Search Results (23,162)

We reported a simplified one-step emulsification strategy to prepare bi-continuous emulsions with a gel-like property using the pH-responsive self-assembled aggregates of an amphiphilic random copolymer poly (styrene-co-methacrylic acid) (P(St-co-MAA)) as the interfacial stabilizers. Using caprylic/capric triglyceride (GTCC) as the oil phase, 1.0% P(St-co-MAA) aqueous solution with a pH between 7.0 and 8.0 as the water phase, and an oil/water phase ratio of 6:4, bi-continuous emulsions could be formed directly through one-step emulsification. Systematic characterization with a fluorescence microscope, scanning electron microscope, and confocal laser scanning microscope confirmed the formation of the bi-continuous emulsions. The three-phase contact angle measurements confirmed that the surface wettability of the self-assembled aggregates changed with pH, and the three-phase contact angles of the bi-continuous emulsions formed at a pH between 7.0 and 8.0 were close to 90°. Furthermore, rheological analysis of the bi-continuous emulsion showed the storage modulus (G′) dominating over the loss modulus (G″), which verified that the bi-continuous emulsion was attributed to the existence of a three-dimensional elastic gel network. The pH-dependent wettability of the self-assembled aggregates as the stabilizers enabled pH to control the emulsion type from O/W to bi-continuous to W/O. The work provides a simple, rapid, and robust approach to preparing bi-continuous emulsions without intricate particle modifications and cumbersome procedures. Full article

To investigate the mechanical properties of steel fiber-reinforced concrete under freeze-thaw cycles and the accuracy of its finite element simulation, a constitutive model and its functional expressions for steel fiber-reinforced concrete under tension and compression before and after freeze-thaw cycles were developed. This was based on the stress-strain curve characteristics obtained from experiments, combined with the Hognestad model, the Guo Zhenhai model, and the tensile-compressive model. Finite element simulations were conducted using ABAQUS to model the evolution of the mechanical properties of the lining structure during freeze-thaw processes, revealing the damage characteristics and failure modes of the lining mechanical properties induced by freeze-thaw cycles. The results indicated that after experiencing freeze-thaw cycles, the peak strength of the specimens decreased from 43.3 GPa to 35.3 GPa. Validation through scaled model tests confirmed that the established constitutive model and the corresponding finite element method accurately reflect the cumulative process of freeze-thaw damage, with the numerical simulation results showing good agreement with the experimental data. This study verifies the feasibility of accurately simulating the structural performance of steel fiber-reinforced concrete by developing a freeze-thaw constitutive model, thereby providing a theoretical basis and analytical method for the design and durability assessment of tunnel linings in cold regions. Full article

The multi-depot vehicle routing problem with soft time windows (MDVRPSTW) has long been a focus in both academic and industrial circles. This paper proposes a deep reinforcement learning framework designed to enhance the efficiency and quality of MDVRPSTW solutions, addressing the limitations of traditional heuristic algorithms in large-scale complex scenarios. The framework first transforms the mathematical model into a sequential decision-making problem through a Markov decision process, then extracts path selection strategies using an encoder–decoder architecture based on attention mechanisms and graph neural networks, and employs unsupervised reinforcement learning for model training. Test results on the Solomon benchmark dataset demonstrate that for small-scale problems (N = 20), our method reduces solving time by over 96% compared to comparative algorithms, with the objective value difference from the generalized variable neighborhood search (GVNS) being less than 9%. For medium-to-large scale problems (N = 50/100), our method achieves a 27.7 to 96.3 percent improvement over GVNS, maintaining stable solution times within 3 to 10 s. Compared to exact algorithms and meta-heuristic methods, our approach reduces computational costs by 2–3 orders of magnitude while demonstrating strong adaptability to variations in the number of depots and vehicles. In summary, this method significantly outperforms baseline models in both solution quality and computational efficiency, providing an efficient end-to-end solution for MDVRPSTW in complex scenarios. Full article

The escalating economic losses in agriculture due to deer intrusion, estimated to be in the hundreds of millions of dollars annually in the U.S., highlight the inadequacy of traditional mitigation strategies such as hunting, fencing, use of repellents, and scare tactics. This underscores a critical need for intelligent, autonomous solutions capable of real-time deer detection and deterrence. But the progress in this field is impeded by a significant gap in the literature, mainly the lack of a domain-specific, practical dataset and limited studies on the viability of deer detection systems on edge devices. To address this gap, this study presents a comprehensive evaluation of state-of-the-art deep learning models for deer detection in challenging real-world scenarios. We introduce a curated, publicly available dataset of 3095 annotated images with bounding box annotation of deer. Then, we provide an extensive comparative analysis of 12 model variants across four recent YOLO architectures (v8 to v11). Finally, we evaluated their performance on two representative edge computing platforms, the CPU-based Raspberry Pi 5 and the GPU-accelerated NVIDIA Jetson AGX Xavier, to assess feasibility for real-world field deployment. To ensure a standardized comparison, we established a framework-agnostic deployment pipeline using universal Open Neural Network Exchange (ONNX) runtimes. Results show that the real-time detection performance is not feasible on Raspberry Pi using universal runtimes, suggesting that while framework-agnostic runtimes facilitate portability, low-power CPU deployment requires hardware-specific optimization to achieve real-time thresholds. Conversely, NVIDIA Jetson provides greater than 30 frames per second (FPS) with ‘s’ and ‘n’ series models. This study also reveals that smaller, architecturally advanced models such as YOLOv11n, YOLOv8s, and YOLOv9s offer the optimal balance of high accuracy (Average Precision (AP) > 0.85) and computational efficiency (Inference Time < 34 milliseconds). Full article

To solve common defects such as warpage deformation, interface debonding, and uneven filling during the two-color injection molding of medical goggles while meeting their multi-performance requirements, including high light transmittance, impact resistance, chemical corrosion resistance, and structural stability, this study conducts research on the process optimization of two-color injection molding. Firstly, based on the principle of material compatibility and Moldflow simulation, a suitable material combination was selected: the first-shot frame adopts Apec 1745 PC material, and the second-shot lens uses Makrolon 2858 PC material, which effectively avoids the risk of interface non-fusion. Subsequently, a high-precision 3D simulation model was established using Moldflow software, and the injection sequence of “frame first, lens second” was optimized and determined. A gating system with double-gate (for the frame) and single-gate side feeding (for the lens), as well as a cooling system with an 8 mm diameter, was designed, and all key indicators of mesh quality meet the simulation requirements. Taking the mold and melt temperatures, holding pressures, and holding times of the two shots as design variables and warpage deformation as the optimization objective, sample data were obtained through an L₃₂ (7⁴) orthogonal test. A BP neural network was constructed to describe the nonlinear relationship between parameters and quality, and the Sparrow Search Algorithm (SSA) was combined to optimize the weights and thresholds of the network, forming a BP-SSA intelligent optimization model. The results show that the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of the proposed model is only 2.28%, which is significantly better than that of the single BP neural network (14.36%). The optimal process parameters obtained by optimization are a mold temperature of 130 °C, first-shot melt temperature of 311 °C, second-shot melt temperature of 310 °C, first-shot holding pressure of 83 MPa, second-shot holding pressure of 70 MPa, first-shot holding time of 14 s, and second-shot holding time of 8 s. Simulation and mold test verification indicate that after optimization, the warpage deformation of the goggles is reduced to 0.8956 mm (simulation) and 0.944 mm (measured), with a relative error of only 5.4%, which is 67.9% lower than the initial simulation result. The integrated method of “material selection—CAE simulation—orthogonal test—BP-SSA intelligent optimization” proposed in this study provides technical support for the high-precision manufacturing of thin-walled transparent multi-material medical products. Full article

Type II collagen (CII), the major structural protein in the cartilage extracellular matrix, is a promising biomaterial for scaffold design in cartilage tissue engineering. In this study, high-purity CII was successfully extracted from bovine cartilage, an abundant by-product of cattle slaughter, and its amino acid composition, triple-helical conformation, and thermal stability were verified. CII was subsequently combined with silk fibroin (SF) and chitosan (CS) to fabricate three-dimensional (3D) porous scaffolds via freeze-drying. The pore structure, porosity, swelling behavior, mechanical properties and in vitro degradation characteristics were systematically evaluated. Scaffolds with favorable structural integrity, mechanical performance, and degradation rates were further evaluated biologically using human primary chondrocytes. All CII-based composite scaffolds supported chondrocyte growth and promoted early extracellular matrix deposition. Notably, the scaffold with a CII:SF:CS ratio of 7:3:1 showed the highest GAG/DNA content, accompanied by upregulated gene expression related to the cartilage phenotype (COL2A1, ACAN, and SOX9) and reduced expression of the dedifferentiation marker COL1A1, indicating improved phenotype maintenance. Overall, within the tested range, CII70 (CII:SF:CS = 7:3:1) represents a practical compromise between scaffold stability and in vitro chondrocyte-related outcomes, providing a basis for selecting CII/SF/CS formulations for cartilage tissue engineering. Full article

By numerically solving the time-dependent Schrödinger equation (TDSE), we study the elementary excitation and ionization processes of atomic hydrogen on the same footing, which is irradiated by the two-color laser fields composed of a strong 400 nm pulse and a weak 800 nm pulse. We find that under different intensities of the 400 nm laser, the ionization and excitation probabilities exhibit completely distinct modulations with the variation in the intensity of the 800 nm laser. Electron energy spectra (EESs), including above-threshold ionization (ATI) peaks and below-threshold bound states, indicate that the involvement of Rydberg states and the shift of low-energy ATI peaks due to the increase in the ponderomotive energy are the primary causes of the above-mentioned modulation behavior. By virtue of a quantum-state-resolved numerical method, the angular-momentum-resolved EES reveal how the addition of the 800 nm laser field perturbs and modifies the strong, 400 nm dominated multiphoton excitation and ionization channels. Our study provides a flexible control strategy for multiphoton excitation and ionization in atoms and even molecules and further advances the understanding of the complex ultrafast dynamics driven by two-color femtosecond laser fields. Full article

To investigate the effects of different seedless treatments on grape coloring and fruit quality, Vitis vinifera × Vitis labrusca cv. ‘Jumeigui’ were treated with different concentrations of forchlorfenuron (CPPU) (0.5, 1 and 1.5 mg/L), thidiazuron (TDZ) (0.5, 1 and 1.5 mg/L), and 6-benzyladenine (6-BA) (10, 20 and 30 mg/L) in combination with 18 mg/L gibberellic acid (GA₃) during the seedless-fruit-setting period. After the grapes ripened, multiple quality indicators were measured to analyze and evaluate the effects of different treatments on the fruit coloration and quality of ‘Jumeigui’ grapes. The results showed that increasing concentrations of CPPU and TDZ gradually reduced the comprehensive fruit quality of ‘Jumeigui’ grapes. The treatments with 18 mg/L GA₃ + 0.5 mg/L CPPU/TDZ were relatively effective in improving the comprehensive quality of ‘Jumeigui’ grapes. With increasing concentrations of 6-BA, the comprehensive effect initially increased and then decreased. The treatment with 18 mg/L GA₃ + 20 mg/L 6-BA resulted in a soluble solids content of 20.03% and a coloring index of 4.10, demonstrating the best overall improvement in the comprehensive quality of ‘Jumeigui’ grapes. Based on practical production considerations, it is recommended to apply 18 mg/L GA₃ + 20 mg/L 6-BA during the seedless-fruit-setting period of ‘Jumeigui’ grapes to enhance coloring effects and improve fruit quality. Full article

Purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) is an important plant species that has been increasingly used in functional gene studies and molecular analyses. However, reference genes that exhibit stable expression across multiple tissues and stress conditions have not been systematically validated in purslane, which limits the accuracy of reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) based gene expression analyses. In this study, ten candidate reference genes from six gene families (Actin, PP2A, CYP, eIF4A, Ubiquitin, and eIF5A) were selected based on transcriptome data. A combination of bioinformatic analyses and experimental validation was employed to comprehensively characterize these candidates, including their physicochemical properties, chromosomal localization, phylogenetic relationships, gene structures, and promoter cis-acting elements. Furthermore, the expression stability of the candidate genes was systematically evaluated across different tissues (seed, root, stem, leaf, and flower) and under multiple stress treatments, including salinity, temperature stress, drought, and hormone treatments. Based on conventional PCR amplification specificity, melting curve analysis, Ct value distribution, and amplification efficiency, ACT-2 and eIF5A-1 were identified as the most stably expressed reference genes under diverse experimental conditions. This study provides reliable reference gene candidates for accurate normalization of gene expression in purslane and establishes a systematic framework for reference gene selection in non-model plant species. Full article

Ant–hemipteran mutualism is mediated by honeydew through long-term coevolution. To clarify the feeding preferences for the main honeydew components (sugars and amino acids) in the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), this study employed a self-developed feeding preference assay system to systematically determine the feeding and attraction preferences of workers for ten sugars, eleven amino acids, and their different concentrations and combinations in both laboratory and field experiments. Results showed that: (1) S. invicta workers exhibited a significant feeding preference for sucrose and leucine among all tested sugar and amino acid solutions; (2) Feeding preferences for both sucrose and leucine were concentration-dependent. Specifically, preferences for 20% sucrose and 0.5% leucine were significantly higher than for lower concentrations, while not significantly different from higher concentrations; (3) The feeding preference for 10% sucrose or 0.5% leucine alone was higher than that for multi-sugar mixtures or a mixture of all eleven amino acids. However, a mixture of sucrose and leucine solutions significantly enhanced field attraction compared to single solutions of sucrose or leucine. The self-developed feeding preference assay system provides a new tool for measuring feeding preferences in ant colonies under near-natural conditions. Overall, this study systematically clarifies the feeding preference for key nutrients in S. invicta workers and establishes a critical theoretical basis for understanding its foraging ecology and developing highly effective liquid baits. Full article

The speckle-type BTB/POZ protein (SPOP) is an E3 ubiquitin ligase adaptor typically considered a tumor suppressor, yet its role in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remains unclear. This study investigated SPOP expression, arecoline regulation, and its potential as a HNSCC biomarker. SPOP mRNA and its protein were quantified in HNSCC (FaDu, GMN, HSC-3, SAS, and A253) and normal oral epithelial (SG) cell lines via RT-qPCR and Western blot; arecoline’s effect on SG, SAS, and A253 cells was evaluated. SPOP mRNA was analyzed using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) HNSCC cohort, and protein localization was assessed via immunohistochemistry (IHC) on tissue microarrays. SPOP mRNA was higher in some HNSCC lines; arecoline induced SPOP in SG cells, but not in HNSCC cell lines. TCGA confirmed SPOP mRNA upregulation in tumors correlating with grade. IHC showed SPOP upregulation in HNSCC, particularly in palate and pharynx/hypopharynx sites. The nuclear SPOP-positive ratio shifted from 12.14 ± 9.82% in normal tissues to 61.26 ± 33.03% in tumors (p < 0.0001), differentiating grades and sites better than total expression. SPOP is upregulated in HNSCC and inducible by arecoline. Enhanced nuclear SPOP localization indicates malignancy and progression, identifying it as a potential HNSCC diagnostic and progression biomarker. Full article

This paper mainly studies the equivariant Hopf bifurcation of a delayed reaction–diffusion predator–prey model with stage structures on a two-dimensional circular domain. Firstly, we calculate the existence of steady-state solutions, and then analyze the existence of Hopf and equivariant Hopf bifurcation for the model according to bifurcation theory. Secondly, we calculate the normal form of the equivariant Hopf bifurcation. Finally, we conduct numerical simulations to verify the conclusion. And through simulation, we obtain a spatially homogeneous periodic solution, and spatially inhomogeneous periodic solution including rotating waves and standing waves on a two-dimensional circular domain, which shows rich dynamic properties on a two-dimensional space. Full article

Background/Objectives: This network meta-analysis aimed to evaluate and compare the risks of lower eyelid complications—ectropion, entropion, scleral show, and postoperative scarring—associated with four surgical approaches (subciliary, subtarsal, infraorbital, and transconjunctival) for orbital and zygomaticomaxillary fracture repair. Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases identified relevant studies published between 1 January 1990 and 10 January 2026. Twenty-seven eligible studies involving 2790 patients were included. Direct pairwise meta-analyses and network meta-analyses were conducted to compare complication risks among the approaches. Sensitivity analyses were performed to assess the influence of individual studies, and inconsistency tests were applied to evaluate model robustness. Results: The subciliary approach was associated with the highest risk of ectropion and scleral show. The transconjunctival approach had the lowest risk of ectropion and scarring but the highest risk of entropion. The subtarsal approach had the lowest risk of scleral show, while the infraorbital approach had the highest risk of postoperative scarring. Sensitivity analyses confirmed consistent rankings, and no significant inconsistency was detected. Conclusions: This study provides updated, comprehensive evidence to guide the choice of surgical approach for orbital and zygomaticomaxillary fracture repair. Surgeons should balance operative exposure, cosmetic outcomes, and complication risk, and communicate these trade-offs clearly with patients to optimize decision-making. Full article

This study investigated the effects of boiling, roasting, and frying on the quality and flavor characteristics of Shiqi pigeon (Columba livia domestica) meat. Changes in color, texture, microstructure, and volatile profiles were systematically evaluated using colorimetry, texture profile analysis, scanning electron microscopy, electronic nose analysis, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Thermal processing significantly influenced physicochemical properties and flavor profiles. Fried samples exhibited the highest hardness (27.79 N), chewiness (33.13 mJ), and maximum shear force (30.23 N), while boiled samples showed the lowest hardness (22.12 N) and puncture hardness (12.20 N), indicating improved tenderness. Electronic nose PCA explained 85.4% of total variance (PC1: 59.5%; PC2: 25.9%), clearly discriminating the three treatments. Color measurements showed that frying induced the greatest total color difference (ΔE > 1, p < 0.05), followed by roasting and boiling. FTIR analysis revealed pronounced shifts in amide I bands in fried samples, indicating stronger protein secondary structure alterations. Overall, different thermal processing methods produced distinct quality and flavor characteristics in pigeon meat, providing scientific guidance for process optimization and product development. Full article

Background/Objectives: We assessed factors affecting the oncological outcomes in upper tract urothelial carcinoma patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in Taiwan, using a large domestic upper tract urothelial carcinoma collaboration database. Methods: From July 1988 to December 2019, 15 hospitals joined the Taiwan Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma Collaboration Group. A total of 690 patients were included, and demographic, clinical, and pathological data were compared. Factors related to overall survival, cancer-specific survival, disease-free survival, and bladder recurrence-free survival were analyzed. Results: Out of the 690 patients, 605 had CKD and 85 had ESRD. In multivariate analysis, overall survival was associated with CKD stage (p = 0.024), age > 70 years (p = 0.002), and pathological stage III/IV (p = 0.014 and <0.001). Cancer-specific survival was associated with middle ureter tumors (p = 0.041), positive surgical margin (p = 0.005), and pathological stage III/IV (p = 0.010 and <0.001). Disease-free survival was associated with middle ureter tumors (p = 0.001), lower ureter tumors (p = 0.010), and pathological stage III/IV (p = 0.039 and <0.001). Female sex (p = 0.027), lower ureter tumors (p = 0.027), coronary artery disease (p = 0.047), and arrhythmias (p = 0.044) were associated with bladder recurrence-free survival. Conclusions: The oncological outcomes of UTUC patients with CKD and ESRD in Taiwan were affected by various factors. Tumor location and advanced pathological stage were related to OS, CSS, and DFS. Cardiac diseases were possibly related to BRFS. Full article