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Optical imaging of calcium signals in the brain has enabled researchers to observe the activity of hundreds-to-thousands of individual neurons simultaneously. Current methods predominantly use morphological information, typically focusing on expected shapes of cell bodies, to better identify neurons in the field-of-view. The explicit shape constraints limit the applicability of automated cell identification to other important imaging scales with more complex morphologies, e.g., dendritic or widefield imaging. Specifically, fluorescing components may be broken up, incompletely found, or merged in ways that do not accurately describe the underlying neural activity. Here we present Graph Filtered Temporal Dictionary (GraFT), a new approach that frames the problem of isolating independent fluorescing components as a dictionary learning problem. Specifically, we focus on the time-traces-the main quantity used in scientific discovery-and learn a time trace dictionary with the spatial maps acting as the presence coefficients encoding which pixels the time-traces are active in. Furthermore, we present a novel graph filtering model which redefines connectivity between pixels in terms of their shared temporal activity, rather than spatial proximity. This model greatly eases the ability of our method to handle data with complex non-local spatial structure. We demonstrate important properties of our method, such as robustness to morphology, simultaneously detecting different neuronal types, and implicitly inferring number of neurons, on both synthetic data and real data examples. Specifically, we demonstrate applications of our method to calcium imaging both at the dendritic, somatic, and widefield scales.

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.

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.

Scouring is a complex process dependent on several factors, and local scour is more complex than general scour. This study was an attempt to predict local scour round bridge piers based on general scour in the water stream. Three obstacle shapes were used – circular, round-nosed, and elliptical – as they are predominant in hydraulic structures like bridge piers. For each obstacle shape, scour depth was measured around the periphery for five gradually increasing discharges and in two types of bed material. The local scour results were analyzed to relate them to general scour. Lacey's equation was used to estimate general scour. Models were developed for the three common shapes, by which local scour for any particular shape can be predicted based on general scour in the stream. HIGHLIGHTS Correct estimation of local scour depth.; Incorporation of shape factor for a better scour depth estimation.; Improvement over Lacey's theory.; Relating local scour estimation with general scour.; Better design and safety of hydraulic structures.;

Objective: The frozen elephant trunk procedure is a well-established technique for the repair of type A ascending aortic dissection and complex aortic arch pathology. The ultimate shape created by the repair may have consequences in long-term complications. The purpose of this study was to apply a machine learning technique to comprehensively describe 3-dimensional aortic shape variations after the frozen elephant trunk procedure and associate these variations with aortic events. Methods: Computed tomography angiography acquired before discharge of patients (n = 93) who underwent the frozen elephant trunk procedure for type A ascending aortic dissection or ascending aortic arch aneurysm was preprocessed to yield patient-specific aortic models and centerlines. Aortic centerlines were subjected to principal component analysis to describe principal components and aortic shape modulators. Patient-specific shape scores were correlated with outcomes defined by composite aortic event, including aortic rupture, aortic root dissection or pseudoaneurysm, new type B dissection, new thoracic or thoracoabdominal pathologies, residual descending aortic dissection with residual false lumen flow, or thoracic endovascular aortic repair complications. Results: The first 3 principal components accounted for 36.4%, 26.4%, and 11.6% of aortic shape variance, respectively, and cumulatively for 74.5% of the total shape variation in all patients. The first principal component described variation in arch height-to-length ratio, the second principal component described angle at the isthmus, and the third principal component described variation in anterior-to-posterior arch tilt. Twenty-one aortic events (22.6%) were encountered. The degree of aortic angle at the isthmus described by the second principal component was associated with aortic events in logistic regression (hazard ratio, 0.98; 95% confidence interval, 0.97-0.99; P = .046). Conclusions: The second principal component, describing angulation at the region of the aortic isthmus, was associated with adverse aortic events. Observed shape variation should be evaluated in the context of aortic biomechanical properties and flow hemodynamics.

Abstract We created high-resolution shape models of Phobos and Deimos using stereophotoclinometry and united images from Viking Orbiter, Phobos 2, Mars Global Surveyor, Mars Express, and Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter into a single coregistered collection. The best-fit ellipsoid to the Phobos model has radii of (12.95 ± 0.04) km × (11.30 ± 0.04) km × (9.16 ± 0.03) km, with an average radius of (11.08 ± 0.04) km. The best-fit ellipsoid to the Deimos model has radii of (8.04 ± 0.08) km × (5.89 ± 0.06) km × (5.11 ± 0.05) km with an average radius of (6.27 ± 0.07) km. The new shape models offer substantial improvements in resolution over existing shape models, while remaining globally consistent with them. The Phobos model resolves grooves, craters, and other surface features ~ 100 m in size across the entire surface. The Deimos model is the first to resolve geological surface features. These models, associated data products, and a searchable, coregistered collection of images across six spacecraft are publicly available in the Small Body Mapping Tool, and will be archived with the NASA Planetary Data System. These products enable an array of future studies to advance the understanding of Phobos and Deimos, facilitate coregistration of other past and future datasets, and set the stage for planning and operating future missions to the moons, including the upcoming Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) mission. Graphical Abstract

Social science researchers depend on differences in means between experimental and control conditions to draw substantive conclusions. However, an alternative is to use differences in locations. For normal distributions, means and locations are the same, but for skew normal distributions, means and locations are different. If a difference in means and locations are similar, and in the same direction, the resulting substantive story may be similar. However, if a difference in means and locations are dissimilar, especially if they oppose directionally, the resulting substantive story may differ dramatically. We collected 51 data sets from online data repositories to check how often the differences in means versus locations are substantially different or are in different directions. Although the values depend on what one counts, the overall conclusion is that the two types of differences have a larger than trivial chance of disagreeing substantially. We suggest that when researchers report normal statistics (mean and standard deviation), they should report skew normal statistics (location, scale, and shape) too, against the nontrivial chance that the skew normal statistics imply a substantive story in opposition to that implied by the normal statistics.

The tectonic as theoretical subject was carried on in the nineteenth century in the context of German culture and concerns the relationship between form and construction, focusing on the analysis of the correspondences between the constructive and static needs and the intents addressed to aesthetics. In Barcelona, oppressed by Francoism during the ‘50s and ‘60s, the will to be modern was expressed to a considerable extent through the reinvention of a language characterised by a successful synthesis between modernity and attention to local culture. Therefore the tectonic is an investigative tool that links the culture of Barcelona’s design with the broader koinè of modernity that has made tectonic one of its fundamentals. As in Italo Calvino’s novelist The Castle of crossed destines where different tales intersect, and the tellers are prompted by the symbols of a pack of cards so even in Barcelona the representative strength of Architecture interweaves with theoretical texts about tectonic providing a wider horizon to understand Barcelona architecture in the modern age.

Purpose Individual anatomical structural variations, including intravesical prostatic protrusion (IPP), prostatic urethral angle (PUA), prostatic urethral length, or prostatic apex shape, were correlated with micturition symptoms. We aimed to investigate the effects of these variables on micturition symptoms in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)/lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Methods This observational study was based on data from 263 men with the first visit to health promotion center and without BPH/LUTS treatment between March 2020 and September 2022. A multivariate analysis was performed to determine the variables affecting total international prostate symptom score, maximum flow rate (Qmax), and voiding efficacy (postvoid residual volume to total bladder volume ratio). Results Of 263 patients, decreasing PUA increases the severity of international prostate symptoms score (mild, 141.9°; moderate, 136.0°; severe, 131.2°; P

The current study presents the indicators of shape preservation of cooked pasta by adding 7.7% millet in various time intervals. The experiments were conducted immediately after the pasta cooking process and after two hours. In the Eurasian Economic Union and the Republic of Kazakhstan, the quality indicators were produced by considering the established methodologies stated in the standardized papers. The interstate standard GOST 31964-2012, "Pasta products. Acceptance rules and methods of quality determination," was used to determine the shape preservation of cooked pasta. The study aimed to determine and compare cooked pasta's shape preservation indicators (consumer properties), considering a certain time interval. Pasta needs five minutes to cook. These days, though, pasta manufacturers specify the required cooking time – eight, nine, ten, or eleven minutes – on their packages. The study's findings indicate that the safety of pasta containing "7.7% millet after 2 (hours) from the moment of cooking" and "with the addition of 7.7% millet after cooking" is negligible by 1-2 N; however, data from 4-24 N show a more notable difference in a comparable scenario. The experiments were conducted at the Federal State Autonomous Scientific Institution "Scientific Research Institute of the Bakery Industry", Moscow, Russian Federation. The corresponding data was obtained according to the results of the conducted studies.

Neuronal connectivity is regulated during normal brain development with the arrangement of spines and synapses being dependent on the morphology of dendrites. Further, in multiple neurodevelopmental and aging disorders, disruptions of dendrite formation or shaping is associated with atypical neuronal connectivity. We showed previously that Pdlim5 binds delta-catenin and promotes dendrite branching. We report here that Pdlim5 interacts with PalmD, a protein previously suggested by others to interact with the cytoskeleton (e.g., via adducin/spectrin) and to regulate membrane shaping. Functionally, the knockdown of PalmD or Pdlim5 in rat primary hippocampal neurons dramatically reduces branching and conversely, PalmD exogenous expression promotes dendrite branching as does Pdlim5. Further, we show that each proteins’ effects are dependent on the presence of the other. In summary, using primary rat hippocampal neurons we reveal the contributions of a novel Pdlim5:PalmD protein complex, composed of functionally inter-dependent components responsible for shaping neuronal dendrites.

ObjectiveSpinal meningiomas (SM) account for 25%–46% of all primary spinal tumors and show an excellent long-term disease control in case of complete resection. Therefore, the postoperative functional outcome is of high importance. To date, reports on dorsally located SM are scarce. Moreover, the impact of radiomics shape features on the functional outcome after surgery for primary dorsal SMs has not been analyzed yet.MethodsWe retrospectively performed an analysis of shape-based radiomic features in 3D slicer software and quantified the tumor volume, surface area, sphericity, surface area to volume ratio and tumor canal ratio. Subsequently, we evaluated the correlation between the radinomic parameters and the postoperative outcome according to Modified Japanese Orthopedic Association (mJOA) score.ResultsBetween 2010 and 2022, we identified 24 Females and 2 Males operated on dorsal SMs in our institutional database. The most common SM localization was thoracic spine (n = 20), followed by cervical (n = 4), and lumbar (n = 2). The univariate analysis and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis showed a strong diagnostic performance of sphericity in the prediction of postoperative functional outcome based on mJOA score (AUC of 0.79, sphericity cut-of value 0.738; p = 0.01). Subsequently, the patients were divided into two groups (mJOA improved vs. mJOA stable/worsened). Patients with improved mJOA score showed significantly higher sphericity (0.79 ± 0.1 vs. 0.70 ± 1.0; p = 0.03). Finally, we divided the cohort based on sphericity (

Archaeologists commonly use subjective classifications to group ceramic vessels into different classes, but the usefulness of such tools for creating narratives about the past is seldom questioned. After noticing that certain ceramic classes from the Bronze Age necropolis of Mokrin have quite similar shape and size, we decided to undertake a morphometric analysis of vessels from this site. We show that some traditional classes largely overlap in both shape and size, and that the majority of funerary ceramics from Mokrin can be classified into two main morphological classes of vessels: (1) bowls; and (2) one- or two-handled beakers and amphorae. Our results go beyond this study, as they show how quantitative methods can be used in a complementary manner with more traditional tools to gain meaningful knowledge about the past.

Copyright of Baghdad Science Journal is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Stockouts constitute a major challenge in the retail industry. Stockouts are caused by errors related to manual stockkeeping and by the misplacement of items on shelves. Such errors account for up to 4% of lost sales. Real-time inventory management systems for misplaced items or missing stock detection in retail stores are limited. Accordingly, a conductive polymer-based interactive shelving system for real-time inventory management is developed. The system comprises an 80 × 48 sensor array fabricated by screen-printing a piezoresistive carbon-based conductive polymer layer onto gold interdigitated electrodes deposited on a flexible substrate. Each sensing pixel has dimensions of 5 mm × 5 mm and a sensing area of 4 mm × 4 mm. The sensor mat can detect the shape and weight features of stockkeeping units (SKUs), which can then be analyzed by a TensorFlow model for SKU identification. The developed system is characterized for functional resistance range, uniformity, repeatability, and durability. The accuracy of SKU identification achieved using shape features only and the accuracy of SKU identification achieved using both shape and weight features is 95% and 99.2%, respectively. The key novelty of the work is the development of a deep learning-embedded interactive smart shelving system for retail inventory management by using the shape and weight features of SKU. Also, the developed system helps to detect the SKU if they are stacked one over the other. Furthermore, multiple sensor mats implemented on various shelves in a retail store can be modularized and integrated for monitoring under the control of a single PC. Accordingly, the proposed retail inventory tracking system can facilitate the development of automated "humanless" shops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Stroke is closely related to carotid atherosclerotic plaques, which tend to occur in specific parts of the arteries, especially at the bifurcations, and are considered to be caused by biomechanical factors. Quantitative analysis of hemodynamic stress characteristics of the carotid sinus in vivo provides a mechanical basis for the development of atherosclerotic plaque in the carotid sinus. Previous studies found that ultrasound (US) contrast agent microbubbles would vibrate nonlinearly under the excitation of sound pressure, generating subharmonics (transmission fundamental frequency, i.e., f0 and subharmonic frequency at f0/2), which have the highest sensitivity to pressure changes and exhibit an inverse linear relationship with environmental pressure. Purpose: This study employed subharmonic aided pressure estimation (SHAPE) technology to reflect carotid artery hydrodynamic characteristics in the carotid lumen. Methods: From May 2021 to December 2021, this prospective study reviewed a total of 26 normal carotid arteries of 13 participants, all of whom received bilateral carotid artery routine US and SHAPE US examinations. During this study, the lumen of the bilateral distal segment of the common carotid artery (Distal‐CCA), carotid artery bifurcation (CAB), and carotid bulb (CB) were scanned section by section from bottom to top in longitudinal and transverse sections. Subsequently, the subharmonic amplitudes in the lumen of normal carotid arteries were collected and analyzed. Results: This study found that the amplitude of subharmonic amplitude in the carotid was distributed unevenly, with the amplitudes of subharmonic at the CAB being higher. Specifically, the subharmonic gradient of the carotid artery bifurcation apex plane was maximum (9.72 ± 4.31 dB), while the average subharmonic amplitude of the outer lateral layer of the carotid artery was higher (‐56.40 ± 6.31 dB) (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The SHAPE technique is capable of indirectly reflecting the pressure changes of vascular system tissues, which may provide a new monitoring method for evaluating mechanical characteristics obviating invasion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many aspects of visual perception, including the classification of shapes into known categories and the induction of new shape categories from examples, are driven by shape similarity. But there is as yet no generally agreed, principled measure of the degree to which two shapes are "similar." Here, we derive a measure of shape similarity based on the Bayesian skeleton estimation framework of Feldman and Singh (2006). The new measure, called generative similarity, is based on the idea that shapes should be considered similar in proportion to the posterior probability that they were generated from a common skeletal model rather than from distinct skeletal models. We report a series of experiments in which subjects were shown a small number (1, 2, or 3) of 2D or 3D "nonsense" shapes (generated randomly in a manner designed to avoid known shape categories) and asked to select other members of the "same" shape class from a larger set of (random) alternatives. We then modeled subjects' choices using a variety of shape similarity measures drawn from the literature, including our new measure, skeletal cross-likelihood, a skeleton-based measure recently proposed by Ayzenberg and Lourenco (2019), a nonskeletal part-based similarity model proposed by Erdogan and Jacobs (2017), and a convolutional neural network model (Vedaldi & Lenc, 2015). We found that our new similarity measure generally predicted subjects' selections better than these competing proposals. These results help explain how the human visual system evaluates shape similarity and open the door to a broader view of the induction of shape categories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geographic access to isolated ecosystems is an important catalyst of adaptive radiation. Cichlid fishes repeatedly colonized rift, crater, and volcanic lakes from surrounding rivers. We test the "lake effect" on the phenotypic rate and state across 253 cichlid species. The rate of evolution was consistently higher (*10-fold) in lakes, and consistent across different dimensions of the phenotype. Rate shifts tended to occur coincident with or immediately following river-to-lake transitions, generally resulting in 2- to 5-fold faster rates than in the founding riverine lineage. By contrast, river- and lake-dwelling cichlids exhibit considerable overlap in phenotypes, generally with less disparity in lakes, but often different evolutionary optima. Taken together, these results suggest that lake radiations rapidly expand into niches largely already represented by ancestral riverine lineages, albeit in different frequencies. Lakes may provide ecological opportunity via ecological release (e.g., from predators/competitors) but need not be coupled with access to novel ecological niches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wafer-level direct bonding technology is a key process for the production of backside illuminated (BSI) CMOS image sensor (CIS). Usually, constant-depth mode scanning acoustic microscope (C-SAM) 300mm wafer images are acquired and defect size distribution is provided to monitor defects that degrade bonding yield. This acquisition technique is used as it is nondestructive and is able to capture the full wafer. Current solutions are not providing information detailed enough to identify the root cause of this degradation. A consequence is that most measurements and classification is currently done manually which take time and have reproducibility issues. In this paper, we propose a rule-based method for the classification of the defects and automatic segmentation of the defects to extract precise measurements depending on the type of defect. The classes of defects are precisely defined based on their origin in the process. All these information will allow to reduce the time to analyze the images and improve the precision and consistency of the analysis. These results will allow to identify more precisely the defects thus the causes of yield degradation during bonding process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the semiconductor manufacturing, the manufacturing equipment is managed via the quality control (QC) in which the shape of the processed feature is checked whether it meets the specification. If the shape is out of the specification, some recipe parameters are modified so that the shape meets the specification. The calculation method of the recipe parameters depends on the know-how of the individual fab engineers, which cause difficulties in the QC. To overcome this problem, we have developed an automatic calculation method of the optimal recipe parameters with Advanced Process Control (APC) system with the stacking model method in order to solve these problems. In the development process, we have also performed comparison of two gap scoring methods. In the on-site demonstration of this system, we have further optimized the exploration method of the recipe parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work, the author focussed on the electrical properties of nanostructures. A qualitative model is extended to obtain the expression of thermal conductivity of nanosolid. Using the Wiedemann-Franz law. electrical conductivity and then expression of electrical resistivity is obtained. The inclusion of scattering term in the calculation of electrical resistivity of nanosolid is essential. Incorporating the effect of surface scattering and grain boundary scattering, electrical resistivity is calculated for varied shapes and sizes of nanosolids. The electrical resistivity of nanomaterials is found to increase with decrease in size. The increment in electrical resistivity is found different for different shapes as surface atoms in nanosolid varies with shape and also with the change in surface roughness parameter and reflection coefficient. The present study explains the combined effect of shape, size and scattering factors on electrical resistivity of nanostructure. The proposed model results are depicted with available experimental results in figures for comparison. The study helps to identi fy the solids that possess high figure of merit and have plenty of applications in electronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Tikrit University for Humanities is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

A simple theoretical model is developed to study the effect of size and shape on the bandgap of semiconductor nanomaterials. It is found that bandgap increases by decreasing the size, which depends on the shape considered. The results obtained are compared with the available experimental data as well as with those based on earlier models. Different models predict similar trend of variations. However, such an excellent agreement with experimental data particularly in low size range using a simple model is never seen earlier. The model reduces the number of input parameters and includes more shapes as compared with earlier studies. This demonstrates the simplicity and wide applicability of the present model due to which it can be used to study the size and shape dependence of bandgap of different semiconductor nanomaterials of current interest in science and technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanohyperthermia therapies have appeared as a promising alternative for the treatment of diverse cancer tumors. Multifunctional nanosystems offer a step forward in these therapies. They harness more efficient and multistimuli hyperthermia for low-dose application, as well as supplementary functions for imaging, targeting, controlled release, and sensing. Among them, Janus Au:Fe3O4 nanoparticles (JNPs) are highly versatile and a prominent example for dual photo- and magneto-thermia capabilities. To achieve the highest efficiencies of these nanomaterials, which allow low-dose applications, optimization in terms of size and shape is imperative. Here, we have expanded the synthesis of Janus nanostructures and carried out a systematic study to understand the structure–performance relationship and improve their hyperthermia efficiency. JNPs were synthesized by seed-mediated growth processes to obtain Janus nanostars (JNSs) and Janus nanospheres (JNSphs) with controlled sizes, together with initial heterodimers and indented F3O4 NPs. The hyperthermia abilities were then evaluated using AC magnetometry and under near-infrared laser irradiation. The results showed a clear effect of size and shape on the tuning of both magnetothermia and photothermia. Iron oxide size showed the biggest effect on magnetothermia, which could be tuned by the size and shape of the gold component. Likewise, for photothermia, JNSs offered the best performance and a clear correlation between the proximity of the plasmonic band to the irradiation source and their photothermal performance, modulated by the presence of iron oxide. A SARmax of 3 kW g–1 for the strongest field and frequency tested, 0.48 kW g–1 for biological safety limits in magnetothermia, and 8.3 kW g–1 per W cm–2 of applied light for photothermia were obtained. The acquired results support the proper selection of the best JNPs for dual hyperthermia and allow one to set up the design rules for obtaining more efficient multifunctional nanosystems, opening new avenues toward advanced heating-based therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the past few decades, research on nonparametric process monitoring schemes mainly dealt with the uni‐aspect or bi‐aspect schemes, focusing on monitoring process location or scale separately or jointly. Another critical process characteristic, namely, the process shape, is not explicitly dealt with in‐depth in most existing charting schemes. In classical hypothesis testing, some recent literature clearly showed that the multi‐aspect test statistics, although designed for very restrictive alternatives, often perform as well or better than many statistics for arbitrary distributional shifts. They are often better than Kolmogorov‐Smirnov or Cramér‐von Mises statistics and some empirical likelihood‐based test statistics. The current paper aims to use a tri‐aspect statistic to design a distribution‐free Phase‐II Cumulative Sum (CUSUM) charting scheme for monitoring any arbitrary process changes in the process. The proposal is nonparametric and is equivalent to an unknown standard case. It reflects, in addition, which parameters, among location, scale, or shape, are more responsible for a signal. The construction of the CUSUM scheme from an existing tri‐aspect Shewhart‐type chart is simple, so significant attention is devoted to determining a near‐optimal reference parameter of the chart in keeping an unknown shift type in mind. Comparisons of the optimal performance of various competitors are considered in terms of the median run length (MRL) metric. The proposed charting scheme designed with the tri‐aspect statistic compares highly favorably with many existing SPM schemes. The same is evident from our findings based on the Monte‐Carlo simulation. Finally, the proposed schemes are illustrated with a flow‐width measurement monitoring example. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The neural retina, at the back of the eye, is a fascinating system to use to discover how cells form tissues in the context of the developing nervous system. The retina is the tissue responsible for perception and transmission of visual information from the environment. It consists of five types of neurons and one type of glia cells that are arranged in a highly organized, layered structure to assure visual information flow. To reach this highly ordered arrangement, intricate morphogenic movements are occurring at the cell and tissue levels. I here discuss recent advances made to understand retinal development, from optic cup formation to neuronal layering. It becomes clear that these complex morphogenetic processes must be studied by taking the cellular as well as the tissue-wide aspects into account. The loop has to be closed between exploring how cell behavior influences tissue development and how the surrounding tissue itself influences single cells. Furthermore, it was recently revealed that the retina is a great system to study neuronal migration phenomena, and more is yet to be discovered in this aspect. Constantly developing imaging and image analysis toolboxes as well as the use of machine learning and synthetic biology make the retina the perfect system to explore more of its exciting neurodevelopmental biology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a monarchical dynasty established by a minority ethnic group, the Qing Dynasty exhibited characteristics of multicultural assimilation under the rule of Manchu aristocracy. Costumes during this dynasty were elaborate and highly distinctive. As one of the outstanding representatives of clothing in the Qing Dynasty, Qixie possesses utmost artistic research value on account of its unique shapes, exquisite patterns, as well as its interpretation and inheritance of traditional aesthetics. However, there is currently a limited amount of systematic research dedicated to Qixie, which results in insufficient understanding of its evolution, structural features, and the cultural significance behind them. Therefore, studying the evolutionary characteristics of Qixie’s structure can contribute to a better understanding of footwear culture during the Qing Dynasty and provide valuable theoretical reference for the study of costume culture. In this study, we took Qixie of the Qing Dynasty as the research object and summarized its morphological evolution characteristics and developmental rules among different periods based on the pictures of collections and historical documents with the methods of mutual proof between pictures and texts and inductive contrast, and drew two important conclusions. First, the origin of Qixie is not accidental and its structural evolution aligns with the dynamic changes in society. From a historical perspective, before the Manchu people entered the Central Plains, the shoe styles for Manchu women were mainly shared by both men and women, including three types: wula, boots, and wooden-soled shoes. After the Manchu people entered the Central Plains, the shoe styles for Manchu women transitioned to pointed-toe shoes and zao shoes with a characteristic of “thick flat soles”. During the mid-Qianlong period in the early Qing Dynasty, tall-soled Qixie, known as “flowerpot-bottomed shoes”, started to emerge. In the mid-to-late Qing Dynasty, Qixie became more diverse, featuring flowerpot-bottomed shoes, ingot-bottomed shoes, and horseshoe-bottomed shoes, each with distinctive characteristics. Throughout this development, there is a certain correlation between the shoe styles of Manchu women in different periods: both before and after entering the Central Plains, the shoe styles were wooden-soled shoes, and the difference between boots and pointed-toe shoes, zao shoes was only the presence or absence of boot cuffs. Second, Qixie holds high artistic value, and its structural evolution follows a pattern. Classification based on aspects such as shape, patterns, colors, and craftsmanship reveals the following characteristics: Qixie has a unique structural design, with cleverly arranged and meaningful patterns, harmonious color combinations, exquisite craftsmanship, and ingenious decorations. The thickness of soles and diversification of shapes increased. The themes of dermatoglyphic pattern diversified and became more artistic. The color was more saturated and continuously enriched. And the ornaments were abundant and tended to be more complexed. Throughout this process, Qixie transitioned from being primarily utilitarian to becoming aesthetically pleasing, evolving from a simple and elegant style to a more elaborate and magnificent style. There is no conclusive evidence regarding the origin and evolution process of Qixie, and the academic community has not reached a consensus. We collected over 700 images of physical artifacts of Qixie as research samples. We comprehensively employed research methods from the discipline of art, and other approaches to explore the evolutionary characteristics of Qixie’s structure from the perspectives of historical changes and structural features. Through the in-depth understanding of Qixie in this study, we aimed to provide certain theoretical support for the study of footwear culture and even clothing culture in the Qing Dynasty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For affective computing to have an impact outside the laboratory, facial expressions must be studied in rich naturalistic situations. We argue negotiations are one such situation as they are ubiquitous in daily life, often evoke strong emotions, and perceived emotion shapes decisions and outcomes. Negotiations are a growing focus in AI research and applications, including agents that negotiate directly with people and attempt to use affective information. We introduce the DyNego-WOZ Corpus, which includes dyadic negotiation between participants and wizard-controlled virtual humans. We demonstrate the value of this corpus to the affective computing community by examining participants’ facial expressions in response to a virtual human negotiation partner. We show that people's facial expressions typically co-occur with the end of their partner's speech (suggesting they reflect a reaction to the content of this speech), that these reactions do not correspond to prototypical emotional expressions, and that these reactions can help predict the expresser's subsequent action. We highlight challenges in working with such naturalistic data, including difficulties of expression recognition during speech, and the extreme variability of expressions, both across participants and within a negotiation. Our findings reinforce arguments that facial expressions convey more than emotional state but serve important communicative functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In view of the shape and structure of the Tubo Yunjian, the image remained of the people wearing the Yunjian in the Tubo period were sorted out and summarized by the method of literature review, image study and comparative research, and analyzed the shape characteristics of the Yunjian according to the time of its appearance and the location of the caves in the Tubo period, so as to explore the connotation of the related cultural system. The result shows that the Tubo Yunjian has single shape and a "ruyi head moire shape"; Tubo Yunjian's materials are mainly two tapes, namely, the satin and big worn skin with low color saturation, color and tone unity; Tubo Yunjian are affected by the external factors, mainly for buddhist culture and central plains culture, the influence of buddhism on Tubo Yunjian is mainly the shape of "Ruyi head moire shape", and the influence of central plains culture on Tubo Yunjian is mainly reflected in the silk material and pattern characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous research from both marketing and operations management has shown that servicescape design, as an effective retail operations strategy, can significantly influence consumers' purchases. We extend this literature by investigating how fixture shape, an important environmental factor that has received little attention in previous studies, can influence consumer purchase intentions at retail checkout. Findings from a field study and three online experiments consistently suggest that tower‐shaped fixtures, in comparison to other conventional fixtures, can increase checkout purchase intentions. Moreover, the proposed effect is driven by the increased visual attention to products when displayed on tower fixtures. We also identify consumers' information processing style (i.e., more vs. less reliant on visual processing) as a theoretically relevant moderator. Specifically, customers who rely more heavily on visual information processing are more susceptible to the influence of a tower fixture than those who rely less on visual information processing. Through this research, we contribute novel insights to the understanding of display fixtures and retail operation management. This study augments the design task from product shape to fixture shape for manufacturers, and sheds light on retailer merchandising strategy as well as retail space management at checkout. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanoprecipitation is one of the most popular methods for producing polymer nanoparticles. However, the reported results show a large variability. In order to provide a first-hand comparative study, we prepared cellulose-based nanoparticles via different nanoprecipitation methods. Here, the influence of the coagulating solvents acetone, N,N-dimethylacetamide and tetrahydrofuran on the size and shape of the particles via precipitation using dialysis was investigated. The influence of temperature and concentration was determined by dropwise addition of the coagulation medium. Then, via rapid solvent shifting, particles were prepared from cellulose acetates with different molecular masses and the cellulose acetate propionate and cellulose acetate butyrate derivatives in the concentration range of 1–20 mg mL− 1. Thereby, it was possible to prepare spherical particles in the range from 43 to 158 nm. Furthermore, the impact of the molecular weight of these derivatives on the obtained particle size distributions was determined. It is possible to obtain pure regenerated cellulose particles in the nanometer range by a deacetylation of the derivatives. In addition, the findings were used to directly convert cellulose from a DMAc/LiCl solvent system into regenerated cellulose nanoparticles with a size of 10 ± 3 nm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contrary to previous assumptions, there is increasing evidence that small intracranial aneurysms carry a relevant risk of rupture. The aim of this study was to identify angiographic characteristics of small ruptured aneurysms ≤7 mm and to evaluate their significance for clinical decision making. A total of 385 patients with 149 unruptured and 236 ruptured intracranial aneurysms were retrospectively compared. Two- and three-dimensional digital subtraction angiography was used to determine aneurysm location, various size parameters, angulations, and morphology, as well as parent artery diameter. Aneurysms of the anterior communicating artery, the posterior inferior cerebellar artery, and the internal carotid artery terminus had a significantly increased prevalence among ruptured aneurysms. Ruptured aneurysms were characterized by a significantly larger aneurysm height (area under the curve [AUC] 0.60, P < 0.01) and aneurysm inclination angle (AUC 0.61, P = 0.02) in addition to a smaller dome (AUC 0.44, P = 0.02) and neck width (AUC 0.38, P < 0.01). Calculation of size ratios increases the predictive value for aneurysm rupture, with AUC values of 0.77 for aspect ratio (P < 0.01) and 0.76 for size ratio (P < 0.01). Aneurysm morphology was not a significant factor after multivariable adjustment (P = 0.20). Arterial hypertension was the only clinical risk factor significantly associated with rupture (P < 0.01). Of the numerous factors associated with aneurysm rupture, we propose aneurysmal location, aspect ratio (cut-off: 1.5), and aneurysm inclination angle as the most important morphological factors for assessing the rupture risk of small aneurysms because these factors have high AUC values and are robust to changes after rupture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focal epilepsy is characterized by repeated spontaneous seizures that originate from cortical epileptogenic zone networks (EZN). Analysis of intracerebral recordings showed that subcortical structures, and in particular the thalamus, play an important role in seizure dynamics as well, supporting their structural alterations reported in the neuroimaging literature. Nonetheless, between‐patient differences in EZN localization (e.g., temporal vs. non‐temporal lobe epilepsy) as well as extension (i.e., number of epileptogenic regions) might impact the magnitude as well as spatial distribution of subcortical structural changes. Here we used 7 Tesla MRI T1 data to provide an unprecedented description of subcortical morphological (volume, tissue deformation, and shape) and longitudinal relaxation (T1) changes in focal epilepsy patients and evaluate the impact of the EZN and other patient‐specific clinical features. Our results showed variable levels of atrophy across thalamic nuclei that appeared most prominent in the temporal lobe epilepsy group and the side ipsilateral to the EZN, while shortening of T1 was especially observed for the lateral thalamus. Multivariate analyses across thalamic nuclei and basal ganglia showed that volume acted as the dominant discriminator between patients and controls, while (posterolateral) thalamic T1 measures looked promising to further differentiate patients based on EZN localization. In particular, the observed differences in T1 changes between thalamic nuclei indicated differential involvement based on EZN localization. Finally, EZN extension was found to best explain the observed variability between patients. To conclude, this work revealed multi‐scale subcortical alterations in focal epilepsy as well as their dependence on several clinical characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Notions such as śūnyata, catuskoti, and Indra's net, which figure prominently in Buddhist philosophy, are difficult to readily accommodate within our ordinary thinking about everyday objects. Famous Buddhist scholar Nāgārjuna considered two levels of reality: one called conventional reality, and the other ultimate reality. Within this framework, śūnyata refers to the claim that at the ultimate level objects are devoid of essence or 'intrinsic properties', but are interdependent by virtue of their relations to other objects. Catuskoti refers to the claim that four truth values, along with contradiction, are admissible in reasoning. Indra's net refers to the claim that every part of a whole is reflective of the whole. Here we present category theoretic constructions that are reminiscent of these Buddhist concepts. The universal mapping property definition of mathematical objects, wherein objects of a universe of discourse are defined not in terms of their content, but in terms of their relations to all objects of the universe is reminiscent of śūnyata. The objective logic of perception, with perception modeled as [a category of] two sequential processes (sensation followed by interpretation), and with its truth value object of four truth values, is reminiscent of the Buddhist logic of catuskoti. The category of categories, wherein every category has a subcategory of sets with zero structure within which every category can be modeled, is reminiscent of Indra's net. Our thorough elaboration of the parallels between Buddhist philosophy and category theory can facilitate better understanding of Buddhist philosophy, and bring out the broader philosophical import of category theory beyond mathematics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Societal Impact Statement: Citrus are intrinsically connected to human health and culture, preventing human diseases like scurvy and inspiring sacred rituals. Citrus fruits come in a stunning number of different sizes and shapes, ranging from small clementines to oversized pummelos, and fruits display a vast diversity of flavors and aromas. These qualities are key in both traditional and modern medicine and in the production of cleaning and perfume products. By quantifying and modeling overall fruit shape and oil gland distribution, we can gain further insight into citrus development and the impacts of domestication and improvement on multiple characteristics of the fruit. Summary: Citrus come in diverse sizes and shapes, and play a key role in world culture and economy. Citrus oil glands in particular contain essential oils which include plant secondary metabolites associated with flavor and aroma. Capturing and analyzing nuanced information behind the citrus fruit shape and its oil gland distribution provide a morphology‐driven path to further our insight into phenotype–genotype interactions.We investigated the shape of citrus fruit of 51 accessions based on 3D X‐ray computed tomography (CT) scan reconstructions. Accessions include members of the three ancestral citrus species as well as related genera, and several interspecific hybrids. We digitally separate and compare the size of fruit endocarp, mesocarp, exocarp, and oil gland tissue. Based on the centers of the oil glands, overall fruit shape is approximated with an ellipsoid. Possible oil gland distributions on this ellipsoid surface are explored using directional statistics.There is a strong allometry along fruit tissues; that is, we observe a strong linear relationship between the logarithmic volume of any pair of major tissues. This suggests that the relative growth of fruit tissues with respect to each other follows a power law. We also observe that on average, glands distance themselves from their nearest neighbor following a square root relationship, which suggests normal diffusion dynamics at play.The observed allometry and square root models point to the existence of biophysical developmental constraints that govern novel relationships between fruit dimensions from both evolutionary and breeding perspectives. Understanding these biophysical interactions prompts an exciting research path on fruit development and breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Some familiar objects are associated with specific colors, e.g., rubber ducks with yellow. Whether and at what stage neural responses occur to these color associations remain open questions. We recorded frequency-tagged electroencephalogram (EEG) responses to periodic presentations of yellow-associated objects, shown among sequences of non-periodic blue-, red-, and green-associated objects. Both color and grayscale versions of the objects elicited yellow-specific responses, indicating an automatic activation of color knowledge from object shape. Follow-up experiments replicated these effects with green-specific responses, and demonstrated modulated responses for incongruent color/object associations. Importantly, the onset of color-specific responses was as early to grayscale as actually colored stimuli (before 100 ms), the latter additionally eliciting a conventional later response (approximately 140–230 ms) to actual stimulus color. This suggests that the neural representation of familiar objects includes both diagnostic shape and color properties, such that shape can elicit associated color-specific responses before actual color-specific responses occur. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]