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Morphogen-mediated signaling is critical for proper organ development and stem cell function, and well-characterized mechanisms spatiotemporally limit the expression of ligands, receptors, and ligand-binding cell-surface glypicans. Here, we show that in the developing Drosophila ovary, canonical Wnt signaling promotes the formation of somatic escort cells (ECs) and their protrusions, which establish a physical permeability barrier to define morphogen territories for proper germ cell differentiation. The protrusions shield germ cells from Dpp and Wingless morphogens produced by the germline stem cell (GSC) niche and normally only received by GSCs. Genetic disruption of EC protrusions allows GSC progeny to also receive Dpp and Wingless, which subsequently disrupt germ cell differentiation. Our results reveal a role for canonical Wnt signaling in specifying the ovarian somatic cells necessary for germ cell differentiation. Additionally, we demonstrate the morphogen-limiting function of this physical permeability barrier, which may be a common mechanism in other organs across species.

Our computational developments and analyses on experimental images are designed to evaluate the effectiveness of chemical spraying via unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). Our evaluations are in accord with the two perspectives of color-complexity: color variety within a color system and color distributional geometry on an image. First, by working within RGB and HSV color systems, we develop a new color-identification algorithm relying on highly associative relations among three color-coordinates to lead us to exhaustively identify all targeted color-pixels. A color-dot is then identified as one isolated network of connected color-pixel. All identified color-dots vary in shapes and sizes within each image. Such a pixel-based computing algorithm is shown robustly and efficiently accommodating heterogeneity due to shaded regions and lighting conditions. Secondly, all color-dots with varying sizes are categorized into three categories. Since the number of small color-dot is rather large, we spatially divide the entire image into a 2D lattice of rectangular. As such, each rectangle becomes a collective of color-dots of various sizes and is classified with respect to its color-dots intensity. We progressively construct a series of minimum spanning trees (MST) as multiscale 2D distributional spatial geometries in a decreasing-intensity fashion. We extract the distributions of distances among connected rectangle-nodes in the observed MST and simulated MSTs generated under the spatial uniformness assumption. We devise a new algorithm for testing 2D spatial uniformness based on a Hierarchical clustering tree upon all involving MSTs. This new tree-based p-value evaluation has the capacity to become exact.

Abstract Background Giant retinal tear is usually challenging among retinal detachment with recurrent rate up to 45%. Here we presented a case of giant retinal tear being treated by microincision vitrectomy and retinal tacks fixation. Case presentation A 53-year-old male presented to our hospital with blurred vision of his right eye for one week with floaters and obscured sensation over nasal visual field. Ocular examination showed a 120 degree giant tear with large inverted flap and retinal detachment of his right eye. The BCVA was only naming digit. Under the impression of giant retinal tear with retinal detachment, 23-gauge pars plana vitrectomy were performed using Constellation high speed vitrectomy system and Topcon non-contact wide angle viewing system. During surgery, the vitreous was removed and perfluorocarbon liquids (PFCL) was injected to help unfolding the large inverted retinal flap. Three retinal tacks were applied to help fixating the large inverted retinal flap. Then, fluid-gas exchange, endolaser photocoagulation and intraocular silicone oil tamponade were performed as well. Initial reattachment of his right retina was achieved and his best corrected visual acuity improved to 0.3 of his right eye postoperatively. There was no recurrent retinal detachment during follow up period of 19 months. Conclusions Primary microincision vitrectomy using wide-angle viewing system with intraoperative perfluorocarbon liquids (PFCL) assistant, retinal tacks fixation and intraocular silicone oil tamponade appears to be safe and feasible for managing giant retinal tear with retinal detachment.

Abstract We present a flow-based method for simulating and calculating nucleation rates of first-order phase transitions in scalar field theory on a lattice. Motivated by recent advancements in machine learning tools, particularly normalizing flows for lattice field theory, we propose the “partitioning flow-based Markov chain Monte Carlo (PFMCMC) sampling” method to address two challenges encountered in normalizing flow applications for lattice field theory: the “mode-collapse” and “rare-event sampling” problems. Using a (2+1)-dimensional real scalar model as an example, we demonstrate the effectiveness of our PFMCMC method in modeling highly hierarchical order parameter probability distributions and simulating critical bubble configurations. These simulations are then used to facilitate the calculation of nucleation rates. We anticipate the application of this method to (3+1)-dimensional theories for studying realistic cosmological phase transitions.

Rhodiola rosea L. (R. rosea) is one of the most beneficial medicinal plants and it is studied as an adaptogen. This study aims to evaluate the neuroprotective activity of compounds extracted from the root of R. rosea against methylglyoxal (MG)-induced apoptosis in neuro-2A (N2A) cells. The root of R. rosea was extracted with ethanol and partitioned with water, ethyl acetate, and n-butanol fractions to evaluate acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activity and neuroprotective activity. The ethyl acetate fraction exhibited the highest values of AChE inhibitory activity (49.2% ± 3%) and cell viability (50.7% ± 4.8%) for neuroprotection. The structure identification of the most potential fraction (ethyl acetate fraction) revealed 15 compounds, consisting of three tannins, five flavonoids, and seven phenolics by infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance, and mass spectroscopy. All compounds were evaluated for their neuroprotective activity. Salidroside had the most potential neuroprotective activity. Gallic acid and methyl gallate had potential cytotoxicity in N2A cells. This study showed that R. rosea might have potential neuroprotective activities.

The shift towards virtual assessment in dental education represents a significant advancement over traditional evaluation methods, offering new opportunities for assessing both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. This review examines the use of virtual assessment tools within the context of dental education. A narrative literature review was conducted, analyzing studies published between 2000 and 2024, sourced from PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and Embase. From the initial search, 13 studies were selected for qualitative synthesis. The results indicate that virtual assessments, facilitated by technologies such as computer-based simulations and remote objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs), have enhanced the accuracy and comprehensiveness of dental student evaluations. These methods allow for more consistent and objective assessments of competencies, addressing some limitations of traditional practical exams. However, the integration of virtual assessments presents challenges, including the need for significant investment in technology, infrastructure, and training for faculty and students. Despite these challenges, the review concludes that virtual assessment has the potential to become a cornerstone of modern dental education, offering a scalable and adaptable solution for evaluating dental competencies in diverse learning environments.

Integrating augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) into dental surgery education and practice has significantly advanced the precision and interactivity of dental training and patient care. This narrative review summarizes findings from extensive literature searches conducted in PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase, highlighting AR and VR technologies transformative impact and current applications. Research shows that AR improves surgical precision by offering real-time data overlays during procedures, leading to better outcomes in operations like dental implant placements. On the other hand, VR has revolutionized training environments by offering detailed, immersive simulations that significantly improve the retention of surgical skills. This was demonstrated through VR applications in orthognathic surgery in 2023. Despite their advantages, these technologies encounter adoption challenges, such as high implementation costs and the complexity of integrating advanced simulations into standard training curricula. The prospects for AR and VR in dental surgery are promising. Ongoing developments aim to enhance realism through improved haptic feedback and integrate artificial intelligence to tailor learning experiences. Continued innovation and research are crucial to overcome current limitations, expand applications, and fully realize the potential of AR and VR in improving dental education and clinical practice.

Background: /purposeSince 1995, Taiwan's National Health Insurance (NHI) has offered a comprehensive dental coverage to over 99 % of the population. This study mainly analyzed the dental service utilization and expenditure trends by the gender, age, and service type and evaluated the resource allocation across different demographics from 2000 to 2020. Materials and methods: Nationwide NHI administrative data were used to assess the dental visit rates, average visits per user, and per capita expenditure by the gender, age, and 11 service categories for the years 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015, and 2020. The analysis accounted for the fluctuations in the point value within the global budget system and calculated the dental expenditure across the demographic groups and service types. Results: The dental visit rates increased across all demographics, with the most substantial growth in the 0–14 age group (37.0 % in 2000 to 66.9 % in 2020). However, the visit rates for the older adults remained low at 39.5 % in 2020. Although the per capita expenditure rose significantly, the disparities persisted, with lower spending for the 65+ age group (58.5 USD) compared to the children (64.6 USD) in 2020. Operative dentistry and endodontic treatment expenditures showed declines in spending share, while preventive care and periodontal treatment expenditures increased. Conclusion: While Taiwan has made progress in increasing the dental utilization, especially for the children, challenges remain in improving access for the older adults. Policy adjustments are needed to enhance the dental care according to the diverse oral health needs of the different age groups.

Background/Purpose: The postgraduate year training program for dentists (PGYD) provides the comprehensive clinical training to bridge the gap between the academic education and the hands-on clinical practice. This study mainly explored the influence of training institutions on the future dental practice choices (in clinics or hospitals) after the completion of the PGYD program in Taiwan. Materials and methods: A nationwide, register-based cohort analysis was conducted on all 3,966 PGYD trainees from July 2010 to April 2023. Data on the training time, institution type, and demographic characteristics were extracted from the PGYD and dentist registration systems. Chi-square tests and t-tests were used to assess the differences in the future dental practice choices and the PGYD training variables. Results: For the PGYD training institutions, the dental clinics increased substantially, while the medical centers and teaching hospitals declined. The trainees who spent more time in the dental clinics were more likely to practice in the dental clinics, while those trained in the hospitals were more likely to choose the hospital-based practice (P

This study aims to pioneer an innovative circular intuitionistic fuzzy (C-IF) scoring-mediated median ranking model designed for multiple criteria decision analytics. The primary goal is to establish a comprehensive precedence ranking for competing alternatives, effectively addressing the inherent uncertainties present in decision-analytic challenges within the C-IF environment. The core content delves into the creation of an original scoring mechanism tailored to navigate the complexities of C-IF uncertainties. Moreover, the research introduces a specialized C-IF median ranking model for decision analytics, leveraging the foundational concept of the C-IF scoring mechanism. A significant contribution is made through the formulation of a robust implementation procedure, specifically tailored for the seamless operation of the C-IF scoring-mediated median ranking model within the framework of C-IF information. Drawing from the suggested C-IF scoring mechanism, this research introduces novel concepts related to comprehensive C-IF scoring functions and comprehensive disagreement metrics. Subsequently, a comprehensive disagreement matrix is formulated, with its entries quantifying the extent of disagreement in assigning specific ranks to each alternative across all criterion-wise precedence relationships. This paves the way for the development of a new C-IF scoring-mediated median ranking model, offering decision analysts a tool to navigate intricate C-IF information and derive dependable decision-analytic outcomes.

The formation of germanene on Ag(111) has been extensively studied and confirmed. However, the nature of the transition stage between the initial Ag_{2}Ge alloy phase at 1/3 monolayer (ML) and the final quasifreestanding phase germanene phase at coverage ≥1 ML still remains elusive. Using angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy, scanning-tunneling microscopy (STM), and low-energy electron diffraction, we confirm the existence of striped-phase (SP) germanene in the transition stage. Along the armchair direction of SP, the period of higher-order coincidence corresponds to 11a_{AC}=31a_{Ag(111)}, which accommodates four stripes on the bridge sites of the underlying Ag(111) lattice, as manifested in STM topography. On the electronic-structure side, the splitlike surface band of Ag_{2}Ge centered at the surface zone boundary M[over ¯]_{Ag(111)} evidently evolves to a steep, V-shaped interfacial-state band, characteristic of SP germanene. Moreover, an anomalous broad Ag bulk-state band was observed to fully develop upon formation of SP germanene. The bulk-state band originates from the direct transition to the final-state bands of originally d character at ∼22–23eV above the Fermi level. Because of the strong hybridization between germanene π and Ag d orbitals, the unoccupied Ag bulk final-state d bands near the interface take on p_{z} character, inducing the direct transition from the Ag bulk occupied p_{z}-valence band, following the selection rule for the photoemission cross section. A germanene identity of SP is thus confirmed. Our result indicates a very important missing segment of the evolution from the initial surface alloy phase to the final Xene layer, which is the coexistence of both in a common stripe lattice during a continuous transition.