Search Results (1,125)

This study presents a molecular phylogenetic analysis based on four DNA regions (plastid matK, trnL-trnF, and rps16 and nuclear ribosomal ITS) for Ctenanthe, Saranthe and Stromanthe, encompassing nearly 70% of species in these genera. Given this extensive sampling, we assess the monophyly of these genera and evaluate whether key morphological traits can serve as diagnostic characters (synapomorphies). For the first time, we included Stromanthe bahiensis, an unusual species that differs from all congeneric species in its elongate petioles and relatively long, pendulous, hirsute synflorescences. Our findings reveal S. bahiensis as sister to the rest of the group. The evolution of key morphological traits (organization of the aerial shoot system, rachis flexuosity, spathe compactness and cymule type) were estimated to be complex, with none exhibiting consistent diagnostic utility. Given that these traits were among the main reasons S. bahiensis was described under Stromanthe, our ancestral state reconstruction, coupled with its phylogenetic position, justifies recognition of a new genus, Dolichopoda. Our findings suggest that morphological evolution in the group may have been shaped by convergence, parallelisms and reversals, which may partially explain the high morphological overlap observed among genera. This realignment not only resolves phylogenetic inconsistencies but also facilitates more accurate biogeographic and ecological inferences. Additionally, we transfer Ctenanthe dasycarpa to Stromanthe to make Ctenanthe and Stromanthe mutually monophyletic. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study evaluates photon-counting CT (PCCT) for the imaging of mouse femurs and investigates how APOE genotype, sex, and humanized nitric oxide synthase (HN) expression influence bone morphology during aging. Methods: A custom-built micro-CT system with a photon-counting detector (PCD) was used to acquire dual-energy scans of mouse femur samples. PCCT projections were corrected for tile gain differences, iteratively reconstructed with 20 µm isotropic resolution, and decomposed into calcium and water maps. PCD spatial resolution was benchmarked against an energy-integrating detector (EID) using line profiles through trabecular bone. The contrast-to-noise ratio quantified the effects of iterative reconstruction and material decomposition. Femur features such as mean cortical thickness, mean trabecular spacing (TbSp_mean), and trabecular bone volume fraction (BV/TV) were extracted from calcium maps using BoneJ. The statistical analysis used 57 aged mice representing the APOE22, APOE33, and APOE44 genotypes, including 27 expressing HN. We used generalized linear models (GLMs) to evaluate the main interaction effects of age, sex, genotype, and HN status on femur features and Mann–Whitney U tests for stratified analyses. Results: PCCT outperformed EID-CT in spatial resolution and enabled the effective separation of calcium and water. Female HN mice exhibited reduced BV/TV compared to both male HN and female non-HN mice. While genotype effects were modest, a genotype-by-sex stratified analysis found significant effects of HN status in female APOE22 and APOE44 mice only. Linear regression showed that age significantly decreased cortical thickness and increased TbSp_mean in male mice only. Conclusions: These results demonstrate PCCT’s utility for femur analysis and reveal strong effects of sex/HN interaction on trabecular bone health in mice. Full article

Accurate and nondestructive monitoring of tomato growth is essential for large-scale greenhouse production; however, it remains challenging for small-fruited cultivars such as cherry tomatoes. Traditional 2D image analysis often fails to capture precise morphological traits, limiting its usefulness in growth modeling and yield estimation. This study proposes an automated phenotyping framework that integrates deep learning-based instance segmentation with high-resolution 3D point cloud reconstruction and ellipsoid fitting to estimate fruit size and ripeness from daily video recordings. These techniques enable accurate camera pose estimation and dense geometric reconstruction (via SfM and MVS), while Nerfacto enhances surface continuity and photorealistic fidelity, resulting in highly precise and visually consistent 3D representations. The reconstructed models are followed by CIELAB color analysis and logistic curve fitting to characterize the growth dynamics. When applied to real greenhouse conditions, the method achieved an average size estimation error of 8.01% compared to manual caliper measurements. During summer, the maximum growth rate (g_max) of size and ripeness were 24.14%, and 95.24% higher than in winter, respectively. Seasonal analysis revealed that winter-grown tomatoes matured approximately 10 days later than summer-grown fruits, highlighting environmental influences on phenological development. By enabling precise, noninvasive tracking of size and ripeness progression, this approach is a novel tool for smart and sustainable agriculture. Full article

The mechanical performance of cast iron is strongly governed by the morphology of its graphite phase, yet establishing a quantitative link between microstructure and macroscopic properties remains a challenge. In this study, a three-dimensional finite element method (FEM)-based micromechanical framework is proposed to analyze and predict the mechanical behavior of cast iron with representative graphite morphologies, spheroidal and flake graphite. Realistic representative volume elements (RVEs) are reconstructed based on experimental microstructural characterization and literature-based X-ray computed tomography data, ensuring geometric fidelity and statistical representativeness. Cohesive zone modeling (CZM) is implemented at the graphite/matrix interface and within the graphite phase to simulate interfacial debonding and brittle fracture, respectively. Full-field simulations of plastic strain and stress evolution under uniaxial tensile loading reveal that spheroidal graphite promotes uniform deformation, delayed damage initiation, and enhanced ductility through effective stress distribution and progressive plastic flow. In contrast, flake graphite induces severe stress concentration at sharp tips, leading to early microcrack nucleation and rapid crack propagation along the flake planes, resulting in brittle-like failure. The simulated stress–strain responses and failure modes are consistent with experimental observations, validating the predictive capability of the model. This work establishes a microstructure–property relationship in multiphase alloys through a physics-informed computational approach, demonstrating the potential of FEM-based modeling as a powerful tool for performance prediction and microstructure-guided design of cast iron and other heterogeneous materials. Full article

This study adapts Fourier ptychography (FP) for high-resolution imaging in machine vision settings. We replace multi-angle illumination hardware with a single fixed light source and controlled object translation to enable a sequence of slightly shifted low-resolution frames to produce the requisite frequency-domain diversity for FP. The concept is validated in simulation using an embedded pupil function recovery algorithm to reconstruct a high-resolution complex field, recovering both amplitude and phase. For conveyor-belt transport, we introduce a lightweight preprocessing pipeline—background estimation, difference-based foreground detection, and morphological refinement—that yields robust masks and cropped inputs suitable for FP updates. The reconstructed images exhibit sharper fine structures and enhanced contrast relative to native lens imagery, indicating effective pupil synthesis without multi-LED arrays. The approach preserves compatibility with standard industrial optics and conveyor-style acquisition while reducing hardware complexity. We also discuss practical operating considerations, including blur-free capture and synchronization strategies. Full article

This paper will present in vivo release profiles of Doxorubicin.HCl from halo-spun drug-loaded rubbery porous mats. For the very first time, Fluorescent Organism Bioimaging (FOBI) was used to follow drug release in a live animal model with induced tumors. A new predictive model based on apparent diffusion coefficients to simulate release profiles will also be presented and could have general applications for release profile predictions. Surprisingly, histological evaluation found that the tissue layer forming next to the drug-eluting mats had unordered morphology and only necrotic cells. This is a stunning contrast to the highly regular collagen structure next to mats without the drug, typical of an adverse foreign body type reaction. The findings suggest that this drug-eluting fiber mat can be used as a local chemotherapy approach coupled with mitigation of capsular contracture, the major complication associated with breast reconstruction following mastectomy. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study explores the evolution and morphology of the human mandible, focusing on recent changes and adaptations over the last 2000 years. It aims to examine how functional, genetic, and environmental factors influence mandibular size, shape, and sexual dimorphism by analyzing key anatomical landmarks—the horizontal ramus (HR), ascending ramus (AR), and mandibular angle (MA). Methods: A retrospective approach was employed using computed tomography (CT) scans of 39 mandibular samples from various historical periods, ranging from the Roman Imperial Age to the present day. Imaging was conducted using a 64-slice multislice computed tomography (MSCT) scanner, and the resulting data were processed to generate detailed 3D reconstructions for morphological assessment. Results: The analysis reveals that present-day samples exhibit significantly less variation in AR and MA compared to archaeological specimens, suggesting a trend of gracilization over time. Statistically significant differences were found in MA, likely influenced by environmental, dietary, and cultural factors. Correlation analysis showed moderate to weak relationships between AR, HR, and MA across sample groups, with significant sexual dimorphism in AR within the archaeological sample. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) further supported these findings, demonstrating a clear distinction between gracile modern mandibles and more robust ancient ones. Conclusions: These findings provide insights into the evolutionary trajectory of the human mandible, underscoring the influence of dietary and cultural shifts on mandibular structure over the past two millennia. Full article

This study systematically investigates settlement sites that record living patterns of ancient humans, aiming to reveal the interactive mechanisms of human–environment relationships. The core issues of landscape archeology research are the surface spatial structure, human spatial cognition, and social practice activities. This article takes the Han Dynasty settlement site in Sanyangzhuang, Neihuang County, Anyang City, Henan Province, as a typical case. It comprehensively uses ArcGIS 10.8 spatial analysis and remote sensing image interpretation techniques to construct spatial distribution models of elevation, slope, and aspect in the study area, and analyzes the process of the Yellow River’s ancient course changes. A regional historical geographic information system was constructed by integrating multiple data sources, including archeological excavation reports, excavated artifacts, and historical documents. At the same time, the sequences of temperature and dry–wet index changes in the study area during the Qin and Han dynasties were quantitatively reconstructed, and a climate evolution map for this period was created based on ancient climate proxy indicators. Drawing on three dimensions of settlement morphology, architectural spatial organization, and agricultural technology systems, this paper provides a deep analysis of the site’s spatial cognitive logic and the ecological wisdom it embodies. The results show the following: (1) The Sanyangzhuang Han Dynasty settlement site reflects the efficient utilization strategy and environmental adaptation mechanism of ancient settlements for land resources, presenting typical scattered characteristics. Its formation mechanism is closely related to the evolution of social systems in the Western Han Dynasty. (2) In terms of site selection, settlements consider practicality and ceremony, which can not only meet basic living needs, but also divide internal functional zones based on the meaning implied by the orientation of the constellations. (3) The widespread use of iron farming tools has promoted the innovation of cultivation techniques, and the implementation of the substitution method has formed an ecological regulation system to cope with seasonal climate change while ensuring agricultural yield. The above results comprehensively reflect three types of ecological wisdom: “ecological adaptation wisdom of integrating homestead and farmland”, “spatial cognitive wisdom of analogy, heaven, law, and earth”, and “agricultural technology wisdom adapted to the times”. This study not only deepens our understanding of the cultural value of the Han Dynasty settlement site in Sanyangzhuang, but also provides a new theoretical perspective, an important paradigm reference, and a methodological reference for the study of ancient settlement ecological wisdom. Full article

Introduction: Aesthetic surgery addresses subjective desires for morphological enhancement and differs from reconstructive surgery due to its elective, non-therapeutic nature. This distinction introduces complex medico-legal challenges, particularly concerning informed consent, patient expectations, and the legal evaluation of aesthetic damage. Materials and Methods: A narrative review was conducted using national legislation, Italian and international clinical guidelines, peer-reviewed literature from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, and Italian Supreme Court rulings. Eight commonly litigated aesthetic procedures were analyzed in terms of clinical indications, public reimbursement criteria, and medico-legal risk. Results: Findings revealed significant variability in medico-legal exposure among procedures. Fully elective interventions such as liposuction and breast augmentation carried the highest litigation risk. Common legal claims included inadequate informed consent, poor psychological assessment, and mismatched expectations. The review emphasizes the need for personalized consent processes and comprehensive preoperative evaluations. Discussion: Italian case law increasingly adopts a “mixed obligation” model for aesthetic surgery, requiring not only technical skill but also a prognostic and relational evaluation of the intervention. Informed consent must be detailed, individualized, and well-documented, as it holds greater legal weight than in therapeutic procedures. Predictive medico-legal tools such as psychological profiling and structured consent protocols are essential for risk mitigation. Conclusions: Modern aesthetic surgery requires a redefined approach to damage assessment that incorporates psychological, relational, and identity factors. In both clinical and surgical practice, an approach tailored to the patient’s psychological profile must be increasingly taken into consideration, both when proposing and carrying out treatments and in medical-legal assessments. A legally and ethically sound practice depends on transparency, documentation, and patient-centered care, especially in the absence of therapeutic indications. Full article

The mental eminence (chin) is a uniquely human anatomical feature with critical relevance across multiple domains of biomedical and anthropological research. This transdisciplinary review aims to synthesize current knowledge regarding its morphology, population variability, evolutionary origin, and surgical relevance. A comprehensive scoping review aims to map how the mental eminence has been defined and evaluated in anthropological, forensic research, identifying the main methodological approaches, anatomical landmarks, and sources of morphological variability, as well as the reliability and applicability of current assessment methods in clinical–forensic contexts. The search strategy was performed in October 2025. The authors initially identified 3125 records, and 26 studies were finally included and assessed for qualitative analysis. Moreover, the analysis integrates data from osteological collections, radiographic imaging, and modern morphometric studies. The mental eminence exhibits significant variability across human populations, with pronounced sexual dimorphism and evolutionary distinction from non-human primates. Its emergence in Homo sapiens is a key taxonomic trait. Clinically, the chin serves as a landmark in surgical procedures involving genioplasty, trauma reconstruction, and dental implantology. Recent advances in imaging and biometrics have refined its analysis in both anthropological and diagnostic contexts. Though often overlooked, mental eminence plays a vital role in craniofacial morphology and human evolution. Its study bridges osteology, anthropology, and surgery, offering insight into both phylogenetic development and applied anatomical practice. A multidisciplinary understanding of this structure enhances its diagnostic and therapeutic utility. Full article

Objectives: Previous studies have suggested the potential for semitendinosus (ST) tendon regeneration following harvesting for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. This retrospective cross-sectional (observational) study aims to evaluate ST tendon regeneration using high-resolution ultrasound (US), with special reference to morphological and structural changes in the muscle–tendon unit. Methods: Twenty-four patients who had undergone ST tendon harvesting at least 24 months prior were evaluated. Ultrasound assessment included neotendon (NT) detection, thickness, echotexture, insertion site, dynamic gliding, myotendinous junction (MTJ) shifting, and muscle cross-sectional area (CSA), compared with the healthy contralateral side. Results: ST tendon regeneration was detected in 19/24 patients (79%). In regenerated tendons, NT thickness was significantly greater than the native tendon (3.40 ± 1.38 mm vs. 2.40 ± 0.27 mm; mean difference 0.98 mm; p = 0.005. Subgroup analysis revealed that fibrillar-like NTs were associated with a smaller MTJ shift (3.91 ± 1.14 cm vs. 7.75 ± 2.43 cm; p = 0.001) and higher muscle CSA preservation (0.85 ± 0.10 vs. 0.55 ± 0.09; p < 0.001). A strong inverse correlation was found between MTJ displacement and muscle CSA (ρ = −0.96; p < 0.001). Patients without NT regeneration (n = 5) exhibited more pronounced MTJ retraction (11.0 ± 1.0 cm) and muscle hypotrophy (CSA ratio 0.41 ± 0.07), although these results were descriptive. Conclusions: High-resolution US is an effective, non-invasive method for assessing ST tendon regeneration from a qualitative and quantitative perspective. Our findings indicate possible changes in the architecture and position of the regenerated tendon, the MTJ, and the muscle belly, which may reflect structural remodeling of the muscle–tendon unit. Full article

The dynamic variation of the incidence angle between the millimeter-wave (MMW) fuzes and non-spherical raindrops significantly affects detection performance. To address this issue, the influence of incidence angle on attenuation coefficient, volume reflectivity, and the signal-to-clutter-plus-noise ratio (SCNR) is systematically analyzed by employing the realistic raindrop morphology described by the Beard and Chuang (BC) model and the invariant imbedding (IIM) T-matrix method. By integrating worst-case analysis, the critical incidence angle corresponding to the most severe performance degradation is identified, and the corresponding attenuation coefficient, volume reflectivity, and SCNR values are reconstructed. Numerical simulations demonstrate that for the BC model, the most severe impact on MMW signal propagation occurs at an incidence angle of 180°. Under this condition, the reconstructed attenuation coefficient and volume reflectivity increase by 45.88% and 28.27%, respectively, while the SCNR decreases by 27.35% at 60 GHz operating frequency and 100 mm/h rainfall rate, compared to the spherical raindrop model. This study provides a theoretical basis for calibrating design margins and optimizing anti-interference strategies for MMW fuzes operating in complex meteorological conditions. Full article

The thorax, which serves as the primary center of locomotion for insects, consists of a highly intricate skeletomuscular system. The thoracic morphological transformations during the pupal stage reveal the developmental formation of locomotor systems. Asiophrida xanthospilota is not only capable of flight but is also an exceptional jumper. In this study, we employed micro-CT and 3D reconstruction to document the thoracic internal anatomy of this species on pupal days 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12, with the goal of achieving a more comprehensive understanding of their locomotion mechanisms. In A. xanthospilota, a membrane connecting the occiput and metaphragma is present from pupal days 2 to 8, serving as the attachment site for the notal muscles. Morphological changes in some endoskeletal structures during development result in corresponding shifts in the origins or insertions of associated muscles. On the first day, most muscles are present in the pro- and mesothorax, while the metathorax contains comparatively few, a pattern likely linked to the primary reliance on jumping locomotion of the species. Some muscles that appear only during the early and middle pupal stages might function in structural support. Muscular morphology undergoes diverse changes that are difficult to generalize. On day 4, the muscles show a comparatively small relative volume, which might reflect experimental error or other underlying factors. In addition, the gut and nerve remain largely unchanged. It should be noted that the stroma within the thoracic cavity might have hindered the precise identification of muscles. Full article

Background: Accurate reconstruction of the orbit after trauma or oncological resection requires reliable anatomical references. In unilateral cases, the contralateral orbit can guide repair, but bilateral injuries or pathologies remove this option. To address this problem, we developed a new morphological classification of orbits based on three linear dimensions. Methods: A total of 499 orbits from patients of Caucasian descent (age 8–88 years) were analyzed using three-dimensional models generated from cone-beam and fan-beam CT scans. Orbital depth (D), height (H), and width (W) were measured, and proportional indices were calculated. K-means clustering (k = 3) identified recurring morphotypes, validated by linear discriminant analysis (LDA) and supported by ANOVA, Kruskal–Wallis, and correlation tests (age and sex). Results: Three morphotypes were identified: Tall & Broad (type A, 33.5%), Deep & Broad (type B, 30.2%), and Compact (type C, 36.2%). All dimensions differed significantly between groups (ANOVA, p < 1 × 10⁻¹⁶; η² = 0.40–0.51). Male orbits were significantly deeper and wider than female ones (p < 0.001). LDA demonstrated excellent separation with 97.5% accuracy. A simplified decision algorithm achieved 82.1% classification accuracy. In situations where only orbital depth could be measured, an alternative cut-off-based method reached 61.5% accuracy, with type B and C better distinguished than type A. Conclusions: The proposed classification provides a reproducible framework for describing orbital morphology. It may serve as a reference in cases where local anatomy is disrupted or the contralateral orbit is unavailable. Even millimeter-scale differences in orbital dimensions may correspond to clinically relevant changes in orbital volume and globe position, underlining the potential usefulness of this system in surgical planning. Full article

Background and Objectives: The sacrum is formed by five fused vertebrae and connects the lumbar spine to the coccyx. It has four pairs of foramina for sacral nerves and shows important anatomical variations. This study aims to analyze the frequency of atypical sacral morphology in the Korean population using 3D reconstruction of postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) images, and to provide a systematic classification and morphological characterization. Materials and Methods: A total of 29 PMCT datasets (10 males, 19 females) from the National Forensic Service were used to generate 3D sacral models with Mimics software for the analysis of atypical sacral morphology. Key morphometric parameters, including sacral width (SW), sacral length (SL), sacral foramina distances (SFD1, SFD2), sacral vertebral heights (SH1, SH2), sacral curvature (SC), and sacral index (SI), were measured. Sacral foramina were categorized into three groups based on completeness, and auricular surfaces were classified into three types according to their vertical position. Results: Median values for sacral dimensions were as follows: SW 95.3 mm, SL 118.6 mm, SFD1 36.1 mm, SFD2 28.8 mm, SH1 28.0 mm, SH2 29.7 mm, SC 0.92, and SI 0.78. Sacral foramina variations were identified in 12 of 29 cases (41.4%) as incomplete, including one case with an incomplete upper opening. No significant sex-based differences were found in foramen or auricular surface types, although females showed higher values for SW and SI (SW: 97.2 mm, SI: 0.86). Correlation analysis revealed positive associations between SL and both stature (r = 0.635) and weight (r = 0.645), and negative correlations between SI and stature (r = −0.663), SL (r = −0.921), and SC (r = −0.845). Two cases (6.8%) exhibited sacralization, while the remaining 25 cases had the configuration of five lumbar vertebrae and six sacral segments. Conclusions: Our findings support the notion that atypical segmentation patterns are more prevalent than sacralization. Atypical sacral morphology was observed in 29 cases (19.8%), most commonly involving a normal lumbar spine with six sacral segments. These findings highlight the relevance of sacral variation in clinical and anatomical contexts. Full article