Search Results (1,429)

Transparent conductive interfaces can enable optical pre-assessment of cardiac cell layers while remaining compatible with label-free electrophysiological recording. Here, we evaluated the integration of a monolayer graphene electrode into a capacitive recording platform for the analysis of human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocyte (hiPSC-CM) monolayers. hiPSC-CMs cultured on graphene sensors formed confluent, synchronously beating monolayers that could be assessed by light microscopy prior to recording. Capacitive current transients could be recorded from spontaneously beating hiPSC-CM monolayers, supporting the compatibility of transparent graphene interfaces with capacitive recordings from electrically active cardiac cell layers. Signal amplitude and waveform morphology varied across sensors, indicating that recording performance depended strongly on the cell–sensor interface, including cell attachment, monolayer integrity, and capacitive coupling at the sensing surface. A descriptive perturbation sequence using the hERG blocker dofetilide revealed changes in waveform morphology and beat timing across sequential recordings. However, the data do not allow firm attribution to a compound-specific effect and are not intended for quantitative pharmacological characterization. Overall, the results support graphene as a transparent conductive cell–sensor interface, which should be interpreted in the context of cell–substrate interactions at the sensing surface. Combining optical pre-assessment with functional capacitive readout may support integrated workflows. Further studies will be needed to differentiate material-, interface-, and recording-related contributions and to establish reliable conditions for reproducible and scalable recordings. Full article

Ensuring viral safety is a critical aspect of biopharmaceutical production, requiring sensitive and reliable methods for detecting adventitious agents. In this study, we systematically evaluated the performance of selected cell line–virus combinations to identify optimal models for in vitro viral detection assays. Three cell lines (Vero, MRC-5 and BHK-21 [C-13]) and representative model viruses (Reovirus type 3, Adenovirus type 5, Human parainfluenza virus type 3, and Herpes simplex virus) were analyzed in terms of cytopathic effect (CPE) kinetics, morphology, and detection sensitivity. All tested systems demonstrated high analytical sensitivity, with limits of quantification (LOQ) reaching 0.01 TCID₅₀/mL for selected viruses. However, substantial differences were observed in infection dynamics and CPE morphology depending on the cell line–virus combination. BHK-21 [C-13] cells exhibited the most rapid and pronounced CPE for Reovirus type 3, enabling early and unambiguous detection. Vero cells provided robust and reproducible detection of Adenovirus type 5, characterized by well-defined cytopathic progression. MRC-5 cells showed controlled and consistent infection kinetics for both Human parainfluenza virus type 3 and Herpes simplex virus, allowing improved temporal resolution and interpretability. These findings demonstrate that assay performance depends not only on sensitivity but also on the kinetics and morphology of infection. Based on combined evaluation criteria, the following optimal cell line–virus pairs were identified: BHK-21 [C-13]/Reovirus type 3, Vero/Adenovirus type 5, and MRC-5/Human parainfluenza virus type 3 and Herpes simplex virus. The proposed approach supports rational selection of detection models and provides a preliminary descriptive framework for the development of routine visual screening assays in biopharmaceutical quality control. Full article

Canine cutaneous neoplasms are common and morphologically heterogeneous lesions whose diagnosis relies on integrating gross examination, cytology, and histopathology. This retrospective pilot study assessed the feasibility of a multimodal GPT-based large language model as an assistive, not autonomous, tool for standardized description, differential diagnosis generation, and classification support across this diagnostic workflow. Fifty-one histologically confirmed canine cutaneous tumors were retrospectively selected from the laboratory information system of the Veterinary Pathology Laboratory, University of Naples Federico II. For each case, de-identified gross photographs, digitized cytology, and representative histologic images were provided to the model using templated prompts. Model outputs were independently reviewed by two veterinary pathologists, who reached consensus on descriptive quality and diagnostic concordance with the histologic reference diagnosis. Final diagnostic outputs were classified as correct, partially correct, or incorrect. Strict accuracy was defined as the proportion of fully correct diagnoses, whereas broad accuracy combined correct and partially correct outputs considered diagnostically informative. Overall, the model achieved a strict diagnostic accuracy of 66.7% (34/51; 95% CI: 53.0–78.0) and a broad diagnostic accuracy of 90.2% (46/51; 95% CI: 79.0–95.7). Performance was highest in epithelial tumors and lower in mesenchymal and melanocytic tumors, in which the model more often identified broader diagnostic categories than specific histotypes. These findings suggest that GPT-based systems may support report standardization, descriptive consistency, and morphology-driven reasoning in veterinary pathology. However, reduced entity-level specificity, variable descriptive quality, and the risk of plausible but non-concordant outputs require strict human supervision and further validation before routine implementation. Full article

Background: The styloid process exhibits considerable anatomical variability, and its elongation is frequently identified as an incidental finding on panoramic radiographs. However, limited evidence exists regarding its prevalence and possible association with craniofacial skeletal characteristics in adult orthodontic patients. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence, morphological characteristics, mineralisation patterns, and possible association of styloid process elongation with skeletal class and facial pattern in an adult orthodontic population. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted on 340 adult orthodontic patients (130 males and 210 females; mean age: 51.55 ± 6.62 years). Panoramic radiographs were used to assess styloid process elongation, defined as ≥30 mm, as well as its morphology and mineralisation patterns according to the Langlais classification. Lateral cephalograms were analysed to determine skeletal class and facial pattern. Statistical analysis included descriptive and inferential methods, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Styloid process elongation was identified in 47.65% of patients. Elongated processes showed significantly greater length and side asymmetry (p = 0.001). The most frequent morphology was normal (Type IV), while complete mineralisation (Type D) predominated. No significant associations were found between elongation and age or sex. Furthermore, no statistically significant relationship was observed between elongation and skeletal class (p = 0.479) or facial pattern (p = 0.531). Only a small proportion of patients reported symptoms according to the available clinical records, with no clear association with styloid process elongation. Conclusions: Styloid process elongation is a common incidental finding in adult orthodontic patients and does not appear to be associated with skeletal class or facial pattern. Its recognition on panoramic radiographs may improve the differential diagnosis of orofacial and cervical symptoms. Full article

Macrofungal resources are abundant in Northeast China, but those from Shenyang and its surrounding areas remain insufficiently investigated. In this study, morphological and phylogenetic analyses were carried out on specimens collected from the vicinity of Shenyang, Liaoning Province. Phylogenetic trees were inferred using maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference methods based on sequence data from the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and the nuclear ribosomal large subunit (LSU). Three new species, Descolea laevis (Bolbitiaceae), Leucocoprinus shenyangensis (Agaricaceae), and Tephrocybe umbonata (Lyophyllaceae), are described herein. Descolea laevis is characterized by pale yellow to light yellow basidiomata, a nearly smooth pileus surface, clavate to narrowly clavate cheilocystidia, fusiform to clavate pleurocystidia, and amygdaliform to limoniform, verrucose basidiospores. Leucocoprinus shenyangensis is distinguished by white to yellowish-white basidiomata, a pileus covered with light grey squamules, narrowly clavate to subcylindrical cheilocystidia, a hymenidermal pileipellis, and amygdaliform to limoniform basidiospores. Tephrocybe umbonata is characterized by orange-white to greyish-orange basidiomata, a pileus with a blunt umbo, a smooth or slightly finely fibrillose pileus surface, lageniform pleurocystidia with slightly acute apices, and amygdaliform to limoniform basidiospores. Detailed morphological descriptions, illustrations of microscopic structures, and phylogenetic evidence for the three new species are provided. The diagnostic characteristics separating the new taxa from their closely related species are also discussed. Full article

Five new species of Orthosinus Motschulsky, 1863 from China are described: O. borisi sp. nov. (♂♀) and O. urceolatus sp. nov. (♂♀) from Xizang Autonomous Region, O. diaoluoshanensis sp. nov. (♂) from Hainan Province, O. sulcatus sp. nov. (♂♀) from Sichuan Province and O. tengchongensis sp. nov. (♂) from Yunnan Province. Detailed morphological descriptions, diagnostic illustrations, and habitus photographs are provided for each species. An identification key and a distribution map for all known Chinese species of Orthosinus are also provided. With these additions, the number of known Chinese species of Orthosinus is increased from two to seven. Molecular phylogenetic and species delimitation analyses of the COI gene were additionally performed for two of the newly described species, O. urceolatus sp. nov. and O. sulcatus sp. nov., along with other congeneric and outgroup specimens. Full article

Soft robots built from compliant materials and deformable structures are increasingly used in medical intervention, wearable assistance, delicate manipulation, and environmental exploration, where conventional rigid robots are limited by high mechanical impedance and poor morphological adaptability. However, their transition from laboratory prototypes to deployable systems remains constrained by coupled bottlenecks in materials, actuation, sensing, modeling, control, energy supply, and manufacturing. This review summarizes recent advances in soft robotics through an evaluative framework covering actuation and materials, modeling and simulation, control strategies, multimodal sensing, and representative applications. Instead of treating these topics as independent descriptions, we compare the underlying mechanisms, measurable performance indicators, strengths, limitations, and application boundaries. Three conclusions emerge. First, no single actuation strategy can simultaneously maximize output force, response speed, energy efficiency, durability, miniaturization, and untethered operation. Second, high-fidelity continuum models improve physical accuracy but remain difficult to use for real-time control, whereas reduced-order and data-driven models improve efficiency at the cost of generalization, interpretability, or contact fidelity. Third, practical soft robots will depend on system-level integration of embedded sensing, physics-informed learning, robust control, reliable materials, and scalable fabrication. Future progress should therefore prioritize standardized benchmarks, lifecycle reliability, energy-autonomous operation, and task-specific comparisons with rigid robotic systems. Full article

Background/Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic capabilities of three large language model-based artificial intelligence chatbots (ChatGPT 4.0, Gemini 2.5, and Microsoft Copilot) in the radiographic evaluation of jaw lesions on panoramic images with different densities (mixed, radiolucent, and radiopaque). Methods: 120 panoramic radiographs showing jaw lesions with varying radiographic appearances were independently analyzed using three artificial intelligence chatbot systems. Each model was provided with the same single-round prompt and a standardized diagnostic scoring framework encompassing lesion structure, configuration, border characteristics, morphology, relationship with teeth, effects on adjacent structures, biological behavior indicators, and total diagnostic scores. Descriptive statistics were reported as mean ± standard deviation and median (minimum-maximum). Differences between LLM scores were analyzed using the Kruskal–Wallis test, followed by Bonferroni-corrected post hoc comparisons. The statistical significance level was set at p < 0.05. Results: Significant differences were observed among the LLMs across multiple diagnostic categories, including lesion structure, configuration, border characteristics, and total scores (p < 0.05). Gemini achieved the highest total scores in radiolucent (11.49 ± 4.97) and mixed lesions (9.01 ± 5.78), whereas ChatGPT showed slightly higher performance in radiopaque lesions (10.93 ± 2.88). Copilot demonstrated the lowest overall performance across all lesion categories. Conclusions: Large language model–based artificial intelligence chatbots showed variable performance in the panoramic radiographic evaluation of jaw lesions with radiolucent, radiopaque, and mixed patterns, suggesting potential utility as supportive tools. However, further validation studies are required before routine clinical implementation. Full article

China harbors a diverse array of macrofungi, yet its fungal diversity remains inadequately documented, particularly in under-explored regions such as the temperate forests of the northeast and the subtropical highlands of the southwest. In this study, four agaric species are reported as new records for China based on morphological observations and multilocus phylogenetic analyses. Phylogenetic analyses of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and nuclear large subunit (nrLSU) ribosomal RNA gene regions confirmed their generic and species-level placements. Cortinarius infidus was collected from mixed coniferous and broadleaf forests in Liaoning Province, Pseudolaccaria fellea from Pine-dominated forests in Liaoning Province, Volvariella clavocystidiata from pine-dominated coniferous forests in Liaoning Province, and Gerhardtia borealis from mixed coniferous–broadleaf forests in Guizhou Province. Comprehensive macro and micromorphological descriptions, color photographs, line drawings, scanning electron micrographs, and comparisons with closely related taxa and original literature are provided to confirm these identifications. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the distribution patterns of these genera and expand the known fungal diversity of China. Full article

Background/Objectives: To evaluate whether frontal and maxillary sinus hypoplasia/aplasia are associated with differences in CT-based craniofacial morphometric measurements in adults. Methods: This retrospective case–control study included adults who presented to the otolaryngology outpatient clinic and underwent paranasal sinus CT at a single institution between 3 April 2023, and 30 May 2024. Of 3000 CT scans reviewed, 117 adults with frontal and/or maxillary sinus hypoplasia/aplasia and 53 healthy controls met the eligibility criteria. The sinus variation groups included unilateral frontal sinus variation (UFSV, n = 46), unilateral maxillary sinus variation (UMSV, n = 13), and bilateral frontal sinus variation (BFSV, n = 55); and bilateral maxillary sinus variation (BMSV, n = 3), which was described descriptively but excluded from the main statistical comparisons because of the very small subgroup size. Craniofacial morphometric distances were measured using standardized anthropometric landmarks, and group comparisons were performed using analysis of covariance adjusted for age and sex. Results: Significant adjusted between-group differences were found for left orbital breadth (p = 0.0001), left orbital height (p = 0.0250), right orbital breadth (p < 0.0001), biorbital breadth (p < 0.0001), upper facial breadth (p = 0.0204), and bizygomatic breadth (p = 0.0026). In general, the UFSV and BFSV groups showed lower adjusted values for orbital and upper facial measurements, whereas the healthy control and UMSV groups showed relatively higher adjusted means. No significant between-group differences were observed for the remaining measurements. Conclusions: Frontal sinus hypoplasia/aplasia, particularly unilateral and bilateral frontal sinus variation, was associated with selected differences in craniofacial morphology, especially in the orbital and upper facial regions, rather than demonstrating a direct effect. These findings may help to characterize craniofacial morphometric patterns in adults with sinus variation and could be considered in radiologic evaluation and preoperative assessment, but require confirmation in larger studies. Full article

The family Scoliidae is composed of parasitoid wasps of notable ecological and agronomic importance, particularly for their role in the natural control of soil-dwelling beetle larvae within agroecosystems. This study provides the first record of Campsomeriella whitelyi (Kirby, 1889) in Chile, a species originally described from the Tambo Valley, Arequipa, Peru. The specimens analyzed, previously identified as Campsomeris servillei (Guérin-Méneville, 1831), were found to correspond to Campsomeriella whitelyi, whose known distribution in Chile was restricted to the extreme north. Their identity was confirmed through morphological analysis, which revealed the presence of a distinct yellow band on the fourth abdominal tergite and an elongated posterior tibial spur—diagnostic characters consistent with the original description of the species. This record from the Coquimbo Region represents the southernmost known expansion of the species. Specimens were collected between 2017 and 2025 in horticultural and rainfed agroecosystems associated with the Elqui River Basin (Coquimbo Region, Chile), using entomological nets in targeted sampling efforts. The edaphoclimatic conditions of the area—characterized by light-textured soils, winter humidity, and a high availability of hosts—appear to have favored the establishment of this wasp in a previously unreported environment. Through MaxEnt modeling, areas of high environmental suitability were identified in Chile’s Norte Chico region. From an agronomic perspective, this finding opens opportunities to incorporate Campsomeriella whitelyi as a functional component in integrated pest management (IPM) programs, particularly in the biological control of Scarabaeidae (Coleoptera) larvae that affect root, bulb, and minor fruit crops. Its adaptation to semi-arid agricultural environments suggests potential resilience under climate change scenarios, as well as a low impact on non-target species. This study contributes to applied entomology and functional conservation, promoting the integration of beneficial Hymenoptera into sustainable agricultural systems of north-central Chile. Full article

Knowledge of the biology of the genus Vitis has undergone a profound transformation, evolving from the morphological descriptions of classical ampelography to the high-resolution analyses enabled by modern phylogenomics. This review explores the “Paradox of the Vine”—the remarkable phenotypic plasticity that historically complicated botanical nomenclature—and examines how genomic tools have helped resolve many of these long-standing taxonomic challenges. We trace the development of grapevine genomics from the first near-homozygous reference genome (PN40024) to the current era of telomere-to-telomere (T2T) assemblies and phased diploid genomes. Attention is given to the genomic “dark matter” represented by transposable elements and structural variation, which contribute substantially to varietal identity and species-specific adaptation to changing environmental conditions. Advances in bioinformatic methodologies, including pangenome graph construction and machine learning-based variant detection, now enable clonal discrimination and complex parentage analysis with unprecedented precision. The definition of genuine wild grapevines (Vitis vinifera subsp. sylvestris) remains a critical issue in studies of grapevine evolution, domestication, and genome structure. The traditional concept of wild populations free from introgression by cultivated grapevines has been increasingly challenged by ecological observations and molecular evidence. Distinguishing truly wild populations from feral lineages is therefore essential for reconstructing the history of grapevine domestication and understanding patterns of gene flow between cultivated and wild compartments. Future progress in Vitis systematics will depend on the integration of genomic, ecological, and morphometric approaches. We propose that the next generation of grapevine taxonomy will combine the historical insights of ampelography with high-throughput phenotyping and comprehensive pangenomic resources, leading to a predictive and evolutionarily informed framework for the classification of Vitis species and cultivars. Full article

Kelvin–Helmholtz (K–H) instabilities play an important role in mixing and entrainment processes in stratified and sediment-laden flows, while their development can be affected by particle properties and rheological contrasts. In this study, a two-phase numerical framework is used to investigate the onset and nonlinear evolution of K–H billows in sediment-laden shear layers. The governing equations are solved using a finite-volume approach with second-order TVD discretization, and the effects of the Richardson number ($Ri$), sediment particle size, and viscosity ratio (W) are examined systematically. In addition to concentration, vorticity, and interphase slip-velocity fields, a box-counting dimension (BCD) diagnostic is introduced as a complementary measure to quantify the instability onset time, the effective growth-start time, and the maximum geometrical growth rate of the sediment–water interface. The results show that, within the tested parameter range, coherent instabilities develop for $Ri\lesssim 0.25$. Decreasing $Ri$ leads to earlier BCD-based onset, shorter effective growth intervals, larger BCD growth rates, and stronger vortical structures. Sediment granulometry also affects the instability evolution: fine silt-like particles delay the onset and produce broader, more diffuse vortical structures, whereas fine-sand-like particles promote earlier destabilization and more compact billows. The viscosity ratio W modifies the vortex morphology, with high viscosity contrast reducing peripheral deformation and concentrating vorticity within the core region. These findings complement classical descriptions of stratified shear instabilities by highlighting the additional effects of sediment granulometry and rheological contrast. The proposed BCD-based diagnostic provides a practical quantitative tool for comparing interfacial growth in sediment-laden shear flows relevant to estuarine, coastal, and hydraulic engineering applications. Full article

Plant branching is a complex biological trait that reflects plant adaptation to light, temperature, water, and other environmental factors. Branch architecture and patterns shape canopy morphology and physiological activities, and further affect plant growth and development. In this study, we investigated the branching structure and patterns of eight species in an urban forest in Shanghai, including four tree species (Cinnamomum camphora, Ginkgo biloba, Metasequoia glyptostroboides, Cedrus deodara), two shrub species (Prunus cerasifera f. atropurpurea, Phyllostachys nigra), and two herb species (Medicago sativa, Equisetum ramosissimum). We compared branch number and length across four horizontal directions (east, south, west, north) and two vertical directions (south, north), fitted canopy morphology models, and calculated fractal dimensions based on branch diameter distribution. For the six woody species, branch length and quantity showed no obvious horizontal asymmetry, while the two herb species had better-developed southward branches. Canopy shapes were mainly fitted with quadratic (parabolic) functions. By contrast, coniferous trees and E. ramosissimum presented linear relationships. Fractal dimension increased with plant height in woody species, whereas no such trend was observed in herbs. This study aims to address the following questions: (1) Are there quantifiable differences in horizontal and vertical branching characteristics among trees, shrubs, and herbs? (2) Can fractal dimension serve as a reliable indicator to distinguish such differences? (3) Is there a correlation between fractal dimension and plant height? This is a descriptive and exploratory study, and no biological mechanisms are examined herein. Full article

High-strength nanofiber yarns exhibit pronounced nonlinear tensile responses arising from their hierarchical fibrous architecture, yet compact constitutive descriptions remain limited. Here, high-strength polyacrylonitrile nanofiber yarns were prepared by post-drawing as-spun yarns above the glass transition temperature, and their aligned, stacked morphology was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy. Monotonic tensile tests at different loading rates were used to quantify the rate-dependent stress–strain response. The tangent modulus derived from the tensile curve varied strongly with strain, confirming clear deviation from linear viscoelasticity. To capture this behavior, two effective models were established: a modified nonlinear three-element model and a structural four-element model incorporating a nonlinear elastic contribution. Closed-form stress–strain expressions were derived for constant strain-rate loading and fitted to experimental data using nonlinear regression. Both models reproduced the measured tensile curves with high accuracy over the investigated loading-rate range, with correlation coefficients close to unity and low fitting errors. The identified parameters were highly consistent between formulations, indicating functional equivalence for the present monotonic tensile dataset. These results provide a compact framework for characterizing and designing hierarchical polymer nanofiber yarns. Full article