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In addressing the critical limitations associated with platelet storage, the study investigates an innovative solution aimed at preventing the unwanted activation of platelets within storage bags. This activation is a key factor that currently restricts the shelf life of platelet products to only 72 h, leading to extreme waste production and high costs. Here, highly effective surfaces are identified for minimizing surface‐induced platelet activation. Using thermal nanoimprint lithography (T‐NIL), a new method is demonstrated for patterning reproducible agarose micro/nanostructures (a natural hydrogel with anti‐platelet adhesive properties) including dots, chains, pills, and squares. The agarose (3%) structured surfaces displayed outstanding flexibility and hydrophilic behavior that prevented platelet adhesion as confirmed by confocal microscopy. Importantly, pill‐shaped structures effectively maintained their ability to prevent platelet adhesion, even after a long cell‐contacting duration. Atomic force microscopy indicated that the effectiveness of dampening platelet adherence is determined by the shape, size, height, and aspect ratio of the structures. A model is provided to explain how the different shapes affect wettability and thereby hinder platelet adherence. The developed anti‐adhesive agarose structured surfaces show promise to revolutionize platelet storage, provide vital insights into biomaterials research, and demonstrate the potential of tailored agarose surfaces in biomedical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perception involves the processing of content or information about the world. In what form is this content represented? I argue that perception is widely compositional. The perceptual system represents many stimulus features (including shape, orientation, and motion) in terms of combinations of other features (such as shape parts, slant and tilt, common and residual motion vectors). But compositionality can take a variety of forms. The ways in which perceptual representations compose are markedly different from the ways in which sentences or thoughts are thought to be composed. I suggest that the thesis that perception is compositional is not itself a concrete hypothesis with specific predictions; rather it affords a productive framework for developing and evaluating specific empirical hypotheses about the form and content of perceptual representations. The question is not just whether perception is compositional, but how. Answering this latter question can provide fundamental insights into perception. This article is categorized under:Philosophy > RepresentationPhilosophy > Foundations of Cognitive SciencePsychology > Perception and Psychophysics [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to investigate the subharmonic response of Lumason (also known as SonoVue; Bracco, Milan, Italy) to static and dynamic ambient pressures, with a direct comparison to Sonazoid (GE HealthCare, Oslo, Norway) and Definity (Lantheus Medical Imaging, MA, USA). The subharmonic responses of contrast agents can be exploited to perform subharmonic-aided pressure estimation. The subharmonic response of each ultrasound contrast agent was evaluated in both a static and dynamic tank using a commercially available Logiq E10 clinical ultrasound scanner (GE HealthCare) equipped with subharmonic imaging (SHI) and an acoustic power-optimization algorithm. A C1-6 curvilinear array that transmits at 2.5 MHz and receives at 1.25 MHz in SHI mode was used to acquire the subharmonic signals. Data was transferred offline into MATLAB (MathWorks) to perform linear regression analysis and statistical testing for significance of the slopes (i.e. , agent sensitivity). Sonazoid and Definity showed an inverse linear dependency between subharmonic signal and hydrostatic pressure at all pressure ranges (static and dynamic) tested, with maximum sensitivity under 50 mmHg in the static tank (−0.190 and −0.194 dB/mmHg for Sonazoid and Definity, respectively). Lumason exhibited a tri-phasic subharmonic behavior, beginning with a linear trend from 0 to 90 mmHg (sensitivity = 0.069 dB/mmHg), followed by a plateau from 100 to 130 mmHg, and an inverse linear trend from 140 to 200 mmHg (sensitivity = −0.137 dB/mmHg). The subharmonic response of Lumason is tri-phasic and differs from Sonazoid and Definity. Further investigation is needed to solidify understanding of the subharmonic behavior of Lumason to identify its usefulness for subharmonic-aided pressure estimation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tandem SAM-II/SAM-V riboswitch belongs to a class of riboswitches found in the marine bacterium 'Candidatus Pelagibacter ubique'. Previous studies have demonstrated that these riboswitches have the potential for digital modulation of gene expression at both the transcriptional and translational levels. In this study, we investigate the conformational changes in the tandem SAM-II/SAM-V riboswitch binding to S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) using selective 2′-hydroxyl acylation analyzed by the primer extension (SHAPE) assay, small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), and oligos depressing probing. Our findings reveal that the linker between SAM-II/SAM-V aptamers blocks the SAM response of the SAM-II domain. This result proposes a new mechanism for gene expression regulation, where the ligand-binding functions of tandem riboswitches can be selectively masked or released through a linker. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the shape of the retromalleolar groove of the tibialis posterior tendon (TPT) using computed tomography (CT). CT images of patients with foot or ankle pathologies were retrospectively reviewed. The morphology of the retromalleolar groove of the TPT was assessed at two different levels: the ankle joint and 10 mm above the ankle joint. The groove shape was classified into three types; concave, flat, or irregular. In cases with concave grooves, the width and depth of the grooves were measured. Of the 116 ankles from 116 subjects included in this study, 80.2 % showed a shallow concave shape (mean depth, 1.6 mm) at the two scan levels. The shape and width of the groove differed significantly by gender, although there was no significant difference in the groove depth. Approximately 80% showed a shallow concave groove of the TPT. The groove characteristics differed by gender, although there was no significant difference in the groove depth. Cross-sectional cohort study; Level of evidence, Ⅳ [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study envisioned to assess the physical traits of sorghum grain for selected sorghum genotypes. Seed for the genotypes was sourced from the Lupane State University Gene Bank and grown during the 2022/23 agricultural season at Lupane State University Farm experimental plots. At maturity, laboratory tests on kernel/grain hardness, 100 kernel weight, bulk density, kernel diameter, colour and determination of presence of tannins through qualitative tests were done for all the 24 sorghum genotypes. Results from analysis of variance demonstrated highly significant differences (P<0.001) on kernel weight, kernel diameter, kernel hardness and grain hardness showing a great diversity of physical traits among all the 22 genotypes and 2 commercial varieties of sorghum. Mean 100 kernel weight was 2.59g, kernel diameter was 3.49mm, bulk density was 1.23g/cm3 and kernel hardness was 28.9%. Visual assessment was done on grain colour and seed was classified under red, cream, white and brown sorghums, and mixed colours. A chi-square test found a significant relationship between grain colour and presence of tannins. Genotypes NPGRC3124, IS9405 showed moderate levels of tannins while IS13996, IS29925, NPGRC1699, NPGRC1156 and NPGRC1478 had high levels. A highly significant strong positive correlation was shown for sorghum genotype between kernel diameter and kernel weight (r=0.81 at p=0.05). Highly significant positive correlation was also observed between bulk density and kernel weight (r=0.4173 at p=0.001). Kernel hardness has a strong positive correlation with bulk density (r=0.6242). Quantification of tannins is recommended to prevent negative effects on human and livestock health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Vitis IMIDRA collection contains 3699 entries, representing a significant percentage of the variation in traditional and commercial Vitis cultivars used in Spain. The classification and identification of new entries are currently conducted based on ampelography and molecular methods. Here, we propose a new method of classification of the cultivars based on seed morphology and its application to a total of 224 varieties from the collection. Based on seed shape, fourteen groups have been defined according to the similarity of the seeds, with geometric figures used as models. The new models are Cariñena Blanca, Chardonnay, Parraleta, and Parduca, defining new groups to be added to the ten groups previously described. The study results in 14 groups comprising the Spanish cultivar's seed shape and morphological variation. Seed morphology can help to identify varieties cultivated in the past through archaeological finds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Facial nerve paralysis is a severe dysfunction after vestibular schwannoma (VS) surgery. Methods: This monocentric study analyzed 61 patients who underwent sporadic VS surgery in a standardized manner. The primary endpoint was the facial nerve outcome (FNO) at 3 months after VS surgery. FNO was dichotomized into "good" (House–Brackmann (HB) score ≤ 2) and "poor" (HB > 2). Results: Poor FNO was observed in 11 patients (18.0%) at 3 months after VS surgery. Radiomic tumor shape features were analyzed, and the AUC of elongation in the prediction of a poor HB at 3 months was 0.70 (95% CI: 0.56–0.85, p = 0.03) and the optimum threshold value (≤/>0.35) yielded a sensitivity and specificity of 64.0% and 75.4%, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression analyses considering the extent of resection (0.35) revealed that more elongated VSs (≤0.35; OR: 5.8; 95%CI: 1.2–28.2; p = 0.03) and those with an increased EoR (≥93.4%; OR: 6.5; 95%CI: 1.0–42.5; p = 0.05) are independently associated with poorer FNO at 3 months after surgery. Conclusions: Highly elongated VS shape seems to be a risk factor for worsened facial nerve outcome at 3 months after surgery for Koos grade 3 and 4 tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To assess the ability of the pressure gradient between breast lesions and adjacent normal tissue estimated by 3D subharmonic-aided pressure estimation (SHAPE) to characterize indeterminate breast lesions. This prospective study enrolled patients scheduled for ultrasound-guided needle biopsies of a breast lesion. Before the biopsy, 3D SHAPE data were collected from the breast lesion during the infusion of an ultrasound contrast agent (Definity) as well as after clearance of the agent. Direct, invasive pressure measurements in the lesion and adjacent normal tissue were then obtained using an intracompartmental pressure monitoring system (C2DX) before tissue sampling as part of the biopsy procedure. The mean SHAPE gradient and invasive measurement gradient between the lesion and adjacent normal tissue were compared to the biopsy results. The SHAPE gradients were also compared to the invasive pressure gradients. There were 8 malignant and 13 benign lesions studied. The SHAPE gradients and invasive pressure gradients were significantly different between the benign and malignant lesions (2.86 ± 3.24 vs. -0.03 ± 1.72 a.u.; p = 0.03 and 9.9 ± 8.5 vs. 20.9 ± 8.0 mmHg; p = 0.008, respectively). The area under the curves, specificities, and sensitivities for detecting malignancy by SHAPE gradients and invasive pressure gradients were 0.79 and 0.88, 77% and 92%, and 88% and 50%, respectively. A weak negative correlation was found between the SHAPE and invasive pressure gradients (r = -0.2). The pressure gradient between a breast lesion and adjacent normal tissue estimated by 3D SHAPE shows potential for characterizing indeterminate breast lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Abatus is a genus of sea urchin that inhabits the Southern Ocean. Among the 11 described species, three shared morphological traits and live in intertidal zones in Patagonia (A. cavernosus), Kerguelen (A. cordatus), Antarctica, and Tierra del Fuego (A. agassizii). The relationships between Abatus species are complicated and have not been clarified yet. This study analyzed shape variation among these species. The shape of 72 individuals from four locations in the South Shetlands, Kerguelen, Patagonia, and Falklands/Malvinas, were evaluated. Differences in shape were found in all four locations. Especially, the Falklands/Malvinas group showed a marked difference in shape compared to other localities. The possibility that the Falklands/Malvinas group shows phenotypic plasticity or represents a distinct evolutionary unit is discussed. Finally, the methodology used in this study proved to be a powerful tool to differentiate these species, highlighting its utility in systematic studies. Abatus is a genus of irregular brooding sea urchins to the Southern Ocean. Among the 11 described species, three shared morphological traits and present an infaunal lifestyle in the infralittoral from the Subantarctic province; A. cavernosus in Patagonia, A. cordatus in Kerguelen, and A. agassizii in Tierra del Fuego and South Shetlands. The systematic of Abatus, based on morphological characters and incomplete phylogenies, is complex and largely unresolved. This study evaluates the shape variation among these species using geometric morphometrics analysis (GM). For this, 72 individuals from four locations; South Shetlands, Kerguelen, Patagonia, and Falklands/Malvinas were photographed, and 37 landmarks were digitized. To evaluate the shape differences among species, a principal component analysis and a Procrustes ANOVA were performed. Our results showed a marked difference between the Falklands/Malvinas and the other localities, characterized by a narrower and more elongated shape and a significant influence of location in shape but not sex. Additionally, the effect of allometry was evaluated using a permutation test and a regression between shape and size, showing significant shape changes during growth in all groups. The possibility that the Falklands/Malvinas group shows phenotypic plasticity or represents a distinct evolutionary unit is discussed. Finally, GM proved to be a powerful tool to differentiate these species, highlighting its utility in systematic studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we will introduce a novel argument (the “Region Argument”) that objects do not have frame‐independent shapes in special relativity. The Region Argument lacks vulnerabilities present in David Chalmers' argument for that conclusion based on length contraction. We then examine how views on persistence interact with the Region Argument. We argue that this argument and standard four‐dimensionalist assumptions entail that nothing in a relativistic world has any shape, not even stages or the regions occupied by them. We also argue that endurantists have viable ways of preserving shape despite the Region Argument. The upshot of these arguments is that contrary to conventional wisdom, considerations about shape in relativity support endurantism rather than four‐dimensionalism. We conclude by examining the implications of our discussion for the debate over Edenic shapes, noting that endurantists have a satisfying response to skeptical arguments about Edenic shapes similar to the one they have against the Region Argument. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The branched architecture of neuronal dendrites is a key factor in how neurons form ordered networks and discoveries continue to be made identifying proteins and protein–protein interactions that direct or execute the branching and extension of dendrites. Our prior work showed that the molecular scaffold Pdlim5 and delta-catenin, in conjunction, are two proteins that help regulate the branching and elongation of dendrites in cultured hippocampal neurons and do so through a phosphorylation-dependent mechanism triggered by upstream glutamate signaling. In this report we have focused on Pdlim5's multiple scaffolding domains and how each contributes to dendrite branching. The three identified regions within Pdlim5 are the PDZ, DUF, and a trio of LIM domains; however, unresolved is the intra-molecular conformation of Pdlim5 as well as which domains are essential to regulate dendritic branching. We address Pdlim5's structure and function by examining the role of each of the domains individually and using deletion mutants in the context of the full-length protein. Results using primary hippocampal neurons reveal that the Pdlim5 DUF domain plays a dominant role in increasing dendritic branching. Neither the PDZ domain nor the LIM domains alone support increased branching. The central role of the DUF domain was confirmed using deletion mutants in the context of full-length Pdlim5. Guided by molecular modeling, additional domain mapping studies showed that the C-terminal LIM domain forms a stable interaction with the N-terminal PDZ domain, and we identified key amino acid residues at the interface of each domain that are needed for this interaction. We posit that the central DUF domain of Pdlim5 may be subject to modulation in the context of the full-length protein by the intra-molecular interaction between the N-terminal PDZ and C-terminal LIM domains. Overall, our studies reveal a novel mechanism for the regulation of Pdlim5's function in the regulation of neuronal branching and highlight the critical role of the DUF domain in mediating these effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pulsating airflow-driven gas-solid fluidization is an effective method to segregate particles of different densities. The current article presents an elaborate computational study on the development of simulation methodology, and parametric trend identification of pulsating airflow-driven granular segregation for the first time using computational fluid dynamics (CFD), discrete element modeling (DEM) coupled analysis. The rigorous validation of the computational prediction has been produced against the experimental result reported by Li et al. (2021) and an excellent agreement has been observed. Segregation behavior for different density ratios of particles, different patterns of pulsation, and different particle shapes is presented in the current article. The segregation index improves with the density ratio of the binary mixture of particles, but the rate of increment of the segregation index is highly dependent on the airflow rate. Near the optimal value of airflow rate, the rate of increment of the segregation index reduces with the density ratio. Keeping the bed height and material property constant, different patterns of pulsation namely—sinusoidal, triangular, and exponential have been adopted. The segregation index is higher for sinusoidal patterns, whereas it reduces when the pattern is changed to triangular and exponential. Particles of constant volume with different shapes are also considered to understand the effect of particle shape on segregation. The segregation index deteriorates with the increasing surface area of the particle at constant volume. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Secondary and tertiary RNA structures play key roles in genome replication of single‐stranded positive sense RNA viruses. Complex, functional structures are particularly abundant in the untranslated regions of picornaviruses, where they are involved in initiation of translation, priming of new strand synthesis and genome circularization. The 5′ UTR of foot‐and‐mouth disease virus (FMDV) is predicted to include a c. 360 nucleotide‐long stem‐loop, termed the short (S) fragment. This structure is highly conserved and essential for viral replication, but the precise function(s) are unclear. Here, we used selective 2′ hydroxyl acetylation analyzed by primer extension (SHAPE) to experimentally determine aspects of the structure, alongside comparative genomic analyses to confirm structure conservation from a wide range of field isolates. To examine its role in virus replication in cell culture, we introduced a series of deletions to the distal and proximal regions of the stem‐loop. These truncations affected genome replication in a size‐dependent and, in some cases, host cell‐dependent manner. Furthermore, during the passage of viruses incorporating the largest tolerated deletion from the proximal region of the S fragment stem‐loop, an additional mutation was selected in the viral RNA‐dependent RNA polymerase, 3Dpol. These data suggest that the S fragment and 3Dpol interact in the formation of the FMDV replication complex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Bifidobacterium bifidum SAM-VI riboswitch undergoes dynamic conformational changes that modulate downstream gene expression. Traditional structural methods such as crystallography capture the bound conformation at high resolution, and additional efforts would reveal details from the dynamic transition. Here, we revealed a transcription-dependent conformation model for Bifidobacterium bifidum SAM-VI riboswitch. In this study, we combine small-angle X-ray scattering, chemical probing, and isothermal titration calorimetry to unveil the ligand-binding properties and conformational changes of the Bifidobacterium bifidum SAM-VI riboswitch and its variants. Our results suggest that the SAM-VI riboswitch contains a pre-organized ligand-binding pocket and stabilizes into the bound conformation upon binding to SAM. Whether the P1 stem formed and variations in length critically influence the conformational dynamics of the SAM-VI riboswitch. Our study provides the basis for artificially engineering the riboswitch by manipulating its peripheral sequences without modifying the SAM-binding core. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Zhuang ethnic minority the most populous ethnic minority in China boasts a long history and splendid national culture. The evolution of Zhuang traditional costumes is an important part of the Zhuang costume culture and has become a special carrier of Zhuang culture reflecting the lifestyle of the Zhuang and containing rich information about Zhuang culture. Using a combination of historical documentary information and field research and investigation methods the article finds through the field investigation of the traditional costumes of the Zhuang women in the Qing Dynasty and the contemporary Longsheng Zhuang costumes collected by the Longji Zhuang Eco-museum of Longsheng Guangxi Province that the form structure and decoration of the contemporary Longsheng Zhuang costumes have changed significantly from those of Longsheng Zhuang costumes of the Qing Dynasty which is a typical example of the development and evolution of the traditional costumes of the Zhuang people. The article focuses on the comparative analysis of the genealogical matrix characteristics of the Longsheng Zhuang traditional costumes in Guangxi and the contemporary costumes in an attempt to analyze the characteristics of the development and evolution of the Zhuang traditional costumes and to summarize the evolutionary factors. With focus on the comparative analysis of the shape structure decoration and other clothing genealogical matrix characteristics of the traditional and contemporary costumes of Longsheng Zhuang people in Guangxi the article explores the "changing and "unchanging costume genealogical matrix factors in the process of costume evolution and discusses the coupling perspectives of social change and cultural integration life style and environmental change and common ethnic consciousness of the Zhuang people. The article initially clarifies that the motivation of the evolution of the traditional costumes of the Zhuang people is often the result of the simultaneous action of a variety of factors and it provides certain theoretical reference for in-depth research on the genealogy of the Zhuang people's traditional costumes and it is of historical and practical significance for the excavation of cultural connotations behind the Zhuang people's traditional costumes as well as for the protection inheritance development and modern evolution of the national costumes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Yi horn pattern an indispensable part of the Yi pattern has a strong attribute of "pattern symbol" and is widely used in the form of embroidery patterns in the Yi costumes. It is a heavy historical precipitation of the Yi sheep culture. Nowadays there are few studies on Yi horn patterns in the academic circles and they are incorporated in the comprehensive field of Yi culture research and Yi dress research. There is a lack of systematic combing and summarization and a dearth of in-depth excavation of the level of cultural connotation. From the perspective of Saussure's semiotics this paper adopted the method of corroboration between relevant literature and physical objects and then explored the causes and cultural context of the development of Yi sheep's horn patterns by examining the historical evolution of the shape of the Yi sheep's horn pattern summarizing its organizational structure features and the rules of color application. Two major conclusions are drawn. Firstly at the signifier level the Yi sheep' s horn pattern presents abstract and geometric symbolic features and balanced and unified formal characteristics and the basic shape composition is the interdependent and opposite whirlwind image composed of two whirlwind images. After the evolution on the basis of maintaining the basic features many combinations of deformations appeared which were mostly used in combination with ferns and other botanical motifs reflecting the Yi people' s inheritance and innovation of this cultural symbol. In the layout and placement of its independent pattern the pattern form and the Yi costume structure fit each other its continuous patterns are mostly organized in a two-way organization to highlight the sense of order and solemnity the use of color and the whole show the characteristics of unity of opposition. Secondly at the level of the signified of the Yi horn pattern the Yi people live in the context of the sheep-based animal husbandry mode of production and the Yi horn pattern is regarded as a symbol of a carefree peaceful and well-being life and carries the Yi people' s pursuit of wealth and good fortune. At the same time the Yi horn pattern plays an important role in the Yi rituals and rules and system culture confirming the original totem worship of the Yi people and that the sheep also plays a fair and just symbol in the legal system of the Yi ethnic group. Finally the shape and structure of the Yi horn pattern contain the traditional concept of creation of the Yi ethnic group and its symmetrical structure and double helix shape are symbolic expression of the male and female concept of the Yi ethnic group. This paper analyzes the Yi ethnic group 's horn patterns through Saussure 's semiotics and summarizes the development evolution and characteristics of its shape structure so as to study the deep cultural connotation provide practical examples for the study of Yi ethnic group' s horn patterns and contribute to promoting Yi culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When representing high-level stimuli, such as faces and animals, we tend to emphasize salient features—such as a face's prominent cheekbones or a bird's pointed beak. Such mental caricaturing leaves traces in memory, which exaggerates these distinctive qualities. How broadly does this phenomenon extend? Here, in six experiments (N = 700 adults), we explored how memory automatically caricatures basic units of visual processing—simple geometric shapes—even without task-related demands to do so. Participants saw a novel shape and then immediately adjusted a copy of that shape to match what they had seen. Surprisingly, participants reconstructed shapes in exaggerated form, amplifying curvature, enlarging salient parts, and so on. Follow-up experiments generalized this bias to new parameters, ruled out strategic responding, and amplified the effects in serial transmission. Thus, even the most basic stimuli we encounter are remembered as caricatures of themselves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Orofacial clefts are complex congenital anomalies that call for comprehensive treatment based on a thorough assessment of the anatomy. This study aims to examine the effect of cleft type on craniofacial morphology using geometric morphometrics. Materials and methods: We evaluated lateral cephalograms of 75 patients with bilateral cleft lip and palate, 63 patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate, and 76 patients with isolated cleft palate. Generalized Procrustes analysis was performed on 16 hard tissue landmark coordinates. Shape variability was studied with principal component analysis. In a risk model approach, the first nine principal components (PC) were used to examine the effect of cleft type. Results: We found statistically significant differences in the mean shape between cleft types. The difference is greatest between bilateral cleft lip and palate and isolated cleft palate (distance of means 0.026, P = 0.0011). Differences between cleft types are most pronounced for PC4 and PC5 (P = 0.0001), which together account for 10% of the total shape variation. PC4 and PC5 show shape differences in the ratio of the upper to the lower face, the posterior mandibular height, and the mandibular angle. Conclusions: Cleft type has a statistically significant but weak effect on craniofacial morphological variability in patients with non-syndromic orofacial clefts, mainly in the vertical dimension. Clinical relevance: Understanding the effects of clefts on craniofacial morphology is essential to providing patients with treatment tailored to their specific needs. This study contributes to the literature particularly due to our risk model approach in lieu of a prediction model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Color and shape are important quality attributes in baked goods, particularly cookies. Composition and processing conditions determine and influence color development and morphological changes in these baked goods. The objective of this study was to systematically evaluate the evolution of color and shape during baking to determine useful correlations that can be implemented during the assessment and modeling of the baking process. Cookies (AACC‐I standard protocol 10‐53.01) were baked at 185, 205, and 225°C. Moisture content, water activity, surface temperature, characteristic dimensions (radius and thickness), and color indexes (lightness, redness, blueness, and browning index [BI]) were monitored at different locations on the cookie surface and baking times. Relationships among the tested conditions were explored using correlation analysis. The cookies' dimensions and color indexes were strongly correlated with changes in moisture content over time, and those relationships were characterized using empirical models. The temperature dependence of the kinetic parameters of the changes in lightness and BI was also described and deemed independent of the location on the cookie surface. This study provides insights into the influence of heat and mass transfer on the physical and physicochemical changes of cookies during baking. The kinetic and secondary models developed in this study can serve as important components for establishing a comprehensive approach for coupling heat transfer, mass transfer, and reaction kinetics to estimate and optimize cookie‐baking processes. Practical Application: The findings from this study provide valuable information for better understanding the morphological changes and color developments during the cookie‐baking process. The quantitative data and models generated in this study will allow identifying baking conditions for better quality development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author has formulated a qualitative method to determine the effective thermal conductivity variation in nanomaterials with respect to their dimension and size. The model includes the impact of shape, size, dimension and increased phonon scattering in nanomaterial due to the thermal resistance. In the present work, Guisbier’s top-down approach is used to obtain the thermal conductivity expression in terms of size and shape factor. The effective thermal conductivity of the nanomaterial is deduced using the effective medium approach that help to find the thermal conductivity in nanomaterial based on Kapitza thermal resistance effect. The model approach predicts the increment in the thermal conductivity of nanomaterial with size increment. The Kapitza thermal resistance in nanosolids results in increase in Phonon scattering in nanosolids with size reduction to nanoregime. The effective thermal conductivity is determined in AlN, GaN, GaAs, InAs and ZnO semiconducting compounds with respect to size in spherical and tetrahedral nanoparticles; cylindrical and parallelopiped nanowires and nanofilms. The model results obtained are compared with available experimental and simulated data. Good consistency between the compared results is observed in graphical representations. The model shows a drastic drop in effective thermal conductivity in nanosolids with their size reduction that increases the figure of merit in nanomaterials for using them in thermoelectric devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, brain–computer interfaces (BCIs) have become an important part of advanced human-computer interactions. Its essence is to infer people's ideas or purposes through brain signals to realize human-computer communication. BCI systems based on steady-state visual-evoked potentials (SSVEP) are widely used in the field of BCI because of their high information transfer rate (ITR), low training requirements, and simple system structure. To explore a reasonable design method of visual stimulation in an SSVEP-BCI interactive interface, this study completed two experiments based on the shape and presentation of visual stimulation. Experiment 1 explored the optimal shapes of different visual stimuli. The results indicated that there were significant differences in task completion times for different stimulus shapes. Combined with ergonomics experiment and subjective evaluation results, the circular was the optimal stimulus shape. Experiment 2 used different numbers of auxiliary stimuli under the condition of circular stimulus. The results showed significant differences in task completion time for various auxiliary stimuli, and the number of auxiliary stimuli negatively correlated with task completion time. Through subjective evaluation, it was found that all the median scores of the usability index increased when there were more auxiliary stimuli. The recommended number of auxiliary stimuli was eight. This research provides significant evidence for the design of visual stimulation for SSVEP-BCI systems. The experimental conclusions are of great value for improving the interaction efficiency of SSVEP-BCI systems, enhancing user experience, and expanding application fields. They will also provide new directions and ideas for the interface design of BCI systems, visual stimulation design, and application of advanced interaction technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) experiments revealed similar neural representations across different types of two-dimensional (2-D) visual stimuli; however, real three-dimensional (3-D) objects affording action differentially affect neural activation and behavioral results relative to 2-D objects. Recruitment of multiple sensory regions during unisensory (visual, haptic, and auditory) object shape tasks suggests that shape representation may be modality invariant. This mini-review explores the overlapping neural regions involved in object shape representation, across 2-D, 3-D, visual, and haptic experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most common malignant brain tumor in children and has a dismal prognosis. A challenge with MB is identifying patients who could be candidates for reduced doses of radiation therapy, but are still treated effectively, as well as those that need intensified doses. Recently, MB was classified into four molecular subgroups with distinct clinical outcomes (WNT, SHH, Group 3, and Group 4). Though two of these subgroups (SHH and Group 4) are known for their intermediate prognosis, wide disparities of outcomes have been reported within each of these subgroups. This work aims to develop a prognostic signature using radiomics (computationally derived tumor measurements), acquired on MRI scans, to risk-stratify patients within the SHH and Group 4 subgroups. Our signature includes two key attributes that capture aspects of the disease microenvironment. We believe that our signature will provide a better understanding of the disease's heterogeneity and, hence, develop better personalized treatment plans. Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most frequent malignant brain tumor in children with extensive heterogeneity that results in varied clinical outcomes. Recently, MB was categorized into four molecular subgroups, WNT, SHH, Group 3, and Group 4. While SHH and Group 4 are known for their intermediate prognosis, studies have reported wide disparities in patient outcomes within these subgroups. This study aims to create a radiomic prognostic signature, medulloblastoma radiomics risk (mRRisk), to identify the risk levels within the SHH and Group 4 subgroups, individually, for reliable risk stratification. Our hypothesis is that this signature can comprehensively capture tumor characteristics that enable the accurate identification of the risk level. In total, 70 MB studies (48 Group 4, and 22 SHH) were retrospectively curated from three institutions. For each subgroup, 232 hand-crafted features that capture the entropy, surface changes, and contour characteristics of the tumor were extracted. Features were concatenated and fed into regression models for risk stratification. Contrasted with Chang stratification that did not yield any significant differences within subgroups, significant differences were observed between two risk groups in Group 4 (p = 0.04, Concordance Index (CI) = 0.82) on the cystic core and non-enhancing tumor, and SHH (p = 0.03, CI = 0.74) on the enhancing tumor. Our results indicate that radiomics may serve as a prognostic tool for refining MB risk stratification, towards improved patient care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The three honey bee phenotypes - queens, workers, and drones differ in the size and shape of body parts. We used a large dataset to describe how the three phenotypes differed with regard to fore wings and applied the methodology of geometric morphometrics to measure the wings using the coordinates of nineteen landmarks. On average, queens had wings larger than workers, but the two castes had a broad overlap. Drones, on the other hand, had distinctly larger wings. Wing shape differed markedly among queens, workers and drones and can be used to reliably differentiate them from one other. Surprisingly, the fore wing shape of workers was more similar to that of drones than to that of queens. Small queens were not more similar to workers than large queens, and large workers were not more similar to queens than small workers. Because wing size, unlike body mass, does not change over the life of the queen, it can be used to evaluate the quality of a queen throughout its life and not only during a short period after emergence. We provide a large number of wing images of queens and drones, which can be used as a reference in future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tungsten carbide was manufactured by picosecond laser in this study. Shapes of the ablated craters evolved from parabolic‐like (less than 10 pulses) to Gaussian‐like (more than 500 pulses) as the pulse number increased. The shape changes were closely associated with the discontinuous diameter expansion of ablated crater. To explain these phenomena, two thresholds were identified: an upper threshold of 0.129 J/cm2 and a lower threshold of 0.099 J/cm2. When the laser energy exceeded the upper threshold, ablation occurred under the laser‐energy‐dominated mode. When the laser energy fell between the upper and lower thresholds, ablation occurred under the cumulative‐effect‐dominated mode. The transition of ablation mode contributed to the diameter expansion and shape change. In addition, elemental composition varied significantly at the ablated crater and heat‐affected zone (HAZ), which were related to the degrees of reactions that occurred at different distances from the laser. Finally, surface hardness decreased from base material (32.52 GPa) to edge of crater (11.59 GPa) due to the escape of unpaired interstitial C atoms from the grain boundaries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Curvilinear design was applied to standard cell layout to improve electrical characteristics and reduce manufacturing costs. Its implementation was intelligently co-optimized with 1-D Manhattan shapes and photolithography process to preserve the standard cell area equivalent to that of 1-D Manhattan-only designs. B-spline curve representation was employed to realize the curvilinear design. Curvilinear pathfinding was carried out through the Voronoi diagram to find the optimum routing path, and the A* routing algorithm to determine the shortest path. In the curvilinear-designed standard cells, the majority of standard cells exhibited reduced total metal length, decreased number of vias, and eliminated the need for an extra metal layer when compared to 1-D Manhattan-only standard cell designs. Manufacturability of curvilinear designs was evaluated, and potential solutions are proposed in the context of design rule, design rules check (DRC) and optical proximity correction (OPC). DRC and OPC were carried out within the currently employed electronic design automation (EDA) tools to verify the curvilinear designs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rib fractures remain the most frequent thoracic injury in motor vehicle crashes. Computational human body models (HBMs) can be used to simulate these injuries and design mitigation strategies, but they require adequately detailed geometry to replicate such fractures. Due to a lack of rib cross‐sectional shape data availability, most commercial HBMs use highly simplified rib sections extracted from a single individual during original HBM development. This study provides human rib shape data collected from chest CT scans of 240 females and males across the full adult age range. A cortical bone mapping algorithm extracted cross‐sectional geometry from scans in terms of local periosteal position with respect to the central rib axis and local cortex thickness. Principal component analysis was used to reduce the dimensionality of these cross‐sectional shape data. Linear regression found significant associations between principal component scores and subject demographics (sex, age, height, and weight) at all rib levels, and predicted scores were used to explore the expected rib cross‐sectional shapes across a wide range of subject demographics. The resulting detailed rib cross‐sectional shapes were quantified in terms of their total cross‐sectional area and their cortical bone cross‐sectional area. Average‐sized female ribs were smaller in total cross‐sectional area than average‐sized male ribs by between 20% and 36% across the rib cage, with the greatest differences seen in the central portions of rib 6. This trend persisted although to smaller differences of 14%–29% when comparing females and males of equal intermediate weight and stature. Cortical bone cross‐sectional areas were up to 18% smaller in females than males of equivalent height and weight but also reached parity in certain regions of the rib cage. Increased age from 25 to 80 years was associated with reductions in cortical bone cross‐sectional area (up to 37% in females and 26% in males at mid‐rib levels). Total cross‐sectional area was also seen to reduce with age in females but to a lesser degree (of up to 17% in mid‐rib regions). Similar regions saw marginal increases in total cross‐sectional area for male ribs, indicating age affects rib cortex thickness moreso than overall rib cross‐sectional size. Increased subject height was associated with increased rib total and cortical bone cross‐sectional areas by approximately 25% and 15% increases, respectively, in mid‐rib sections for a given 30 cm increase in height, although the magnitudes of these associations varied by sex and rib location. Increased weight was associated with approximately equal changes in both cortical bone and total cross‐sectional areas in males. These effects were most prominent (around 25% increases for an addition of 50 kg) toward lower ribs in the rib cage and had only modest effects (less than 12% change) in ribs 2–4. Females saw greater increases with weight in total rib area compared to cortical bone area, of up to 21% at the eighth rib level. Results from this study show the expected shapes of rib cross‐sections across the adult rib cage and across a broad range of demographics. This detailed geometry can be used to produce accurate rib models representing widely varying populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our aim is to analyze the function of reinforcement elements (dowel bars) in cement concrete pavement to highlight the influence of these elements on the service life of the pavement as a whole and to find possible alternatives to existing products that are freely available on the Czech market. That is, how these elements in the form of dowel bars should work properly so that the function meets the design assumptions of a rigid pavement. We describe the procedure for inserting dowel bars during paving, which is directly related to the possibilities of using different dowel bars. Finally, we summarize the possibilities of using alternative materials, shapes, or sizes of dowel bars and the possibilities of their use in the Czech Republic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ability of the median nerve (MN) to adapt in response to altered carpal tunnel conditions is important to mitigate compressive stress on the nerve. We assessed changes in MN deformation and position throughout the entire time course of hand force exertions. Fourteen right‐handed participants ramped up force from 0% to 50% of maximal voluntary force (MVF) before ramping force back down in three different hand force exertion tasks (pulp pinch, chuck pinch, power grip). Pinch and grip forces were measured with a digital dynamometer, which were time synchronized with transverse carpal tunnel images obtained via ultrasound. Ultrasound images were extracted in 10% increments between 0% and 50% MVF while ramping force up (loading phase) and down (unloading phase). MN deformation and position relative to the flexor digitorum superficialis tendon of the long finger were assessed in concert. During loading, the nerve became more circular while displacing dorsally and ulnarly. These changes primarily occurred at the beginning of the hand force exertions while ramping force up from 0% to 20%, with very little change between 20% and 50% MVF. Interestingly, deformation and position changes during loading were not completely reversed during unloading while ramping force down. These findings indicate an initial reorganization of carpal tunnel structures. Mirrored changes in nerve deformation and position may also reflect strain‐related characteristics of adjoining subsynovial connective tissue. Regardless, time‐varying changes in nerve deformation and position appear to be an important accommodative mechanism in the healthy carpal tunnel in response to gripping and pinching tasks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing product diversity, rising performance and reliability demands, and industry competitiveness are some of the many reasons that increase the need of more complex product designs in almost all sectors. The complexity of parts increases with their geometrical features to be designed and manufactured. Researchers agreed that it can be qualitatively evaluated and expressed with terms like low, medium, high, and very high. However, it might be evaluated differently, depending on the designer's considerations, domain and experience. Quantitative evaluation of a design complexity is, therefore, indispensable and expedites the decision-making about the selection of the manufacturing process. However, having a well-defined and unambiguous metric for quantitative evaluation is challenging. Most of existing metrics are not objective and are only valid for their specific applications. This paper presents a novel, unambiguous, and generalized approach for shape complexity evaluation. The developed metric enables determining if the selected part should be produced by conventional methods such as machining, or by non-conventional methods such as additive manufacturing. In order to ensure its objectivity, only geometrical features have been considered. The metric was tested through 25 different part designs of varying complexity. The investigations showed an accordance between the qualitatively evaluated shape and the calculated complexity factor. Also, the comparison of the results with other metrics showed the weakness of the latter and the efficiency and reliability of our metric. The results have been also validated by 50 experts from 23 countries. Based on these results, a threshold between machining and additive manufacturing is fixed allowing an easier decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wheat is a staple food crop that provides a significant portion of the world's daily caloric intake, serving as a vital source of carbohydrates and dietary fiber for billions of people. Seed shape studies of wheat typically involve the use of digital image analysis software to quantify various seed shape parameters such as length, width, area, aspect ratio, roundness, and symmetry. This study presents a comprehensive investigation into the water-absorbing capacity of seeds from 120 distinct wheat lines, leveraging digital image analysis techniques facilitated by SmartGrain software. Water absorption is a pivotal process in the early stages of seed germination, directly influencing plant growth and crop yield. SmartGrain, a powerful image analysis tool, was employed to extract precise quantitative data from digital images of wheat seeds, enabling the assessment of various seed traits in relation to their water-absorbing capacity. The analysis revealed significant transformations in seed characteristics as they absorbed water, including changes in size, weight, shape, and more. Through statistical analysis and correlation assessments, we identified robust relationships between these seed traits, both before and after water treatment. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Agglomerative Hierarchical Clustering (AHC) were employed to categorize genotypes with similar trait patterns, providing insights valuable for crop breeding and genetic research. Multiple linear regression analysis further elucidated the influence of specific seed traits, such as weight, width, and distance, on water-absorbing capacity. Our study contributes to a deeper understanding of seed development, imbibition, and the crucial role of water absorption in wheat. These insights have practical implications in agriculture, offering opportunities to optimize breeding programs for improved water absorption in wheat genotypes. The integration of SmartGrain software with advanced statistical methods enhances the reliability and significance of our findings, paving the way for more efficient and resilient wheat crop production. Significant changes in wheat seed shape parameters were observed after imbibition, with notable increases in area, perimeter, length, width, and weight. The length-to-width ratio (LWR) and circularity displayed opposite trends, with higher values before imbibition and lower values after imbibition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Industrial and environmental granular flows commonly exhibit a phenomenon known as “granular segregation,” in which grains separate according to physical characteristics (size, shape, density), interfering with industrial applications (cement mixing, medicine, and food production) and fundamentally altering the behavior of geophysical flows (landslides, debris flows, pyroclastic flows, riverbeds). While size-induced segregation has been well studied, the role of grain shape has not. Here we conduct numerical experiments to investigate how grain shape affects granular segregation in dry and wet flows. To isolate the former, we compare dry, bidisperse mixtures of spheres alone with mixtures of spheres and cubes in a rotating drum. Results show that while segregation level generally increases with particle size ratio, the presence of cubes decreases segregation levels compared to cases with only spheres. Further, we find differences in the segregation level depending on which shape makes up each size class, reflecting differences in mobility when smaller grains are cubic or spherical. We find similar dynamics in simulations of a shear-driven coupled fluid-granular flow (e.g., a simulated riverbed), demonstrating that this phenomenon is not unique to rotating drums; however, in contrast to the dry system, we find that the segregation level increases in the presence of cubic grains, and fluid drag effects can qualitatively change segregation trends. Our findings demonstrate competing shape-induced segregation patterns in wet and dry flows that are independent from grain size controls, with implications for many industrial and geophysical processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In rich visual environments, humans have to adjust their attentional control settings in various ways, depending on the task. Especially if the environment changes dynamically, it remains unclear how observers adapt to these changes. In two experiments (online and lab-based versions of the same task), we investigated how observers adapt their target choices while searching for color singletons among shape distractor contexts that changed over trials. The two equally colored targets had shapes that differed from each other and matched a varying number of distractors. Participants were free to select either target. The results show that participants adjusted target choices to the shape ratio of distractors: even though the task could be finished by focusing on color only, participants showed a tendency to choose targets matching with fewer distractors in shape. The time course of this adaptation showed that the regularities in the changing environment were taken into account. A Bayesian modeling approach was used to provide a fine-grained picture of how observers adapted their behavior to the changing shape ratio with three parameters: the strength of adaptation, its delay relative to the objective distractor shape ratio, and a general bias toward specific shapes. Overall, our findings highlight that systematic changes in shape, even when it is not a target-defining feature, influence how searchers adjust their attentional control settings. Furthermore, our comparison between lab-based and online assessments with this paradigm suggests that shape is a good choice as a feature dimension in adaptive choice online experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On June 24, 2017, a catastrophic landslide destroyed the village of Xinmo (Maoxian County, Sichuan, China). A 2.87 × 106 m3 rock mass in source area collapsed and entrained the surface soil layer along the run-out path. This disaster took eighty-three people's lives and destroyed more than 103 houses. It is worth noting that rock fragmentation and grinding could expand the spreading area of danger zone in a landslide event. The Xinmo landslide provided a rare opportunity to infer the dynamic fragmentation and grinding of rock masses from the particle size and shape distribution in the entrainment and deposition area. A field investigation combined with an automatic image analysis system was conducted to study the characteristics of particle size and shape distribution along the debris channel. The image analysis of these field data showed that the median size (D50) of particles ranged from 0.41 to 27.71 m in the landslide area. Particle fractal dimension (D) obtained from the Number-size distribution ranged from 1.77 to 2.97 over the entire study area. Moreover, the evolution of D50 and D along the run-out path confirmed that the degree of cumulative rock fragmentation increased as the travel distance increased. Additionally, the particle roundness (R) ranged from 0.51 to 0.88 along the run-out path, which peaked twice during the motion of granular flow, once was in the entrainment area, and another was in the end of the deposition area. Rock scraping occurred in the entrainment area could increase the degree of rock grinding, and reshape coarse stones into smooth particles of large R values (larger roundness of particles could lead to longer spreading distance in a landslide event, due to the lower internal friction among particles). Based on analysis above, the rock scraping phenomena occurred between the source materials and entrainment materials were confirmed to influence the translation and spread of granular flows in landslides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

RNA plays pivotal roles in most cellular processes, serving as both the traditional carrier of genetic information and as a key regulator of cellular functions. The advent of chemical technologies has contributed critically to the analysis of cellular RNA structures, functions, and interactions. Many of these methods and molecules involve the utilization of chemically reactive handles in RNAs, either introduced externally or inherent within the polymer itself. Among these handles, the 2′-hydroxyl (2′-OH) group has emerged as an exceptionally well-suited and general chemical moiety for the modification and profiling of RNAs in intracellular studies. In this review, we provide an overview of the recent advancements in intracellular applications of acylation at the 2′-OH group of RNA. We outline progress made in probing RNA structure and interactomes, controlling RNA function, RNA imaging, and analyzing RNA-small molecule interactions, all achieved in living cells through this simple chemical handle on the biopolymer. [Display omitted] The use of reagents that acylate 2′-OH groups in RNA has traditionally been employed for structure mapping, mainly in vitro. Xiao et al. outline recent rapid growth of chemical methods that have been developed for intracellular applications, including mapping in-cell RNA structures/interactions, caging RNA, conjugating labels, and profiling small-molecule interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

胸骨腹側面の形状を, 胸骨吻（吻外棘）, 切痕数, 内側窓数, その他の特徴の4点に分けて観察し た.胸骨吻（吻外棘）はI, U, Y形の3つ,切痕数では1対のものと2対のもの,内側窓数は1対,その他の 特徴では, 胸骨吻（吻内棘）のあるものや, 全体の形状に相違が認められた．胸骨は, 分類群によって形 態的な特徴が認められ,胸骨を用いて種不明標本の種推定を行うことがある程度可能である.. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When designing and manufacturing machines and installations for processing, transporting and storing grain and seeds, it is necessary to know some of their basic physical and mechanical characteristics. They are also necessary for the correct selection of the operating modes of the facilities in the grain warehouses. In this paper, an engineering and technical classification of the mass-grown cereals, legumes and oilseed crops in Bulgaria is presented. For the most used varieties and hybrids, density of grains (seeds), hectoliter mass, angle of natural slope, and angle of friction on smooth materials are determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to determine whether or not the breed and sex factors have an effect on the shape in the mandibles of Hamdani and Awassi sheep. A total of 31 mandibles were used. The samples were analyzed via geometric morphometric methods by using semilandmark. In the study, it was determined that the first principal component accounted for 36.52% of the total shape difference. According to principal component analysis, samples were clustered significantly in terms of breed; whereas, they were not clustered in terms of sex. In terms of the first principal component, the places where the shape differences were concentrated were the attachment sites of teeth to the mandible, between the second molar and ramus mandibulae, the processus coronoideus and the angulus mandibulae. The Mandibulae of Hamdani sheep had a higher body than the mandible of Awassi sheep. The mandibulae of male sheep was more voluminous than the mandible of female sheep, especially in the body area. Consequently, it is thought that the data obtained as a result of the study would serve as a reference for the ruminant mandible remains obtained from archaeological excavations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assay for Transposase‐Accessible Chromatin using high‐throughput sequencing (ATAC‐seq) is the popular technique using next‐generation sequencing to measure chromatin accessibility and identify open chromatin regions. While read alignment shape information of next‐generation sequencing data with intensity information has been used in various bioinformatics methods, few studies have focused on pure shape information alone. In this study, we investigated what types of ATAC‐seq read alignment shapes are observed for the promoter region and whether the pure shape information was related or unrelated to other gene features. We introduced a novel concept and pipeline for handling the pure shape information of NGS data as probability distributions and quantifying their dissimilarities by information theory. Based on this concept, we demonstrate that the pure shape information of ATAC‐seq data is correlated with chromatin openness and some gene characteristics. On the other hand, it is suggested that the pure information of ATAC‐seq read alignment shape is unlikely to contain additional information to explain differences in RNA expression. Our study suggests that viewing the read alignment shape of NGS data as probability distributions enables us to capture the characteristics of the genome‐wide landscape of such data in a non‐parametric manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study sought to analyze the learning level of form, movement and location competence in mathematics in students of the III Cycle of four educational institutions located in Sayapullo, Gran Chimú province, 2022. The design was based on a quantitative approach with a simple descriptive, non-experimental and cross-sectional design. The study sample consisted of 20 students and the instruments used were a development test and a checklist. The results in relation to the general objective showed that 60% of the students had difficulties in molding double and triple dimension geometric figures with plasticine or clay, which indicated the difficulty in learning the competence of form, movement and location in mathematics in the students of the III Cycle in the province of Sayapullo, 2022. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective We noticed that the X-ray absorption value of the tip of each microcatheter used for aneurysm treatment varied from product to product. We hypothesized that the differences were caused by variations in the metal's density braid, which could be related to the ability of the tip to retain its shape. Methods The X-ray absorption value of each microcatheter tip was measured. Next, heat forming was performed using a shaping mandrel at 6 mm and 90 degrees to determine whether there was a correlation between the X-ray absorption value and the forming angle. Next, the optimal mandrel angle for forming each microcatheter at 90 degrees was investigated. We also examined the shape retention after 20 times wire insertions into each microcatheter. Conclusion It was found that the higher the X-ray absorption value, the harder it was for the microcatheter to be formed. The mandrel angle required to form 90 degrees was determined by the X-ray absorption value. The higher the X-ray absorption value, the higher the shape retention of the tip shape. The heat formation and shape-retention conditions of the microcatheter tip were correlated with the X-ray absorption value of the metal braid. Even for unknown microcatheters, the optimum shaping conditions can be inferred from the X-ray absorption value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rare-earth orthovanadate nanoparticles (NPs) demonstrate unique combination of physicochemical characteristics and biological activity. The redox properties and low toxicity of orthovanadates in nanoform allow considering them as perspective nanomedicine modalities. The local microenvironment in biological media and the way NPs enter the organism determine their biological efficiency. Numerous studies deal with interaction of vanadium species and bio-molecules in serum, however, the interplay between orthovanadate NPs and serum compounds is still under debates. Here we investigate the effect of serum proteins on aggregative stability of three types of negatively charged orthovanadate NPs (spherical, spindle-like, and rod-like). Size of NPs was estimated by light-scattering methods in solutions, biologically relevant buffers and media. Some geometry- and size-dependent peculiarities of NPs behavior in different solutions were found. Modeling the proteins–NPs interactions for main serum proteins at threshold Ca2+ and Mg2+ concentrations revealed nonlinear aggregative behavior depending on protein concentrations. In Krebs-Ringer buffer the behavior of the rod-like NPs differs strongly on the behavior of more isometric NPs (spherical and spindle-like). The hydrodynamic diameter changes are non-linear and rod-like NPs have specific behavior in serum-like protein mixtures. These effects are associated with shape-specific involvement of different forces (including electosteric, hydrophobic, osmotic and recoil ones) in stabilization process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When a circular coin is rotated in depth, is there any sense in which it comes to resemble an ellipse? While this question is at the center of a rich and divided philosophical tradition (with some scholars answering affirmatively and some negatively), Morales et al. (2020, 2021) took an empirical approach, reporting 10 experiments whose results favor such perspectival similarity. Recently, Burge and Burge (2022) offered a vigorous critique of this work, objecting to its approach and conclusions on both philosophical and empirical grounds. Here, we answer these objections on both fronts. We show that Burge and Burge's critique rests on misunderstandings of Morales et al.'s claims; of the relation between the data and conclusions; and of the philosophical context in which the work appears. Specifically, Burge and Burge attribute to us a much stronger (and stranger) view than we hold, involving the introduction of "a new entity" located "in some intermediate position(s) between the distal shape and the retinal image." We do not hold this view. Indeed, once properly understood, most of Burge and Burge's objections favor Morales et al.'s claims rather than oppose them. Finally, we discuss several questions that remain unanswered, and reflect on a productive path forward on these issues of foundational scientific and philosophical interest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study covers British Shorthair cats, which is a popular domestic cat breed in our country and defined as 'brachycephalic' in terms of skull structure. Article focuses on the pelvis and femur region of cats which gynaecological and orthopaedic diseases of this cat breed, which are frequently encountered in clinical practice, is found to be important. It is aimed to reveal the shape differences between male and female individuals using geometric morphometric method. X‐ray images were used to examine the pelvis and femurs of cats via geometric method. Radiological images were obtained from a total of 40 British Shorthair cats (20 females and 20 males) in two positions, ventro‐dorsal (VD) and latero‐lateral (LL), and shape differences between the sexes were examined. As result, it is seen that the measurement points taken from the males are more outward and have sharper angles than the females. Study also shows pelvis is a better choice than femur when it comes to sex discrimination. Although traditional morphometric methods are more useful in clinical practice, it is thought that is important to support or re‐evaluate the data with the geometric morphometric method in academic field for a further approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long-range ribonucleic acid (RNA)–RNA interactions (RRI) are prevalent in positive-strand RNA viruses, including Beta-coronaviruses, and these take part in regulatory roles, including the regulation of sub-genomic RNA production rates. Crosslinking of interacting RNAs and short read-based deep sequencing of resulting RNA–RNA hybrids have shown that these long-range structures exist in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV)-2 on both genomic and sub-genomic levels and in dynamic topologies. Furthermore, co-evolution of coronaviruses with their hosts is navigated by genetic variations made possible by its large genome, high recombination frequency and a high mutation rate. SARS-CoV-2's mutations are known to occur spontaneously during replication, and thousands of aggregate mutations have been reported since the emergence of the virus. Although many long-range RRIs have been experimentally identified using high-throughput methods for the wild-type SARS-CoV-2 strain, evolutionary trajectory of these RRIs across variants, impact of mutations on RRIs and interaction of SARS-CoV-2 RNAs with the host have been largely open questions in the field. In this review, we summarize recent computational tools and experimental methods that have been enabling the mapping of RRIs in viral genomes, with a specific focus on SARS-CoV-2. We also present available informatics resources to navigate the RRI maps and shed light on the impact of mutations on the RRI space in viral genomes. Investigating the evolution of long-range RNA interactions and that of virus–host interactions can contribute to the understanding of new and emerging variants as well as aid in developing improved RNA therapeutics critical for combating future outbreaks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mental foramen is a small foramen situated in anterolateral aspect of the body of the mandible. Normally, mental foramen is located below the interval between the premolars. It transmits mental nerve, artery and vein. Mental nerve is a branch of inferior alveolar nerve which supplies sensation to lower lip and the labial mucosa and lower canines and premolars. The most useful injection for anaesthetising the mandibular teeth is the inferior alveolar nerve block. Any foramen in addition to mental foramen in the body of the mandible is known as accessory mental foramen. Accessory mental foramen transmits the accessory branch of mental nerve. Materials and methods: The mandibles which were used for our study were procured from the Department of Anatomy, Siddhartha Medical College (Govt), Vijayawada over a period of 6 years. About 70 adult dry South Indian mandibles, irrespective of age and sex, with either all the teeth intact or with preserved alveolar margins, were used for our study. The bones with gross pathological deformities were excluded from our study. The number, shape and the orientation of the MF were determined by a visual examination. The shape of mental foramen in dry human adults was analyzed by visual examination of the both sides of the mandible. Result: The present study showed that the position of mental foramen from symphysis menti and posterior border of ramus of mandible was more on right side than left side and found to be insignificant while position of mental foramen from inferior border of body of mandible was more on left side than right side and found to be insignificant for right side while significant for left side. The shape of mental foramen on right side was found to be Oval shape - 65.7% and round shape - 34.3% while on left side Oval shape-71.4% and round shape - 28.6%. Conclusion: Hence, mental foramen plays a pivotal role in performing major facial surgeries and is an important landmark for several facial procedures performed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The morphological and morphometric parameters of erythrocytes (size, shape, and color) were studied in five species of marine mammals. A comparative assessment of oxygen reserves in the blood of Harp seal (Pagophilus groenlandicus (Erxleben 1777)) and Grey seal (Halichoerus grypus (Fabricius 1791)) pups during adaptations to the aquatic environment, as well as of Bottlenose dolphins during the period of adaptation to conditions of captivity, is given. The morphometric parameters of red blood cells have been established to vary depending on the age, habitat conditions, and phylogenetic position of the animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractThis study aims to investigate the effects of shape, contrast, and visual force on the visual weight of interface elements and provides corresponding experimental validations. The experiments employ representative abstract shapes as stimuli and conduct three visual weight experiments. The results of the shape experiment demonstrate significant effects of vertical and horizontal ellipses on visual weight, while polygons and rounded rectangles do not show significant effects. The contrast experiment reveals that increasing contrast significantly increases visual weight, particularly on a white background. The visual force experiment indicates that the direction of visual force influences visual weight, with a decrease in weight when directed towards the center of the interface and an increase when directed otherwise. Based on these experimental findings, we infer the underlying mechanisms of the effects of shape, contrast, and visual force on visual weight, providing empirical evidence for optimizing balance computational models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current theoretical study analyzes a performance comparison of a two-stage variable leg-shaped thermoelectric generator (TEG) with the combination of dissimilar p-type and n-type materials. For the cold side of the TEG configuration, water, MXene/Water, MXene/CNT, MXene/Graphene, and MXene/CNT/Graphene ternary hybrid nanofluid as new coolants have been considered. The objective of the present study is to ascertain the effect of flow parameters on hot and cold side fluids and to investigate the performance parameters of the TEG. The first stage of TEG is of a regular shape, while the later stage tapers to give a high-temperature gradient. Effect on voltage, power, conversion efficiency, second law efficiency, irreversibility, and normalized voltage with the coolant and exhaust flow rates have been investigated. The results revealed an optimum result of higher power output, second law efficiency, conversion efficiency, current, and voltage with a coolant flow rate of 0.007 kg s−1. Compared to water, MXene/Water nanofluid has 3.5% and 3.27% higher power output and second law efficiency, respectively, followed by MXene/CNT, MXene/Graphene, and MXene/CNT/Graphene ternary hybrid nanofluids. MXene/water nanofluid has 6.42% higher power output than water; MXene/CNT, MXene/Graphene, and MXene/CNT/Graphene ternary hybrid nanofluids have 4.28%, 4.23%, and 15.68% lower power output, respectively. The power output and second law efficiency of MXene/Water nanofluid are 3.5% and 6.84% greater than water. MXene/CNT, MXene/Graphene, and MXene/CNT/Graphene ternary hybrid nanofluids had 8.21%, 9.58%, and 10.95% poorer second law efficiency: with CNT and graphene-based MXene hybrid nanofluids, the improved TEG outperforms traditional units. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]