In this study, we applied persistent homology (pH) analysis to scanning electron microscopy backscattered electron (SEM-BSE) images of Mo–TiC alloys to extract topological descriptors and quantitatively evaluate their correlation with mechanical properties at room temperature, including 0.2% proof stress, Vickers hardness, and fracture toughness. While proof stress and hardness generally increased with increasing volume fraction of the hard TiC phase, fracture toughness exhibited a minimum near the eutectic composition and showed only a weak correlation with TiC volume fraction alone (coefficient of determination, R 2 ≈ 0.09). In contrast, the incorporation of PH-derived topological descriptors substantially improved the description of fracture toughness, resulting in R 2 ≈ 0.74, thereby revealing critical microstructural features not captured by phase fraction alone. These results demonstrate that persistent homology provides an effective means of characterizing microstructural features that govern mechanical performance, particularly for toughness, and offers a promising tool for microstructure-sensitive property prediction in multiphase materials. • Persistent homology quantitatively captured microstructural topology in Mo–TiC alloys. • Topological descriptors strengthened correlations with fracture toughness and hardness. • Regression and inverse analysis linked topology to phase morphology and properties. • Microstructural design strategies were proposed to optimize mechanical properties. • The framework provides a complementary data-driven approach beyond phase fraction.

Reconstruction of temperature and soot volume fraction in C2H4/NH3 diffusion flame based on the improved two-color method integrated with the absorption coefficient ratio model

A branched pectin-condensed tannin supermolecule from persimmon (Diospyros kaki Thunb.) using NaDES: Extraction, chemical characterization, and emulsifying potential evaluation.

General microstructure factor analysis of diffusion MRI in gray-matter predicts cognitive scores.

An injectable hyaluronic acid/chondroitin sulfate hydrogel capturing stem cell factors attenuates periodontitis.

Investigation of solid volume fraction instability in binary molten salt system (KCl-NaCl) during solidification process in 4D spatio-temporal domain

Cardiac magnetic resonance tissue characterization in endurance athletes with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation phenotype (PAFIYAMA).

Deformation and ductile fracture characterization and modelling of Poly-Ether-Ether-Ketone.

The role and significance of YKL-40 in mucopathological remodeling in eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis.

A recyclable rhamnolipid-modified magnetic bimetallic biochar demulsifier for oil-water separation in cold and saline environments.

We evaluated cardiac extracellular volume (ECV) fraction, a sign of inflammation and fibrosis, in 10 individuals with chronic Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection prior to treatment using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) at 3 T. Compared to age-matched, healthy volunteers, HCV-infected individuals had significantly increased ECV fraction (0.30 ± 0.03 vs. 0.26 ± 0.03, p = 0.0036) regardless of myocardial damage markers, hypertension as a comorbidity, smoking pack-years or fibrosis stage. Our results show that untreated hepatitis C is associated with the development of extrahepatic manifestations even before the onset of liver fibrosis, highlighting that early HCV treatment is prudent to reduce all-cause morbidity.

ESTRO clinical practice guideline on radiotherapy for adult soft tissue sarcoma of the extremities and trunk wall - Endorsed by ASTRO.

Inflachromene attenuates monocrotaline-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension by suppressing the HMGB1-TLR4/RAGE-NF-κB signaling pathway.

3D architected degradable scaffold with an integrated barrier functional shell for alveolar bone regeneration.

Activating the SDF-1/CXCR4 axis: Notoginsenoside R1-Functionalized zinc scaffolds accelerate fracture healing and angiogenesis in diabetic osteoporosis.

Experimental and numerical evaluation of indirect tensile properties of concrete containing macro fibers processed from waste GFRP composites

Medium/low internal phase Pickering emulsion gels stabilized by biopolymer: Stability mechanism, material design, and application.

Low-energy muon spin rotation (LE-μSR) enables depth-resolved studies of magnetic and electronic properties from the surface into the near-surface region, but the measured transverse-field asymmetry is not an intrinsic constant and depends on implantation energy and beamline conditions. Following an upgrade of the single-muon tagging system at the low-energy muon beamline at the Paul Scherrer Institute in 2023, updated asymmetry calibrations became necessary. Here, we present updated reference measurements that establish the energy-dependent maximum asymmetry using a silver reference and quantify spurious contributions from reflected muons using a nickel reference. In addition, we address systematic reductions of the measured asymmetry arising from incomplete beam-sample overlap by introducing a sample-size-dependent correction factor. This factor is obtained from musrSim/Geant4 simulations incorporating an updated electrostatic field map of the sample environment and is benchmarked using implantation-energy scans on SrTiO3 samples of different lateral dimensions. Together, these updated calibrations and the simulation-based overlap correction provide a practical and up-to-date framework for LE-μSR data correction under current beam conditions and enable quantitative depth-resolved analysis of volume fractions.

To evaluate the correlation between time-dependent diffusion MRI (td-dMRI) parameters and prognostic factors in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). 116 patients (105 NPC, 11 benign hyperplasia) were prospectively enrolled. Four td-dMRI-derived microstructural parameters, extracellular diffusivity (Dex), intracellular volume fraction (Vin), Diameter, and Cellularity, and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) at three oscillation frequencies (ADC0Hz, ADC30Hz, and ADC55Hz), were obtained. TNM stages and prognostic factors were recorded; continuous variables were dichotomized by optimal cut-offs. Correlations, between-group comparisons, and receiver operating characteristic analysis summarized diagnostic performance as the area under the curve (AUC). Programmed death ligand 1 was correlated with ADC values, with ADC55Hz achieving an AUC of 0.708. Epidermal growth factor receptor was correlated with Cellularity and Diameter (r = 0.341 and -0.329). Ki-67 expression was associated with Dex and ADC55Hz (r = 0.252 and 0.286). Vin, Cellularity and ADC0/30Hz were linked to histological subtype, with Vin achieving the highest AUC of 0.706. TNM stages were correlated with Diameter (r = 0.203 to 0.371) and Cellularity (r = -0.365 to -0.284). ADC30Hz best distinguished NPC (T1-2) from hyperplasia (AUC = 0.847). Negative correlations were observed between several parameters and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-based antibodies (r = -0.269 to -0.239). Vin and ADC0/30Hz differed across EBV DNA clearance groups after induction chemoimmunotherapy (p ≤ 0.038). td-dMRI-measured diameters correlated with pathological measurements (r = 0.772, p < 0.001). td-dMRI parameters may reflect tumor microstructure and show associations with prognostic factors in NPC, suggesting potential utility for risk stratification and treatment monitoring. Question Can microstructural parameters from time-dependent diffusion MRI (td-dMRI) noninvasively provide clinically meaningful prognostic information for nasopharyngeal carcinoma? Findings Differences in prognostic factor levels can be reflected by td-dMRI, and td-dMRI-derived diameter was correlated with pathology-derived diameter (r = 0.772, p < 0.001). Clinical relevance td-dMRI provides a noninvasive method to characterize tumor microstructure, potentially improving patient management strategies in nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Concrete is a multiphase composite material composed of high-strength aggregates, a cement matrix, and the interfacial transition zone (ITZ), whose inherent heterogeneity plays a critical role in its mechanical response. Phenomenological numerical models often assume a homogeneous material formulation, limiting their ability to capture localised failure mechanisms and the composite behaviour. This study presents a mesoscale modelling framework that explicitly represents concrete heterogeneity by incorporating aggregate distribution into finite element meshes generated from design-stage parameters. The approach is applied to ballistic impact scenarios and validated against previously published data by the authors. Finite elements simulations reproduced key experimental trends in stress-strain response, projectile residual velocity and mass loss. Furthermore, the heterogeneous formulation captured effects such as size-dependent behaviour, brittle-to-ductile transition and projectile rotation – which are not available using homogenised models. The framework is scalable and efficient, allowing for parametric studies on aggregate volume fraction, particle size distribution, and aggregate shape. This modelling approach may be used to optimise aggregate parameters during the design stage of a protective structure in response to a specified external threat. • Mesoscale model captured concrete heterogeneity using realistic aggregate geometry. • Framework reproduced size effects and brittle-to-ductile transition in concrete. • Simulations reflect experimental scatter in both material and ballistic tests. • Approach supports aggregate optimisation for protective structures.