable dielectric properties. SEM images for BTO/TPU showed that the 10% and 15% BTO/TPU composites showed better morphological characteristics with lower fabrication defects compared with higher filler concentrations. Our BTO/TPU-based TENG sensor showed robust performance, long-term durability, and efficient energy conversion, supporting its potential for next-generation smart total knee replacements. Full article

A vector vortex beam (VVB) combines the phase singularity of a vortex beam (VB) with the anisotropic polarization of a vector beam, enabling the transmission of complex optical information and offering broad application prospects in optical sensing, high-capacity communication, and high-resolution imaging. In this work, we present a detailed theoretical analysis of the generation and detection of VVBs with Laguerre–Gaussian (LG) and Bessel–Gaussian (BG) forms. Particular emphasis is placed on the polarization characteristics of VVBs, the evolution of beam profiles after passing through polarizers with different orientations, and the interference features arising from the coaxial superposition of a VVB with a circularly polarized divergent spherical wave. To validate the theoretical analysis, LGVVBs were experimentally generated using a Mach–Zehnder interferometer by superposing two vortex beams with opposite topological charges and orthogonal circular polarizations. Furthermore, the introduction of an axicon enabled the direct conversion of LGVVBs into BGVVBs. The excellent agreement between theoretical predictions and experimental observations lays a solid foundation for beginners to systematically understand VVB characteristics and advance future research. Full article

Critical details in both bright and dark regions are frequently lost in high dynamic range (HDR) images when they are displayed on low dynamic range (LDR) devices. To mitigate this issue, tone mapping operators (TMOs) have been developed to convert HDR images into LDR representations while maintaining perceptual quality. However, it is challenging to effectively balance various key visual attributes, such as naturalness and structural fidelity. To overcome this limitation, a two-stage Bayesian optimization approach was proposed in this work to enhance the perceptual quality of tone-mapped images across multiple evaluation metrics. The first stage adaptively optimizes TMQI parameters to capture image-specific perceptual characteristics, while the second stage refines the tone mapping function to further improve detail preservation and visual realism. Extensive experiments using three distinct HDR benchmark datasets were conducted, indicating that the proposed method generally performs better than the existing tone mapping techniques across most evaluated metrics, including TMQI, Naturalness, and Structural Fidelity. Our adaptive approach offers a robust and effective solution for optimizing HDR image conversion, resulting in a significantly improved perceptual quality compared to traditional methods. Full article

Traditional emotion decoding methods typically rely on short sequences with limited context and coarse-grained emotion categories. To address these limitations, we proposed the Semantic and Emotion Decoding Generative Pre-trained Transformer (SED-GPT), a non-invasive method for long-sequence fine-grained semantics and emotions decoding on extended narrative stimuli. Using a publicly available fMRI dataset from 8 participants, this exploratory study investigates the feasibility of reconstructing complex semantic and emotional states from brain activity. SED-GPT achieves a BERTScore-F1 of 0.650 on semantic decoding and attains a cosine similarity (CS) of 0.504 and a Jensen–Shannon similarity (JSS) of 0.469 for emotion decoding (p < 0.05). Functional connectivity analyses reveal persistent coupling between the language network and the emotion network, which provides neural evidence for the language–emotion interaction mechanism in Chinese. These findings should be interpreted as pilot-level feasibility evidence. Full article

Background/Objectives: Optical coherence tomography (OCT)-reflective drusen substructures (ODSs) are associated with the conversion of intermediate AMD to geographic atrophy (GA). However, ODSs must be manually identified, a laborious process introducing bias and variation. This study proposes objective radiomic metrics of drusen phenotypes and validates them for the prediction of GA development and GA growth rate. Methods: A total of 104 drusen with high-reflective cores (H-type), 105 with low-reflective cores (L-type), 129 conical drusen (C-type), and 101 normal drusen (N-type) were segmented from OCT images. Radiomic features were extracted from these drusen, and the most important features for drusen classification were extracted from the retinal pigment epithelium–Bruch’s membrane compartment of 743 OCT scans of eyes with dry AMD and used to predict GA conversion and fast growth. Results: Radiomic features classified drusen phenotypes with AUC = 0.87–0.95. H-type drusen have a higher reflectivity, greater variation in reflectivity, and coarser texture (p < 0.001). L-type drusen have a lower reflectivity and greater variation in reflectivity (p < 0.0001). C-type drusen have a less spherical shape and more disordered internal reflectivity (p < 0.001). N-type drusen have a more spherical shape and more uniform internal reflectivity (p < 0.001). These radiomic features predict the conversion from intermediate AMD to GA and top-quartile GA growth rate with AUC = 0.59–0.74 at years 1–3. Conclusions: These results demonstrate the potential of clinical phenotype-grounded radiomics for objective automated drusen analysis, GA risk stratification, and clinical prediction. Full article

Recently, deep learning models such as convolutional neural networks (CNNs), convolutional autoencoders (CAEs), CNN-based support vector machines (SVMs), YOLO, fully convolutional networks (FCNs), fully convolutional data descriptions (FCDDs) and so on have been applied to defect detections and anomaly detections of various kinds of industrial products, materials and systems. In those models, downsampled images, including target features, are used for training and testing. On the other hand, although various types of anomaly detection systems based on time series data such as sounds and vibrations are also applied to manufacturing processes, complicated conversions to the frequency domain are basically needed in conventional approaches. This paper addresses an important industrial problem for detecting anomalies in machine tools at low cost using audio data. Intelligent anomaly diagnosis systems for computer numerical control (CNC) machine tools are considered and proposed, in which raw time-series data without the need of conversion to the frequency domain can be directly used for training and testing. As for the NN models for comparison, conventional shallow NN, RNN and 1D CNN are designed and trained using the nine kinds of mechanical sounds. Classification results of test sound block (SB) data by the three models are shown. Then, an autoencoder (AE) is designed and considered for the identifier by training it using only normal SB data of a machine tool. One of the technical needs in dealing with time-series data such as SB data by NNs is how to clearly visualize and understand anomalous regions in concurrence with identification. Finally, we propose the SB data-based FCDD model to meet this need. Basic performance of the SB data-based FCDD model is evaluated in terms of anomaly detection and concurrent visualization of understanding. Full article

Estrogen metabolites (EMs) play a local regulatory role in mammalian ovarian function. Among them, 2-hydroxyestradiol (2-OHE2) exerts dose-dependent effects on reproductive physiology, supporting either normal ovarian processes or contributing to pathological conditions. Specifically, 2-OHE2 modulates ovarian vasculature and progesterone biosynthesis, and at 1–10 nM concentrations, it enhances in vitro developmental competence and blastocyst quality in mouse oocytes. Conversely, doses below 1 nM show no appreciable effects, suggesting the existence of a biological activity threshold. However, the impact of supra-physiological concentrations remains largely unexplored. In this study, we investigated the effects of increasing 2-OHE2 doses (0.05, 0.50, and 5.00 µM) on oocyte meiotic progression and quality. Exposure to 0.50 and 5.00 µM significantly impaired oocyte maturation, while only the highest dose notably reduced the percentage of embryos developing to the blastocyst stage. Morphometric analysis during the GV-to-MII transition revealed altered first polar body morphology, defective asymmetric division, and disruptions in cytoskeletal organization, including enlarged meiotic spindles, increased F-actin cap angles, and aberrant microtubule-organizing centers distribution. These structural alterations were paralleled by distinct changes in cytoplasmic movement velocity patterns observed through time-lapse imaging during meiotic resumption. Together, these findings demonstrate that supra-physiological exposure to 2-OHE2 compromises oocyte maturation and developmental competence by perturbing key cytoskeletal dynamics and cellular architecture necessary for successful meiosis and early embryogenesis. Full article

Objectives: This paper aims to explore optical coherence tomography (OCT)-based choroidal vascular changes in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) treated with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents, faricimab and ranibizumab, in a pilot study. Methods: This retrospective pilot cohort study enrolled 28 treatment-naïve nAMD patients who received three consecutive intravitreal anti-VEGF injections at Nara Medical University Hospital. In total, 17 patients (61%) were Type 1 MNV and 11 patients (39%) were Type 2 MNV. Patients were divided into a faricimab group (13 eyes) and a ranibizumab group (15 eyes). The type of macular neovascularization (MNV) and the presence of polyps were recorded. The central choroidal thickness (CCT) and the ratio of luminal area to choroidal area (L/C ratio), derived from binarized OCT images, were measured at baseline after the first and third injections. Results: Type 1 MNV was observed in 61% of eyes, with polyps confirmed in 53%. There was no significant difference in best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) for both faricimab and ranibizumab during treatment (p = 0.12, 0.94, respectively). After the third injection, a dry macula was achieved in 62% of the faricimab group and 60% of the ranibizumab group. In the ranibizumab group, CCT significantly decreased after the first injection, while no significant change was observed in the faricimab group. Conversely, the L/C ratio significantly decreased in the faricimab group after the third injection (p = 0.010). Among faricimab-treated eyes, those with type 1 MNV showed a significantly greater reduction in the L/C ratio compared to type 2 MNV (p = 0.017). Conclusions: This pilot study suggests that faricimab may exert combined anti-VEGF and Ang-2 effects predominantly on type 1 MNV, potentially leading to vascular constriction. These exploratory findings warrant confirmation in larger studies. Full article

The present study undertakes an analytical investigation into the relationships between Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Compliance Programs, Reputational Risk Management, and Corporate Image. A survey was conducted among 154 senior professionals in companies across diverse sectors and sizes, using the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) methodology with the aid of SmartPLS 4.0 software. The findings indicate that CSR exerts a substantial and immediate influence on both the management of reputational risk and the establishment of a robust corporate image. Furthermore, it has been observed that the adoption of Compliance Programs is driven by CSR, which also contributes, albeit to a lesser extent, to the strengthening of the external perception of the company. Conversely, proactive management of reputational risk has been demonstrated to enhance regulatory compliance and positively impact corporate image. The alignment of corporate social responsibility (CSR) with compliance initiatives has been demonstrated to engender sustainable competitive advantages within challenging regulatory contexts. In conclusion, the present paper puts forward the suggestion of conducting longitudinal studies in order to observe the evolution of the relationships under discussion over time. Full article

This study aims to evaluate the shrinkage, degree of conversion, water sorption and solubility, and mechanical properties of a newly developed one-shade universal composite and compare it with five other commercially available universal composites with one or multiple shades. Our proprietary resin and filler technologies developed the experimental one-shade universal composite (Experimental). Volumetric shrinkage was determined using the AcuVol video imaging method (n = 5). Degree of conversion was measured using FTIR (n = 5). Water sorption and solubility (15 × 1 mm, n = 5) and flexural strength and modulus (2 × 2 × 25 mm, n = 5) were measured according to ISO-4049. Diametral tensile strength (6 × 3 mm, n = 8) was tested according to ANSI/ADA-Specification #27. The data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey tests (p ≤ 0.05). Like Clearfil Majesty ES-2, Experimental showed lower or significantly lower volumetric shrinkage than other composites. Experimental exhibited a considerably higher degree of conversion and high flexural modulus compared to the others. However, there are no significant differences in flexural strength among these universal composites except for Omnichroma. Experimental also displayed significantly higher diametral tensile strength than the others, except similar to Filtek Supreme Ultra. Experimental has the lowest values of water sorption and solubility among the composites tested. The experimental universal composite demonstrated improved or comparable physical and mechanical properties compared to commercially available one-shade universal composites or multi-shade conventional universal composites, which is of significance for the clinical performance of dental restorations. Full article