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19 pages, 2948 KB

Open AccessArticle

Integrated Multi-Omics Analysis Reveals the Role of the Gut Microbiota–Metabolite–Endocrine Axis in Post-Weaning Estrus Recovery in Tibetan Pigs

by Jian Zhang, Dong Yang, Mengjia Han, Mengqi Duan, Hongliang Zhang and Peng Shang

Animals 2026, 16(11), 1579; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16111579 (registering DOI) - 22 May 2026

Abstract

The weaning-to-estrus interval (WEI) is an important indicator of sow reproductive performance, yet the mechanisms underlying post-weaning anestrus in Tibetan sows remain unclear. In this study, multiparous Tibetan sows were classified into an estrus group (FQ) and an anestrus group (WQ) based on [...] Read more.

The weaning-to-estrus interval (WEI) is an important indicator of sow reproductive performance, yet the mechanisms underlying post-weaning anestrus in Tibetan sows remain unclear. In this study, multiparous Tibetan sows were classified into an estrus group (FQ) and an anestrus group (WQ) based on estrus status after weaning. Serum reproductive hormones, hematological parameters, gut microbiota (16S rRNA sequencing), and fecal metabolites (untargeted metabolomics) were analyzed. Compared with the FQ group, the WQ group showed significantly lower estradiol (E₂) and higher progesterone (P) levels (p < 0.01), along with a decreased proportion of neutrophils and an increased proportion of lymphocytes (p < 0.05). No significant differences in alpha diversity were observed, whereas PLS-DA revealed differences in microbial community structures between groups. LEfSe analysis indicated that Methanobrevibacter and Acinetobacter were enriched in the FQ group, whereas Muribaculaceae and Prevotella were enriched in the WQ group. Differential metabolites were mainly involved in amino acid and lipid metabolism and enriched in pathways related to steroid hormone biosynthesis, oocyte maturation, and tryptophan metabolism. These findings suggest that post-weaning anestrus may be associated with endocrine imbalances, immune changes, and gut microbiota–metabolite interactions. They may provide a basis for future studies in Tibetan pig breeding and genetic improvement. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Pig Reproductive Physiology)

15 pages, 632 KB

Open AccessArticle

Doppler Ultrasound Findings in Filler-Related Facial Vascular Adverse Events: An International Multicenter Study

by Rosa M. S. Sigrist, Claudia Gonzalez, Leonie Schelke, Ximena Wortsman, Stella Desyatnikova, Fernanda A. Cavallieri and Maria Cristina Chammas

Diagnostics 2026, 16(11), 1587; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics16111587 (registering DOI) - 22 May 2026

Abstract

Background: Vascular adverse events (VAEs) related to facial filler injections are rare but potentially severe complications. Doppler ultrasound has emerged as an adjunct imaging tool for evaluating vascular compromise; however, Doppler findings in facial VAEs remain insufficiently characterized. Objectives: To characterize Doppler [...] Read more.

Background: Vascular adverse events (VAEs) related to facial filler injections are rare but potentially severe complications. Doppler ultrasound has emerged as an adjunct imaging tool for evaluating vascular compromise; however, Doppler findings in facial VAEs remain insufficiently characterized. Objectives: To characterize Doppler ultrasound findings associated with filler-related facial VAEs and to assess whether Doppler patterns differ according to prior hyaluronidase administration. Methods: This international multicenter retrospective observational study included 100 patients with clinically diagnosed facial VAEs following filler injections between May 2022 and April 2025. Doppler ultrasound findings were analyzed, including absent flow in perforators and major arteries, compensatory flow, abnormal waveforms, increased peak systolic velocity (PSV), and absence of Doppler abnormalities. Patients were categorized according to hyaluronidase administration prior to ultrasound evaluation. Descriptive statistics and comparative analyses were performed. Results: One hundred patients (median age, 38 years; IQR: 30–50; 88 women) were evaluated. The most frequent Doppler ultrasound findings were absent flow in perforators (42%) and major arteries (35%), followed by compensatory flow (26%), string sign (18%), flow diversion (16%), and increased peak systolic velocity (16%). No Doppler abnormalities were observed in 12% of cases, while tardus–parvus (9%) and staccato waveform (8%) were less frequent. Doppler ultrasound findings did not differ significantly between patients who received hyaluronidase before imaging and those who did not (all p > 0.05). The dose of hyaluronidase varied substantially. Livedo reticularis, blanching, and pain were the most common clinical findings. Central facial arterial territories, particularly the perioral, nasolabial fold, nasal, and glabellar regions, were most commonly involved. Conclusions: Filler-related facial VAEs show recognizable Doppler ultrasound patterns, and the identification of these patterns may improve localization of vascular occlusion and support ultrasound-guided hyaluronidase administration, potentially enabling more targeted delivery with lower doses. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Clinical Diagnosis and Prognosis)

19 pages, 3018 KB

Open AccessArticle

Polypyrrole-Integrated Lanthanum Ferrite Electrochemical Platform for Sensitive Detection of Tinidazole

by Shakoor Ahmed Solangi, Jameel Ahmed Baig, Imam Bakhsh Solangi, Hassan Imran Afridi, Faisal K. Algethami, Khalil Akhtar, Sajjad Hussain, Latif Ullah Khan, Şükrü Gökhan Elçi and Mohamed N. Goda

Catalysts 2026, 16(6), 490; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal16060490 (registering DOI) - 22 May 2026

Abstract

In the present research, lanthanum ferrite nanoparticles (LaFeO₃ NPs) and lanthanum ferrite polypyrrole (LaFeO₃/PPy) nanocomposites were synthesized and evaluated for electrochemical sensing of TNZ in biological and pharmaceutical samples. LaFeO₃ NPs were synthesized using the sol–gel auto-combustion method, whereas [...] Read more.

In the present research, lanthanum ferrite nanoparticles (LaFeO₃ NPs) and lanthanum ferrite polypyrrole (LaFeO₃/PPy) nanocomposites were synthesized and evaluated for electrochemical sensing of TNZ in biological and pharmaceutical samples. LaFeO₃ NPs were synthesized using the sol–gel auto-combustion method, whereas LaFeO₃/PPy nanocomposites were produced through an in situ chemical oxidative polymerization process. The obtained materials were subjected to comprehensive characterization by multiple analytical techniques, including XRD, which confirms an orthorhombic crystal structure; SEM micrographs of LaFeO₃ NPs and LaFeO₃/PPy nanocomposites exhibit a highly agglomerated structure with non-uniform particle distribution and a more homogeneous, smoother surface morphology, respectively, with an average size of <70 nm. The LaFeO₃/PPy nanocomposites exhibited an electron-transfer process governed by diffusion, as evidenced by cyclic voltammetry (CV) analysis. Using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), the sensor achieved quantitative detection across a linear concertation range of 0.1–230 µM (R² = 0.997), with a detection limit (0.023 µM). The developed sensor demonstrated excellent stability, remarkable sensitivity, and high reproducibility, confirming reliability and suitability (RSD% < 4.0) for the quantitative determination of TNZ in both biological and pharmaceutical matrices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Electrocatalysis)

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15 pages, 6653 KB

Open AccessArticle

Toothbrush Resistance of Resin-Based Stain and Glaze Materials Applied to 3D-Printed Denture Resins

by Panisa Homyai, Ting-Chia Liu, Princy Thakkar, Chin-Chuan Fu, Nathaniel C. Lawson and Rama Kiran Chavali

Materials 2026, 19(11), 2190; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma19112190 (registering DOI) - 22 May 2026

Abstract

Three-dimensional (3D)-printed dentures are often fabricated from a single tooth-colored resin and externally characterized using stains and glaze coatings to enhance gingival esthetics and surface properties. However, routine toothbrushing may degrade these coatings, potentially affecting surface gloss and roughness. This study evaluated the [...] Read more.

Three-dimensional (3D)-printed dentures are often fabricated from a single tooth-colored resin and externally characterized using stains and glaze coatings to enhance gingival esthetics and surface properties. However, routine toothbrushing may degrade these coatings, potentially affecting surface gloss and roughness. This study evaluated the effects of stain timing and glaze application on the gloss and surface roughness of a 3D-printed denture resin following simulated toothbrushing. Eighty disc-shaped specimens (12 mm × 3 mm) were fabricated and assigned to two staining systems (OPTIGLAZE Color and Palette 2.0), with subgroups based on stain timing (before or after post-curing) and glaze application (with or without glaze) (n = 10). Specimens underwent 20,000 cycles of simulated toothbrushing, and gloss and surface roughness were measured before and after brushing. Data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA (α = 0.05). Glaze application significantly improved gloss retention for both staining systems (p < 0.001), while stain timing had no independent effect. Glaze application with Palette 2.0 demonstrated improved gloss retention when post-cured in a post-curing unit. Toothbrushing increased surface roughness in all groups, with no significant effects of stain timing or glaze. Within the limitations of this study, glaze improves gloss stability, whereas stain timing has minimal influence and does not affect surface roughness. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Biomaterials for Dental Applications (2nd Edition))

21 pages, 33571 KB

Open AccessArticle

Rainfall Erosivity Dynamics in a Tropical Basin: Integration of Rain Gauge Data and Satellite-Based Precipitation

by Guilherme d. S. Rios, Joaquim E. B. Ayer, Derielsen B. Santana, Victor H. F. d. Silva, Marcelo A. R. Pires, Talyson d. M. Bolleli, Fellipe S. Gomes, Mariana Raniero, Pedro F. R. Grande, Velibor Spalevic, Felipe G. Rubira and Ronaldo L. Mincato

Climate 2026, 14(6), 111; https://doi.org/10.3390/cli14060111 (registering DOI) - 22 May 2026

Abstract

This study evaluated the spatial and temporal variability of rainfall erosivity (R factor) and its implications for soil loss in the Velhas River Basin, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Rainfall erosivity was estimated from 49 rain gauge stations and CHIRPS precipitation data using empirical equations-based [...] Read more.

This study evaluated the spatial and temporal variability of rainfall erosivity (R factor) and its implications for soil loss in the Velhas River Basin, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Rainfall erosivity was estimated from 49 rain gauge stations and CHIRPS precipitation data using empirical equations-based on monthly and annual precipitation totals. Soil loss was estimated using the RUSLE model for the years of minimum and maximum erosivity. Between 2014 and 2024, annual R values ranged from approximately 3900 to more than 9000 MJ mm ha⁻¹ h⁻¹ yr⁻¹, with the lowest values recorded in 2014 and the highest in 2022. Although 2020 had the highest annual rainfall, 2022 showed the highest erosivity, indicating that rainfall intensity and temporal concentration were more important than total rainfall volume. Furthermore, the comparison of erosivity was estimated from ANA stations and derived from CHIRPS agreement for paired station-year observations (r = 0.7196), although CHIRPS slightly underestimated erosivity values (mean bias −5.74%). Estimated soil loss ranged from 0.60 to 274.17 Mg ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹, with the highest values occurring mainly in exposed soil and agricultural areas. These findings highlight the importance of rainfall temporal distribution in erosion risk and support the use of satellite-derived precipitation products for regional-scale erosion assessments in data-scarce tropical basins. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Weather, Events and Impacts)

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19 pages, 7655 KB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of Oxidation Kinetics and Mechanism of Porous Mo₃Si-Mo₅Si₃-Mo₅SiB₂ Intermetallic Compounds at High Temperatures

by Yongan Huang, Jingyao Gao, Changji Wang, Caihong Dou and Kunming Pan

Metals 2026, 16(6), 566; https://doi.org/10.3390/met16060566 (registering DOI) - 22 May 2026

Abstract

The three-phase region of Mo₃Si-Mo₅Si₃-Mo₅SiB₂(MoSiB) exhibits excellent high-temperature oxidation resistance and is considered a highly promising high-temperature structural material. However, the presence of porous structures significantly increases the surface area exposed to oxidation. [...] Read more.

The three-phase region of Mo₃Si-Mo₅Si₃-Mo₅SiB₂(MoSiB) exhibits excellent high-temperature oxidation resistance and is considered a highly promising high-temperature structural material. However, the presence of porous structures significantly increases the surface area exposed to oxidation. Metallic porous materials often suffer from inadequate corrosion resistance and insufficient high-temperature oxidation resistance, whereas ceramic porous materials are plagued by high brittleness. Intermetallic compounds offer a combination of the advantages of both metals and ceramics. Nevertheless, the high-temperature oxidation behavior of porous MoSiB has not yet been systematically elucidated. The study systematically investigates the effect of pore structure on the high-temperature oxidation behavior of porous MoSiB at 1000 °C and 1300 °C, with a focus on oxidation kinetics, phase evolution, surface and cross-sectional morphology and underlying oxidation mechanisms. The effects of porosity and temperature on the oxidation process are also analyzed. The results indicate that at 1000 °C, the material exhibits uniform oxidation, with lower porosity contributing to better oxidation resistance. At 1300 °C, oxidation is limited to the surface layer, where low-viscosity SiO₂(B) rapidly seals the pores to form a dense protective layer. This research reveals the high-temperature oxidation mechanism and phase evolution of porous MoSiB, providing a theoretical foundation for its application in high-temperature structural fields. Full article

15 pages, 5263 KB

Open AccessArticle

Fabrication of FeNi@PDA Nanozyme-Driven Dual-Mode Platform for Visual and On-Site Monitoring of Ampicillin

by Weipeng Teng, Guizhu Wu, Hongwu Wu, Zhaoying Liu, Haining Chen, Zhen Zhang and Ming Li

Catalysts 2026, 16(6), 489; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal16060489 (registering DOI) - 22 May 2026

Abstract

The widespread accumulation of ampicillin (AMP) poses significant ecological and health risks, demanding rapid and portable monitoring tools. Herein, a Fe-Ni bimetallic-doped polydopamine (FeNi@PDA) nanozyme with exceptional peroxidase-like activity was synthesized for the visual and on-site monitoring of AMP. Optimized through bimetallic electronic [...] Read more.

The widespread accumulation of ampicillin (AMP) poses significant ecological and health risks, demanding rapid and portable monitoring tools. Herein, a Fe-Ni bimetallic-doped polydopamine (FeNi@PDA) nanozyme with exceptional peroxidase-like activity was synthesized for the visual and on-site monitoring of AMP. Optimized through bimetallic electronic coupling, FeNi@PDA exhibited enhanced catalytic efficiency (K_M = 0.051 mmol/L for H₂O₂ and 0.049 mmol/L for 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine) and generated ¹O₂ and ·O₂⁻ via H₂O₂ activation. Leveraging the competitive consumption of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by electron-rich AMP, a colorimetry detection mode was developed where AMP concentration inversely correlated with oxidized 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine (oxTMB) formation. This strategy achieved a good linear relationship of between 0.05 to 100 μg/mL, with a limit of detection (LOD) of 10.38 ng/mL. Furthermore, a smartphone-integrated paper-based detection mode was fabricated by immobilizing FeNi@PDA on filter paper. The color gradient of test papers, analyzed via smartphone imaging, enabled on-site AMP quantification with a LOD of 340 ng/mL. This work not only developed a novel Fe-Ni bimetallic nanozyme with enhanced peroxidase-like activity and established a competitive ROS-consumption sensing mechanism but also pioneered a dual-mode detection platform for low-cost, user-friendly ampicillin monitoring in environmental samples. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design, Engineering, and Application of Enzyme Cascade Systems)

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22 pages, 1543 KB

Open AccessArticle

Bridging Annotation Gaps: Hierarchical Self-Support Learning for Brain Tumor Segmentation

by Saqib Qamar, Mohd Fazil and Zubair Ashraf

Diagnostics 2026, 16(11), 1588; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics16111588 (registering DOI) - 22 May 2026

Abstract

Background: Accurate brain tumor segmentation from Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) depends on the fusion of multiple complementary modalities. However, clinical practice often faces incomplete modality sets due to acquisition failures, patient contraindications, or protocol variations. Current methods either treat each modality feature extractor [...] Read more.

Background: Accurate brain tumor segmentation from Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) depends on the fusion of multiple complementary modalities. However, clinical practice often faces incomplete modality sets due to acquisition failures, patient contraindications, or protocol variations. Current methods either treat each modality feature extractor in isolation or depend on computationally expensive teacher networks for cross-modal knowledge transfer. Objective: This paper presents Hierarchical Adaptive Group Self-Support Learning with Boundary-Aware Calibration (HAGSS), a framework that overcomes three key limitations of existing group self-support methods: static group formation that ignores temporal prediction quality, uniform treatment of boundary and interior voxels, and distribution mismatch across heterogeneous modality logits. Methods: We propose a hierarchical adaptive group formation mechanism that reassigns group leader roles at each epoch based on voxel-level prediction confidence scores instead of fixed sensitivity priors. We also introduce a boundary-aware calibration module that applies spatially varied distillation weights with greater emphasis on tumor boundary regions. In addition, we design a cross-scale consistency regularization term that enforces agreement between multi-resolution predictions to stabilize the self-support target. Results: Experiments on BraTS2020, BraTS2018, and BraTS2021 datasets show that HAGSS achieves consistent improvements over state-of-the-art baselines. The average Dice gains across the whole tumor, tumor core, and enhancing tumor regions reach 1.30% on BraTS2020 and 1.61% on BraTS2021 compared to existing methods. All improvements are statistically significant (

p < 0.05

). Conclusions: HAGSS operates exclusively during training, adds no parameters or inference cost, and can be applied as a plug-in module to any multi-encoder incomplete multi-modal segmentation architecture. Code is publicly available at GitHub. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 3rd Edition: AI/ML-Based Medical Image Processing and Analysis)

23 pages, 2611 KB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of 3D Printing Parameters on Apparent Resistivity, Repeatability and Time-Dependent Drift of Conductive PLA

by Diana Popescu, Ștefan Cula and Lidia Florentina Parpală

Polymers 2026, 18(11), 1274; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym18111274 (registering DOI) - 22 May 2026

Abstract

Conductive filaments for Material Extrusion Additive Manufacturing (MEX) can enable low-cost fabrication of functional parts with embedded electrical features. However, systematic studies on process-dependent electrical properties like apparent resistivity and repeatability are limited, and the post-printing stability of the electrical response is not [...] Read more.

Conductive filaments for Material Extrusion Additive Manufacturing (MEX) can enable low-cost fabrication of functional parts with embedded electrical features. However, systematic studies on process-dependent electrical properties like apparent resistivity and repeatability are limited, and the post-printing stability of the electrical response is not commonly addressed. This study evaluates the influence of printing temperature, printing speed and layer height on the apparent resistivity, specimen-to-specimen repeatability and time-dependent drift of a commercial carbon black-filled conductive PLA filament (ProtoPasta). The novelty of the study consists of evaluating not only the initial apparent resistivity, but also the repeatability between specimens and the post-print drift of apparent resistivity over a 0–50 h interval. The filament was investigated using three printing temperatures (210–230 °C), two printing speeds (60–80 mm/s) and three layer heights (0.2–0.4 mm), with three replicates per configuration. Apparent resistivity ranged between 0.156 and 0.205 kΩ·mm at t0 and between 0.162 and 0.222 kΩ·mm at t50. Multifactorial ANOVA and main-effects analyses showed that the printing temperature was the main factor affecting mean apparent resistivity at both t0 and t50. Higher temperature reduced apparent resistivity, most likely due to improved polymer flow, inter-bead/inter-layer bonding and conductive-network continuity. Printing speed had no significant main effect on the mean apparent resistivity or drift within the tested range. Repeatability depended on the parameter configuration and measurement time, with variability increasing after 24 h and then becoming mainly dependent on layer height. Drift analysis showed a significant main effect of layer height and a significant layer height × temperature interaction, with the largest increase at 0.3 mm. These results show that parameter selection for conductive MEX parts should consider both the initial resistivity level and post-print stability over time. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Polymer Processing and Engineering)

18 pages, 6954 KB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Proteomic Analysis Reveals That TaCAD-A1 Enhances Resistance of Wheat to Powdery Mildew (Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici)

by NiNa Sun, Wei Liu, WeiHua Xu, LinZhi Li, TangYu Yuan and Lu Chen

Life 2026, 16(6), 872; https://doi.org/10.3390/life16060872 (registering DOI) - 22 May 2026

Abstract

Powdery mildew in wheat, caused by the biotrophic fungus Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici (Bgt), is a major threat to global wheat production, yet the molecular mechanisms underlying differential cultivar resistance remain largely unresolved. In this study, tandem mass tag (TMT)-based [...] Read more.

Powdery mildew in wheat, caused by the biotrophic fungus Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici (Bgt), is a major threat to global wheat production, yet the molecular mechanisms underlying differential cultivar resistance remain largely unresolved. In this study, tandem mass tag (TMT)-based quantitative proteomics was employed to investigate protein dynamics in resistant (Yannong37) and susceptible (Yannong1766) wheat cultivars at 0 and 24 h following Bgt inoculation. A total of 276 proteins exhibited significant changes in abundance after infection, with enrichment in cell wall and plasmodesmata-associated proteins. Comparative analysis further identified 456 differentially expressed proteins between the two cultivars at 24 h post-inoculation. Protein–protein interaction network analysis indicated that proteins involved in secondary metabolism and immune responses form coordinated regulatory networks contributing to disease resistance. RT–qPCR validation supported the reliability of the proteomic data. Notably, TaCAD-A1 displayed higher transcript abundance in the resistant cultivar and was associated with reduced fungal biomass accumulation. Silencing of TaCAD-A1 resulted in decreased expression of multiple defense-related genes. Collectively, these findings suggest that TaCAD-A1 may positively contribute to wheat resistance against Bgt infection and may be associated with defense responses and monolignol biosynthesis-related processes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research in Plant–Pathogen Interactions)

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16 pages, 2831 KB

Open AccessArticle

2.5D Context Encoding with Latent-Space Variational Diffusion for CBCT-to-CT Synthesis

by Yeon Su Park and Ji Hye Won

Electronics 2026, 15(11), 2246; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics15112246 (registering DOI) - 22 May 2026

Abstract

Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is widely used in image-guided radiotherapy because of its low radiation dose and on-board acquisition capability. However, CBCT images often suffer from scatter artifacts, increased noise, reduced soft-tissue contrast, and inaccurate Hounsfield Unit (HU) values, which limit their direct [...] Read more.

Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is widely used in image-guided radiotherapy because of its low radiation dose and on-board acquisition capability. However, CBCT images often suffer from scatter artifacts, increased noise, reduced soft-tissue contrast, and inaccurate Hounsfield Unit (HU) values, which limit their direct use for accurate dose calculation and quantitative analysis. To address this limitation, we propose a CBCT-to-CT synthesis framework based on 2.5D context encoding (concatenating five adjacent slices along the channel dimension) and latent-space variational diffusion. The proposed method combines a Vector Quantized Variational Autoencoder (VQ-VAE) and a U-shaped Vision Transformer (U-ViT)-based latent-space Variational Diffusion Model (VDM) to translate CBCT images into synthetic CT (sCT) images in a compressed latent space. To incorporate inter-slice anatomical context while preserving the computational efficiency of 2D processing, five adjacent CBCT slices are concatenated along the channel dimension and used as input. We evaluated the proposed method on the SynthRAD2025 paired CBCT-CT dataset covering head-and-neck, thoracic, and abdominal regions. Under the provided benchmark setting, quantitative evaluation on the validation set showed that the proposed 2.5D model improved peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) from 25.39 dB to 27.44 dB (averaged across regions), structural similarity index measure (SSIM) from 0.813 to 0.846, reduced mean squared error (MSE) from 0.00313 to 0.00200, and lowered Fréchet inception distance (FID) from 1009.33 to 869.53 compared with the 2D baseline. Qualitative results also showed improved anatomical consistency and reduced artifact-related distortions. These findings suggest that neighboring-slice context can enhance HU fidelity and overall image quality in a computationally practical synthesis framework, supporting the usefulness of efficient AI-based cross-modality reconstruction for radiotherapy-related imaging workflows. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intelligent Approaches for Solving Software Problems with AI Techniques, 2nd Edition)

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35 pages, 1285 KB

Open AccessArticle

Corona-Treated LDPE Bilayer Films Coated with Chitosan/Glycerol and Carvacrol@Zeolite Nanohybrid for High-Oxygen-Barrier Active Packaging

by Areti A. Leontiou, Eleni Kollia, Dimitrios G. Lazaridis, Anna Kopsacheili, Andreas E. Giannakas, Achilleas Kechagias, Ioannis K. Karabagias, Charalampos Proestos and Aris E. Giannakas

Polysaccharides 2026, 7(2), 62; https://doi.org/10.3390/polysaccharides7020062 (registering DOI) - 22 May 2026

Abstract

This study developed high-oxygen-barrier active bilayer packaging films by combining corona-treated low-density polyethylene (LDPE) with chitosan/glycerol (CS/Gl) and carvacrol@natural zeolite (CV@NZ) nanohybrid layers using industrially scalable processes. LDPE film was surface-activated via ambient-pressure corona treatment (0.75 s/cm² at 45 kV, 30 W) [...] Read more.

This study developed high-oxygen-barrier active bilayer packaging films by combining corona-treated low-density polyethylene (LDPE) with chitosan/glycerol (CS/Gl) and carvacrol@natural zeolite (CV@NZ) nanohybrid layers using industrially scalable processes. LDPE film was surface-activated via ambient-pressure corona treatment (0.75 s/cm² at 45 kV, 30 W) and assembled with solution-cast CS/Gl or CS/Gl/CV@NZ monolayers via hot-pressing (110 °C, 1 min). Corona treatment enabled robust interfacial adhesion, evidenced by statistical equivalence between monolayer and bilayer mechanical properties. Incorporation of 10 wt.% CV@NZ nanohybrid increased elastic modulus by 60% (to ≈2970 MPa) and tensile strength by 30% (to ≈50 MPa). The LDPE-CS/Gl film achieved a 64-fold reduction in oxygen permeability; CV@NZ incorporation maintained excellent barrier performance (22-fold reduction). Antioxidant potency increased 16-fold upon CV@NZ incorporation. The LDPE-CS/Gl/CV@NZ film demonstrated exceptional antibacterial activity (5.08–5.30 log reductions; >99.999% kill) against both Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli—substantially exceeding additive effects—confirming synergistic action between chitosan and carvacrol. In fresh minced pork preservation (8 days, 4 °C), the active film achieved a 1.73 log reduction in Total Viable Count (98.2% inhibition) and extended microbiological shelf life from 6 to beyond 8 days (33% increase). The bilayer configuration utilizes only 40% of the total thickness as biopolymer, aligning with circular economy principles. Unlike conventional high-barrier films (e.g., PA/PE) which require complex compatibilization for recycling, the water-soluble chitosan layer in this bilayer design can be readily separated from the LDPE backbone, enabling recovery of a pure polymer stream. This work demonstrates a feasible pathway for developing next-generation active packaging that combines a high oxygen barrier, potent antioxidant activity, and exceptional antimicrobial efficacy through industrially scalable manufacturing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polysaccharides in Advanced Packaging: Active Coatings, Safe Additives, and Green Processing)

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21 pages, 2057 KB

Open AccessArticle

Experimental Investigations into the Failure Modes of Different Formats of Lithium-Ion Cells and the Potential Impact on Building Materials

by Jason Gill, Jonathan E. H. Buston, Gemma E. Howard, Steven L. Goddard, Philip A. P. Reeve and Jack W. Mellor

Fire 2026, 9(6), 213; https://doi.org/10.3390/fire9060213 (registering DOI) - 22 May 2026

Abstract

Lithium-ion battery (LIB) cells are available in various sizes, formats, and chemistries. Should a LIB be exposed to conditions outside its operating parameters, each variation affects the cell failure mechanisms and any resultant fire dynamic. Battery fires can be dynamic events that differ [...] Read more.

Lithium-ion battery (LIB) cells are available in various sizes, formats, and chemistries. Should a LIB be exposed to conditions outside its operating parameters, each variation affects the cell failure mechanisms and any resultant fire dynamic. Battery fires can be dynamic events that differ significantly from those solid-, liquid- or gas-based fire curves often used in standard building material fire resistance tests. This preliminary research aimed to investigate how standard building materials, sometimes used as a compartment fire envelope, such as gypsum plasterboard, react when exposed to a dynamic battery fire. The research explored batteries that produced jet fires, could act as projectiles, or produced overpressures when they failed. The results showed that cylindrical cells can travel at significant speeds and distances due to expulsing the cell’s contents through the cell’s vent or ejected end cap. These cells were shown to be capable of piercing plasterboard and remain hot enough to present a fire risk where they fall on the far side of the plasterboard. It was also found that the overpressures produced by failing prismatic cells affected the structural integrity of some building materials. The results show a need for further research into the effectiveness of standard building fire controls when exposed to LIB fires. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fire and Explosion Hazards in Energy Systems)

18 pages, 1050 KB

Open AccessArticle

Novel Enzymatic Reagentless Glucose Biosensors Based on Noble Metal Nanostructures

by Natalija German, Anton Popov and Almira Ramanaviciene

Polymers 2026, 18(11), 1273; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym18111273 (registering DOI) - 22 May 2026

Abstract

Reagentless glucose biosensors with redox mediator—polymerized 1,10-phenanthroline-5,6-dione (pPD)—were developed and electrochemically investigated. Three types of biosensors based on graphite rod (GR) electrodes modified by (i) 13 nm of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), (ii) electrochemically synthesized dendritic gold nanostructures (DAuNSs), and (iii) platinum nanostructures (PtNSs) [...] Read more.

Reagentless glucose biosensors with redox mediator—polymerized 1,10-phenanthroline-5,6-dione (pPD)—were developed and electrochemically investigated. Three types of biosensors based on graphite rod (GR) electrodes modified by (i) 13 nm of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), (ii) electrochemically synthesized dendritic gold nanostructures (DAuNSs), and (iii) platinum nanostructures (PtNSs) were prepared. All electrodes were modified by glucose oxidase (GOx), and the pPD was polymerized for 2 h. Thus, GR/AuNPs/GOx/pPD, GR/DAuNSs/GOx/pPD, and GR/PtNSs/GOx/pPD electrodes were developed and electrochemically characterized. The electrode without noble metal nanostructures (GR/GOx/pPD) was used as the control. The biosensor based on the GR/DAuNSs/GOx/pPD electrode exhibited the best performance, with the sensitivity of 2.58 μA/(mM cm²), the linear range up to 93.7 mM, the limit of detection 0.182 mM, the reproducibility and repeatability of 4.99 and 4.80%, and the storage stability (50% of initial current responses (t_1/2)) for up to 19 days. The achieved high resistance to interfering materials enabled precise glucose detection in real samples, including human serum and beverages. The technological solutions presented in this paper are anticipated to provide opportunities and benefits of developing novel enzymatic reagentless glucose biosensors based on noble metal nanostructures for use in clinical assays and general diagnostics, including blood glucose monitoring in people with diabetes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Conducting Polymer Nanocomposites as Promising Sensing Platform)

19 pages, 5650 KB

Open AccessArticle

Foliar Application of Chitosan Nanoparticles Mitigates Early Physiological and Antioxidant Responses of Solanum lycopersicum L. Seedlings Under Mild-to-Moderate Water Deficit

by Ricardo Tighe-Neira, Gonzalo Tortella-Fuentes, Verónica Véjar-Cayuqueo, Emilio Jorquera-Fontena, Jorge González-Villagra, Rafael J. V. Oliveira, Felipe L. N. Sousa, Bianca G. P. Araújo, Rodrigo Rodríguez and Claudio Inostroza-Blancheteau

Polymers 2026, 18(11), 1275; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym18111275 (registering DOI) - 22 May 2026

Abstract

Solanum lycopersicum is highly sensitive to water deficits, which negatively affect photosynthesis and increase oxidative stress. Although chitosan nanoparticles (ChNPs) offer a sustainable solution, research on their effects on this species is scarce. This study evaluated whether ChNPs mitigate the physiological and biochemical [...] Read more.

Solanum lycopersicum is highly sensitive to water deficits, which negatively affect photosynthesis and increase oxidative stress. Although chitosan nanoparticles (ChNPs) offer a sustainable solution, research on their effects on this species is scarce. This study evaluated whether ChNPs mitigate the physiological and biochemical effects of water deficit on S. lycopersicum seedlings. Thirty-day-old seedlings were grown under greenhouse conditions, and two irrigation levels were established: 80% of substrate water-holding capacity (well-watered, WW), and 50% of water-holding capacity (mild-to-moderate water deficit, WD). Spherical ChNPs with a size of 39.52 ± 10.9 nm were suspended in 1% acetic acid and foliar-applied at 0, 60, or 120 mg L⁻¹. After 10 days, biomass accumulation, chlorophyll fluorescence parameters (F_v′/F_m′, ΦPSII, and ETR), gas exchange, and non-enzymatic antioxidant traits were determined. Even under this early-stage stress regime, water deficit significantly reduced shoot and root biomass, net photosynthesis, and stomatal conductance, while increasing lipid peroxidation. Foliar application of ChNPs, particularly at 60 mg L⁻¹, restored dry matter production and improved photochemical efficiency and electron transport rate by 14%; likewise, net CO₂ assimilation increased by 11.7%. In addition, this dose enhanced antioxidant activity and total phenols by 66% and 1.6-fold, respectively. ChNPs at 60 mg L⁻¹ mitigated the effects of WD in S. lycopersicum by increasing antioxidant and photosynthetic performances. Nevertheless, additional molecular studies, including enzymatic antioxidant characterization and compatible solute profiling, are required to elucidate the mechanisms involved. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Polymer Applications)

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25 pages, 1348 KB

Open AccessArticle

An Adaptive Octile JPS and Fuzzy-DWA Fused Path Planning Algorithm for Indoor Home Environments

by Wei Li, Zhuoda Jia, Dawen Sun, Deng Han, Zhenyang Qin and Qianjin Liu

Sensors 2026, 26(11), 3300; https://doi.org/10.3390/s26113300 (registering DOI) - 22 May 2026

Abstract

Home indoor environments are characterized by alternating open spaces and obstacle-cluttered regions, which pose critical challenges to the autonomous navigation of home service robots. Existing hybrid path planning algorithms generally suffer from three core limitations: low global search efficiency, weak global-local planning coordination, [...] Read more.

Home indoor environments are characterized by alternating open spaces and obstacle-cluttered regions, which pose critical challenges to the autonomous navigation of home service robots. Existing hybrid path planning algorithms generally suffer from three core limitations: low global search efficiency, weak global-local planning coordination, and poor dynamic scene adaptability. To tackle these issues, this paper presents a novel hierarchical path planning framework combining an enhanced Jump Point Search (JPS) and a fuzzy-optimized Dynamic Window Approach (DWA). In the global planning layer, an adaptive Octile heuristic JPS based on local obstacle density is designed to reduce redundant node expansion and accelerate global path search, with a bounded suboptimality guarantee. To bridge global and local planning, a look-ahead distance-based dynamic waypoint selection strategy is developed to match the optimal waypoint in real time according to the robot’s motion state and environmental complexity, enabling seamless coordination between global path guidance and local trajectory generation. In the local planning layer, a fuzzy logic controller is introduced to dynamically tune the weights of the DWA trajectory evaluation function, which significantly improves the robot’s dynamic obstacle avoidance capability and motion smoothness. Comparative simulation experiments verify that the proposed method not only outperforms the conventional hybrid path planning algorithm, reducing expanded nodes by 68.09% and global planning time by 52.94%, while improving dynamic obstacle avoidance success rate by 31.43% and overall navigation efficiency by 23.95%, it also achieves better comprehensive navigation performance than the widely adopted PSO-DWA comparison algorithm. The proposed framework shows superior comprehensive performance and is well suited for the indoor autonomous navigation of home service robots. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Autonomous Navigation for Intelligent Robots: Perception, Planning, and Control)

32 pages, 1559 KB

Open AccessReview

Gut Microbiota in Colorectal Cancer: Mechanistic Insights, Clinical Strategies, and a Regional Perspective with a Focus on Sichuan, China

by Zuoliang Liu, Mia Yang Ang and Chin Siang Kue

Cancers 2026, 18(11), 1693; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18111693 (registering DOI) - 22 May 2026

Abstract

CRC remains a major cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality worldwide. In recent years, the gut microbiota has gained increasing attention in CRC research. Intestinal microbes are not passive bystanders in tumor development. They may promote persistent inflammation, disrupt epithelial barrier integrity, alter [...] Read more.

CRC remains a major cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality worldwide. In recent years, the gut microbiota has gained increasing attention in CRC research. Intestinal microbes are not passive bystanders in tumor development. They may promote persistent inflammation, disrupt epithelial barrier integrity, alter microbial metabolites, and affect host immune and signaling pathways. Emerging evidence also suggests that microbiota-related metabolites and microbial functional alterations may influence host epigenetic regulation, including DNA methylation and chromatin-associated signaling, thereby further shaping colorectal carcinogenesis. Together, these changes can create a microenvironment that favors tumor initiation and progression. Several bacterial species, including Fusobacterium nucleatum, Parvimonas micra, and Peptostreptococcus anaerobius, have been repeatedly associated with CRC. In contrast, beneficial commensal microbes and their metabolites, especially short-chain fatty acids, may help maintain intestinal homeostasis and limit tumor-promoting processes. Because the gut microbiota is strongly shaped by diet, lifestyle, and environmental exposure, regional differences are also relevant. This is particularly important in Sichuan, China, where distinctive dietary habits and environmental features may influence microbial patterns associated with CRC risk and disease behavior. This review summarizes the main mechanisms linking the gut microbiota to CRC, examines the regional context of Sichuan, China, and discusses current and emerging clinical strategies. These include dietary intervention, probiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation, and microbiome-informed approaches to prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Cancer Causes, Screening and Diagnosis)

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23 pages, 9743 KB

Open AccessArticle

Water–Land–Carbon Coupled Ecosystem Services Assessment and Driving Analysis Based on Composite Ecosystem Service Index

by Ruifeng Jiao, Hao Wei, Yongkang Zhang, Qiting Zuo and Qingsong Wu

Water 2026, 18(11), 1259; https://doi.org/10.3390/w18111259 (registering DOI) - 22 May 2026

Abstract

Ecosystem service assessment provides a critical basis for optimizing regional ecological management and promoting sustainable development. From the water–land–carbon coupling perspective, this study established a technical framework for quantifying individual services, coupling a composite index, and analyzing multidimensional driving mechanisms. The InVEST model [...] Read more.

Ecosystem service assessment provides a critical basis for optimizing regional ecological management and promoting sustainable development. From the water–land–carbon coupling perspective, this study established a technical framework for quantifying individual services, coupling a composite index, and analyzing multidimensional driving mechanisms. The InVEST model was applied to quantify three core ecosystem services: water yield, habitat quality, and carbon storage. A Composite Ecosystem Service Index (CESI) was constructed through normalization and weighted summation. Multidimensional driving factors were identified using the Optimal Parameter-Based Geographical Detector. Taking Ningxia during 2004–2024 as the study area, the results showed that the CESI exhibited a fluctuating upward trend with significant spatial heterogeneity, characterized by a south–high and north–low pattern. Land use transitions were dominated by bidirectional conversions between cropland and grassland, while impervious area expanded rapidly and barren land decreased overall. The spatial differentiation of CESI was jointly controlled by natural and anthropogenic factors, with land use type, precipitation, and digital elevation model showing the strongest explanatory power, and all two-factor interactions displaying pronounced enhancement effects. This study provides a reproducible framework for ecosystem service assessment in arid and semi-arid regions, supporting ecological restoration, land use optimization, and the coordinated development of ecology and economy under water–land–carbon synergy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue China Water Forum, 4th Edition)

33 pages, 111352 KB

Open AccessArticle

Event-Driven Decentralized Control for Multi-Robot Cooperative Manipulation

by Javier Felix-Rendon, Alejandro Díaz, Gustavo Hernández-Melgarejo and Rita Q. Fuentes-Aguilar

Robotics 2026, 15(6), 102; https://doi.org/10.3390/robotics15060102 (registering DOI) - 22 May 2026

Abstract

In this work, we present a decentralized, event-driven control architecture for collaborative rigid object manipulation using omnidirectional wheeled mobile robots. Unlike fixed manipulators, mobile manipulation requires complex coordination between robots, making robustness and fault tolerance critical. Our framework is implemented in ROS2, in [...] Read more.

In this work, we present a decentralized, event-driven control architecture for collaborative rigid object manipulation using omnidirectional wheeled mobile robots. Unlike fixed manipulators, mobile manipulation requires complex coordination between robots, making robustness and fault tolerance critical. Our framework is implemented in ROS2, in which each robot operates independently, with control, kinematic, and motor nodes that communicate via structured message passing. This decentralized design enhances fault tolerance, as individual component failures do not compromise the entire system. To enable perception, an ArUco-based vision system is employed to estimate robot and object poses, supporting the execution of three coordinated subtasks: approaching, grasping, and transporting. The proposed scheme is validated in a Gazebo simulation through different experiments, in which two robots successfully manipulate individual cubes or a beam. Results demonstrate that the proposed event-driven, decentralized control strategy enables consistent coordination, fault-tolerant operation under agent failures, and successful task execution in collaborative manipulation scenarios. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Control and Optimization for Robotic Systems)

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14 pages, 692 KB

Open AccessArticle

Comparison of Antimicrobial Susceptibility Patterns of Bacterial Isolates from Blood, Urine, and Lower Respiratory Tract Specimens Between Elderly Patients in Long-Term Care Hospitals and Community-Acquired Infections: A Retrospective Study

by Kye Won Choe, Sumi Yoon, Yong Kwan Lim, Hongkyung Kim, Mi-Kyung Lee and Oh Joo Kweon

Antibiotics 2026, 15(6), 530; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics15060530 (registering DOI) - 22 May 2026

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Patients in long-term care hospitals (LTCHs) are at increased risk of harboring antimicrobial-resistant organisms due to frequent healthcare exposure and multiple comorbidities. This retrospective observational study aimed to compare the antimicrobial susceptibility of bacterial isolates from LTCH-onset infections (LTCHIs) with those from [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Patients in long-term care hospitals (LTCHs) are at increased risk of harboring antimicrobial-resistant organisms due to frequent healthcare exposure and multiple comorbidities. This retrospective observational study aimed to compare the antimicrobial susceptibility of bacterial isolates from LTCH-onset infections (LTCHIs) with those from community-acquired infections (CAIs) in elderly patients. Methods: This study was conducted at a 700-bed urban tertiary university hospital and included patients aged ≥65 years with positive cultures for bacteremia, lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs), or urinary tract infections (UTIs) within 48 h of admission. Medical records, including antimicrobial susceptibility test results, were reviewed for a total of 1780 patients and their isolates. Antimicrobial susceptibility patterns were compared between LTCHI and CAI patients. Results: Patients with LTCHI exhibited significantly higher antimicrobial non-susceptibility than those with CAIs across multiple pathogens and antimicrobial classes (p < 0.05). In bacteremia, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Klebsiella pneumoniae from LTCHI cases showed increased non-susceptibility to β-lactams and fluoroquinolones. In LRTIs, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii demonstrated high non-susceptibility to carbapenems (52.9% and 90%, respectively) and aminoglycosides. In UTIs, LTCHI isolates exhibited broader resistance among Enterobacterales and P. aeruginosa. Notably, the proportion of multidrug-resistant organisms, including carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (15.4–50.0%) and carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (90.5%), was substantially higher in the LTCHI group across all infection sites. Conclusions: Elderly patients with LTCHI are more likely to harbor antimicrobial-resistant pathogens than those with CAIs. Careful consideration of LTCHI origin is therefore essential for empirical antibiotic selection and for strategies aimed at limiting further resistance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antibiotic Resistance in Geriatric Emergency Patients: Challenges and Strategies for Optimal Management)

21 pages, 2249 KB

Open AccessArticle

Beyond Surgical Margins: Fully Mature Tertiary Lymphoid Structures (fmTLSs) Are Predictive Biomarkers for Local Recurrence in Primary Soft-Tissue Sarcomas

by Audrey Michot, Lucile Vanhersecke, Derek Dinart, Aurélien Bourdon, Rihab Azmani, Valérie Velasco, Iris Bonomo, Maïlys Toureille, Maud Toulmonde, Raul E. Perret, Carine Bellera, Jean-Michel Coindre and François Le Loarer

Cancers 2026, 18(11), 1685; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18111685 (registering DOI) - 22 May 2026

Abstract

Background: Soft-tissue sarcomas (STSs) are rare and heterogeneous malignancies with generally poor and unpredictable prognosis. Tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs) have been identified as favorable prognostic indicators in several cancer types, yet their role in STS remains poorly defined. This study investigates the prognostic [...] Read more.

Background: Soft-tissue sarcomas (STSs) are rare and heterogeneous malignancies with generally poor and unpredictable prognosis. Tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs) have been identified as favorable prognostic indicators in several cancer types, yet their role in STS remains poorly defined. This study investigates the prognostic relevance of TLS presence, maturity, location and density in resected STSs. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 219 cases of primary STS surgically resected at the Bergonié Institute (France) between 1990 and 2020. TLSs were assessed for presence, spatial distribution, semi-quantitative density and degree of maturity using CD20 and CD23 immunohistochemistry, categorizing tumors as fully mature TLS-positive (fmTLS⁺) or -negative (fmTLS⁻). RNA sequencing was performed on 126 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples to characterize immune microenvironment profiles. Survival outcomes—including overall survival (OS), time to locoregional progression (TTLRP), and time to distant progression (TTDP)—were analyzed using Kaplan–Meier estimates and Cox proportional hazards models. Results: The presence of fmTLS was significantly associated with improved 5-year OS (p = 0.012) and cause-specific survival (p = 0.006). Unexpectedly, fmTLS⁺ tumors showed a higher rate of local recurrence (22.9% vs. 8.1%, p = 0.002). On multivariate analysis, high-density fmTLS⁺ tumors conferred a 2.68-fold increased risk of locoregional progression (95% CI: 1.28–5.59, p = 0.009). Transcriptomic profiling confirmed a significant correlation between fmTLS⁺ status and a high-immune phenotype (Φ = 0.30, p < 0.001). Conclusions: STSs with fmTLS are associated with improved OS but increased risk of local recurrence. These findings support fmTLS as a dual prognostic biomarker and highlight the need for tailored surveillance and adjuvant strategies in fmTLS⁺ patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Cancer Biomarkers)

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35 pages, 6455 KB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Kinematics and Static Analysis of Regular and Irregular Hexagonal Stewart–Gough Platform Configurations

by Tony Punnoose Valayil and Tarek H. Mokhtar

Technologies 2026, 14(6), 312; https://doi.org/10.3390/technologies14060312 (registering DOI) - 22 May 2026

Abstract

The Stewart–Gough Platform (SGP) is a spatial parallel manipulator offering high accuracy, rigidity, and adaptability, with applications spanning medical systems, marine engineering, agriculture, manufacturing, entertainment, aerospace, and architectural installations. This paper presents a comparative analytical and computational study of three SGP configurations: the [...] Read more.

The Stewart–Gough Platform (SGP) is a spatial parallel manipulator offering high accuracy, rigidity, and adaptability, with applications spanning medical systems, marine engineering, agriculture, manufacturing, entertainment, aerospace, and architectural installations. This paper presents a comparative analytical and computational study of three SGP configurations: the regular SGP, with regular hexagonal base and top platforms; the Irregular-Parallel SGP, derived from the regular SGP by a novel graphical decomposition-and-modification procedure and characterized by similar symmetric hexagonal platforms with limbs preserved parallel; and the Irregular-Skewed SGP, in which the irregular hexagonal platforms of the Irregular-Parallel SGP are retained, but the limbs are connected in an inclined, alternating clockwise (or anticlockwise) topology. The Irregular–Skewed SGP is free from the constraint singularity that persists in the first two configurations and requires the shortest maximum actuator stroke. Static force analysis shows that the regular SGP and the Irregular–Parallel SGP both exhibit a rank-deficient rigidity matrix (rank = 3) across the geometric scaling range tested (radius ratios 1:2 to 1:10; inter-platform distances 100–1000 mm), whereas the Irregular-Skewed SGP achieves full rank (rank = 6) through inclined limb connectivity and is the only configuration capable of sustaining static equilibrium under the loading conditions examined. The forward kinematics of the Irregular-Parallel SGP is verified against a SolidWorks model: under a 9 mm uniform limb extension, the MATLAB and SolidWorks positions of node 7 agree to within 1.27 mm. The rotational workspace volume is equivalent across the three configurations, but the density of valid solution points within that workspace differs. The workspace within joint limits, alternating compression–tension force partition, and asymmetric stroke economy of the Irregular-Skewed SGP indicate applicability to kinetic facades and transformable interiors in architectural-robotics deployment. Full article

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13 pages, 1080 KB

Open AccessArticle

Pre-Emptive Upregulation of Antimicrobial Peptides by Dietary Propolis Improves Ethanol Tolerance in Drosophila melanogaster

by JooHeon Cha and Young Ho Kim

Insects 2026, 17(6), 542; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects17060542 (registering DOI) - 22 May 2026

Abstract

Ethanol is a pervasive chemical stressor in fermentative environments and represents a major ecological challenge for Drosophila melanogaster, a species that naturally inhabits decaying fruits. Although ethanol tolerance has traditionally been attributed to detoxification and antioxidant pathways, accumulating evidence indicates that immune-related [...] Read more.

Ethanol is a pervasive chemical stressor in fermentative environments and represents a major ecological challenge for Drosophila melanogaster, a species that naturally inhabits decaying fruits. Although ethanol tolerance has traditionally been attributed to detoxification and antioxidant pathways, accumulating evidence indicates that immune-related genes, particularly those encoding immune deficiency (IMD) pathway-associated antimicrobial peptides (IMD-AMPs), contribute importantly to chemical stress adaptation. Previous studies have demonstrated that IMD-AMP induction is required for ethanol tolerance; however, whether elevated IMD-AMP expression alone is sufficient to enhance tolerance has remained unresolved. In this study, we investigated the functional significance of IMD-AMP upregulation in ethanol tolerance using dietary propolis as an experimental immune-modulating agent. D. melanogaster were reared throughout their life cycle on propolis-supplemented diets and subsequently exposed to ethanol. Propolis-fed flies exhibited significantly enhanced survival under ethanol stress compared with control flies. Notably, this increased tolerance was not accompanied by upregulation of classical ethanol metabolism genes or broad induction of antioxidant-related genes. Instead, propolis feeding increased baseline and early-stage expression of IMD-AMP genes, including Diptericin A (DptA), Diptericin B (DptB), Attacin (AttC), and Metchnikowin (Mtk) before and during ethanol exposure. These findings suggest IMD-AMP upregulation is positively associated with enhanced ethanol tolerance in D. melanogaster. Our results establish a proactive role for immune-related pathways in chemical stress resistance and extend the functional scope of AMPs beyond pathogen defense. This study identifies IMD-AMPs as key effectors linking immune activation to physiological adaptation under ethanol-induced chemical stress. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Insect Physiology, Reproduction and Development)

33 pages, 2313 KB

Open AccessReview

Unfolding Resilience: Molecular Integration of the Integrated Stress Response and Mitochondrial UPR in Skeletal Muscle Homeostasis

by Victoria C. Sanfrancesco, Daniella Della Mea and David A. Hood

Muscles 2026, 5(2), 39; https://doi.org/10.3390/muscles5020039 (registering DOI) - 22 May 2026

Abstract

To maintain homeostatic conditions and optimal function during stressors, mitochondria initiate retrograde signaling. The mitochondrial integrated stress response (ISR) and unfolded protein response (UPR^mt) are critical quality control mechanisms activated during instances of mitochondrial perturbations. Restoration of mitochondrial homeostasis is orchestrated [...] Read more.

To maintain homeostatic conditions and optimal function during stressors, mitochondria initiate retrograde signaling. The mitochondrial integrated stress response (ISR) and unfolded protein response (UPR^mt) are critical quality control mechanisms activated during instances of mitochondrial perturbations. Restoration of mitochondrial homeostasis is orchestrated by three transcription factors, ATF4, CHOP, and ATF5, which upregulate protective genes to counteract stress. As the health and function of skeletal muscle are heavily dependent on a highly adaptive mitochondrial network, defining how mitochondrial health is maintained across various conditions is essential. Although several studies demonstrate the importance of these responses following instances of stress, the signaling mechanisms required to initiate such pathways remain poorly characterized in skeletal muscle. This review examines how the mitochondrial ISR/UPR^mt and related transcription factors respond to organellar stress by emphasizing the molecular events that occur during exercise, aging and muscle disuse. By consolidating the literature, this work aims to highlight the current understanding of mitochondrial stress response signaling within skeletal muscle and thus emphasize areas for future research and potential therapeutic strategies during divergent metabolic conditions. Full article

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31 pages, 2399 KB

Open AccessArticle

CSPP-RNN: A Precipitation Nowcasting Approach That Couples Similar Precipitation Processes with Sequence-to-Sequence RNNs

by Jiachang Tian, Chunxiao Zhang, Yuxuan Wang and Zuhao Zhang

Water 2026, 18(11), 1261; https://doi.org/10.3390/w18111261 (registering DOI) - 22 May 2026

Abstract

Accurate precipitation nowcasting is critical for many aspects of human life. A recurrent neural network (RNN) has demonstrated strong and relatively mature performance in machine learning approaches for precipitation nowcasting. However, their inherent recursive prediction structure leads to error accumulation, causing progressively blurred [...] Read more.

Accurate precipitation nowcasting is critical for many aspects of human life. A recurrent neural network (RNN) has demonstrated strong and relatively mature performance in machine learning approaches for precipitation nowcasting. However, their inherent recursive prediction structure leads to error accumulation, causing progressively blurred outputs and limiting practical applicability. To address this issue, we propose CSPP-RNN (Coupling-Similar-Precipitation-Processes RNN), a net that couples similar precipitation processes with a sequence-to-sequence RNN. For each prediction timestep, similar precipitation processes are retrieved, and their segments are then input into the encoder to obtain the corresponding hidden states. These hidden states replace the ones influenced by earlier predicted results in the recursive structure. Based on radar data from Beijing Daxing station, the comparison experiments of CSPP-RNN and ConvLSTM indicate that: (1) Over the 36–60 min lead time across the 0.1, 5.0, and 20.0 mm/h thresholds, the POD and CSI improved by 0.0334, 0.0170 on average, respectively, whereas the FAR degraded by 0.0586; (2) error accumulation was mitigated, retaining richer fine-scale structures in the predicted images; (3) the extra computational cost of coupling was controlled within an acceptable range. In conclusion, CSPP-RNN mitigates the error accumulation problem in RNN by coupling similar precipitation processes as part of the modification of the recursive prediction structure. This provides a potential new direction for optimizing the application of RNN in precipitation nowcasting. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications of GIS and Remote Sensing in Hydrology and Hydrogeology)

23 pages, 1772 KB

Open AccessArticle

BTMC: Branch Transformer Mutual-Information Calibration Network for Chinese Sensitive-Word Detection with Few-Shot Learning

by Weijia Wang and Xiang Xie

Electronics 2026, 15(11), 2245; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics15112245 (registering DOI) - 22 May 2026

Abstract

Accurate identification of Chinese sensitive words is critical for maintaining online information security. However, this task faces three technical challenges: (1) high contextual dependency causing semantic ambiguity; (2) adversarial variations (e.g., homophones, character splitting) that evade exact matching; and (3) scarcity of high-quality [...] Read more.

Accurate identification of Chinese sensitive words is critical for maintaining online information security. However, this task faces three technical challenges: (1) high contextual dependency causing semantic ambiguity; (2) adversarial variations (e.g., homophones, character splitting) that evade exact matching; and (3) scarcity of high-quality annotated samples in complex scenarios, leading to few-shot distribution characteristics. To address these challenges, we propose a Branch Transformer Mutual-Information Calibration (BTMC) network. Specifically: (i) to capture multi-level, cross-dimensional semantic interactions despite limited data, we design a branch-based Transformer structure that aligns and fuses features across different semantic dimensions; (ii) to establish context channels between global and local semantics under few-shot conditions, we introduce a global-local interactive fusion mechanism that enhances focus on core semantics; (iii) to improve discriminability of complex semantic patterns, we propose a semantic calibration regularization mechanism that reweights features and balances information distribution. Experimental results on a newly constructed Chinese sensitive words dataset (45,623 sentences, four categories) demonstrate that BTMC achieves average F1-scores of 0.9715 (Politics and Violence), 0.9683 (Rudeness and Vulgarity), 0.9704 (Drugs and Gambling), and 0.9531 (Others), outperforming state-of-the-art baselines by 10–15% relative improvement. The code and dataset will be made publicly available. Full article

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